Chip of the Month Club

Shopper's Value via "Dig" crafty. Respectable size chip and tasty well seasoned for a budget buy. A much needed pick me up. Rating: B

2010-05-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hippie Chips White Room Cheddar courtesy Canyon Country Store. Rating: C- Too healthy tasting but a passable nosh in rush hour traffic over the hill.

2010-05-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

Poore Brothers Jalapeno Kettle Cooked Potato Chips

2010-04-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

Poore Brothers Jalapeno Kettle Cooked Potato Chips

Rating: B+

Purchased in La Jolla on a surfing trip by my now poor brother (thanks to the very expensive surfing vacation to SoCal) these Kettle Cooked chips were a tasty delight that the whole family could enjoy (they're vegan!).

Not the spiciest of Jalapeno Kettle chips I've stumbled across, but therefore much more munch worthy as you don't really need to slow yourself down for sips of a spice nulling beverage. Perhaps that was a bad thing. These guys were a little on the greasy side but had an overall satisfying crunch.

I really want to try some of the other flavors the Poore Brothers make, despite being generally standard fare of chip flavor, y'know, Salt and Vin, BBQ, Sea Salt... Great stuff!

-b e x

Lance White Cheddar Cheese Popcorn

2010-04-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

Lance White Cheddar Cheese Popcorn

Rating: A

This downtown find is nostalgia from my Gym Dandy Gymnastic Days back in
Southwestern Pennsylvania. The gym's vending machines heavily stocked Lance products
and these cheddar delights often greeted me for only 60 cents, post-bars, beam and floor
routines.

Each popped kernel is generously dusted with a coating of that delectable cheesy powder that begs for a serious finger-lickin' after only a few handfuls.

I recommend some napkins on hand when getting down with this snack.

-B e x

Tropical Gourmet Plantain Chips Spicy flavor

2010-03-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

Tropical Gourmet Plantain Chips Spicy flavor

Rating: A-

Another treat from Ecuador via Jon's. This soft crunching chips have that yummy plantain flavor with an added kick (although somewhat disappointing spice level) of natural seasonings. It seems like this brand is no-nonsense and MSG is the last thing with which they would ever mar their wholesome snacks. No cholesterol, artificial colors or flavors, or added preservatives. High in potassium too!

Still delightful and keeps me chompin' without feeling guilty. I highly recommend this flavor, unless you are a spice enthusiast. This have the right touch for those who want the slightest bit of bite.
Dip?

A little Tapatio to get the spice just right. Maybe a salsa verde.

-b e x

Doritos Late Night All Nighter Cheeseburger

2010-03-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Doritos Late Night All Nighter Cheeseburger

Rating: A

Found at the 7-Eleven on Magnolia and Tujunga on a late morning speed walk with LD. 99 cents and 1 block later I realized this could be my new favorite Dorito flavor.

Tastes like everything on a greasy Carl's Jr. Big Carl: onion, cheese, ketchup, chargrilled burger patty plus the added taste of corn. Truly a delicious treat that I can't wait to taste again. LD and I tore through this bag in one block.

Would I purchase again?:

I need to find more RIGHT NOW.

Best place to eat?:

Strolling down Magnolia Blvd. on a hot day in the Valley.

Dip?

Not this time, but I sure would like to taste these crushed on top of a burger. Perhaps later this St. Patrick's Day...

-B e x

Tropical Gourmet Cassava Chips

2010-03-13T21:07:00.001-08:00

Tropical Gourmet Cassava Chips

Rating: A+

Simple, lightly salted, crunchy cassava. Starchy and delicious. Found at Jon's International Marketplace. An unusual chip that has become a new favorite.
Would I purchase again?Without a doubt.
Best place to eat?
Car rides to San Diego.
Dip?
These are pretty amazing on their own but I could chop on these with some mango chutney.

Shearer's Rippled Home Run Hot Dog Potato Chips

2010-02-26T01:10:00.000-08:00

Shearer's Rippled Home Run Hot Dog Potato Chips

This was a January selection made on a trip home to Pittsburgh to spend some time with my family. I bought them at a Washington, PA Giant Eagle (where you can now buy beer!).

Rating: B

Mustard, Pickely Relish, Ketchup and Onion plus some oh so delicious Monosodium Glutamate, these chips sure were an interesting flavor melange. I personally prefer heavily seasoned or flavored chips to be without ridges, but these definitely left an impression of a day at a ball game.

Would I purchase again?
Probably not for myself but for my sister and my brother-in-law who's house I left these at for their devouring.

Best place to eat?
In a wonderfully warm kitchen (even though it's actually 49 degrees) on Thomas Blvd with my favorite couple and favorite nephew, making other delicious things. Also good for a picnic.

Dip?

As Michael pointed out, some french onion dip would be awesome. I also would try crumpling this on a nice Hebrew National with a some chopped pickles on a poppyseed bun.

