One of our visiting scientists, Houjiang (pronounced "Ho-chee-yung"), is helping me learn Mandarin Chinese. In return, I'm helping him with his English. So far it's really great! He's taught me a few things about Chinese culture, and I answer his questions about English language and American culture.
Take yesterday, for example. He said something like, "I really need help with my English," and I said, "oh, you're smart and your English is already great." To which he responded, "oh no, I'm not really smart." (We're talking about a guy with a PhD in mechanical engineering.) Today he told me that the Chinese do not say "thank you" when they are praised, but instead respond modestly by saying something like, "no, I'm not really."
So far I've learned how to say Hello/good morning/good afternoon, goodbye, my name is Crystal, thank you, you're welcome, and have a nice weekend.
I'm also taking some language classes this summer - Mandarin 1, French 1, and French 2. Yay!
Friday, May 11, 2007
LASIK questions
I'm considering undergoing LASIK (corrective eye surgery). After reading my friends' blogs, I've noticed that other people have had it done, too. I am considering having it done through TLC. My questions are:
Leftover Kentucky burgoo (again)
2 slices ciabatta bread with fake butter
- have you had LASIK done through TLC, and were you happy with the outcome?
- did you have your LASIK surgery done using the mechanical microkeratome or IntraLASIK? The TLC people offer both, but are encouraging me to get IntraLASIK, which costs $1000 more (I can't afford it). I'm just wondering if they're trying to make more money off me or what.
Leftover Kentucky burgoo (again)
2 slices ciabatta bread with fake butter
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Jealousy
I have felt cranky all day. I took a walk during lunchtime and that seemed to help. But I just have all these negative thoughts about my workplace lately, and they just seem to get worse.
Today I saw my former boss showing around a new girl. I could tell she was very young, just like I was when I started my job. He introduced her to the same people he introduced me to. And I saw them walk by my office, and he looked inside but didn't stop.
It just makes me feel so sad. And jealous. I remember when I was the fresh new face and full of hope. How did I get so old and ornery? And I remember all the attention I used to get, and how people thought I had something new to bring to our lab. I just feel so sad, like I don't belong. And it's like I've been replaced.
Today's Lunch:
Leftover Kentucky burgoo
Saltines
Peanut M&Ms
Today I saw my former boss showing around a new girl. I could tell she was very young, just like I was when I started my job. He introduced her to the same people he introduced me to. And I saw them walk by my office, and he looked inside but didn't stop.
It just makes me feel so sad. And jealous. I remember when I was the fresh new face and full of hope. How did I get so old and ornery? And I remember all the attention I used to get, and how people thought I had something new to bring to our lab. I just feel so sad, like I don't belong. And it's like I've been replaced.
Today's Lunch:
Leftover Kentucky burgoo
Saltines
Peanut M&Ms
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
1.7 liters of bourbon
I have 1.7 liters of Early Times bourbon. The bottle is so huge that it's made out of plastic instead of glass. I bought it for my Kentucky Derby party. When I went to the liquor store, the 1.75 liter bottle was on sale for $17, so I figured, "why not?" and now I have a ton of bourbon and no intention to drink it. Not that I'm complaining... it's always good to have liquor on hand. That's just a lot of bourbon.
Today's Lunch:
Leftover Kentucky burgoo
Saltines
Banana
Today's Lunch:
Leftover Kentucky burgoo
Saltines
Banana
Monday, May 07, 2007
Feelin' good
I had a great weekend. Friday night I went to Woodman's to get more stuff for my KY Derby party, and some dude asked me out while I was perusing box wine. Sweet! Two times in one week. I must be sending out a vibe or something - "hi, I'm single. Talk to me." Or maybe it's because I'm feeling confident - I've lost 6 pounds in the last month and it feels good. Whatever the reason, I'm happy.
My Kentucky Derby party went well. About 10 people showed up, which was perfect for my little 3rd floor apartment. We had some delicious mint juleps, placed a few bets, did a little mingling, and watched the race.
