Chicken Caesar at Work

Remember that note to self in my last post? Stick with the classics?  Apparently that doesn't work either.  This was by far the worst Chicken Caesar wrap I've ever had.  Soggy, stuffed with the bad pieces of lettuce and like 5 tiny chewy pieces of chicken.  Maybe I should just stay away from the sandwich bar at work all together and stick with the hot meals.  They may be more expensive, but at least they are somewhat appetizing.

Argh!!!!

Pulled Pork at Work

Not to much to say about this Philips Food Court meal.  It smelled a lot better than it tasted.  Plus I thought the Pineapple on top would be bomb, but it was really under-ripe, flavorless and hard.  The Pork itself was pretty weak, and frankly they give you way to much it sogged out the bun in about 23 seconds.  Only redeeming quality of this meal was the sweet potato fries.  They actually do fries and taters pretty well here at the Philips food court.

Note to self, skip the pulled pork and stick with classics.

Sushi Man Date at Mootones

Feast your eyes on this spectacle of deliciousity. Yes, just created a new word, deal with it.  This feast of raw fish, rice, seaweed and battered vegetables is brought to you by Mootones of Andover. Place looks like a dump next to the train tracks on the outside, but it's pretty nice inside and the best Sushi in Andover (the only Sushi in Andover I think...) Hit the joint up with RJ on a man date last week, can't wait to do it it again brah!


We both decided on the same exact thing, obviously.  The L11 Lunch special includes a bowl of Miso Soup, 3 Pieces of Vegetable Tempura, 1 piece shrimp Tempura, 6 Spicy Tuna Rolls and 6 Spicy Salmon Rolls.  It's actually a considerable amount of food for $11.95.  My vegetables were a little under-cooked, but that was the only down-side to this meal.  The Sushi itself was awesome, much better than the last time I was here (about a year go this time as a matter-o-fact) the rice was sticky, the fish fresh, and the spiciness just right. I devoured the entire ensemble in about 13 minutes.  RJ says I eat to fast, but my reaosning is you never know when you're going to be attacked by zombies so when you have food put in front of you, best to eat it quickly so you don't miss your chance.


Being manly men and having gigantic appetites that can only be quenched after eating enough for multiple mere mortals we needed a bit more to top us off.  We agreed on another Maki roll, Salmon on top with a bit of crab-meat in the middle.  Honestly I forget what it was called; however, it was simple and good and got the job done.

Interestingly on the way out, the messed up our payment and tried to over-charge us.  Fortunately RJ used his math logic, and discovered the error.  Sneaky sneaky.  (http://www.mootone.com/)

Snack Time Feature

Just a little feature of a few snacks I've had in the last few weeks.

First off, up top we have Pretzel Bites from the mall up in Salem NH.  It's hard to walk past Pretzel Time (or whatever the new name is) without stopping, the aroma really gets to me.  Funny thing is, these things never taste as good as they smell.  Anyway, it's an automatic that you have to get them with honey mustard or you're just not doing it right.  Nutritional Value = 0, Comfort = 10.  At least I had a water right?

Next up, we have the always delicious, and ultimate regret creating Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich WITH M&M's.  I don't care how bad this thing is for you (and it's REALLY bad, this one had ~500 calories, 15g fat, 40 carbs) it tastes so damn good going down.  There really is nothing better than a cookie, stuffed with iced-cream.  Hmm, I'd really like to see an OREO Ice-Cream Cookie Sandwich now that I think of it, that might be better.

The only problem with these things, is they are actually relatively small, and despite being a mouthful of joy during consumption make you feel like total shit afterwards.  Oh well, the 30 seconds of mouth glory was worth the hours of regret and pity, right?

Next up, Sushi... from somewhere NOT called Symphony Sushi!!

Black Angus Roast Beef & Cheddar ABP

Another Roast Beef for you today.  This time from Au Bon Pain right down the street from the Panera I posted about yesterday as a matter 'o fact.  This one is called the Black Angus Roast Beef & Cheddar and weighs in at 520 calories.  I got it on a wheat bread, and is topped with Tomatoes, some onions, mesclun (which apparently is some sort of salad mix), and a mayo mustard sauce like substance.  Well it was very good, a little on the bready side because they didn't stuff it all too well with beef, and it was pretty messy because they used a lot of sauce but overall i'd actually rank it higher than the Panera beef in yesterdays post.  Why?  Well it was less greasy, it had more overall flavor (partially because of the enormous amount of sauce) and was a larger meal that was actually more healthy.  Plus it was warmed up without me having to ask.  (http://www.aubonpain.com/)

Free Panera Bread!

