So Good » Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com An absurd look at the world of food Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:02:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 These Cupcakes Take The Cake! http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/10/20/these-cupcakes-take-the-cake/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/10/20/these-cupcakes-take-the-cake/#comments Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:47:36 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1399 I’m not the biggest fan of cupcakes, but at this point it looks like they’re here to stay so I might as well get used to them.  As far as cupcakes go these are pretty awesome. Nick and Danielle Bilton won 1st place in the NYC cupcake decorating championships with this nifty display. I gotta hand it to them, because even cupcake naysayers have to appreciate the ingenuity of this tribute to the iphone.

via neatorama

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/10/20/these-cupcakes-take-the-cake/feed/ 1 This Would Have Been So Helpful In College! http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/10/05/this-would-have-been-so-helpful-in-college/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/10/05/this-would-have-been-so-helpful-in-college/#comments Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:58:01 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1344 I don’t know about you, but roomates offer up more than their fair share of trials and joys.  From the sharing of the bathroom to the washing of the dishes, even the best of friends can cling to your last nerve.  That’s why I was so excited when I saw this awesome little refrigerator: the flatshare fridge.

It’s made by Electrolux, and has four separate compartments, essentially giving each roomie their own fridge.  I like the design and the idea is certainly innovative- but there are a couple of caveats.  This fridge does a great job of compartmentalizing, but each section is so little… could you fit all your stuff in there?  Also when I had roomates we usually only had one carton of milk, one thing of eggs, one stick of butter,etc, etc.  We purchased these on a rotating basis so as not to let things go bad.

I’m up in the air on this one.  On the one hand; great gimmick and cute design, on the other it’s a little pointless.  Whatever happened to everyone getting their own shelf or just respecting each others food – I mean it’s not like these people are strangers!  They’re your roomates!  You chose to live with them.

Via Yumsugar.

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/10/05/this-would-have-been-so-helpful-in-college/feed/ 5 Dear P.E.T.A: Stay Out Of My Ice Cream! http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/26/dear-peta-stay-out-of-my-ice-cream/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/26/dear-peta-stay-out-of-my-ice-cream/#comments Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:41:45 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1327 I love animals. Really, I do. I grew up with pets and fully embrace their cuddly cuteness. Unfortunately the people of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have taken it too far. PETA wrote Ben and Jerry’s a letter requesting that they replace the cows milk used to make their ice cream with breast milk. Yes, you read that correctly – BREAST MILK!!!

The nutcases over at PETA argue that it is healthier for us to consume breast milk, and that using cows for their milk is inhumane. First of all, if I am going for healthy, Ben and Jerry’s probably wont be my first stop. And secondly, inhumane to the cows… what about the women?! I guess PETA has no problems with milking women?

I was hoping this was a joke, but jokes on me because this is totally serious. I’m just praising the folks over at Ben and Jerry’s for remaining sane and unswayed by Peta’s craziness. I know I certainly would not buy ice cream made from breast milk. Eww, just, eww.

via wptz and Cold Mud.

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/26/dear-peta-stay-out-of-my-ice-cream/feed/ 8 Economic Eating Woes http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/21/economic-eating-woes/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/21/economic-eating-woes/#comments Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:37:50 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1318 These are hard times folks.  The US economy continues to decline and the only thing poised to go up on Wall Street are suicide rates.  No one is safe… not even your local grocery store!  Lately I have been noticing the prices of my weekly food staples slowly creeping up.  Food in New York City has never been cheap (is anything in NYC cheap?) but this is getting ridiculous.  Simple favorites like milk, eggs and cheese are getting more and more expensive. Just this week the price of my favorite chips went up 10 cents!  It may sound like I am being cheap, but it all adds up – trust me.

In my area, milk is now over $4.00 a gallon and a dozen eggs can be upwards of $2.00. I’m talking about regular stuff too, not fancy schmancy organics.  This is ridiculous.  No wonder we have an obesity crisis in this country.  I could buy a fast food feast for the same price as 3 apples.  When a poor mother has to worry about feeding her kids I just don’t think the apples are gonna cut it.

