Cheap Eats!

Pop's Dollar Food Shop
7th Ave & W 33rd St, New York, NY 10120

Wow, just recently stumble upon this place. I think this use to be a Greek Gyro with Chinese fast food place before. But now one side is Pop's Dollar shop. Can't bet the cheap eat deals. For the prices in Manhattan, this is a steal of a deal. Pepperoni pizza is tasty at $1.50 each and regular cheese is just $1. The cheese burgers are awesome at only $1.75 each. If you are at midtown and want something fullfilling and inexpensive, this is the place to go.

Till next time, To good food and good health!

Your Foodie friend and local Dietitian/Nutritionist Jenny

Edible Arrangements Fruit Bouquet

 Not a new find, but a goodie... So there is a fruit store called "Edible Arrangements" that specialize in fruit bouquets. A unique concept. I am a lover of flower bouquets, but let's face it, it's not always practical since flowers wither over time. Another alternative to that concept is a fruit bouquet. It's a fun festive take on "food baskets."  As a Dietitian/Nutritionist, I love this idea.  I have dealt with Edible Arrangements twice and had great service both times. I would definitely recommend the Lorimer Street, Brooklyn store as the staff are friendly, helpful, and provides great customer service.  Although the prices for one of these baskets are a little steep, but the outcome is something unique and healthy. If you are like myself, a crafty person, you can buy one bouquet, then keep the container and stakes and then use them in the future to make your own fruit bouquets. Definitely a great find and I recommend you try to order a fruit bouquet for yourself or someone you love. It will definitely make your/their day.

TIP OF THE DAY: Since the bouquets run pricey, I would recommend you buy a voucher (Groupon, Yelp, LivingSocial, etc) whenever they are available or offered. In addition, from time to time, Edible Arrangements have special promotions and discounts, make sure to look out for those deals.

Till next time, To good food and good health!

Your Foodie friend and local Dietitian/Nutritionist Jenny

The Metrocard

This week's blog post is not really a foodie topic, but I thought it was a relevant topic to discuss. As it could be related to our foodie search. In all honesty, having lived in NYC, how many of us use the public transportation system to get to where we need to go, to find the great grub... Most of us, right?  Driving is not really a necessity in NYC as in other states, although it is a luxury here. So when I go on my foodie search, I mainly use the good old "Metrocard" and hop on the subway or bus, and sometimes the train too to get to where I need to go.

hahaha... So anyways, this is just a round about way of going into my topic of metrocards. For the longest time, I have had the question lingering in my head and I am sure I am not the only person with this question. So, I typed it in a google search and well, although I found a forum that gave some answer, the answers were not definitive... Hence forth I embarked on my own experimentation and found out the answers... So today I will share them with you.

What is the question you ask? Simple, "If I punch out a hole in my metrocard will I still be able to use it on the bus or train?" Haven't you ever wondered that question?

Now you ask me, Jenny, why would someone need to punch a hole in their metrocard? Good question. Well, if you know me, I am a type of person that like to link things together so as to not lose anything. And between you and me, I have misplaced and lost plenty of stuff when I don't do that. So yes, this to me is a necessity. hahaha... Back on topic, haven't you ever wanted an easy way to keep track of that metrocard of yours without it falling out of your pocket or misplacing it somewhere in your pocket or in my case misplacing it in my purse or bookbag. Well, having a hole in the card allows you to easily attach a "chain" or other "ornament" on it to easily keep track of the card and also, so you can clip it into place.  What do you mean, Jenny? Well, easier explained with photos. So look at the photo below of the chain that I attached to my metrocard.

Now that you know the purpose of the hole in the metrocard. The next important question is, will punching a hole affect the usage of the card? Isn't there already a hole in the card? what was that hole for? Good question, I just recently learned from a forum that the little hole at the lower middle of the card near the black strip was used for the subway turnstiles to recognize the card is being inserted the correct way. Well then, what the heck is the cut out corner at the right hand side for? I also just recently learned from the same forum that that cut out corner is cut out so that "visual impaired" persons can recognized the correct side of the card to insert into the turnstile and bus fare-box without the assistance of other people.  I guess those reasons make sense...

So now, getting back to my question about whether an extra hole in the card will affect the card's usability. I knew the hole at the top would not affect the subway turnstiles because when the metrocard is swiped into the machine only the bottom half of the card is inserted. But my main concern was if it had an affect on the bus fare-box as the whole card goes into the fare-box before it comes back out.  Well, after not getting any questions on line. I went ahead and punched a hole at the top left hand side of my monthly metrocard and gave it a try on the bus. And load and behold, it still works. I was so amazed. Had I known it does not affect the card at all, I would had punched a hole in it years ago.

