I'm in a food funk....

[mike_c]

Dinner tonight was a toasted roll, pear slices with almond butter, and a bottle of Sheaf Stout. I have a bag of freshly sliced rib eye steaks-- seven of them, one and a quarter inch thick-- in the 'fridge waiting to be frozen, and I ate a pear with almond butter for dinner tonight. Last night I grazed out of the refrigerator too, but at least managed to assemble a ham sandwich. Sigh. Nothing sounds appealing, really.

[Stinky The Clown]

1. I get that way from to time, too ...

.... in fact, I've been really busy with work the last few months and that has me in a food funk in the sense that eating is closer to 'taking on fuel' than 'enjoying a meal'.

This past weekend, we grilled some steak (rib eye, actually :) ) for me and a nice swordfish steak for Sparkly. Some grilled corn onna cob, portobellos and sweet red peppers, and a realy, really, **really** nice bottle of Amarone. That seems to have started to lifet the funk. I suspect it was the fact we grilled. It was a long and grill-less winter.

You may just need a change of pace. While the ingredients may not be in your fridge now .... is there anythign you think about? Asian food? A nice old fashioned hand crafted lasagna? You know ... like soemthing you've not had in a while.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

2. I know, I know

I just had a long conversation with a buddy who's a fisherman down in the Keys - he eats good - and we both said what you said. Everything seems just a bit worn out, or maybe it's the world beating down around our heads. It's not that we're not hungry - it's just that nothing's very interesting.

The lunch meat thread was kind of exciting, but, ultimately, I doubt if anyone ran out and got bologna and white bread and Miracle Whip.

Our home is filled with great food - I just had a Fuji apple with some English cheddar with carmelized onions, and it wasn't a big deal as it normally is - and all sorts of things at our fingertips, but nothing appealing.

Maybe it's just this changing-of-the-seasons funk, and we're in a collective buzzharsh of some kind.

Or else it's the vague feeling I keep having that that little prick in the White House is about to nuke the world. That's a real appetite killer.

Maybe tomorrow will be better. I fixed a jar of Chinese sauce, and there are prepared bean threads in the fridge. Nice fresh vegetables, too, and cold soy chicken, so maybe that will help.

I hope it does for you, too, mike.

[politicat]

3. Allergies?

This time of year, we make dinner by dice roll... literally. I make up a menu of 20 items, and we roll a d20 for what we're having. We eliminate one item per night. The vegetable box we get every week (sort of like a CSA, but we get it year round) is providing variety that we don't have any reason to go looking for.

The cottonwoods are in bloom and the non-native grasses are putting out pollen, and the false dandelions are working over-time. And Costco is either out or is no longer stocking the one allergy medication that actually does something for us.... (because apparently, if you have hay fever, you're also a meth cooker...)

I can't really smell anything this time of year, so therefore, no sense of taste, either. The only things that have tasted good in the past couple weeks are things that are strongly sweet, bitter, sour or salty.

[mike_c]

8. you know, everything is yellow here-- I even went to the beach...

...today and the foam line was dingy yellow-- there's so much pollen that I can clear it off my windshield with the wipers. Hmmmm....

[japple]

4. I've felt the same thing, too, but have managed to come up with

meals to feed the family. The brightest spots have been fresh asparagus and lettuce from our garden. Alas, the days of asparagus and garden lettuce are about gone, but Friday, we gathered 3 gallons of strawberries. I think everyone will perk up once gardens and farmers' markets start bringing us those things we love, like juicy ripe tomatoes, peaches, summer squash and zucchini, cucumbers, and on and on. Maybe we're just sick of cooking "winter" food.

[wryter2000]

21. I know I'll be feeling better when the farmer's market picks up

I think I'd swoon if I saw a really great summer squash right about now.

I was in an all-around funk with our winter that went all the way through April. The nice weather has finally snapped me out of it, but I want some good veggies!

