lunchwar

A Meal Ready to Eat

2009-08-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

It’s 5 hours into the work day and the heat is finally getting to you. Draining the reserves of strength you tried to store up the night previous, the day claws on your shoulders, pulling your head down and your eyes closed. There’s no fridge, no fancy microwave, not even a toaster oven at hand to provide even the base luxury of warm food. Where do you turn?

To Chef Andy, who today prepared, by placing it in his backpack, a meal that keeps soldiers all over the world fed and fit for battle.

A 4 course meal was presented at the table, a menu that provides an oasis during the work day.

First course was simply, and succulently, a whole wheat biscuit that had a taste of sweetness and preservatives.

Fried rice with caramel food coloring formed the second course, while at the same time preparing the diner for the leap to the 3rd course, which was an excellently prepared pineapple-salsa chicken entrée.

The fourth and final course brought out by the kitchen proved to be a charming end to the feast as only Patriotic Sugar Cookies can be.

An iced mocha cappuccino was at hand to help quench the thirst that stems from such a ravishing foray into culinary delights.

The whole meal provided a nutritional 2000 calories, and while eating it the Chefs took a moment of silence to thank the soldiers out there in the world, eating the same food and fighting for our freedom.

Keep it classy,
Chef Andy

Inspiration from Italy

2009-08-18T12:07:00.001-07:00

Italy has one of the richest cultures and has been a cradle of some of
the most diverse people. To celebrate the richness and beautiful life
that everyone deserves to live, Chef Joe has possibly prepared (or
possibly bought) a purely euphoric meal.

The sun, according to wikipedia, is the star at the center of our
solar system. It provides the heart, energy, and soul required to
sustain life on earth. It also provides the heat required to make
sun-dried tomatoes one of the most flavorful delicacies. This is the
key ingredient to Chef Joe's Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and
Pancetta. The pancetta was slow roasted in flames that could only be
inspired by the Avitale brothers, the finest sibling owners of an
Italian deli. The pancetta and sun-dried tomatoes were mixed with
spaghetti finely soaked in only the purest, most virgin olive oil. A
dash of salt and pepper was added as garnish.

A loaf of freshly baked Italian Sesame was used as the perfect
complement to a wonderful purchased meal. A fine bottle of San
Pellegrino Aranciata provided the perfect amount of citrus-based
sustenance.

Happy Lunch Time!

Day #2: CCR Bagel

2009-08-04T10:06:00.001-07:00

In an attempt to keep the lunch challenges exciting, yet within the travel budget of these leathery economic times, Chef Andy decided to head out to Sainsburys again in the search for the winning lunch.

And what he found was exquisite. A collection of food that spans the European Union, joining together in a truly ethnic utopia of conjugal bliss. From the picturesque French farm town of Camembert comes a soft, velvety cheese of the same name. If one could pick a food they would like to be draped in Camembert cheese would be at the top of the list. Not only for its comfort, though, but also for its delicate yet bold taste which rivals the creamiest of the Bries. It did smell a bit like poop though, which lead to both Chefs searching their respective suits in an attempt to find the offensive odor. What they did find, once it was realized the cheese was the culprit, was possibly the best thing ever to happen to a bagel.

Bagels, the anytime, anyplace, anytopping food, originated in Poland, and we should take a moment right now to thank them for that. And thank the people who so cleverly decided to place raisins and cinnamon into them. And take a moment to thank Chef Andy for creating the Camembert Cinnamon Raison bagel.

A truly delicious combination that almost, but not quite, combusts with too much flavor, as the creamy Camembert forms a perfect union with the cinnamon raison bagel. The taste hits you like a dolphin that is saving you from drowning and eating one of these leaves plenty of room for more StrongBow.

Divided we fall, together we stand,
Chef Andy

Lunch Serves Many Purposes

2009-08-04T08:43:00.001-07:00

The quality of a lunch isn't just decided by the historical significance of the meal, it's decided by the sustenance and nutrition it provides a human being. A trip to London is a difficult task itself, often compared to reaching the summit of Mt. Everest, but more often compared to leading an army of Angels into the dark halls of Mephistopheles labrynth. Our two compatriots, Chef Joe and Andy, faced days of walking through London, after all-night battles armed only with Strongbows. Re-energizing was an important part of there day.

That is why we discuss a lunch better than the lembras Frodo and Samwise ate. Selected for this battle is a simple whole wheat bagel. According to intelligent scientists, whole wheat bagels contain complex carbohydrates that provide prolonged sustenance. To provide protein and important lactophobicarsisus (statement being evaluated by the FDA) that fight fatigue and malnutrition, Irish Cheddar was sliced and placed on the bagel. The two halves were joined in a gratuitous synergy that fused ATP molecules with love. A coke sweetened the meal with simple carbohydrates providing an instant energy boost.

Chef Joe was able to march through the gates of doom and continue night after night, battling the locals in Camden Town.

Cheers!

Home of the Sandwich

2009-08-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

London, home of a hegemonic history that visibly stretches forth from its grand architecture to its proud people. “Come, flourish, and thrive!” London shouts from the majestic castles and city parks, and Chef Joe and Chef Andy plan to do so via their daily lunches.