So how do we solve this crisis?  I have no idea.  I fear that in the coming year it might just be a more economical decision for me to purchase a cow and some chickens, because the way things are going soon the price of livestock will probably rival that of milk and eggs.  The only problem is, I don’t know if my apartment is big enough for a cow.

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/21/economic-eating-woes/feed/ 0 The “Ick” Factor: Protecting One Lunch At A Time http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/20/the-ick-factor-protecting-one-lunch-at-a-time/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/20/the-ick-factor-protecting-one-lunch-at-a-time/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:39:03 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1316 I recently discussed my frustration with my co-workers, many of whom insist on making eating at work a hassle at best.  Well, some woman in New York may have the answer to my prayers!  Apparently,  Sherwood Forlee shares my annoyance at the trials of trying to hang on to your lunch at work, and thus designed some sandwich bags that make your sandwich look moldy.

Clever, except that this really does nothing for me.  I suppose it’s great for anyone whose sandwich is routinely stolen out of the company fridge but the thieves in my office go after “higher end” fare.  Yogurt? Yes. Soda? Yes. Chips? Yes. Sandwiches? No.  In fact, I have never had a sandwich stolen. Who steals a sandwich?! Here in my office, they take pretty much anything BUT sandwiches.

It makes sense, something prepackaged presents a cleaner more alluring air for a thief than something that you’ve had your hands all over.  I don’t know, I definitely give Sherwood props for trying, and I am happy that her worries have ended, but I am still accepting other solutions.  FYI I have tried labeling and “hiding” my goods behind the milk but the thieves are stealthy (or maybe super hungry?).

Editor’s note: I don’t think this plan would work in my office either, mostly because we try and throw out old and moldy stuff whenever we see it. If I saw this bag in my office fridge, I would throw it out.

I am also open to suggestions on dealing with gross food smells… you know, like actual moldy sandwiches.

via Slashfood

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/20/the-ick-factor-protecting-one-lunch-at-a-time/feed/ 4 Serena & Venus Williams Vs. Eli & Peyton Manning http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/15/serena-and-venus-williams-vs-eli-and-peyton-manning/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/15/serena-and-venus-williams-vs-eli-and-peyton-manning/#comments Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:46:52 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1293 Remember when you were little and your coaches and parents told you that in order to be a great athlete you had to “practice, practice, practice,” take care of your body and eat well? Well apparently, those were all lies and all that you really need is some sugar. Yep, it’s the sugar highs that drive our athletic superstars to world champion status.

Michael Phelps “goes to great lengths” for his Frosted Flakes, Shawn Johnson “flips out” over tacos and now the Williams sisters and the Manning brothers and battling it out to become DSRL champs (thats Double Stuff Racing League for those of you not in the know).

Well, it’s certainly nice to know that I can throw all that practice crap out the window and trade it in for a box of Frosted Flakes, some taco fixin’s and a bag of Oreo’s! 2010 Olympics, here I come!

Editors addition from Eick: I’m actually totally digging this ad. It’s rare that companies get this much star power in the same ad and don’t screw it up in some way or another. From the mock rivalry between the Mannings and the Williams siblings, to the behind the scenes footage of them trash talking each other, this ad definitely delivers. Plus, the giant dancing Oreo in the workout clothes is fairly hilarious. The DSRL website is also surprisingly well thought out and put together, describing the “history” behind the DSRL:

The site also encourages you to be interactive, by creating your own personalized “Yobble.”

Fun. Seems like a big-name, big-budget way to get people talking about Double Stuff Oreos – plus, the TV ad is still somewhat ambiguous in describing exactly what the Double Stuff Racing League is, which should lead people to Google to search for the website and find out.

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/15/serena-and-venus-williams-vs-eli-and-peyton-manning/feed/ 2 Starbucks Should Stick To What They Do Best http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/07/starbucks-should-stick-to-what-they-do-best/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/07/starbucks-should-stick-to-what-they-do-best/#comments Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:03:25 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1276 Let me start out by professing my love for Starbucks. Seriously, I love it. I am there daily for my caffeine fix, and thank my lucky stars for Howard Schultz. However, Starbucks’ recent rollout of their new “healthy” breakfast menu has me convinced that “the ‘Bucks” needs to stick to what they do best: coffee and pastries.

