dave astels

I was reading a food related email thread in gmail and it suggested this link.  I was intrigued so I checked it out.  It just got me mad.  And so I blog.

How totally lame… look at the poor cute piggy… gimme a break.  That tactic doesn’t open my wallet for poor 3rd world kids… and it isn’t going to close my wallet at the butcher section.

I was a vegetarian for close to 14 years… almost 14 years of no meat.  A good chunk of that with no eggs or cheese.  You know all I have to say about that? (listen up because I don’t say this lightly) I WAS WRONG.

My culinary world is simply exploding these days… I’m discovering a lot that I’ve been missing in the wide world of food.  I think Anthony Bourdain sums it up nicely: 

“If it’s slower than me, dumber than me, and tastes reasonably good… pass the salt!”

In response to Peta, I offer you this link: The Bacon Show

Go forth and enjoy that smokey, salty, piggy goodness.

Now, don’t get me wrong.. I have nothing against folks that abstain from meat (or just pigs) for religious or cultural reasons.  Personally, I don’t understand the idea of putting meat in Indian food.  There are plenty of examples of simply excellent indigenous vegetarian cuisines.It’s the peta style vegetarians that I have issues with.

Hmm.. I’m hungry now… a sandwich would be good… I think I have some ham in the fridge.  Yum! 

Tonight I went to Carrabba’s for dinner tonight. I’ve been there a few times before, but now for a while. I had a simple meal, just the Eggplant Parmesan.

All meals are accompanied by fresh bread and olive oil. The bread was hot & fresh.. very nice. It came sliced which was fine, although I prefer it unsliced. The oil they use was nice, slightly spicy.

Salad comes with the meal, I got a Caesar. It was fine.. but I prefer a creamier dressing with less vinegar. It was good, but not great. If you’re a Caesar fan, and would prefer more salad, the Insalata Carrabba’s Caesar with either the grilled chicken or shrimp is a good bet.

The eggplant was fabulous… slightly charred, just enough. Also just a nice amount of cheese and breading. The accompanying Rigatoni Pomadoro was nice: flavourable and cooked nicely.

I’ve had their Lentil & Sausage Soup before, and will have it again. Nice zesty sausage. Their lasagna is on my repeat list as well.

Finally, they have a decent wine list, with some good picks.

If you’re in the detroit area and are jonesin’ for some Indian Food.. head to Rangoli Indian Cuisine (3055 E. Walton Blvd., Auburn Hills, 248-377-3800).

I’ve been there a few times before.. and dropped in for dinner tonight on my way to my hotel…. service is great and the food is awesome. Be sure to have a dosa while you’re there.