Boulder Canyon Rice & Adzuki Bean Snack Chips Chipotle Cheese Flavor

2009-07-06T18:07:00.001-07:00

Boulder Canyon Rice & Adzuki Bean Snack Chips Chipotle Cheese Flavor

Rating: A

Here are some chips selected for me by my love that I have to admit, I would easily walk right past, as they are not my typical chips of choice. A marvelous, healthier alternative with just as much kick, flavor and satisfying crunch offered in their junk food brethern, the Spicy Dorito. A super cheesy, savory, lip-smacking delight that goes a long way. Who knew healthy was so delicious? Not this chipper...

Would I purchase again?
You bet your bippy.

Best place to eat?
Stored in a zip lock baggy along side some other health food on a long summer hike. Or in the backseat of a car at the only drive-in in L.A.

Dip?
Corn and Black bean salsa, yes!

Miss Vickie's Smokehouse BBQ All Natural Kettle Chips

2009-05-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

Rating: B-

These tasty morsels are a sub brand under the Frito-Lay snack umbrella and they certainly taste like a member of the family. The tangy BBQ flavored chip has a pretty weak crunch for chips claiming to be "kettle cooked", and quite small in size, but they are satisfying nonetheless. They remind me very much of the classic Lay's BBQ Flavor but with a slightly more scrumptious aftertaste.

Would I purchase again?
I think Miss Vickie certainly deserves another shot, especially with the other exciting but safe flavors offered.

Best place to eat?
Dur, at a BBQ. Or a campfire...

Dip?
Bush's Baked Beans. Imagine dipping these little babies in a batch of bacon-y beans!

Studio City Farmer's Market Kettle Korn (Ma + Pa's)

2009-05-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Rating: C

The county fair and farmer's market staple, Kettle Korn, is an old favorite of mine. Popcorn in general can satisfy me anytime of the day, any meal. Perhaps because of all the weekends spent at the cinema with a bucket in my lap...

This kettle korn was a little too sweet. The perfect kettle korn must have the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with the smallest hint of butter. Ma and Pa's delivered a sugary crunchy corn that left me craving the hot out of the kettle treats at the county fair.

Would I purchase again?
If I'm getting it straight from the kettle, maaaaybe.

Best place to eat?
Waiting in line for the Zipper, or on the car ride home from a long day at the amusement park.

Dip?
Usually best by itself.

Dorito's Blazin' Buffalo and Ranch

2009-05-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

Rating: B-

Doritos have always been a reliable purveyor of odd flavors. My latest corn tortilla chip endeavor included these yummy dudes. The flavor started off decidedly Ranch and then the Buffalo kick crept up to say hello. Kind of the opposite of what it should be. They could be better balanced, but I'll just resign myself to enjoy the satisfying finger-licking of the spicy-cheesy residue left all over my fat little fingers.

Would I purchase again?

Yes, if accompanied by other spicy chip enthusiasts on a late night jaunt to Ralph's.

Best place to eat?

Zoned out in front of Planet Earth on the Big TV.

Dip?

A little fresh avocado to splice the spice would be nice.

Trader Joe's Cheddar Cheese Pita Chips

2009-05-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

Rating: A-

Yum. After a my first trip down the Trader Joe's Pita Chip collection, the Cinnamon Sugar variety, I moved onto the Cheddar Cheese Flavor. An extra crunchy, real strong cheddar experience was in store. A satisfying munch that reminds me of Goldfish crackers topped with baked parmesan. Similar to the perfect crispy crust I top my homemade Mac n' Cheese. The only downside was occasionally coming across a pita that was toasted slightly too much.

Would I purchase again?

Wholeheartedly.

Best place to eat?

Anywhere but I enjoy it in the office mostly while working away on the computer.

Dip?

Perhaps a perfect companion for some Veggie Chili. For a simpler addition, sour cream straight up as not to over power the delish Cheddariness.

Luck o' the Papas Fritas

2009-03-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

I've now been in L.A. officially for over a year. I am using St. Patrick's Day as an anniversary date as it is one of the most memorable days of my first few weeks in L.A. I was driving over an hour everyday to my job in Santa Monica, I wore Lakers colors (purple and gold) by accident, I had tea and sandwiches with my Aunt Sybil(not really my Aunt), and I went downtown to a shitty Irish barf-fest with my male roommates where beer was green and it cost 8 dollars.

This year I played things my way. Now I drive one mile to work. I wore a delightful combination of mint and forest green to work. I ate a DELICIOUS Philly cheese steak at Cafe Al Dente. I hung at my favorite place, Bar One, with some lovely Jewish American Hos, Tiffany and Lauren. Oh and Beau too.

The highlight of the evening was the walk home from the bar (what a luxury) and a stop at one of the four in a 1 mile radius 7-Elevens by my house where Beau bought me Sabritas Habanero Limon Papas Fritas. Oh dear St. Patrick. What a treat of potatoey goodness.

These babies brought the heat with a twinkle of lime. I need a glass of H2O near by to fully enjoy them as I am a wuss when it comes to spice. Overall they are a surprisingly flavorful chip that I fully intend on adding to my 7 Eleven jaunts every now and then.