Earlier this year Starbucks tried to compete for the smoothie lovers of the world by launching the Vivanno, which in my opinion was less than stellar. I am not a smoothie lover, but I am pretty sure that a bland fruity sensation with an aftertaste of protein powder was not the desired effect. I see people ordering these all the time, so they must be somewhat popular, but honestly Starbucks is a coffee joint! They should just leave the bananas and juicing to the Jamba Juices of the world.

This week Starbucks decided to branch out just a little bit further – Healthy Breakfast! When I read about this I was actually really excited. Visions of individual yogurt cups, healthy cereal with skim milk and whole fruit danced in my head. Then I saw what Starbucks had in mind and I quickly abandoned all dreams of satisfaction. Ok, I’m totally over-exagerating, it’s not that bad. It’s just not that good either. Lets take the new items one by one:

1. Perfect Oatmeal with your choice of mixed nuts, brown sugar or dried fruit

First off, I want to know what it is that makes this oatmeal so perfect. It’s bad enough that we live in a world where nothing ever seems good enough – do you really need perfectionistic oameal? That being said, I like this oatmeal, it’s hot, thick and I like the idea of the various add in options (brown sugar’s my pick). But if I’m grabbing breakfast at Starbucks, I am most probably on the go and thus oatmeal is not an ideal option.

2. Power Protein Plate (includes apple slices, a couple of grapes, a hard boiled egg, a small amount of cheese and peanut butter)

I applaud the effort on this one, I really do, but it never really comes together. It would have been better had Starbucks offered the components of this pack seperately. I would have loved the option of being able to buy individual hard boiled eggs, apple slices or a mini bagel, but altogether it just doesn’t seem to fit. I mean technically I suppose this is the complete breakfast I always hear about in cereal comercials, but it just looks so unappetizing all smooshed into a plastic box underneath the harsh lights of the Starbucks display.

3. Chewy Fruit and Nut Bar

Umm this is basically just an overpriced granola bar. Not to mention it’s pretty small for its 250 calorie price tag. If I were you I would walk over to the nearest deli buy the granola bar of your choice and bring it back to Starbucks to enjoy with your coffee – cause this thing just isn’t worth it.

4. Multi Grain Roll with your choice of almond butter or fruit preserves

I don’t know about you but I normally don’t eat a roll for breakfast. A roll is more of a pre dinner food, no? As far as taste goes this isn’t bad, but I mean it’s hard to mess up a roll so… I don’t know this just confuses me because it suggests that Starbucks doesn’t understand the meaning of breakfast. I also love how they are trying to be all fancy by serving it with almond butter… are they too good for regular butter? This is fine as far as taste goes, but then again it’s just bread.

All in all I am disapointed. The new options had potential but none of them really hit the mark. However, I will not stop frequenting my local Starbucks. I will still show up daily for my coffee and a smile, and hope that someday soon Starbucks can find a way to make peace with who it is (a very good coffee shop) and stop trying to be someone its not (breakfast nook, juicebar, food purveyor of all sorts.)

**Apparently there are more items on the new breakfast menu, however they have not yet shown up in my local Starbucks, and thus were not available for review. I also chose not to include the Berry Stella as that one has been around for a while now and does not meet my qualifications for new.

via USA Today

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/07/starbucks-should-stick-to-what-they-do-best/feed/ 7 Robin Hood Lives! In Greece…. http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/05/robin-hood-lives-in-greece/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/05/robin-hood-lives-in-greece/#comments Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:00:59 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1272 Remember Robin Hood? He stole from the rich to help the poor… gotta love vigilante justice! In today’s world where the economy is plummeting and food prices are rising – Robin Hood sounds like a guy we could use around town.

Well it seems he and his friends have been living it up in Greece, where I am sure they are feasting on nuts, grapes and greek yogurt.

Greek police say a group of about 70 youths protesting high consumer prices seized food and household products from a supermarket before handing them out to people on the street.

