The Hoopla Hoop » Food

Pouring on the pounds

Kim Wong — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:54:13 +0000

It is no secret that we are experiencing an epidemic of obesity and obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. A major contributor is the large amount of calories we are consuming in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, fruit drinks, energy drinks, and even those enhanced water products with healthy claims. The typical 20 ounce cola drink contains 250 calories of simple carbohydrates. Read On

Justifying Cupcakes

Kim Wong — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:26:30 +0000

A trend food I’ve bought into in a major way is the cupcake. At least they are somewhat portion controlled... But, oh who am I kidding? Refined sugar and carbohydrates topped with more refined sugar and saturated fat is not exactly a nutritious treat. But I have a massive sweet tooth and it is definitely true in my case that denying yourself treats only leads to binges later on, so I treat myself. My inner nutritionist answer is to take everything in moderation!

Brooklyn Maize Fields

Jenn de la Vega — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:21:17 +0000

[Updated: Now with Photos!] Boerum Hill, Brooklyn used to be a Native American maize field. Our urban sprawl has left no evidence of its existence. We joke that New York neighborhoods are in constant flux, but rarely do we examine the extent of the words, “This neighborhood has changed.” Gowanus artist and resident, Christina Kelly, critiqued and challenged this phrase by planting urban corn gardens in Canarsie and Boerum Hill, namely at the intersection of Smith and Bergen. Christina cites that this particular area was cultivated by the Marechkawick Indians, as mentioned in a 1640 land grant to the Dutch citizen Frederick Lubbersen. The gardens are a nod to the historical resilience of New York City living.

Go Loco for Agua de Coco

Kim Wong — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:44:10 +0000

I found my salvation in a coconut! Coconut water to be exact, the liquid from young coconuts (not to be confused with coconut milk which is expressed from the flesh of mature coconuts) is one of the world’s most nutritious beverages. With the perfect balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates to replenish fluids lost during exercise, coconut water makes an excellent replacement for artificially flavored sports drinks, like Gatorade, and can be easily found at your corner Bodega!

Project Parlor

Jenn de la Vega — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:31:02 +0000

Project Parlor carries absinthe, homemade hibiscus punch, simple syrup and ginger beer; cans of Pabst are $2 which are “good for for the everyman” with free bar peanuts all night long. A brightly chalked A-frame outside drew me in shortly after the spot had opened back in October 2009. Florence’s number one priority is to offer a broad range of potent potables to accommodate an eclectic clientele.

Pucker Up to Pickles

Kim Wong — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:28:26 +0000

Unlike commercially-produced pickles-in-a-jar, New York-style Kosher pickles are made by curing fresh cucumbers in brine and spices such as peppercorns, dill and mustard seed (mine were especially garlicky).

BYO–BBQ?

Jenn de la Vega — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:28:42 +0000

I’m not much of a sports fan but I do like to gather with friends at a bar after a hard day’s work, bringing home the bacon, so to speak. I can get my weekday fix of charred flesh with the self-service grills on the patio of East River Bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Hoopla Hooper: Kim Wong

Kim Wong — Thu, 06 May 2010 09:00:29 +0000

I feel a little like Toucan Sam from the Froot Loops box, following my nose through life to the smell of *sniff sniff* food. In my travels all over the world, it has always been the most important thing for me to experience a culture by tasting it. Watching the Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern, from “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern," eat bulls’ balls only makes me want to go to Chile and try them. Sharing food also connects people like nothing else can—I mean, everyone has got to eat. Food, while not always a passion but always a backdrop, even led me to New York City.

Hoopla Hooper: Jenn de la Vega

Jenn de la Vega — Thu, 06 May 2010 05:00:39 +0000

Food is the substance that loops us together—everyone’s got to eat! New Yorkers, however, are probably the most fervent in regards to what constitutes “the best”. Points of contention arise at parties when someone dares to ask, “Where do you get the best pizza in the city?” The same goes for the illustrious carnival fare of hot dogs, knishes, pretzels, burgers and the growing number of gourmet truck offerings. People are thrown into a frenzy of choice, no matter if they’re visiting or have lived in the same Brooklyn apartment for 20 years.