Tag Archives: food

Today: The latest buzz.

14 October 2011

7 Comments

I made an incredible discovery on Wednesday night:  Espresso.  As usual, I’m a bit late to the game.  I have been awake for nearly 72 hours straight (just kidding… I took a three hour nap early this morning before heading to work).  I have done four loads of laundry.  I have updated my iPhone… twice (apparently I was more than one version behind). I’ve watched two episodes of Pan Am, while painting my nails three different colors.  I’ve written two grant proposals and drafted one budget.  I went seven rounds in the boxing gym without taking a single break.  I can’t stop dancing. Why is my eyelid twitching?

As someone who “swears off caffeine forever” multiple times each year, I may be venturing into dangerous territory. I had the pleasure of joining a few of my favorite Boston girls for a media dinner featuring coffee and wine pairings, hosted by Ted Allen and coffee expert Mark Uhlemann at the Nespresso Boutique on Newbury Street.  After only a few sips of my espresso martini, I felt like Jessie Spano on the trampoline (minus the diet pill addiction).  I was both so excited and so… scared that perhaps I had been invited to this fabulous event by mistake.  I prayed my over-sized lady briefcase wouldn’t knock over any of Nespresso’s teeny, tiny cute little espresso cups as I passed through the boutique.

When it was time to make our way to the dining area, set up towards the back of the store for this event, we spotted Ted Allen’s place card.  It didn’t take much coaxing to get Bridget to snag a seat next to the Food Network star, and our host for the evening.  Doesn’t she look like she’s up to something?

Our first course featured a sweet potato cup with parsnip puree whip and coffee caviar (yes, really).  The wine and coffee pairings included a glass of Argyle 2000 “Extended Tirage” brut sparkling wine, alongside a cup of Nespresso’s Livanto Grand Cru.  I think you know my policy on sparkling wine.  Bubbles make life better.  Prior to this event, I had no policy on Livanto Grand Cru.  I now do (it’s the same as my bubble policy).  I love when life gets unexpectedly better.

As our entrees were being served, we learned a bit more about the Nespresso brand, and their emergence in the US market.  Mark Uhlemann emphasized that this is not your run of the mill drive through coffee.  It is meant to be savored.  I started having flashbacks of the three hour lunch breaks I enjoyed as a sixteen year old exchange student in Rome (my host father once packed a Budweiser in my school lunch “because Americans love beer,” but that’s another story… and an awesome one, at that).  Does mixing espresso and sparkling wine cause flashbacks?  I’m willing to do the research and report back.

In addition to a glass of Pahlmeyer 2004 Merlot (not my favorite, but then again, I am white wine weenie through and through) and a tiny cup of Nespresso’s limited edition Dhjana (I love anything miniature, let’s be serious), I enjoyed one of the best vegetarian entrees I’ve been served in ages.  I savored nearly every bite of my roasted asparagus and crispy eggplant roulade.

Somehow, I saved room for dessert, which was paired with a glass of Niepoort 10-year-old tawny port and a cup of Nespresso’s Decaffeinato Intenso.  And my, was it intenso.  I probably could have sprinted home in heels, instead of lazily taking a cab ride (which wouldn’t be complete without a colorful lecture about the “jackassedness of paying for cab rides with credit cards”– direct quote.  Can you guess my new favorite word?).

I loved hearing Ted Allen speak about which restaurants he had visited in Boston, his experience with Nespresso, and his thoughts on the wine and coffee pairings.  He was truly charming, down to earth, and (not surprisingly) quite funny.  Mark Uhlemann offered great insight, and officially has me hooked on a new caffeine vehicle.  Diet Coke who?

It may have been the coffee, it may have been the wine, it may have been the chocolate… but I suspect it was actually the company– I had a fantastic evening.

Also On Tap for Today:

What advice can you share with a (sort of) young, naive coffee drinker?

Today: A mailbox full of tea and chocolate.

3 October 2011

3 Comments

Here I am, talking about September when we’re already three days into October.  It’s sort of like when I “discovered” Harry Potter three months before the final movie came out.  Yes, I realize they were books first.  Or like the time I learned about this cool new band called Mumford and Sons, six months after everyone else.  Including my dog.  Better late to the party, than never to arrive… right?  Right?!

