Eat Palm Beach County

Who's Bitchin in Hells Kitchen?

I was considering canceling my membership to the Gordon Ramsay Fanclub.  I love his food, I love his restaurants and I adore his books but as a personality he was becoming little more than a shouting, swearing caricature.  His recent display in Australia, the iffy tales of philandering and those terrible Norwegian Blond highlights were all contributing to his demise of late.  However, I can't resist a new season of Hell's Kitchen and this one is proving more fiery than its predecessors.

In happier times

If you haven't yet tuned in then you've missed one of the best bits.  Truly psycho contestant Joseph (a wiry little weasel from Long Island) launched at Big Gord with a tirade peppered with fruity language and much arm waving.  He approached him nose to nose whilst an unflinching Ramsay looked on, bewildered.  You must watch the clip if only to see him trip up the step on the way out.  Hilarious.

Click here to see the Joseph / Ramsay showdown

Party Pick of the Week

Dr. Dave turns 50 in a couple of weeks.  Hard to believe from looking at his cherub-like chops and full head of hair but my Peter Pan will mark a half century with a family & friends party hosted by Moi.  As I've optimistically taken on the task of catering this little soiree single handed  (well would you pay someone $2,000 to grill a few burgers in your garden?!) I'm taking all the supermarket help I can find. 

A fine vintage!

 

Stonyfield Farm has a certain Charm...

Not all yogurts are created equal.  Some are low calorie, low fat, low carb, some claim to be the key to 'regularity' or your money back and some are just truly delicious.  One such brand is Stonyfield Farm.  I've yet to meet a Stonyfield product I don't love.  The milk is a staple in my house as are the YoBaby yogurts and smoothies and now I'm a total convert to the adult version too.

150 Calories well spent!

Supersizers Eat the UK - please come to the US!

Surely it can only be a matter of time before the US snaffles this fantastic idea for a TV show!  Two witty individuals, one a food critic / restaurant reviewer and one comedienne taken on the lifestyle of a particular decade from a culinary standpoint for a whole week.  We see the results of the lifestyle on their bodies & psyche.  It's a truly great show for foodies, nostalgia lovers and history fans alike. 

Unfortunately its only available on UK tv BUT thanks to the power of www.youtube.com (search under 'supersizers go') one can view episodes split into 6 parts.  I urge you to watch and watch this space because sure as eggs is free range eggs, we WILL get this show.  Thing is, without Giles Coren and Sue Perkins, will I want to watch?!

Scoffing French Revolution Stylee...

click here for fansite

Changtastic Changes...

Times they are a changing at PF Changs at the Gardens Mall.  The restaurant has updated its menu, incorporated a *gasp* 'kids menu' and even amended its drinks list. 

Hot Pick of the Week

It's so stifling out there right now you either stay in, crank up the air and eat casserole or try to live like a normal person and go light.  I have no option but try to go light this week - I'm still wrestling a few post Disney lbs, and the fads just aren't doing it for me anymore.  I know I can ditch some serious poundage on Atkins or similar but after reading Bittman and watching Food Inc., I'm not down with the massive meat consumption anymore. 

The Brown Derby, Disney's Hollywood Studios

Day 4 of our Disney excursion and we finally make it out of the Magic Kingdom and into another park.  My favorite attraction of all is there, 'The Great Movie Ride' and since becoming a die hard Wizard of Oz fan, its now one of Mia's favorites too.  Unfortunately you've got to sit thru some schtick and aliens before you get to that part but ultimately its worth the wait to see those little Munchkins do their thing.  All that 'oohing and aaahing' will give you an appetite....

An Air Conditioned Oasis at the Studios

Pick of the Week - Bittman Style

Can the fresh, local, seasonal mandate reduce shopping bills? Can Mark Bittman's approach of eating less meat in general and more beans & seasonal fruits & vegetables result in a fatter wallet and slimmer waistline?  I'm more than happy to give it a try!  I followed his approach on Tuesday and spent $100 for my family of four on such produce including only two meat products; some organic chicken sausages and some organic ground beef.  Will this last the week?  So far so good....

Click to learn more of Mark Bittman's Brilliance

Triple Tomato & Basil Soup - Life is too short to chinois!

This local, seasonal mentality has much to be said for it.  The produce less traveled is generally cheaper, the seasonal items are usually on sale and if you're anything like me, you'll have an abundance of basil in a pot in your garden that you're always seeking dishes for.

Fresh, Seasonal & Homegrown!

Akershus - Disney Princess Dining at Epcot

There's a price that any harried, overheated, tired parent will pay for a little 'sit down' lunch whilst doing the rounds at Epcot, Walt Disney World.  Granted, that price is a tad high at c. $35 per adult and c. $29 per child BUT take this into account: a) they serve alcohol, b) there's no mad scrum for food, c) the food is pretty darn good and most importantly of all d) you get to meet the Disney Princesses at the comfort of your own table and interact with them freely and take all the photos you want. That luxury is worth every cent.

No Lines No Waiting!