All in all I had a pretty spectacular St. Patrick's Day, followed by a beautiful, warm day at Pointe Dume in Malibu. I'm happy to be L.A.

Reduced Guilt

2009-03-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

Had a Game Night last night since I'm too broke to go to bars for companionship. In my manic preparation of impending guests in my home, I didn't really eat anything thing all day aside from some pizza after seeing "The Watchmen" with Mike and some other Nerds. Luckily, many of my very giving friends brought some goodies to nosh on.

Among the favorites were Audie's spectacular Chocolate Chip Cookies and Tiffany's Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt Lightly Salter Kettle Cooked Potato Chips. These lightly salted bad boys were the perfect companion with Audie's cookies. A decent crunch and scrumptious taste for diet chips. They went far too quick as I could use a little pick me up out of my hangover this very moment. My head is throbbing a bit too much to blather on.

La la la la Bamba!

2009-03-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

Bamba happens to be one of my favorite Israeli treats. I bought a bag in a gift shop along the Banias, thinking they were Israeli Cheetos (I found actual Israeli Cheetos later at a gas station and bought about 5 different varieties), however, these little puffed out corn meal noshes are covered in a peanut flavored coating.

A little salty, the tiniest bit of peanut butter sweet, Bamba tastes like peanut butter crackers that come 6-8 in a cellophane pack, which I LOVE.

Couldn't really buy enough Bamba while I was over there, especially with all the flavors(Chocolate Bamba is a peanut/cocoa delight that resemble Combos's snacks) but luckily I live a stone's throw from an amazing Kosher supermarket, Cambridge Farms. The past two Shabbats I've made my way to the cluttered and insanely busy store to purchase Krembo (malo mars), Burekas, and Herr's Potato Chips and this time I picked up some Bamba to soothe my hunger pangs.

The only thing I don't like about Bamba is the Bamba Baby. Just a frightening image. He reminds me of the Baby in the "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" short. *shudder*

Of course!

2009-02-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

Jason Clearfield. The giver of gifts. The deliverer of chips. Dear friend and former sweetheart.

Thank you for the most excellent mystery (now solved) of the Zapp's Box of Deliciousness.

My Sour Valentine

2009-02-18T11:29:00.000-08:00

I love Valentine's Day. I always have, even when I'm a single lady (oof, I don't like that phrase anymore), and I always will. Truthfully any holiday with the promise of food, candy and dressing up in specific colors or outfits to identify that you are indeed celebrating that holiday is alright by me.

This year was a single affair, although I did expect at least a giant heart shaped cookie cake out of the day, and courtesy of my work Valentine, Mair, I had a frosting covered rainbow chip delight, along with a festive pack of Airheads candy. I gave out Valentine's bearing the image of my 2008 obsession, a Waste Allocation Load Lifter *Earth class and a Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator. The Sweetheart candies produced by the same people who bring you Necco wafers that were part of the folded valentines, were not as popular as the homemade treats delivered by my co-workers.

My night ended up the opposite of what I expected (although I really had few expectations)

and I found myself wandering around my neighborhood 7-11 at about 11:30pm in search of my much craved for comfort chip, Lay's Sour Cream and Onion. I had already finished the bag of Zapp's Spicy Creole Tomato Spiked with Tabasco early on in the week. A true delight in the Zapp's flavor line-up. My worries of too much spice to make for an enjoyable chip were silly. It was a perfect, tangy and savory, crunchy kettle chip with the most enjoyable kick of spice. Zapp's, will you be my post-Valentine?

At first, it appeared the 7-11 did not carry my much needed crisps, and considering I had just walked 3 blocks in the

frigid Los Angeles night air (it was at least 40 F, haters!), I was facing the fact that I just might need to compromise on the 7 Select Brand of Sour Cream and Onion Kettle Potato Chips. Then at long last, I found my savior taters, the Lay's Sour Cream and Onion, and I knew the night would be less lonely, especially with the three bags I stuffed in my 7-11 bag. I also brought the 7-11 in house brand home with me, to accompany the 7-11 staple, the Double Gulp, mixed inside, Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper.

When my Valentine's and I arrived home, we cozied up to the PowerBook with my over watched DVD copy of 'Gone With the Wind' and a much smaller than the afternoon's cookie cake covered in Valentine themed icing. I finished all those bags within 12 hours.

The 7-11 Select Sour Cream and Onion Kettle Chips weren't too nice, they reminded me of french onion powdered soup mix with the tiniest flecks of green onion in the aftertaste. The Lay's, however, remain my all time favorite, widely available potato chip.

As long as I have the foods that erase my sadness, and a metabolism that keeps me from acquiring a fat ass, Valentine's Day will remain satisfying, despite my relationship status.

Kittens Inspired By Kittens!

2009-02-13T13:55:00.000-08:00

This is completely relevant. Just wait for the :50 time mark.

The Lonely Life.

