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8 Bucks Well Spent! Little Caesar’s Stuffed Pretzel Crust Pizza is a Win!

Paul Alexander
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8 Bucks Well Spent! Little Caesar’s Stuffed Pretzel Crust Pizza is a Win!

Several years ago, as I recovered from pneumonia in a hospital room, I saw an advertisement for Little Caesar’s Pretzel Crust pizza.  It looked interesting, different, and best of all, it was only $6.00.  So I called a family member and had them swing by a Little Caesar’s carryout store and bring one up to the hospital.  From the first bite, I knew that this would be my newest favorite pizza offering from any of the big chain pizza restaurants.  The big names in chain pizza simply did not have anything like it.

The idea is simple.

The idea is simple.  Instead of regular pizza crust, the pie is crafted with pretzel dough and the regular pizza sauce is replaced with a rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce.  Everything else is the same, as far as cheese and toppings are concerned.  Reading other online reviews of the pizza, anyone can clearly see that this new offering was a hit.  It was super popular, and just about anytime pizza came up in conversation, someone would undoubtedly ask if the rest of us had tried the pizza. 

So about 3 months later, when it vanished, it was a mystery to just about everyone.  Little Caesar’s stated that it was a limited time offering – a promotional item – and that even though it was likely to come back, they had no idea when. 

Little Caesar's
Illustration 1: Stuffed Pretzel Crust Pepperoni Pizza (Little Caesar’s) Image Credits: W. P. Alexander; Own Work; 03/29/2019

Hot-N-Ready

So imagine my surprise the other day as I went to Little Caesar’s to pick up a standard $5.00 “Hot-N-Ready” pepperoni pizza and saw an advertisement announcing that the pretzel crust was back.  I perked up as I walked inside the store, and as I ordered the standard “Hot-N-Ready” version of the pretzel crust pepperoni pizza, the cashier asked me a simple question that would revolutionize how I thought about the idea of suggestive upselling: 

“Would you like the mozzarella-stuffed pretzel crust or the regular?  It’s only $2.00 more.” He asked.  (Note:  I have heard that in some markets, it is actually $3.00, more.  I can only base my experience with stores in Northeast Florida).

 I replied to his obvious upselling attempt, almost automatically, with “Absolutely.” 

Apparently, during the last pretzel crust promotion, a very few select locations across the country got to try the stuffed crust variety.  Now, with the 2019 promotion, more of us will be getting to try this genius idea combining stuffed crust with pretzel dough.

Stuffed crust pizza

So, we all know that stuffed crust pizza is nothing new.  Since Pizza Hut’s introduction of the original stuffed crust pizza back in the mid-1990s, several chains have attempted to introduce similar styles and you can even buy frozen pizza from DiGiorno with stuffed crust.  Plus, Little Caesar’s even has its own promotional stuffed crust version of their traditional pizza.    However, as a lifelong foodie and pizza lover, I have never found one that rivaled Pizza Hut in terms of the combination of taste, gooey melted cheese, and chewy, buttery crust.  I must say, though, that Little Caeser’s completely passes the mark by introducing the stuffed option in combination with the pretzel pizza.  The flavor and texture of the pretzel crust combined with the cheddar sauce, melted mozzarella, and kosher salt on the outside of the crust have earned this pizza the current top spot on my “best chain pizza” list.

Surprisingly, this pizza also stores and keeps well.  Although we may not always publicize it, there are lots of us foodies that enjoy the occasional slice of cold pizza the next morning or for a midnight snack.  Pizzeria carry-home leftovers are generally the best when it comes to this, but refrigerated pretzel crust serves the purpose surprisingly well. 

Pretzel crust pizza

Unfortunately, I fear that Little Caesar’s will continue to offer the pretzel crust pizza, including the stuffed crust variety, as a cyclical promotional item.  It’s popularity, like the original, is through the roof, but advertising already suggests that this is a “limited time only” option.  This probably means that we will get to experience this item once or twice per year, with the idea being that this off-on cycle will prevent consumer boredom with the product, and thus, keep sales high.

The price for a one-topping Pretzel Crust Pizza is $6.00 for a large – an great deal in itself.  If you want to go with the stuffed crust variety, which I thoroughly recommend you try, it’s only $8.00.

Don’t miss out on this limited-time pizza gem.  The next time you decide to have pizza night, give this unique, superb, and just plain tasty offering from Little Caesar’s a try. 

