Zico Chocolate Coconut Water

a.k.a. The Best Thing to Hit My Taste Buds Since....

I don't know, since I discovered Red Mango, probably!

I initially tried this chocolate coconut water at a Yelp event, and I practically gave my soul away for refill after refill.

The best day ever was when I saw it again at Trader Joe's for $3.49 for the large 33.8 oz tetrapak (the same size at Safeway was $7.00, and they didn't have chocolate). Amazing!

I can't remember what Yoohoo tastes like, but friends have likened it to that. All I know is, it's the perfect chocolate fix when I need some electrolytes, and not necessarily a protein shake. It does come in at 70 calories per 8 oz serving, so it takes a bit of self-control to regulate how often I indulge.

IT'S SO GOOD THOUGH!

ps - I researched the smaller travel size options on Amazon, and reviews indicate that Zico in bottles taste different from tetrapaks due to different types of cococuts that are used. Definitely stick to the tetrapaks for the best taste experience.

Banana Bread

Moist, delicious, and gluten free banana bread?!

Yes! Add to that easy to make, without a listful of weird "gluten free" ingredients. I've made this several times now, and it's definitely a solid recipe more than a matter of luck. Perfect every time!

Dry Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut flour

1/2 cup brown rice flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp salt

1/3 cup sugar

Wet Ingredients: 

2 eggs

1 cup ripe bananas (about 2 medium-large bananas)

3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/6 cup oil

1/2 tsp vanilla

Optional: chocolate chips, walnuts

Directions

This makes 1 loaf pan.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl, and wet ingredients in another.

3. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry bowl until everything is just moistened - 

do NOT overmix!

4. Pour into a coated loaf pan (I usually coat the pan with olive oil).

5. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45-50 minutes, or until the toothpick check comes out clean.

6. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Shucker's Oyster Bar - Lincoln City, OR

Shucker's

Just south of the outlets along the Oregon Coast in Lincoln City.

As could be optimally expected from a divey seafood shack along the Oregon Coast, the food was fresh, portions plentiful, drinks strong, and service stellar. Phenomenal pricing on top of everything, this pit stop is a no brainer for anyone in the area.

The oyster shooters are a steal at a dollar apiece, and enough vodka in each shooter to make me think my whiskey cocktail ($3.50) was the perfect chaser.

Just a reminder, anything distilled basically kills the gluten, so go ahead and drink your heart out!

And if you've got room, the Crab Louie here was huge with globs of crab. Yum.

You know it was good if I dove into the food without even thinking to take a photo.....

Tselogs - San Francisco, CA

Tselogs

Daly City, San Franciso

Chicken Sisigsilog

Mmm...somehow I hit the jackpot here. Parking just a few doors down, beat the lunch rush, and immediate, friendly service. I'm never sure what I want, but waited less than 10 minutes for a to-go order after walking in and ordering.

Like many others have said, the Sisigsilog (chicken with onions and seasonings) is BOMB! For $5.99, it comes with a fried egg and a side of garlic fried rice. To admit I shoveled it in may be a near understatement.

Other sisigs include spam, hot dog, filipino sausage ($4.99), pork, beef, and fish. The lumpiang were good too, however make sure you eat it while it's hot - once it cools, it definitely gets less crispy.

Next time, I'm definitely trying a sago't gulaman drink - i love balls!

The dining area is super clean, and apparently they're open late night now, until 3am on the weekends!

*Gluten alert*

Although lumpiang are wrapped in rice paper before frying, be aware that not all rice paper are created equal.  Some contain wheat, while others are made with pure rice flour.  If you are particularly sensitive, be sure to ask if you can check the packaging.  Also, as with most asian cuisines, always ask whether or not something contains soy or oyster sauce - both are gluten traps!

Slow - Berkeley, CA

Slow

Downtown Berkeley, CA

Niman Ranch Pulled Pork "sandwich"

This soup/sandwich/salad place is just the epitomy of valuing quality over quantity. The menu is brief, but everything here is fresh, local, organic, and tasty. I tend to like the sandwiches sans bread, which they kindly accommodate for me by plating over a pile of luscious greens. And the sides....they just might shine as bright as the entrees.

The back patio is the true gem - there are little bistro tables nestled among rose bushes, and larger picnic tables if you're there with a larger group. Even the iced teas and lemonades are fresh!

Sip slow and eat slow, it's good for the soul every now and then.

Smokehouse rice crackers

Gluten and lactose free crackers that taste like BACON?!

Yes please!

Available at most big box retailers such as Safeway, Giant, and even Wal-Mart.