Jill, my foodie pen pal for September sent me the sweetest package last week.  She included a great note, detailing the package’s contents and a bit of meaning behind each item.  In addition, Jill included two of her favorite recipes: Bobby Flay’s ginger-soy-lime marinated shrimp and crock pot peach dump dessert.  I have a feeling Nick would love that shrimp recipe!


Jill sent me

  • Al’s Popcorn (the sinfully chocolate variety… rawrrrrrrr)
  • Mis Rubin’s White Magic seasoning
  • White truffle oil
  • Yogurt covered raisins
  • A delicious looking bar of chocolate from an event her company sponsored (to benefit wellness programs, provided at no cost to cancer patients)

And (this girl knows the way to my heart), a whole lot of Crimson Cup tea!

Thanks to Lindsay, each month provides a new opportunity to connect with fellow bloggers (and readers) and exchange fun foodie mail.  If you’d like more information, or to participate, I encourage you to check out Lindsay’s recap.  You have until tomorrow (October 4th) to sign up.  If you’d like to see what I sent Hannah, please feel free to check out her post!

I love surprises, especially when they’re edible.  Having someone else shop for you, in different part of the country, means lots of new ideas, ingredients and inspiration.  Perhaps I’ll be trading in my beloved Old Bay for some Mis Rubins?

Also On Tap for Today:

  • Soccer (we’re 2-1 so far this season… woooot! for winning more than one game)
  • How good do these sweet potato cakes look?
  • Another beautiful fall day in Boston :)

What’s your favorite hometown food?

Today: Key lime cuties.

28 August 2011

4 Comments

The tropics may have sent us their weather (how rude), but they also sent along some tasty dessert inspiration: teeny, tiny key lime pies.

For  a few bucks and five minutes of work, I was able to whip up six of these little cuties.  Sometimes shortcuts (pre-made pie crust!) are the way to go.  Especially when you have flashlights to find, water jugs to fill, and storms to fear.

It seems the worst of Irene has passed, and so far, we’ve been really lucky.  And not just because we have sweet somethings to snack on.  I hope you’re all faring just as well.  Safety first, fun second.

Also On Tap for Today:

Where do you find inspiration for your favorite foods?

Today: Finding food on the Greenway.

27 August 2011

5 Comments

Audrey, founder of Boston Food Finds, was kind enough to invite me on a preview tour of the soon-to-launch Greenway Food Tour.  Audrey aims to engage guests in unique food experiences while exploring our city’s neighborhoods.  You know how much I love the Greenway (and food), so needless to say, I was thrilled to be invited.

After gathering at the Marriott Long Wharf, our group set out on a three hour tour (very Gilligan’s Island) spanning much of the Greenway’s one-point-something mile reach from South Station to the North End.

Blue, Inc.

Our first stop involved adult milkshakes with acclaimed chef and Hell’s Kitchen finalist, Jason Santos.  Tricia LaCount, Bar Manager and Wine Director at Blue Inc., prepared boozy blueberry cheesecake milkshakes for the group while Chef Santos regaled us with stories of reality television and a dazzling liquid nitrogen demonstration.  I was both terrified and amazed.  Talk about starting the tour with a bang.

Silk Road BBQ

While the rest of our group sampled barbecued and smoked meats, I fell in love with a trio of salads (American cole slaw, Mediterranean salad, and Korean carrots) at Silk Road’s food stand on the Greenway. [I am writing this post with a snoring Frenchie on my lap/keyboard and have twice now typed Silk Toad.]  Silk Road is a marriage of food, travel and technology.  From their yurt-inspired outpost, they encourage passersby to stop and enjoy a cup of complimentary tea, as well as a diverse menu inspired by the best offerings from their travels.  Ed’s enthusiasm was infectious, it was a real pleasure to learn more about Silk Road’s philosophy and operations.

I love that Silk Road is positioned alongside  stories from immigrants, many about food– it seems like a natural place for their yurt (as well as their welcoming approach and diversity of cuisine) to be.