Saturday night I had a date with Ken, the guy from restaurant. We went to a local bar and had a couple of drinks and chatted for - get this - 4 hours. He seems to be a decent guy so hopefully we can hang out again.
I learned from my Dane101 editor today that a local paper is interested in publishing my article about sweet potato pecan pie from last week. If they decide to publish my article, they'll pay $.16 per word. Sweeeet.
I'm a firm believer that opportunity is always around the corner; you just have to know to look for it.
Today's Lunch:
Leftover orzo risotto with roasted vegetables
Potato salad
My Kentucky Derby party went well. About 10 people showed up, which was perfect for my little 3rd floor apartment. We had some delicious mint juleps, placed a few bets, did a little mingling, and watched the race.
Saturday night I had a date with Ken, the guy from restaurant. We went to a local bar and had a couple of drinks and chatted for - get this - 4 hours. He seems to be a decent guy so hopefully we can hang out again.
I learned from my Dane101 editor today that a local paper is interested in publishing my article about sweet potato pecan pie from last week. If they decide to publish my article, they'll pay $.16 per word. Sweeeet.
I'm a firm believer that opportunity is always around the corner; you just have to know to look for it.
Today's Lunch:
Leftover orzo risotto with roasted vegetables
Potato salad
Friday, May 04, 2007
Kentucky Derby party
I'm getting ready for my Kentucky Derby party this saturday. I wasn't too familiar with the Derby until I went to it two years ago, and ever since I've been addicted! It was just so much fun being in the sun, drinking a mint julep (they were so strong I could only handle one), and experiencing the excitement of the race.
The last two nights I've been working on making burgoo, a stew that's eaten in Kentucky. It's a thick stew that consists of meat, corn, okra, and other vegetables in a tomato broth. I found a recipe here.
The food:
Today's Lunch:
The last two nights I've been working on making burgoo, a stew that's eaten in Kentucky. It's a thick stew that consists of meat, corn, okra, and other vegetables in a tomato broth. I found a recipe here.
The food:
- Fresh veggies with homemade dip
- Cucumber sandwiches
- Kentucky burgoo with saltines
- Bourbon balls (here's a link to the recipe)
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Mint juleps with fresh mint and Early Times bourbon
- "Virgin" mint juleps (substitute lemonade for bourbon)
- Beer
- Wine
Today's Lunch:
- Leftover orzo pilaf with roasted sweet potatoes, onion, yellow peppers, and cremini mushrooms
- Leftover spinach salad with fresh oranges in a citrus vinaigrette
- Crust of sesame seed semolina bread
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Raising the Tibetan flag
Okay, it's not like I raised the flag, but I did get to experience the ceremony for raising it this morning.
I went downtown to shop at the wednesday farmer's market, which takes place near the State Capitol. I was hoping to find some fresh mint that I can use to make mint juleps this weekend (I'm having a Kentucky Derby party). Although I never did find any mint, I did manage to buy fresh spinach, scallions, and green onions. Yum!
Anyway, as the farmer's market was taking place, I noticed some people were gathered on the steps of a building across the street. I asked the man next to me what was going on. This man happened to be Tibetan, and he told me they were going to raise the Tibetan flag in honor of the Dalai Lama's arrival in Madison today. As I looked closer, I realized the people across the street were wearing beautiful, shiny, traditional-looking robes of all colors. I also noticed some Buddhist monks wearing rust-colored robes and red shoes.
I crossed the street and began talking to people. First, I approached a pair of monks standing together. I asked them what was taking place, where they were from, etc., and they said they were from the east coast but were originally from Tibet. I tried asking the older of the two some questions, but he would just respond with "I don't know." At the time, I just thought he couldn't understand me and that was his typical response, but looking back on it, I think that maybe he didn't want to answer me, like maybe I was being disrespectful in some way. However, most of the other people there seemed more than happy to share with me and other Caucasians the significance of the event.
