whittiest title ever: new food critic review: Malaga

Hola amigos, yesterday night I went to a favorite Spanish restaurant of mine, and I thought I would share the experience with all of you. Vamos:
Malaga
406 E. 73rd St.
New York NY
4.5 out of 5 stars
Ah, the wonders of garlic. It can be an incredible ingredient (in my opinion, but I’m right). Is it delicious? Yes. Is it good to eat while trying to be social? No, Listerine or scope would not have even done the trick. Nevertheless, I really enjoy garlic and that was the key element of the dish which I planned to order here. When I entered Malaga, I appreciated it’s laid back ambiance: it was crowded but not loud, the Spanish music in the background added to the atmosphere but was not overpowering, and the restaurant just felt very relaxed. For the record, I don’t think that you can go wrong here, everything on the menu is tasty, from the paella to the tortilla omelet, I have never had a bad meal at Malaga. However, I knew exactly what I wanted so I ordered shrimp ala chef grilled: the menu offers no description for this dish, and it is true that it is extremely difficult to describe the goodness known as shrimp ala chef. This dish essentially consists of sautéed shrimp and numerous pieces of crunchy and fragrant garlic. I could smell it coming and could hear the dish because it was served on a sizzling platter. My first taste was heavenly, my senses were in overload and therefore were going crazy. The succulent shrimp paired with the delectable garlic made an incredible combination of flavors. It was nice to have a side of broccoli but it didn’t really matter in the end, I was just there for the amazing shrimp.
If you are reading this blog, then you should be aware that I was also drinking sangria (a Spanish wine-based drink) at the time, but I believe that my positive review of this establishment is based on reality and not on the alcohol. I would wholeheartedly recommend that all of my readers visit this great Spanish restaurant. However, there are two issues which I must address. First, Malaga is not wheel chair accessible (there are two steep steps before you arrive at the front door). In addition, a meal can be a little pricy, so I hope you understand that your experience might result in good food and a big check. Restaurants in Manhattan can be expensive, but at least the Spanish food at Malaga which you pay for is high quality. Thanks for reading, adios!
Dan

I hate my scale (the mystery of the 4 pound gain in 24 hours)

I hate my scale! Yes, I really do. Is it wrong to despise an inanimate object? Oh well, it’s true, it is my lifelong enemy. How can it be that I gained four pounds in one day? Yesterday I was feeling good about myself: I came to the false conclusion that I had lost 2 pounds, and I was in a positive mood. Today, my scale says (allegedly) that I have gained 2 pounds. (A four pound gain in only one day, from a loss to a gain of 2 pounds) How is this possible? Here was my day of eating yesterday: Breakfast: fiber one cereal, lunch: low fat cold cut sandwich, dinner: small lean hamburger with sautéed vegetables, and an apple. Does all of this manifest a four pound gain? I don’t think so. Now I feel confused and frustrated that I gained weight in the last month despite working out 4 times a week and eating a (mostly) healthy diet.
I don’t understand the art of weight loss. My body just does not want to give up the fat (my doctor even told me that). How many calories must I eat in a day, how many times must I work out in a week, in order to obtain my desired results? This is an ongoing struggle for me and I feel that I am losing it. No, seriously, I am losing it. Here are some possible factors: 1. I have a large bone structure, 2. I drink numerous glasses of water each day, 3. I take several different types of medication which could affect my weight. However, if these reasons do not change from day to day, then I cannot figure out this puzzle. I need some help: Any advice? I know that I always ask for comments but I really need some support, or just some tips, thank you all.
Dan

I'm on a health kick (not literally)

Hi everyone, well after all of the bad eating choices I have made lately (who me?), I have decided to start eating more healthy foods. Are you disappointed that I will no longer be able to enjoy those delicious treats such as pizza, hamburgers, fried foods, and oh no—chocolate? Don’t fear, I prefer the philosophy of moderation. I have attempted to diet in the past, sometimes being successful and sometimes… not so much. A couple of times I tried to eat just healthy foods, like egg whites, fruits, vegetables, and grilled chicken and fish. However, this meant cutting out 100% of the foods which I loved very much,(carbs and sugar used to be two of my best friends), therefore I eventually quit those diets.
How am I doing? I have not consumed any red meat since my last hamburger review, (it’s in the archives, check it out), I did eat pizza (but just once last week and it had mushrooms, so come on!), and am limiting my fried food intake. In addition, I have been keeping my chocaholism under control, so no worries. I also have been using a service called “create a salad”: I go to a local restaurant or deli and tell them exactly what I want in a salad and they make it for me specifically in that way (did I ever tell you about my selective nature A.K.A being picky,, well, I am very picky). Anyway, this phenomenal concept of salad creativity allows me to eat several servings of vegetables in a day and enjoy it too!
I have replaced the red meat themed polls with healthy related ones, please participate. Feel free to say hi or share your comment because I’m now on twitter:
www.twitter.com/blindblog
Dan the healthy man

sleep: so elusive

Hello everyone, I am so very tired today. I am finding out that getting a full uninterrupted night of sleep can be one of the most elusive problems in the world. I believe this is true because there is no all-inclusive cure: if you want to lose weight, you go on a diet and exercise, if you have an addiction then you can use a program like AA, but if you can’t sleep then what do you do? I have tried taking over-the-counter sleeping pills, ambient, going to bed at the same time every night, cutting out TV before bed, even an extensive sleep study (not all at once, of course). One technique might work once or twice, but eventually its effectiveness wears off and I am left back at square one. I don’t know what to do, at this point I am happy just venting electronically (silly, I know). This last week I have been running on caffeine (don’t knock the iced mochas), but I need to get back on track and on a regular schedule of obtaining successful sleep. This mysterious and intangible problem needs to be solved, so here’s my plan:
Good night!
Dan