Anouchka Talks

I had pancakes today, but not just any pancakes.  Today, my darlings, I had my most favorite of all time pancakes.  These bad boys aren't for amateurs though, so if you don't like pancakes (hater), then please stop reading. And never speak to me again. No, for real though.  I had the bestest granola pancakes in the whole wide world that come from the most fat-/sugar coma-inducing factory in town:  a little brunchery called Le Peep. Easily, one of these pancakes is over five billion calories but, when you get them as your meal, you get TWO steering-wheel sized flapjacks of joy.  Seriously, these 'cakes will change your life.  I truly believe that they hold the key to world peace. But why all this writing about pancakes lately?  I mean, they're gifts from Heaven, but isn't this a bit much? No. But I digress.  Today I ran my first half marathon.  I have been training for this bad boy since the beginning of July and have (not) loved ...

Well, bad news, my little chickadees. Both of you know that I have been training for about two and a half months for a half marathon.  Although I'm not new  to running, this is my first half.  Naturally, I have been hyped up ever since I officially registered for the pre-race spaghetti dinner.  (I mean really, that's why we do it.  Right?)  Anyhow, during my training time, I have seen myself progress to levels of speed and stamina that I never thought I could attain.  This all culminated in my final (and most recent) distance run last week. On Friday morning, my training guide had me scheduled to run 13 miles. Prior to that, I had run 12, so it wasn't as though I made a sudden leap in effort; I had been building up to this.  As I wrapped up the final mile and climbed the stairs to my apartment, I felt a sense of relief.  The hard part was behind me; only a few taper runs and the race lay ahead.  I looked down at my watch and was ecs...

I love the movie Ratatouille  because it contains so many of my favorite things in life:  Disney charm, food, France, cooking, and, of course, rats.  (Yes, I find rats to be positively darling.  Shut up.  Just because you have bad taste doesn't mean you can shove it down other people's throats.) However, despite the film's best efforts, so few people actually know what ratatouille (pronounced rah-tah-too-wee ) is.  A traditional peasant dish from France, ratatouille is type of slow cooked vegetable stew.  This classic French favorite makes an excellent appetizer, side dish, or even a plat principal if you're craving a light(ish) or vegetarian option.  Furthermore, its versatility goes beyond when to serve it, as it can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it an excellent candidate for leftovers.  And guess what else:  It is super easy to make.  BONUS! So grab an apron, draw on your most pretentious petite moustache  and head to...

Greetings, all! As both of you may already be aware, Habibi and I are preparing for my upcoming sabbatical this fall.  (Just because I am not a college professor and do not have a "real" job does not mean that I am not entitled to a sabbatical.) Now, don't expect my Pulitzer prize winning work upon my return.  You cannot force genius.  Also, you should learn to be more patient because I am very busy and important.  Now enough about you.  Let's talk more about me. You may wonder where someone like me would choose to take her breaks.   T'es fou?  Ben, je voyagerai en France, bien s ûr!   Yes, you read me right.  Habibi and I are going to France this fall.   SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! I'm a little excited. In any case, it goes without saying that we will be visiting Paris during our stay chez les gaulois.   Being the art history expert of our tour group (of two), I am responsible for planning our trip to le Louvre . Le Louvr...