[Stinky The Clown]

5. Geeeez .... mike starts this funk thing and already we have a lot

of us in agreement.

Is this an identifiable seasonal phenomenon?

Or is it more as OLL suggests ..... the weight of the current world coming down on us?

Or somethng else .... but this thread filled up fast. I get a sense this isn't an isolated thing. A coupled with the somewhat slower nature of this forum ... there really may be something afoot.

[mike_c]

9. well, I don't PERSONALLY feel like it's the weight of the world....

Semester just ended, the summer is just beginning, life is pretty good in most respects. Food just doesn't seem very appealing right now-- I don't get it. I usually LOVE to cook and eat, even if sometimes only simply. Right now-- lately-- I don't seem to be into it. I dunno. I'm not depressed or anything, and I've got a house full of choice ingredients-- I just don't seem to want to focus on prep OR eating. I could go out, but like I said, nothing seems all that interesting. :shrug:

[liberalhistorian]

23. Well, I hope you're back in your game by the time you come

here in July, because I plan on doing some major cooking and baking for us! :hi: :)

[The empressof all]

6. It's Spring and we all need

Chocolate!

[Warpy]

7. It must be something in the air or water

because I've been a little off my feed lately, too.

I don't think I ate much of anything yesterday but a salad in the evening.

Today I forced myself to go get Chinese takeout. It was OK, but the enthusiasm just wasn't there.

Dunno how long it'll last.

[KyndCulture]

10. You're definitely not alone Mike.

I had to force myself to put something in my mouth last night. My stomach was grumbling, I have a fridge full of produce and cheeses and things I normally love and I ate 2 pieces of celery with peanut butter and an onion bagel and didn't enjoy it in the least. Pretty much was like that all weekend too.

[wildeyed]

11. Hmmm, I have been off my feed lately, too.

Thought it was just stress and business. I normally have a really good appetite. Oh well, not like I couldn't afford to lose a few pounds anyway. Probably shouldn't be grumbling.

[alfredo]

12. Try some variety. Go to some exotic restaurant featuring

food you haven't tried before. Look for an Ethiopian, south Indian, Lybian, or Mongolian restaurant. Look at it as a learning experience. See if it gives you ideas on ingredients and spicing.

Be adventurous.

[Rhiannon12866]

13. How about Mexican? Last night I made enchiladas.

I'm seeing a guy who isn't big on vegs, or salads, which I mostly eat, and is extremely picky, so this has been a challenge for me. His favorite seems to be meat loaf. *sigh*:eyes:

But last night I made enchiladas. I've never made them, myself, before, so admit to using a kit from a box.:blush: However, I gussied them up quite a bit, using extra of everything, plus lots it didn't call for, topped them with extra sauce and cheese, sour cream, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, scallions and sliced black olives. I served them with refried beans topped with more cheese and some Spanish rice, though I also used a mix for that.:shrug:

I'm happy to say that they were a big hit and I'm going to try them again, though using the appropriate corn tortillas (the kit contained flour :-( ), and ground chicken, since I spotted this yesterday at the grocery store.:-)

I've been searching on-line for a recipe using this. There are lots of recipes using poached and shredded chicken breasts, and I can probably just adjust any recipe, but I wish that I could find a recipe that started with this, so I can get the seasonings just right. It makes sense to me to take short cuts, when they're available, and I'm always in a hurry.:D

This is something different, and kind of fun. Last week I made tacos, which were a hit, as well, so decided to try the enchiladas, which I like a lot. Tacos are extremely simple, except for the chopping, LOL, you can make one or a dozen, crispy or soft, and you can fill them with anything that strikes your fancy...:hi:

[OldLeftieLawyer]

14. I tried

I dropped into my all-time favorite place for lunch.

Had halibut that was so fresh, I had conversations with some of its relatives.

An Asian slaw that was just right.

The best fries around.

A Key Lime custard tart for dessert.

