Adventures of the Onion booty Foodie
Embark on my adventures of travel and foodMy busy life
So it seems going to school full time and working full time leaves me very little time for myself, go figure 
I’ve been able to stay in great shape due to my constant activity, which would probably be the only plus side but I don’t even have time to notice it, it’s eveyone else who points it out 
I manage to shower every day, which is still a wonder to me, lol but brushing my hair, forget it! I have unwanted dreads now. My hands have become dry and callused, as one would expect working 14 hour days in a kitchen. I’ve managed to maintain a relationship but how he puts up with my crazy life is still a wonder to me.
With all that unwanted information said, I still plan on writing and updating my blog, oh boy do I have PLENTY to write about! I just need to fit it in with other priorities. Right now we are finishing up pastry module at school and should be starting service soon enough. Work is crazy busy and I’m often late for school because of it I have some financial priorities I have to deal with at the moment that I’ve let go at the wayside from lack of time. I also finally have my trip to Peru to plan for! I’m soooooo excited! It will be my first trip of a lifetime. I’m basically backpacking it through all of Peru. From Mancora to Lima to Nasca to Colca Canyon to lake titicaca to Cusco to Macchu Picchu and back to Lima. Then an amazing jungle trek from Iquitos. Did you know that rainforests were the only ecosystems to withstand the ice-age? Therefore all the evolutionary processes that occured prior, remained AND continued exponentially while the rest of the planet was dying off or slowing down. They were seperated by large masses of land, at the time, long enough to create genetic differentiation between species but nevertheless, they kept evolving. I believe it is 30 species go extinct in the rainforest every day while the same amount are first discovered (Don’t quote me on that, it’s been a while since I’ve done the research but the idea is there). It is fascinating and mind-boggling. Either way, I’m ecstatic to explore this land for myself 
As it so happens, I’ve had some time to read, as well, due to my many metro (subway) rides throughout the day. I read Bourdain’s “Kitchen Confidential,” a great insight into the life i’m embarking on; Dave Pelzer’s “A child called it,” a tragic story that I think many abused children can draw clarity from; and the original 1890′s version of “Sights and sensations in Europe” which is quite interesting to read from the perspective of a 19th century wanderlust.
At the end of the day, I feel deprived not being able to blog or do so as I would like but I’m happy with my circumstances and will find the time to update. I’m going to the ice hotel next week, Quebec city next month, New York soon enough and then PERU! Keep in touch 
NYC labor day
The first weekend of September 2012, I was highly encouraged to come for another visit to NYC. I had no funds and very little time but my girls insisted it was their treat, how could I refuse? It was a struggle, had a very hard time with Greyhound holding the money from my account because of an address change, I was furious! 
But it finally worked out, after hours of daytime minutes used 
I missed the early bus on Saturday so I only ended up arriving at 1:30 am Sunday morning 
It was too late for my girls to come out so I met up with some friends in Jersey and got caught up on some food network (seeing that I don’t have cable anymore).
I took the train early in the morning, with little sleep, to go to Maria’s in Queens. When I ended up at Penn station, I was so lost. I had no idea if I was going uptown or downtown, in reference to where I was and where I was going. I couldn’t find a subway attendant and the machines took credit only. Ugh, and nobody knew a damn thing about any of it! 
I finally figured it out and got to Jamaica and then took a cab to Maria’s. She was out buying liquor, hehe, so her son let me in. When she came home she ordered food and I showered and took a quick nap.
Ezzy woke me up soon after, butt naked, and I forced myself out of bed 
We got dressed and went to dinner at Don Coqui in Astoria, a Puerto Rican restaurant. We had a good time, these ladies always know how to enjoy. With our bellies full and our pants ready to pop open, we left Don Coqui and headed back to decide the plans for the night. Ezzy was fiending for the tittie bar and even though Sue’s is known to be quiet on Sunday nights, we went anyways. It picked up around 1am and my gosh, the girls were FIIIIIINE! 
We were both half in the bag by then and just havin a good ‘ol time. My friend Jason showed up and we all just enjoyed the party. Ezzy drove me back to Queens and I stayed up for a bit drinking and talking about my great love of food 
Monday morning, labor day, we woke up early and had a small breakfast. Ezzy, Maria’s son and I headed out to see the labor day west indian parade. I can honestly say it’s really not as exciting when you’re not in it. It was also quite gloomy out and many of the mas players didn’t have costumes 
but I love to check out any carnival parade when I can.