Chef Andy’s team visited the history books, not the local pubs, first. And what they walked into was astounding. England, it turns out, is the proud parent of the sandwich! Amazing, for Chef Andy continually turns to the sandwich for award winning meals that sometimes even get decent scores from the not so impartial Lunch Wars judge.

So what better to turn to for the first London lunch then a sandwich? And what better place to look for a sandwich then England’s own grocery store chain, Sainsburys. There Chef Andy was confronted with a glorious challenge, that of picking the best sandwich to complement the somewhat horrific drink both Chef’s chose to pre-cook with, a 2-liter plastic bottle containing an alcoholic cider (Strongbow).

The champion sandwich of the day ended up being an artistic blend of sausage, egg, and peppers on fresh, pre-packaged whole wheat bread. This served not only to quell the taste of the meals beverage, but also to provide sustenance for what was to come. More on that later this week on Lunch Wars.

Eat well,
Chef Andy

London Lunch Day #1

2009-08-03T11:46:00.001-07:00

As you know Lunch Wars took a trip to London to experience the fine cuisine the United Kingdom had to offer. 9 days in London have resulted in the most epic day to day battles. Only the gracious judge can decide.

The first lunch Chef Joe has decided to post is a wonderful meal from a quaint establishment named Sainsbury's. Named after the Greekoman God of Thunder and Taste, this fine grocer had freshly prepared meals that were available as fast as lightning appears on a stormy day.

Selected from Sainsbury's was a succulent honey mustard chicken delicately tossed with penne pasta. Garnished with only the finest spinach and corn, the meal combined the perfect taste's of bitter and sweet. Almost too bittersweet, but just right. The meal was
accompanied with Salt and Pepper potato chips as well as a side of Sushi made with only the freshest fish quite possibly caught in the English Channel.

To accompany the solid symphony created by Chef Joe, he selected only the finest English Cider crafted from Cider Apples and Cider Pears. Incidentally, the Cider was called Strongbow which represents the strength yet delicate flavors that it possessed.

Cheers!

Lunchwars moves to London

2009-07-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a preview of our London lunches day by day where Andy and Joe face off literally face to face.

Let Lunchwars begin.

Peter Piper didn't Pick Tabasco

2009-07-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Cat.1: Andy - 7 points, Joe - 7+1 points.
Sounds good for both. Turkey noodle sounds really good (extra point).

Cat.2: Andy - 5points, Joe - 5points. Our chefs have shown signs of being dormant. Both meals for todays lunch are just adding stuff to form a sandwich. Nothing wrong with that, it's just not showing the love for Cat. 2.

Cat.3: Andy - 6points , Joe - 6+1 points. Extra point for wheat bread. But..is the turkey noodle comes from a can, or a yesterday leftover from a restaurant? Hmnnnnnnnn.....

Cat. 4(bonus point): Andy - 7 points, Joe - 10-5 points (definitely spicier than Pepperoncinis peppers but taste yuckier :P).

Good tips: Try shiracha sauce next time please hehehe.

Total point: Andy - 25points, Joe - 25points.

Will be back tomorrow with the result after we interrogate Joe thoroughly.......... While thinking about tools will be used for it ..oo yeahhhhh... :)

It's all about the Pepper

2009-07-13T10:32:00.001-07:00

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked.
If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers
How many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick?

If Peter did his picking in preparation for Lunch Wars then the answer would be one jar of pickled Pepperoncinis peppers. Chef Andy's kitchen spent a week waiting for this lunch. For that was how long it took for the freshly purchased jar of Pepperoncinis to fully mature.

A bountiful bed of honey baked turkey breast provides the core of today's meal, with the powerful Pepperoncini peppers layered on top to pack a perfect lunch time punch. Layers of tomatoes and mayonnaise complement the peppers.

Peace,
Andy

Back and Attack!

2009-07-13T08:04:00.001-07:00

Today Chef Joe has brought in a meal that could have been favored by
famed fictitious sci-fi writer Kilgore Trout, whom we know Kurt
Vonnegut adored. We know that classic America has loved Mr. Potato
Head. It is an icon that has forever symbolized victory. That is why
today Chef Joe has selected only the finest Whole Wheat Potato Bread.

Whole What... Whole Wheat!!! Next only the most thinly sliced tender
chicken could grace Mr. Potato Head's face and the only cheese he
loved was Monterey Jack. This meal is accompanied by another simple
twist of a classic American dish. Turkey Noodle Soup.

Now Chef Joe realized that this meal was fantastic but he wanted to
make it spectacular. BAM! Tabasco sauce on the sandwich for some hot
spicy love.

Good luck to all competing chefs.

Latest update for last Thursday's Lunch

2009-07-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

Many regular readers of Lunchwars might have wondered and waited on Andy's Lunch last Thursday, July 2, 2009.

What happened was that Andy was still celebrating his independence day, and still in the journey to find his true holy bloodline. So he was fasting that day. Nevertheless, Joe still won the lunchwar :)

I'm Feeling Hot Hot Hot

2009-07-02T13:08:00.001-07:00

A small slice of potato begins a journey,
Down mechanical conveyors and through metal chutes,
The sounds of clunking metal like music from lutes.

