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We’ve talked about Starbucks many times on the little dish, sometimes in their favor (celebrating the great caramel chai discovery, or the time I made a badass cake) and sometimes against (hooray for the underdog!) This time it’s different. This time, it’s in the interest of public safety. Yeah, you heard me.
Here’s the deal: I’m a slow sipper. Usually halfway through my cup of coffee, I have to warm it quickly in the microwave. Thirty to thirty-five seconds in any standard microwave and it’s practically like the first sip all over again. I’ve done it a hundred times. Earlier this week, I noticed a strange burning smell as I warmed my latte at work. I thought it was only a little weird, mostly because people cook ungodly things, singe popcorn, and so on in that machine,
Then, two days later, it happened again. I inspected my cup and THERE! ON THE BOTTOM OF MY CUP! A SINGE MARK. Today, it happened again. There was a burn mark in the exact same spot. Thirty seconds and no more, in a standard microwave and we’ve got a (likely carcinogenic) fire hazard! It could be some new cheap plastic or glue they’re using on the rim; it could be some metallic manufacturing residue. I just know that it’s potentially dangerous…and weird. I’ll have to run some more tests to be a good scientist, keeping track of what stores the cups came from, what microwave was used, etc. to be really sure of what’s going on, but I can tell you right now, it’s pretty suspicious.
Bittersweet news (that’s mostly bitter): Sidedish reported yesterday that Cliff Cafe will be closing its doors for a major overhaul. They’ll open again in September, redesigned and with a “brand-new concept.” While the press release Sidedish reposted didn’t mention any details about this new concept, Observer’s City of Ate blog reports it’s going to be an “semi-upscale barbecue joint.” Meh.
This could be an exciting development; it has the lure of the unknown. However, it’s a little disheartening because, well… I like Cliff Cafe. Their pork shanks will change your life (and I don’t even like pork). Looking back through our archives, I cannot believe we didn’t review them. Now it looks like we won’t get the chance. We’ll definitely check out the new restaurant, whatever it’s called then, and fill you in. Until September, we’re crossing our fingers…
Of all my virtues, discipline isn’t really one of them. Often I find myself in situations where my follow-through hardly matches my intentions. It’s something I’ve been trying to work on. When we started the little dish over a year ago, I really wanted to make sure that we updated often and kept it fresh. Some weeks have been better than others, but now we’re busier than ever and it seems we’re at a crossroads. It’s been almost a month since we’ve updated and I think it’s time to take inventory: Are we really too busy? Have we run out of time in our schedules?
When I think about it, this month away from the little dish has made me realize how much I miss it. This site doesn’t need me; I need it. I like keeping an eye out for new places, picking out recipes to cook, looking for new products. They’re good rituals to keep and ones I need, even if things are hectic.
So I’m here. the little dish is back and it’s going to stay. Thanks for sticking with us and sorry for all the times you checked back and saw an old post. Stay tuned for updates; tomorrow Brian is going to write about our recent visit to a delicious taco joint. (No spoiling.)
Less than two weeks until Christmas and you’re still making your list? Just in time, it’s the First Annual Little Dish Gift Guide! Delicious, whimsical, even spooky—it’s got a little bit of everything for your favorite foodies…
Genius Design
Designed by Jakob Wagner, it’s the prettiest wall-mounted wine rack. Ever.
$40.00 & up (depending on the configuration)
For The Naughty List: Death By Chocolate
Seriously luxe chocolate, the Mori Ex Cacao Gift Set from DL & Co. features 3 skull-shaped chocolates in the delicious flavors: Curious Chili, Scorched Caramel, and Bitter Brandied Cherry.
$65.00
Barefoot Contessa’s Grab & Go
Cute kits from my very favorite, Ina Garten. The perfect holiday one? Gingerbread Cake Mix with Lemon Curd and a cute Barefoot Contessa spatula.
$14.99
Modular Mixing
The unique nesting design and beautiful colors make this 8-piece Nest Bowl Set the perfect gift for the chic chef who’s short on space. (From UK designers Joseph Joseph)
$58.00
Not For The Faint Of Heart
Chocolate-covered Giant Ants? BBQ Worm Crisps? Edible features seriously out-there snacks for the most adventurous gourmand. (And if you go with the Reindeer Paté, you better make sure they have a sense of humor too.)
£15.00 GBP (Shipping to the US available)
Hippie Love: DIY Granola
With a gift certificate from MixMyGranola.com, the recipient will be able to mix their custom granola blend just the way they like it. Organic granola + Goji berries + Roasted Hazelnuts + Chocolate Raisins? The combinations are endless.
3.99 & up (for 16 oz.) + the cost of mix-ins
Haute Chocolate
Watch the how-to video for this Bialetti Hot Chocolate Pot and you’ll be sold. The electric pot heats and froths milk so it can be used for making lattes, chai teas, and whatever else you can dream up.
$79.99
Gum Drops & Lollipops
A celeb-fave, New York’s Dylan’s Candy Bar is the perfect place to find something for the sweet tooth on your list. Everything from sour treats to premium hot chocolate (my favorite) in the cutest packaging.
$10.00 & up
The Classic (For A Reason)
I’ve never received fruit-of-the-month as a gift, but if I did I’d be really excited. Beautiful, seasonal fruit for 5 months. It’s healthy and this organic version from Harry & David offers a modern take on this classic gift.
$189.95
Want more gifts? Our friend Matthew Jacob’s annual gift guide is always too cool for school.
Consumer alert! Children of middle America are in a state of panic! Parents not sure what to feed their children for their afternoon snack!
Aug. 22, 2008 — Nestle Prepared Foods Company is recalling about 215,660 pounds of its “Hot Pockets Pepperoni Pizza” stuffed sandwiches because they may contain pieces of plastic.
Oh man, plastic in my Hot Pocket, what to do? I’ll tell you what to do, throw out those Hot Pockets or take them back for a refund. Not only because they might contain a foreign object, but are probably kinda bad for you anyway. These are the reasons why I eat out.