The funny part of the day was Maria’s son recounting the events that occurred as we walked by several people. Necks were breaking and even one old man, half-blind,with a cane, attempted to start running after us 
Gotta love booty shorts. I still had my groupon tickets for the liberty tour from my last trip to NYC so we went to the pier to finally redeem them and see “the sights.” It was windy and cloudy out and we were talking most of the time but it was a fun little event nonetheless. Afterwards we had to pass through times square to meet Maria for dinner. While there, we passed some greased up calendar boys who were hitting on us 
Then we proceeded with our dinner plans, all you can eat meat and salad…or did I mean be treated like royalty for a night. My goodness, the carnivore in me ravaged through all that bloody meat 
After seeing the bill, guilt set in but we must move forward and not dwell on the past. Somehow us 3 bright ladies thought it fun to go party on a Monday night, being so full and so tired, and wearing tight dresses. It ended up working out, we had such an amazing time!
There were bar dancers (whom we fell in love with), people “makin it rain,” good friends, 75$ bottles, hot bartenders, good music and great dancing. What a night to remember 
Now it was Tuesday, my departure was that night. Maria and Ezzy wanted to spend the day at the spa, I had never been. There’s a whole naked area with a huge jacuzzi pool, 4 hot tubs, a cool bath and a cold bath, a dry and wet sauna, and the nude massage area. We got full body scrubs and massages, which was a first for me, and then headed to the plethora of saunas on the other floors. There was also a rooftop pool area with a swim up bar. Then we pigged out on food there.
What a day to end off my short but sweet vacation. I ended up missing my bus and thus missing my morning appointment but what an eventful weekend I must say. Love you Ezzy and Maria!!! <3
Missed the mark
I had seen such great reviews about this place, the chef worked with Daniel Boulud, and I adore tapas-style menus so I was really pumped to try Biarritz. It’s a very small place, maybe 4 four person tables and bar seating, which we ended up having to sit at. The lighting is dim and the decor is modern and simple. The waitress\bartender was very accomadating and kept the bread coming. The butter was too cold to spread right away, which is always frustrating.
We ordered 4 items: beef tartar, the octopus, the quail, and the pickled veggies. Hoping that each dish would be better than the last, to my dismay, it went the opposite way. it went from mediocre to questionable, to disappointing, to disgusting. I love tartar and I’ve had some pretty spectacular salmon ones and was hoping this beef one would blow me away. It was okay, nothing memorable. Nice citrus bite, the homemade chips were unsalted to compliment the unseasoned tartar, and served with hummus. The redundancy of 3 unseasoned items was not thought out too well.
I love grilled octopus but not with the skin. They happen to make it with it on and some people love it, it’s a preference thing for me. When they served it, the waft of pimento got my jowls watering, I was so excited. The potatoes underneath were burnt, the chorizo was sadly overcooked, and the octopus was grilled nicely BUT the whole dish was completely lacking flavor. When you present a dish with an overwhelming scent of delicious pimento, you must actually have flavor on the food, not have it just for decoration! Such a tease.
Next was the quail, oh please get this one right… The quail was surprisingly cooked nicely, however the portion was tiny, the flavor was lacking again, and the peanut butter sauce didn’t really make sense on the plate. The jicama salad was splendid though, I’ll give them that.
Finally I was adamant about eating something delicious here so I took another look at the menu, how can you go wrong with shiitakes, carrots and kim chi? I love all 3 and they’re hard to screw up so I ordered it. Oh my goodness, I thought they were just pulling a prank on me now. The dish was AWFUL! Whatever they pickled it in was nauseating and it overpowered all the wonderful flavors these ingredients have.
That was the last straw. Check please and get me out of here before 11 so I can buy some alcohol to wash this taste out of my mouth. It may have just been bad luck and ordering the wrong things but this had to be one the most awful dinners I’ve had in a long time.
Ambrosial explosion
I am a HUGE corn lover, it is one of those foods that I would definitely ask for as part of my “last meal.” Most people cover it with salt and butter but I’m usually too eager to even bother with that, it’s just as good all on its own. At Cafe Habana, they do the work for me and enhance it from delicious corn into an ambrosial explosion. The take-out store is so cramped and dingy but with food that good, you don’t need to dress it up with fancy decor. I’m glad Tyler Florence brought this to my attention as the “Best thing [he] ever ate-on a stick.”
My friend was quite apprehensive at the appearance of it, she was reluctant to try it but I knew after one bite she would change her mind. They take a big juicy cob of corn that they grill to perfection, bringing out more of its sweetness but coating it with mouth-watering smokiness. Then they top it with cotija cheese, a grainy and salty cheese, chili powder, and a side of lime. Squirt the lime over it and you get the symphonious mix of sweet, smoky, salty, sour, and spicy. It was an explosion of flavor even the Gods would be envious of. … I swear she had forgotten her name.