Source Material

Product Comparison Link:  DiGiorno Stuffed Crust.  Retrieved from https://www.digiorno.com/products/small-sized-pizzas/cheese-stuffed-crust/three-meat

Little Caesar’s Pretzel Pizza Review.  Retrieved from https://www.chewboom.com/2019/01/22/little-caesars-introduces-new-stuffed-pretzel-crust-pizza/

Top 5 Espresso Drinks

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Top 5 Espresso Drinks

            My favorite type of coffee to drink besides cold brew coffee is espresso. Iced, hot, even as a cold brew, espresso is what gets the job done. It can be enjoyed on its own as a drink, or it can be added to any other coffee beverage to give it a little extra boost of caffeine. What follows is a list of  my top five espresso drinks, in no particular rank or order.  I hope to not only share with you my favorite espresso drinks but to also provide you with some ideas the next time you head to Starbucks or the local coffee shop!

Espresso

Espresso
SOURCE: Pixabay

Opening out of the gate with a classic is just plain espresso. It can be enjoyed as a single or double shot, and can have cream or steamed milk and sugar as well. Espresso is known for its strength and bold flavor, which are two things that I love in a cup of coffee. I like to drink espresso any way, so this one is really open-ended as far as how you order it.

Cappucino

Cappucino
SOURCE: Pixabay

Cappucinos are some of the most commercially availabe drinks on the market.  They are a little heavier than lattes in the sense that there is a higher amount of coffee in a cappucino, which I particularly enjoy. They tend to have equal parts espresso, milk, and foam which allow for baristas to add a little art to the foam head. Cappucinos are also one of the more customizable espresso drinks, with flavors such as french vanilla or mocha being a popular add-on. I would personally recommend a french vanilla cappucino anywhere you go.

Flat White

Flat White
SOURCE: Pixabay

The flat white has been around for quite some time. It is a rather simple combination of  a double shot of espresso and flat milk, making for a plain yet very strong drink. I typically will go for this whenever I am not in the mood for a flavored drink. I would recommend ordering an extra shot of espresso if you really want that caffeine boost, but this drink can be ordered exactly how it comes and still satisfy the tastebuds and scratch that caffeine itch that all of us coffee-lovers have. It is typically made in a 6 oz. mug, so if you are more interested in overall quality of the coffee over the size of the drink then this is even better for you.

Caffe Latte

Caffe Latte
SOURCE: Pixabay

Similar to the cappucino, the caffe latte is a drink composed of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. The biggest difference between the caffe latte and the cappucino is that a caffe latte does have less foam than the cappucino. The caffe latte is another espresso drink that can be enjoyed exactly how it comes or with your own level of customization. I would suggest a caffe latte with french vanilla and an added shot of espresso. I also recommend the same drink only with caramel instead of french vanilla. Either way, this drink is one of the better ones out there.

Cubano

Cubano
SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons

The cubano is one of the more simple espresso drinks which is one of the reasons that it has made it on to this list. It is traditionally made with a shot of espresso and natural brown sugar that has been mixed in. You could add cream or milk if so desired, but then it would technically not be a cubano anymore. This drink is perfect as a single the way that it comes, but personally I prefer to order it in a double. Starbucks makes a great cubano but I find that the more local, independent coffee shops make it the best. 

Bumpkin-South Kensington

Mary E Harris
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Bumpkin-South Kensington

The notion that British cuisine is bland, heavy, and all around inedible is a farce and in the past few years, the restaurant scene has become increasingly interesting. With London being one of the meccas of art, culture and food, you would expect food from all corners of the earth available, and it is. But, what is more exciting is the focus on bringing the unique British palette back to the forefront of London’s restaurant scene. The farm to table phenomena that has swept the United States in the past few years is a notion that has been around in the UK for decades. Bumpkin epitomizes this trend in its sweet, cozy establishment in London’s South Kensington area.