A boiling vat of oil, simmering in the distance,
Metaphysically transforming life into soul,
Spicy little chips that fill a bowl.

A soft tortilla hugs an Asian inspired pattie,
Peach and cheese are the bishops in this game of chess,
Eating today is an amazing success.

Andy's Origin and Independence Day

2009-07-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Cat.1: Andy - 8+2points, Joe - 8 points.

Knowing Andy for quite a while now, but I actually still wonder which country is he originally from. His face features are a collection from a lot of countries. Today's post from Andy has again brought this question to my mind. Why is he declaring today as Independence Day?

Did a little research and found that today is Canada day. So is he a Canadian then? hmn ...remember the keyword here .. he said Independence Day. Did some more research... BOOYAH!!! A strange sensation of a light bulb suddenly flashed in my brain, everything makes sense now. Today is Somalia's Independence Day! He is Somalian :)

Extra 2 points for celebrating ur Independence day Andy!

Cat.2: Andy - 7 points, Joe - 7+3 points.

Exquisite lunch it is my friend, u deserve 3 sci-fi bonus points for it.

Cat.3: Andy - 5 points , Joe - 8 points. Peaches and Cheese...but saved from 1010 years ago? hmnnnn ur starting more like Andy. He has peaches in can that was expired 3 years ago on his desk.

Cat.4(Bonus point): Andy - 0 point, Joe - 6 point. Spicy Chipotle and pepper ...yummmyyyy. Gonna go to Chipotle for lunch later thanks to you Joe :)

Total point: Andy - 22 points, Joe - 32 points.

For Freedom

2009-07-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

Today, in celebration of our great countries independence and continuous struggle for the freedoms that sometimes we can take for granted, Chef Andy’s kitchen prepared a canonical country spread.

First course: roasted whole grain triscuits with a light sprinkling of dried and diced red tomatoes, bell peppers, and seasoning. Throw one of these triscuits on any park lawn and you would see nature spring before you trying to get a bite.

Second Course: Grilled hot dogs. These are not your ordinary hot dogs, they are quarter pound New York style hot dogs. These hot dogs could be used to keep damns from flooding. They make vegetarians cry on sight, and vegans are not allowed to look at them for fear of what may happen. You could fend off a horde of oncoming bulls with them, tame a wild stallion or even float down a river on one. And we could go on, but all good things must come to an end. Fortunately, however, this is not the end of this lunch.

Third Course: The nutella and peanut butter synergy sandwich provides both an excellent after meal pallet cleansing and a satiating way to finish off the work day.

People in the future will look back and regret not taking cows with them to the lands of Alfalfaleus and Chipotlens

Have a good weekend!
Andy

A Sci-Fi Story for our Friends

2009-07-01T07:22:00.001-07:00

Assam Beeblebrock valiantly walked through the small corridors of his SCG35 Assault Frigate. Assam was Commander of the Jennifer, the 85th most prestigious battleship that the Union of Sovereign Nations comissioned. 1 through 84 were led by those commanders that went to prestigious Spatial Warfare academies, for the most part private institutions. Assam had the pleasure of going to a state funded program and although more intelligent and less in debt than his colleagues, the matter of fact was that he still went to a public school.

There were no hard feelings between Assam and his fellow colleagues. In fact, a majority of the commanders for 86 through 1,345 went to private institutions as well and this satiated Assam's minute although present need for power. For now, Assam felt content.

It was the 2,345th straight day that Assam's ship was patrolling the borders of Alfalfaleus and Chipotlens. And except for a few drunken space pilots flashing (in the naughty way) the Assault Frigate, there was nothing to report. In fact, there had been no war since all sugary drinks had been eliminated from the diets of the Debrons. Apparently, sugar caused obesity, and obesity caused frustration, and people became obese because they were frustrated. So the politicians and CEOs in the world took the liberty of creating world peace. It was nice. But for Assam it was torture. The thought of waking up every day and space biking through the corners of space to his powerful assault frigate, commanding the legions of doom, and going home to work out and sleep, was enough to drive a young man insane.

That is until he found a new temporary way to numb his mind. Lunch. He would make exquisite lunches and eat them with a gigantic smile on his face. We flash back to July 1st, 3019 to a memorable day and an award winning lunch.

...Alfalfa sprouts fond on Alfalfaleus and a Chipotle and Pepper tortilla wrap on Chipotlens are the key ingredients. He carefully coated the SPICY wrap with light mayo, added slices of salty and creamy American cheese and placed the space grown alfalfa on top of the sauce and cheese. He then carefully placed the chicken on the lovely ingredients and enclosed the wrap.

He carefully took out from his cryogenic refrigerator, string cheese he had saved from 2009 as well as a New Jersey peach so succulently defined by sweetness. He put this together in a space plastic bag and his lunch was complete.

Right as he sat down to eat his beautiful lunch, the Andrewgenos Reidsums flew in from warp space. They fired their proton pasifacators. Assam ran to the battle station and screamed, "This is war!!!"

-To be continued

OOO Yeahh......Entertain Us Baby :)

2009-06-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

Cat.1: Andy - 7+3points, Joe - 8 points.

LOL....Extra 3 points for that video as entertainment :P.

Cat.2: Andy - 6points, Joe - 7 points.

