12 Mar 10
Gather ‘round, kids, and let me tell you a little story. As we walked into Zingerman’s last night, I saw a dark chocolate display by the host area. I realized my stash had run out, I was feeling choco-needy, and Zingerman’s usually sells the good stuff. Me: Oooh, I’m going to buy some of that on the way out. Boyfriend: Don’t worry, I’ll get you some. [Break for BBQ, fried chicken, and beef bourguignon] As we’re walking out again… Me: Okay, I’m going to get some chocolate. It’s kind of pricey — $4.99 — but I think it’ll be worth it. Boyfriend: Here, let me get that. [Hands cashier his credit card.] Cashier: Your total is $12.42. Me: … Boyfriend: …And THAT is the most expensive chocolate I’ve ever purchased. Me: …Wow, I really can’t read. I can’t believe I just let you pay over $12 for chocolate. Thanks, boo boo! Boyfriend: That better be the best chocolate you’ve ever eaten in your life. I just tasted it. You know what? IT ACTUALLY WAS. Zingerman’s El Rústico chocolate bar: “Single origin Mexican 70% dark chocolate with crunchy sugar crystals and delicate bites of real vanilla bean.” If you feel the need to try $12 chocolate for yourself, you can order it here.

Gather ‘round, kids, and let me tell you a little story.

As we walked into Zingerman’s last night, I saw a dark chocolate display by the host area. I realized my stash had run out, I was feeling choco-needy, and Zingerman’s usually sells the good stuff.

Me: Oooh, I’m going to buy some of that on the way out.

Boyfriend: Don’t worry, I’ll get you some.

[Break for BBQ, fried chicken, and beef bourguignon]

As we’re walking out again…

Me: Okay, I’m going to get some chocolate. It’s kind of pricey — $4.99 — but I think it’ll be worth it.

Boyfriend: Here, let me get that. [Hands cashier his credit card.]

Cashier: Your total is $12.42.

Me: …

Boyfriend: …And THAT is the most expensive chocolate I’ve ever purchased.

Me: …Wow, I really can’t read. I can’t believe I just let you pay over $12 for chocolate. Thanks, boo boo!

Boyfriend: That better be the best chocolate you’ve ever eaten in your life.

I just tasted it. You know what? IT ACTUALLY WAS.

Zingerman’s El Rústico chocolate bar: “Single origin Mexican 70% dark chocolate with crunchy sugar crystals and delicate bites of real vanilla bean.”


If you feel the need to try $12 chocolate for yourself, you can order it here.

View from My Birthday Dinner

After much debate, I relied on an old favorite for my birthday dinner: Zingerman’s Roadhouse (an Ann Arbor — nay, Michigan! — institution).

Let’s just say it wasn’t my first time. I love going to Zingerman’s because I can order anything on the menu with a clear conscience. Most of their produce, meat, and dairy come from local farms. If they can’t find something on a local farm, they’ll literally travel the world to hand-select only the best ingredients. Their meats are pastured and free-range.

People ask me if that stuff really makes a difference in taste, and my answer is always yes, yes it does.

My parents, boyfriends, and close family friends joined me in the feasting. We cleaned up! Let me show you around the foodie highlights.

I didn’t order any alcohol (my birthday is all about food, not drinks), but the server brought me some samples of wine to try because she said it would “look pretty.” Never one to turn down free stuff, I tried ‘em all! Usually I like reds best, but my favorite of these three was the white. I totally forget what they all were.

My boyfriend tried the Dr. Pepper made with real sugar. He gave it a thumbs up. Dad’s in the background!

For their entree, my parents got lots of small plates, one of which was the 5 Burger Sampler: “Five mini-burgers topped with different cheeses — a delicious way to try our many great American cheeses. Served with lettuce, hot-house tomato, onion, and pickles.”

All Zingerman’s beef is grass-fed, and most of it is from local farms.

My parents also split the Otto File Polenta Integrale (“served with roasted eggplant, Corman Farms roasted tomatoes, and Ig Vella Mezzo Secco cheese”).

Excuse the bad pic! My boyfriend got the Beef Bourguignon — “French pot roast braised with red wine and mire poix. Served with mashed potatoes.” I tried it, and it was delish.

I got a combo of BBQ Pork & Pit-Smoked Beef Brisket with different BBQ sauces (Eastern North Carolina vinegar, Memphis tomato, and South Carolina mustard) served with mashed potatoes and Southern-style braised greens.