2009-02-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

Companions for my loneliness the weekend 2.6.09 - 2.8.09: 'Coraline in 3D', 'Gavin and Stacy', and M.I.A. at the Grammy's.

I'd throw in some Big Sugar cookies eaten in there too. This rainy February weekend in L.A. has been pretty full of delicious food and entertainment. It helps to have my mind focused on gorging on yums and not thinking about other things.

'Coraline', the meticulous stop motion picture, geeked me out! The 3D was graceful and complimented the picture rather than detracting from the children's story. It was also terribly frightening. If I was cruel, and I did take a child under the age of ten to see this, I probably would have been chasing a wailing crybaby out of the cinema.

'Gavin and Stacy'! Not having cable bums me out when I end up missing out on gems like this. The BBC delivered such an adorable, funny show that I am fully obsessed with now. Saturday night I spent the night in watching the first two episodes that made me turn into jelly.

Watched the Grammy's at Nick's home on Sunday, partly because pizza was involved. I honestly couldn't care less about that awards show. Who does, really? You are lying. The only interesting moments of the night were M.I.A.'s 'ready to drop dat babay dance' and the rumor of Chris Brown beating down Rhianna in a rented Lambo. Craaazy. Also, I was able to share with the group, the latest from my mystery box from Zapp's.

Zapp's Mesquite Bar-b-que. A crunchy tater, however quite lackluster in flavor. I suppose I prefer a tangy, slightly spicy BBQ chip, and this one just didn't cut it for me. Sometimes it's nice for a chip using the best potatoes to keep it simple and not let the added flavor overtake the crisp, however I thought Zapp's would surely keep up the good work after sampling the INCREDIBLE Cajun Dill flavor. I wish I had another bag of those.

This Potato Chip is no longer Kosher.

2009-02-07T10:20:00.001-08:00

There wasn't a bag of potato crisps gobbled last night. There was only one. A trendy diner's attempt to impress me and all the drunk people of Los Feliz with their fancy versions of diner staples such as a bacon, egg and hash brown bap complete with a single, crispy, slice of potato attached to a toothpick sticking out of the sandwich like a crown. A mere garnish.

Fred 62 did manage to impress this one, because while the chip was a little oily and stuck to the toothpick in a slightly unsettling way, they sure hit a home run on the breakfast sandwich. The buttered bun is what really sent it down the line into my very pleased belly. I also doused this very non-Kosher food (on Shabbat no less) in "maple syrup" (I won't pay extra for the "real stuff' as servers always encourage when you ask for syrup) to achieve the eggy, syrupy, porky and cheesy delight I happily consumed the previous night at the Noho Diner in the Valley, the Monte Cristo. I forgot how much I had always wanted to try the Monte Cristo.

Working at Clarke's in Chicago introduced me to the delectable sammie. Though, I did curse the customer in my head whenever one was ordered. It was the server's responsibility to give the kitchen the bread for the Monte Cristo. Why the cooks could not have their own stock of bread to pluck from in the kitchen was beyond me. On a few occasions I would forget and get yelled at by a cook, one of the jerk owners, or by a customer.

I've become quite self destructive with my late night syrup sandwiches. I promise I will stop(soon) and get back to the tater chips. Today I will continue with the Zapp's box of Louisiana chippies.

Oh and go see 'Coraline'. One of the most beautiful things I've seen. Make sure you do 3D.

SixBurgh!

2009-02-03T20:44:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, SixBurgh!! Yes, we put a ring on it...

Super Bowl Sunday was the most spirited I've ever been while watching professional sports. A thrilling, nail-biter watched with

fellow Yinzer's on a breathtaking 20 inch flat screen was all I could have hoped for on Sunday, and that's exactly what I got. Also I had the pleasure of enjoying pierogies and kielbasa washed down with Iron City Beer (thanks to the Cap in Cork in Los Feliz).

The lively crew that witnessed history on February 1st also had the pleasure of testing the second specimen from my mystery gift of Zapp's Potato Chips, the Lightly Salted Sweet Potato Chip.

I'm a huge fan of sweet potatoes. They are the perfect addition

to any steak dinner and recently I discovered Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Fries which are the best oven fries I've ever eaten. While these chips are satisfying in the salty/sweet combo department, the taste of burned potatoes is quite strong. I hope another bag (possibly from a different batch) will leave me a happier chip lady. No victory for the taste buds, but a victory for the City of Champions!

Dan Rooney would like to "thank President Obama..."

HEALTH

2009-01-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

Since I've returned, my goal is to stay fit. Hiking several miles each day, eating nothing but hard boiled eggs, hummus and vegetables (with many attempts at finishing shwarma and falafel pitas) all while drinking enough water for the clearest urine in the land left me feeling quite svelte.

Not only does my body look better, my brain feels better sans the herb. In hopes of completing the circle of healthy mind, body, soul, I finally signed up for my Los Angeles Public library card. There is a book I've been anxious to read and did a little research last night to find the closest library to my humble Valley abode. Echo Park was the location closest with the book in stock so this afternoon after a little Bonnie Hunt Show (I can't help it) and some sit-ups, I made my way to the east side.