Cat.3: Andy - 6points , Joe - 7 points.

Total point: Andy - 22points, Joe - 22points.

It's the T to the I to the E :)

Its better with a video

2009-06-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

Mom’s homemade raspberry jam, brewed from a recipe that has been past down for 7 generations. Creamy crunchy peanut butter from the kind people at the supermarket. Hearty whole wheat 12 grain bread fresh from the grain belt. Now those are the makings of an excellent sandwich. I want to eat two more right now. If those ingredients don’t persuade this days judging, this classic diddy should:

The Classics

2009-06-30T12:22:00.001-07:00

And no I'm not talking about the spring bicycle races. I'm talking about classic dishes that are held in everyone's hearts. Spaghetti with red sauce, decorated extravagantly with a powerful breaded chicken pattie. Similar to the power of Thor Hushovd, or Tom Boonen who can easily generate hundreds of watts breaking 40 mph on 2 wheels thinner than a fat man's thumb.

I'm talking about classic New Jersey Peaches, so succulently defined by sweetness, that sweetness is defined by succuluence. And we begin this journey with string cheese, similar to string theory in the sense that it blows my mind.

And that's it. That's all I need and all I want. I remember 2 cyclists one being Lance Armstrong and the other being Jan Ullrich. Well, who won the Tour de France 7 times. The guy who ate Spaghetti and Chicken as an American, not the German who may or may not have eaten PB and J.

The Cheesiest

2009-06-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

The people asked for cream cheese, and today cream cheese has been delivered. Half a block of cream cheese has been blended with diced Mediterranean olives and slathered onto two whole grain bread slices. On top of this heavenly foundation was placed a sprinkling of black pepper and then crisp, cunningly cut, green bell peppers. To avoid the frustration of eating a vegetarian meal (like a boca burger) a turkey was gently put down, carved, baked in a honey roasted baste, carved again into slices, and then placed onto the peppers. Topping the sandwich is another healthy whole wheat slice of bread, which completes this gloriously sundry sandwich.

Have a good weekend!
Andy

Tribute for MJ

2009-06-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

The death of Michal Jackson was very shocking and very sad to hear. Our thoughts and prayers from lunchwars are with his children and his family. MJ is and always will be the king of pop.

As a tribute for Michael Jackson, i did not judge yesterday lunch but i will show the yesterday's result today.

Cat.1: Andy - 7points, Joe - 7 points.

I'm not sure the aroma that made groups of people gawking outside Andy's windows are because of Andy's food or the fart ;p.

Chef Joe - I'm not sure that the vegie burger taste like meat :), o well how would i know it if i havent tasted it ;p.

Cat.2: Andy - 7points, Joe - 6 points.

Cat.3: Andy - 6points , Joe - 8 points. Apple and orange a day keeps the doctor away :)

Cat.4(bonus point): Andy - 3 points, Joe - 0 point.

Total point Andy - 23points, Joe - 21 points.

I'm sooo hungry for Cream Cheese now :)

Cheddar and Blue Cheese Quesadillas

2009-06-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

Being near the Mexican border one is inevitably imbued with a proficiency for Mexican cooking. Using those talents, today Chef Andy's Kitchen brings you authentic Cheddar and Blue Cheese Quesadillas.

Only the best white cheddar is used while making these unleavened flour pies, which are baked to seal in all the flavors. Cooking this meal during lunch hours can be dangerous, for the aroma alone will leave you with gawking groups of people outside your windows.

Once the backing process is finished the quesadillas are cut to taste and eaten with a not mild but medium spicy salsa and blue cheese combination. A healthy salsa portion is usually preferred so as to make sure the daily allotment of vegetables is taken care of.

Comer bien, Vivir bien,
Andy

In a World of Vegetables...

2009-06-25T09:11:00.001-07:00

Heard on 6 train in a subway in New York City:

West Village Guy: Do you know smell that?

Upper West Side Girl: Yeah, like, what is that?

West Village Guy: I don't know but it smells so meaty, so---

Upper West Side Girl: ---juicy, I know. My mouth is watering.

West Village Guy: I'm sweaty. This is crazy, nothing has ever smelt so---

Guy and Girl: Good!

Joe: It's me guys, I'm eating a Boca Veggie Burger with lots of assorted produce in it, and I can't believe how much it tastes like meat.

Guy and Girl: You are the man!

Today Chef Joe decided to bring in one of Boca's finest products, the Veggie Burger. Produced from only the finest vegetables, this burger is served over hot white jasmine rice, picked by only the finest asian workers in the rice fields. Complementing the meal is an apple and an orange.

MEAT

The Carnivore Ate The Herbivore

2009-06-24T23:57:00.000-07:00

Cat.1: Andy - 8points, Joe - 6 points.

Cat.2: Andy - 6points, Joe - 6+1 points.

Cat.3: Andy - 6points , Joe - 8 points.

Cat.4(bonus point): Andy - 5 points, Joe - 0 point.

Chef Andy - your points remain the same .. coz IT'S THE SAME FOOD, JUST DIFFERENT BREAD.

Chef Joe - As much as I appreciate your 10 minutes of selecting the best fruits(bonus point on cat.2), soya meat doesn't make my stomach happy ;p.