I was moved by having the chance to be involved in something so special to this group. I have a very slight understanding of the situation in Tibet, but I believe they were raising their flag to show China that they won't succumb to the People's Republic and Tibet is still its own country with its own culture.
First they raised the American flag while some of us sang the Star Spangled Banner. How very classy to respect the U.S. first. Then, as the Tibetan flag was raised, the crowd broke out in the Tibetan national anthem, complete with drums and flutes. It was such a beautiful song. Once the flag reached the top of the pole, we broke out in applause.
I wish I could see the Dalai Lama speak. I may just have to tune in on TV.
Today's Lunch:
3 chicken legs roasted with thyme, salt and pepper
2 pieces of sesame-seeded semolina bread with Smart Balance butter substitute
I went downtown to shop at the wednesday farmer's market, which takes place near the State Capitol. I was hoping to find some fresh mint that I can use to make mint juleps this weekend (I'm having a Kentucky Derby party). Although I never did find any mint, I did manage to buy fresh spinach, scallions, and green onions. Yum!
Anyway, as the farmer's market was taking place, I noticed some people were gathered on the steps of a building across the street. I asked the man next to me what was going on. This man happened to be Tibetan, and he told me they were going to raise the Tibetan flag in honor of the Dalai Lama's arrival in Madison today. As I looked closer, I realized the people across the street were wearing beautiful, shiny, traditional-looking robes of all colors. I also noticed some Buddhist monks wearing rust-colored robes and red shoes.
I crossed the street and began talking to people. First, I approached a pair of monks standing together. I asked them what was taking place, where they were from, etc., and they said they were from the east coast but were originally from Tibet. I tried asking the older of the two some questions, but he would just respond with "I don't know." At the time, I just thought he couldn't understand me and that was his typical response, but looking back on it, I think that maybe he didn't want to answer me, like maybe I was being disrespectful in some way. However, most of the other people there seemed more than happy to share with me and other Caucasians the significance of the event.
I was moved by having the chance to be involved in something so special to this group. I have a very slight understanding of the situation in Tibet, but I believe they were raising their flag to show China that they won't succumb to the People's Republic and Tibet is still its own country with its own culture.
First they raised the American flag while some of us sang the Star Spangled Banner. How very classy to respect the U.S. first. Then, as the Tibetan flag was raised, the crowd broke out in the Tibetan national anthem, complete with drums and flutes. It was such a beautiful song. Once the flag reached the top of the pole, we broke out in applause.
I wish I could see the Dalai Lama speak. I may just have to tune in on TV.
Today's Lunch:
3 chicken legs roasted with thyme, salt and pepper
2 pieces of sesame-seeded semolina bread with Smart Balance butter substitute
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
It started with a trip to the library. Lost Season 2 Discs 6-7 were in! I was ready to veg out on the couch for an evening of mystery, adventure, and hunks.
After hitting up the library, I thought about where I could go for my next dessert review. It had to be done, and soon. On a whim, I decided I'd quickly taste a dessert before going home. I went to a New Orleans-style take-out place that, in my research, I knew had homemade desserts.
My editor liked the idea of talking to the people who make the food to get an idea of what it is, where they got the recipe, and how they learned to cook. So after I ordered my slice of sweet potato pecan pie, I spoke to the guy who made it. His name was Ken. Late twenties, tallish, skinny, baldish, not bad overall. He informed me the pie was made from scratch from the crust to the pecan topping. That always helps get a good review. He gave me a complimentary praline as well, saying they're as popular as the pie. This guy knew how to butter a girl up!
The actual dessert review I will leave for another time. It's what came after it that was the most important.
I heard the front counter girl asking Ken what his sign was (maybe she was going to read his horoscope, I don't know). He said he was a Gemini. My ears perked up. I'm not one of those astrology people, but I was when I was 12 so I remember that Libras and Geminis are very compatible. I'm a Libra.
