Blog – Page 137 – Food Drink Magazine

All You Need to Know About Flowering Tea

Hannah Wyatt

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March 22, 2019

All You Need to Know About Flowering Tea

For all of you tea-lovers out there, the tea sipping experience could get much more exciting. If you’ve never heard of flowering tea, keep reading, because this beautiful and entertaining tea steeping process is going to change everything you thought you knew about tea.

Dating centuries back in China, flowering (sometimes called blooming) teas are mostly known for their aesthetic appearance and visuals. What basically happens when you make a pot of flowering tea is an arrangement of leaves and flower buds comes to life in the hot water. The pods that are used for flowering tea expand and spread out when placed in water to create a beautiful scene of herbal leaves and color. I would describe these pods by comparing them to those dehydrated towels that you can buy at a junk store that expand when placed in water.

But flowering tea is much prettier than those dehydrated towels. They’re usually made from buds from tea plants, which are sewn together with edible string. They create a globe-like pocket that has other food-safe flowers and buds sewn inside. Once dehydrated, they look like a little ball. This is what gets dropped into the tea pot of hot water and creates the magical scene before you.

Although these teas create a visual performance, most would agree that they are not very rich in any particular flavor. Some commonly known flavors are used, like flowers from rose, jasmine, and chrysanthemum plants. But these flavors, which would otherwise be strong, don’t really carry through to the water because they come straight from the buds. These flavors have to be extracted and concentrated to be strong like you might expect them to be. And another factor that dulls out the flavor of blooming tea is the process of sewing the components together. Often times the components have to be moistened so they don’t break while being put together. This moistening process lets out the little bit of flavor or strength that would be there before the tea even gets to your tea pot.

If you can get past this downside, however, and are interested in blooming tea mostly for the show it puts on at your table, then you should be fine. Some of the flowers included in the tea pods include carnations, roses, lilies, marigolds, hibiscus, and more. And with the host of colors and shapes that these flowers provide, the vision inside the water is probably comparable to a garden-like snow globe.

In all, the process of the flowering tea takes several minutes, but it varies from pod to pod. Sometimes the structures are made to pop open into an arrangement, although others are structured to gradually open over the course of time.

If you’re looking for a more engaging tea time experience, you might consider trying your hand at brewing a flowering tea. If anything, it could be a nice party entertainment or special inclusion at a home-hosted event for friends. Get your tea pots ready and prepare for a show!

Red Dog Saloon – Juneau Alaska

Deborah Williams

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March 21, 2019

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The story goes that Wyatt Earp passed through Juneau in 1900. He was asked to check his weapon by U.S. Marshalls on June 27. The U.S. Marshalls were concerned about his notoriety as a gunslinger. story continues that Earp departed for home aboard the S.S. Senator at 5 am on June 29, 1900. The Marshalls office wasn’t open yet, so Earp left the gun in Juneau. How did it get to the Red Dog Saloon? Well there was an employee of the Territorial Museum that had a large bar debt at the saloon, and he used the gun to pay off his debt. So now it sits behind the bar at the Red Dog. Is the story true? I don’t know but does it really matter. It is fun to think that you are in a place with so much history, whether Wyatt Earp was there or not.

And it feels like you are walking in history when you enter the red swinging doors of the Red Dog Saloon. You find yourself transported back in time. There is an aroma that rises from the floor every time you take a step, the smell of fresh cut wood. The floor is covered in saw dust. The atmosphere is smoky. Music wafts through the air reminding you of years gone by. The building is filled with objects and memorabilia from the early 1800’s. As you take in the sights you know you are in for a treat.

No reservations are required, it’s first come first serve. You wander up to one of the tables and take a seat on a wooden stool. There’s writing all over the counter and across the walls on either side. A waitress will walk up to get your drink order, she’s dressed as a saloon girl, with garter and all. You can order a draft root beer, or a drink called the Duck Fart. A Duck Fart is Kahlua, Bailey’s and Whiskey in that order.

While you wait for your drinks you can enjoy yourself listening to one of the musical acts that the Red Dog Saloon provides. It could be a piano player that looks like an old-time bartender or a gruffy guitar player. The music is a mixture of old-time country and old-time swing, with songs such as “Ain’t She Sweet”. The crowd can sing with the performers and dance if inclined.