Total point:
* Andy -> 25-2points = 23points (as there is no such thing is better than seafood ;p)
* Joe -> 22 points

It's all in the Bread

2009-06-24T10:06:00.001-07:00

Had different bread been present at certain historically significant events the world today would be a much different place. Imagine that instead of the meager bread Helen of Troy was accustomed to she dined on hearty sourdough slathered with butter, would the brewing of battle started then when Paris first gazed upon her?

Or, for instance, picture that they had an abundant supply of the finest pumpernickel in Mordor, do you think that Sauron would have even bothered to send his minions out to find a mere ring?

Even in the future fine bread could make a difference, for who is to say that the Enterprise would never have the need of a slice or two of cinnamon raisin walnut swirl bread? Or that a loaf of hearty whole wheat could probably stave off eminent doom from those evil guys in Halo.

Well, today Chef Andy switched things up a bit and magicked a new sandwich into existence. Thick layers of slow cooked pastrami conjoin with a spicy mustard and blue cheese sauce that flow over a reef-like structure of sauerkraut. This sandwich is all about the texture and taste, which is why a bountiful 12 grain bread was selected for the foundation of the sandwich. Here in the kitchen we have named it the “It’s Way Better than Seafood” sandwich.

On a side note, while speaking of kitchens, we were able to get a hold of the fine people at Carnegie Deli (you may have heard of it) who confirm that, indeed, a sandwich is only a Rueben if it contains corned beef. With any other meat it would not be so sweet.

So, find your favorite bread and make a sandwich, for who knows when bread could save the day.

Fruit is Good for You!

2009-06-24T09:11:00.001-07:00

"What is better than no fruit? Fruit!" - Anonymous expert on nutrition and lunch competitions

I just wanted to start off today's entry with a quote from a famous lunch competition expert who is unnamed. Today Chef Joe continues his dominance by incorporating fruit into his entry. Apples and oranges are so basic to meals, that anyone who doesn't incorporate fruit into their nutrition is losing in many ways. A walk to the local produce market (which also has helped temporarily inebriated homeless people by providing them with warmth) is an easy task. Selecting the best produce is not. Chef Joe carefully spent 10 minutes selecting only the best apple and orange for today's meal.

They are complementing a proprietary soy protein blend breaded with hearty bread crumbs that was skillfully prepared by our friends at Boca. To give sustaining complex carbohydrates, brown rice was prepared with light salt added for a subtle touch of happiness.

Chef Joe wishes everyone a happy, healthy, and fruity day.

The Fishier The Better

2009-06-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

Cat.1: Andy - 8points , Joe - 10 points. Loving the lots of meat in the sandwich, but the taste of salmon is stronger :P

Cat.2: Andy - 6points+1 point (home-made blue cheese), Joe - 9 points. Joe made alot of effort in preparation (cutting, broiling, etc) .

Just would like to point fact about blue cheese: ^[1] The characteristic flavor of blue cheeses tends to be sharp and a bit salty. The smell of this food is widely considered to be pungent, even smelling like feet. This is due to the types of bacteria encouraged to grow on the cheese; for example, the bacterium brevibacterium linens, responsible for the pungent smell of many blue cheeses, is also the cause of human foot odor.

Now we knw why Andy likes to use blue cheese lol. Add more flavor to his fart + feet.

Cat.3: Andy - 6points , Joe - 8 points. By my research of 20 grams of fat on pastrami sandwich compared that to salmon (obviously a "fatty" fish) but the fats are the heart-healthy kind.

Cat.4(bonus point): Andy - 5 points, Joe - 0 point.

Cat.5(bonus point): Andy - 0 point, Joe - 8 points.

Total point Andy - 26points, Joe - 35 points.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_cheese#cite_note-1

LONG LIVE SEAFOOD :)

From an Expert and Regular Reader of Lunchwars

2009-06-23T11:36:00.001-07:00

The Rueben is to be made with Thousand Island Dressing. NOT desecrated with the vial traces of Blue Cheese. And YES a Rueben can be made with EITHER Corned beef OR Pastrami. Maybe if this ANDY would watch a little bit more food network and less Gossip Girl he would know the difference... - Christopher Lukos

Spicy Amarigne Sushi Rolls

2009-06-23T07:43:00.001-07:00

Today Chef Andy did not prepare fresh spicy sushi rolls for the competition, however much he wishes he did.

Rather he went back to the basics of his heritage, pulling from the grains of his past to prepare what some might say is beyond a healthy and hearty feast.

Toasted marble-rye bread forms the foundation of a pulled pastrami (the healthy red meat) sandwich that stands statuesquely at 4 and 1/2 inches large. Sauerkraut compliments the meat, yanking the sandwich out of the doldrums that so many meat and bread combinations can fall into.

Topping things off is a whipped blue cheese sauce that goes perfectly with the tart tanginess of the sauerkraut and the more salty pastrami. It's also somewhat spicy.