I finished my dessert (only 3 bites, thank you very much), took a bite of the praline (amazing), and packed up my stuff. I approached Ken and gave him a few comments but tried to be really sweet about it. I gave my thanks, left, and began walking down the street. Suddenly, I remembered that I need a receipt. Damn! I turned around and headed back. I got the receipt, walked out the door again, and was heading down the sidewalk when I heard Ken yelling my name.
I spun around. He ran up to me and asked if I knew how to bake. As we talked about baking, I thought he was going to offer me a job or something. Then... he asked me if I'd like to go out and get a drink with him sometime. Yes! I couldn't believe somebody was asking me out! I seriously can't remember the last time that happened. I tried to remain cool as I gave him a pen so he could write down my number. We chatted a little more, then went our separate ways. As I walked down the street, a huge smile spread across my face. I wanted to run, shout, and throw my hands up to the sky. I wanted to tell everyone I saw that I had just been asked out. But I refrained. That is, until I got home, whereupon I called my parents (my parents!) and told them the news.
After hitting up the library, I thought about where I could go for my next dessert review. It had to be done, and soon. On a whim, I decided I'd quickly taste a dessert before going home. I went to a New Orleans-style take-out place that, in my research, I knew had homemade desserts.
My editor liked the idea of talking to the people who make the food to get an idea of what it is, where they got the recipe, and how they learned to cook. So after I ordered my slice of sweet potato pecan pie, I spoke to the guy who made it. His name was Ken. Late twenties, tallish, skinny, baldish, not bad overall. He informed me the pie was made from scratch from the crust to the pecan topping. That always helps get a good review. He gave me a complimentary praline as well, saying they're as popular as the pie. This guy knew how to butter a girl up!
The actual dessert review I will leave for another time. It's what came after it that was the most important.
I heard the front counter girl asking Ken what his sign was (maybe she was going to read his horoscope, I don't know). He said he was a Gemini. My ears perked up. I'm not one of those astrology people, but I was when I was 12 so I remember that Libras and Geminis are very compatible. I'm a Libra.
I finished my dessert (only 3 bites, thank you very much), took a bite of the praline (amazing), and packed up my stuff. I approached Ken and gave him a few comments but tried to be really sweet about it. I gave my thanks, left, and began walking down the street. Suddenly, I remembered that I need a receipt. Damn! I turned around and headed back. I got the receipt, walked out the door again, and was heading down the sidewalk when I heard Ken yelling my name.
I spun around. He ran up to me and asked if I knew how to bake. As we talked about baking, I thought he was going to offer me a job or something. Then... he asked me if I'd like to go out and get a drink with him sometime. Yes! I couldn't believe somebody was asking me out! I seriously can't remember the last time that happened. I tried to remain cool as I gave him a pen so he could write down my number. We chatted a little more, then went our separate ways. As I walked down the street, a huge smile spread across my face. I wanted to run, shout, and throw my hands up to the sky. I wanted to tell everyone I saw that I had just been asked out. But I refrained. That is, until I got home, whereupon I called my parents (my parents!) and told them the news.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Oldest memory
I have very few memories of my life in Munising (we lived there until I was almost 5). I remember little snapshots of things, like floating parachute men off the deck, falling down the ravine (Becky helped me), and letting Joe talk me into pooping on the floor.
Well, I'm not sure which memory came first. But here's one:
I seem to remember that the room was dim, with a fire going either in a woodstove or fireplace or even just a candle burning, I don't remember how, I just know there was a flame. There might have been a TV, too. I was playing with Duplos on the floor (Duplos are like Legos but bigger). I couldn't figure out how to connect the pieces, and I became frustrated and threw a tantrum. My parents tried to tell me how to do it, but I wouldn't listen and just kept freaking out. Finally, one of them sat down with me (I think it was my mom), and she showed me how the dots on the Duplos lined up to make them stick together. I finally got it!
