CHG Favorites of the Week: The Back in the US of A Edition

Hi everybody! I’m back from India. It was grand and gorgeous and full of so many contrasts (and camels) that it’s difficult to summarize. Still, I learned a few things, food-related and otherwise:

1. India is the best place in the world to be a vegetarian.
2. Though Indian Hindus (who make up like, 80% of the country) consider the cow sacred, McDonald’s still exists. They just serve things like Chicken McCurry and Tikka Aloo instead of Big Macs. (We just went in to see – no eating.)
3. You know how spices are cheaper in ethnic markets? They’re even less expensive in the actual foreign country. I got a little thingy of saffron for less than a can of Schweppes. (Of course, the plane ticket kind of makes up for the cost.)
4. Adapting to the water in far-away places takes time. And by that, I mean it takes time spent in the ladies' room, praying your lower intestine doesn't fall out with everything else you just ate. (Too graphic?)
   
5. Naan is the bread-nectar of the gods.
6. Lassis are the nectar-nectar of the gods.
7. When you forget about a banana for five days in your shoulder bag, it … no, never mind. I can’t explain. Too traumatic. Just know that the bag didn’t make it.
8. It’s not a good idea to handwash a red-dyed Rajasthani shawl in a white tile bathroom. My tub looks like I was butchering a deer.

More on the trip in future posts. In the meantime, many gigantic thanks to Rachel, who covered CHG during my absence. She’s a New Year’s Day to celebrate, a chocolate-covered candy heart to give away, a bird of spring, and a flower of, er, bloom. In other words, I just wrote to say I’m grateful.

Now, on to this week’s favorites (brought to you by the makers of jet lag).

Blog of the Week
The Simple Dollar
Trent is one of the big dogs in the Personal Finance blogging world, and fortunately, he writes plenty about the economics, procurement, and love of food. A blossoming cook, he’s even launching his own site soon, so stay tuned.

Food Comedy of the Week
The Bowl At The Howling Rim Of Famous-Ity by Patton Oswalt
Patton Oswalt’s (Ratatouille, King of Queens) standup bit about KFC’s Famous Bowl is approaching legend. But he never actually tried it before this article. Come feel the pain. (Rated PG-13 for language, preservatives.)

Interview of the Week
Anthony Bourdain in Onion AV Club
Um … EEEEE!

Quote of the Week
“You know, the only thing worse than an American to an Italian is an Italian from the next village.” – Anthony Bourdain on why his Italian wife doesn’t like his Italian cooking. (Just dare me to write the word "Italian" again.)

Tip of the Week
This week’s tip comes courtesy of my sister, a convenience cook if there ever was one: if you’re making pasta and don’t have the time/energy/will to clean anymore dishes, instead of heating pasta sauce separately, pour it directly into the drained, still-hot spaghetti. It will warm the sauce and cool the pasta to just the right temperature.

Video of the Week (Food Division)
“Know Your Chicken” – Cibo Matto
I was a DJ for four years as an undergrad, and this was by far the weirdest song we played with any consistency. And in the college radio world, where bands like Dead Milkmen, They Might Be Giants, and Primus reign supreme, that’s saying something.

Website of the Week
Television Without Pity
At first glance, it looks like a bunch of programming summaries (which it is, essentially), but a further exploration reveals TWOP’s extensive message boards, which food TV fans use to dissect their favorite shows, rate recipes they’ve tried, and make fun of Sandra Lee. Lurk around for awhile, and see what folks have to say. It’s a solid way to get advance word and/or suggestions on a dish.

CHG Favorites of the Week

Blog of the Week
Get Fit Slowly
Another fine blog by JD of Get Rich Slowly fame. He and his bud Mac are chronicling their efforts to drop a few pounds, and though only a few weeks old, it’s already chock full of solid fitness tips, healthy eating strategies, and up-to-date news reports and analysis. Worth a look and an RSS add.

Cookbook of the Week
The Best 30-Minute Recipe
Hm. I think my family found out I like to cook. I got six recipe tomes for Christmas this year, including this one by the makers of Cooks Illustrated, America’s Test Kitchen, and Christopher Kimball’s bowtie. A cursory glance reveals a couple hundred tasty-looking, fairly inexpensive meals, along with CI’s requisite equipment evaluations and hand-drawn filets of salmon. This bodes well.