The place is noisy, and laughter is everywhere. The staff is friendly and helpful. The food is good. There is something interesting no matter where you look. There are pictures, old newspapers, trinkets and old pieces of furniture. Off to the side of the building is a second room that is dedicated to a “general store” that sells t-shirts, shot glasses and other fun things for the saloon. The shop is a great place to pick up something to remember Juneau Alaska and the unique experience of the Red Dog Saloon.

The place speaks for itself, you make the experience what you want. You can believe the story about Wyatt Earp or not. The Red Dog Saloon is a fun place to go and a great memory.

I had always wanted to see Alaska and the grandeur of that land. I was so excited to explorer the town and see the what it had to offer. We had heard from one of the tour guides earlier in the day that there was a bar that had saw dust floors. That was something we just had to see.

So, we headed to

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SPICY AND ALIVE!

Articles

Vanessa Green

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March 20, 2019

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If you’ve been a foodie for a while, you’ve endeavoured plate after plate of adventure and chances are, not every journey offered the mountain top experience you sought out for. This is just part of the foodie experience though-right? However, there have been times where it was a big deal, you know… when the lighting was just right, the background music set the perfect mood, you were in good company and you were in great spirits. On a night like this, you were absolutely, positive that the meal you ordered would foster a blissful finale. Your plate arrived at your table as if floating on a cloud and you beheld its beauty as the work of art you imagined it would be. Then there was the moment of truth, you took the first bite and the beauty of the evening was interrupted, like the sudden screeching of a violin in a symphony. This was not what you were expecting…it was a fail. As grieved as you may have been, you were able to remedy the evening, right? You ordered another meal and embarked upon a new journey. Experiencing disappointments like these can make a foodie reluctant on the spice gamble, however, one could argue, where there’s no spicy risk, there can be no tasty reward.

Whether you are one who prefers to stick to the recipe, whether you are more determined make a bold signature statement on most meals, or you consider yourself to be in-between the two, taking risks with spices could really step up your hosting game. This also applies to the dining experience. However, are you one who needs more of a nudge in this direction? Consider these simple points on your journey to spice things up!

#1-BE FOCUSED

Where many foodies fail in venturing to spice it up, is they tend to do so “spur of the moment.” Let’s say you’re making your classic recipe Clam Chowder, and though it never disappoints, you decide you want to add a special touch by raiding your spice cabinet. This method may not be the best route to take for someone who isn’t a professional. Even for the best of the best, it is sometimes hard to gauge how every flavour is going to compliment every other flavour “spur of the moment”. It may help to be more intentional when you prepare a meal. Most especially if you don’t like to waste. You could perhaps draw from a past experience you’ve had with similar flavours to be more intentional this way you have someplace to start from. For example, let’s say you’ve tasted a most deliciously seasoned smoked salmon at on vacation. What if you were to sprinkle some smoked paprika on your homemade clam chowder? This may or may not be a win for you, but you would be taking less of a risk.

#2-LESS IS MORE

Waste is a big deal to many foodies out there. Who in this day and age has time to and energy to waste preparing a meal only not to enjoy the fruits of their labor? To make matters worse, the spice that was not necessary for the original recipe turned out to be the culprit for the failure of the dish…not a fun experience. If you’re going to risk adding a new spice, maybe use a little at first, and if you can, make yourself a little plate to taste. As mentioned before, one can assume that spice will be a winner, but the taste test is the true test to pass. Using less spice can also be a helpful strategy while hosting because you may love spice in your dish that is considered more of an acquired taste to your guests. Using less at the beginning can also better your chances to reverse any unanticipated damage; let’s face it, we’ve all had to add more chicken stock here, more water or cream there.

#3-BE FOOLPROOF

If you’re not inspired to take more risks with spices, quite yet, consider this last suggestion; be foolproof. How do you do this? If by chance you are less of a risk taker, consider drawing from the well of the wise. You can study the basics and build from there. Spice blends are a great place to start. For example, if you are not confident that you’ve mastered seasoning your poultry, observe the seasonings in 3 or 4 poultry seasonings at the store. Another source to consider drawing from is simple but sure; consider your knowledge of what you’ve cooked in the past, taking inventory of what you liked and didn’t like as much. Similar recipes you’ve cooked may have elements that you can draw from and make your own. For instance, what if you made an Italian soup with turkey meatballs that you loved before but now, you’d like to make a penne pasta dish with homemade encased chicken sausage. There may be some similar elements you can explore.

