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The Ten Most Recent Comments By 8ptstars

From Talk

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.

8ptstars at 10:12PM on 05/11/08

From Required Eating

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.

8ptstars at 4:24PM on 03/10/08

From Slice

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.

8ptstars at 7:06PM on 01/31/08

From Eating Out

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.

8ptstars at 12:18PM on 01/23/08

From Eating Out

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.

8ptstars at 1:18PM on 12/05/07

From Required Eating

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.

8ptstars at 11:48AM on 11/29/07

Responses to Comments by 8ptstars

From Talk

What do you bring to lunch to eat at your desk?

Here's the other one: Tuna and White Bean Spread. This recipe came from Prevention magazine. The combination is unusual (at least in this country--the reason I tried it was because I had read that tuna and beans is a common combination in Italy), but it really works. I don't usually care for tuna, but I like this.

Roughly mash I can solid white tuna (drained) and 1 c. cooked white beans together with a fork. Stir in 1 minced clove of garlic, 1 heaping t. dried basil, 1/4 heaping t. dried oregano, 1 t. olive oil, 4 t. cider vinegar, 1/8 t. salt, and 1 small can sliced black olives, drained. Serve on crackers or in a pita. (The original recipe called for Kalamata olives, but they're a little strong-tasting for me.) Important: this recipe needs to be chilled for at least a couple of hours before you eat it.

stillSTH at 12:23AM on 05/13/08

From Talk

What do you bring to lunch to eat at your desk?

My pleasure, fozziebayer!

For the hummus, soak 3/4 c. dried garbanzos overnight, then drain and rinse. Saute 1 chopped onion and 2 chopped garlic cloves in a little olive oil until onion is soft. Transfer onion and garlic to the pot with the beans, cover with water, and simmer until the beans are tender and most of the liquid is gone. Mash beans in food processor with 1 1/2 T. tahini, 2 1/2 T. lemon juice (bottled is okay), and 1 t. garlic powder (yeah, yeah, I know, but it works!) You might need a little salt if the tahini is unsalted. To pack this for lunch, put some in a shallow plastic container and drizzle a little olive oil over it. Put chopped cuke, tomato, and green onion in a little separate container. Add some quartered pitas in a baggie and you're set.

This is the best, most flavorful hummus I've ever had, but some folks might find it a little too garlicky. I've never had any complaints, though--even people who hate beans like this recipe, especially with the vegetables on top.

stillSTH at 12:15AM on 05/13/08

From Talk

What do you bring to lunch to eat at your desk?

I've just gone back to work after almost 2 years of consulting (mostly from my home office), and I'm immediately back in "pack my lunch" mode after spending $8/day for less than mediocre sandwiches the first couple of days. I toast a bunch of slivered almonds and have a bag of 'em set for salads for the week. Each night I cut up romaine, add almonds, Craisins, and then cut up whatever protein is in the house (today it was pork chop, tomorrow it'll be tuna), esp b/c sometimes I want to heat up the chicken/turkey/whatever. I usually pack the protein separately from the salad, and put a small piece of paper towel on top of the salad before putting the lid on the container to keep it from getting overly soggy. Definitely don't dress it until you're ready to eat!

Curlz at 9:15PM on 05/12/08

From Talk

What do you bring to lunch to eat at your desk?

I've been able to come home for lunch most of the time, where I'll usually cook a quick tilapia fillet in the skillet and steam up some veggies or just destroy any leftovers. Favorite desk munchies include the good old standby granola bar or some munchies: cashews and dried cranberries, yogurt, apple or banana with peanut butter, string cheese, triscuits & laughing cow cheese, or a new favorite, toasted pepitas and raisins.

