Hope everyone had a nice weekend! It's been a scorcher in the city but will let up on Wednesday hopefully! Niel and I did our usually weekendy stuff of cleaning and errand running. The fun part of the weekend was getting to see Little Miss Sunshine and having a yummy cheese steak afterwards. I cannot say enough good things about Little Miss Sunshine. The story, the cast, the comedy all were fantastic. The way the actors worked off of each other. It was so sweet and funny. I highly recommend seeing it. It will be one of my favorite movies from now on. We also looked around The Strand and Forbidden Planet(comic book store) since we were in the neighborhood. If you ever vising New York City. The Strand is a must. Forget the big conglamerats when you can have a big crowded bookstore.
Jennifer also mentioned that there is a farm in Queens. I had no idea. I thought the only farms were in New York were on Long Island and Upstate. The Queens Farm actually borders Queens and Long Island. They have activities all year round. We went to see a Native American Pow Wow. It was really interesting! We walked around the farm first admiring the animals and then the batteries died and I didn't take a spare set. So I couldn't get many pictures but here are a few. We also finally finished Elizabethtown. It was a Netflix movie and sometimes when we get busy we take a while finishing them. But it didn't have to do with the movie which was good. We also saw the Aristocrats. Niel mostly did. I didn't think the joke which the film is about was too funny but I did like seeing the comedians version of the film. With The Office on Summer break I've been entertaining myself by watching Office webisodes. Same with Degrassi the Next Generation. They also have under three minute webisodes. We ended the weekend with a walk to the ice cream parlor.

Good Humor makes a delicious Cookies and Cream Cone. It's yummy from the chocalate coating, crunchy filling to the sweet cone.

Oh Zatar how I love thee. So flavorful and yummy! Zatar is a wonderful herb mixture used in dips, marinades and eaten on pita with some olive oil just makes me swoon. My mother would take me grocery shopping with her at Middle Eastern markets looking for some connection to the food she was accustomed to growing up. I don't know what possessed me to try Zatar on pita bread but every since that fuzzy day I fell for it.

Zatar is a combination of a variety of spices and there are several different versions but Zatar cannot exist without one key ingredient Sumac a lemony herb found in Mediterranean countries. So if you happen to find Zatar try marinating chicken with it and olive oil for a meal, it will make you swoon as well.

So are you wondering what is the difference between Greek yogurt and European and American yogurt? American yogurt comes in two different yet very similar varieties, Natural yogurt and Natural bio live yogurt. Both come in whole milk, and fat free varieties. The taste is milder and more watery in texture. I usually like to cook with it when making Indian dishes or need fruit mixed in. I also make a cucumber, garlic and dill sauce with it. Similar to Tzatziki(a Greek sauce).



But Greek yogurt is a lot more flavorful and thicker. I enjoy eating it plain because it has a really nice flavor on its own. Similar to sour cream. To learn more about either click here.



Also if you are curious about the history of yogurt in general read this. Did you know Armenians first introduced yogurt to America? Did ya? Well Columbo Yogurt is not an Italian company but Armenians. Columbosian is the actual name. They decided to drop the sian on the cups and also make their yogurt to fit American palates better.



So enjoy some yogurt. Whatever kind you like!






Song Stuck In My Head: "Children of the Sea" by Dio

My friend Elaine insisted that I visit a Middle Eastern specialty food shop called Sahidis near her old neighborhood. Recently Niel and I finally made time to go visit Elaine's favorite shop. Sahidis is located on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, which was the hub for Syrian retailers about 50 years ago; but now Sahidis is the only reminder of a time when New York city was beginning to be introduced to the wonders of Middle Eastern cuisine. Sahidis used to be one store but now its expanded to two and rightfully so. It is covered wall to wall with different types of olive oil, cheeses, cured meats, dried goods, olives, breads, candy and so much more. We purchased some Letmejou(Armenian pizza), Bulgur wheat, Greek yogurt and Zatar(a yummy herb mixture). Even though there is a similar store(Carmel)near us in Queens it was nice visiting a new specialty shop and returning home with delicious food.