One of my family friends got the Buttermilk-Fried Chicken, which is “Amish free-range chicken dipped in a buttermilk batter served with local mashed potatoes and yellow mustard cole slaw.” It’s supposedly the best fried chicken in Ann Arbor, and I believe it.

Of course, there was more food on the table (like amazing soda bread from their St. Patrick’s Day-themed specials!), but I’ll spare you the crappy pics. Speaking of which, my parents’ gift to me was money towards a new camera, so you might be seeing some upgrades in that department soon!

We ordered two desserts (I forgot to snap pics!) and Zing’s gave me this cupcake on the house because it was my bday. I got my favorite restaurant dessert ever, Zingerman’s famous doughnut sundae, and a slice of hummingbird cake (sort of like carrot cake, but with more stuff, like pineapple, coconut, and walnuts). The cupcake was pretty good, too! It had a delicious maple frosting.

Hope you enjoyed getting a peek into my bday eats, and thanks for all the birthday wishes!

11 Mar 10
View from My Birthday Lunch

I’m just going to keep rolling with the bday eats here (because they’re so yummy!).

A few friends took me out for lunch, and I got this gorgeous plate of sashimi (plus miso soup and salad with that delicious ginger dressing). You know you’re getting older when you go straight for the raw fish, rather than the rolls that mask the fish flavor.

Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect birthday lunch. I’m SO excited for dinner, though… you guys will just have to wait and see what I picked!

03 Mar 10
My Florida Vacation in Food

It should come as no surprise to anyone that my favorite part of visiting a new city is taste-testing all the food. I love everything about going out to eat: the ambiance, being waited on, getting to try a little bit of everyone’s dish, etc. Obviously, I got to enjoy my favorite hobby many times while vacationing in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. Here are some of the highlights:

Authentic Greek salad from a place in Ft. Lauderdale called Greek Garden (I think!). I love this kind of Greek salad (no lettuce, clear dressing, rather than creamy, big chunks of feta rather than little crumbles). This was probably the best Greek salad I’ve ever had. This place was the real deal! For my main meal, I got chicken stuffed with spinach and feta (and some kind of cream sauce on top).

It came with flavorful green beans and rice.

Kilwin’s ice cream while wandering around in the warm sun. Kilwin’s actually started in Michigan, so I can pretty much get it whenever I want, but it’s always a treat!

Linguine with clams, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes at an Italian bistro in Miami. We also had a glass or two of Pinot Noir. I loved dining outside under the heat lamps (because it wasn’t HOT hot yet). I actually got sort of obsessed with the heat lamps, if you ask my boyfriend. Speaking of which, here we are before a night out:

You can’t really see, but he was rocking the white shoes!

For whatever reason, when it starts to get warm, I crave slurpees like no one’s biz. And since we were on vacation, I didn’t hesitate to indulge. The classic Coke flavor is the best.

I also dined at more than my fair share of chains (because my boyfriend loooves some of the ones we don’t have in Michi, like Cheesecake Factory and Houston’s). Though I can’t say the food is bad, I know it’s not unique and not good for me. But there is one chain in Florida that I love! You’ll find out what it is tomorrow on More Than Mary.

23 Feb 10
This is a (crappy photo of) my lunch. I had to share it with you because this is my favorite. soup. ever (and you know how much I love soup, right?). It’s from a hole-in-the-wall Korean place. It contains spicy broth, beef, egg, onion, sprouts, and probably some other unidentifiable veggies. A reader recently asked me for more Korean recipes, but unfortunately, I don’t cook Korean food often. Anybody out there have some good recipes? Email me! Alright, back to eating my heavenly soup.

This is a (crappy photo of) my lunch. I had to share it with you because this is my favorite. soup. ever (and you know how much I love soup, right?).

It’s from a hole-in-the-wall Korean place. It contains spicy broth, beef, egg, onion, sprouts, and probably some other unidentifiable veggies. A reader recently asked me for more Korean recipes, but unfortunately, I don’t cook Korean food often. Anybody out there have some good recipes? Email me!

Alright, back to eating my heavenly soup.

