Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Mentioning to a coworker that all of my birthday plans involved eating, as eating is my favorite thing, he replied, "But there is barely anything you can eat!?" (As a vegetarian).

I reminded him that most people eat just 4 kinds of animals, after taking those out, I have a whole lot of vegetables, fruits, grains, cheeses ect. left. It really does force you to be more creative with the different types of meals you make and I think if I returned to eating meat I would make much better meals with all the experience I now have with preparing vegetables.

I think we all make small choices everyday in which we try to make the world a better place, but no one ever completely sacrifices every aspect of their life to live the most 'good' life possible. I don't understand why vegans have to be held to this regaurd. For me (as a vegetarian) there are many many things wrong with the most prominent system of raising animals for slaughter in this country. So one way I try to do 'good' is to avoid this system. I know that raising animals in a natural environment is part of the ecosystem, or circle of life if you will, and never have thought that no one should eat meat. But I find it exhausting to be the person (like that Portlandia sketch) asking in a restaurant what kind of life a chicken lived, so it is easier for me just to not eat meat.

I don't think this means that if I am not concerned with worms killed while harvesting produce that it invalidates my decision. It is like saying someone has no reason to choose a hybrid car because they are still choosing to drive, I don't think that since you can't adhere 100% to an ethical principle means that you shouldn't try at all.

Avocado melt!

I had an awesome chick pea pot pie for lunch, hopefully it still counts if my meals are always vegetarian!

My family has a similar tradition, arriving home after the 11pm Xmas Eve service to drink and consume as much cheese and sausage as possible. We, however, have the advantage that my Dad's family is from Wisconsin and send us a huge box from their local cheese producer every year. Can't imagine Hickory Farms really compares.

Never once have I considered not baking as it may create a negative stigma about my abilities or person as a woman. This is very interesting to hear! I see it as, "oh look, I can come in, work these same hours, and bake a dang good pie!"

Most everyone likes pie!

I figure it helps people remember you in a positive light when you need references later in life. But then again, I am not sure how men ( or women) in more advanced positions feel about it, so perhaps past baking adventures have hurt me and I just don't know it?

When I was a server, my employer was required to pay me minimum wage - but if I made over min. wage per hours worked in tips I claimed on our computer system, they could include that as part of minimum wage. I don't remember now if they could pay me $0 or a low rate of like $1-$3 an hour. But most everything I made was from tips.

I say - if you don't tip - don't eat out. The way our current system works is that tips are an expected part of compensation for your meal. If you don't like it, cook for yourself, or as someone else suggested open your own restaurant.

Have not been (not a veg friendly menu) but I have heard great things on my daily DC blog rounds about Graffiato, Mike Isabel from Top Chef's place.

I live near Eastern Market, which I think qualifies as touristy, good food, and close to Union Station- especially if you bike over, there is a bike share station right at the market (or a metro close by as well)! You can get breakfast inside the market or on the weekend farmer's stalls and other vendors are out in full force. I also recommend the Sweet Lobby (closed Sundays) for some great macarons (right near the metro exit). Lot's of restaurants near there if you want to try your luck exploring too.

Hassouni's recs sound great too!

It took me a long time to switch my inner voice from counting calories or restricting consumption to determining what fuel I would be getting out of specific foods (as in vitamins, fiber, an energy kick ect) and looking to food as a wonderful companion to my body. But it is possible! And as one food lover to another - best of luck in turning your relationship with something you love, food, into a three way lover affair that includes your mind, food, AND your body.

It is always great to see a voice sharing a story like this on such a popular bog.

WOAH. This used to be my favorite thing to make as a kid, then they suddenly stopping carrying it at my grocery store. I had no idea it still existed and now I must begin a mission to find it again.

I am making some brats tomorrow with german potato salad.

Wondering which team I am rooting for....

Sweet potato brulee!