8ptstars’s Profile
Recent Comments
Who Likes Grape Soda?
I'm not much of a soda drinker either, but I love grape. The cheaper the better! Like Chris Rock said, "Sugar. Water. Purple."
Is Artisanal, Handmade Food Always Better?
I've been bit by farmer's market bacon myself. Hair, nipples, and poorly sliced.
Who Should Be on Reality TV: White, Steingarten, or Ramsay?
I wish someone would present the joy to be found from Steingarten instead of simply using him to flog contestants.
I would love a simple show about him visiting his favorite places to eat and to talk about them the way he writes about them.
See more comments by 8ptstars ยป
Recent Posts
8ptstars hasn't written a post yet.
Recent Favorites
8ptstars hasn't favorited a post yet.
Recent Polls
8ptstars hasn't answered any polls yet.
Recent Quizzes
8ptstars hasn't taken any quizzes yet.
Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Who Likes Grape Soda?
Whoops, that was Dave Chappelle.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
I'm not much of a soda drinker either, but I love grape. The cheaper the better! Like Chris Rock said, "Sugar. Water. Purple."
Is Artisanal, Handmade Food Always Better?
I've been bit by farmer's market bacon myself. Hair, nipples, and poorly sliced.
Who Should Be on Reality TV: White, Steingarten, or Ramsay?
I wish someone would present the joy to be found from Steingarten instead of simply using him to flog contestants.
I would love a simple show about him visiting his favorite places to eat and to talk about them the way he writes about them.
What are your favorite products from Trader Joe's?
Instant miso soup is great.
Naan.
Their pasta sauces are simply disgusting.
Dinner Tonight: Hainanese Chicken Rice
I just made this for dinner. Super tasty.
The Rise of Small-Scale Distilleries: Beer and Hard Liquor Under One Roof
Full Sail!
I don't care much for rogue's gin.
I'd love to see someone try their hand at small batch rye whisky.
Grilling Smackdown: Lump Charcoal vs. Briquettes
I used to use lump, and had the same issues everyone else mentions. I recently switched to kroger briquettes and have been very happy with them. I use a chimney starter without issue and haven't had any bad flavors. Typically cheaper store brand briquettes have no chemical additives like kingsford does.
The worst charcoal I've ever used was the "grill bag" lump charcoal from whole foods. It's all coated with paraffin so you can simply light the bag and get it to start. It was a horrible nasty affair which took 45 minutes to get all the wax to burn off.
What do you bring to lunch to eat at your desk?
I have a big problem with always eating leftovers. Because I usually skip breakfast (I know, naughty-naughty) I can't stand to eat the same thing 2 meals in a row.
Right now I'm working off of the idea that justbento is running with. I have time in the morning to actually cook a few simple items and load them into a bento box. I spend sundays doing some minor prep. It does take time, planning, and effort, but I love to cook and eat so it's worth it. Check out justbento for the idea.
Cook the Book: 'My Last Supper'
Having grown up in a small northeast city that was predominantly catholic, the first thing that comes to mind is the classic friday night fish fry.
I also wouldn't mind one of everything on the menu at Tilth.
Pizza in a Cone: Crispycones
I don't particularily care for microwaved food, but come on, who doesn't love melted cheese in a crispy crust? If you say no, you can't eat dairy or you are a liar. Either way, it makes you someone who shouldn't be trusted.
It reminds me of a fast food version of "the dome" that gets made at a joint here. All the toppings are put in a ceramic bowl and crust over the top for baking. When it's done it gets turned out. Perfect deep dish every time, nothing burnt, no raw dough, just cheesy saucey greatness.
Coffee Shops that Use Clover Coffee Brewers
The best cup of coffee I ever had was from a clover at stumptown, but that's because stumptown sources (and does a great job roasting) the best single origin coffee available. I don't think starbucks has the chops to make it work.
Is the Entree Going the Way of the Dinosaur?
It really depends on the restaurant/meal/dining companions.
Sometimes nothing but a solid sandwhich platter or entree is the only thing that will stand up to a session of pints with friends. Other times one of everything is a requirement. Sushi is always a mad free-for-all, and most other ethnic foods tend to be best family style. My dining companions and I always select our restaurants based on what and how we want to eat at the time, and it's always different.
Seriously Delicious Holiday Food Giveaway: Russ & Daughters
As a New Yorker stuck in Seattle, I have two. One east coast, one west coast. Back in NY it has to be smoked whitefish on rye bread. As it is impossible to find either of decent quality in Seattle, my Pacific northwest brunch is eggs benedict served with smoked salmon instead of ham. It does need to be served with a glass of IPA for maximum enjoyment.
Grilling Smackdown: Lump Charcoal vs. Briquettes
Briquettes or lump? I think it boils down to what you are cooking and for whom? If I want to grill up some hots dogs and burger meat, a few briquettes are fine. Briqs are cheaper, for me, cleaner and easier. If I am smoking brisket, sausages, tri-tip, or anything else that requires lots of love and perfection, I will use quality wood. I have found cheaper off-brand or store brand briqus require a lot of lighter fluid and don't give good flavor.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
I stopped drinking soda about 20 years ago.