The food prices must be really high over there, because the police arrested no one. So, what can we learn from this? I think the message goes a little something like this: the way to deal with rising food prices is simple. Just break into a super market, take food and run (if you are feeling nice steal some extra for your fellow townsfolk). And they always say there’s no such thing as a free lunch!

via Forbes

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/09/05/robin-hood-lives-in-greece/feed/ 0 The Real Difference Between Democrats and Republicans… http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/27/the-real-difference-between-democrats-and-republicans/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/27/the-real-difference-between-democrats-and-republicans/#comments Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:28:25 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1258 The Democratic Convention is upon us, beginning what will be two weeks of nonstop political coverage aiming to help us differentiate the Democrats from the Republicans. Sure there are the countless policy differences like health care, taxation, womens issues and the like, but the real difference? Democrats are pickier eaters.

Apparently the DNC had such a long list of “guidelines,” that caterer’s feared not getting hired due to deviating from the proposed suggestions. Among these suggestions:

- Half a meal made up of fruits and/or veggies

- At least three of the following five colors on a plate – red, green, yellow, blue/purple and white (garnishes don’t count)

- No fried foods

- At least 70 percent of ingredients (based on precooked weight) certified organic and/or grown or raised in Colorado

- Use of reusable serviceware

- No bottled water, use pitchers instead

- Encourage staff to use alternative modes of transportation.

Ok, I get it, they’re trying to be healthy and not to harm the environment, but a color scheme? Dictating what kind of vehicle the food arrives in? That seems a bit ridiculous. Where are they going to find purple food in Colorado? And I just love the “garnishes don’t count,” way to catch the cheaters before they even try! I’m all for health and am a huge fan of fruits, vegetables and the environment, but as a former waitress I feel bad for the dishwashers who have to wash all that ‘reusable serviceware!’ If anything, this shows us that Barack Obama means business… he doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk.

Conversely, the RNC has placed no restrictions on the menus during the convention. The only request they’ve made is for shrimp and tenderloin type fare. This fits actually. Having unhealthy and environmentally unfriendly food now and not worrying who will have to suffer the future consequences. It kind of mirrors the Republican party platform – act now on impulse and deal with the fallout later!

via Rocky Mountain News

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/27/the-real-difference-between-democrats-and-republicans/feed/ 5 Wheaties Are So Passe… http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/21/wheaties-are-so-passe/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/21/wheaties-are-so-passe/#comments Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:02:00 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1243 The days of successful athletes endorsing Wheaties are over! Michael Phelps has just signed with Kellog’s and will now hawk Frosted Flakes to kids everywhere. I guess Tony the Tiger just wasn’t cutting it.

via NY Daily News

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/21/wheaties-are-so-passe/feed/ 2 Madame Tussauds Has Nothing On The Iowa Fair http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/19/madame-tussauds-has-nothing-on-the-iowa-state-fair/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/19/madame-tussauds-has-nothing-on-the-iowa-state-fair/#comments Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:53:45 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1235 I’m sure we have all been inspired by the Olympics this week, but the state of Iowa is taking it a bit far. Apparently gymnast Shawn Johnson has instilled so much pride in her home state that they have decided to honor her by carving her likeness out of butter. Seems a bit odd to me, but to each his own I guess. I just hope Michael Phelps doesn’t stop by, or he might try to incorporate “butter Shawn” into his 12000 calorie a day meal plan!

Via Serious Eats.

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/19/madame-tussauds-has-nothing-on-the-iowa-state-fair/feed/ 3 Food Fights in the Office http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/17/food-fights-in-the-office/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/17/food-fights-in-the-office/#comments Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:51:55 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1231 I work as a freelancer in the media field and this week has been crazy due to all the Olympic coverage. We have more people, more work and of course… more “bones of contention” with one another. In fact we seem to have developed “teams” and rivalries of our own – over food! I swear this is some of the craziest stuff I have ever seen; and from adults no less.

