Are hot peppers actually healthy for you?

I get this question all the time. YES. If you eat with me chances are you're eating something spicy- and that's a good thing! according to fitday.com:

Capsaicin 
Chili, jalapeno, habenero and cayenne peppers all contain a chemical component called capsaicin. This is the compound that causes the burning sensation when coming in contact with mucous membranes. It has also been attributed to:

• killing cancer cells 
• reducing inflammation 
• producing fat oxidation which can aid in weight loss 
• helping with gastric relief 
• preventing sinus infections 
• psoriasis relief

REPOST: Five Fish that are Sustainable and (Almost) Guilt-free

Fish market outside Banjul in The Gambia. Fish is a crucial food for billions of people, but many fish stocks are threatened due to overfishing. (Photo credit: Bernard Pollack)


Interesting piece on new options for sustainable seafood:
According to a 2010 Food and Agriculture Organization report, 33 percent of the world’s fisheries are over-exploited, depleted, or recovering from depletion, and another 52 percent are fully exploited. As more fish stocks fail under the pressure, many fisherpeople, fishery managers, and policymakers are focusing on making fishing more sustainable, using methods that have proven effective at restoring both quantity and quality in depleted fisheries. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

14 Foods You Should Buy Organic

Just saw this article in Eating Well and I found it very useful.  Generally, if I'm on a budget and I have to choose what to buy that is or isn't organic, things like oranges, eggplant or things that get PEELED I will buy NON-organic.  This is a good guide though if you need convincing in one direction or another.

http://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/organic_natural/dirty_dozen_plus_14_foods_you_should_buy_organic?sssdmh=dm17.606049&utm_source=EWHNL&esrc=nwewh070512

REPOST: omg how gross. i def can't handle the coke.

The rice cooker. Not only does this convenient little machine prepare a pot of rice with just the push of a button, but it can also be used to steam vegetables, bake cakes, and much more! (click here to read more)

McDonalds. This is so disturbing.

This is so disturbing.  "Pig innards and plenty of salt. Typically, "restructured meat product" includes pig bits like tripe, heart, and scalded stomach"

What's the McRib made of, anyway?

The popular McDonald's sandwich is back. Find out what's inside — if you dare

McDonalds' McRib and its cult-like following are back. Thank goodness the "disconcerting" sandwich is only returning for a limited time only...  to continue reading click here.

I LOVE hanging out with my parents

This is about 4 minutes after walking into their house. We didnt even make it to the table. 

NEWS: REPOST: PROTEIN INFUSED VODKA

Ladies and gentlemen, here we have it.  Vodka with a rumored 2 grams of protein per shot.  Who's gonna go first, Jeffries or Von Storch to put a bar in the lobby of their next gym (common Doug!)?  Turns out the protein cuts the bitterness normally associated with vodka and apparently helps with a hangover.  Seems like the only place to purchase this sweet thang is Cali or New Jersey.  I might need to pick some up next time I head up the Turnpike!

DAHLAK: new cocktail and beer list

DAHLAK: renovation

So long story short, I was broke and walked into almost every restaurant and bar within four blocks from my apartment asking for work.  I would've been fine bartending, busing, hosting, working in the kitchen or waiting tables.  I didn't care.  Turns out the only place that was interested was Dahlak, on 18th/U/Florida.  Well, one thing led to another and I've taken a new lead on redoing a ton in this place.  Aesthetics have changed a bit with some cleaning and decluttering.  Small changes like adding bar hooks, painting and changing lights are under way.  Soon looking to redo bathroom walls & fix.  And the MENU.  We're adding lots more options adding more Mediterranean/Italian influence.  A large salad entrée section, more appetizers and a small light bar menu.  Looking to one day have new chairs and tables, redo storefront windows and update the kitchen and back patio.  Stay tuned!

Every Italian boy loves his sausage. T-SHIRTS FOR SALE

Do you need a t-shirt that says "Every Italian boy loves his sausage."  If you don't I'm sure you know an Italian boy that does.  T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags and much more are all available at http://www.cafepress.com/italianboy1
FYI, I got a medium and its kinda big- just sayin.
More designs coming soon...

NEWS: Ray's Hell Burger coming to Adams Morgan

Reposted from Prince of Petworth, Ray's Hell Burger is coming to DC, finally, and in the middle of Adams Morgan (I'm mad phyched cause its only 4 blocks from my trailer).  Guess all that Obama press paid off. Nice job Barack!  Finally all us Washingtonians who refuse to cross the bridge can explore the delicious wonders of Ray's.  Caaaaaaaaan't wait!  Click here for a recent Reader Contribution.

so i've rebranded

goodbye 'finger lickin good.' Hello Italian Boy. Comments suggestions or requests are always greatly appreciated.

NEWS: Top Chef Comes to DC?

So rumor has had it on a number of food blogs and on the street downtown that Top Chef will be filming in DC. There have allegedly been cast and crew sightings at and around Restaurant Nora on R Street in Dupont Circle and rumored that the cast residence will be across the street from the restaurant. Glad to see that Real World DC didn't completely ruin the city. A New York Time's article confirmed the location of season seven while DCist.com reported a rumor that the Quickfire kitchen will be at the Washington Hilton.

DINING OUT FOR LIFE, Thursday, March 11th

This Thursday, March 11th, is Food and Friends’ annual charity event, Dining Out For Life where over 150 local DC restaurants donate between 25% and 100% of their proceeds to Food and Friends. For over 20 years Food and Friends has been supplying daily, nutritious meals, groceries and support to nearby residents with HIV, cancer, and other life threatening diseases. Please consider dining out at any of these participating restaurants (click here) and be sure to make your reservations through opentable.com/.