Song Stuck In My Head: "Angels F*&$" by Jack Off Jill

Hope everyone had a good weekend. Even with the crazy thunderstorms, and the loss of electricity that is affecting parts of New York we still had a good weekend. A laid back one but nice. We did our usual cleaning, laundry(does it ever end?), but also went to two farmers markets. In awe of the farmers markets I've seen out west promoted on the Food Network, Niel and I decided to go after I read about the two on Williamsburger blog in Brooklyn. The Union Square Farmer's Market in downtown Manhattan is as equally incredible and available four days a week, but during the work week I have trouble running down there sometimes. We went prior to noon as the Williamsburger advised and as any good market purveyor does. I like the idea of farmers market. Supporting local farmers and getting fresh organice produce. Afterwards we had a nice brunch at a new diner in Niel's mother's neighborhood recommended by Dave and Holly. The food was really good at affordable prices and such large portions! After our meal we saw Clerks II(funny). I loved Clerks and I was happy Kevin Smith made a follow up. It was funny movie to say the least and the music was great. Kevin Smith's wife and daughter were in the film too. I can't believe there were only seven women in the theater though and about 20 guys. We also finally watched both seasons of The Office BBC thanks to Dave & Holly. I liked season one better and I loved episode two of the Christmas special. I must say Ricky Gervais has a fantastic singing voice! I have to brag about the hubby. Niel on his day off without me even having to ask did things around the house that needed to be done. He replaced the Brita filters, repaired our computer, took our cans and bottles to be recycled, brought new pitchers so we have more cold water waiting for us in the fridge, and made a little bed for us in the spare bedroom where we have air conditioning so we can sleep better.



















Niel reading a German to English translation book he found








Pinky piggy planter


Large cuke!


Currants


Purple pepper plant


Gyro platter


Our bounty

I've been tagged by Linda Rae!



1. The book nearest me: There are none near me.

2. Stretch your left arm, what do you touch? My telephone

3. Last thing you watched on TV? Pysche

4. Without looking, what time is it? 7

5. What is the actual time? 6:56

6. With the exception of the computer what can you hear? AC

7. When did you last step outside? Just an hour an a half ago

8. Before this survey what did you look at? Yahooooooo

9. What are you wearing? PJ's

10. Did you dream last night? I can't recall.

11. When did you last laugh? At Psyche

12. What is on the walls in the room? Baseball figures

13. Seen anything weird lately? Not really

14. What do you think of this quiz? I like the quizzes! Thanks Linda Rae!

15. What is the last film you saw? In a theater - Clerks II. It was great!!!

16. Tell us something we don't know. Nope you know it all.

17. Name one thing you would change in the world?
Do I have to pick more than one? To eliminate homelessness!!!

18. Do you like to dance? Yes but I am bad at it.

19. George Bush? Don't even get me started.

20. Imagine your first child is a girl And?
Doesn't matter either or as long as they're healthy.

21. Imagine your first child is a boy. See above.

22. Would you consider living abroad? Hell yes!!

23. What would God say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
Thank you for letting me in

24. List 6 bloggers to carry on this meme: Just six! Jessica, Jess, Yvett, Lisanne, Shannon, and Lisa.

I enjoyed the Welsh Rarebit I had a long time ago at the Chip Shop. I would describe Rarebit as an in your face grilled cheese sandwich. I finally decided to make it at home. I always really had the ingredients necessary to make Welsh Rarebit on hand. I just never thought about making it till recently. I don't know why. I think that's how Welsh Rarebit was created, by accident. Someone wanted a quick lunch and after mucking around in their pantry and fridge, found some beer, cream, cheese, mustard and Worcester sauce and ta da Rarebit. But that's just my thinking. I used Alton Brown's recipe and it was very tasty. I had to make it my own so after I followed his instructions I popped the Rarebit on toast into the microwave to make it a bit stiffer as I had remembered it being that way in the restaurant but I think they broiled their version instead of nuking it.
I think this is the only way I will have beer or alcohol is when it's already in food.

