Foodarrific» Foodlish Talk

Oh so sweet, but oh too sweet

Chili Queen — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:21:39 +0000

As we were passing by Kiehl’s where they were having a promo of bath body products (I think it was), we got handed one of these. That’s right, candy floss. How adorable!

Or should I say, how sweet! The next thing my daughters said was, this is too sweet, we can’t eat this! And you know what, there’s no greater satisfaction than knowing your kids know what’s good for them.

A surprise Mother’s Day gift and it’s not what you think

Chili Queen — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:30:21 +0000

Over the past few weeks, I’ve gotten lazier in terms of working my weekend bakery. I was baking bread and cakes every weekend for the past few months, and then all of a sudden, I lost my baking mojo . I’m not surprised. It was only a matter of time. Don’t get me wrong, I love the baking, I just hate the washing up.

That and the fact that a food miracle happened in our household. My picky eaters are finally getting to enjoy eating oats so that means I don’t have to bake bread any more. Hohoho, what a Mother’s Day gift that is for me. Now to get me cranked up again, it looks like I might need more than just a simple chain hoist to drag all my utensils and supplies out.

Picking healthy over fast

Chili Queen — Sat, 05 May 2012 08:29:31 +0000

I had breakfast at McD’s recently. Haven’t been in there for years now since we started trying to eat healthier. I remember when the kids were younger, we used to go there quite often because that’s what the kids liked to eat.

But now that they’re older, they have gotten more vain and want to slim down and I guess eating less fast food is the place to start. I’m happy the kids are more conscious of their nutrition from their biology classes which is more than just the fun of putting on a lab coat.

My kids are such picky eaters I still can’t believe they’re willingly eating vegetables and fruits, and cutting out the fries and pastries.

Baking is quality time

Chili Queen — Wed, 02 May 2012 09:01:50 +0000

Believe it or not, there are some things that money just can’t buy. Like baking with your kids. Sure you can buy cookies and cakes from the store and not have to lift a finger yourself. But where’s the fun in that ?

Quite honestly, there’s your quality time right there. The kitchen is about as far as you need to go. No stressing over reservations 6 months ahead. Just some simple ingredients and the willingness to tear yourself away from reading up about commercial playground equipment at PlaytimeUS.com and you’re all set to create some great memories.

A new place to eat

Chili Queen — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 02:57:05 +0000

Last weekend, while window-shopping aimlessly looking at such unlikely items as pet houses and wedding bands for men, we came across a new Vietnamese restaurant that we’ve never tried before. What luck! Just when our tummies were growling and it was close to lunchtime.

The waitress was dressed in traditional garb and the themed ambiance was kinda nice. I’ve never been to Vietnam but that’s close enough for me. I love their food especially those cooked with lemongrass and fish sauce. Definitely going back there for another meal soon.

Of food and music

Chili Queen — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:14:18 +0000

Some restaurant owners may not think we notice the music they play. But I actually do pay attention to the music while I eat. I think it’s important that restaurants play theme-appropriate music to create that ambiance to match the type of food.

While I may be uninitiated when it comes to what an Atkinson is in the realm of music, for instance, I think piped-in music shouldn’t be excessively loud because it tends to make you just swallow your food without actually tasting it . Also it becomes quite a challenge when you are trying to have a conversation without having to shout above the music.

What hunger does

Chili Queen — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 02:43:37 +0000

I remember spending 3 days at Disneyland, Anaheim last year and constantly complaining about the food. It reminded me so much of college cafeteria food the way they would plop the mashed potatoes onto our outstretched plate followed by a rather sad piece of chicken and some soggy veggies .

No doubt my brood of picky eaters licked the platter clean every time in spite of it all simply because with all that walking, they couldn’t afford not to eat. In that trip alone, we chomped down over 100 granola bars in between meals. Yup, that’s how hungry we were. all. the. time!

I remember thinking how nice it would be to have homes near Disney World or Disneyland so we could run home for a quick lunch or dinner and then continue with the rides . Yup, when you’re super hungry, it messes up your brains and you start hallucinating, not kidding.

Choose a Restaurant Supply Store that Sells Quality Products

Chili Queen — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:43:55 +0000

When you are considering making your restaurants equipment and supply purchases from a restaurant supply store, there are a few things you will want to consider to ensure that what you are buying is a quality product that you can depend on to last you for years to come. Although you may have a limited budget, it’s important that you don’t opt for cheaper products simply because the price is better. If you do, you could end up spending more in the long run.

Why? If you spend your money on restaurant supply and equipment products that are poorly made, they are likely to malfunction or break within the first few years due to their lack of durability. Therefore, you will be faced with more expenses when you either have to have them fixed or need to replace them. Due to this fact, it’s better to choose merchandise from restaurant supply store companies that sell reliable and durable equipment that have been designed and developed by trust worthy manufactures that are known and respected for the goods they create for the food service industry.

An ideal way to find a reputable and affordable restaurant supply store is to look for one online. The internet is a great place to conduct your research, browse and shop for the items you need. A company’s website can provide you with valuable information about them and the restaurant supplies and equipment they sell, allowing you to comparison shop and look for the best deals without sacrificing quality.

The gift question

Chili Queen — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:10:21 +0000

A friend’s daughter has a new boyfriend and his birthday is coming up. So she’s fretting about what to buy him. Any ideas, she asks me like I’m the gift expert. Which I am not. But I do have to admit it’s hard to buy gifts for guys, especially someone who don’t know very well yet.

My go-to gift, not just for guys but for anyone else who’s hard to buy for, is a food gift. Gotta love baked goods as a gift. Even better if you can bake it yourself. But how many young women can bake these days? Not many. So I suggest to keep it simple and go with fruit baskets for boyfriend or any friend.

The thing that goes ding

Chili Queen — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:04:23 +0000

The sales finally came around and I went and got myself a new oven toaster. Can’t live without one of those, you know. They’re so convenient for crisping up bread or leftovers, or toasting up some nuts or even tacos.

Anyhow I bought the simplest one that I could find. Can’t remember the brand now but all it’s got is a time dial. No need to fuss over the temperature setting and no need to get an online computer science degree to figure out how to crank up the fuzzy logic or something crazy like that.

Just pop it in, turn the dial and wait for it to go ding. Love it.