Grilled Cheese Nation

Give me a crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside grilled cheese and I will like you forever (on Facebook and IRL, n00bs).  If you’re punny, well, all the better.  I giggled as Gavin presented Grilled Cheese Nation’s menu, and may consider their Brie Me Up (brie and pears, on perfectly toasted Iggy’s bread) sandwich for my Last Supper, whenever that might be.  The fact that Grilled Cheese Nation is a fleet of two food trucks means, perhaps, they could come to me?  Seriously good food from a company that doesn’t take itself too seriously– that’s a trend I can get behind.  P.S. Stop by for their gazpacho before it (and summer) disappears.

James Hook and Co.

Our next stop on the Greenway Food Tour was James Hook and Co., where my fellow tourmates enjoyed fresh lobster rolls at this Boston institution.  Meanwhile, I snooped around and found a lobster with claws bigger than my face, wearing three barnacles to boot.  He was old, and very well accessorized.  Even though I was toting my usual oversized bag, I didn’t have much of an opportunity to free him.  Can’t win ‘em all.  If you’re more included to eat lobsters than plot their freedom, James Hook offers great deals on live lobsters, as well as prepared meals.

Greenway Edible Garden

The Greenway Conservancy’s youth workforce development program has been hard a work, growing many edible plants from seed, and bringing a gorgeous scene of sunflowers, peppers, tomatoes and ground cover to such an urban setting.

Q’s Nuts

I’m not exactly nuts for nuts, but I did enjoy watching the rest of the group sample upwards of 10 flavors of Q’s Nuts, roasted right in Somerville and sold at a number of retail locations, in addition to the Dewey Square farmers’ market.  I tried flaming nuts, mostly because I thought the name was funny… but truth be told, they were really tasty. (That’s what she said.)

Clover

Our second to last stop, and second food truck, on the tour landed us at Clover for a refreshing drink and snack to take home.  I enjoyed an ice cold cup of honey lemonade, and snuck a sip (with her permission, obviously) of Stacy’s hibiscus tea, which was equally delicious.  I chose a beet and feta salad to take home, and look forward to enjoying it.  With prime real estate so close to South Station, the Clover food truck seems like the perfect place to grab a quick pick me up or snack before carrying on with the hustle and bustle.

Radius

Our final stop found us at Radius’ communal dining table to enjoy an incredible array of deserts crafted by pastry chef PJ Waters.  Though I am not sure how it was possible after such a rich afternoon of sampling, I managed to sneak in a bite of each of Chef Waters’ creations.  We enjoyed light, airy chocolate cookies with marscapone, mini Boston creme doughnuts and cheese cakes, and decadent candy bar squares.

This was certainly the perfect ending to a really lovely tour of one of my favorite places in the city.  As I ran past the Greenway this morning on my first double-digit run in ages, I couldn’t help but feel tempted to stop for a snack.  Unforutnately Gu was the only thing on my menu, but I am sure it won’t be long before I am lining up for a grilled cheese, a side of Korean carrots, or a cold glass of lemonade… or better yet, an adult milkshake.  Mmm.

For more information about upcoming Boston Food Finds tours, I recommend visiting their website, or following Audrey on Twitter for updates.  Many thanks for including me on this fantastic preview tour!  It was so great to meet the personalities and people behind some of Boston’s best food.

Also On Tap for Today:

Have you visited a new (or new-to-you) restaurant or eatery recently?

Today: Summer was meant for salads.

12 August 2011

3 Comments

Being a rather unimaginative vegetarian, I am always pleased with myself when I think up something new.  And when that something new turns out to be both simple and delicious, well all the better.  With so much fresh New England produce to enjoy this time of year, I can’t help but believe summer was meant for salads.

Three of my favorites?  Read on, friends.

Melons, Bocconcini and Basil

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups watermelon, cubed (or, if you have no life, pressed into delicate flower shapes)
  • 2 cups honeydew melon, cubed
  • 1/2 European cucumber, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup bocconcini
  • 10 large leaves of basil, chiffonade or chop coarsely
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Drain or press excess moisture from your cubed melon and cheese.
  2. Mix watermelon, honey dew melon, and bocconcini in a large bowl or serving platter, and sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper.  This is a case where less is definitely more.
  3. Top with a generous amount of fresh basil, and serve chilled.  This salad can be prepared the night before, and makes a delightful brunch treat.

