good food can and should be simple

These last couple of days have been full (no pun intended) of simple delicious food.
Rainy Friday night I decided to go hear the love of my life Anthony Bourdain speak at at some random performing arts center in Cerritos. I braved the cold, dark rain and naturally...by myself....went to hear Bourdain. I've read all of his works so it was a bit repetitive but still fun to hear his voice and travel musings in person! He said a few noteworthy things...

1. Why has it come to the point that we pay for people to NOT fuck up my pasta, hamburger, filet of fish. It's almost a relief when something comes to the table that I say "wow, I could not have done a better job...impressive"  My mother always says she hates to go out because she can "do it better."

2. Food is a tool of communication. Dining should be a fun, communal experience. (I should take that advice)

3. It's not hard to get a decent meal. AND what people don't realize is that if you travel the best food (well...most "authentic" at least) probably isn't going to come from the place your concierge recommends. It's ridiculous that as we do become more globalized it's harder to find traces of culture. Fuck Starbucks. and all chains for that matter.

4. Americans are too accustomed to their own "lifestyle" to be good travelers. Yes, that is a sweeping generalization.

So after my swooning session I naturally had to hit up one of my favourite restaurants for a late night dinner. Pizzaria Mozza- literally so good. I had a tri colore pizza with pancetta and a fried egg. Yum. AND, it's simple. Fresh ingredients prepared well and with no big fru fru.

As for my personal culinary adventures this weekend...
Last night I decided to whip up some seared lemon pepper encrusted Ahi tuna in my residence hall kitchen. Some roasted potatoes. My favourite Ina Garten french salad dressing. oh, and goat cheese. I like when I see mouths watering.

This morning an avocado, tomato, goat cheese egg white omelet. Literally took 5 minutes. Who says you can't make a quick, delicious, simple meal- in a tiny ass makeshift dorm kitchen.

I, like Bourdain, have mixed feelings about the Food Network. I still think people would rather eat takeout on the couch and watch Giada's boobs than make her bruchetta (said in heavy Italian accent). The Food Network is on crack. Man v. Food really? Poor pudgy guy taking eating challenges from mediocre (at best) restaurants? Guy Fieri is a tool. I'm not a hater- I do think the Food Network has given many a confused single guy some useful ideas and Ina Garten makes the best food (if you have her budget and ring of gay helpers).

But damn do I hate Rachel Ray.

*make sure you watch the South Park food network episode- CREME FRAICHE! so funny.

Music: 
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