Here’s how it went down:

The company decided to cater snack food for us and set it up on a table down the hall from the kitchen, right beside the sports department. Naturally those in the news department went over to the abundant spread and indulged themselves too – that is until the sports people became selfish and rude, not allowing those in news to eat their goodies. News then retaliated by claiming the kitchen as well as all inside it as theirs (they get catered snacks too). They even put up a sign which read “FOR NEWS ONLY – NO SPORTS!” The most ridiculous part of this whole thing is the food choices were very similar and there was a surplus – everyone could partake in all the food and we would still have leftovers! The worst part: I’m caught in the middle, because I help out both departments! Actually truth be told its not so bad. I get the novelty of the sports snack table, while enjoying the kitchen and all its conveniences as well – but it has provided for some awkward situations.

This wouldn’t be so bad if it were a one time thing. I could chalk it up to stress and just move on, but this happens all the time. People are always complaining about how someone stole their lunch/soda/snack from the fridge, or how “so-and-sos” food smells really bad. This got me thinking, does this kind of food fighting happen in all offices? Does anyone else have a lunch thief in their workplace? Because we can’t get rid of ours – not even passive aggressive notes on the fridge have deterred him. Any advice or even just the knowledge that I am not alone would really help right now – because if I have to hear about this kind of stuff one more time, I might just kill someone!

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/17/food-fights-in-the-office/feed/ 6 I’m Not an Egg, But I’m Pretty Sure This is Inaccurate… http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/13/im-not-an-egg-but-im-pretty-sure-this-is-inaccurate/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/13/im-not-an-egg-but-im-pretty-sure-this-is-inaccurate/#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:01:46 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1220 I passed this McDonald’s advertisement on the street yesterday, and was thoroughly perplexed.

Every egg dreams of becoming a McDonald’s breakfast sandwich? Really? That’s funny, I would have thought every egg’s dream would be to become a chicken… but then what do I know, I’m not an egg.

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/13/im-not-an-egg-but-im-pretty-sure-this-is-inaccurate/feed/ 1 Enough! (of Rachael Ray and Celebrity “Chefdom”) http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/12/enough-of-rachel-ray-and-celebrity-chefdom-in-general/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/12/enough-of-rachel-ray-and-celebrity-chefdom-in-general/#comments Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:37:17 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1212 Ok, I’m just gonna come out and say it: I cannot stand Rachael Ray. This woman is so saccharine, fake and cloyingly annoying! It truly amazes me that anyone watches her for more than 30 seconds. How did a woman who has no real kitchen experience become America’s “go to girl” for cooking advice? I will admit that 30 minute meals was a smart idea, but how did that develop into various other slightly food related television shows? With catchphrases like “YUM-O” and “EVOO” its amazing that she actually gets ratings (or is taken seriously by anyone even slightly interested in cooking).

I find the general obsession with celebrity chefs a bit odd. Usually once they become “celebrities” they cease all cooking and just exist. Seriously what do they do?. Other than pimp themselves out via crappy reality shows, not much. DISCLAIMER: I DO SOMETIMES ENJOY NEXT TOP CHEF.

Serious Eats recently wrote about the lack of celebrity chefs who actually stay in the kitchen, and I totally agree with almost everything they say. Someone needs to tell these people that a key part of being a “celebrity chef,” is actually cooking.

]]> http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/12/enough-of-rachel-ray-and-celebrity-chefdom-in-general/feed/ 5 The Golden Arches Fear Losing Their “Gold” http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/05/the-golden-arches-fear-losing-their-gold/ http://www.sogoodblog.com/2008/08/05/the-golden-arches-fear-losing-their-gold/#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:51:10 +0000 Baraf http://www.sogoodblog.com/?p=1190 You know the economy is bad, when even a behemoth like McDonalds is feeling the pain! Apparently, the dollar menu is at risk! It seems Mickey D’s is reducing the amount of cheese on the double cheeseburger due to rising dairy prices. Really McDonalds? I mean what’s next, no bun due to the rising cost of wheat? And I bet pretty soon after that, the soggy piece of lettuce along with the tomato will depart due to a salmonella or e-coli scare. I swear, in a couple of months the only thing the dollar menu is gonna offer is change for a dollar.

via Gothamist

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