Wonderful service in a funky Old Town Alexandria place filled with great characters, all old familiars, on a day so beautiful, it made your eyes hurt to look at the blue of the sky.

And?

Eh.

It was lunch.

The funk continues.

[mike_c]

16. I dunno-- I might be able to whip up some enthusiasm...

...for THAT lunch! :9

I ate a grilled chicken caesar salad done rather badly in the campus "cafe." OK, mediocre, not bad.

[grasswire]

17. what's the name of the place?

When you started the post, I was thinking Old Ebbit Grill. Or maybe Clyde's. Then you said Alexandria. Not the Fish Market, their service or food isn't THAT good (even though I love the place).

[OldLeftieLawyer]

19. Stardust

Old Ebbitt Grille? Ugh. Who wants to dine on and among dinosaurs?

The Fish Market? Tourist trap with vile food and service.

Naw, the nice places are moving north.

Check out Stardust. It's wonderful.

http://www.stardustrestaurant.com/

[Stinky The Clown]

20. Wow, that's very close

to where my partner lives and has her office. She's a few doors north of N. Henry and Wythe, in those new loft-like condos that front on N. Henry.

Stardust ..... is it by any chance in a former dance studio? A narrow front building on the south side of Montgomery? We made an offer on a commercial building there a few years back ..... and I'm thinking this may be that same place or right by it.

How long has it been there?

[The empressof all]

15. I'm going to a Veggie Indian Buffet for lunch on Wed

It's a resturant I haven't tried before but got great reviews. I'm hungry already!

[BeTheChange]

24. Namasthe?

It is fantastic. Im jealous. We need to do a day in the city. The South Sound is pretty uninspiring food wise.. other then The Beach House in Purdy (Gig Harbor).. which is amazing

If you havent tried it there is a great Thai vegan buffet place called Araya's that is also fantastic and unbelievably cheap. Get the Thai ice tea they make with coconut milk and you will never have one made with heavy cream again.

[The empressof all]

25. Good Guess...

It was Namaste...It was very good. I am partial to Preets in Redmond though which offers a more "home-cooked" style of cuisine. They get mixed reviews because their spicing is a little different than traditional Indian restaurants and the food seems to be prepared with less fat. Every time I've been to Preets it has been packed with Indian families.

Two other great Indian places on the Eastside are Royal India in Kirkland and Tandoori Fire in Bothell. The Mango Chicken at Tandoori Fire is absolutely the best Indian dish I have tried anywhere. (I have eaten Indian food in NY, Vancouver, London, LA and Seattle of course.) The rest of the food there is above average but that Mango Chicken just does it for me....Absolutely perfection...and who would have thought I could find it in Bothell!

[BeTheChange]

26. I dont really like Preets...

we have been there 3 times now and found it pretty lacking. I do like sitting out on their patio on a nice spring night.. we were actually just there last week. Maybe it was just bad luck. Is Royal India the one downtown, or over by Juanita Beach? The one downtown is pretty good. I like their buffett, it is always very veggie friendly.. the one over by Spuds in Juanita is horrible. We shake our fist at it when we drive by it is so bad. Ill have to try the Mango Chicken at TF, I am kinda a vindaloo snob after doing a stint in Dallas, which has some of the best Indian food hands down, in the country...and theirs was definately not to my liking, so we never went back.

Oddly enough, we found an amazing indian food restaurant in University Place called India Mahal. If you ever find yourself down this way give it a try. Their Chicken Vindaloo is outta this world.. Im also a big fan of their Jal Al Fraze and Aloo Gobi. The proprieter is also a very amazing progressive man and we always enjoy chatting with him.

On a side note...My new addictively favorite restaurant is in Fremont-- Paseo's.. OMG, that Midnight Cuban sandwich, or any of their dinner plates.. Im having horrible cravings as I type. It replaced The Honeyhole which has the best fries in Seattle.. Im convinced.