Here's a quickie before I leave work.  Hit up Panera on Huntington Ave with Becca the other day (thanks for paying!!) I was on a Protein binge all day, so decided on the most protein packed thing I could spy off the menu with my terrible eyesight.  At the last moment I realized it was incredibly calorie packed though so I changed to the half sandwich half soup combo thing.  Anyway it's a Asiago Roast Beef  sandwich on asiago cheese bread with some more melted cheese inside, as well as a bit of tomato and lettuce red onions and horseradish plus I got a side Brocoli Creme soup. It was really good, I recommend it but beware if you get the full size Sandwich it's like 800+ calories or something gross.  By getting the soup instead it comes out to around 520.  P.S. Ask them to melt the cheese on the beef, they don't do it unless you ask and who wants a piece of cold cheese on roast beef?  "Til tomorrow, stay hungry San Diego.....err Boston.  (www.panerabread.com)

Austin Tehas - Sunday Gotta Go

Final day in Austin.  Woke up relatively hung over from Friday and Saturday.  My body was not happy  in from all the delicious but highly unhealthy food and alcoholic beverages I had binged on over the past two days.  I really struggled in the car until we made it to our destination and had some food. Our destination was this little Irish Pub on Sixth Street called B.D Rileys, a full on Patriots bar, which was convenient because the Patriots were on.


We ordered some tall pints of Guinness, which was a treat because I haven't had one in a few years believe it or not.  Anyway the atmosphere was real good.  When we first got there is was over-run by Bengals fans (wow that must suck...) but it was still a great football feel and everyone was really into the game.  They have a bunch of T.V's inside so it was as good as watching Red-Zone.



The waitress was a bit annoyed that we were only having Guinness and kept asking if we wanted to order food.  To be honest I wasn't really hungry at all; but finally Levine ordered some wings.  I had like 3 of them, when I was done my hands were totally clean, no sauce on my face etc. etc.  When Levine was done his hands were covered in sauce, he had sauce on his face; it was gross.  He might as well had just stuck is face into the plate and ate that way lol.  I don't know what is about some people they are just terrible at wing eating.  It's like yo bro - use two fingers don't grab it with your whole fist.


Right well anyway, after the first half of the pats I had to head to the airport.

 It was a great trip, Levine was a great host and I want to do it again next year if Levine is down.  Maybe we can get some more people to make the trek and enjoy a weekend partying.

Austin Tehas - Saturday post ACL

Hey,
So after Friday at the ACL Festival we opted on not going to the show Saturday in favor or just hanging our and tooling around the city of Austin.  Our first stop was the Omelettry, a little breakfast place 5 minutes away from where Levine lives.  Place was pretty old school diner"ish".  I got the Huevos Ranchero's and a side of Sausage.  Came with a healthy portion of taters and black beans.  I left nothing on the plate, it was delicious and the fried eggs cooked and flipped perfectly.  Would have liked a few Jalapenos on it though to be honest.
(http://theomelettry.com/)

Next we hit a synthesizer store, Levine wanted to check out making some weird noises.  Our next Food/Drink stop was this little botique coffee shop called Jo's.  Totally hipster.  The people working behind the window looked like, well I don't know odd.  The claim to fame at this place is their Turbo Iced Coffee.  It was great, actually better than Dunks Iced Coffee and I love Dunks.  Almost tasted more like Coffee Ice-Cream.  Anyway, it was really good and the Turbo gave me the boost I needed to recover from the previous day.   (http://joscoffee.com/)

A bit later we went to a bar  I had a Lone Star and saw this dog ordering a few drinks too.  We hung out here for a while, talked to some interesting people and cranked some beers.

Even later, we went to this place called HopDoddy. It's a burger place, basically like a Fuddruckers but they actually put some effort into it.  They make all these specialty burgers and what you see below here is the "Diablo Burger"  Came with wicked hot Jalapeno's  onions, cheese, and Chipotle Sauce.  This was one of the best burgers I've ever had and it was MASSIVE.  I complimented it with that interesting looking Margarita with a Corona sticking  in it holy crap is was so boozey, barely finished it.  Also check out the shake I got.  Yea that's right, a full on Oreo Shake.  Super thick and real whole chucks of Oreo in it. I'm not sure how I finished everything but I did.  That's likely why I gained 5 pounds on the trip.  Oh well it was worth it!
(http://www.hopdoddy.com/)

Austin Tehas - Friday

 So this past weekend I went down to good 'ol TEHAS.  Well actually since I went to Austin it's more like Wierdo Tehas.  Anyway, the purpose of the trip was to visit my pal Levine (Pictured left with the big nip showing) and attend Austin City Limits Music Festival.  Oh yah that's me in the yellow glasses, and blue cutoff by the way, I know I know total stud.