Other early memories include asking my mom about the birthmark on her face, asking her if she'd ever been married before she met my dad, and wishing I had boobs (I just stuck out my ribs and that seemed close enough).
Today's Lunch:
Peanut butter sandwich (natural peanut butter on semolina bread with sesame seeds)
Plum
Banana
2 chocolate peanut butter maltballs from Trader Joe's
Well, I'm not sure which memory came first. But here's one:
I seem to remember that the room was dim, with a fire going either in a woodstove or fireplace or even just a candle burning, I don't remember how, I just know there was a flame. There might have been a TV, too. I was playing with Duplos on the floor (Duplos are like Legos but bigger). I couldn't figure out how to connect the pieces, and I became frustrated and threw a tantrum. My parents tried to tell me how to do it, but I wouldn't listen and just kept freaking out. Finally, one of them sat down with me (I think it was my mom), and she showed me how the dots on the Duplos lined up to make them stick together. I finally got it!
Other early memories include asking my mom about the birthmark on her face, asking her if she'd ever been married before she met my dad, and wishing I had boobs (I just stuck out my ribs and that seemed close enough).
Today's Lunch:
Peanut butter sandwich (natural peanut butter on semolina bread with sesame seeds)
Plum
Banana
2 chocolate peanut butter maltballs from Trader Joe's
Friday, April 27, 2007
Take Your Kid to Work Day
Yesterday we celebrated "Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day" here at the FPL. I'm on the committee that organizes it, and let me tell ya - it was a lot of work. Our committee only has a few people on it so we all have to really pitch in to get the work done. And considering my work duties are rather limited these days, I have a lot of free time on my hands.
After a morning of feeding, entertaining, and trying to calm down a bunch of kids, I was pooped. I left work as soon as I could, then went home and watched Lost (only 1 disc left of Season 2). My groovy downstairs neighbors had me over for dinner (I brought a banana cream pie), and then I watched more TV. I am so glad I have a TV at times like these, where I'm too exhausted to think.
I could really go for a White Russian right now.
Today's Lunch:
After a morning of feeding, entertaining, and trying to calm down a bunch of kids, I was pooped. I left work as soon as I could, then went home and watched Lost (only 1 disc left of Season 2). My groovy downstairs neighbors had me over for dinner (I brought a banana cream pie), and then I watched more TV. I am so glad I have a TV at times like these, where I'm too exhausted to think.
I could really go for a White Russian right now.
Today's Lunch:
- Peanut butter sandwich - natural peanut butter on thick, chewy, nutty wheat bread from Trader Joe's
- Banana
- Plum
- Package of Quaker snack mix, baked cheddar flavor... EVIL! It had so many ingredients I couldn't pronounce that they took up 1/3 of the package. Next time I'll get Fritos.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Pooped
Man, I've just been exhausted lately. I hit the hay around 10:30 and remain in a semi-comatose state until 9:00 am at the earliest. I haven't made it to work before 10:30 all week. Maybe my body's fighting something off so it's good to get a lot of sleep.
We've been preparing for "Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day," which is tomorrow. I've been working on a wood identification activity. Hopefully the kids will catch on and it won't be too boring for them.
I'm training for the Syttende Mai 17-mile walk that's taking place May 19. Syttende Mai is Norway's independence day (17th of May), and there's a nearby town that has a huge festival for it every year. Zach and I went to the festival last year and had a good time. This year I'm going to walk 17 miles, which I'm sure will be a blast.
Whenever I encounter a challenge, I use the Peace Corps as a reason to just suck it up and do it. For example, the Syttende Mai walk may come in handy because, while I'm in Africa, I may have to do a lot of walking. And yesterday, on my way to work, I was walking down the sidewalk and noticed that my arms and shoulders had little black flies crawling on them. Yes, it was creepy, but I said to myself, "Listen, Pilon, if you're going to do the Peace Corps you may encounter yuckier things, so toughen up." Yeah, suck it up!
So yeah, that's my life right now.
