Third Try

I have been trying to write in this blog for a long time now.

This is my third attempt; hopefully, this time I'll stick to it.

I am currently studying in Paris, France. I have/will have plenty to write about.

A short film I thought was cute

View :)

Adrenaline Rush

"El Toro"

"Kingda Ka"

I was watching the Travel Channel’s “Extreme Water Parks” and then “Extreme Terror Rides” and was reminded of my love for adrenaline rushes.

There’s a ride called the “X Scream” in Las Vegas. According to the guy in charge of the ride, it’s a “psychological torment.” For some reason, his description just whets my appetite.

“Extreme” Things I’ve done so far:

- Six Flags Roller Coasters: “Kingda Ka,” “El Toro,” “Nitro,” “Medusa,” “Superman,” etc.

- Bungee Jumping into a lake in Korea

- Jet Skiing

“Extreme” Things I’d like to do:

- Skydiving

- Parasailing

- Hang gliding

- Snorkeling

- Basically everything on the following websites:

http://www.extremeworld.com/

http://www.travelchannel.com/Places_Trips/Travel_Ideas/Outdoors_And_Adventure/Adventure_Travel/Extreme_Terror_Rides_2

http://www.travelchannel.com/Places_Trips/Travel_Ideas/Outdoors_And_Adventure/Adventure_Travel/Extreme_Terror_Rides_3

Any suggestions to add to the list?

Foods to try in New York City: Popbar, Grom, Red Mango, 16 Handles, Stogo.

Since it’s been quite sunny out lately, I thought it best to mention foods that would provide some cool relief.

Popbar: The first is Popbar. The one on Carmine St . opened recently. It’s around $4 per popsicle. I tried Mango, but they have a bunch of fruity and chocolaty flavors. Maybe I’m being stingy, but I thought the pricetag was a little too high for what I was getting (quantity-wise, not quality-wise). They’ll dip it in any of a variety of melted chocolates and crushed nuts. The place is tiny (hence the “bar” in Popbar), but there’s a public fountain across the street surrounded by benches.

Grom: If you walk down to the end of the same block, you’ll come across the gelateria, Grom. I know it’s legit because Grom exists in Italy. Again, a little pricey, but the flavors are unique and the consistency is great.

Red Mango. I know this isn’t particular to NYC (neither is Grom), but I wanted to add it on my list because it’s one of my favorite froyo spots. It’s Korean by origin and has become quite popular here in the U.S. I recently tried the froyo parfait (I got almonds, strawberries, bananas and granola in Original). It was decent and filling, especially good for warm days when you don’t have the appetite for a hot meal. In comparison to its competitor, Pink Berry, it’s “sweeter and creamier.” Both are pretty tasty, it just depends on personal preference.

16 Handles: Known for it’s 16 flavors, 16 Handles offers the most variety where tastes are concerned. It’s sort of like a buffet; you can squeeze out as much of every flavor and scoop on as much of every topping as you want. Price is based on weight. The downside is that most of the flavors, in my opinion, are pretty artificial tasting (except maybe Peanut Butter and Original, the two flavors I always get).

Stogo: Stogo is definitely an interesting experience. It strives to achieve gelato consistency without the dairy. And, it does (sort of…in a good way though). The flavor combinations are interesting. I especially liked the Mexican Spiced Chocolate.

Dream Job

(Image from: http://www.travelchannel.com/static_files/tc/images/shows/bourdain/foodporn2/TonysPorn2/bourdain_ss_foodporn2-journal_002_596x334.jpg)

I've decided I know what my dream job is. I want to have Anthony Bourdain's Career. If you've ever watched the Travel Channel's "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations," you'll know that in the intro, he states: "I write. I travel. I eat."

After I've screamed at the television a bit about the unfairness of some people's dreams-turned-reality, I'm usually calm enough to enjoy and salivate over an episode. However, I don't know if I'm willing to go to culinary school or become a chef (which seem to be prerequisites for people like Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern). Sigh...

Foods to try in New York City: Mamoun’s Falafel

Mamoun’s falafel is one of those small joints that everyone in the East Village knows about. Just ask for a falafel and you’ll get falafel in pita with tomatoes, lettuce and a white tahini type sauce. It’s $2.50 for one ( I remember when it used to be $2.00; I also remember when subway fare was $2.00). However, don’t let the increase in price deter you. After you purchase it,make your way over to Washington Square Park (about 2 blocks away) and eat it at one of the numerous benches there (sitting area in Mamoun’s is uncomfortably squished). As a passionate consumer of meat, I have to say that this is one of the few vegetarian foods I enjoy.
Courtesy of R.R. for introducing me to it.

Foods to try in New York City: Chicken & Rice on 53rd St. & 6th Ave.

This is the reputed Chicken & Rice from the stand on 53rd and 6th Ave. There are actually 3 stands within a block of each other all owned by the same guy. True Chicken & Rice diehards say that one of them in particular supersedes the others. I say, go to the the one with the shortest line. Just look for the stands with the yellow umbrellas and bags and you’ll get the same thing. The meat itself isn’t very interesting. I’d say about 80% of the flavor comes from the sauces. There’s one white sauce (just pour it all on) and one red sauce (the method I use for dispersing this sauce: I dip the tip of my fork into the sauce and speckle it on top of the white sauce. Why? It’s super spicy, even for those accustomed to spicy foods). Choices of meat include: Chicken, Lamb or Chicken & Lamb.