Good luck to both competitors on this fine food day,
Andy

I'm So Excited and I Just Can't Fight It

2009-06-23T05:40:00.001-07:00

I had a dream last night which inspired my lunch this morning:

"A man on the pier sitting on a worn out, undersized, beach chair, grabs his beer and takes a quick swig. The "ahhh" that came out of his mouth is only beaten by the "ahhh" that Ford Prefect let out when he saved Arthur Dent from destruction on earth. Despite this moment of tranquility and serenity, something grabbed his attention. It was his fishing pole. The reel was spinning faster than he's ever seen. "Oh baby! Oh baby!" He shouted out in excitement!

"My family's gonna love me tonight!" He screamed again, in his broken accent. See, Timbak here emigrated from Austria only a few years back, trying to break the cycle of poverty that's been in his family for years. He thought about his past and how little food they had. He remembered how he would fish everyday, but nothing came out from the lakes of Austria. Just then at that moment, a 2 foot long salmon jumped from the water and into his bucket. He ran home and as we walked in the door, his family greeted him with more love than he's ever seen."

Chef Joe acquired only the best salmon he could find from the grocer. After washing and cleaning the fish with a salt scrub he lay it on the cutting board and delicately took the skin off with his sharpened fillet knife. A baking pan was lined with tin foil and the salmon was placed still fresh and cold onto the tin foil. A light coating of dill, then salt and pepper were added to the fish. The broiler was preheated for 20 minutes and the fish was placed in for 7 minutes until opaque.

While the salmon was broiling, Chef Joe chopped up zucchini and a red bell pepper and sauteed this in olive oil for 8 minutes under medium high heat. Only salt and pepper were added as seasoning. He took a bite to make sure they were perfect and bit into the crunchy delicious vegetables.

Chef Joe's Uncle Ben provided him with a harvest blend of brown rice, carrots, barley, red bell peppers, and lentils all prepared using the latest microwave technology in a mere 90 seconds. Thanks Uncle Ben!!!

Finally to top of the pink salmon, red peppers, green zucchini, and brown rice, an orange was paired with the main vegetable and salmon as a nice sweet and tart dessert.

Oh... oh... what was that Elys? Thank you... thank you.

2009-06-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the late Friday result, but should i even write who's the winner ;p? O yeah.... it was Andy :)

For today's result:
Cat.1: Boyce - 8points , Joe - 6 points. Sorry joe, i'm a meat lover...not so much of a brown rice and meatless fan.

Cat.2: Boyce - 7points , Joe - 7 points. Anyone who sees Andy's lunch would hurt their eyes, seeing how messy the pizza look (proof that it is a semi-homemade pizza)

Cat.3: Boyce - 7points , Joe - 10 points. Joe's lunch is rich of vitamins and with its nutritional prowess, leading Joe to Victory :)

Andy - 22points, Joe - 23 points.

It's not Delivery it's Delicious

2009-06-22T09:46:00.001-07:00

Throw seasoned sausage, ripened romaine tomatoes, crisp green bell peppers, and fresh black olives into a blender and the outcome is probably not something that most would find pleasing to the pallet.

However, toss the above mentioned ingredients onto a whole wheat crust and then blanket them with mozzarella cheese and you have something that is beautiful and mouth-watering. Future generations will thank you for consuming such a delicious and healthy meal. I would like to thank DiGiorno's for their help in preparing the home baked pizza, along with all the farmers in America who continue to grow such healthy produce.

Have a good lunch,
Andy

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up

2009-06-22T08:51:00.001-07:00

Those are words I'll never hear because of the nutritional prowess my meals possess. Honestly I think Category 2 needs to have more weight but nonetheless I write. Today, we have a bountiful dish filled with such heart and soul. 45 grueling minutes were spent preparing what is known as the "Food of the Hearts" or brown rice. On top of this a meatless chicken patty was selected to provide the necessary soy product that is essential to a functioning life.

Supplementing the dish with red and orange goodness are an apple and orange. The citrus in the orange is rubbed over the meatless chicken pattie right before the meal is served to add a final touch of perfect flavor. The remains of the orange is eaten as a nice dessert with the apple. Supplemental drink is green tea.

Bon appetit!

Just another homemade sensation

2009-06-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

Today the team at Andy's Lunch kitchen relied upon the great harmony that coexists between hazelnut spread and peanut butter, however with a twist... A different ratio was experimented with today, one that provides a tasteful advantage to the hazelnut spread, while still giving the peanut butter the necessary foundation to complement the hearty and wholesome bread. Basically this lunch is a kick to the face to canned soup.

Have a good weekend!

Should I even Try?

2009-06-19T09:37:00.001-07:00

Canned Chicken Soup and Potato Chips.

:-(

It's Getting Hot in Here

2009-06-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

Cat.1: Boyce - 9points , Joe - 7 points. Am i seeing this right? Am i dreaming? A pinch at Andy.. and he started farting .. i realized i wasn't dreaming. yes Andy did make a "Spicy" Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Casserole.

Cat.2: Boyce - 6points , Joe - 8 points.

Cat.3: Boyce - 6points , Joe - 10 points. Very healthy food u have Joe!

Cat.4 (bonus category): Boyce - 6+2 points, Joe - 0 point. Recalling what happened when Andy brought frozen shrimp for lunch... i had to make sure that Andy really eats his spicy lunch. 6 points for only tiny layer of Sriracha sauce... +2 points for actually eating it.