Old Brompton Road
SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons


South Kensington

South Kensington is known as a swanky part of London, with expensive properties and therefore expensive places to eat, shop and so on. But around the corner from the tube stop on Old Brompton Road lives Bumpkin. Bumpkin is a lovely place to eat, casual and inexpensive, especially if you are looking to eat somewhere that is wholly British. After a busy day in the city visiting monuments and museums, it is nice to come to place where you can relax as if in the slower moving countryside of the UK without worrying about the extra travel. The cuisine is rustic, using seasonal produce that is locally procured and ethically sourced. When they are put together, you are offered a truly British menu, fit with local game, fresh northern hemisphere grown vegetables and herbs, and puff pastry often covering the lot of it, baked to a brown crust. Although the food choices may be limited, the wine and beer lists are extensive including the restaurant’s very own brew, Bumpkin Ale. There are also the options of traditional and expertly mixed cocktails such as the Tom Collins.

Menu

The menu is seasonal, so although this author had an excellent, succulent rabbit breast and leg along with roasted carrots and parsnips, the menu will most likely be different if you visit in several months and certainly will be in a year. In keeping with their dedication to locally sourced products, this creates an irregular yet exciting menu that is changing often. Don’t fret, if you’re looking for light, crispy fish and chips, Bumpkin offers that as a regular menu item. Of course, to end your meal you have to partake in a traditional British pudding, the favorite being sticky toffee pudding served with salted caramel ice cream.

Make sure to call ahead to reserve a table as the seating is limited and give yourself plenty of time to be there. As in true countryside fashion, the service can be a bit slow, but give yourself the time to enjoy your surroundings and to have a few of those wonderful cocktails. You can see your meal being made and the people watching is fascinating from the streets of London.

If you are staying on the east side of London, you are in luck, there is a Bumpkin in Stratford. Although I have never been there, if it is anything like South Kensington, it will surely be worth the visit. Visiting Bumpkin is a must when visiting the metropolitan London, especially when you need a few hours of escape from the hubbub of the city. If you have the occasion, go twice, once for a meal and another for a leisurely stay at the bar, sipping from the wonderful wines or a delectable cocktail while chatting with your cohorts. There is nothing quite like Bumpkin and is an eatery you should certainly make part of your itinerary if you are visiting London or a must try if you live in the area.

Cream Cheese and Hot Dogs: A Seattle Specialty

Hannah Wyatt
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Cream Cheese and Hot Dogs: A Seattle Specialty

Cultures can be confusing sometimes. One town over from your own, the people may very well be inventing a new way to eat a common food that you never would have thought of. This is certainly true in Seattle, where the hot dog has been turned into a near-casserole of a food. Well known as Seattle Dogs, these behemoths of meat and bun are a claim to fame in the Pacific Northwest, where anything from sriracha to jalapenos are used as condiments. But the condiment that may surprise you the most that is so signature to these hot dogs is cream cheese.

You may be thinking, what an unlikely flavor pair. Well, I’m left thinking the same thing. Who would have thought that cream cheese of all things would be used on top of a hot dog? Cream cheese is for bagels! For toast and other breakfast breads! But for hot dogs? I just don’t know if I could get behind that.

But this fact leaves me to wonder, if I went to Seattle and was given the opportunity to try one of these hot dogs, would I be considered close-minded for not joining in? It seems that the cream cheese hot dog combination is not at all foreign or considered strange when you go to Seattle. In fact, people seem to come from afar just for a chance to eat a hot, fresh, local Seattle Dog somewhere in the area.

History

Apparently, this specialty of Seattle dates back to the 1980s in Pioneer Square, when it was coined by a man named Hadley Longe. His food business lied in the world of bagels, but people in the city weren’t prone to buying bagels late at night. They wanted something to fill their stomachs and soak up whatever amount of alcohol they had consumed in the fun of the night. And thus, the cream cheese hot dog was born. What would normally be a condiment used on bagels, cream cheese found its way onto a hot dog. Often topped with sautéed onions, the cream cheese dog is a favorite among late night-ers and those who find themselves drunk after a fun night at the bars in the city. When you add the component of the onions, it sounds like an even weirder combination. But then I got to thinking, is it really? Using cream as an offset for certain savory flavors isn’t really that uncommon.

In fact, I can think of lots of occasions wherein I’ve been eating a savory taco (definitely containing some form of onions) and it was topped with sour cream or some sort of cream-based sauce. So, the idea of the Seattle Dog having onions and cream cheese actually makes some sense in my mind.

So, the final question remains. Would you try a cream cheese Seattle Dog? And moreover, would you try one topped with even more toppings? I’m not sure that I could stomach this combination, but I might be willing to try for the sake of not looking like a total tourist.