When I got there, the friendly clerk supplied me with my shiny new key to knowledge and culture. I made my way to the Fiction section only to find exactly what I was not in search of. A few minutes at the computer delivered some frustration and disappointment. The book I drove specifically to that branch for (I check last night and right before I left my house) was 'in transit'. Foiled.

To make-up for it, I picked out a half dozen compact discs and went on my way. On the drive up Temple, I noticed a juice place and hoping to find pomegranate juice, I stopped. No pom, no grapefruit but I did discover a brand of potato chips , Rusty's Island Chips .

Amongst the array of healthy snacks and juice smoothies at the Tribal Cafe, I chose Rusty and his thick, crunchy taters. Apparently they are hand made chips, something you rarely see. They complimented my Ginger Carrot soup mush and water with basil (?) and lemon quite nicely. A pretty standard kettle chip, however less greasy and cleaner tasting than the competition. The intense crunch did cause some alarm for the safety of my gums, however.

Israeli Lay's, Elite, Walker's Mystery Bag #1

2009-01-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

A Smokey Grill. That's all I really had to go off of when I selected this awesome package from an Israeli petrol station.

A worldwide recognized symbol of delish potato chips is the yellow circle with the red banner, indicating a Frito-Lays or Walker's product. Due to a lackluster education in Hebrew school, I was reduced to pictures and subliminal color combinations when choosing my snacks.

All this standard bag of goodness provided was a picture of a smokey grill. My reasoning concluded this would be some sort of liquid smoke treat. As the whole country is pretty much Kosher, I realized it would be unheard of to add some illustrated baby back ribs on top of that lonely grill.

The chips are quite small and have a Pringles-like consistency in size. The hue is light orange with some spice specks. They taste lightly of BBQ, nothing overwhelming, which works well with the MSG bait that keeps me going until the bag is finished in less than 30.

The downside to this compulsive munching is the burning sensation they produce around my lips. To a passerby they might think I've had a bit of a lip licking problem for awhile as my mouth is quite red and swollen.

I will remain behind closed doors while I finish these mouth rapers. Hmm...not the most pleasant image to leave on.

Special Delivery

2009-01-28T22:06:00.000-08:00

People can be so lovely.
I'm ECSTATIC. My plea in my last post did not go unnoticed as I thought for some kind, giving, chip loving philanthropist bestowed upon me a box of crisps unknown to me. Zapp's of Louisana.

Since I returned from Israel a few days ago, I've been pretty bummed out, and today was the turnaround. I woke at 7am and posted one of many photo albums of my trip on Facebook (would have posted more if Facebook were behaving better), did some excercise, went for a run, ate a fufilling meal of sweet potato fries, turkey breast and broccoli, and even showered all in time for work at 3pm.

Work started on a pleasant note as my friend and co-worker, Jesi, surprised me with a fresh young coconut from Vegan Plate! When I arrived at my desk I noticed a brown square box sitting on top of it adressed to my name. Another Box of Louisiana's Own Zapp's Potato Chips read the box. I open it and it is filled with mouth-watering flavors such as Cajun Dill Gator-Tators and Sweet Potato Lightly Salted and intriguing such as Spicy Creole Tomato Spiked with Tabasco!

My first thought was who is the wonderful person who sent me these so I dug into the box looking for a card. I found a white envelope with a note from Zapp's inside with the message,"Happy Holidays. Good luck with the blog".

As you can see, no signature indicating the giver of a most appreciated gift. I've racked my brain and I think I know who delivered these delectable crisps my way. So thank you Matthew Kirsch. If I am mistaken, I apologize and look forward to discovering the mystery. It completely made my day and I have a new favorite crisp.

Cajun Dill Gator-Tators

While in Israel, I developed an intense love for the pickles I ate at every meal. They were dilly, sour and kind of hot. These chips bring that subtle flavor into a completely well rounded spud. They are cooked in peanut oil, which in my opinion, makes for a crispy, crunchy, nutty chip. Slightly sweet and sour, I am reminded of the Israeli pickles I enjoyed so much.

I look forward to tasting, no, devouring the rest of the flavors in the pack that arrived this afternoon.

Thank you Mr. (or Mrs.)Fellow Chip Lover!

*Note--While in Israel I procured some yummy Israeli crisps and puffs that I fully plan on blogging on for the next many entries, interspersed with my box of Zapp's, of course.

Tired.

2008-12-05T01:22:00.000-08:00

Someone send me something delicious. I need something unexpected please.

Message me for the address.

Turkey-lurky-time

2008-11-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

Back in the burgh'. The City of Champions. My home sweet home.

A glorious week under the gray winter skies I've come to miss in my Southern California habitat.