Food Comedy of the Week
American Cookbook
Subtly subversive parody of ‘50s instruction videos, featuring all kinds of delicious American foodery. The second episode, “Ice Cream” is particularly good, especially when the narrator is discussing his less-than-supportive father. (“They say he died of acute disapproval.”)

Organization of the Week
UN World Food Program
Focusing on emergency situations, relief and rehabilitation, development, and special operations, the UN World Food Program feeds millions of people in dozens of countries worldwide. A few bucks could make a huge difference in somebody’s life.

Quote of the Week
"And, of course, the funniest food of all: kumquats." - George Carlin

Tip of the Week
When I have a particularly dirty pan that’s still hot, I dump a cup or two of water into it. It cleans the equipment immediately, and makes scrubbing a lot easier later. (P.S. I was afraid this would harm the pan somehow, but then I saw Alton Brown doing it, and all is well.) (P.P.S. Don’t do this with glass.)

Video of the Week (Food Division)
“Trapped in the Drive-Through” by Weird Al Yankovic
Possibly the only parody of R. Kelly’s “Trapped in a Closet” epic that’s funnier than the real thing. Be on special alert for the precious few seconds where Al gets the Led out.

CELEBRITY HANDBAG'S STYLE

Eva Longoria with Her White Be & D Kan - Kan Ruffled Tote Handbag.

Oh dear. It’s hard to express just how much of a trainwreck Eva Longoria’s outfit is. I don’t know if it’s the white fedora, the J.Lo sunglasses, the black leggings, or the (ugh) Uggs or a combination of them all, but now I know what the love child of Carmen Sandiego and the Abominable Snowman would look like. Her Be & D Kan-Kan Ruffled Tote in white doesn’t help her cause. Though I like Be & D, this is one purse I can’t get behind. The ruffled leather and gold-studded strip down the middle just looks tacky to me. And a tiny lady like Eva should not be carrying a bag that weighs more than she does, period.

Beyonce in Fendi Purse.

Fendi’s new Multicolored “To You” Convertible Bag is quite the artistic oddity, but that didn’t stop Beyonce from toting one around the streets of Paris this week. (Then again, when in Paris… ) This isn’t the first time Beyonce’s sported an unusual handbag .

Angelina Jolie And Zahara Matching with Valentino White Handbag.

Angelina and Zahara both rocked out the Valentino Braided Shoulder Bag while in New York City, only difference is Zahara carried a mini-version. This handbag, also dubbed the Valentino Histoire Bag, has been a huge hit for the house. It was specially made for Zahara!

Paris Hilton with her Ice Cube Chanel Purse

I love Chanel’s classic 2.55 bag in almost all its incarnations, and marvel at how they keep coming up with fresh ideas for the very iconic bag. When Chanel released the Ice Cube line, I was on the fence, particularly on the 2.55 flap. The handbag is made by attaching vinyl cubes onto metallic lambskin, thereby resembling the quilting of classic Chanels. It’s a fun, modern and daring take on a beloved design. And at $1,650, it is relatively affordable for Chanel.

Nicole Richie With Her Hermes Birkin Handbag.

I hope I look this cute and fashionable when I get preggers. Seriously, how adorable is Nicole Richie’s combo of a red beret, large shades, a black pea coat, and a fabulous black Hermes Birkin purse? The Vogue peeking out of her handbag’s open top is just the icing on the cake. I love seeing young starlets update a classic like the Birkin with their own spin. This look is fresh and modern but also has a chic Audrey Hepburn appeal.

Sarah Jessica Parker in A Black Balenciaga Matelasse Handbag.

Here’s something to hold you “Sex and the City” fans over until the SITC movie hits the big screen: Sarah Jessica Parker rocking a very cool urban-chic look and one to-die-for Balenciaga Mini Matelasse Purse in quilted black leather. Some might see this look as a little messy, but I think our girl SJP looks fab - the turquoise Louboutins, leopard-print scarf, Balenciaga handbag, and bold blue top present a hip hodgepodge of city style. Can’t wait to see what handbag goodies the movie has to show us!