There you have it, spice doesn’t have to be the disappointment it once was. Taking a risk on spice can furnish great rewards. What if you could produce a superior dining experience for your guests by taking just a minor risk? Spices can absolutely make your dish blossom. Spices are not only as bold in pigment, aromatic, and flavourful but they are undeniably present. Spice, whether common and exotic, can be the element that takes a meal from tasty to unforgettable.

The Polite Pig – Disney Springs, Orlando Florida

Deborah Williams

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March 18, 2019

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The Polite Pig – Disney Springs, Orlando Florida

I have never been a big fan of barbeque. I grew up in the north and it’s just not my comfort food. So, when my daughter suggested going to The Polite Pig at Disney Springs, I wasn’t very excited. Boy, I was in for a surprise! The Polite Pig is a great casual, fast, fun restaurant that serves great food.

The atmosphere is much like a fast food restaurant. It was very clean, and the lines moved quickly. You go to the counter and order your food. You are given a number to place on your table and when it is ready for you, one of the servers brings you a metal tray with your food on it. There is a counter in the middle of the seating area with napkins and condiments that you can pump into small paper cups. They have the old standbys like ketchup and mayonnaise. They also have some interesting selections like Thomas’s Southern Gold which is a mustard and vinegar-based sauce.

This is not your typical BBQ restaurant. They have worked to elevate the food so that anyone, whether they like barbeque or not, can enjoy the food. There is a decent number of “shareable” appetizers, including a good Hop Salt Pretzel. There are sandwiches, salads, and meats from the smoker. They also have an extensive list of sides to go with your meal.

I ordered the Smoked Turkey BLT that had a sweet BBQ bacon-onion jam on it. I didn’t know what I was getting into but thought it sounded good on the menu. I also ordered three sides. The Crispy Brussel Sprouts, the Grilled Sweet Corn and the Mac N Cheese were too good to resist. They were all better than I could have hoped.

The Smoked BLT was amazing. It was a bit messy but worth the extra napkins needed. Each of the sides were well worth the money. The Mac N Cheese was done very well with a few bread crumbs on the top that gave it a nice crunch. The Grilled Sweet Corn was very nice and the sauce on it elevated the taste to a new dimension. My personal favorite was The Crispy Brussel Sprouts. They were cooked to perfection. I loved the crispy leaves that had fallen off and just couldn’t get enough of them.

The servers were very polite and extremely helpful. They cleared off plates and trays quickly. The tables were cleaned quickly once a guest left a table. The cashiers at the counter were pleasant and very courteous. The restaurant also has an interesting beverage menu. It provides several local brews as well as a large selection of liquors. You won’t be disappointed with your options.

Although I am not a huge fan of BBQ, the Polite Pig is a restaurant that I will return to again. It exceeded my expectations and delivered great food. If you are at Disney Springs and looking for a new place to eat, I highly recommend The Polite Pig.

Polite Pig

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New Culinary Trends in Venezuela: Are they really ‘Culinary’?

Nestor Olivares Heredia

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March 17, 2019

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New Culinary Trends in Venezuela: Are they really ‘Culinary’?

Venezuela is a country well known for being rich about gastronomic culture. It’s mix of different culinary traditions from all around the world, where it’s very common to acquire new trends from everywhere and creating Venezuelan’s very own. We are going to see the current trends that are exploding and developing in Venezuela at the moment.

Vegetarian Food

When we talk about vegetarian food, we speak about a tendency that is developing all around the world for a while now. Speaking about Venezuelan vegetarian trendy, It’s growing every single day because of several factors as: people avoiding eating meat to minimize the hunting of animals (cow meat, chicken, pork, etc.), as a country in crisis, people are looking for ways of substituting eating meat that can be expensive for some vegetarian homemade dishes that cost way less, among others. Even so, people who enjoy eating meat are trying and enjoying this vegetarian trend, as can make you feel like you don’t need to eat meat no more.

