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Lawrence “Homemade Food”
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Paul “Dangerous Chocolates”
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Kenny “Cheese a Necessity”
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Brownies

Baking has been one of my favorite hobbies since I was a little girl and one of the most common recipes that I enjoy making are brownies. This sweet dessert is every chocolate lover’s dream. Depending on the density of the batter, the brownie may turn out fudgy or cakey. I usually prefer mine fudgy because it complements the sweetness of the chocolate. There are several toppings that you can incorporate to make your brownie look presentable. Nuts are occasionally used to top off these sweet creations. An additional scoop of ice cream creates a well-known dessert called hot fudge brownie sundae, drizzled with hot fudge and whipped cream. Brownies are often accompanied by a glass of milk.

So what is all the fuss about this cake-like recipe? This discovery was believed to be founded in America, but the origin of the brownie remains unsolved. Several myths provide a mixed review on its original inventor and its location. Some even say that this creation was made accidently. Until then, we are still uncertain as to where brownies are originally created. This chocolaty delight is technically classified as a cookie bar that obtained its name from its brown color, thus the name “brownie.” But why is it identified as an American treat? Considering its efficient structure to be eaten without utensils is one reason why Americans crave for brownies. Typically, many people perceive America as the capital country of chocolate devotion. Hence, the influence of chocolate in America brought about the creation of brownies.

But why do we find this concoction so irresistibly satisfying for the sweet tooth? Well, it’s practically the perfect alternative for a cookie. Brownies can be formed in several molds, unlike a cookie. You can either prepare it as one big square or cut it into individual slices, or maybe mold into a cupcake shape. There are many ways to bake a typical brownie batter, and yet it is very simple to prepare. I normally use a store bought mixture and add water, oil, and egg. Bake it in the oven for 45 minutes and you’re ready to dig in. It’s the perfect dessert to end a satisfying meal.

Good “Pho” You

Pho, or beef noodle soup, is a famous Vietnamese cuisine that is made of white rice noodles, beef broth, and a variation of beef flanks, steaks, and briskets. Green chilies and limes are frequently used as condiments. But this recipe can be made with different types of condiments such as onion, egg noodles, or seafood. From a first glimpse, I hesitated to try this modern dish because it consisted of ingredients that were unusual to our everyday meal. I became so curious with the soup and what excitement it had to offer. Surprisingly, ever since that day, this became one of my favorite comfort food. My pho dish wouldn’t be complete without bean sprouts and hoisin sauce to give it more zest.

Pho originated in Northern Vietnam during the 1880s. The soup was influenced by Chinese (where rice noodles were imported) and French (popularized red meat) cooking. The combination of the two cultures ignited the Vietnamese to create their own personal dish. It was also said that the term “pho” was derived from the French soup “pot au feu.” Pho became widely known for its variations of preparing the dish. In the North, it is traditionally prepared in a rather simpler mixture with fewer ingredients. The Southern style, however, is an intricate adaptation because it offers more ingredients and evolved to what is commonly served today.

This international craze has brought such significance to the Vietnamese culture. For instance, pho is commonly eaten with chopsticks and a spoon. The noodles are picked up with chopsticks and placed onto the spoon. The noodles are then dipped into the soup and are topped off with meat. This is typical technique in which Vietnamese consume their pho. This simple dish is usually eaten during any time of the day: breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Unlike American restaurants, pho restaurants try to keep their cultural values into practice by not bringing the customer’s bill to the table because it signifies rude actions. In most cases, every table has hot sauce, hoisin sauce, and other utensils that would accommodate how you would like your pho prepared. That’s what I love about trying new cuisines because eating in the restaurants offer a broad appreciation for their cultural differences.

Guppy’s Teahouse

Have you ever been in a restaurant filled with vibrant colors and exotic decorations filling the room? Well, I recommend the perfect place, Guppy’s Teahouse, considering its fun and adventurous setting. Not only does this teahouse offer you a picturesque surrounding, but it also presents unique choices of desired entrees. Their menu offers a variety of house special teas, noodles, brick toast, and their famous popcorn chicken and shaved ice. The shaved ice is probably the most popular choice in the menu because it is served in a big bowl filled with ice and a choice of fruity goodness, drizzled along with condensed milk to top it off. What makes this place so interesting is the fact that you get to eat popcorn chicken with a barbecue stick. Pretty clever to refrain from washing too many utensils.

Guppy’s has a very versatile and comforting menu that can accommodate the likeness of young children to older adults. Unlike most restaurants, Guppy’s grabs the younger crowd’s attention with its sweet condiments condensed milk, fruits, and ice cream. It’s basically every child’s fantasy. The adults, on the other hand, are gladly satisfied with a more conservative option with the salad, fried rice, and fish filets. I love the idea that Guppy’s caters to a much younger generation and doesn’t focus primarily on the older. Not only that, but the restaurant’s availability is convenient for late night meals until 1:00 a.m.

Every Thursday night, my friends and I schedule dinner at this local hot spot. It’s the simplicity of the restaurant that many teenagers often rave about. Just the fact that you can walk in with a group of friends and split a 20 dollar Guppy special is what makes this place so convenient for “low-income” students. The price for a meal is quite reasonable. You can save a lot of money and still consume a meal that’s not too pricey. Its beautiful atmosphere attains the jungle appeal with a clubbing environment that is certainly praised by many teens. Plants hanging on the ceilings, lighted umbrellas, and a playlist of the hottest jams can never disappoint any customer.

Overall, this is a great place to socialize with a group of friends and treat yourself with a bowl of shaved ice perfection.