Dining Out

November 15, 2011

Turkey Talk: Low-Sodium Thanksgiving Tips

Thank goodness for Thanksgiving. Seriously, the best holiday ever. One that is completely centered around gorging yourself silly. Oh, and spending awesome quality time with family and friends too. And parades. Lots of parades. I generally like to spend my Thanksgivings in the comfort of my own home, in the comfort of my pajamas. But often, I’m invited warmly into the homes of others, to share in giving thanks. And eating from their buffet spread. In real people clothes. As someone with very special dietary needs, though, I understand that the idea of eating at someone else’s table can make […]

October 31, 2011

Salt-Free Fries To-Go

Pardon my grease, but I just couldn’t wait to share this with you. I’m shocked it has taken me so long to post on this as I’ve already exposed my obsession with french fries (only to be rivaled by fried chicken). But today’s the day. I give you In N’ Out fries. No salt. Yes. It is true. Believe your eyes. Because I’ve been eating these oil fried sticks of joy since I was diagnosed with kidney failure. And yes, I know oiled fried sticks of joy are not the healthiest food one should be eating. Especially when said person […]

October 25, 2011

Low-Sodium Dining Card

Around these parts, when you ask, you shall receive. So behold. The laminated low-sodium dining card. It’s pretty small, a 5 by 5-inch square. Which is, of course, laminated thanks to my laminating-loving mother. It fits effortlessly into my purse or work bag. And is so greatly appreciated by kitchens across America and abroad. I have it translated in Italian, Thai, French, and Spanish for effortless travel eating. While it clearly states the things I cannot eat–emphasizing often overlooked sodium offenders like the dreaded salt-water boil–it also importantly outlines all the ingredients the kitchen can use. This is how I […]

October 20, 2011

Getting Salted

I am so happy that so many of you have been venturing out to restaurants for low-sodium meals. High five. Up high. Down low. Low -so. But salt happens. You call the restaurant ahead of time. You send in a list of the things you can and cannot eat. You even bring a laminated version with you. You order something simple, like a salad. Or maybe even something extraordinary, like fried asparagus. You hear from the waiter that the kitchen has everything under control. You eagerly hold your fork and knife, awaiting your low-sodium meal. The plate arrives. You […]

September 14, 2011

Front Porch Fried Chicken

I had to take a break from the doughnut pan for a quick second, because last week I was served a bucket of salt-free fried chicken. I have a serious love for fried chicken. I think we’ve talked about it before, but in case I wasn’t clear, let me just reiterate the depth of my affection for this Southern comfort food: there are few things I love more than fried chicken. And this is not an exaggeration. If I could only take one thing with me to a deserted island, it would be fried chicken. If I could only wear […]

April 15, 2011

Friendly Emails and Falafels

Some people aren’t afraid to ask for things. You know who I’m talking about. That person who sends you their holiday wish list in May. That roommate who always seems to be too busy to pick up their own dry cleaning. And that friend who always orders the BLT sandwich but then requests that the lettuce be switched out for spinach, the tomato be served on the side, and the bacon be replaced by a freshly butchered and fried chicken. No bread, of course. You know those people. I know those people. And I definitely don’t judge them. I just […]

April 13, 2011

Low Sodium Questions and Answers

Today we are going to take a slight departure from our normal Wednesdays and I’m going to tell you about all the things I love. I love the rain. I like the sound of it. I like the way the air smells after it. I particularly like it when I am not wearing shoes. I don’t necessarily love the rain – achem – when it comes in April. April is supposed to be about flowers, spring cleaning, and candy. Which I love to eat after dinner and for breakfast. But I like the rain – ok, I’ll say I love […]

September 27, 2010

Counter Talk

It’s funny how restaurants treat sitting at the counter like a second-class experience – Don’t have reservations? Well, we can seat you at the counter, if you’d like? – but the reality is that counter seating is the hottest spot in the house, especially if you are dealing with low sodium needs or any dietary restriction. Because when you sit at the counter, you have direct access to the kitchen, which means direct translation to really great, low sodium cuisine. For example, sushi. Thank goodness for fresh, sauce-free slices of sashimi, or else I would be banned from the many […]

August 25, 2010

Buy Me Some Peanut and Cracker Jacks

Hot dogs, burgers, and garlic fries – these were the treats that lured me to stadium seats when I was younger. I longed for the glutinous, processed, and salty flavors of ballpark fare and as such, I happily accompanied my father to any game that was accompanied by ketchup and squirt bottle of nacho “cheese.” My affair with these lip-smacking snacks, however, did not last forever. When my kidneys quit seven years ago, so did my fast-food addiction. But my love for a sports outing on a sunny (or recently, foggy) day? That remained strong. It was easy for me […]

July 19, 2010

The Pot Luckiest

This Sunday, I spent the afternoon gallivanting at Filoli and Edgewood Park, all in the name of celebrating a very special lady’s birthday. And while there were – of course! – cupcakes and candles and birthday wishes galore, this summer festivity was equally filled with the delights of Filoli’s gorgeous gardens (did someone say white pigeons and pear trees? Yes, I just did) as well as a picnic feast filled with low sodium treats. And while it wasn’t my day of birth, boy oh boy, did I eat like it was. We consumed a feast of perfect picnic proportions, and, […]

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