Heirloom tomatoes with bleu cheese

Ingredients:

  • 6 medium heirloom tomatoes (experiment with different varieties, or stick to a tried and true favorite)
  • 1.5 cups crumbled bleu cheese
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Carefully chop tomatoes in half, and then into quarters and arrange on a large platter, or in a large serving bowl.
  2. Top the tomatoes with crumbled bleu cheese (feta or Gorgonzola are excellent choices as well), and a drizzle of olive oil.
  3. Makes a great addition to fresh greens, a crusty slice of French bread, or served alongside your favorite summer cookout fare.

Orzo salad with a Greek accent

Ingredients:

  • Whole wheat orzo
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 1/4 European cucumber, chopped
  • 1 yellow or red pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese
  • 1 can chick peas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 small handful fresh mint leaves, washed and dried
  • Greek dressing (I prefer Yasou) and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare orzo according to package directions.  Drain, and allow to cook for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Combine cooked orzo with chopped vegetables (onion, pepper and cucumber), feta cheese, and chickpeas and mix well.
  3. Slowly add Greek dressing, being careful not to overdress the salad.
  4. Top with fresh mint leaves and cracked pepper, and refrigerate before serving chilled.
  5. This salad is delicious when served over spinach, and make a perfect “leftover lunch,” as flavors continue to develop.

Also On Tap for Today:

What is your favorite summer meal?

Today: Bring your own pig.

23 July 2011

15 Comments

Nick and I headed down to Tina and Mal’s this afternoon for their Pig Party. Being a vegetarian and all, I thought I’d B.M.O.P., you know, bring my own pig. When Nick’s dad roasted a pig a couple years ago, I brought a pig cake. The thought of using the oven on a hot day like today, however, sort of made me want to perish. So I made a pigmelon instead.

Oink.

While being a total weather wimp and taking my long run indoors this morning, I thought through my plans. Blueberries for eyes, rind ears and a pop-out snout. I thought the apple would be an authentic touch, and tried to google “pig roast photos” (not something I recommend) on my iPhone. And then I almost fell off the treadmill. By the time I finished running, I was ready to get down to business.

After I finished carving the melon, I saved a few mini Mason jars worth of juice for iced tea or perhaps an adult beverage. And I was sure to set aside a few pieces of fruit for the Frenchie.

We had a really fun afternoon in the sun with Tina and Mal, Bridget and Brian, and the pack of wild puppies roaming the yard. I know the pig roast was a true labor of love– the whole scene was quite impressive. And now I’m home, wondering what else I can carve from a watermelon.

Also On Tap for Today:

Do you play with your food?

Today: Tea and treats on the terrace.

27 June 2011

12 Comments

I love happening upon a new spot in the city to enjoy a cup of tea, a chat with friends and a plate full of treats.  I also love being surprised. When I think of a Hyatt, I think of that time I had to go to Texas for 24 hours for business.  It’s nearly impossible to enjoy room service when the view from that room is a strip club, the freeway, and some sort of tire mega-super-store.  Come to think of it, I may have stayed in a Marriott.  Either way, the food was essentially poisonous, resulting in a 3lb. weight loss and a strong desire to fly home to Boston and never, ever leave.

It turns out, though, all hotel food need not be judged so harshly.  The ever-animated and knowledgeable Chef Kelly Armetta at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Crossing may have changed my impression of hotel breakfasts forever.  At the very least, I probably gained back those 3lbs.  I joined a lovely group of Boston Brunchers (and our friends from Eversave!) on Sunday morning at the Hyatt’s Terrace at Avenue 1, a fantastic outdoor space in the heart of the city, to sample some of Chef Armetta’s soon-to-launch menu.


The new menu’s focus on locally sourced, seasonal food means that each Hyatt will feature its own, unique items.  For $25, we got to sample everything from gluten-free granola to strawberry and almond paste tarts.  The more adventurous brunches enjoyed Maine lobster eggs benedict and triple chocolate pancakes.

A little Zen in the city

As the terrace started to fill with fellow bloggers, I enjoyed a quick cup of tea and practiced saying non-nerdy things in my head.  Which in itself… is nerdy.  I’m always a bit nervous when it comes to meeting new people and being out of my element.  That’s the trouble with having an over-active imagination; you’re certain you’ll spill orange juice on your dining mate’s camera, or fall over the edge of the terrace and onto a hotel guest.  Needless to say, those things never (or rarely) actually happen.