Last night, on the eve before my most favorite day of the whole year, Thanksgiving, I partook in some Pub Quiz at the Brillobox. Not only did the fantastic team I belong to, "The Mall Punx" gather for a reunion, but we won third place and a free appetizer! Really we tied for second but unfortunately did not win the tie-breaker, an arm wrestling match. We go for brains, not brawn on our team...

Later we danced and boozed our troubles away. Even later I found myself at Gooski's well past 2am, nursing a Straub, feeling the hunger pains I can safely say I won't feel for at least 2 weeks. When saying some long goodbyes, I noticed a discarded bag of Snyder's of Berlin BBQ Potato Chips. Some might ignore this gift from a stranger and write it off as disgusting and desperate, but all I saw was my #1 snack choice ages 7-12.

I checked to make sure they were truly abandoned and then I swooped down upon those gems. Sweet and tangy, salty and msg-y. No yummy crisp that melts in your mouth so quickly.

I'm too glad to be back in my potato chip mecca...

The one, true, love.

2008-10-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

Cola. Soda. POP. Coca-Cola Classic. Coke. My beloved... no really. That slightly sugary, fizzy, thirst-quencher is my boyfriend. Well, ex-boyfriend to be exact.

On my recent surge to become healthy(something slightly difficult when you are poor) and fit, I gave up my dear friend and lover, Coca-Cola Classic. Yes some could say, drink diet! Or Zero! Or Diet DR. Pepper. But really I have one trusie, and that's CCC. But really I realized how much my tall glass of corn syrup and flavorings was really affecting my health... and I had to break both our hearts.

It's been three months since I've known the pleasure of an Icy Cold Coke. I've been cheating, though. Only recently did I discover through the Red Bull girls (that substance even worse than Coke) who visit my workplace every month or so that there is a new, hot cola on the market. Red Bull Cola. I don't want to say too much out of respect for my dear love Coke, but things are kind of working out between me and Red Bull Cola. I know it's a temporary fling, as it's trendy, no preservatives or artificiality, and totes Vegan!! Really my heart does belong to Coca but I just need this affair. I promise I will go back to abstaining from all soda pops once this thing is through to remember my lost love...

These dirty health food tricksters were in on the second RB COLA encounter... and here I though I was getting some Right Wing Junkfoodz and I really got some healthy cornstarch bullshit!

These are bullshit chips!! And yes they are eligible for this blog. Glenny's American Fries...potato starch, bland , cardboard blarf.

Lay's OG 'Classic'

2008-10-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

Classic. O-ridge. The standby. Perfect with any piece of chocolate. Crisp, salty, greazzzy, and nutty. The go-to snack when you are in 7-Eleven after being up for nearly 40 hours and you need something to go with those Oreo Cakesters, cookie dough ice cream, and a hazelnut coffee.

I realized last night that you can predict the outcome of the election polls by just visting your local 7-Eleven that happens to carry Obama blue cups or McCain red cups. I must admit this is quite

smart of the big wigs in kwik-e-mart land. They know before anyone else according to their inventory of election cups who will take the prize November 4th.

At this particular Miracle Mile 7-Eleven I was puttering around in, it seems the demographic that picks up a burrito and Frozen Coke at 2:45am is also voting a landslide for Obama. McCain's cups were lonely and untouched while Obama's were in need of a re-stock. It could be that the demographic purchasing flavors at 7-Eleven would definitely not be interested in McCa

in's cups, just as they aren't interested in his politics. Even the McCain voters aren't McCain supporters, so they just opt for the "I'm Undecided" normal 7-Eleven cup as to not attract the disapproving looks from people who want to stop them for a lecture on why they are wrong for choosing McCain on the way to their 80k a year job.

These classic Lay's are complimenting my Frosted Fugde Brownie by Audie deliciously this lazy Sunday in bed not cleaning my house in preparation of the arrival of my second oldest sister and momz. Once again I'm licking the bag. Please feel shame for me because clearly I have none.

Tattooz

2008-10-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

My new favorite Sharpie is the ultrrra fine point in Aqua as it provides the perfect shade of teal for my homemade Herr's Potato Chip bag tattoo on my inner ankle.

The Final Farewell

2008-09-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

THE FINAL FAREWELL

Come to this show! This Friday @ L'Keg Gallery in Echo Park. I'm showing a few of my inferior shots while true artists will be displaying some breathtaking ones. Did I mention there will be drinks too?

5 clams, don't be cheap. 1170 Glendale Blvd.

What the Dill-io?

2008-09-09T19:25:00.001-07:00

My awesome boss brought me Dill Pickle potato chips today, fresh from her homeland, Canada.

What a lovely present that I was far too eager to unwrap. I hadn't even left the store before my hands were buried deep in the bag, stealing crisp after crisp before I could get them home and treat them right with the pairing of a Hershey's Bar (or another S'more as that's the way I'm swinging as of yesterday).

Today I planned on partaking in Herr's Salt and Vin with the Sugar Free Chocolate Frozen Yogurt from Yogurt Haven but the sugar demons were out to get me and YH was not in possession of the yummy low calorie treat. Therefore I succumbed to them and ordered the deadly Milk Chocolate flavor. I didn't even add a bag of chips to my devilish delight as I felt guilty enough. At least I showed some restraint. As long as I don't have a Coca-Cola Classic...