So Friday I arrived at around 11am, basically went straight to the fest and met up with Levine and a few other pals I know that happened to be there.  This festival was really surprising for the quality of food available.  I experienced for the first time Torchy's Taco's.  What you see in the bottom picture is called a "Trailer Park."  Basically it's fried chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese in a soft tortilla bun and some chipotle sauce.  I can't begin to tell you how awesome this thing tasted.  Easily the best TACO I've ever had.  To be totally honest, the picture you're seeing is from Sunday before I left for the airport because I had to get more before I left and was too drunk to remember to take a picture of what I was eating at the Fest itself but you get the idea...

Oh yah the beer selection at ACL was awesome, but being a true bro I just cranked Bud Lights all day. Not worth a pic right?

So anyway, after the festival which was capped with an epic set by Avicci,  we made our way back to Levines and promptly passed out.  I mean 9 hours of straight drinking, 5 of which in the beating sun wears you out fast.  P.S. Levine you totally suck at drinking now - really have lost your edge braaaah.

I'll be back with Saturday and Sunday re-cap tomorrow. In the mean time enjoy a little Avicci below; fast forward like 10-15 seconds to avoid some nasty reverb at the start if it kills ya ears ;)

Spelling Errors and Typo's

Just became aware that some, a few, maybe many of my posts are rife with spelling mistakes and typos.  I'll admit, I don't spell check - I type these as fast as I can and don't do much as far as double checking later.  If you do find any mistakes, hopefully they aren't to egregious and you can forgive them.  To be honest, a lot of these are written from my cell phone, and we all know how hard it is to be accurate when texting on these tiny little devices!

Anyway.......I'm really good at spelling in real life, I'm super serious.

Sushi and Patriots vs. Bronco's Tailgate

Two at a time today!
So first up today is some more Symphony Sushi awesomness.  Like I said I love this place, and it's 32.8 seconds away from my apartment.  Stopped over for a quick dinner (yes by myself) and slowly enjoyed some Lobster Maki and Spicy Tuna Roll at the Sushi Bar.  It was fantasgreat as usual.  This Lobster Maki was actually presented differently than the last time; I liked it more.  It was stacked up and DRENCHED in a spicy mayo sauce.  Really was a flavor explosion.  I hope they continue to do it like this.


Now here we have the Patriots game tailgate hosted by none other than Herrick and his fiance Dina.  They did an awesome job (Mostly Herrick) on the grille, and Dina provided us with an amazing Chile dip from Jersey.  Becca and I contributed Salsa, Guac, Dips, Burgers and some beers.  This was a top 3 tailgate for me though, we have everything you need to be successful  a Tent, TV, large table, nice big grille, booze, chicken wings, dogs Oreos and more.  People were jealous of our setup.  All in all it was a great time, and to top if off the Patriots won!

Cheers! Pumpkin Beer.

I actually went to the Sam Adams Beerfest a few weeks ago with my buddy Herrick and his fiance Dina but before we stopped in at Cheers (The REAL Cheers on Beacon) for some lunch.  For some reason I didn't take a picture of what I ate (A UNBELIEVABLE Hot-Dog with Chile and Cheese) most likely because it was so good I devoured it before I had a chance to snap a pic.

However, I did take a picture of the beer I ordered.  Pumpkin beer, with cinnamon around the top of the glass.  It was pretty fantastic  not 'gonna lie.  I really enjoyed the foam on the top too for some reason.  It mixed in with the cinnamon and actually tasted more like the creme foam you get with a latte or something.  Anyway, it was my first Pumpkin beer of the season, not the last of the day though, there was plenty more at the Beer Fest.

Prost!

Northeastern meets Louisiana

Well it at least meets a signature of fried chicken from the area.  Finally the Curry Student Center has something for everyone.  Popeyes moved in and has made a big splash.  This place always has a line, and why not it's delicious if not very nutritious. I snuck in for that quick $3.99 meal dead that includes 3 crispy chicken strips, a biscuit drink and fries.  Ridiculous considering how cheap and tasty it is. I ate it so fast I forgot to take a picture 'til it was done, that's why you see an empty box.  Felt gross afterwards as per usual with fast food.

