Food, Inc… Reconsidering what I consume now

"A must see!" --DineWithDani

When it came out, I was told that it was a gruesome depiction of the food industry intended to insight fear in consumers– so I never went to see it or rent it. Recently a friend announced that she was off meat after seeing a documentary on how meat is processed, so I had to know more.

After seeing Food, Inc. for myself (only seconds ago), I HIGHLY recommend it. Your threshold for blood and guts may be much lower than mine. And with that said, I want to warn you that there are some images of animal slaughter. But, to be honest, I understand that animals have to die for me to eat them, so… It was actually the statistics on corn by-products, protein-feed, dark houses, ammonia cleansing, antibiotics, pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that made me nervous.

I’ve been doing my best to buy local and organic produce for a long time, but I never considered how meat made it to my table. Here and now I pledge to seek out, support and promote small, local, cage-free, organic, grass-fed farms and dairies. Thank you Robert Kenner and Eric Schlosser for shedding some light.

The final sequence of the film really hit home: It is so much cheaper to eat unhealthy foods; a fast food hamburger is cheaper than a head of broccoli. But we don’t have to settle for what is given to us. We can decide! You vote for what is provided in stores every time the cashier scans the items in your basket. If we buy better foods, the retailers will stock more of it. And the more they stock the cheaper it becomes. It’s a cycle that we as consumers control without knowing!

Below is the trailer. The full-length documentary is available online at Netflix, iTunes (rent $4.99) and Amazon (instant video $2.99). Check it out.

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The Shed… My Mother’s New Favorite

Shepherd's Pie

I forget the occasion for our first visit to the Shed, but I know it had something to do with one of us being in a bad mood.  A new restaurant generally pulls me out of a funk and a good meal will do the trick for my mother. And this place did not disappoint. Good cocktails and good portions are always a good look. Throw in a good “farm-to-table” scenario with housemade pantry goods for sale and I am sold. My mother is a huge fan of the appetizers and the sliders. So it’s always her first suggestion when we decide to dine out. Getting her to go to a new place can be like pulling teeth. She didn’t want to visit the Shed the first time, but now she doesn’t want to go anywhere else. Be sure to try the stuffed peppers and the fried green tomato slider.

 

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Cooking With Chef Paul Luna at Lunacy Black Market

My dear friend #TwitterlessHarvey has introduced me to many Atlanta restaurants. I have to admit DineWithDani might be better named anything that references him. My favorite of all of our restaurant outings has to be the cooking class with famed Atlanta chef Paul Luna– of Loca Luna and Eclipse Di Luna popularity. While he is no longer affiliated with those establishments, in 2010 he embarked on a new venture in Downtown Atlanta, Lunacy Black Market.

Located on Mitchell Street between Spring and Forsyth, this small eatery is only open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. But one particular Tuesday evening, Chef Paul opened his doors for three of his favorite customers and me. I had never eaten at Lunacy nor had the pleasure of meeting Chef Paul—so I jumped at the chance to join Harvey for a cooking class.

Upon arriving, we sat in the small dining room designed purposefully with mismatched tables and chairs, mismatched glassware, flatware and silverware, and artwork that made me do a double take. I thought that was where we would spend our night, but when Chef Paul called the four of us into the kitchen I got giddy; we were going to get a live cooking demonstration in his kitchen! And so we did. The kitchen, much like the dining room, was a hodgepodge pieces with nothing matching. So naturally I loved it.

Even though he is known for his “flamboyant” and “over-the-top” personality, I was pleased and put at ease with his casual warm manner. He didn’t tell us what we were doing or making. And after ensuring we all had a glass of wine he dove right in.

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Be First to Dine at The Lawrence… Jan 19 & 20

My dear friend #TwitterlessHarvey is seeing one dream come true and I’m happy to support this new venture. You may have seen write-ups on other dining websites and local magazines. And now you have a chance to be among the first to dine at what is sure to be one of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants…. Check out the info below and visit www.TheLawrenceAtlanta.com… Enjoy

 

Dinner Party at The Lawrence

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2011 Food & Wine Magazine Trends Predictions (December)

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Family Fun and International Food… THIS SATURDAY

As a Dekalb County resident I am very pleased to see a new festival that celebrates the diversity of this community so close to my home! Free entry, free parking, live music, workshops, games, etc. This should be AWESOME. I’ll definitely be there- please tweet me if you stop by! PS- you don’t have to be Dekalb resident. COME AND ENJOY!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2011 Food & Wine Magazine Trends Predictions (November)

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Halloween Party Cocktail… Zombie Gut Punch

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FREE Family Fun with the King of Pops… October 23

The homies from my favorite frozen dessert stands are hosting a fall family festival on Sunday. Don’t miss the King of Pops Field Day at the Music Park behind the Masquerade on North Avenue. I’m very excited to see what flavors will be offered at the event. No matter what- I know they’ll be awesome.

If you haven’t had a “pop” from the King yet, my advice is to get on it. They are all-natural and totally delicious!

courtesy of Creative Loafing

 

- Sack Race

- Ping Pong

- Dunk Tank

- Photo Booth

- Egg Toss

-  Moon Walk

- Pop Eating Contest

- Yoga Class

- Beatles Tribute Band!!!

- Food Trucks!!!!

>>>CLICK HERE FOR THE FACEBOOK PAGE<<<

Tweet me when you get there!

 

 

 

 

 

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Try This… Creamy Tomato Soup

The season for great tomatoes is almost gone. I bought a batch recently so that I can make and freeze my own homemade tomato sauce. But I came across this recipe. She used canned tomatoes, but I’m using fresh. Should be good.

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