Cold Brew Coffee: The Unsung Hero

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Cold Brew Coffee: The Unsung Hero

The process of making cold brew coffee is relatively new to the scene in comparison to other coffee brewing methods. I love all types of coffee, but cold brew coffee is by far my all-time favorite. The uniqueness of the brewing techniques required to make it along with the finished product are topics that I am going to touch on with this piece in the hopes that you will come to appreciate cold brew coffee as much as I have.

            The brewing processes for cold brew and regular coffee are practically on opposite ends of the spectrum. While a regular pot of coffee may only take a few minutes to completely finish brewing, a batch of cold brew coffee can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours to completely brew! This is because cold brew coffee is brewed with cold water, requiring a much longer brew time. The two primary methods to make cold brew coffee are the slow-drip method or the slow-steeping method. However, the end result from such a lengthy extraction and brewing period is drastically different from coffee brewed by normal methods.

SOURCE Pixabay

Longer extraction period

            One of the glaring differences between a cup of cold brew coffee and a cup of regular hot coffee is the acidity level. Because cold brew coffee has a longer extraction period, much more of the acidity is drawn out. What happens as a result of this is a much more smooth and sweet cup of coffee. On the other hand, because of the exponentially longer brewing process and the loss of acidity, the aromatics that waft through the air with normal coffee are not normally present with coffees that are cold brewed.

            Another thing to factor in when purchasing cold brew coffee is that it will have a somewhat higher price tag than regular coffee. The reason for a steeper price per cup can be attributed to a handful of things. Firstly, the cost of the beans used for the cold brew should be taken into account. Coffee shops may purchase seasonal or single-origin beans exclusively for the cold brew coffee. Another more obvious factor to think about is the brewing time. The longer cold brew coffee is left to brew, the more rounded out the flavor profile is, which gives a much higher quality cup. Thirdly, the cost of supplies such as cups, lids, and straws for cold drink cups is just a little bit higher than the cost of simple paper cups and regular lids for hot drinks. These three factors definitely justify the price of such an excellent cup of coffee.

SOURCE Pixabay

Unsung hero of the coffee industry

            All in all, cold brew coffee has had an immense positive impact on the coffee industry despite, as previously stated, being relatively new to the game . While it may not have the same traditional brewing methods as regular coffee, the payoff for such a longer brewing time is well worth the wait. The well-rounded and smooth yet flavorful body of cold-brew coffee is what makes it stand tall above it’s iced coffee counterpart. Cold brew coffee is definitely here to stay, with grocery stores selling a variety of cold brew coffee brands all across the country. It is becoming just as popular in coffee shops as regular coffee and does not seem to be slowing down. Nitro cold brew is another method of making cold brew coffee, which ends up giving the coffee a creamy body and a foamy head, much like a pint of Guinness! I hope that I have educated you all and given you a fresh insight to the unsung hero of the coffee industry!

Glendale Wanderlust

Mary E Harris
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Glendale Wanderlust

On a hot, summer’s day, there is nothing more refreshing than cold, deliciously sweet ice cream. This treat is especially delectable during an arid day in Los Angeles and when the ice cream is from Wanderlust Creamery.

Wanderlust Creamery has several locations throughout the sunshine state, but the Glendale Avenue location in Los Angeles in the recommendation of this writer. Nestled between several vintage clothing stores, this Wanderlust location has a wide variety of ice cream flavors such as Earl Grey, Mango Sticky Rice, and Tinder Bueno. If these flavors sound unique and internationally inspired, they are and may give you a clue as to the name Wanderlust. There is a wide variety of flavors that hail from several different continents and countries making for a fascinating, albeit, tough decision. 

Wanderlust

Wanderlust co-founders, Adrienne Nicole Borlongan and Jon-Patrick Lopez are both graduates of California State University Northridge. Borlongan’s degree is in food science and takes her inspiration for creamery flavors from hers as well as others’ travels. They began the operation in 2015 and now four years later have four different locations throughout the southern California region. It became clear to Borlongan that the world of ice cream creation ran through her blood when she learned from her aunt at the early stages of her ice cream shop that her grandfather was a flavor chemist for Magnolia Ice Creams in the Philippines. In total, Borlongan has created 175 flavors, inspired from the cold of England to the warmth of her family’s ancestral home in the Philippines. It is not just the sweet flavor profiles Borlongan and her team are interested in either, often using spicy pepper, sweet tubular vegetables and more. It may sound unappealing, but they are expertly mixed and therefore beyond palatable and like nothing you have ever tasted.

