Meat Free for 43 (plus 3!)

Today being Ash Wednesday, I've had a lot of time to think about what I wanted to give up for 46 days. My sister and I decided we would give up meat. This came for a few reasons:
1.) I'm down 18 pounds, but have 8 to go.
2.) I'd like to take more time preparing my own food and this will force me to.
3.) This is going to be HARD: really, really hard. Isn't that what Lent is all about?


Obviously, as I munched on my chick'n fingers and almonds, I'm already dreaming about hot dogs and tacos and fried chicken. I know I can do this, and by the time the 43 (plus 3!) days are over, I'm going to be accustomed to eating like this. However, it gave rise to the idea of creating a list of my favorite foods and restaurants. Here it is!

1.) Best Tex-Mex: Bandito's

Bandito's is the very first place I ate when I was in Dallas. It felt like home (and who can resist giant margaritas?) In addition to fabulous service, great people-watching, and delicious fares, I can't explain how many great times I had there in the summer of 2010. Katie, Janet, Amy, and I would go there as an escape from the work day, before movies or other outings, or just to unwind. Bandito's holds a place in my heart.

Best Burger: Ted's Steamed Cheeseburger

It seems that steamed cheeseburgers are a Connecticut thing. The burgers are steamed in little boxes rather than grilled or fried. This leaves the burgers juicy and wonderful without being oily or flat. Ted's has the best. The rolls are always soft and delicious, the cheese is perfect. A must-try if you're in the Connecticut area!

Best Asian: Sydney's Chinatown

They should really call this "Asiantown." There is such a huge variety of resturants from so many different countries. All of the resturants have patios that open into the stone walkway through Chinatown. The smells mix together, as do the languages. It's really a cultural experience, and the best darn asian food I've ever had.

Best Pizza: Koronet Pizza, NYC

Koronet is in NYC near Columbia University. Not only is the price right, but the slices are HUGE. (see the photo!) I'm a big fan of thin pizza with a crispy crust; this is it! Also, you can't go wrong with the dive-y atmosphere.

Best Dive Bar: Eli Cannon's, Middletown, CT

Sorry, all. I had to go Middletown on this one. Eli Cannon's is my favorite bar (and wing place) in CT! The clientel is always different, the beer (cider) is cold, and the wings are hot!hot!hot! (You can get them in tons of flavors, and even buy the sauces to take home with you.) This is one of those places in Middletown where the locals mix with the Wesleyan crowd. If you're looking for a place to relax without pressure, this is your place. Also, who doesn't love a bar where you can just as easily go in sweat pants as you can in suit?

LH Get Psyched Mix

One of my favorite episodes of HIMYM is The Limo,(2005) in which Barney introduces his Get Psyched Mix.

"Now people think a good mix should rise and fall. But people are wrong. It should be all rise, baby! Now prepare yourselves for an audio journey to the white, hot center of adrenaline!"

I have Barney's Get Psyched Mix and listen to it when I actually need to get psyched. However, I've been listening to my Pandora Abracadabra station for 7.5 hours a day. (Abracadabra by the Steve Miller Band: you'll love it!) I mean, you have to have some sort of inspiration when looking at spreadsheets and merging data all day. I've decided these awesome songs are my Get Psyched Mix! I've decided to share so anyone can recreate the musical joy I have.

You'll notice the playlist is comprised of 80s classic rock and 90s alternative rock with a sprinkling of 80s hard rock. Enjoy!

Highway To Hell by AC/DC
It's Still Rock And Roll To Me by Billy Joel
Jumper by Third Eye Blind
Your Song by Elton John
Santeria by Sublime
Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2 by Pink Floyd
My Own Worst Enemy by Lit
Breakfast At Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something
It's All Been Done by Barenaked Ladies
Snow (Hey Oh) by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival
American Pie - New Version by Don McLean
Accidentally In Love by Counting Crows
Dirty Laundry by Don Henley
Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls
In The Air Tonight (Live) by Phil Collins
Obsession by Animotion
Every Little Thing She Does Is magic by The Police
Your Love by The Outfield
Long Cool Woman by The Hollies
Old Time Rock And Roll (Live) by Bob Seger
Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind
Free Fallin' by Tom Petty
Rebell Yell by Billy Idol
What's Your Name by Lynyrd Skynyrd
You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
Peace Of Mind by Boston
How's It Going To Be by Third Eye Blind
If You're Gone by Matchbox Twenty
You Really Got Me by Van Halen
American Pie by Don McLean
Inside Out by Eve 6
In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins
Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf
I'm A Believer by Smash Mouth
Take On Me by A-Ha
Jungle Love by Steve Miller Band
Rock You Like A Hurricane by Scorpions
Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins


Clearly, I love all things 80s. :)