Yes, Please

Why didn't I think of this?  I love Snickers. and chocolate and caramel and apples....

Ethiopian Airlines

I got an email from Ethiopian Airlines today. I know what you are thinking, because I thought it too... Ethiopia has an airline? When you were a kid and you didn't want to finish your dinner, didn't your mom say, " There are starving children in Ethiopia that would be grateful for this food."? Didn't those comments paint a picture of what Ethiopia must be like? A poverty-stricken, third world country? I had those same thoughts (judgements) when some friends wanted to go out to an Ethiopian restaurant in NYC. We joked that we didn't know Ethiopia even had food to call their own. So thoughtless! BTW, the food was delicious (going in)! It was basically a large platter with several different hummus-like pastes you ate with pita. All vegan.  Pat and I both had the hershey squirts for a few days after.

Anyway, I learned from my email that Ethiopian Olympian, Derartu Tulu, became the first woman from Ethiopia to win the New York City Marathon when she crossed the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 28 minutes and 52 seconds. Wow and wow.

My Thoughts Lately

A couple of nights ago, Patrick and I watched Food, Inc. About 15 minutes in, I was in tears. I was so angry I was crying! Let's just say that ignorance is NOT always bliss. Knowledge is power and I want to know more! I am disgusted and infuriated with the corporations who are disrespecting animals, farmers & workers, the environment and ME. I've come to the conclusion that in order to protect my family, I am going to have to become a farmer. I don't want my children eating all the disgusting things that are so common in the grocery store. What a dream it would be if everything that I put on my table was the result of my own labor, literally! While that isn't exactly feesible at the moment, I plan to plant a small backyard garden, shop farmer's markets, and buy organic on all I can.

So, my question... Do any of you know anyone who raises cows, pigs, chickens naturally and respectfully, that sells the meats, milk and eggs. I want to support local farmers or gardeners and am willing to pay the little extra it takes.

Hungry for Change has a blog and a suggested reading list. I have been wanting to read Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food for some time now and just ordered it from Amazon. Have you read it? Mr. Pollan is interviewed throughout the movie giving insight into how we can change our eating habits and health.

Please watch this movie! "You will never look at dinner the same again!" Oh, so true!!

If I Was in NYC Today...

I can't stop wishing I could eat at Rairaiken lately. The BEST ramen shop. Ever. Period. I really miss yummy food. It really was an authentic Japanese food resturaunt. Pat and I spent many a cold nights patienly waiting for a seat in the 14 seat shop to be able to slurp to our delight the delicious ramen. I always got the same thing (which is kinda unlike me) and never regretted it once! The menu isn't that big--how can it be...? Did you see the size of the place? And trust me, the pictures totally don't do it justice. Other than ramen, they offer curry that Pat loved and really good gyoza (potstickers). My brother introduced us to the place when he was living in the East Village and it quickly became one of our favorites.

I'm hungry. And in case you are wondering... Rairaiken is on 10th between 1st and 2nd.

Pizza and Jazz

We went to Springdale this past weekend with our friends, the Campbells. My dad had an outdoor gig (he is awesome and plays bass in a jazz band!) so we decided to check it out. It was such a beautiful night and the scenery was incredible. Look at how darling little Paisley is! Love that girl!

And we ate at the always tasty Pizza & Noodle. So good!