More Thoughts...On Junk

Maybe it's just the feeling of a Tuesday that I cannot help but think about food - and forget that it's the start of the week.


Sometimes we need our dose of sugar. At other times we need junk. And when that time comes-make wise decisions:


Krispy Kreme over Dunkin' Donuts. America may run on Dunkin' but it really should feast on Krispy.


Red Mango over all other frozen yogurt chains. It's tart and just what probiotics should taste like. 


Pop Tarts over Gushers. We really don't know better when we're children.


Twix trumps all other wafer snacks. It's the best glorified wafer in the world and who doesn't like that?


Dark chocolate-covered citrus, yogurt covered savories. It just works.


Rice pudding over chocolate pudding. Though am not sure if it takes more skill to cook rice than melt chocolate.

Some Thoughts...

There are some things in life that should not go untasted.

Would also love to hear what your favorite dishes are if you are so inclined!

Buffalo bolognese.

      Bison tartare with a yolk mixed in.

Turkey jerky-the original flavor, not the strange teriyaki glaze.

      Corned beef hash. Hot with cheaply made pancakes and lots of maple syrup.

Buckwheat crepes with scrambled egg whites and chives.

      Peanut M&M's.

                  Almond butter with apricot jam.

Oreos with peanut butter. This was on "The Parent Trap" and it really is good.

       Rabbit. It's cute but the flavor converts the guilt trip into more of a stumbled-upon discovery.

Have a crumpet with pesto and ricotta.

                                  Cold pizza in the morning.

Blueberry Pie

The Common Cup, West Rogers Park, Chicago, IL, USA.

Rating: 5/5

My weaknesses are pie crusts and muffin tops-not the literal version, though I may head there if this voracious appetite continues. This crust here marries a crumble and a graham cracker crust texture with a filling worthy of the moistest and purest melted muffin interior. That color says it all. Not dry and not buttery with a terribly unabashed cupful of blueberries that add texture and flavor. This-surprisingly- does not bore the palate.

Assorted Tacos-Outdoors

Big Star, Wicker Park/Bucktown, Chicago, IL, USA.

Rating: 4.5/5

Come to the take-out kiosk instead of waiting for three hours at the restaurant next door. Same quality, less attitude. Almost made it a five-star-winner but these tacos are small. Granted they are only a few bucks each and hardly wallet busting, the fact that a woman of my size has to eat two to be completely satisfied is silly. Choose from a soft tortilla pocket of pork, portobello, chicken or deep-fried tilapia. Their brilliantly green guacamole (not pictured) is some of the best in town with freshly chopped red onion and cilantro. Be prepared to binge on a pint of that.

Upside-down Blueberry Cake

Henrietta's Table, The Charles Hotel, Harvard Sq., Boston.

Rating: 4/5

Look at that blueberry top-or bottom. Never have I seen such a magnificently generous, gelatinous pool of the fruit in a dense little cake. This is great flavor in a moist, compact vessel. Not too sweet, it celebrates the purity and cooked texture of berry belly. The only negative is its size. Sharing? Out of the question.