I'll be biking to work soon since the weather is so nice, but that will mean not coming home for lunch. I'm psyched to keep up the healthy munchies and try out more salads (like the stetson chop salad I'm trying my butt off to recreate: pearl couscous (the fat kind), chopped baby greens, corn, diced tomato, pepitas, raisins, and probably a red wine vinegarette). I'm also a hug leftover fan, so I've already started planning out stuff I like that I can make in mass quantities like casseroles (so very few that I like) and other filling dishes that are great cold.

joyyy at 8:55PM on 05/12/08

From Talk

What do you bring to lunch to eat at your desk?

Leftovers! Making a big pot of soup on the weekend is always a good idea. I also keep dried fruit/nuts in my desk at work for snacks.

dettling05 at 8:14PM on 05/12/08

From Talk

What do you bring to lunch to eat at your desk?

Awesome question; some of these responses gave me some new ideas. My top picks for desk-munching are:
plain walnuts
cucumber
bell peppers
dried prunes (I know no one likes them but I love'em)
dried apricots
"Frut to Go" bars
those Cheeros and chex mixes
peanuts (if I need the calories)
cherry tomatoes
I think as long as I'm sitting at a desk all day; I feel like crap if I eat heavy things--so these seem to work best and digest well for me.

hungrychristel at 3:41PM on 05/12/08

From Talk

What do you bring to lunch to eat at your desk?

I usually go to the grocery store on Monday during lunch and get food for the week. I usually buy a package of whole wheat tortillas, deli meat (usually turkey or ham), light cheese and some fresh fruits and veggies. I make wraps at work and it takes no time at all. Once in a while I buy the Amy's Organic frozen burritos which I like. I agree with the NO tuna rule! It stinks up the office.

natalie2040 at 1:42PM on 05/12/08

From Talk

What do you bring to lunch to eat at your desk?

I work from home so lunch isn't a problem for me, but I do make lunch for my husband every day. (Plus, I'm about to finish grad school, so it's box lunches for me soon!)

I do my own odd little version of bento boxes. I have a Mr. Bento and some other compartmentalized containers. Today he'll have leftover rigatoni and meatballs in one box, fruit in a second. Tomorrow is deviled eggs, a tortilla smeared with peanut butter and honey with trail mix sprinkled on then rolled up, and some veggie slices. Wednesday I'm making a persian rice salad with "planned-over" rice from Tuesday's dinner and putting some Morningstar Farms buffalo nuggets in with it.

The general idea I go with is to have a variety of things, but not too much of each. Lots of flavors makes him feel fuller, and I can sneak in more veggies and grains when there's little bits of many things. If I just made him a sandwich all he'd want is a pile of lunch meat and chips on the side.

I get ideas from the photos on Flikr (just search on bento)

AliceBlue at 11:59AM on 05/12/08

From Talk

What do you bring to lunch to eat at your desk?

Leftovers for sure. I'm single and cook only for me, so I generally plan my dinner according to how long it will feed me for lunch that week. For instance, yesterday I made a pot of spicy pinto beans which I ate for dinner. Today I'll have the leftovers with tortillas and homemade salsa, tomorrow I'll finish them off as nachos by bringing in chips and some shredded cheese.

Also, even though it means bringing (and later washing) a lot of containers, I like the lunch that Molly described on Orangette - cheese A with bread B, soup or salad C, and fruit D. It's enough of a variety that it isn't depressing and it feels special to pull out a wedge of brie and baguette when your coworkers are eating ramen.

LizNYC at 11:52AM on 05/12/08

From Talk

What do you bring to lunch to eat at your desk?

I generally eat in my room by myself at lunch. I don't have easy access to a microwave or fridge, so I pack my lunches in a container that has an ice pack built in. I tend to make things that are ok to eat cold or at room temperature (although, I can eat most leftovers without needing to nuke them). My lunch box has two smallish containers. I fill one with yogurt and raw oats for breakfast (I bring along a seperate container of fruit) and one with a snack (fruit and cheese or edamame, sometimes dumplings). The larger bottom container gets brown rice, a protein and steamed veggies most days (although I did bring a sandwich today).

Amandarama at 11:50AM on 05/12/08