Anyway, we may have lost out on Chic - Fil - A, but in the end Northeastern wins with the addition of Popeyes. 

Guy Fieri Doesn't Lie! Mikes Delivers

I'm a fan of diners.  I think they are just an American classic.  Large portions, comfort food, and crass waitresses, it doesn't get much better.  Add a little recommendation from Guy Fieri and his Diner's Drive-In's and Dives show and you have a Diner Dining Dynamo. This is what Mikes City Dinner accomplished  Hit this place up with a bunch of friends one early morning, and walked about 2 miles to get there.  It was worth it!  As usual my eyes were much larger than my stomach and I over-ordered, getting 3 eggs, hash browns, grits, toast and a nice piece of STEAK.  FOR BREAKFAST. AHH MANLINESS!  Smothered it all in hot sauce naturally and washed it down with a cool crisp O.J. I want to point out the grits at this place.  In the picture top right corner you can see them.  That is 1 order.  Just a heads up, it is easily enough for 5 people.  Tons of taters, and ham mixed in there and completely satisfying.

Oh by the way, the 2 mile walk home was brutal.

Symphony of Sushi

Sorry for the terrible quality of this picture.  I could not for the life of me get the lighting right.  At least it doesn't have a gross purple flare ever so present on the new iPhone 5 am I right?

What you are straining to see here is a plethora of Sushi provided Symphony Sushi.  This was a date night feast and we (meaning I) went all out and ordered up 4 different types of rolls.  We had Lobster Maki, Crazy Maki, Spider Maki, and Spicy Tuna Maki.  I don't know exactly what is in each one, but I do know it's a lot of spicy and a lot of delicious.  It also happened to cost a lot of money.  Ya know that green stuff, no not Wasabi - that green stuff we get for doing work and then quickly give away to please our taste buds.  No surprises here though, just a good meal and an excellent date night.  Can't wait to go back.

So much for being healthy.... Wendy's Binge

Alright, I want to preface this post by saying that I go to the gym at least 3 times a week, weigh in at 175 lean pounds on a 5'11'' frame and and actually very active and healthy.

That being said my last post (see ABP Cranberry Chicken) where I said I'm trying to be healthy is obviously a complete lie if you look at the picture to the left.

I was weak. I binged. Whatever it tasted good.  What you see here is my first ever Wendys burger, a Wendy's Spicy Chicken Bacon Cheese and Avocado sandwich, a Chicken Wrap ($1 I mean how can you say no?) and the obligatory fries. What you don't see is the Coca-Cola to wash this decadence down.
Calorie count?  I don't know a bajillion maybe...
Cost?, less than $10 bucks!
PRICE? A pretty nasty visit to the bathroom a few hours later....

ABP: Cranberry Chicken Wrap

Was craving a wrap from ABP the other day so shot over after a workout for a quick bite. Tried out their new Cranberry Chicken wrap because I'm trying to be healthy. (More on this later)

Anyway is was ALRIGHT I guess?  I can tell there's some cost cutting initiatives going on because they have really cut back on how much meat they put in their sandwiches. Suffice to say it was pretty bready, which sucks.  The redeeming quality of the sandwich was the cranberries, what a surprise.  They were really tangy and actually made it a pretty flavorful experience.  However, it still does not make up for the lack of over-all substance.  Oh well!

Lobster Roll By the Sea(port) Grille

Well alright this is WELL overdue, considering I'm bringing this meal all the way back from July 22nd.  However, seeing as though it was my birthday meal it deserves special mention.

Sort of a traditional Jason Berman Birthday meal right here.  A giant lobster roll, sweet potato fries and a pickle.  My mom took up to the SeaPort Grille on the water in Gloucester, she had been there a few weeks earlier and could not stop raving about the Lobster Roll.  Well the hype lived up to the taste, and this was a MONSTROSITY of a Lobster Roll.  Completely enormous and not filled with to much lettuce, or mayo or other fillers.  It was so fresh, so tender and so good.  The sweet potato fries were classic, I'm not sure you can really mess those up.  Pickle was a pickle.  The kicker came at the end though, we ordered up desert after deciding on the Key Lime Creme Brulee and I assumed I'd get a standard sized desert.  I should have known better, the desert was of equally massive proportion to the Lobster Roll.  It was tart and really refreshing.  Anyway, all in all a very solid Birthday Meal.  Thanks Mom!!