Me and Bridget, up on the roof

I was thrilled to see Audrey and Bridget, and to meet so many of the girls I love to tweet (that sounds weird, but I am going with it).  I also loved chatting with Lyn and learning more about The Boston Food Swap.  In between conversations, I sampled a little bit of (vegetarian) everything, and enjoyed it all.

I love a strawberry or twenty

The sun made an appearance, at last, making the morning all the better.  Lovely company, delicious food, and some Vitamin D?  Not bad at all.  The Terrace at Avenue 1 is currently open for drinks and “seasonal bites” from Tuesday through Friday, 5pm to close.  I think it might be the perfect place to enjoy a post-work cocktail on a summery evening.  I’ve posted a few more photos of the morning on Facebook, if you’re interested.

Many thanks to Boston Brunchers and Chef Armetta for proving me wrong.  Brunch at this hotel far exceeded my expectations (and the view wasn’t bad either!).  It’s time to rethink hotel food, my friends.

Also On Tap for Today:

What did you eat of note this weekend?  Try anything new?

Today: A vegetarian’s nightmare.

10 June 2011

11 Comments

Warning: This post is disgusting.

There are  a few things I never imagined I’d do in my life.  Like cook a lobster (and you know, kill it in a pot of boiling water).  Or purchase a bag of lamb’s ears, duck feet, and pig skin rolls.  On purpose.  For my dog.  Without vomiting.

This is me, half-crying.

The Pawsitive Dog hosted a “treat party” for clients looking to stock up on nutritious (and, allegedly, delicious) treats for their dogs.  I am so glad we opted for the small bag, as we now have what is–in reality–a very large bag of animal parts hidden in our cabinet.  We spent about twenty minutes picking from a selection of gullets, tracheas, bladders and feet– the sorts of things that don’t often make it to human dining tables, but are very much edible for animals.

I nearly fainted six times, and had to keep the exit in plain view, lest I need to make a quick escape.  There was a time when I bought things for Clark thinking they were just cutely named.

Oh, wow.  That really looks like a pig’s snout.  How quaint!

Get a clue, lady.  If it looks like a pig’s snout, is labeled “pig’s snout,” and is being sold in a pet store… it’s likely a pig’s snout.  Once, one of the friendly people at B.Y.O.D. asked if Clark liked tripe.  I replied, “Oh yes, he looooves fish.”  It wasn’t until I got home and Googled tripe, that I understood why the woman looked at me like I had two heads.  She gave him a giant hunk of dehydrated tripe (also known as the first three stomachs of a cow), right around the same time I smelled something so foul that I feared I might expire.  I threw my money on the counter and darted out of the store like hell on wheels.  Or whatever that expression is.

Clark happily chewed his tripe the whole way to the car, hopped in his crate and we were on our way.  It took me about 12 seconds of being in the car, with the windows up to realize that the tripe was very much the source of that God forsaken smell.  I reached through the crate, grabbed that slimy thing from Clark’s mouth and threw it out the window.  While driving (at least I wasn’t texting).  Please consider this my formal apology to anyone on E. Broadway on May 13th who may have been hit with a tripe.  I am sorry.

After 29 years (welp, now you know how young and sprightly I am) of not eating meat, I really though the day I bought a cow’s tail would never come.  But it did.  Last Wednesday.  Since then, I have pulled a duck’s toenail from Clark’s bed, cleaned up the aftermath of a lamb’s ear and paced the hallways of our condo building wondering if I might die.  Or at the very least, be kicked off the Boston Vegetarian Society listserv.  Seriously, my life has become a vegetarian’s nightmare.  Oh, the things we will do for the people and puppies we love.

Also On Tap for Today:

What’s the grossest thing you touched this week?  Muhaha.

Today: The smart cart.

30 May 2011

7 Comments

There are few chores I enjoy more than food shopping.  I like to write out a list and check each item off as I wander the aisles.  I like to read labels, smell and squish produce, pick out flowers for arranging, and scope out new products.  We’re lucky to have a really great Whole Foods Market that boasts incredible customer service, plenty of parking, and a savvy social media presence to boot, not far from our condo.