24 Aug 09
Out to Eat: Raw Tacos from Red Pepper Deli I swear, you guys… the taco “meat” (made from walnuts) smelled exactly like the real deal. The taste was pretty on point, too. Seasoning is universal, I guess. These tacos were served on a romaine leaf with diced tomatoes, onions, and sprouts on top. I also tried a CocoCabana smoothie, made with Thai young coconuts. My dining companion Rachel tried the raw burrito. She said she was pretty impressed with the raw cheese (I think it’s made from cashews). Check out her take on the experience here. I don’t feel the need to eat raw all the time, but I love eating it when I can. I always feel so refreshed after eating a raw meal! Plus, I love how it forces chefs to get creative.

Out to Eat: Raw Tacos from Red Pepper Deli

I swear, you guys… the taco “meat” (made from walnuts) smelled exactly like the real deal. The taste was pretty on point, too. Seasoning is universal, I guess. These tacos were served on a romaine leaf with diced tomatoes, onions, and sprouts on top. I also tried a CocoCabana smoothie, made with Thai young coconuts.

My dining companion Rachel tried the raw burrito. She said she was pretty impressed with the raw cheese (I think it’s made from cashews). Check out her take on the experience here.

I don’t feel the need to eat raw all the time, but I love eating it when I can. I always feel so refreshed after eating a raw meal! Plus, I love how it forces chefs to get creative.

Out to Eat: Red Pepper Deli I’ve been to this quaint little “deli” a few times now. I put deli in quotes because, unlike most delis, this one doesn’t serve meat (or cheese). It’s a vegan, mostly raw place. Their food is so creative! Every time I go, I’m continuously impressed with what they come up with.

Out to Eat: Red Pepper Deli

I’ve been to this quaint little “deli” a few times now. I put deli in quotes because, unlike most delis, this one doesn’t serve meat (or cheese). It’s a vegan, mostly raw place. Their food is so creative! Every time I go, I’m continuously impressed with what they come up with.

19 Aug 09
Out to Eat: Middle Eastern Feast I mentioned in a recent post that Middle Eastern food is a fantastic compromise for people who love to eat whole, healthy foods and people who… couldn’t care less. Last night I went out to a local Middle Eastern restaurant called Jerusalem Garden with two of my friends who definitely do care, but I was reminded of how great that food is for all types of eaters. I ordered a lovely fattoush salad topped with grilled chicken and fried pita (it tastes like pita chips). The fried pita, while not the healthiest thing in the world, made the salad feel more indulgent even though there were only a few pieces on the whole plate. This meal cost $7.49 (before tax and tip), highlighting the fact that Middle Eastern food is not only healthy, but also quite affordable. What’s your favorite healthy Middle Eastern dish?

Out to Eat: Middle Eastern Feast

I mentioned in a recent post that Middle Eastern food is a fantastic compromise for people who love to eat whole, healthy foods and people who… couldn’t care less. Last night I went out to a local Middle Eastern restaurant called Jerusalem Garden with two of my friends who definitely do care, but I was reminded of how great that food is for all types of eaters.

I ordered a lovely fattoush salad topped with grilled chicken and fried pita (it tastes like pita chips). The fried pita, while not the healthiest thing in the world, made the salad feel more indulgent even though there were only a few pieces on the whole plate. This meal cost $7.49 (before tax and tip), highlighting the fact that Middle Eastern food is not only healthy, but also quite affordable.

What’s your favorite healthy Middle Eastern dish?

14 Aug 09
Out to Eat: Happy Hour! Last night, a few of us had a slightly classier happy hour (that’s Lin-Chi in the midst of an elaborate story). We went to a local French/Italian bistro that has $2.75 baskets of mussels and deals on martinis and wine during happy hour. If you want to enjoy happy hour but avoid greasy bar food, scope out nicer restaurants in your area to see if they offer any sort of deal. It’s a good way to try out food you wouldn’t otherwise want to splurge on AND keep health in check. Other happy hour appetizer options (20% off) at the place we went to were: Grilled portabella mushroom marinated in red wine with shallots, garlic, sage and rosemary. Mushroom caps filled with a stuffing of minced mushrooms, sautéed spinach, shallots and garlic; with basil and toasted pine nuts; topped with Parmesan and baked. Sautéed shrimp served in a ginger-lemon sauce, with cracked black pepper, on spinach leaves. Smoked salmon slices with asparagus and avacado, sprinkled with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh basil. Tomato slices with fresh mozzarella and pesto. Much healthier happy hour fare!

Out to Eat: Happy Hour!