The Boom of Coffeehouses

Coffees appeared in less than 5 years ago all around Venezuela in a very explosive way. We can see this trend specially in Maracaibo, Zulia where every two or three blocks you have a coffeehouse waiting for you. This boom is really inexplicable, as every coffeehouse offers you the same products, but in their specific ways and that gets them full. Also, their menus are expanded, selling from cookies and ordinary coffee, from hamburgers, salads, and specific dishes. Coffeehouses are the favorite destination for a business reunion, a family celebration, even birthdays, and if you don’t have any reason to go, you’ll end up there just for the sensation of drinking coffee or eating desserts in a very comfortable way, making you feel at home.

Teas

Teas really exploded as a tendency in restaurants all around Venezuela. This was for two mainly reasons: the first one, soda shortage. Since last century, sodas are the main friend of dishes in every restaurant and every house of Venezuelans. People drinking every kind of soda, every flavor and always at lunch and dinner, even for breakfast too. This changed in the last ten years. As results of the crisis, soda companions stopped working and it was very hard for restaurants and people in general to acquire sodas, so they have to find a way to substitute the preferred partner for eating.

The second reason was the fitness trend. Everyone knew that sodas contain a lot of sugar and they can represent danger in your body if you drink one can every day, so teas appeared for these people who doesn’t want to feel bad drinking soda every time they eat and who doesn’t want water for every food.

From black team, green tea, hibiscus tea, and even a combination of these have appeared and almost every menu of every restaurant. People enjoy drinking teas for lunch and dinner, displacing soda and water as company of peoples’ dishes.

Bonus track: If we don’t have it, let’s change it

As I said before, economically and humanly speaking, Venezuela is in crisis. This affects everyone and everything, even culinary aspects and how restaurants are developing and trying to survive. It’s not weird going out to eat in a restaurant and hearing the waiter saying ‘We don’t have that, but instead we can offer you this’.

It’s a weird way of developing, as people making food are looking for a way of offering the costumer something that is not what they want, but they can leave with joy after eating it. As you can see, It’s not easy to grow as a restaurant, but owners and chefs keep fighting and developing.

It’s very hard in this moment as Venezuelans to develop gastronomically speaking, but It’s very common to substitute some products, creating some new ones that satisfy people. French fries where substituted by rustic potatoes, contours like rice have changed for some kind of salads mixed with several vegetables, and so on. No crisis can stop gastronomic to grow.

A Condensed History of Fruitcakes

Articles

Hannah Wyatt

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March 16, 2019

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Fruitcakes. Where would we be without this strange and mystifying food? What would Christmas or even Christmas stories be like without their existence? And moreover, does anyone know why they exist?

These holiday-themed cakes are more like amalgamations of all your favorite Christmas flavors than they are any one type of cake. They’ve been regarded as a signature Christmas treat for a long time, and I mean a really long time. In fact, people have been circulating these treats during the Christian holiday for centuries.

Their origins are actually thought to trace back to the Middle Ages, a time when fruit was just starting to become available for people to dry and use in prepared foods. Despite this supposed origin, though, there are lots of cultures around the world that are known for similar cake-like concoctions of fruit and nuts. There are many variations to this unique dessert.

One of the more commonly known variations is called panforte, a chewy Italian confectionery whose main ingredients include the likes of nuts, dried fruits, spices, and honey.

Another variation of the Western fruitcake we’ve become familiar with is a German dessert called stollen. Stollen is one variation that has less in common with the fruitcake because of the fact that it’s more of a loaf or bread-like treat than it is a cake. It’s known for its buttery and sugary flavors.

There’s even a variety of a fruitcake that comes from the Caribbean, which makes sense, due to certain areas being products of colonization. The Caribbean has a signature Black Cake that has a pudding-like consistency and is made with lots of alcohol.

With all these variations available around the world, you still may be left wondering what exactly a Christmas fruitcake is made of. This area of understanding has become a bit muddled over the years, due to the fact that fruitcakes gained a huge popularity in the early 20^th century, when they were able to be mass-made and sent via mail to friends and family members at Christmas.