The Dill Pickle chips are incredible. Perfect, exploding with flavor, and I wish I could eat 20 bags of them all tonight.

A blessing and a curse.

Herr's Sour Cream & Onion

2008-09-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

Sou Crems and On. Two major thumbs up! Fine family fun. Especially with S'mores. yes I've fallen. I avoided the sugar and then a clever gift of a Nerd Rope showed in a Transfer from my old store in Pittsburgh to my new one. It overjoyed me and I just had to eat it. Only a halfsies...I split it. But then it set off a chain of events that led to an entire box of nerds in front of my face. Peer pressure gave way and I had just a few. Then it was all about the sweeties nipped here and there. Dessert twice this weekend led me to an all out binge on S'mores this evening. I just can't resist the thought of chocolate and potato chips. The perfect combo. The deadly ones. I welcome you diabetes. Me and Wilford Brimley will live out our lives in insulin glory. But at least we had a good time while it lasted....

MsG Presents: Herr's Salt and Pepper

2008-09-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

Salt and Pepper. There is something that seems so simple about it. We (well us normal peeps, whatup!?) salt and pepper our potatoes of all form. Yes potatoes are naturally yummy but us seasoned ones want a little more something on our spuds. However, one doesn't see the Salt & Pepper Potato Chip (Crisp) around too often. Perhaps because all the imaginative potato chip flavor doctors are busy at work thinking of a fabulous new concoction of perfectly interesting and tasty potato crisps. Most of these flavor doctors over look the simple taste of salt and pepper on a potato.

The fab dudes at Herr's clearly look at all the levels of taste. Tastiness! Oy...I say such things. They throw MSG and cheat a little by adding some garlic powder and a few other flavor enhancers and take this simple combo of Salt and Pepper and transform it to a Season-Salt chip...dear friend to season lovers like us.

Yums to you Herr's. And thanks.

Ketchup, Catsup, Ketchup, Catsup?

2008-08-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

Disaster. OK not really. But I must admit I was hoping for rocket ships and stars and all I got was a mouthful of sugar. My aversion to refined sugars must be lowering my tolerance. Last night, for instance I desperately needed some sug, however at my family style dinner at Puka Di Beppo, I couldn't order the giant tiramisu as I would have liked. Twelve dollars is just to much for a sugar fix these days. Instead I opted for a Soy Mocha latte at one of the many Starbucks Coffee houses (have you been yet?) in my locale. Bio-Friendly cups in hand, Mike and I wandered over to the Ralph's to pick up some non-manufactured in a facility that also uses it's machines on tree nuts Brownie mix (Audie could DIE!) to satisfy my MUST HAVE MORE SUGAR NOW urge.

About 3/4Th's through my Tall Coffee drink (to wake me up mostly as I had been drinking since noon in Malibu) I realized my sugar tolerance is lowering. I'm glad I didn't start barfing from too high a dose. Not only did the coffee not work (I fell asleep only two Celebrities into said game over at Audie's), I passed on the brownies too. :( They smelled amazing. I suppose I will just have to do with smells of baked chocolate goods from now on. However, Audie, Mike and Will were so kind to surprise me today with my new frozen obsession, Yogurt Haven's Sugar Free Chocolate Frozen Yogurt with strawberries and almonds! That place kills Pinkberry. My only yummy solace in a world singing with sugar. I mixed that little bowl of heaven with some raspberries and had one amazing lunch. Yes, I ate frozen yog for lunch and yes, that defeats the purpose of my healthy new diet as even though it is devoid of sugar, it is still full of artificiality.

Back to the Herr's Heinz Ketchup Potato Chips. Now one would think "What a brilliant combo!", myself included as I've long been a supporter of the salty/sweet combo. However these were in no way salty. Just sweet and vinegary. I was never one to dip my potato chips in catsup (although I did love to do that with pickle juice...ok still do.). I left my sister Lizzy to do such things (Lizzy was a fan of watermelon + ketchup), as ketchup was always something to be enjoyed with hot foods. Also sugar crystals that taste sort of kind of like catsup covering a beautiful Herr's Ridged chip looking like Christmas cookie sprinkles were the last thing I wanted to eat. There were actual SUGAR CUBES on this chip!! Not only did they stain my adorable small and dainty fingers but they left me with a guilty conscience for all the refined sugar I had just indulged in. Every bite was a struggle.

As write this I'm indulging in my now 5Th bag of Crisp N' Tastys. Sometimes all I need is a simple, yummy crisp. N bells n' whistles, just pure flavor.

