I Hope That Everyone is Eating Amazing Food and Reading Great Books This Summer of 2014

Hello everyone this great Wednesday July 9th of 2014.  I hope that everyone is doing two of my favorite things to do every summer. There's nothing like a great read and a delicious meal, snack, or dessert to accompany it.

Speaking of great foods, I do  plan to conduct my next culinary critique on some authentic fantastic Mexican food located in south west Detroit.  I'm not sure which restaurant in Mexican Village I will venture off to however, I do indeed plan to keep you posted.

If you are not too busy this Thursday, catch me live on the Cooks & Books Show at 5pm eastern standard time at www.urbannationradio.com Each week, I feature a spectacular writer and artist who prepares either one awesome dish or desert for my awesome viewers.   My next book up for review is titled,  Is That What Love is by Carolina Ordonez.  Be on the look out for the review of this book to be posted soon right here on this blog. 

Enjoy the rest of this beautiful summer day and remember that two of the best things in life are great books and delicious foods. Don't know about you but I refuse to live without them.

Are you a Lady of Influence by Eddrina Clark

There are many books based upon a virtuous woman of God and what she will resemble.  The missing piece of the pie often is what it takes to become her.  I can honestly say this book has no missing pieces.  What I like most about this self-help spiritual read is that author Edrinna Clark’s approach to it all is humane.

Every task worth fighting for on this planet takes work.  This includes being a woman recognized highly in God’s favor.  I enjoyed reading this book.  Through her story, I was able to do some higher order thinking.  I’m not referring to the kind of higher order thinking that’s required in my class room with my students.  The kind of higher order thinking skills I’m referring to are the ones that will allow me to aim higher for God’s approval to foresee my purpose as a woman on this planet.

Clark provides in this book what it takes to become the best woman you can become through God.  The detailed prayers at the end of the chapters enclosed in this book are most helpful. Especially for those who desire to talk and pray to God however who may lack the words to say to him.  For those women finding yourselves lost in a rut, stagnant, or simply unaware of what to do next put Clark’s A Lady of Influence on your list and read it.

Down in the Cypress Swamp by Lenderrick Jones

Reading this book in the beginning, I thought to myself,” Adra not another one of those fictional reads with the same plot and different characters.”  This book goes beyond any realistic fiction I've read in a long time. Alex Lacroix, the main character in this story is highly intelligent yet, slightly self centered.  Residing with his mother Sharon Lacroix in Detroit, he like any typical young male being raised by a single mom makes many attempts to manipulate the rules and regulations his mom mandates.

In the story line, Alex is forced to make a very uncomfortable adjustment in another state. This youngster gets a rude awakening making the transition from urban Midwest Detroit kid to Down South young black male.  From having to deal with racial issues, a climate adjustment, and skeletons that seem to keep popping out of the closet related directly to the history of the Lacroix family, this book provides the action that keeps you turning the pages. What I enjoyed about this book the most is that Jones brings the action that keeps you on your toes throughout the entirety of this book. It definitely meets my quota and characteristics of a great summer read.

My Critique on Andiamo's in Michigan

Appreciating the extended weekend, this past Tuesday I had the fever for the flavor of Italian.  On a mission to curve my pasta appetite, I found myself meeting a friend for Happy Hour at Andiamo’s on Mack Avenue located in Grosse Pointe Woods.  For those of you who have been there, the atmosphere is cozy and very welcoming.  Upon entry, you are immediately hit with the the sound of Italian music playing.

Normally, I’d go for a ravioli or fettuccine dish. Today, I was feeling daring and ordered something I’d never tasted before.  After completing my salad with homemade Italian dressing, I decided upon the Stuffed Spinach Manicotti. Informed by Mary, our most gracious server and bar tender that I could substitute the recipe’s marina with their infamous Alfredo sauce, I jumped for joy and told her to place my order.