Today's Lunch:
Leftover curried vegetable stir-fry (fresh green beans, sweet potato, onions, red pepper, radishes, and carrots)
Piece of wheat bread with Smart Balance
Overripe banana
We've been preparing for "Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day," which is tomorrow. I've been working on a wood identification activity. Hopefully the kids will catch on and it won't be too boring for them.
I'm training for the Syttende Mai 17-mile walk that's taking place May 19. Syttende Mai is Norway's independence day (17th of May), and there's a nearby town that has a huge festival for it every year. Zach and I went to the festival last year and had a good time. This year I'm going to walk 17 miles, which I'm sure will be a blast.
Whenever I encounter a challenge, I use the Peace Corps as a reason to just suck it up and do it. For example, the Syttende Mai walk may come in handy because, while I'm in Africa, I may have to do a lot of walking. And yesterday, on my way to work, I was walking down the sidewalk and noticed that my arms and shoulders had little black flies crawling on them. Yes, it was creepy, but I said to myself, "Listen, Pilon, if you're going to do the Peace Corps you may encounter yuckier things, so toughen up." Yeah, suck it up!
So yeah, that's my life right now.
Today's Lunch:
Leftover curried vegetable stir-fry (fresh green beans, sweet potato, onions, red pepper, radishes, and carrots)
Piece of wheat bread with Smart Balance
Overripe banana
Monday, April 23, 2007
Armadillo cake
I made an armadillo cake for our workplace's Game Feed. There was a variety of salads and appetizers, including venison sausage, salmon spread, and a big fish (I don't know what it was). For entrees, we had wild boar, roasted duck, venison, and fried lake perch. I decided to make a red velvet armadillo cake (I got the idea from Steel Magnolias). Here's an account of how I made it:
I used a football-shaped pan for the top of the body...
...and a rectangular pan for the bottom of the body, egg-shaped pan for the head (Wilton Mini Wonder Mold pan), and cupcakes for miscellaneous parts. It took about 5 hours to make the batter and bake the cakes. I made two batches of red velvet cake for this recipe.
Next, I assembled the armadillo. I poked the head with a skewer to keep it from falling over, and used icing to cement the cake onto the cake board.
Next I frosted it. I used leftover pieces of cake for the tail, and ended up making the feet out of frosting.
The fun part - I finally got to decorate it. Decorating's so much easier when you only have one icing color and consistency! I used cardstock to make the ears, raisins for the eyes, and almonds for the toenails. I used a petal tip for the stripes and a dot tip for the dots. Easy, right?
The cake was a big hit. Everyone gathered round while I cut it up like a ham. I was pretty proud of it.
Today's Lunch:
Culver's hamburger with red onion, mustard, ketchup, and sweet relish
Plum
I used a football-shaped pan for the top of the body...
...and a rectangular pan for the bottom of the body, egg-shaped pan for the head (Wilton Mini Wonder Mold pan), and cupcakes for miscellaneous parts. It took about 5 hours to make the batter and bake the cakes. I made two batches of red velvet cake for this recipe.
Next, I assembled the armadillo. I poked the head with a skewer to keep it from falling over, and used icing to cement the cake onto the cake board.
Next I frosted it. I used leftover pieces of cake for the tail, and ended up making the feet out of frosting.
The fun part - I finally got to decorate it. Decorating's so much easier when you only have one icing color and consistency! I used cardstock to make the ears, raisins for the eyes, and almonds for the toenails. I used a petal tip for the stripes and a dot tip for the dots. Easy, right?
The cake was a big hit. Everyone gathered round while I cut it up like a ham. I was pretty proud of it.
Today's Lunch:
Culver's hamburger with red onion, mustard, ketchup, and sweet relish
Plum
My first dessert review
Date: Saturday, April 21
Time: About 1:00
Establishment: Papa Phil's Ristorante Italiano, 2611 Monroe Street
Papa Phil's is known for its authentic Italian entrees. Would their desserts compare?
