Don't You Think This Pumpkin Spice Thing Has Done Got Out Of Hand?

Every November, a certain sweet spice rears its head to much fanfare across the USA.  It's return every year creates excitement amongst its biggest fans, and also many jeers from its detractors.  Pumpkin Spice has become a pop culture event that draws all kinds of emotions.  Starbucks created this phenomenon, and now it has blown up to a level that stifles most of the world.  So.......what is all the hype all about?

Pumpkin spice contains ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.  That's right, no pumpkin.  It is actually the spice that goes into pumpkin pie, which is my favorite of all.  Pumpkin spice's popularity began when the national coffeehouse chain Starbucks released a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  It's demand for it exploded as if it were the Tickle Me Elmo Doll that was flying off shelves in stores 22 years ago.  For the last 7 years, pumpkin spice has become a yearly tradition to millions.  

In the now, pumpkin spice has crossed over into other edible items such as:  cereal, oatmeal, coffee creamer, oreo cookies, syrup, ice cream dippin' dots, candy, pet food, twinkies, tea, jello shots, pop tarts, energy bars, peanut butter, marshmallows, pancakes, pretzels, popcorn, almonds, and granola.  These items just came out this year.  I feel that pumpkin spice is getting over-exposed.  Lattes I can understand, but do I really need pumpkin spice in an energy bar? Thankfully there are no pumpkin spice energy drinks.  This over-exposure has brought on quite a bit of haters to the popular spice.  To paraphrase Waylon Jennings.....Don't you think this pumpkin spice thing has done got out of hand?

Yes it has.  I don't hate pumpkin spice, but I don't need it in everything at the supermarket.  Why do I need Pumpkin Spice Frosted Flakes?  I don't.  It's great in a beverage, but what is the sense of putting the spice in junk food?  It's a cash grab.  It is cheapening the value of how good pumpkin spice is.  I like it, but 85% of the items that claim to have pumpkin spice need to go away.  Pumpkin spice should only be in two places.....in pumpkin pie and a beverage.  Anything is a ploy to make money off of something that deserves to be a holiday tradition.  It shouldn't be a here we go again event every year.  

My 5 favorite places to go eat at in NEW YORK CITY

New York City!  My kind of town.  What is there not to like about the Big Apple?  The largest city in the United States has something to offer everyone from all walks of life.  When it comes to food.....NYC is king.  Hated by those who have never been there, and loved by those who had the NYC experience.  I have been there twice, and I can't wait to get back.  I get asked all the time by friends about places to go eat at in New York City.  I'm about to give you my five favorite eateries in NYC.  All five are great.  

#5

ELLEN'S STARDUST DINER

Imagine you have a hankering for some good ol' comfort food in a diner setting so you can relax and enjoy good company.  Then out of nowhere.....your waitress starts singing a classic from Beauty and the Beast.  For me, this was an awesome experience.  Ellen's Stardust Diner gives you great food and the Broadway experience in one place.  They have a singing waitstaff! The place gets packed for breakfast when many omelets are to be consumed by the Stardust faithful.  My favorite dish to eat here is the RUBY REUBEN.  It is a delicious reuben sandwich with amazing corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on grilled rye bread.  Also get a bowl of wedding soup.  Good stuff.  If you don't like crowds, go between 1 to 4:30 PM.  Ellen's Stardust Diner is to be seen to be believed, and you will love it.

#4

JOHN'S PIZZERIA OF TIMES SQUARE

The first place I ever ate at in New York City.  The place is so chill.  The pizza here is amazing.  They use quality ingredients to make this great pizza that brings in locals and tourists alike.  The chicken fettuccine alfredo is amazing.  The plates are big.  They are very generous with their portions.  But I must tell you about their calamari.  I have had calamari in many different eateries all over this country.  John's Pizzeria has the best calamari, and the marinara sauce that accompanies it is bliss.  They have so many toppings you can choose from.  27 to be exact.  This is some bad ass pizza, and to top it off, you are in Times Square.  What more can you ask for?  I love this namesake pizzeria.  This John thinks you will love John's Pizzeria too.

#3

NATHAN'S FAMOUS CONEY ISLAND

There is not a more legendary hot dog than the one's at Nathan's Famous in Coney Island.  It's an institution you must try when in the Empire state.  I must tell you.....there are more than just hot dogs here.  They got pretzel dogs, clam chowder, fish'n chips, shrimp,chicken wraps, boneless wings, & Philly Cheesesteak.  What did I order?  Two Chili-cheese dogs, beer battered onion rings, and a large cup of Nathan's Famous amazing lemonade.  Best hot dog ever!  And it's in Coney Island where there is so much to do.  It is after all the Warrior's turf.  What I also like about Nathan's famous is that they have a huge outdoor seating area.  It's perfect for sight seeing and people watching while you eat some legendary eats.  Get on that train to Coney Island and get you you the greatest hot dog known to man.

