Zach B., Yale University
In 1900, Louis Lassen, owner of Louis’ Lunch (est. 1895), invented the hamburger. Asked to make something to eat on the go, Lassen slapped some ground meat between two pieces of toast and inadvertently created an American icon. Although this piece of oral history could potentially be contested, the quality of Louis’ Lunch cannot.
Filed under Dining Suggestions, New Haven, Restaurants, Reviews, The Ocular Omnivore, Yale, Zach B.
Making a pecan pie can be a trying experience. Continue reading
Filed under Miscellaneous, The Ocular Omnivore
A few days ago my Mom requested a chocolate pie for her birthday. I had only ever baked fruit pies before, so I felt apprehensive about making the filling, a pudding or custard. Since my Mom only has her birthday once a year, I decided to tackle this daunting task, and bake that chocolate pie. I found a recipe and made the crust first. The recipe called for a graham cracker crust, and following the recipe, the crust turned out swimmingly. I crushed the graham crackers, mixed in the dry ingredients and moistened the mixture with melted butter. I felt like a champion, especially after the crust issues with some of my fruit pies.
Filed under Miscellaneous, The Ocular Omnivore
The term “mystery meat” evokes traumatic images of cafeteria meat loaf and sausages with bizarre textures. Yet, I do happen to enjoy one specific mystery meat: braunschweiger. This spreadable meat product primarily consists of liver (pork, calf, veal, beef, etc.) and pork jowl. As a result, I never can be absolutely sure what I am eating. Despite this product’s dubious composition, I find myself wanting to eat more, especially on a sandwich.
Filed under Dining Suggestions, Miscellaneous, Restaurants, The Ocular Omnivore
In Barcelona, my brother and I visited the Museu Picasso, a well executed collection of Picasso’s earlier works (spanning his student, blue and rose years) and some later works (including ceramics). According to the Museum, Picasso spent a considerable amount of time during his formative years in Barcelona, frequenting a cafe called “Els Quatre Gats.” Wandering among the labyrinthian streets of the Barri Gotic, we stumbled across a cafe called “4 Gats.” We wondered if this could be the same night haunt of Picasso.
Filed under Miscellaneous, Restaurants, The Ocular Omnivore, Travel
Filed under Dining Suggestions, Restaurants, The Ocular Omnivore, Travel
I am a perfectionist through and through. I like my world to work out the right way, the way I envision it. From school to pies, I try to minimize mistakes and maximize the probability of realizing my imaginative scenarios. Unfortunately, my endeavors do not always result in perfection. For example, a few days ago, I attempted a blueberry pie. I say “attempted” because while I have baked fruit pies before, I have always used the frozen crusts you buy in packages. Don’t get me wrong, frozen pie crusts turn out well enough. Yet, I wanted something more. I decided to make a home made crust, flour, shortening, the whole shebang.
Filed under Miscellaneous, The Ocular Omnivore