St Pius x
So Monday I finally started culinary school at St Pius x culinary school. I’m so excited, the material sounds so interesting! I’m in class right now, working on a project. We’re even gonna eventually work on some molecular gastronomy! 
I remember making my balsamic pearls, that was my 1st and only attempt at basics. You mix the balsamic with agar agar, heat it to a certain temperature, let it cool a tiny bit. Then take your jug of oil out of the freezer, suck the balsamic into the syringe and then let the droplets pour out into the water. I then strained them and voila! Put in on top of the crazy sushi I made and it was beautiful, a nice little burst of balsamic.
But in class we will be getting into the real stuff, I can’t wait! Stay tuned for plenty of pictures.
Were only starting in the kitchen on the 18th of September, I cant wait for that! Everyone seems nice and friendly, Chef definitely makes class interesting and its so nice to be around people that share the same passion in food as I do. I always talk about food and make people hungry but no one appreciates the beauty, science and art behind it. It is one art form that uses all the senses. Smell, taste, texture, sound, and the presentation. The pleasure that comes from enjoying food is incomparable. Oddly enough, after I wrote this, our textbook had something similar written. Great minds.
I get to interview a chef of my choice so I chose the Peruvian place near my house, which is also where I’ve been trying to get a job 
Will be going to NYC again this weekend, hoping to finish up what I started in April. See you soon 
NYC foodie/sightseeing road trip RESULTS
We finally went on our foodie trip; it was loads of fun and we actually did get more than expected accomplished. We do have to go for a “part 2″ to complete it but would I really complain about that? lol. I’ll have a ✔ next to the places mentioned to show how many things we accomplished and missed, as well as a rating for the place in {} If you click on this rating, it will link to my online review of the restaurant.
We arrived, on schedule, around 1a.m. on the Thursday night/Friday morning. After a long drive, we stopped at Tom’s Restaurant ✔ (The deli in Seinfeld where they always hang out) {6/10}
I was excited because I was a huge Seinfeld fan but my friend didn’t even know what the show was so it kind of put a damper on my nostalgia.
The next morning we woke up early and set off on our day of “appetizer chasing.” It was a nice sunny day at around 19°C, perfect moderate temperature for running around. I packed up everything I needed into my purse, including all the plastic straws, cups, plates, utensils, napkins and Purell. With my precise subway instructions, I knew more about the Subway system, it seemed, than my friends who were locals Our first stop was Mimi’s pizza ✔, for a cheese slice, recommended by Bobby Flay on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate-Childhood Favorites” {6.5/10}
Grease dripping down our elbows, we continued on to Balthazar for their “Best thing I ever ate-totally fried” crispy French fries, once again recommended by Bobby Flay {4/10}
At this point I’m starting to question Flay’s judgment on food, luckily Tyler Florence’s pick of Cafe Habana ✔ was next on the list. He claims their Mexican grilled corn is the “best thing [he] ever ate-on a stick {8/10}
My goodness, Florence was on point. Definitely heaven on a stick. To my chagrin, in my “everything but the kitchen sink” purse, I had forgotten my floss. In a panic, I was relieved to find they had toothpicks, so crisis averted, whew!
Sucking the last corn kernels out of our teeth, we walked over to Chinatown brasserie ✔ for some crispy egg rolls, suggested by Claire Robinson as “The best thing [she] ever ate-crunchy.” We decided to actually sit down at this place and order a couple other things. {8/10}
As we were thoroughly enjoying our appetizers, seeing that time was dwindling down, we went over the rest of our plans. I called Red Cat to see if I could get their DEEP FRIED BACON. Ted Allen recommended this as “the best thing [he] ever ate-totally fried” but you have to request it, it’s off menu. Unfortunately, they do not do take-out and we did not have the time for another sit-down so I was extremely disappointed.
After a delicious meal, of course comes DESSERT. So we went to chikalicious ✔ for a little strawberry cheesecake cup. Johnny Iuzzi recommended the fromage blanc cheesecake but I’m not a big dessert fan and we weren’t that hungry. {7/10}
The rest of the food on our list, which we had no time to complete, included BBQ chips with blue cheese dip at Blue Smoke, Susan Feniger’s “best thing [she] ever ate-finger food;” Cho Dang Gol for Soondubu Jiggae as Judy Joo said it was “the best thing [she] ever ate-as good as mom’s;” and Pietro’s for Alex Guarnaschelli’s “best thing she ever ate-salty goodness” Caesar salad.