Celebrity in Red Carpet 2007

Nicole Kidman - Best Dressed - Nicole Kidman simply sizzled in a flowing crimson Balenciaga dress, and L'Wren Scott bracelet. The breathtaking color so complimented her porcelain skin and straight golden hair, that we're willing to overlook the distracting oversized bow. After all red rules.

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

Rachel Weisz went for vintage Hollywood glam with a retro updo, and deep red lips. Her satin Vara Wang sheath gown came with its own diamond bow, but she topped it off with a dazzling diamond Cartier pendant. Diamonds are definitely this girls best friend.

Jennifer Lopez looked happy with this lilac silk Marchesa gown but VIPglamour wasn’t so sure, it kind of made her look pregnant. Very "Dreamgirls" like, even though she's not in the film.

Reese Whiterspoon - With flowing golden locks, a tiered Nina Ricci dress, and plenty of attitude, Reese is looking the best she ever has on the red carpet. Gone are the vintage dresses, she's sexy, she's sassy, she's single--looks like she's landed a plum new role. Looking so radiant almost rejuvenated, and very elegant in this purple dress with ruffles.

Penelope Cruz in Versace with Chopard diamonds was one of the few women who really looked stunning on the red carpet. Hair, make up, jewelley, flawless and the colour was perfect for her skintone. Penelope Cruz took a risk in this fluffy, ethreal Versace gown - and it paid off. Sporting one of the biggest trends of the evening - blush hues - her olive skin glows .

Cate Blanchett - By Aarti SananShe may not have won the gold, but Cate Blanchett takes first prize for her shimmering silver Giorgio Armani Prive gown, with delicate floral embroidery, and gorgeous Lorraine Schwartz diamonds. The fashion risk taker always amazes us with her unique sense of style. But we loved that she looked so different than the other leading ladies on the red carpet, but still stayed true to what she looks best in: asymmetrical gowns with subtle adornment.


Gwyneth Paltrow - Apple's mom goes for an apricot hue! Presenter Gwyneth Paltrow is a stunner in a chiffon Zac Posen gown, paired with long, straight golden locks. We loved the intricate pleats, train, and sheer sleeves, which stood out among a sea of strapless this year. Her stick-straight hair complemented the dress perfectly.

Helen Mirren- best dressed - looked amazing in Christian Lacroix. If it's a body shot (as opposed to closeup shot,) it's hard to remember she's alreayd 61 years old! Christian Lacroix ruched gown that perfectly accents her stunning figure. Soft hair and fabulous jewels (but not too many) add to her sexy, sophisticated look. She was definitely 'The Queen' of the carpet.

Anne Hathaway - Why did presenter Anne Hathaway show up on the red carpet all wrapped up in a big black bow across her bust? On the other hand, her lace Valentino dress would make a pretty bedspread, or she could audition for the sequel to March of the Penguins.

Kirsten Dunst's dress sure had multiple personality disorder. Sequins, feathers, and a frumpy collar. To top off her disoriented look, were mismatched hair and makeup.

Cameron Diaz - Worst dressed

Jodie Foster in Vera Wang.

Beyonce Knowles - Once again performer Beyonce pulls out a red carpet doozy. Her mint green Armani Prive gown was sprouting its own bejeweled vine across her shoulder a beautiful white dress for this glamorous night. We can't say that it fits her gorgeous curves perfectly, but it looks great with her skin tone.


Jessica Biel was actually nominated for anything, I thought she looked gorgeous. She absolutely stood out in that hot pink Oscar de la Renta gown. She wore it oh-so-elegantly, especially with that belt.

Naomi Watts looked really pretty last night, although for some reason, she landed on a worst dress list.

Liv Tyler - Liv looks pretty here, but not especially outstanding. The color of her dress is a little too pale for her skin tone and I think the necklace is too casual for the gown.

Victoria Beckham - I think Victoria Beckham looks stunning in this white boatneck gown. I also love her emerald jewels and her simple, yet beautiful makeup.

Kate Winslett wore lime green Valentino with yellow Choppard diamonds. Although Kate is one of VIPglamour’s favourite actresses this wasn’t her best look, it washed her out and photographed drabbl

Keisha (Best Actor Forest Whitaker’s Wife)

Anika Noni Rose - The Michelle Williams of the trio is working it here in this beautiful dress.