Andy - 29points, Joe - 25 points. Good Job for "Kicking it up a notch" Andy!

Casserole of Wellness, Asparagus spears

2009-06-17T09:20:00.001-07:00

"If vegetables were a weapon, I would take your Asparagus to war"
-random military person commenting on my Asparagus recipe

Today I'm bringing to the table a home town favorite: Spicy Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Casserole. It's a synergy between the finest of ingredients: store bought frozen chicken breasts, genetically enhanced broccoli, and of course Paul Newman's finest choice Alfredo sauce. This completes the main course, and in addition to that fine foray into culinary delights we have...

Wait, what's that Emeril? You want me to kick it up a notch? Sure, will do. Complementing the gentle gracefulness of the alfedo sauce, in todays meal a healthy portion of Shiracha sauce was thrown in, to, well, "Kick it up a notch".

And in addition to the main course we have asparagus spears which were marinated in a soy pepper sauce and then cooked in a tomato-soy reduction sauce which not only heightens the enjoyment of each tip, but provides a foundation of trust with which you can embark on your next spear.

Good luck to the other competitor,
Andy

Health = Victory

2009-06-17T09:07:00.001-07:00

Chef Joe is always concerned for the health and well-being of humanity and that is why today he has selected only the healthiest products for his meal. After acquiring ingredients from Trade Fair, Chef Joe began by sauteeing sweet italian sausage on low heat with olive oil. Low heat was used to maintain the healthy mono and poly unsaturated fats found in olive oil. As well all know, sauteeing at a high heat level denatures these fats and turns them into your ordinary heart killers.

After the sausage was apporpriately cooked, a pre-prepared award winning combination of marinara and basil was placed in the pot with sausage, absorbing the vibrant flavors that were released from the sweet italian sausage. This pot was set aside. While preparing the sausage whole wheat spaghetti was boiled for 8 minutes to perfection. As a reminder, 1 serving of whole wheat spaghetti can contain as much as 26% of your daily value of fiber. Broccoli was also steamed to retain nutrients and serve as a wonderfully nutritious side meal.

The prepared sauce was poured over the pasta and served with the broccoli. Drink of choice is green tea.

Enjoy

How Natural Gas Saves Someone's Lunch

2009-06-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Cat. 1: Boyce - 7points , Joe - 7+1 points. Both are extraordinary in description. As a sincere token of appreciation for Chef Joe for his lovely poem, (+1) for Joe.

"Everyone deserves a second chance", especially Andy who sometimes when he is releasing his natural gas ..he tend not to think properly :P. So i know the missing key ingredient "pasta" is just one of those moment. So no minus point on that :). 1 Warning for Andy tho :P.

Cat. 2: Boyce - 7points , Joe - 8 points. Sounds like joe invited all his neighbors to help preparing for the lunch :).

Cat. 3: Boyce - 8points , Joe - 5 points. Andy's food not from a Can, and the broccoli... what more can i say?

Andy - 22points, Joe - 21 points... sooo close...Congrats for Andy.

Its not from a Can

2009-06-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

It takes a great amount of talent and effort to become an actor, even more so to become a successful one. Imagine, then, the driving dedication to excel not only in acting but in the enigmatic realm of salad dressings. Paul Newman was truly an impressive man, miraculous, even, when one considers that along with salad dressing he mastered pasta sauce.

Today's lunch revolves around Newman's masterful alfredo sauce, which when combined with the right ingredients takes any meal to the Five Star level. And the right ingredients for today are blackened chicken breasts so tender they melt onto a fork and a healthy proportion of not overcooked broccoli.

A great person once said "white meat belongs in white sauce, and if it’s a vegetable it better be in a white sauce as well" and this meal certainly cements that statement in truth.

Thank you, thank you,
Andy

A Poem for Elys our Wonderful Judge

2009-06-15T08:38:00.001-07:00

Soup:

Fresh meatballs made from the finest beef sauteed in a bed of oil

Wonderful little pieces of pasta grown from the soil

Spinach so wonderfully steamed

All the people's eyes gleamed

Even though it's from a can

Our Chef Joe he is the man

Side:

Fresh white beans mixed with brown sweet delight

Oh how many hands made this over night

Add a touch of bacon for some taste

Baked beans in a can will help make haste

Good luck to all...

Joe's Friday Submission

2009-06-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

Sophisticated Vs. Simplicity

2009-06-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

Cat.1 : Boyce - 7points , Joe - 9 points.... tear into nachos... Joe must love this nachos

Cat.2 : Boyce - 6points , Joe - 10 points....the food was incredibly engineered using powerful simulation software package... Joe probably spent 1 whole day doing nothing else (no shower, no restroom, no sleeping) than engineering this lunch. I'd have to give him 10 points.

Cat.3 : Boyce - 6points , Joe - 7 points..Peaches and green tea... Typical Joe :P always healthy

Cat.5 (bonus category): Boyce - 7 points, Joe - 0 point.

Boyce brought Shrimp..(10 points) a frozen shrimp that is .. that was supposed to be eaten by Andy together with his bread. (- 3points)

O wow.. it's a tie!!!!!! and the crowds go wilddddddddd!!!!!!!!