Glendale

Photo Courtesy of Wanderlust Creamery, Glendale California

Wanderlust is more than a trip to your favorite earthly location, there is also occasion to take your taste buds on an adventure to an otherworldly destination. Are you or someone you know big fans of Game of Thrones? Lucky for you, so are Wanderlust’s owners and employees. In 2018, Wanderlust introduced Game of Cones, a delicious take on an otherwise grisly show and book series. Much like for season seven, Wanderlust is bringing back their GOT themed ice creams for season eight. These Westeros-esque  flavors include A Flavor of Ice and Fire, a dairy fee option made with blood orange, dragonfruit, and spicy ancho chili, Growing Strong a lemon verbena ice cream with a scrumptious combination of crystalized roses, marigold and candied Seville orange. The most popular Game of Thrones’ flavor seems to be Winter is Here, oatmeal ice cream spiked with Islay single malt scotch and a honey caramel. But beware, these are limited batches and are often gone by the middle of the season.


Glendale Avenue

Tastings are allowed, as Wanderlust’s flavors are so unique, but please be kind to the patrons behind you and limit yourself to only trying a couple as the line is often long at the Glendale location. If you really can’t decide, treat yourself and order the flight around the world, experiencing each unique flavor in its very own mini cone served to you on an artist’s palette shaped platter. While you’re there, take a walk down Glendale Avenue, enjoying the many high-quality vintage shops and several cute, very Californian boutiques. Strive for a Saturday and go to the Glendale Farmer’s Market and only a few blocks down is the Wanderlust Creamery fit with outdoor seating. Hopefully you have family or friends that live in the area as you will want to come back time and time again, travelling to every continent and trying every new flavor.

What’s the Deal with Horchata?

Hannah Wyatt
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What’s the Deal with Horchata?

Horchata is a recent pop-up trend that’s somewhat on par with the popularity matcha has gained. But if you’re like me and tend to need to do some light research to catch up to trends, then you might be a little confused about what exactly horchata is. Is it a flavor? Is it a beverage? A powder? Until I looked it up, I really had no idea.

Don’t worry, though, because I’m about to unpack everything you need to know about horchata. What distinguishes horchata the most is probably its origins. Although its origins trace back to the Catalan region of Spain, horchata is widely served in Latin American and Central American countries, though it has recently gained widespread popularity in the United States. That’s right, it’s been a trend for a long time, just in other places. In case you were under the impression I was under, which led me to believe that horchata was some kind of substance, think again.


Horchata, a refreshing and delicious soft drink from Spain SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons

Horchata is no one substance in particular. In fact, it’s actually a mixture of multiple ingredients that are ground up and used to make a beverage. There are multiple variations and versions of this beverage, although some of the common ingredients ground up in it include tiger nuts, melon seeds, rice, almonds, sesame seeds, and barley. Because of its richness and protein content, it has become popular for its ability to substitute dairy products in some ways. The mix creates a milky sweet liquid.

Just as vegans and people who don’t tolerate dairy often choose cashew or almond milk as a healthy alternative, some see horchata as a healthy alternative to dairy-heavy coffee drinks, like lattes or cappuccinos.

This all makes sense when given the facts. I can certainly get behind the idea of it. What you may not know about horchata, though, is that it doesn’t just have to come in the form of a beverage. There are many other ways that horchata is served. Some people find that horchata syrup works as an exceptional and unique cocktail mixer. It’s commonly used with vodka-focused alcoholic drinks. It makes for a sweet, spiced cocktail.

Horchata can also be used in other foods and drinks that normally require a milky consistency or taste. For example, one use for horchata that’s rightly gained popularity is horchata flavored ice cream. And this pairing makes total sense. Just like coffee flavored ice cream is the perfect blend of bitter and creamy, horchata ice cream provides a creamy, sweet, and spicy combination that you won’t be able to resist.

SOURCE: Pixabay

Additionally, this milky treat is used to flavor various sweets, like donuts and cake-like desserts. Since it’s more on the sweet side, you may have come in contact with it at a coffee shop or seen it advertised to be used in drinks like iced lattes or frappuccinos.

