Dish Gal's TV Debut on NECN

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Arts-Entertainment/2009/09/18/Broadside-Weekly-News-IQ-Quiz/1253315654.html

Dish Gal appeared this past Friday, September 18 on NECN on Jim Braude's Broadside Weekly News IQ Quiz. Without giving it away, at least I got the food-related question right!! ;)

I can't figure out how to embed the video...any help would be greatly appreciated...

In the meantime, enjoy the video on NECN's website! (click the link above)

Lots of love,

Dish Gal

Big Mac: Inside the McDonald's Empire

I’ve been fascinated with McDonald’s for awhile now. I guess it started back in 2006 when I was studying in London; something about seeing this ultra-American brand abroad, in some quite random places (across from the Pantheon!?), sparked my interest. How does such a brand become so large, so successful, so powerful? I loved its little marketing changes from place to place, discernible sometimes only by the savviest consumer (i.e. Ann and I, equally obsessed with their Cadbury McFlurries in England).

As someone working in the field of marketing, and a student of communications for many years, from an academic and business standpoint I’m fascinated with their brand management, the way it’s evolved over the years and across different markets. Do I morally agree with them entering developing countries? No. Do I support their role in fattening up America? No. But am I fascinated with how a company can last 50 some years and expand worldwide, only starting as a burger shack with 15 cent hamburgers? Yes. Plus, I reeeeally love the filet o’ fish ;) Shhhh, don't tell my fellow foodies out there!!! It's one of my favorite Route 95, road trip stop offs.

In any case, you can imagine my excitement last night when I saw CNBC was airing a 1-hour documentary called, “Big Mac: Inside the McDonald’s Empire.” Sure, as a marketing person I enjoyed the interviews about their business model, and the segment on bringing the brand to Asia. But as a FOODIE, I really enjoyed this segment on their test kitchen!! In this clip, McDonald's head Chef Dan Coudreaut, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and former Four Seasons hotel chef, takes CNBC on a tour around the kitchen and gives a glimpse into the immense amount of research and testing each menu item goes through.

Check it out!!



Who knew so much went into their designing those new menu items?

Peanut Butter Puffins = Crack (and other food addictions)

It started out innocently enough. At work one day, I went over to visit Alec at his desk, as I was hungry and it was still hours from lunchtime. He suggested I try some of Meadow’s (new character alert! Meadow is named after Meadow Soprano. She’s a coworker who enjoys rugby games and men with accents) peanut butter Puffins cereal. I had tried them before, in the cinnamon flavor, and thought they were okay, not that great. But I was desperate, and the puffin on the front looked so cute and friendly and innocent.WRONG! Not innocent at all!! This puffin is like the dieter's version of Joe the Camel—sure he looks all cute and cuddly, but really he unlocks the door to something addictive and dangerous…

These little puffs of peanut buttery goodness are amongst the more amazing foods I’ve ever tried. I can’t even put into words my lack of control when these guys are around. I even found myself day dreaming about them when I was at home in the North End, thinking about the box in my desk drawer at work, and when I could get my next peanut butter puffin fix.

And that Friday when no one was at work? When everyone was outside frolicking in the sunshine? I sat with the box, on my lap, and just noshed on those little guys all day long, until I literally felt sick to my stomach. Why eat lunch when you can snack on PB puffins?! I thought to myself.

When I confessed (via twitter) my addiction, many others came forward, afflicted with this similar love of PB puffins, while others confessed other foods they can’t allow themselves to buy, for fear of gorging themselves.

Here are some other suggestions from friends of foods that are so addictive, they’re akin to drugs.

Jamie rattled off a bunch in one breath: clementines, movie theatre popcorn, Tostitos, Fritos, cookie dough, French fries, Life cereal, champagne.

More suggestions from Jamie: those crunchy, wonton noodles at Chinese restaurants that they put on the table in place of bread. “And they’re not even that good,” she pointed out, “but everyone houses them!”

Another friend at work is ready to check herself into rehab over meringue cookies at Whole Foods.