I occasionally pop into Stop & Shop, but the number of times I’ve been nearly run over in the South Bay Center sort of makes me want to never be there without body armor.  When I am feeling especially lazy, or need to stock up on toilet paper, I order from Peapod.  But generally,  I want to be passing my shopping time in the store I love.

I was up early this morning and caught a CNBC documentary called Supermarkets, Inc.  Nerd alert!  I love these shows almost as much as I love the UK version of Antiques Roadshow.  Anyway, while watching the show, I took 4 pages of notes.  Super ultra mega nerd alert!  I thought I’d share some freshly acquired knowledge with you for your next trip down the aisles.

Bread, milk and butter

People most often visit grocery stores in America with plans to purchase “the staples.”  Companies, hoping to entice shoppers to buy the non-staples, typically place milk at the back corner of the store.

Not so straight path

More and more, stores are moving away from the traditionally straight rows of aisles.  We’ve all heard the advice to “shop the perimeter” of stores, avoiding the processed, boxed items at the center of the store.  By organizing meandering aisles with lots of twists and turns, stores hope to bring shoppers up and down each row.  Those cut-throughs, mid-aisle, were added to keep shoppers from feeling trapped.  Once a box of cereal, seemingly untouched, fell from a top shelf and hit me in the head.  I wonder if grocery stores have considered adding a little lip to shelved to keep that from happening.  Or maybe that’s only ever happened to me.  You probably think I get hit in the head a lot.  I don’t.

Seducing the shopper

Don't mind if I do!

Markets attract shoppers with as many senses as possible.  From positioning flowers and freshly baked bread at the front of the store, to misting produce with water, to turning chickens on rotisseries– it’s all about seducing the shopper.  Offering samples, something Whole Foods Market does so well, is an especially effective means of keeping a shopper in the store longer, and ensuring they do some shopping.

Size matters

[Photo source]

The size of your shopping cart might determine how much you spend in a given trip to the market.  In one experiment, shopping carts were doubled in size, resulting in people buying an average of 40% more than they did with a “regular” sized cart.  Incidentally, the typical American family spends $100 a week on groceries.  This amount is slightly increased for Whole Foods shoppers (an average $33/basket), but prices for staples at Whole Foods are competitive, despite common misconception.

How to outsmart the super market

Marketing expert Martin Lindstrom, author of Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy, offers three tips for shopping smart.

  1. Leave the kids at home.
  2. Do not take a shopping cart.  Carry items in your arms, or if needed, in a basket.  You’d be surprised by what you won’t buy if you need to carry it around.
  3. Do not use your credit card.  The feeling of “unlimited” funds may prevent you from being selective.  Lindstrom suggests shopping with $100 bills, as he purports that breaking a big bill “hurts like hell.”
Oh, and don’t food shop hungry.  That’s how not one, but two containers of lemon and garlic olives end up in your fridge.  Man, those things are good.
Also On Tap for Today:
  • Chillin’ and grillin’ by the pool :)
  • I love this vegetable centerpiece
  • Happy Memorial Day, with gratitude for all who have served
What was the last impulse purchase you made at the grocery store?

Today: Orange you glad..

5 April 2011

2 Comments

..there’s no actual blood in blood oranges?  I juiced six of these little babies by hand Sunday morning and ended up with the perfect amount of fresh, tart juice.

Pay no attention to Harry Elizabeth Potter's goblet of fire in the background.

The first time I saw a blood orange, I was a nerdy exchange student staying with a host family in Rome.  My host mother would serve freshly squeezed blood orange juice each morning, alongside thick toast topped with ricotta and jam.  I figured I misunderstood when I was told to drink my orange juice.  Dude, that juice was not orange.  But man, was it amazing.

The Leaning Tower of Peelsa.. or whatever.

I may have caught carpel tunnel syndrome from all that manual juicing, but it was totally worth it.  As I daydreamed about that small Italian kitchen, and sipped on my no-so-orange orange juice, I was briefly transported from my hectic weekend.  And then my barely functioning BlackBerry started blinking again.  Welp, it was good while it lasted!

Also On Tap for Today:

What’s your favorite food memory?