Finally I found bread that holds the eggs nicely in tact for my bird in a hole. A nice hearty European bread. Melt some cheese on top of the egg and buttered toasted bread and two turkey sausages on the side and I have a happy breakfast.

I must have done something good in a past life because I have an unbelievable story. I left some water running and the kitchen sink didn't overflow or should I say my kitchen countertop didn't overflow with water. I was filling up a cup with water. We have a Brita filter attached to our kitchen sink. The tap reaches out to the counter and I placed the cup underneath the tap to fill. It isn't a strong amount of water(I realized later this is because I needed to change the filter) and takes a while to fill. One time I forgot about the cup and a few hours later there was a stream of water on the floor. I ran to wipe it up and hoped it didn't drip to the neighbor's apartment below. I did it again but this time I forgot about it and went to work. I was sure I was going to get a call from the landlord saying I flooded the neighbor's apartment. Niel beat me home and was amazed to see that a tiny bubble somehow formed on top of the cup and prevented the water from dripping. One of the pictures is sideways so you can see the bubble. The bubble miracle and the old filter really saved me. Lesson learned.

I've been meaning to visit the Tuck Shop in Alphabet City (downtown Manhattan). But I never could make the time. Finally they opened up a sister shop a few blocks from my office and I ran over there. The Tuck Shop serves down home Australian grub. Specifically meat pies. Sort of like American pot pies. They have a Thai Chicken Pie(which I got), a lamb pie, a veggie pie and a few others I forget. They also serve Australian beer and candy bars. I purchased the Thai Chicken and boy was it hot! But I love spicy so I would get it again. Now I've tried food from practically all the places I want to visit abroad, England, Ireland, Australia and all there is left is Scotland. This is the definition of what a tuck shop is and here is a recipe for an Australian meat pie if you want to make your own. It's from the Eight Mile Creek restaurant in Manhattan. They serve more upscale Australian dishes. Niel took me there a few years ago for a birthday.

Another weekend come and gone. Friday after work I met Isabel for dinner. We enjoyed some Vietnamese food while we caught up. It was a nice and yummy time. Isabel and I enjoyed various satays, dumplings, Vietnamese pancake, and summer rolls. Then in the late evening when I was falling asleep on the couch and Niel was trying to repair our computer he stubbed his toe badly. I was completely out at this point because I didn't hear him yell out in pain or hit the wall. I only remember him coming out of his "man room" and mentioning his toe. I thought he meant his pinky toe which he hurt last week. I wanted to know if that hurt still. Then the next morning I noticed him walking funny I thought it was his back. It goes out every once in a while. He said "No it's my big toe. Remember?" Then he told me what happened. He then went to the doctor and I went to my dentist appointment. The dentist appointment took all morning. I'll need two crowns put in and possibly a filling taken care of. And hopefully that is it for a while. Niel's doctor appointment didn't take as long and he was icing his toe. The doctor said he either sprained his toe or broke the ball that is apparently at the tip of it. He's on pain killers and instructed to rest as well as apply ice and heat to it. Later in the afternoon Niel wanted to go the Siren Festival but decided to rest instead. We had some lunch and watched television. Niel was getting antsy when Dave called saying he wanted to give Niel some stuff before he went back home. So we drove over and hung out for a bit with Dave, Holly and Dave's parents. He and Holly were staying at his parents house and their family cat wasn't giving me as bad as an allergic reaction as I normally get around cats. So maybe the allergy shots are working? His parents made really good iced coffee and showed us tomatoes ther're growing in their garden. Hopefully we can see more of Dave & Holly next time. Afterwards Niel and I ran a quick food shopping errand and went back home where Niel napped for a while before we headed out to Giglio Festival in Brooklyn. We met up with Niel's mom, brother Mike and Erin. There weren't a lot of people there and it was a cool night. We walked around a bit snacking on various festival food and came home and fell asleep on the couch.

