Homegrown Ass

Being from New Jersey I am pretty much used to common wise-cracks...about the beaches being polluted, about the people being fake and annoying, about the overall stench that hovers over the landscape (not completely true, by the way).

I have developed a pretty tough skin when it comes to the slams and even manage to politely nod and smile, taking comfort in the fact that people who say those things in earnest merely display they don't know squat about my home state.

So it was kinda surprising when I moved to Maryland and found myself on the other side of the table- being the one poking fun at places in Maryland and making myself look like the ignoramus.

On one specific instance I was sitting in a class my sophomore year of college. It was the beginning of the semester and I was doing what I always did the first day of class- finding an ally and maybe, a friend. There was a girl right behind me and we were just shooting the breeze when she mentioned she was a from a place called Dundalk.

Now, I hadn't been in the state that long, yet I had already heard "things" about Dundalk from recently acquired Marylander friends- about the landscape, people, and smell. They were stereotypes, sure, but I was used to people joking about the New Jersey ones, so I figured this girl was probably aware of her town's.

"Dundalk, huh? I've heard things about that place..." I said jovially.

"Like what.." she asked.

"Well, you know...that it's a bit rough..", I replied smiling...but she wasn't. And she continued to not do so for the rest of the semester.

Though I came off as a stuck-up snobby bitch and lost the opportunity for a friendship and alliance that would've probably lasted just the duration of the class, I did learn a few lessons- never knock someone's hometown, unless it was yours too, and never assume anything you don't know anything about.

Years later, and after working in Dundalk for a year, I can, however, attest to the smell...

Serial Craver

*AMENDMENT* I apologize for this late submission. I actually had this one almost completely done but I got distracted (see today's later post). I know I keep dropping the ball here, but just to show my thanks at your continued readership I'm writing an additional post today for a Double Feature for Hump Day. Does that make me sound too pretentious? Ahh whatever just enjoy my rant...

I'm what you might call a serial "craver". I go through phases when I am dying for very specific things from very specific places, and they often take turns. And since all I can think about is food right now (and one item in particular), I think that is what today's blog is gonna be about...the many craves of mine. (And if you have any near and dear to your heart -and stomach- please post them as comments).

They are as follows, and in no particular order (except the one I keep thinking about right now...)

1.) Shepherd's Pie from Ryan's Daughter- Now, I apologize to those of you non-Maryland locals who can not visit this establishment which is not only great for an Irish pint, but because they serve up the most delicious savory shepherd's pie I think I've ever tasted. A basic shepherd's pie (in the states at least) is usually ground beef with vegetables coated in a thick layer of mashed potatoes, as many of you know. But this thing is beyond just meat and potatoes. I think what makes this dish so craveable is the combination of the gravy and the bread crust that envelopes it, which has the perfect amount of crunch and softness. God, it is so good, you will be full but still stuffing your face. Awesome. And how I want one right NOW.

2.) The lunch buffet at India Palace- This is a craving I have usually for weeks, but only get to indulge in when the timing is right. I never thought I'd like Indian food, but if this is a good representation, then I'm a huge fan. I'm cursing all the years I spent up here in Timonium and did NOT take more advantage of this place- especially since I live in Towson now. It's also a great deal if you can make it to the lunch buffet, which is only $8 for all you can eat. I always start with a small cup of the Mulligatawny soup with a samosa, followed by a plate of naan, basmati rice, vegetable korma, and saag chicken. I wait a few minutes and then get my last plate of chicken tikka masala, along with more rice and naan (and usually a small dollop of more saag). They sometimes switch some things out, but those are pretty much the staples..which you will to do to your pants after you are done. But because alot of it is vegetarian, you can almost justify the couple of trips up to the buffet.