So we moved on to our next stop at Moma ✔ where it’s free entrance on Friday’s from 4-8. It was a quick look through, I wasn’t really impressed with their contemporary art exhibit.
We left promptly and headed for the International Center of Photography ✔ , it’s by donation on Friday’s from 5-8 and came with a complimentary glass of wine Their exhibition was small but I much prefer photography over modern art. They didn’t warn me about not taking photos so I got in a little trouble, lol 
Jenn’s feet were hurting too much to complete the rest of our plans but we trolled through Times Square ✔ a little and stopped at M&M’s world for Jenn’s love of chocolate, before hopping on the Subway. Some of the workers thought we were twins and they were all quite friendly and funny. We had a lot of fun taking photo booth pictures 
So as Desnuda and Big gay ice cream shop were too far, we went to Applebee’s instead and headed home. I will be sure to come back for these 2 places. Desnuda has Claire Robinson’s “best thing [she] ever ate-Smoky” tea-smoked oysters and complimentary truffle popcorn The ice cream shop was featured on Eat street as having unusual and very grown up twists on your traditional idea of ice cream.
Saturday morning we slept in, of course, so we skipped our trip to the Botanic garden and Grimaldi’s. We set off first for Tal Bagels ✔, as suggested by Rocco DiSpirito. The everything bagel with lox, scallions, cheese, capers, red onions, and tomatoes being “the best thing [he] ever ate-at a deli.” {8/10}
We sat in the sun enjoying our bagels and then headed back towards the Subway. We stopped in at a pet store to take some pictures. Our friend’s mom freaks out that we always want to eat weird things like snakes and stuff so we wanted to take a picture of us pretending to swallow a snake. There were no large reptiles unfortunately so I settled for a picture of a bowl of larvae to match with my cavatelli that would be eaten later that day.
We ended up at Despaña ✔, this cute little whole sale retail market that brings you a nice little taste of Spain. I was hoping for Chorizo and Churros but we settled for just the former, on a cantimpalo pintxo and beers {8/10} 
We enjoyed and had plenty of laughs. I felt bad for the guy sitting next to us who had to listen to our conversation on vibrating piercings, as he ate his meal, lol. We continued on our way towards the Irish Hunger Memorial ✔, which I was most excited to go to. I fell in love with that spot from watching “P.S. I love you.” It really is like a tiny patch of Ireland, a nice little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The plan was to go to the Guggenheim, where every Saturday from 5:45-7:45 it’s “pay as you wish.” But since, against meteorological predictions it was gorgeous and sunny out, we decided to stay and enjoy the view by the water.
We had a groupon ticket for the “Statue by night tour” and the ship leaves at 7:45 so we got there for 6:45. I was stoked, a beautiful sunset, a free glass of champagne and a tour of the NYC sights. Jenn’s feet were still hurting so she got a 15$ massage at the pier. I kept bugging them to go in the line already but Trevor kept procrastinating so he could charge his phone. By the time we got to the line, there was already a few people and the gentleman informed us that we need to REDEEM the coupon at the kiosk at the beginning of the pier. I was already getting cranky and when we went to the kiosk, the guy told us they sold out 20 minutes ago. I WAS LIVID!!! It does not state anywhere on the groupon that you need to redeem it first and damn Trevor! If he didn’t waste the time to charge his phone, we would have been on that boat! 
We were starving so we had some calamari at the seaport cafe, on the pier, while waiting to figure out our next move {3/10}.
So finally, we met up with Esmerelda and Stella and went for dinner. I had made reservations at Roc restaurant ✔ and I asked Stella to call and ask about dress code. As she’s on the phone, she turns to us and says “army gear?…and paintball gun? Is this a restaurant?” Then she bursts out laughing and says “they were just messing. He said to just make sure we’re wearing clothes.” I was worried it was maybe gonna be a pretentious atmosphere but that conversation reassured me they were nice people. Esmerelda is a picky eater and likes her meat to taste like a burnt shoe-I mean very well done, lol. I shook my head in horror when she ordered that and the waiter was jokingly insulted, understandably. As anyone who knows good meat knows you should never serve a steak well done, they served it medium well and she wasn’t too pleased. Luckily, I got to finish it for her! 
I ordered the cavatelli with sausage and broccoli rabe, which is the “best thing I ever ate-as good as mom’s” suggested by Rocco DiSpirito {9/10}.
