Posts filed under food

My order

Whenever I go out to eat with my friends and family they understand that my food order is usually a process.  Rarely do I order a dish the way it is, and often times have the chef create something not even on the menu. A chef once personally came to my table to deliver a meal and to say how he should make my dish a new menu item!

Yes,  I bet that sometimes the kitchen and wait staff wish I had just found something on the menu and shut up, but 97.9% of the time they are accommodating and helpful.  Heck, I bet it spikes up some good conversation in the kitchen!

Below is my meal at Legal Harborside at the new Liberty Wharf.  Check out the menu (we sat on the first floor), the menu changes by floor.  I ended up getting the Wild Salmon, which was the special. Instead of rice, mashed potatoes, french fries, or cole slaw I asked for a side of avocados, tomatoes and cucumbers (they threw some feta and pesto to make it festive).  It was really fresh and delicious. :)

Here are some tips on ordering when dining out:

  • opt for steamed or grilled rather than fried, "crispy", or breaded
  • dressing and sauces on the side
  • order vinaigrette rather than creamy dressings
  •  Order things in their most original state. So rather than mashed potatoes (which are probably loaded with butter or cream) order a steamed sweet potato or some kind of veggie.
  • If you know where you are going to dine, check out the menu beforehand.  You will be prepared and avoid "bad" last-minute decisions.
  • If I feel like soup I ask  what the base of the soup is. Cream? or broth?  If its cream I stay away.
This post is not to make you feel that you must deprive yourself, but rather make you realize that you have choices and can create a healthy meal even when you are out to eat! You are not restricted to the menu; you can be creative in what you ask for.
Posted on June 2, 2011 by Brandon Bettencourt and filed under food.

behind the scenes

Recently, I have gotten into video blogging and I LOVE IT! It is so fun and it seems to just come naturally to me. I do not consider myself an eloquent writer,  so journal blogging (is that even a word?) is more of a challenge for me. Usually I send my drafts to a very talented editor who reads them through and gives me some tips (thanks Merd!). The last video blog I did, "Pepper Fries!", was a blast! I feel more connected to my audience when I video blog and get more of  a sense of immediate gratification.  My video goes out and people respond, just like that!  Video blogging has encouraged me to start cooking and being creative with healthy recipes, so I can share my ideas with YOU.  I also enjoy being able to give people a different view on fitness and actually showing how to pursue it. My approach is based on dance technique, body weight resistance, light weights, bands, and a strong body, muscle, mind connection.

I will continue to post videos, and I hope you follow along and enjoy them! If you have any ideas for videos give me a shout out, I will try to accommodate!

A behind the scenes look at my last video shoot: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGAtPp654fY?rel=0]

You would have thought we had a professional studio!

Camera, on tripod, on strainer... clever camera man, very clever!

After some playing around, I figured out how to utilize iMovie to do some very basic editing.

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Brandon Bettencourt and filed under food.

dirty dozen & clean 15

Below is a list of foods that can help you next time you go food shopping. When to go organic? And when it's just not necessary.

Produce that were placed in the "dirty dozen" list are those that, after being washed, tested positive for at least 47 different chemicals, with some testing positive for as many as 67.

1. celery 2. peaches 3. strawberries 4. apples 5. domestic blueberries 6. nectarines 7. sweet bell peppers 8. spinach, kale and collard greens 9. cherries 10. potatoes 11. imported grapes 12. lettuce

Produce in the CLEAN 15 list showed little or no pesticides after being washed and are considered safe to consume in the non-organic form.

1. onions 2. avocados 3. sweet corn 4. pineapples 5. mango 6. sweet peas 7. asparagus 8. kiwi fruit 9. cabbage 10. eggplant 11. cantaloupe 12. watermelon 13. grapefruit 14. sweet potatoes 15. sweet onions

Happy eating!

*These lists were compiled using data from the United States Department of Agriculture on the amount of pesticide residue found in non-organic fruits and vegetables after they had been washed.

Posted on April 3, 2011 by Brandon Bettencourt and filed under food.

Baby Zucchini

Zucchini

Zucchini

My trip to Trader Joe's yesterday ended with the great discovery of baby zucchini. First time experimenting with this little creature, I ended up steaming it and it was SO delicious. Tasted like you were putting butter in your mouth, it melted and was just so smooth!  I did not add any oil, salt or paper. It was just plain... and was magical. I got them at the Trader Joe's on Boylston st. I have not seen them before (maybe I was not paying attention), but I highly recommend you go and grab yourself a bag.  On the bag they give you some recipe ideas.

Great source of Vitamin C and low in calories. Easy to make, easy to eat,  and so cute to look at!

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Brandon Bettencourt and filed under food.