Last night, a few of us had a slightly classier happy hour (that’s Lin-Chi in the midst of an elaborate story). We went to a local French/Italian bistro that has $2.75 baskets of mussels and deals on martinis and wine during happy hour.

If you want to enjoy happy hour but avoid greasy bar food, scope out nicer restaurants in your area to see if they offer any sort of deal. It’s a good way to try out food you wouldn’t otherwise want to splurge on AND keep health in check. Other happy hour appetizer options (20% off) at the place we went to were:

  • Grilled portabella mushroom marinated in red wine with shallots, garlic, sage and rosemary.
  • Mushroom caps filled with a stuffing of minced mushrooms, sautéed spinach, shallots and garlic; with basil and toasted pine nuts; topped with Parmesan and baked.
  • Sautéed shrimp served in a ginger-lemon sauce, with cracked black pepper, on spinach leaves.
  • Smoked salmon slices with asparagus and avacado, sprinkled with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh basil.
  • Tomato slices with fresh mozzarella and pesto.

Much healthier happy hour fare!

29 Jul 09
Out to Eat: Zingerman’s RoadhouseI took my foodie dad to Zingerman’s Roadhouse for a (very) belated Father’s Day dinner. Zingerman’s Roadhouse has been ranked among the top 10 BBQ restaurants in the country, but all of the food is good. From their website: James Beard-nominated Chef Alex Young and the Roadhouse crew serve a menu and weekly specials, with a passion for Really Good American Food, using seasonal, heirloom produce from Cornman Farms—our very own farm, supplying Roadhouse tables with hours-old vegetables. All of their food is selected so carefully, I can really food good about ordering anything on the menu (including meat). That’s why I went for the Ancho Beef Chili, (“Hand-cut Niman Ranch beef with black beans in ancho chile broth”) which is literally the best chili I’ve ever had. I also ordered one of my favorite salads, the Arugula and Red Oak Salad (“Arugula and red oak leaf with with Cornman Farms roasted beets, red onion, California Zinfandel vinaigrette and fresh goat cheese from Zingerman’s Creamery. Tossed with red wine vinaigrette”). That goat cheese is so amazing. It puts any you can buy at a normal grocery store to shame. My dad had the BBQ sampler plate with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork (I’ve had it before, it’s incredible). I love Zing’s Roadhouse and recommend it even over the famous eponymous deli. Both restaurants, however, have the best ingredients from the best sources that make the high prices worth it. If you’re ever in town, don’t miss ‘em (and take me with you!).

Out to Eat: Zingerman’s Roadhouse

I took my foodie dad to Zingerman’s Roadhouse for a (very) belated Father’s Day dinner. Zingerman’s Roadhouse has been ranked among the top 10 BBQ restaurants in the country, but all of the food is good. From their website:

James Beard-nominated Chef Alex Young and the Roadhouse crew serve a menu and weekly specials, with a passion for Really Good American Food, using seasonal, heirloom produce from Cornman Farms—our very own farm, supplying Roadhouse tables with hours-old vegetables.

All of their food is selected so carefully, I can really food good about ordering anything on the menu (including meat). That’s why I went for the Ancho Beef Chili, (“Hand-cut Niman Ranch beef with black beans in ancho chile broth”) which is literally the best chili I’ve ever had. I also ordered one of my favorite salads, the Arugula and Red Oak Salad (“Arugula and red oak leaf with with Cornman Farms roasted beets, red onion, California Zinfandel vinaigrette and fresh goat cheese from Zingerman’s Creamery. Tossed with red wine vinaigrette”). That goat cheese is so amazing. It puts any you can buy at a normal grocery store to shame.

My dad had the BBQ sampler plate with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork (I’ve had it before, it’s incredible). I love Zing’s Roadhouse and recommend it even over the famous eponymous deli. Both restaurants, however, have the best ingredients from the best sources that make the high prices worth it. If you’re ever in town, don’t miss ‘em (and take me with you!).


Now Serving: Your Nutritionista

I love food. I love food that tastes good, is satisfying, energizes, and delivers lots of nutrition. There's lots of food like that out there. Let me prove it to you. Email questions, comments, or suggestions to yournutritionista@gmail.com.

Disclaimer: I'm not a Registered Dietitian (RD) or mental health professional. For medical or psychological counseling, please consult an RD, certified nutritionist, doctor, or mental health professional. All content on this blog is based on my own acquired knowledge/research and personal experience. It is not meant to qualify as medical advice.

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