Because of its situation in American culture over the years, you may have even seen the fruitcake made fun of in popular culture or media. Lots of Christmas movies involve some kind of age-old joke about sending a fruitcake to someone in the family you’re not very fond of. Of course, these fruitcakes were never quite as authentic or fresh as homemade versions. If the people in those movies had real, homemade fruitcakes to send, they certainly wouldn’t be sending them to people they weren’t fond of.

The homemade versions require an intense level of cooking detail to give them their beloved and signature taste and texture. In fact, they require several weeks-worth of preparation. You make them step by step, adding different ingredients along the way. In that way, it’s a bit similar to Amish friendship bread, although you don’t need to keep mixing the batter and certainly don’t have to pass it along to everyone you know before it can be baked.

Amish friendship bread . Source: Wikimedia Commons

It’s very dense, rich, and filled with tons of flavors and components. They contain anything from nuts, to raisins, dried fruits like cherries, pineapple, spices, apple sauce, and lots of bourbon. That sounds like a proper Christmas treat to me. Rather than making fun of fruitcakes next Christmas, you might consider finding an authentic recipe and making one for a friend!

My Favorite Products: Trader Joe's

Articles

Schuyler Traudt

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March 15, 2019

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Yes – I’m one of those people. I cannot hide my love for all things Trader Joe’s! From the produce to the frozen goods to the snacks and other goodies, I enjoy trying something new every time I walk in. Here are a few of my favorite products today.

Trader Joe’s Organic Buffalo Style Hummus

Advertised as smooth and creamy – the texture comes across as more of a party dip then what you’d expect for hummus. With a heat factor of almost zero (seriously – this barely has any bite to it at all), but packed with all the flavor you’d expect from a buffalo style snack, this is very versatile product that can be used in many different ways and please many different people. This can be used as a dip with chips, bread, or crackers, or can be used as a sandwich topping or an ingredient in any buffalo style meal.

Trader Giotto’s Glaze

This is a family favorite and refrigerator staple in our house. This balsamic glaze comes out thick and is both sweet and satisfyingly savory at the same time. It can be used in many different scenarios – believe me, I’ve tried them all! It goes great on top of homemade or take-out pizza, used as a flavor enhancer for any pasta or protein, for even as a dip for bread. In our house, we’ve even drizzled it on top of fresh mozzarella cheese for a decadent snack.

Trader Joe’s Lite Kettle Corn

I love kettle corn. In fact – who doesn’t love kettle corn? At all times, our family almost always has a bag in our house – and we ALWAYS stop and buy some when we come across it freshly prepared. Now – this may not taste as good as kettle corn that you’d purchase at a fair or carnival, but it is still incredibly satisfying.

This kettle corn can be purchased either in large bags or in a package of 6 smaller, snack-sized bags. We generally purchase the smaller bags – making this a perfect snack to throw a lunch box for work or school.

It is equally salty and sweet, and equally crunchy and soft. This is Trader Joe’s ‘light’ version of kettle corn – and even though it’s advertises as having 50% less fat than regular kettle corn, it doesn’t take like any flavor is being sacrificed.

Trader Joe’s Sriracha Sauce

It’s the hot sauce with a cult following. There have been many variations made of the original – and this is a great varietal. It is both spicy and sweet. It burns at first but the heat doesn’t linger on like some other hot sauces. All of the flavors that this sauce brings out are nicely balanced from beginning to end.

This sauce can be used as a flavor enhancer for most foods, but also stands out on it’s own to be used as a dip or as an ingredient in a dip. I have used it on pizza and on cold pasta salads to add flavor – but also mixed it with mayonnaise and ketchup to create flavorful dipping sauces.

Trader Joe’s Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Trader Joe’s has a large variety of different olive oils available on their shelves. Trader Joe’s Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes in a larger bottle at a similar value to the cheaper store brand bottle. It also comes with a very handy easy-pour cap.

I had been purchasing the cheapest bottle on the shelf at Trader Joe’s for awhile, but after being inspired by a few Netflix documentaries to elevate the fats that I use in my cooking. This varietal of olive oil has added great flavors to everything I cook with it. The advertising on the bottle notes that it has a “robust, fruity flavor” and a “full-bodied taste”. I really wish that I could come up with better words to describe how this comes across – but I can’t – that description is very accurate.