Next question, does it matter where the hole is punched? Well, of course, don't punch it too close to the black strip but as to which side of the top of the card to punch. I am not sure. But if I could punch the hole again, I would rather have the hole be placed at the top right hand corner near the cut out corner or at the middle of the right hand side, just so it does not interfere with the mini hole that is already at the left hand side. I will do that with my next metrocard and see how it goes. (Disclaimer: I knew that even though I had punched a hole at the left hand corner and it did not work on the bus, I could had always transfer my data/money into another metrocard as I know it would definitely work on the subway even if there was a hole. So I wasn't worried at all when I made the hole prior to testing it on the bus).

So now, you know the answer. So if you really wanted to punch that extra hole.. go right ahead. But wait, Jenny? Why couldn't you just you the mini hole? Well guys... I could of, but it was so inconvenient to always take the card out of the chain every time I go on the subway since the mini hole was at the exact spot that goes into the turnstile swiper. So now, with the hole higher up, you can leave the metrocard on the chain without taking it off. But wait, what about on the bus? Well, the bus is a different story. If you need to use the bus and subway like I do, you will, like myself, have to take the metrocard off the chain every time you transfer to a bus from the train or if you just take the bus.  Very inconvenient but at least the metrocard stays safe and I don't have to worry about losing it on the street or misplacing it around the house.

Now you have it? Have any other questions? Feel free to contact me and ask.


Till next time, To good food and good health!

Your Foodie friend and local Dietitian/Nutritionist Jenny


 

An Apple A Day Keeps the Doctor Away!

Recently, I went to an food and travel expo called "The 3rd Annual Escapemaker's Local Food and Travel Expo" held at Brooklyn's borough hall, where I received a lot of interesting information which I would like to feature on my blog.  First up is some Apple facts and information courtesy of The NY Apple Association (http://www.nyapplecountry.com).  I love Apples, so I am so excited to share all about the Apples that grow in New York State.

Include an apple in every meal: 
BREAKFAST - Apple slices in oatmeal
LUNCH - Apple slices on a peanut butter sandwich
SNACK - Apple slices and low-fat cheese
DINNER - Apple chucks, walnut and mixed greens tossed in a light, vinaigrette dressing  

Some NY State Apples include: 

HEALTH AND NUTRITION FACTS:

It's no coincidence that apples are the symbol of good health. In the Middle Ages, the English said "To eat an apple before going to bed/Will make the doctor beg his bread." We now know that there's a sound basis for the familiar "apple a day" rhyme. Take a look at the nutritional benefits of a medium size Apple Country® apple.It's no coincidence that apples are the symbol of good health. In the Middle Ages, the English said "To eat an apple before going to bed/Will make the doctor beg his bread." We now know that there's a sound basis for the familiar "apple a day" rhyme. Take a look at the nutritional benefits of a medium size Apple Country® apple.

1. Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber that can help keep your heart healthy.

2. Eating apples regularly may help reduce your risk of some types of cancer.

3. Apples may help increase brain activity to improve memory and learning while helping to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

4. Apples contain no fat, sodium or cholesterol.  Eating three a day may help control weight.

5. Fiber and Phytonutrients in apples may help reduce the risk of lung, colon and prostate cancers.

6. According to the USDA, eating apple should be an essential part of your daily diet to maintain good health.





Apples Recommended for usage in Pies: 
McIntosh, Crispin, Jonagold, Golden Delicious

Apples Recommended for usage in Salads:
Empire, Honeycrisp, Gala, Cortland

Apple Recommended for usage in Sauce: 
McIntosh, Crispin, Jonagold, Red Rome

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Recipes with Apples

New York Apple Smoothie

1 cup applesauce                        1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 cup apple cider                        1 apple wedge
1 cup vanilla non-fat yogurt         cinnamon
1 cup crushed ice

Mix all ingredients (except apple wedge and cinnamon) in a blender and serve immediately.  Sprinkle cinnamon on top and put an apple wedge on the edge of the glass
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For more recipes check out the Apple Association Website: http://www.nyapplecountry.com/recipes.htm

There are many varieties of Apples, I love them all... But what is my favorite? I particularly like the McIntosh, Macoun, and Empire variety. What about you? Do you have a favorite? Go apple picking or just to your local supermarket and discover all the varieties of apples that are waiting for you. And Till next time, To good food and good health!

Your Foodie friend and local Dietitian/Nutritionist Jenny

Welcome to the Foodie Experience

Hi Everyone,
Welcome to my online foodie blog, where I will feature a new topic every week... coming soon...