Besides puffins, I’d add green grapes and ice cream in cartons to my list (case in point—last night’s mistake of buying a pint of Dove ice cream).

Dearest readers, what are your addictive foods? You know, the kind that when you take a bite, you know you’re a goner and you’ll be thinking about the rest of the day or until you can get your next fix?? Leave yours in the comments! I'm very curious to hear...

Hot Pockets and Jim Gaffigan

Jim Gaffigan and Hot Pockets.

Have you seen this?

If no, please watch ASAP...

"I'll have the caesar salad aaaand a hot pocket."

Hangover "Cures"

Today, let's talk about an unpleasant area of life: the hangover. But as Dish Gal likes to view the world as half full (of delicious food and drinks), let's focus on the positive and talk about the best food remedies for the day after.

I've taken one for the team and have done lots of research on this subject, as I unfortunately cannot consume more than two drinks and not feel terrible the next day. Here are some of my favorite cures and foods for the next day:

Regular coke. I SWEAR by this. Not diet, not coke zero, REGULAR coke. I'm thinking something with the sugar and the sodium and the caffeine? I dunno, but it works wonders.

Subway. Foot long turkey sub with pretty much everything on it (hot peppers, vinegar, lettuce, tomato, banana peppers, s&p). Toasted, of course. (Side note: Has anyone noticed how so many Subways are awkwardly quiet? There's usually no music, and I feel so self-conscious as I rattle off all the things I want in the sandwich. Anyone else?)

G2. A classic, but with less calories. Gotta get those electrolytes! I like grape.

Avocado. One time I just scooped it right out of the shell and ate it. Don't judge! Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Bloody Mary. This is for times when you can go home and go back to bed after consuming. Thus, not recommended for the work day, sadly.

Dunkin Donuts egg-white flatbread. When I'm feeling like calorie-counting.

Dunkin Donuts bagel, egg, cheese, and sausage. When I don't feel like calorie-counting.

Thai "Drunken" noodles. Ah, the irony of the name. I'm torn on this one, because whenever I order this, DURING the meal I'm in heaven, with the noodles and the fiery chili sauce, but afterwards? Usually doesn't sit so well.

Gum. When I was in New York recently, attempting to battle through a raging hangover to go to Forever 21, I realized that a stick of gum weirdly helps somehow. Maybe it's the mint?

Fresh air. (not a food, I know). Anytime I feel particularly death-like, a brisk walk really helps. Not too far though...Because exercise during a hangover? Now that's just crazy talk!

What are your favorites??? (and don't say water. Dish Gal is not a fan of H2o). A friend at work swears by edamame, which seems too healthy for me, but I do see the benefits of the added salt...

TGIF!

Busy day- I almost forgot about TGIF !! Here are some fun links. It's FREEZING today, so I'm looking forward to a hot and spicy bowl of pho tonight. What are your plans for the weekend, dearest readers??

Fast Food: Ads vs. Reality. These photos sum it up pretty well:



Your Morning Pizza: One writer documents his love of savory foods for breakfast. {via The New York Times}

Alice Waters Proposes New School Lunch Program: Interesting, more serious read. {via Serious Eats}

Go Underground with O.N.C.E. How cool-- underground supper clubs! {via MenuPages Boston}

First McDonald's with new look...

Dish Gal doesn't hide the fact that she loves McDonald's-- or rather, international McDonald's. The one in Leicester Square in London is my all-time favorite. Have fond memories of ordering McFlurrys with Cadbury Crunchies. Mmmm...

Anyway, McDonald's is undergoing a little face-lift, and the first one with the makeover is in Springfield, Illinois-- the Land of Lincoln, and also the Land of Dish Dad! Here's some info from the State Journal Register...

The new design, dubbed “Forever Young,” forgoes the bright red-and-yellow color
scheme, sturdy plastic furnishings and signature mansard roof. In its place is an interior with contemporary, clean lines and neutral colors, brought out through the use of stone, wood and glass.

For more on the change, you can read the full article here.