Ginger Ale

Now I am sure that just about every person you know has had Ginger Ale. Something your mom gave you when you were sick, not something that someone would be afraid to try... right? Well until yesterday I had never had Ginger Ale, and to be honest was a little scared to try it.

I had always thought it would taste gross (I had raw ginger on a cruise to ease my motion sickness and almost puked; nasty!). Then I got sick a few days ago and my roommate told me to get some Ginger Ale; that it would make me feel better; so going with my resolution to try new things, I did. 

A wonderful photo of a sad, sick me. :(

About the Drink: Although many believe ginger to be a root it is actually an underground stem (rhizome) from the tropical herb plant Zingiber officinale that is primarily grown in Jamaica. Ginger was first made into a drink in Ireland in 1851 and was used in local drug stores to make sodas by mixing it with fruit juices. As far as why mom always gave you ginger ale when you were feeling sick there is more to it than an old wives tale. Other than the bubbles feeling good on your throat it relieves menstrual cramps, decreases headache discomforts, helps to regulate blood sugar, is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, which aid to strengthen the immune system. 

Food Review: I give Ginger Ale a 5 out of 5 rating. 

As stated before I was a little unsure about this bubbly drink. Ginger by itself is not the tastiest of things and I thought the drink would taste just like it. However as I cringed and put the glass to my mouth I was pleasantly surprised. It tasted just like Sprite! 

Being sick I decided to drink the Ginger Ale like I do Sprite when I am sick: with Orange Juice! Sounds weird but trust me it is so good! Tastes like a non-alcholic mimosa! YUM!

Well I have to thank my roommate for getting me to try my new go to sick drink, Ginger Ale! Also let me know if there are any other drinks you like to mix ginger ale with or any other recipes! 

Falafel - Alhambra Palace

Ever since moving to Chicago I have seen falafel restaurants and heard raving reviews of this food I had never tried or heard of. Well last night my friends and I went salsa dancing at Alhambra Palace Restaurant and before we started dancing we ordered some food; and yep I ate my first falafel! 


About the Food:
Falafel is a fried ball or patty of spiced field beans or chickpeas, dating back to Biblical times and originating somewhere on the Indian subcontinent. Falafel is today eaten in India as well as in Pakistan and the Middle East and is traditionally served with a yoghurt sauce, as a sandwich in pita bread, or as an appetizer.


Food Review:
I give falafel a 4 out of 5 rating. 

When I heard that falafel was made from chick peas I was expecting some green ball of peas to come out. However when the waitress brought out the food I was very surprised at what I saw; and I was even happier when I took a bite. The crispy outer shell and the soft insides made a delicious treat and while I hate peas this did not taste at all like them. The flavor was a mixture of fried bread and just the right amount of spices (don't worry it's not hot spicy!). I would recommend them to even the pickiest of eaters!   

Restaurant Review:

I give Alhambra 3 out of 5 stars. 

The Good: The best part of the restaurant is the decor. The restaurant is not only decorated like a Moroccan palace but also architecturally modeled after one inside and out. 

As far as the food as stated before I obviously liked it! I did however only try an appetizer so I will have to try some more food to give it a better review. Another great thing about Alhambra, for you Four Square people, is that if you are the major of the place on Four Square (like I am) you get a free appetizer with each entrée purchase. 

The Bad: While it was not the worst service I had ever had it was not the best. Now this might be petty I am someone who believes that restaurants should never refuse people a glass of water. And while our waitress was overall pretty good, when we first asked for a glass of water she tried to sell us bottles of water for $4 (a little pricey is you ask me)!!! Then when a man sat down next to us, flirted with the waitress and asked for a glass of water she gladly gave him one for free... Well I wasn't just going to sit there thirsty and when we asked again for one, after a long lecture of how she is not supposed to give us water, blah blah blah, she finally caved and gave us water (success!). 

If you have ever been to Alhambra or know of a great place to get Falafel in the Chicago area please leave a comment below! 

Introduction - Crazy Food Night

I grew up in a house hold were we had meat and potatoes for just about every meal. Nothing was ever spicy, exotic or foreign. I mean when we ordered Chinese food we got sweet and sour chicken... not really pushing any borders here.

As I got older and started going out to eat with friends I watched them order these crazy things that at the time I would never would have tried, and I didn't. We would go out for sushi and I would get tempura, go to a hibachi grill and I would only eat the meat and rice... something had to chance.

Last night my friends and I went salsa dancing at this Moroccan restaurant and ordered some appetizers. While looking at the menu I realized I had NO idea what anything was and was a little scared to order. I let me friend order and lets just say the old me would have never tried the things she ordered but I ended up loving them!

At that point I made a pack with myself and my friend to try a new "weird looking" food every time I go out to eat. That and to open up my drink selection too, by trying a different drink every time as well.

We decided that we were going to set one night a week called "Crazy food night" and she was going to take me to a place that I have never been to and help be open my food horizons!

This blog is my documentation of everything I try! I will not only write about the food and drink I try but also do a little review of every restaurant I go to.  I hope you enjoy; bon appetit!