3.) Two soft and one hard taco from Chipotle- I became a fan of Chipotle only recently. Anytime I told someone I'd never been there would look at me aghast, saying that it was soooo good. Well, one day I got a hankering, and since Joe's not a huge Mexican food fan, I figured I'd give it a try while he was at band practice. Sick of burritos, I opted instead for their tacos, filling them with the barbacoa and carnitas, rice, beans, and topped with some of their spicy red salsa (I used to go for the basic tomato one, but I realized that the spicy was what was missing). Despite my mouth being in fire hours later, there's something about that mix of savory meat and heat made for an easily craveable combo. I find myself wanting it at least once a week, but I try to wait until my tongue forgets the burn and remembers the taste...burn baby burn.

4.) Pulled Pork BBQ sandwich, Potato Wedges, and Greens (with an Arnold Palmer) from Andy Nelson's- Many many many thanks have to go to Ashley who introduced me to this place a couple of years ago, and it's been love ever since. I get a mad-crazy/beautiful "jonesin' for this exact meal about every two weeks. Again, it's the kind of food that you literally can't stop eating, it's so good. I never thought I was much of a BBQ person, but then again I don't think I've ever had pork that succulent (that's such a great word but so rarely is it warranted or fitting). Also, I always get the Reg Xpress, which includes the drink and two sides, so really it's a deal. I always get an Arnold Palmer (and for those of you not in the "know", that's lemonade-iced tea...now you know, and knowing is half the battle...), so that's not a difficult decision. The thing that SUCKS is that you only get two sides with the Reg X, and while I always go for the meaty thick wedges and tangy spicy greens I look at the sweet cornbread with longing and a slight tear in my eye. Ok, maybe a little over dramatic, but DAMN is it good.

U hungry yet? I know I am, why don't you go get something to eat...I'm just gonna sit here and fantasize that these carrot sticks are shepherd's pie, but something tells me it's just not gonna be the same.

Crushin' on Crustacean

The towel on my head is pulling my hair (and skull) out, so I think this might be a brief one tonite kids.

And truthishly (spoken like Gillian from "Family Guy"- this one line has been cracking me up for weeks now) I kinda have no idea what I'm gonna write about, so I'm just gonna let the thoughts flow where they will, so bear with me.

You ever eat lobster? My experiences with this horribly ugly yet wonderfully decadent crustacean are pretty limited. I remember once when I was pretty young my parents had my aunt and uncle over for dinner and they were eating some. Even back then I had always heard lobster being referred to like food of the gods--and had a price tag to match. I had walked into the kitchen and my mom asked me if I wanted to try some. Curious as to what I could be missing out on I accepted the small buttery morsel off her fork. I closed my eyes, waiting for the bright lights and mystical forces to apprehend me because I was eating something so special.

Much to my dismay, I was disappointed. There didn't seem to be anything special about it. It tasted just like cold slippery butter. I didn't hate it, but being such a connoseaur of the finer things (or as much as I could be as a preteen), I was less than impressed.

The next time I tried it was while on a family expedition to Maine in the summer. We as kids were looking forward to the new scenery, new beach, and new clothes (at the massive outlets). Our parents, on the other hand, couldn't wait to get their hands on that lobster. So again, after the adults had had their fill we were allowed to sample the leftovers. And again, I didn't get the big hooplah.

After a while I kinda gave up on lobster. I either checked it off as something I simply didn't like or just didn't have a palate for. In the meantime, I decided to try shrimp (another food that my whole family seems to go crazy for). I went from disliking shrimp--mainly due to its texture--to slowly actually craving it. It's like when you try something for the first time and you don't realize you even like it till weeks later and you can't stop thinking about it.

Once I felt my love of shrimp was well solidified, and I figured my tastes had finally evolved, I decided the next opportunity I had to try lobster, I would do so. Problem is, like I said, that opportunities are rare and expensive. So I moved onto crabs for a while.

It always interests me that even two areas like New Jersey and Maryland (which hardly seem significantly different) could have different food traditions....

well, it's my birthday...i'm out...to be continued....