Amorette’s Patisserie – Disney Springs Florida

Restaurant Reviews

Deborah Williams

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March 14, 2019

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Amorette’s Patisserie – Disney Springs Florida

I love sweets! I have had a love affair with anything chocolate my entire life. I enjoy any kind of dessert, cakes, pastries, you name it I love it. But chocolate is my Achilles heel. This has made for a lifetime struggle with my weight. But when you walk into a place like Amorette’s it is very hard not to be taken in by the smells and tantalizing sights and forget all about dieting.

The shop is inviting and bright. The inside of the shop is air conditioned, so it is a refreshing experience in the warm weather of Florida. The décor is minimal because all the attention is on the food. There are tables inside and out if you just can’t wait to eat your treats. If you are looking for lunch Amorette’s may not be the best place to choose but they do have some savory crepes that are amazing. The beverages range from non-alcoholic to specialized coffees. There are plenty of choices for everyone.

Have you ever wanted to decorate like a professional? Amorette’s gives you that opportunity. You can sign up to decorate a Character cake with the help of one of their many talented pastry chefs. They offer a ninety-minute class that is limited to just twelve people. The glass gives you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a Disney pastry chef. During the class your instructor will not only guide you through the decorating, but you will give insider stories and lots of helpful tips.

In the front of the shop there is an open area where you can watch one or more of the chefs decorate a few of the desserts offered. You can watch a chef finish off one of the Mickey Mouse cakes or torch the Crème Brulee. It is fun and inviting and you can ask the chefs questions if you want. If you have a special event such as an anniversary, birthday or any other celebration you can pre-order one of the specialty cakes as well. They have Petit Cakes, Character Cakes and Signature Cakes that you can take home. Each pastry is done with excellence. If it’s true that you eat with your eyes then this is the ultimate experience.

Most of the time there is a waiting line at Amorette’s. If you choose the right time of day you may only have to wait a few minutes, or it could be a half an hour or more. Is it worth the wait? Is the food really that good? You can find out for yourself, but for me the answer is YES!

Dragon House, a taste of China

Elyse Brown

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March 13, 2019

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Having lived in San Francisco for eight years, I think I have become somewhat acquainted with the different varieties of Chinese food available in the United States. While most of it has become more or less Westernized, providing popular dishes easily identified by just about anyone, there are still some authentic aspects which, other than in China itself, can only really be found in a large city which happens to boast a decent sized China town.

Yes, you can get your typical red lacquered Chinese delicacies just about anywhere these days, from downtown Los Angeles to even the smallest towns in rural America. And worldwide from Panama City to London to Cape Town, it seems that Chinese food has made its way into just about every avenue of the worldwide restaurant scene.

The Dragon House

I can even recommend a few great places. Like one in Riverside, California called The Dragon House. This unique Chinese restaurant decorated both outside and inside can be spotted from the street by its blue pagoda style roof. Inside, you will find the calming fountain and Buddha statues, but what is truly unique about this place is the menu itself.

Sure, you can get your favorites here too. You can get your pork chow mein, fried rice, Orange Chicken, or sweet and sour pork. That’s usually what my husband and I order there when we visit. The lunch specials are decently priced and come with soup, won tons, egg rolls, and rice.

What is unique about this place though, isn’t just the delicious flavors of the meat dishes, its the fact that the menu features a doppelganger. One side you will find a regular menu; on the other, you will see what appears to be the same menu except for one difference. All the ‘meat’ item on this look a like menu are in fact vegan meats. Yes. Your vegetarian friends can enjoy the same orange chicken, egg flower soup, and chow mein as you without shame. It’s really great, I’ve never really seen a vegetarian menu like this, but it really is innovative considering the growing trend of plant-based diets.

Of course, the Dragon House is just one of the many Chinese restaurants you will find throughout the world but if you really want to experience authenticity in your own backyard, head to your closest Chinatown for the real taste of China.

It’s in these Chinatowns that you will discover that there is more to Chinese food than just your typical rice and chow mein. Here, you will find that each region in China has its unique characteristics. For instance, there’s Beijing cuisine, Cantonese cuisine, Schzetzuan, Hong Kong and so many other distinct regions all of which can be entirely different from one another.