However you end up consuming this unique blend, I’m sure it will provide a unique taste bud experience. Now that the mystery of horchata has been dispelled for you, and for me, I think it’s safe to say that your next step should be to get out there and try it!

Bhojohari Manna – Traditional Bengali Food at Its Best.

Akshata Mohta
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Bhojohari Manna – Traditional Bengali Food at Its Best.

On my visit Kolkata I have always been amazed at the variety of food and love that our “City of Joy” can offer a visitor. Due to time constraints I only can experience a taste of home –made cuisine and it’s difficult to fit in the restaurant visits. This time I specially took an extra day so that I could visit and review this one Bengali restaurant that everyone back home has been raving about.  

Bhojohari Manna – is said to be the place to visit to experience home style Bengali food. The place started by six friends who shared a common passion of music and food was initially a garage shop which has now outlets spread across Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The unique  name is close to every Bengali as it has been adapted from a famous Bengali song of the 70’s,sang by the legendary Manna Dey, which describes a journey of a cook across many nations.

Calcutta SOURCE:Pixabay

We visited the Hindustan Park outlet, the décor for which is very simple and reminds you of an old Bengali house. We were served on a plate which is covered by a banana leaf and yes the rule is “to enjoy Bengali food you require to get your hands dirty”

We ate quite a few things but would like to just share feedback of the dishes that I loved;


Bhapa Ilish:

The Hilsa fish which is called “Ilish”in Bengali is a seasonal fish is unique to the region .In case you are in Kolkata during the monsoons then this fish is a must try. In this preparation the Hilsa fish is coated with mustard and coconut paste with some turmeric and green chilli. The fish is steamed at a low flame in mustard oil -effortless cooking but the results are finger-licking.

Bhapa Ilish SOURCE. Wikimedia Commons


Chingri Daab:

As soon as I had walked in I could see a Coconut filled with seafood at another table, so I asked the staff to get me the same dish.  Prawns (chingri) cooked with Tender Coconut (Daab) is a must on any special Bengali occasion. The prawns are slow cooked inside the tender coconut in an earthen vessel over a low flame. This lip smacking dish is eaten with steamed rice and Gonduraj lebu (a lemon unique to Bengal).


Chaanar Dolna:

I was visiting with my husband who is a vegetarian so I got a chance to taste vegetarian food too. This Bengali dish is a “Niramish Curry” as it is cooked without onion and garlic and made on Bengali Puja occasions. Basically cottage cheese, which is shaped into balls are deep fried and cooked with potatoes in a curry to which curd is added.


Mochar Ghonto:

This second vegetable side dish is Banana Blossom (Mocha) Curry which is    the star of the Bengali vegetarian menu. The mocha is finely chopped and dipped in salt and turmeric water for a while and then added to a curry of potatoes and tomatoes. This dish is a must have at Bhojohari Manna.

              A must visit restaurant which still preserves the traditional Bengali meal.

Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee

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Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee

Coffee is one of the most versatile food and drink products to ever exist. It can be enjoyed as a beverage or in some cases eaten in the form of chocolate covered coffee beans. In this article, I am actually going to cover some of the health benefits of coffee for those of you wishing to know more about the healthier side of drinking coffee.

Longer lifespan/Reduced risk of death

Drinking an average of three to four cups of coffee a day has been linked to a longer lifespan. A 2015 study published in Circulation actually noted that there was an 8%-15% decrease in the risk of death of people who consume coffee, with that percentage being higher with more coffee that was consumed.

Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

Health
SOURCE: Pixabay

Researchers in Korea conducted a study in which participants who drank 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day were less prone to showing symptoms of heart disease. It should be noted however, that the Eastern diet is much different than a Western diet, so there could be other dietary factor to include in that study. Another recent study in Brazil showed that drinking a minimum of three cups of coffee a day see a significantly smaller amount of calcification in the coronary arteries.

Cut down on post-workout pain

SOURCE: Pixabay

An excerpt from the Journal of Pain, 2007 states that drinking up to two cups of coffee after working out can cut that post-workout pain by up to 48%! I can personally vouch for this effect. There have been countless times where my aches and pains from a workout have not been as severe after having just a cup or two of hot coffee.