As we walked back to our car, we looked like a bunch of old ladies, lol. I was walking funny from being so full and my knees hurt; Stella had a fractured foot from a work accident (the dreaded “postal worker getting chased by a dog” story); Esmerelda had a sprained foot from the gym; and Jenn had swollen feet from all the walking. Jenn and I went to get our car and met up with the group again in front of “Sue’s rendez-vous” strip club. It was raining by this time and it was chilly out, unfortunately. I always carry a knife and pepper spray on me for protection and forgot to take it out of my purse before going in. Luckily the bouncer didn’t find either weapons. There were black lights everywhere that really highlighted my famous “white pants“. We arrived early enough to get a prime spot at the bar. It’s set up where the bar is smack in the middle of the club and is shaped like a long rectangle. We sit around it and there’s 3 poles in the middle of it with 3 dancers and the bartenders working around them. I much prefer the atmosphere at an American strip club versus the raunchy, full nude, full contact one’s we have in Montreal. The girls at Sue’s all had big booty’s and knew how to use them, they were entertaining. They never take off all their clothes and they seem to have fun. We got to see people “makin’ it rain;” there was a free buffet and Stella and Esmerelda were having a money war over one of the strippers. It was all around a good time.
When we woke up Sunday morning, it was rainy and gloomy out so we cancelled our plans to go to a free weekly service at the Mahayana Buddhist temple and spend the day on Coney island. We went to Harlem and stopped by Jacob’s restaurant for some soul food for lunch. It’s a pay per pound, serve yourself place; I paid 32$! That’s like 6 pounds of food! 
One thing I had been wanting to get since the 1st time I visited New York was a pair of Brazilian butt lift jeans. It’s not because I want an even bigger backside, it’s simply because jeans never fit or flatter my shape. I was hoping the miracle of well fitted jeans would finally happen to me but when we arrived, we found out it’s by appointment only on Sundays, it was so disheartening. We were all feeling the itis from lunch so we took a long nap back at the house. When we woke up, Jenn, Stella and I went to grab a quick bite at Chipotle {3/10} before going to see the movie “Think like a man.” It was a perfect lazy girls night movie to watch.
On our final day, the Monday, we wanted to take it easy and leave early. We were supposed to visit the African burial ground, Tibet house, and stroll through central park; all culturally nourishing sites and free. But since we had been so frugal and still had money to spend, we decided to treat ourselves to some shopping But first…We haven’t had Red Lobster in Montreal for decades so we just had to find one. There was one in Scarsdale and there were plenty of stores to shop at in the area. We were so excited to pig out on Seafood, we were running around making fools of ourselves like children 
The food really hit the spot and the staff were super nice {8/10}. Then we went to Burlington coat factory to shop. It was like a Winners but much more inexpensive. We tried on 2 shopping carts overflowing with clothes, the lady working the changing room HATED us but we had a blast. We tried on some goofy outfits just for fun but I left with pink jeans, stretch jeans, gray capri’s, a pink top, a gorgeous royal blue dress, and an apple bottom purse. It felt great to have new clothes!
Finally, after a long weekend of fun and loads of laughs, we hit the road to head home. My Gps was lost for a good half hour so it was a little worrisome but we got home safely. The first thing we did, which has become a tradition for me, is to hit up a La belle Province for Steamies and poutines
So in summation, my quest for the great American pizza slice was again unsuccessful, however we did enjoy some surprisingly delicious food. This being Jenn’s first time to the US, she was astounded at how the people were so much more polite, courteous, and friendly than back home. We will return for a part 2 
The fries fall flat
This was our 2nd stop on our “appetizer chasing” day and also the 2nd recommendation from Bobby Flay, apparently the fries were “the best thing [he] ever ate-totally fried.” There was a short line when we arrived so my friends waited outside while I waited in line to ask for take-out. The guy seemed a little annoyed and sent me to the bakery next door. They do not have the fries there so they told me to go back and try and ask if they could make an exception for me at the restaurant. Begrudgingly, I went back and spoke to the same guy. To my relief, he was actually cooperative and sympathetic, he told me to ask at the bar. When I went there, the bartender told me “sorry, we don’t do take-out.” I explained that I came all the way here just for the fries. He asked his superior and was given the go ahead.
As I waited, I looked around. The place was packed and the food looked amazing so I’m sure it was good. 10$ later, I was very eager to taste the magic in these fries. Okay Flay, the second North American staple food that you recommend and it was mediocre, at best!? I love a fry that’s nicely browned with a thin layer of crunch and on the inside, it’s moist. These fries were not even crispy, the inside was more airy than moist, they were flavorless, and they weren’t even seasoned.
Just because the fries are bad, doesn’t mean I would never go back but at 10$ for a disappointing fry, it will definitely be at the bottom of my list.
