Beany loves food, no denying it. She isn't picky and tends to order the best thing on the menu, by chance, every time! Must be luck. Or, maybe it seems like the best thing because she isn't picky? Well, irregardless- food rocks.
The only type of food Beany has never cared for is Indian. Nobody knows why, and nobody ever remembers. Mother is especially prone to "forget" that her little Beany hates Indian food, because Mother likes it so much (and picks up the check).
A couple weeks ago Beany moved to Brooklyn. After drying her tears and complaining about how mean the movers were, it was time to set about the neighborhood in search of a new favorite place to stuff her face.
Pizza, Mexicanish Fusion, Brunch spot and... Indian.
That's all we saw within reasonable walking distance. Sigh. Beany & her (gay) gentleman caller went with the safest bet (Mexican), and it was pretty good.
Two days later, when Mother came to inspect the new surroundings, she spotted what Beany knew she would, and so resigned herself to a disappointing meal. She was very hungry, broke, and can't say no, as Mother was a guest in the new hood.
Stepping into the tiny, empty restaurant, Beany decided to be optimistic and eat whatever was suggested (sans animaux) by Mother, and or the waiter (who was way annoyingly friendly).
Sweet Lassi, Garlic Nan, Samosas, Chana Masala, and yes, we did have one of Mother's Goan Shrimp Curry.
Everything was fantabulously delicious! The Goan Curry sauce was like a dream, and next time will have to see if I can have than with something besides shrimp. The Nan was better than Texas toast. And I LOVE Texas toast. Gots to admit, Indian food might be my new favorite.
On top of the food being so awesome, a cute little condiment trio came to the table, and those were spicy fun! I wasn't sure what to do with them, since everything already had sauce, but when it comes to condiments, more is more for me!
When the waiter brought the check, and asked how everything was, I was able to honestly say, "It was good, thanks," to which he followed up with: "Just 'good', not excellent?"
The food more than makes up for his "can't take a hint" pushy service style.
Beany hates making conversation! It was impressive that he found time to be irritating though, as the place filled up during our meal.
Once again, I have been put in my place by trying something previously maligned, with a clear mind. Everyone should re-try a food they think they hate. You never know! It could be great.
Beany is happy she went Indian, and looks forward to this new neighborhood, with her new taste buds.
Go to www.bayleafbrooklyn.com if you are in the Lefferts Garden area of Brooklyn, near the Botanic Gardens. It's near Lincoln Rd, on Flatbush Ave.
Happy Eating!
Love,
Tin
Beany is in an Ugly phase...
It's been salty & spicy-sweet
Cayenne sprinkled Carmel Candy
Loads of Sugar make her hands feel Sandy
Dust them off and pick up a Chip
Crunch Munch Munch
The days are getting Sick
The last thing Beany needs is to continue this pastry induced stupor! Something must be done. Will-power must be found and made accountable for this! The lawless temple that is my body wants justice. Starting tomorrow she is sticking to whole grains, greens and fruity extracts.
The only mind-blowing deliciousness allowed will be crispy fried tofu with that bright red sweet & sour sauce that makes cheap Chinese so damn goodI will also allow myself to use up that box of vegan cookies, to whip up a Blizzard (mint-chocolate cocunut icecream makes the best)Happy EatingLove,Beany
We have made it through the worst part of the holidays!
Congratulations to all, and to all....etc, etc.
Beany loves nothing more than dressing up and eating, but the last few years, it hasn't been as much fun. All the hoopla and pretentious advertising. The fact that Christmas has become a national holiday, mostly about out-doing yourself, and your frenemies, for being the best hostess, gift wrapper, competitive shopper or whatever; it's simply irritating, like a scratchy wool sweater.
As I age, and remain a childless aspiring cat-lady, my Grinchness shows more and more.
But I love all holidays-really I do! From Diwali to Rohatsu; Hanukkah, Timkat, Shawwal- whatever it is, just give me a reason to wear something pretty! Beany can't say no to a party!
I'll be your date to any & all. Just don't expect me to know the meaning behind these holy days. Chances are, since we're friends, you're rather secular yourself, and only pious when it's joyous.
So, I've been going out of my way this past week to act like nothing is happening. I'm happy for everyone who is happy to wish me happy holidays, and I return the sentiments in earnest, but nobody can deter me from finishing out this year in a wholly un-holy way. I'll eat, drink and be merry, but will do so because it's nothing I wouldn't do any other week.