Sunday Niel picked up his brother and they hung out until Mike's car was finished being repaired. The autobody shop Mike uses is in our neighborhood. I went to do laundry. In the afternoon we went into Brooklyn again to attend a wake. A sister of Niel's father had passed away. Nice lady. We recently had celebrated her 85th birthday. While going into the funeral parlor Niel dropped his glasses and then stepped on them. Likely they didn't break but needed adjusting. They do have a slight scratch on the left lens so they will definitely need replacing soon. In the evening while I was putting away laundry and Niel rested his foot I was watching the Food Network and saw Paula Deen's European Adventure. This was her first trip abroad. She had suffered from Agrophobia for many years and it was an exciting experience for her and funny for me to see her reactions.

Happy National Ice Cream Day!

My nifty new pen from Canada. Goes nicely with my collection.








Song Stuck In My Head: "Surrender" by Cheap Trick

Remember when I fell in love with Aerepas(corn pancakes) at last year's San Genero festival? Well I finally found them at a local supermarket. All I had to do was heat up the Aerepas add mozzarella, let it melt and I had a nice sandwich. The cheese and corn together was heavenly. I think an Aerepa sandwhich would also make a good appetizer if they were cut up in small triangle shapes.

I'm obsessed with Onigiri, Japanese rice balls. They're rice filled with usually a savory item, such as Japanese pickles, shrimp, or salmon, and wrapped in seaweed. I have seen them in triangle shapes as well. I don't eat the seaweed. It is a great appetizer or a nice snack. It sort of reminds me of one large piece of Sushi. I found a store that sells them a few blocks from my office for only $1.50. It's so interesting how many different types of rice balls there are. Here is a recipe if you are interested in trying to make them yourself in case you can't find any in your area..

I was watching cartoons this past weekend. Yes I still watch cartoons from time to time. If you enjoy the Arthur series on PBS, then you will be happy to hear that his rabbit buddy Buster also has his own show. It's called Postcards From Buster. Buster travels through North America during the Summer with his father, who is the pilot for some rock band. I think it's a great way to teach children about traveling and how other people live. So check it out with or without your little ones.




I also saw the Koala Brothers on the Disney Channel. Geez that is an adorable show. I love Australia.

Niel and I needed a fun weekend to get our minds off of things. So a fun weekend we had. Friday Niel went to hang out with his brother and Dave. Niel and I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean. That Johnny Depp is a hoot! Afterwards we went to Socrates Sculpture Park. Every few months they have a different exhibit. The theme for the current exhibit was road trips. The park sits on the East River. It was a nice clear day and we were curious what the little island across the park from us. We found a bridge that went there and looked around. It turned out to be
Roosevelt Island. It is part of Manhattan. Looks like any neighborhood but its on an island. They have a school, nice parks and are developing it. We then drove to this other bridge we saw on the way and ended up in Brooklyn and then drove home. Dave came over afterwards and hung out for a bit. Niel and I also went to the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park. We hadn't been there in ten years. We walked around a bit admiring everything. We were reminiscing about all the fun places we've been to together since the last time we visited the Arboretum, which was ten year's ago. The category does not mention the vacations or concerts. We've been to the Cloisters, FDR's home Springwood, Storm King, Socrates Sculpture Park, Viking Festival, Flugtag, a corn maze in Long Island, pumpkin picking, fruit picking, Butterfly exhibit at the Museum of Natural History, the Bronx Zoo, Sagamore Hill, Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, various aquariums, and Old Westbury Gardens. The weather was very lovely so we had a nice weekend outdoors. I can see us going to more neat places together. And I couldn't imagine sharing adventures with anyone else.

Thank you again to Shanny for providing the picture and to Niel for making the new header. Good luck with your pappy Shannon. We also saw Tranamerica(AWESOME) and Syriana(makes me want to sit in a corner and cry). I also recommend Pysch on USA network. Very enteraining show about a guy pretending to be pyscic. A TV show that is a complete waste but I couldn't help staring at like a car wreck is Pants Off Dance Off. My neighbors who aren't even Italian born were going bonkers because Italy won the world cup. They were honking there car horns and being wacky. Glad its over. Pictures here.