[The empressof all]

28. My SO hates the Vindeloo at Tandori Fire too

We never get it there. We always get the Saag Paneer, the Curried Mussels, and the MANGO CHICKEN.

Funny, that you hate the Royal India near Spuds. It's SO's favorite Indian. I think it's just ok. They do a good Saag and their Raita is really good. They have two chef's....I bet you went on the off night.

Have you been to Havelli in Redmond. We were there last week and we'd go back.


Now if you like Italian....You gotta go to Nana Carmella's in Monroe. WOW!!!!

[BeTheChange]

29. Mmmm..

curried mussells sound good...

So that is the Royal India.. We went on more then one occasion because we lived a block away... trust me, we gave them oppurtunity after oppurtunity. Normally the food just wasnt very good and the service sucked, but the price wasnt that high and it was so close...so.. whatever. Last time we went they freaking breaded and fried a cigarette butt into their pakoras! Thank God we caught it before it was in our mouth. They didnt even comp the bill even though you could obviously identify a fried marlboro butt. They offered us a free dessert.. woo freaking hoo.

I havent been to Havelli.. nor Nana Carmellas.. I normally make Italian at home because its my specialty and usually eating it out just pisses me off and feels like a waste of money. But if we are up that way I may check it out. Ive been on the search for great fried calamari that isnt rubbery.. any suggestions?

[The empressof all]

30. Gosh...I'm sorry you had such bad experiences there.

We are former neighbors. I lived off of Juanita Drive for many years. Things have sure changed there. I'll tell my SO of your experiences at Royal India as he always insists on going there while I like to try new places. Have you tried Raga in downtown Kirkland. They were excellent years ago when they were in Bellevue but we haven't found it as good since they moved to Kirkland.

I do think you will not be disappointed with Nana Carmella's. The owner is from Staten Island and it is NY Italian. It's not cheap but for the amount of food you get it's a bargain. They have great calamari there-but I don't remember if it's always on the menu. Nana Carmella's is one of our very favorites for special occasions. Go early it's always packed.

[BeTheChange]

31. :)

I wasnt sure of their names.. but I really like the lunch buffet at Raga. Ive ordered a couple of their entrees and they were good, but nothing to rave over. But the buffett was solidly great every time.

We really liked Lai-Thai in downtown Kirkland too. They make their tofu perfectly.. also, if you are ever in the mood for Teriyaki, Chun's in Chelsea Square is AWESOME. They give you huge portions, enough for two meals easily.. get the spicy (which is really just the regular with sweet chili sauce, but it tastes loads better.. Im not a fan of super sweetness)...and I like their salad dressing and the hot and sour soup alot. It's more like a chicken noodle soup with a little spice and less sourness. It always hit the spot when I was sick. I also add fried rice instead of the white and it is 6.75. Ive never met anyone who could eat the whole thing.

Im going to definately check out Nana Carmellas... as Im NY Italian myself :)

Thanks for the tip.

[BeTheChange]

27. dupe

[grasswire]

18. maybe something lemony would help

I made a big bowl of tabbouli for the fridge yesterday, and some hummus to which I added a grating of lemon zest (untraditional, but it was delicious!). And some roasted zucchini and grape tomatoes with EVOO and crumbled feta.

I love to make foods just to keep in the fridge for several days' eating.

This summer I intend to have "pantry" time twice a week and prepare dishes to keep on hand. Salads, cold roasted meats, side dishes. Open the fridge on any summer day and find a great meal.

[babylonsister]

22. Saw this in GD and thought of this thread, RE: pollen

Maybe these air purifiers aren't helping!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12707280 /

Here's how to create your own personal Stage 2 Smog Alert: Buy an indoor air purifier.

Using a popular process called ionization, the air cleaners can actually generate ozone levels in a room that exceed the worst smog days in Los Angeles, a new study finds.

The devices are popular in urban areas. They are touted as getting rid of dust, pollen and other airborne particles.