Inside the Head of a TV Junkie

The picture below is of a couple that was sitting next to my friend Erin and me at La Grande Orange on Monday.  From the moment they came in they hardly said a word to one another.  It wasn’t a first date type of awkwardness.  Erin likened it to more of a ‘been married for some time and I hate you’ type of awkwardness.  She had a front row view while I had to rely on her commentary of what was going on at the next table.  As you can see from the photo, they are really just having a great time!

Today I decided to use the bananas that I bought at the cargo store reefer sale this past week to make banana bread.  I’m not the biggest fan, at least that I can remember, of banana bread.  I figured why not give it another shot and make my own.  I found a recipe on AllRecipes.com that had pretty good ratings  The bread is currently in the oven baking.  One thing I just realized though, I didn’t technically measure the amount of bananas that I put in the batter.  I was supposed to put in 2 3/4 cups and after 3 bananas, I barely had 1 1/3 cups.  I put in 2 more bananas and never remeasured.  So, we’ll see if this comes out super banana flavored or totally gross.

–UPDATE–

Looks pretty good.  I haven’t sliced it yet, but if the outside is any indication, I think we have a nice loaf.

I was reading this month’s issue of Details magazine and they had a story titled “Breakfast in America” where they list all these high end breakfast places around the USA. The every end they have a sidebar section titled “The Ultimate Classic: Waffle House”. They proceed to list American chefs from some high end restaurants that eat at the Waffle House. Here is part of that list.

David Myers - The Hungry Cat and Sona, Los Angeles - “Eggs over easy with grits and hash browns scattered, smothered, and covered.”

Dean Fearin - Fearing’s, Dallas - “Eggs over easy with bacon, extra-buttery grits, and a side of extra-crispy buttermilk waffles with extra butter and syrup.”

Kevin Rathbun - Rathbun’s and Kevin Rathbun Steak, Atlanta - “Double hash browns double-covered with onions and cheese and topped with two eggs over easy with chili on top.”

So, here is an image of the nutrition facts from a box of Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta. I will admit that this was one of my most favorite varieties of the Hamburger Helper brand and that I’ve had it more times than I can remember. Sad really, considering one could make this in a much healthier fashion.

Look at the sodium content of one serving! What’s scary about that is what they say is a serving size. Who can eat only one cup of this and be full? I could easily eat half the box, which would be almost 3 servings. My whole daily serving of sodium would be captured in my dinner meal! No way is that good for the heart and blood pressure.

I’ve never really been one to read the Nutrition Facts on foods, but I’m doing it more these days. It can be an eye opening experience!

One of my favorite restaurants in the Phoenix area is FEZ. It is located on Central Avenue half way between Thomas and Indian School.

FEZ serves traditional American fare but with a twist. Think of pizzas made on pita bread, salads with spiced pears, dried fruits and nuts mixed in, and burgers/sandwiches served on ciabatta bread with various types of soft cheeses. The food is fresh and different. I have yet to try something on the menu I did not like. They have sweet potato fries that are killer and desserts that make you wonder why you even ordered regular food.

Another thing that FEZ serves up well is ambiance. The decor is modern but comfortable. Subdued colors mesh well with the candle light and painted cement floors. The music is an interesting mix of techno and dance, but at a level that doesn’t distract from the conversations being had at the tables. FEZ is hip and cool without being pompous and pretentious.

If you’re in the area, pay this place a visit. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

FEZ Restaurant & Bar
3815 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85012
ph: 602.287.8700

So, what I was doing while at work today was researching restaurants in the Phoenix area. I was looking specifically for places that have food for under $20 as I am dirt poor but, I still want to go out every so often. I also wanted to shy away from the chains and explore what Phoenix has to offer. I mean, we’re a city of almost 3 million, there’s bound to be good eats somewhere!

I found some very interesting places that I’ll have to check out with friends in the near future. Here’s a small list:

- Cibo - Italian pizza joint in a historic 1920s home.
- Albuquerque Tortilla Co. - based in Albuquerque, NM, they offer the best in New Mexican cuisine (even in take home and reheat containers… Score!).
- Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles - no explination needed.
- Coronado Café - good old fashioned home cooking.
- Fry Bread House - Indian Native American fry bread done in many different ways, not just dessert.
- Mrs. Whites Golden Rule Cafe - Soul Food!!

Once I visit these places, I’ll give my own reviews for you all here.

– Sent From My SideKick 3 –

Ah, well I’m sitting here drinking a Tsingtao, a beer made in the PRC (People’s Republic of China). Let me just say that it’s pretty good. I wasn’t too excited about it, but I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised.

I have some Kirin Ichiban (not sure if it’s spelled like that) to drink. That’s some good beer!

Anyway, that’s all for now. I just wanted to inform you of these two new (to me) beers. I highly recommend you go out and find some to try.

Later.