Cantonese is most likely the type of cuisine you associate with Chinese food outside of China. This is because this is the region from which most Chinese immigrants from around the world have originated from. This is where you will see the origins of your Barbeque Pork, Pork Chow Mein, and other classics. It’s also the origin of a little less known Chinese delicacy- Dim Sum.

Dim Sum is characterized by small dishes. Here, the dumpling reigns supreme. You can find any number of steamed, fried, and sauteed dumplings with an unending plethora of sizes, shapes, and compositions. You will also find delicacies such as Chicken feet and steamed frog.

If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in San Francisco, there are many dim sum places throughout the city which provide an authentic dim sum experience. One such style of serving dim sum is where the servers visit each table with their carts of dim sum, and you just take what comes by, and they stamp your menu after which you pay at the very end. Each plate offers one or two dumplings are range from $2-$5 dollars, and you can select as many as you want.

Other than this most famous region of Canton, other popular regions of Chinese cuisine include the hot and fiery region of Sichuan, the origin of the nuclear Sichuan pepper and the signature dish, the Sichuan Hot Pot. Another lesser-known regional style is Jiangsu style which boasts a plethora of simmered, braised, and stewed dishes rather than the more well-known stir-fry dishes of the south.

Whatever the region, this one country has made its mark on world cuisine the world over. No other world cuisine in the world is as well traveled or as easily identified as Chinese cuisine. Even with modern cities where you can experience the world of flavors in your own backyard, Chinese cuisine still tends to dominate as the most identifiable and infamous.

Source: https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-food/eight-cuisine.htm

Dragon House restaurant, Riverside, CA.

The Varsity; The Biggest and Best Fast Food Joint in Atlanta

Hannah Wyatt

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March 12, 2019

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The Varsity; The Biggest and Best Fast Food Joint in Atlanta

If you’ve ever been to Atlanta and had the pleasure of having a classic dining experience at The Varsity, then you may be familiar with the rich history behind this large and exciting fast food restaurant situated in downtown. Known by their signature tagline, What’ll ya have?, which the workers use to greet customers as they approach the counter to order, The Varsity has existed for nearly a century. Originally, a man named frank Gordy had a vision to create the restaurant and did so in 1928. Now, the restaurant is well known worldwide. And what’s more, the restaurant now boasts a total of seven locations in the state of Georgia, ranging from Kennesaw, to Athens, to Atlanta, and more.

What’s crazy about this fast food restaurant is that it has the feel of a classic diner-style restaurant, all the while maintaining its ability to serve large numbers of customers at once. And the way The Varsity meets the needs of so many customers is by having a restaurant space physically large enough to accommodate a large amount of people. There is so much to choose from when you order, too! I personally like to go with a classic order of their cheese burger with onion rings and a drink, but there are a lot of other combos available, too. You can order combos with regular hot dogs, slaw dogs, chili dogs, chili burgers, bacon double cheese burgers, a whopping triple stack bacon cheese burger, and even a chili dog and burger combo.

And if this huge range of combination choices doesn’t have you sold, you may be interested in their choices in chicken nuggets, grilled chicken sandwiches, grilled pimento or cheese sandwiches, or even their classic BLTs or salads. You can even order from the dessert menu at The Varsity. Better than McDonald’s, and special in every way, you can order classic vanilla, chocolate, and orange frosted shakes, as well as hand-scooped ice creams and baked goods. What I especially like to have when I go to The Varsity, though, is their specialty orange drink. While you still have classic soda choices to pick from, the Varsity Orange is probably one of the restaurant’s bigger claims to fame. This drink is a sweet and tangy orange soda that works as a great complimentary taste to the saltiness of the food, and it will have you coming back for more, that’s for sure.

The Varsity is a go-to choice for any visitor to or tourist in Atlanta. It has such an old-timey feel and welcoming atmosphere, that you’ll probably be tempted to make a second order after you’ve finished your first, just so you can stay a little longer. I know I wanted to. And even if you don’t find yourself fitting the category of tourist, and you’re just a Georgia native or Atlanta native even, this restaurant is still a must visit. With the guarantee of inexpensive, reasonable prices and delicious, fresh, and quickly-served food, The Varsity has the whole package to offer.