#2

CARMINE'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT-TIMES SQUARE

I love traditional Italian food, and Carmine's is the best.  It's a classy joint with an amazing menu.  I went twice in consecutive days.  One day for their Italian sausage Ragu, then the next day for their amazing meatball which is the size of a softball.  It was a bit pricey, but Carmine's is a quality place.  You just want more after eating there.  It's almost like your Mom is the chef there.  Such a great wine list as well.  The eggplant parm  at Carmine's is a foodies dream.  Huge serving of parm that will leave you saying wow for about 10 minutes.  Trust me I know.  The star at Carmine's are the meatballs.  Made in all sizes with great spices and quality meat.  Great on any type of pasta.  If you and the family are ready for some great Southern Italian cuisine....Head over to CARMINE'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT.  There...they treat you like family.  

#1

KATZ'S DELICATESSEN

There may not be a more legendary eatery in all of  New York state.  The sandwiches at Katz's are delicious as well as huge.  Whether you are choosing pastrami or corned beef, you can't lose.  The menu is great.  I have been here for all three daily meals, not in one day, but  I did the Katz's TRIFECTA.  For breakfast I had the pastrami omelet, which was amazing.  For lunch, I had their awesome matzo ball soup with the epic Katz's Hot Brisket Sandwich.  One of the best meals I have ever had.  For dinner I got the DINNER PLATTER which consists of matzo ball soup, brisket, potato pancakes, and noodle Kugel (a Jewish baked casserole).  The dinner platter is ungodly delicious.  Katz's Deli is legendary in every way.  Giant sandwiches, great soups, prepared by proud New Yorkers in a place that has historically been serving patrons since 1888.  It was an honor for me to eat there.....three times.  And there are still items on their menu I want to try.  When in New York City, get your butt to Katz's Delicatessen.  The Mecca of food in New York.  

Austin Tacos Versus San Antonio Tacos

In the last few years, a taco war has ensued between the Capital City of Austin and the Alamo City San Antonio.  Barbs and exclamations have been exchanged, and the respective mayors of these cities have challenged each other in a taco cook off.  But really....which city makes the better taco?  Leave this to me.  I frequently eat tacos in Austin, and am a native of San Antonio.  In a way it is apples versus oranges, but there must be a winner.  Whose tacos reign supreme?!

Austin Tacos

Austin tacos are with out a doubt a little more experimental than those in the Alamo City.  Those who make tacos in Austin fuse different flavors from other ethnic foods to present tacos that are appealing to the eye and taste buds.  The tortilla itself in many cases is a hybrid of flavors as well.  They are delicious, yet a little pricier, Austin tacos are a culinary work of art.  It is safe to that Austin has a strong lunch and dinner taco game.  The same can not be said of their breakfast taco game.  It is lacking effort and ingenuity.  Their breakfast tacos are pretty basic.  Nothing special.  There are some good breakfast tacos in Austin, but they are far in between.  In many cases, the bean and cheese tacos in the Texas capital don't look like much.  Some of the breakfast tacos are novelties that lack in flavor.  It is safe to say that there is an imbalance in the taco game of Austin.  

San Antonio Tacos

San Antonio's taco reputation is strong on the preparation of the ingredients of its tacos.  Though they are not as pretty as the tacos in Austin, Alamo City tacos are the kings of flavor.  San Antonio has given the world staples such as barbacoa and fajitas, and in taco form they are amazing.  San Antonio tacos are more traditional to Mexican cuisine in the manner of using spices and peppers that are beloved in Mexican cuisine.  Most of the tacos are smaller like Mexico's street tacos, they are packed with flavor.  Unlike Austin, San Antonio has an extremely strong breakfast taco game.  In fact, maybe the strongest breakfast taco game in the nation.  San Antonio is the #1 city in the nation in breakfast taco sales.  S.A. is also known for having great tacos at very reasonable prices.  San Antonio's taco game may be the strongest in the USA. 

For it's all around taco game......SAN ANTONIO is your winner.

I urge you to try tacos in both cities.  Here are some great taco eateries in both cities:

Austin- Papalote Taco House

             Pueblo Viejo

             Juan In A Million

             Torchy's Tacos

             Tacodeli

San Antonio- Taqueria Datapoint

                       Los Ajos Mexican Grill

                       Taco Palenque

                        Ray's Drive In

                       Guero's Taco Diner

                        Roy's Taco Hut