God, much like Santa Claus, has always disappointed me. As a child, I asked Santa for things never received, and as an adult I've begged God not to let bad things happen to innocent beings.
Who else hates the bullshit associated with December? Was your birthday during Hanukkah this year? Or is your birthday on 12/25, making every year a fucking tug-of-war between your special day and all the children in your family? Trust me, your gifts would be better if everyone else wasn't sapping up the resources. My skin turns green just thinking about it, and I can feel myself cheering on the Grinch, even though I know we lose at the end.
Well, raise your coconut nog, and let's cheers to the tail-end of this year's Season of Crap!
Happy Drinking!
Love, Beany
Beany has been feeling kinda sick the last few days. Not too bad, but not good enough to partake in her favorite consuming activity: drinking. Today is the celebration of gluttony, and Beany's heart is ready to have a few cocktails, even if her body isn't.
In a couple hours I will be joining family to eat, talk and complain. Unlike you polite, thoughtful ladies out there, I wont bring a side dish or dessert. What I will bring is my smile and martini shaker.
Cinnamon is my favorite seasoning. It goes with almost everything (well, I think so) and it's especially beneficial in creamy beverages. Who doesn't like a sprinkle on their soy cappuccino? Today, Beany will be making Cinn-Vanil Pumpkin tea. This might sound like a rip off of my Cinderella Shot, and it is, except this is going to be a a strong drink disguised as a health tonic. Brilliant, yes? This way Beany's mom cannot scold her for not taking care of a cold!
Brew a couple bags of vanilla tea in boiling water (any kind will do. Bigelow makes some, as does Republic of Tea). Add dashes of cinnamon to your taste, and use Pumpkin Spice Silk as a creamer. Then pour as much whiskey or brandy in your mug as you can take!
Drink to your health, and if you eat meat, thank the turkey for giving its life for your dinner. Or, rather, thank the farm worker for murdering the bird for you. Beany wont be eating a turkey, but her family will, so we need to purge our judgements now.
Drink Well, Thanks for Giving, no matter what it is or who you give it to.
Love Always,
Beany
Beany has her opinions, which she fiercely defends, sometimes even once shown to be wrong. Loyalty can be a burden. Sometimes we need to be slapped in the face with new information to see how dated our beliefs are.Tonight, we cannot deny how silly we were to malign the desserts from El Paso Taqueria. Once upon a time, Beany was quite sour on their sweets! They were a waste of caloric intake & money. That was almost a year ago, though. Now that the flan has been tasted again, it's obvious what we were missing!This flan is dense, topped with mint leaves and powdered sugar. The raspberry dollops complete the flavors, making it feel like a light, fruity postre.Love it, Live it, Eat it up,Sweet Dreams,Beanywww.elpasotaqueria.com
Nobody is perfect, least of all Tin Rijeka. Tin considers herself a good person, though. She might not recycle much, or help old people cross the street (ugh, they're just too slow!), but if you need a loyal friend, none will be found to stick by you, like expired honey, as much as her. Tin has been a vegetarian for many years, and goes on & off vegan. She prefers non-dairy desserts, and hasn't bought milk (nasty) or leather in at least 5 years! So why am I eating seafood lately! It's kinda fucked up, since I know it's wrong. Is it ok to beat your child "once in a while"? NO! Unless they deserve it, of course, but still! Basically, Tin feels like, and really is, a hypocrite. Will this acceptance of water-breathing friend murder last? Probably not, but for the time being, I will divulge the most amazing meals for my murderous loves out there:The Shrimp Salad at 5 Napkin Burger is SO good. I was coerced into trying it, and am thankful to my bully. All I should need to say: Lime Vinaigrette. Yeah, if that doesn't convince you of its yumminess, then it also has avocado and crispy tortilla strips! I was weird about shrimp for a while, even towards the end of my meat eating days, but this dish certainly broke me in, and I can't get enough! The Pan Roasted Sea Scallops at Brendan's rocked me today, and I haven't recovered from how amazing it was. 8 or so formerly alive scallops (they have eyes, you know) circled around a heap of fingerling potatoes, and a mix of broccoli and broccoli rabe with garlic and olive oil. Everything is seasoned with a harmonious blend of salt & pepper. It is a simple meal, made of basic ingredients, but Tin felt like she was on vacation in an exotic place, where nothing was ordinary. Well, now that you know what a horrible girl I am, judge as you may. But please tell your horrible friends and family members where to get some fantastic food!Love always & forever,Beany http://www.brendansbar.com/menus.htm