As I walked into Papa Phil's I felt like I was entering an upscale city restaurant. Plush maroon carpet cushioned my feet. Jazz music played softly overhead. The bar area was empty, as it was lunchtime, but the bartender was a kindly older gentleman who greeted me after I found a seat at a table. Most of the clientele were middle aged and nicely dressed, and I didn't see any kids. I noticed four women at a nearby table who seemed to be having a weekly lunch date. A caraffe of wine sat between them.
Formality wasn't lost to the hurried convenience of many restaurant operations today. Ketchup bottles and parmesan cheese shakers did not litter the tables, nor were there stand-up menus displaying the daily specials. Water was served in stemmed water glasses. A cloth napkin sat neatly on my lap. I noticed and appreciated the use of ceramic ramekins for condiments. The servers weren't the frazzled, hurried, and rude employees I've encountered at other family-owned establishments.
After expressing my interest in dessert, the waitress informed me they had chocolate-pecan cannoli, frozen peanut butter pie, and their famous tiramisu. She said customers repeatedly come back for the tiramisu, so I decided to give it a try.
Tiramisu is identified by its layers of ladyfingers lightly dipped in coffee and liquor, alternating with a light, creamy layer of mascarpone cheese and topped with a faint sprinkling of cocoa. I was informed by the pastry cook that the tiramisu was Papa Phil's family recipe from the old country. It consisted of three layers of storebought ladyfingers with a homemade mascarpone and ricotta filling. I asked what types of liquor were used in soaking the ladyfingers, and he said they use a mixture of brandy, marsala, and orange liquor. He emphasized that the sweetness of the orange liquor helped offset the bitterness of the other alcoholic liquids.
My slice of tiramisu wasn't picture perfect. I had a corner piece, and it had been cut in such a way that the layers were indistinguishable. The mascarpone filling seemed to have seeped out and I had to do some digging to see the ladyfingers. The ladyfingers looked great - evenly soaked with liquor on the top and bottom but still somewhat dry in the middle. The layer of mascarpone on top of the cake looked soft and billowy and was about an inch thick. I took my first bite. My mouth basked in the delightful texture of the creation. The mascarpone filling was light and silky on my tongue. The ladyfingers were soft enough to blend with the filling but still add substance to the cake. While the texture of the tiramisu was perfect, the balance of flavors was disappointing. I immediately tasted orange liquor, followed by a very faint coffee flavor. I was expecting the dessert to taste more like coffee and chocolate and less like orange, so I was a little surprised by this. With each forkful I ate, I noticed more orange flavor and hardly anything else. However, it did not have a bitter alcohol taste that is sometimes present in desserts laced with liquor, and its sweetness was refreshing.
Because I consider the flavor of coffee to be an important aspect of a good tiramisu, I was disappointed with the dessert I had at Papa Phil's. While it was palatable, it didn't have the qualities of a great tiramisu. However, maybe I'll come back and try the cannoli.
Time: About 1:00
Establishment: Papa Phil's Ristorante Italiano, 2611 Monroe Street
Papa Phil's is known for its authentic Italian entrees. Would their desserts compare?
As I walked into Papa Phil's I felt like I was entering an upscale city restaurant. Plush maroon carpet cushioned my feet. Jazz music played softly overhead. The bar area was empty, as it was lunchtime, but the bartender was a kindly older gentleman who greeted me after I found a seat at a table. Most of the clientele were middle aged and nicely dressed, and I didn't see any kids. I noticed four women at a nearby table who seemed to be having a weekly lunch date. A caraffe of wine sat between them.
Formality wasn't lost to the hurried convenience of many restaurant operations today. Ketchup bottles and parmesan cheese shakers did not litter the tables, nor were there stand-up menus displaying the daily specials. Water was served in stemmed water glasses. A cloth napkin sat neatly on my lap. I noticed and appreciated the use of ceramic ramekins for condiments. The servers weren't the frazzled, hurried, and rude employees I've encountered at other family-owned establishments.