Song Stuck In My Head: "Come On Feel The Noise" by Quiet Riot

Puma makes these cute sneakers but I wasn't about to pay $75.00 for them. I think Nike makes a similar pair but I can't find them on their site.



Then the other day Niel and I made our usual Target run when I found similar sneakers and I snapped them up on sale for $11.00. They were originally $17.00. Mine are brown but with light blue stripes. They also come in brown with tan stripes, brown with pink stripes and black with silver stripes.

I don't believe if something is name brand that it is necessarily good and I am cheap. But I prefer the term selective shopper:) Have a good weekend everybody.




Song Stuck In My Head: "You Got Another Thing Coming" by Judas Priest

Craving: Australian grub

I am a late bloomer when it comes to enjoying tropical fruits. Only recently have I enjoyed Avacados and this week was the first time I tried a Guava. It is really tasty. Sort of looks like a lime on the outside and the inside reminds me of Passion fruit taste wise but denser. The color is similar to a watermelon. Maybe I will eventually enjoy Mangoes and Papayas.

We recently tried Knorr/Lipton's Thai Sesame Noodles and I must say for a meal that takes 7 minutes to make it was very good. I could really taste the lemongrass. Just throw in a protein of your choice and you could make a main course out of it and as well as a side dish. Thumbs up!

Although Niel and I have to work today we had a pretty nice weekend. But I get days off that most don't so it evens out.


Saturday we went to see Superman Returns. I highly recommend it. The film is a new version of 3. Superman has been gone for five years. When he returns Lex Luther(wonderfully played by Kevin Spacey) is still hell bent on revenge and destroying the world. The filmmakers did a nice job of explaining why it took five years for him to return, at least Niel did. The actor who played Clark Kent/Superman did well for first timer. Brandon Routh could almost be the twin of Christopher Reeve in appearance and performance. Kate Bosworth can't act for spit. But we couldn't think of any other actress who could do a good job either in that age range. Parker Posey was an annoyance. And Kal Penn was a waste in the film. But I guess he wanted to work with Spacey. Also I thought many of the scenes were just stunning. And it didn't just have to do with how pretty Brandon Routh is. But I hope there aren't any more Superman movies made. I worry they will be terribly disappointing because of Superman's new discovery. A few recommendations I do have for movie goers. Do NOT bring little children into these type of films. There are some very graphic fighting scenes and in a dark and loud theater they get scared and start yelling "I WANT TO GO HOME" repeatedly. Also if you are the type of person who needs to loudly do a play by play of every scene; for the love of God wait for the film to be released on cable and stay home. What happened to people's senses? Really what happened?! Afterwards we had a great lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen. We ordered the Neapolitan Sicilian. The crust is fantastic. Reminded us of the pizza we enjoyed in Toronto's Little Italy. Nice and thin and not too saucy but very flavorful. We also had a Pizza Carne Asada. That was packed full of delicious as well. So glad a nice mall opened up close to us. In the evening my parents came over, we ordered a yummy Spanish dinner and talked about the World Cup. My father is very into soccer. Wow can't believe England is out. For dessert we ate watermelon. Can't get enough of it. I like it when the watermelon is still pink inside and not red. It gets too sweet for me when it's too red. It was a very nice day.

Sunday Niel went to help Kelvin & Shawnda who were in town dropping off some of Kelvin's items. I did laundry. Let me recommend to look through all pockets when doing laundry. I failed to do so and one of my pants stinks of fish oil vitamins which exploded in the dryer. Those definitely need rewashing. Uch. In the late afternoon we ran some errands and returned home. Niel watched the Mets/Yankees game in the bedroom and I watched stuff on tape in the living room. Tomorrow Niel and I are off and have a BBQ at Niel's mother and brother's house.

I really enjoy finding items on sale. I recently got a few name brand body washes for $1, a few boxes of cranberries for $1.00 and a pound of strawberries for a $1. These items are usually much more.
We also recently viewed Kingdom of Heaven on cable. It was fairly entertaining but sad that those problems still exist. We also saw the Pacifier on cable. It was cute. Niel is right the Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson and Vin Diesel are very similar actors.

Happy Canada Day to Canada!