So... this probably wins Halloween 2014, right?
“If you enjoy free appetizers at restaurants, show up really early for when you’re meeting someone. You’ll look so pathetic waiting for a really long time that they’re 80% likely to comp you something. This has happened to me twice. It’s a thing.”
Moonstruck Chocolate in Portland, OR
You know how sometimes I give you really specific food advice about certain goodies from extremely specific towns in North America? Well, it's only going to continue to happen. Why? BECAUSE I CAN!
As you already know, my babefriend Jenn recently finished her first book tour. And while she was away, she brought me back some chocolates from a place called Moonstruck Chocolate Co. located in Portland, Oregon. The best (/most memorable) piece of chocolate I've had in a very long time was their Popping Praline that was amongst the Monster Mash Collection.
It was tasty as hell and actually popped in my mouth - yeah, popping chocolate. I don't get it either. Not sure how anyone can make popping chocolate but I'm going to assume it has something to do with science.
If you find yourself in Portland, OR - go check this place out. I'm sure there are other chocolate anomalies existing inside.
Pulp: A Film About Life, Death & Supermarkets Trailer
If you ever gave a shit about Pulp (and let's hope you did) - this looks like it could be kind of good. It's 90 minutes and plays Wednesday November 19th at 7:30pm at the Music Box Theatre. It's also playing in most major markets across the country.
Mom Says
“After receiving a container of food, the container should never be returned empty. This brings bad luck.”
The BBLT at Murray's Cheese Shop
Before I begin, let me start by saying that you can't get this sandwich at Murray's Cheese Bar. No, no - this one is only available in their cheese shop next door. And no, that's not a typo - a BBLT is a Burrata Bacon Lettuce Tomato sandwich, you rube! And here it is.
Whenever I find myself in the West Village, it's always a hard decision for me to choose this baby or that baby to feast upon. Also, you have to keep in mind that to encounter any kind of burrata dish under $10 is a FEAT in this city.
Definitely try this if you've ever ordered a BLT anywhere in the history of the planet. The extra B really puts it over the top and makes it crazy delicious.
“If a poet has a dream, it is not of becoming famous, but of being believed.”
Brick Clips
Available at Lee Valley Tools
Available at Lee Valley Tools
“These handy clips let you quickly attach anything to brick without in any way damaging either the bricks or the mortar bond. Great for tying up vines, holding a trellis in place, or hanging wreaths on a brick wall. Clips securely snap in place by hand and each can hold up to 25 lb — no tools are needed for installation.”
I'm convinced that there are answers to every single one of life's problems, it's just a matter of finding those answers. This clip? Such a genius idea. Already bought two packs. They're $9/per 4-pack, which isn't crazy at all considering it's such a specialty item.
Autumn Punch Bowl
Of course this pumpkin-punch-bowl idea comes from Martha Stewart. OF COURSE IT DOES. She's better than us all - when it comes to parties and when it comes to living.
Love this idea.
Trader Joe's Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
Sometimes it's okay to indulge in unhealthy, but delicious acts once in awhile. But for the most part, we can all be making better choices when it comes to food.
This Trader Joe's dip blew my face off, it was way more flavourful than I was expecting it to be. It tastes like it should be a terrible-for-you dip but somehow it isn't. And it's definitely better than any grocery store dip I've ever bought before. You have to try it. There's a copycat recipe for it here, but really... just go buy the stuff. (I mean, what the hell is dillweed? Is that dill? Is dillweed different? If it's the same, just call it dill!)
And for my Canadian readers, I know that Trader Joe's isn't in Canada, but if you find yourself in Buffalo at some point, I really think you should check out the Trader Joe's there. I'm not telling you to solely cross a border for this dip (though it IS cross-a-country-kind-of-good), but Trader Joe's has some great stuff in general. I'm sure you'll find a few things you wouldn't at Loblaws.
Later, dillweed.