Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Twenty-Five Carb Therapy



So here's the thing about being a woman, we physiologically and emotionally require Carbs. That's just a fact; no way around it. Carb Therapy, as I am coining it, is a delicate science that I have proven 100% affective on 100% of my test patients.  I hypothesize, that consuming Carbohydrates drastically changes mood for the better, increasing happiness and sense of comfort, decreasing depression and sadness. Thus, gaining perspective and control of ones emotions. I'm one for one so far! =)
Last week, my world was experiencing technical difficulties. I tuned in closely to my body so that I could indulge in my first carnal craving. Can I just ask you, what is more readily satisfying than a fresh batch of Rice Krispy Treats? .....
Exactly! What other dessert can you take from stove to mouth in less time than it takes to become rational? Three ingredients, 10 minutes, and your grandmother's wooden shamoji. There's no need for fretful huffing and puffing when you can sit on your couch eating globs of the good stuff right out of the pot (cuts back on dishes, so it's emo and eco friendly). However, this day, I craved something I couldn't whip up in ten frenzied minutes; I wanted something that I couldn't whip up at all. Something comforting, that I love that can't be taken away. 
I don't know about other women, but my stance on comfort food is that Carbs reign, and in the kingdom of Carbs, pasta rules.... or bread.... or potatoes. Whatever. The point is I healed over at none other than Figo. When it comes to Carbs, Figo is the ultimate pasta procurer.
Figo is just plain awesome.  This is what I imagine eating in Italy is like... minus the nosey family sitting awkwardly close to me -Yea, I could smell Mrs. Johansson's salad.... they were close - Everything is fresh and delicious. They offer 29 hand made pastas and 14 home-made sauces, freshly prepared everyday. When I walked in on this bereft day, I knew what I wanted, nay, needed (right Ladies?). I ordered the Carrot Ravioli with the Funghi sauce.  OH MY GOD! Creamy, rich, mushroomy. I can't articulate the magnificence of the Funghi sauce with any amount of words. How I feel about it, is more of a facial expression. There's honestly no other sauce option for me when I go to Figo because I know any of the 29 pastas will be superb lying underneath its creamy wings.
So yes, I was alone, and yes, I did get funny looks from people (ahem, weird family stage left), which is unusual. But what I like about eating solo, is that I can ignore all the cutting eyes and enjoy being in my own world.  OR if I would've preferred, enjoyed the soft Italian music, the atmospheric aesthetic of the cool dining room, and chattering of the other pasta-loving patrons. But tonight, I stayed within the confines of my personal bubble, ipod in hand, John Mayer in ear. 
Regrettably and unregrettably*, I didn't order the Tiramisu or the Key Lime Pie. Carb Therapy has to stop somewhere.  It is possible to abuse it. Like any other good thing, too much of it can be bad, as my lower body so reflects. So as much as I would have loved to have been able to report to you my  seven lovely readers the alleged whimsy of their desserts, I fear it would've taken me past comforted and into self-loathing. And that simply is not the goal of Carb Therapy.
I fervently admonish and advocate emotional eating - in moderation- Food is meant to comfort. If food can be used to heal disease, build muscle, aid brain function, etc, it definitely could and should be used as a mood enhancer. It's God's way of helping us cope with stress and sadness and feel better. You can have your Prozac and your Zoloft, but when I'm feeling blue, you can find me at Figo. Listen to your Carb Therapist!


Visit here for the amazing menu. Experience Figo's Carb Therapy for yourself! 

Monday, November 9, 2009

Twenty-Four


This blank page has been haunting me everyday that I've neglected to write because I have been struggling with owning the title of "writer." It's kind of like that conversation in a new relationship when usually the guy doesn't want to "place titles" on anything. The "you know, let's keep it casual" speech for fear of premature commitment and emotional seriousness.... blah blah blah. I've never personally had that conversation because my attitude in relationships is deeply rooted in a go for it, willy-nilly doctrine. That's probably why I've been so successful with Love<<<<>. But it has been hard to find a worthy topic to write about lately due to my aforementioned "commitment issues" with writing. I'm finally having that conversation. Will I place a title on this back-and-forth relationship with writing despite my fear of it failing? Can I trust myself to be faithful? Will I commit despite my insecurities and hang-ups?

Perhaps I should apply my go for it attitude for this love affair as well. I guess my affair with writing is just like any other: it can soar or sink. I can only hope it lasts longer than my longest relationship, the duration of which shall remain private! Fingers crossed, it will last a lifetime.