Ladies and gentlemen, I was so glad that I decided on the Alfredo Sauce.  This dish was absolutely amazing.  In-fact, it was so good that my friend almost switched her order to what I was having.  Keep in mind people that it was made without any meat. Yes people, after completing my meal, I was actually full and very satisfied.  I’m giving in Andiamo’s four stars.  If you are ever in the mood for some real Italian, give them a try.

The Internet Entrepreneur by Mick Moore

Due to the economical status in America, people have and are still losing jobs at drastic rates. Employment terminations have a tendency to usually surface at the wrong time in one’s life.  Finding yourself in a position of not knowing where your next pay check will come from can lead to a severe case of uneasiness and exhaustion.  The stress of it all can lead one on a road straight to depression. 

On the other hand with the correct mindset and the ability to press forward on new ventures such as starting a business; losing a job could indeed be the best thing that could happen to someone.  Moore, the author of this book does exactly that.  Refusing to be defeated due to being fired, he chooses to reinvent the wheel and with the support of his wife launches a successful online business.

Willing to help others who are willing to help themselves; Moore finds himself coaching a family member who endured a very similar experience.   What I enjoyed most about this book is that it demonstrates how one can rise to the occasion despite of a negative circumstance instantly thrown their way. Thanks Mick for sharing your story on the importance of starting over with a winning frame of mind and refusing to not throw in the towel.

 

My Critique on the New Center Eatery in Detroit.

Greeting’s people this great Tuesday!   Several days ago, I was craving a combination of sugar and salt.  Yes…I wanted the best of both worlds.  Thinking of where I could go to satisfy my confused palate, I decided on none other than the New Center Eatery.   Located on 3100 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, this spot is adjacent to the St. Regis hotel.

Having a reputation for serving up some of the best breakfast platters, they’re known for their famous chicken and waffles.  Entering into the restaurant, I'd succumbed to the aroma of down home cooking taking place.  Feeling as if I had just entered the “breakfast mecca” of them all, I decided to order their signature dish.  

Once my plate hit the table, the rest was history.  I had no doubt in my mind that this place would disappoint.  My waffle was sweet, moist, and very rich.  The chicken was juicy, crispy, and seasoned well.  Leaving this establishment, I was very satisfied and happy about selecting the New Center Eatery to assist me with solving my sugar and salt craving.   For those individuals wanting a good chicken and waffle combination, or any other breakfast item, I suggest you give this establishment a try.

Fit & fab for Life by Francyne Walker

 

It has been stated that the United States is over populated by “Obese People.”   A lot of it has to do with our upbringing.  In the various cultures that make up America, we simply love to eat foods either high in sugar, salt, or both. On top of eating everything high in calories and fat content, we also fail to exercise on the regular basis.  Being the intelligent creatures that we are, we know that the two mixed together can create the recipe for various health elements and unwanted weight gain.

Reading a book on health and diet for the first time, I thought to myself, “easier said than done.”   Why...Because the transformation of good eating habits and exercising on a permanent basis is indeed easier said than done.  Many people, like myself have struggled with the “Battle of the Bulge” for years!  Some people lose optimistically only to unfortunately gain it right back.  What I like about author Francyne Walker is that she is determined to keep the weight off!

There are so many helpful insightful pages of this book that I could go on and on.  Having her as a guest on “The Cooks & Books Show” on Urban Nation Radio, she revealed how she lost over sixty pounds.  Going more into depth about the book, I like the fact that she emphasizes the importance of removing yourself from environments that tempt you to overeat and indulge.

The chapter titled, “What’s up Doc?” in my opinion is one of the most important components of this guide. Everyone should  see their primary physician prior to beginning any fitness routine. Providing before and after pictures of her weight lost accomplishments enclosed in her book, Francyne explains the following in her own words, ”in order for one to reach their desired results, eating appropriately and physical fitness must become a way of one’s life.”  Practicing what she preaches, Author Francine Walker is a positive model of how one can achieved better health and a tonner physique.  If you struggle with weight gain or remaining consistent with a fitness plan, pick this one up today.