Crisp n' Tasty

2008-08-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

Yumz. Sunday morning was my breakfast of champions. The all too neglected regular flavor of Herr's, Crisp n' Tasty. In lieu of my fancy high fiber cereal and a piece of fruit, I enjoyed a light(in texture only) snack on the sinful 1.9 mile drive to work yesterday morn. Yes I will ride my bike tomorrow. I impressed myself by riding around Silverlake the other night with only some wheezing up the big hills and therefore I vow to ride to work this week with sheer ease. Enough of my lazy waking up ritual 20 minutes before work!

I feel quite guilty for eating the chips on sunday and writing about them today. Especially with the gluttonous and gratuitous weekend I just had thanks to street fair food and skinny dipping. Fuck! I just remembered I forgot to partake in a fancy funnel cake at Sunset Junction. I tried to make them at home once...a slight meltdown occurred following. Next year I suppose.

I will just have to eat another bag right now to refresh my memers. Ah memers...

Salty, not too salty...a little greasy but just the right amount that makes you want to rip open the bag and lick the foil, searching for any tiny crumb too small for human fingers. Oh dear it just happened. It's the kind of thing you can't control...I'm a monster!! Crisp n' Tasty you're TOO tasty!

Time for some boone (y'know the Vietnamese treat that puts good stuff in a bowl of cold noodles, not the character played by Ian Somerhalder on 'Lost') I'm positive it is not spelled that way so no corrections please! Waiting for boone all day can get really hard, especially when a case of instant gratification (in the lowest and tastiest form) sits nestled in a cupboard seemingly built for the sole purpose of housing my prized snack perishables.

I'll dream of you tonight, Crisp n' Tasty when we can meet again. You're lucky if I don't ravage your shiny teal package again this week, no, this hour. No cupboard can keep me out, even if you lock the door.

I made Herr's mine.

2008-08-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

They arrived on time! UPS are my collective heroes. My case of Herr's arrived on Wednesday to my sleepy joy. After a night of partying (WHOOOOOOOOO! ugh...) I was already slightly wired from my two venti Soy Lattes (after not drinking coffee for at least a month and giving up refined sugars) when my package arrived at my place of work. An exhausting 14 hour day later, I managed to forget my precious cargo when I dragged my haggard body home.

So Thursday was the inaugural day. Now I promised myself I would only eat the chips on days I would review them so it keeps me from binging, however I had some karaoke to take care of last night and so the writing had to wait until today, my day off in which I should be lounging at the beach, not still in bed with my injured Sophie-Lucie wasting life on the inter web.

Roommate Jason (oddly I know many Jasons and therefore clarification is necessary) and I cracked into the case and enjoyed the freshest Salt and Vin offered. I find it helpful to share with a friend as #1 It's good to share, and #2 It's a second (less educated) opinion that can sometimes shed some limited light on a flavor dispute.

The Salt and Vinegar proved to be a bit of a flavor blast, not unlike a wasabi blast. It seems the fresher the bag, the stronger the flavor, and Herr's got it covered. My favorite east coast Salt and Vinegar crisps were too pungent in saltiness and vinegary, but still had excellent potato crispiness. Normally I purchase the large bags from Rite Aid with a Turner's Lemon Flavored Iced T to wash them down and the flavor is always impec! I guess the small bags are more concentrated as Roommate Jason pointed out for longer shelf life for the vending machines in which they are intended. I have 40 more bags to go in my Herr's adventure...I might just have to let them settle since they are straight from the packaging plant and therefore too fresh for even the heavens.

Soon to be in heaven...

2008-08-14T01:43:00.000-07:00

I did it. I went for it. The 42 1 oz. case from Herr's. Getting mostly Salt and Vin and Crisp n' Tasty, but I also ordered one of each flavor offered by the Herr's Snack Company to facilitate my Chip of the Every Other Day or So Club.

As Alyssa pointed out, the Heinz Ketchup Chip by Herr's, is a different tater treat. Canadians love Ketchup flavored potato crisps, I hear. My first review when my shipment arrives at my place of work within 5-7 business days (for only $11!) will be the mighty Ketchup crunch. American Apparel is about variety and choice of colors(flavors) so I'm sure they won't mind my cornucopia of potato bliss arriving amongst Staples orders and 20 boxes of clothing transfers that day. Better brush up on my snack nouns...

Utz and Mad Men

2008-08-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

Mad Men. My favorite television experience in recent history. And now they have outdone themselves by combining my three loves: stunning production design captured by flawless cinematography, the handsome and pensive Jon Hamm, and the delicious Pennsylvania chip brand, Utz Potato Chips.

I'm trying to figure out where I can purchase Utz here in California. I found Kosher for Passover Herr's at the Kosher Cambridge Farms grocery store by my house in my Jew-centric neighborhood, Valley Village and was a bit disappointed when I discovered that the Herr's were past their sell by date. Now any one who knows me knows that I strictly follow these expiration dates and will also not drink any dairy product over three days old. I throw them away for fear of rotting food smells.

I'm probably going to end up ordering a case of Herr's and a case of Utz and I will never eat any other foods ever again.

Here I Go Again

2008-08-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

I need to find these:
Jay's Dill Pickle Potato Chips.