Prevent cavities

This one is beneficial for anyone who loves caffeine but need a healthier alternative to drinking caffeinated soda. Drinking black coffee can actually kill the bacteria on teeth that would cause cavities. This benefit is nullified if one were to add cream and sugar to their coffee. This is another benefit I can personally vouch for. I used to drink coffee with cream and sugar on a daily basis, but once I started drinking just black coffee, my teeth have been much healthier.

Reduced heart attack mortality risk

A popular topic of study found that people who drink at least two cups of coffee a day after suffering from a heart attack have a significantly smaller risk of dying from said heart attack as opposed to those who do not drink coffee afterwards.

Coffee
SOURCE: Pixabay

Antioxidants

One of the reasons why coffee is such a healthy drink is that a normal serving of coffee contains a higher amount of antioxidants than a serving of grape juice, blueberries, and even oranges. These antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation which subsequently would reduce risk in diseases and disorders related to it. I will leave a link at the end of the article that will lead you to a study from Monash University which further showcases the benefits of a cup of hot coffee.

Conclusion

Overall, coffee can serve as a healthy part of any diet, as long as it is consumed in moderation. An average of 2-3 cups a day is considered to be a healthy amount to drink, as long as one could keep their intake under control. Those who have certain heart conditions or a sensitivity to caffeine would need to tailor their coffee consumption accordingly, but there are still some benefits even for a lighter consumption rate or switching to decaf coffee or tea. If you can keep your coffee intake at a moderate level, the health benefits definitely will outweigh any harm that could come from coffee consumption.

Monash University Study on Brewed Coffee

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0122834

Cumin Feel the Noize

Ashley Burdette
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Cumin Feel the Noize

Tucked away among rows of fast food chains, Zeera Indian Restaurant offers a break from the suburban norm. Located in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina (about a half hour south of the capital city of Raleigh), my fiancé and I found solace through its doors on a cold, rainy Friday night.

The place was seriously hopping and we hadn’t made a reservation, but we only had to wait five minutes to sit at a high top table. Ice water in nice glasses was poured and white scalloped paper placemats were offered, much to my delight as an introvert because I like to doodle, draw cute and funny things, and play Hangman in between conversation. We had taken a look at the menu on my phone to check out prices on the drive to the restaurant, but the physical menu was easy to understand, too, and if you split a meal and drink between two people, it averaged $15-$20 total. (Life hack: only ordering one soda and two waters per couple can save you $2-$4 each time you go out– that adds up when you are trying to save pennies anywhere you can but still enjoy date nights.)

Zeera Indian Restaurant

Coca-Cola and chicken tikka masala

We decided on a regular Coca-Cola and chicken tikka masala and thanked our waiter, who was super down-to-earth. I got a couple pens out of my jean jacket so my fiancé and I could take advantage of the free paper, started drawing hearts, linked feet with him to bring us closer, and observed more of what was going on around me. There was a bar to the left of us with two televisions on the wall that seemed to allow people to escape into a gameshow or the news for a little while during dinner if they wished. Behind us was a tantalizing buffet cart that was empty and cleaned off, putting the idea out there to come back during the day to try a bunch of different dishes. All around were families chatting, children laughing or drawing or shrieking with delight, silent couples sliding through their phones, carry out orders being fulfilled and taken away, and floral art prints. So much was going on, a hum of collective noises and voices, but nothing was too overwhelming to the point where it was taking away from my experience.

Our food arrived and we were starstruck. A quick shuffle of our glasses and we were able to divvy out equal portions of basmati rice and curry to each other. The rice was fragrant and truly perfect, and the chicken tikka masala was rich and enriched my soul as I ate it. More like, devoured it. We quickly went through what was on our plates and laughed as I asked him, “Do you want more?”, to which he responded, “Of course!” After mixing the food together again, I decided to take a slower approach to my meal, and it made me appreciate the company, spices, and textures even more.

We completely finished every single bite.

Eating at Zeera (which I learned means “cumin”) allowed us to have a quick and fun adventure together in Small Town, USA. There is no place like it around, and I appreciate that so much. Next time, I’d splurge and get a couple orders of naan bread to sop up the plate when I’m done, call ahead to make a reservation so I can sit right next to my fiancé at a shorter table, and check out that buffet, too. They close every day between 2:30/3:00PM & 5:00PM or drive over to 1311 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 to be instantly surrounded with buzzing energy and flavor-balanced food.

Rate this restaurant if you go there

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