Other than Ramen

Almost any person could recognize Maruchan Ramen’s microwaveable Styrofoam cup or the neon orange packaging, but collegestudents have a particular nostalgia toward this food item after scarcely avoiding hunger thanks to its inexpensive price tag.

This semester, in addition to posting on Gourmet Gab, I will also be food blogging for Arizona State University’s State Press Magazine online. My blog is called “Other than Ramen” and is dedicated to dorm room friendly cooking “recipes,” advice on strategic restaurant selection, anecdotes of the college food scene, etc.

I am thrilled about this opportunity and look forward to connecting with college students across the country through food. Although there will be a few restaurant reviews specific to ASU, a majority of the posts will be applicable to anyone at any campus!

I have added a new page to the top dedicated to “Other than Ramen” and a new widget of the State Press Magazine logo to the right for you to easily click on and check out my latest stories! Feel free to share the blog link with any college students you know. Hopefully it will inspire them to eat something other than ramen!

Love food. Love self. Love life.

Hawaiian Paradise

Aloha! Last week I spent five days on the island of Oahu, Hawaii with a group of students from Arizona State. We had a fantastic time in this sunny paradise. My favorite part, as you might be able to guess, was the Hawaiian cuisine.

I still am having dreams about this Vanilla Macadamia Nut Ice Cream from Hu-La-La’s Ice Cream in Waikiki’s International Marketplace. Made in Maui with macadamia nuts from the Big Island, it epitomizes the taste of Paradise.

Whenever I travel I strive to maintain an open mind to the local cuisine. Almost every restaurant on the island featured Loco Moco on the menu, so I tried the dish at Da Big Kahuna in Waikiki. The combo of white rice drenched in brown gravy layered with a hamburger patty and fried eggs was surprisingly delicious! In fact, I’m currently on the search for a recipe to replicate it myself.

At a Paradise Cove Luau, we got to taste the “meat” inside a real Coconut. Coconut is the only food I typically do not like, but eating it fresh from a tree was completely different. It’s unique texture and mild taste was way more appetizing than the store-bought shredded kind!

Last thing that you must do…order a fresh fruit smoothie. I tried a Pineapple, Papaya & Strawberry one from Ruffage Natural Foods in Waikiki and a Tropical Smoothie (pictured below) from a shop in the International Marketplace. Both were made with only fresh fruit, water, ice and either honey or apple juice. It’s the perfect refreshing and healthy snack for walking along the beach.

Mahalo!

Love food. Love self. Love life.

Review of The Parlor

Ladies and Gentlemen, prepare for this announcement: Last night, I fell in love with a restaurant and it is called The Parlor. Located on 20th Street and Camelback Road, this beauty parlor turned urban, retro pizza parlor redefined what a casual dining experience should encompass.

The sophisticated vibe and stellar music selection ranging from Salsa to alternative immediately set the ambience. The rather large crowd present on a Wednesday evening surprised me, but I now see it as a testament to their delicious food. As my girlfriends and I visited on the outdoor patio, warmed by the heat lamps, our waitress efficiently ensured our dining was flawless.

Now about the menu….pure genius. Ten different pizzas with combinations that make my mouth sing. I tried the Pesto (house made mozzarella, tomatoes, and pine nuts), the Smokey (smoked prosciutto, olive tapenade, ricotta, and fresh arugula), and the Funghi (wild mushrooms, goat cheese–I asked for Ricotta instead, truffle oil, and chives), pictured below. They all blew my taste buds away.

Also included on the menu are unique Antipasti starters, fresh salads, noteworthy sandwiches and pastas dishes. For those of age, there appeared to be an impressive selection of adult beverages and wines.

We ordered the Tiramisu for desert, which was heavenly, especially considering that I am not usually a fan. The espresso soaked lady fingers layered with a mascarpone filling paired perfectly with my Americano, which was made with coffee beans from the nearby Lux Coffee Bar.

Needless to say, I thoroughly recommend you dine at The Parlor. If your experience replicates mine you might end up forgetting all else and staying at your table for three hours like my friends and I did!

Love food. Love self. Love life.

Apple Cinnamon Toast

One of the most popular New Years Resolutions is to lose weight by eating healthier and exercising more. Even if this is not your pledge for 2011, it doesn’t hurt to incorporate tactics into your everyday life that will keep you feeling fabulous about your figure. One of my favorite nutritious snacks is this Apple Cinnamon Toast.

While a piece (or two) of multi-grain bread is toasting, cut 1/4″ slices from a clean apple. Once toast is done, spread peanut butter on top and lay apples slices, slightly overlapping.

Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with a touch of cinnamon.

Ta-dah! How simple was that? Caution: You will want to make another and another. But hey! It’s good for you, so enjoy :)

Love food. Love self. Love life.