After expressing my interest in dessert, the waitress informed me they had chocolate-pecan cannoli, frozen peanut butter pie, and their famous tiramisu. She said customers repeatedly come back for the tiramisu, so I decided to give it a try.
Tiramisu is identified by its layers of ladyfingers lightly dipped in coffee and liquor, alternating with a light, creamy layer of mascarpone cheese and topped with a faint sprinkling of cocoa. I was informed by the pastry cook that the tiramisu was Papa Phil's family recipe from the old country. It consisted of three layers of storebought ladyfingers with a homemade mascarpone and ricotta filling. I asked what types of liquor were used in soaking the ladyfingers, and he said they use a mixture of brandy, marsala, and orange liquor. He emphasized that the sweetness of the orange liquor helped offset the bitterness of the other alcoholic liquids.
My slice of tiramisu wasn't picture perfect. I had a corner piece, and it had been cut in such a way that the layers were indistinguishable. The mascarpone filling seemed to have seeped out and I had to do some digging to see the ladyfingers. The ladyfingers looked great - evenly soaked with liquor on the top and bottom but still somewhat dry in the middle. The layer of mascarpone on top of the cake looked soft and billowy and was about an inch thick. I took my first bite. My mouth basked in the delightful texture of the creation. The mascarpone filling was light and silky on my tongue. The ladyfingers were soft enough to blend with the filling but still add substance to the cake. While the texture of the tiramisu was perfect, the balance of flavors was disappointing. I immediately tasted orange liquor, followed by a very faint coffee flavor. I was expecting the dessert to taste more like coffee and chocolate and less like orange, so I was a little surprised by this. With each forkful I ate, I noticed more orange flavor and hardly anything else. However, it did not have a bitter alcohol taste that is sometimes present in desserts laced with liquor, and its sweetness was refreshing.
Because I consider the flavor of coffee to be an important aspect of a good tiramisu, I was disappointed with the dessert I had at Papa Phil's. While it was palatable, it didn't have the qualities of a great tiramisu. However, maybe I'll come back and try the cannoli.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Ho freakin' hum
I've been experiencing blogger's block lately. Actually I've been experiencing "everything block" these days. I don't feel like doing ANYTHING. Possibly because the beautiful weather is summoning me outdoors.
I don't want to water my plants. I don't want to clean my office. I don't want to read the pile of mail in my inbox. I don't want to scour the building for a piece of white oak furniture (long story). I don't want to walk to the printer down the hall and pick up the document I just printed. I don't even want to read the Isthmus. However, I finally did something that I'd put off for a long time - I worked on my publication. I sent draft #2 to my former boss, and hopefully I can get this puppy in a journal.
Update: After writing this blog entry, I felt motivated to do something. I jumped to my feet and began cleaning my office. I scoured the building for the white oak (but ended up with American elm, which is equally good). And I went to the printer. Maybe a little bit of whining was all I needed to get my bum moving.
Today's Lunch:
Nasty chicken teriyaki bowl at UW Hospital Cafeteria. Seriously, the teriyaki sauce was all wrong.
I don't want to water my plants. I don't want to clean my office. I don't want to read the pile of mail in my inbox. I don't want to scour the building for a piece of white oak furniture (long story). I don't want to walk to the printer down the hall and pick up the document I just printed. I don't even want to read the Isthmus. However, I finally did something that I'd put off for a long time - I worked on my publication. I sent draft #2 to my former boss, and hopefully I can get this puppy in a journal.
Update: After writing this blog entry, I felt motivated to do something. I jumped to my feet and began cleaning my office. I scoured the building for the white oak (but ended up with American elm, which is equally good). And I went to the printer. Maybe a little bit of whining was all I needed to get my bum moving.
Today's Lunch:
Nasty chicken teriyaki bowl at UW Hospital Cafeteria. Seriously, the teriyaki sauce was all wrong.
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