But I miss Fanta. Grape Fanta. Fanta Uva. Very cold, with two straws, straight from the glass bottle.
So I've had Boylan's once. It's nice, but too grown up. Not sweet enough.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
Love the grape Crush pop, but it's the only one I'll drink.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
Love, love, love fruit sodas. I've weaned myself off non-diet soda after 39 years, now I'm a Coke Zero drinker.
But when I want a treat? I reach for a Welch's.
And if they still made Strawberry soda, I'd reach for that too.
RIP Welch's Strawberry. You are much missed.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
I like all sorts of soda. I guess I rarely drink grape because typically I'm looking for "cold caffeine" and less sugar. But, if we are at a cookout or other event where tubs of sodas are iced down and I find a grape, I'll go for it.
Now, if you want to find most of the grape soda lovers in the world, head to South America, especially Brazil. Fanta orange and grape are big sellers there - if you need a break from the guarana ...
Who Likes Grape Soda?
Love love LOVE grape soda! Transports me instantly back to my grandparents house where it was always stocked in their fridge (still is). There's something about the artifical grape taste, the fizz, the pretty purple can that makes my mouth water. It's a, oh semi-annual treat for me but each time I have it, I fully appreciate all it has to offer. :-)
Who Likes Grape Soda?
The best part of grape soda is the strange blue foam it produces when you pour it over ice....
Who Likes Grape Soda?
There was a rock service station on the road from Wichita Falls to Greenville, Texas when we were kids. They had one of those big boxes full of almost frozen water in which were suspended glass bottles of Grape and Orange Nehi sodas and Coca Colas. These were the best things ever when you were driving the 1955 Chevy with no AC in the summer to see Grandmother. They also had a nifty cage with squirrels in it and of course.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
I wish I had more access to Fresca from Mexico. While it is also part of the Coca Cola family, the recipe is completely different as it is sooooooo not a diet drink. Mexican Fresca has an addictive, fresh grapefruit flavor that blows our homegrown version and Squirt right out of the water.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
AHH the essence of my childhood! Seeing that photo reminded me of drinking grape soda at sleep away camp in peconic dunes, while eating a grape ice pop during snack time--sandals in the dirty sand, sitting on a log, grit from the ground clinging to the condensation on the bottom of that cold purple can of Welches. You nailed it on the head...I am not a soda gal these days. When I get the urge I prefer a limonata or a trader joes grapefruit soda, but I still LOVE a grape soda now and then. Boylan's does a nice version of grape soda (even diet when your feeling sugared out) and if you live in the burbs, Fuddruckers has it on tap.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
The only thing that made my 3 hour wait at the US embassy in London bearable was the fact that they sold Welches Grape Soda at their refreshment counter. Yum!
Who Likes Grape Soda?
Grape soda reminds me of my "down on the farm" childhood. My grandpa would take me to town every Saturday night and buy me one. Hard to find now.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
Anyone remember Delaware Punch? It was such a treat, but now I remember it being really acidic.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
Does anyone remember Nugrape or XXX Root Beer?
Who Likes Grape Soda?
y'know, i DO like grape soda. i just never ever drink it. grape kool aid too - there's something about it! i like artifical flavor with a bit of tartness, have yet to find a grape soda like that. any suggestions? i'm also a fan of schweppes grape ginger ale...and concord grape juice...but again, they are not regular parts of my life.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
Love it! This also gives me the freedom to admit I love Tahitian Treat
Who Likes Grape Soda?
@pauljcummins...Why DON'T they have it anymore? That sh*t was DELICIOUS!!!! Oh man, now I have a horrible craving that I don't think I can ever fulfill
Who Likes Grape Soda?
OH DAYUM!, that's right.... GRAPICO! Love that stuff, another great Buffalo Rock product.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
I do! But I have to be honest, I haven't had it since I was a kid. Wow, that's a long time ago. I think I need to buy myself a can.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
oh man welchs grape soda in a can.. it actually contains grape juice, so, there's that. yum.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
@oh_no_eric: "Purple Drink" was the very first thing I thought of when I saw this thread!!
I was a big orange Crush girl as a kid and grape soda was really just my sugary backup if they were all out of the good stuff.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
I never drink pop (yes, I'm from the Midwest) but LORDY LORDY do I love grape soda. Orange and strawberry, too. It has a refreshment level comparable to Fresca. Welch's for life!
Who Likes Grape Soda?
I love grape soda! I used to always get it when we ate at a local pizza joint where I grew up. It was such a treat, no one else carried it.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
if it's in the cooler behind the counter, i pick grape soda.
Who Likes Grape Soda?
I don't drink grape soda often but I do get a craving for it. I hope they never come out with a diet grape soda, because I don't want to accidentally drink a saccharine-grape soda. That would make me a sad panda.
Recent Posts
8ptstars hasn't written a post yet.
Recent Favorites
8ptstars hasn't favorited a post yet.
Polls
8ptstars hasn't answered any polls yet.
Quizzes
8ptstars hasn't taken any quizzes yet.

Whoops, that was Dave Chappelle.