Any other name would taste so sweet

2009-06-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hazelnut spread... the recession's caviar. Peanut butter... an all around staple of goodness. Combine them and you have, in two words, simple deliciousness. Put them on bread and it explodes flavor, a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup that is good for you.

But that’s not all. Today, as a token to appreciate O Wise Judge's future forays into granting me victory, a sublime seafood ensemble has been prepared, consisting of a shrimp.

Good luck to both contestants and let us remember who brought in seafood, deliciousness, and health in one meal.

IE Tools in Meal Design

2009-06-12T06:40:00.001-07:00

Today Chef Joe utilizes his extensive background in simulation and modeling to skillfully prepare his meal in an evidence-based manner. Using a powerful simulation software package to use System Dynamics, he determined, based on constant attributes from his baseline meal, the perfect Salt and Pepper ratio to bring out the expansive flavors of his nacho platter. As you can see from the following snapshot of the simulation package an equilibrium point had been selected and a salt level of 21,959 Saltomeres and 78,040 Peppomeres are required to bring out the robustness of the Meat, Bread, and Fruit characteristics of his meal. Additionally texture was used as the limiting stock flow variable and the combination of condiments spectacularly enhanced the overall meal.

From a holistic point of view Chef Joe has used the above formulas to enhance his meal; a wonderfully prepared nacho platter made by Christopher Lukos. Christopher Lukos was a homeless boy looking for a place to live. After knocking incessantly on Joe's door, Chef Joe finally decided to take him into his home, cultivating him into the renowned actor he is today. Under strict guidance administered while watching TV in the living room, Chris worked on a meal he would often prepare for Joe as thanks to his kind heart.

Chris's preparation process:

First, in a stochastic manner, chips were placed on aluminum foil, the same type of aluminum used in engineering feats like the space shuttle. Second, a selection of black beans, baked beans, taco sauce, and foot picked avocados were placed in a dodecahedron type layout, with the avocados serving as the lateral vertex for each section of the iso-lateral design. The last step often causes Chris to tear into the nachos because of Joe's kind heart while sprinkling mozzarella cheese all over the wonderful dish. The dish was then baked to strengthen its structural integrity while maintaining a wonderful texture fit enough for a king.

Finally, based on the simulation results, salt and pepper was floated onto the platter causing a ray of light to come streaming out of the dish, so blinding the goggles are necessary. This is the true signature of a wonderful meal; the generation of rays of hope. Hope… love… happiness… love… tears… joy.

Once again complementing this already victorious meal is the notoriously famous love hummus and pita bread, with tree ripened peaches as dessert. Green tea filled with catechins is the drink of choice for kings.

A Beautiful Lunch vs. Not So Beautiful but yet Sounds Good

2009-06-11T11:34:00.001-07:00

Ok.. this is my first blog.. although i'm not too comfortable in writing (due to my lack of BSing skill is way lower than my fellow friends here. it will be like BS-101 for me and they are in Advanced level), i'm just so touched by their way of describing the food......So please bare with me guys :P.

First i'd like to introduce my self, I am the o holy n mighty n wise judge for this lunch war. I have 28 years of experience in judging lunch (ever since i was a baby..i've been judging the lunch that goes into my mouth) --> that's how i got my wisdom, and i'm an innocent cute lady (a hint for the participant to try make an amazing n touching story again ;D).

OK so today's lunch is pretty tough to judge... just like my post title "A Beautiful Lunch vs. Not So Beautiful but yet Sounds Good".

Cat. 1: Boyce gets 7 points, Joe gets 10 points for making a beautiful story for his lunch. I'm sooo touched by it... :P

Cat. 2: Boyce gets 8 points, Joe gets 6 points. Boyce makes the preparation of the food sounds more complicated and have more ingredients.

Cat. 3: Boyce gets 7 points, Joe gets 8 points. This one is really tough, coz both have good and healthy food/drink to complement their meal . Australian cake vs. Green tea. But..chef Joe has 1 good advantage ....The sweet tree-ripened peaches...extra point for Joe.

Total point for Boyce = 22 points.
Total point for Joe = 24 points.

Well done boys!!!!! So looking forward for 2mrw's lunch.. as the war is getting tougher n tougher every day. hahahahaha ...cheers :)

Steak Cheese and Cake, ah how nice to partake

2009-06-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm what is that heavenly smell? Oh wait, its in my apartment! Its coming from my oven! Lets see what it is...

Today, being brought to the judgment table on a warmed china plate, are beef and cheese quesadillas. Just beef and cheese you might ask? Why no, I will have to respond, for to help lengthen the silky saturation of each bite the steak was specially prepared with a honeyed brown sugar and soy sauce glaze, while the sharp cheddar that each succulent steak slice nestles in comes from the finer diary farms of Ralphs Groceries. To help the pallet a blue cheese and salsa dip has been prepared to coincide with each blissful bite.

Once I was asked how do I get my daily vegetable servings? The answer is by consuming cake, for that is what has been prepared as a side to this delicious dish, Australian Tea Cake to be exact. The consumption of such a moist delicacy could sustain one in the driest dessert.

Competition prepare to be taken down!

Inspired by the Fall Mediterranean Sea

2009-06-10T07:07:00.001-07:00

There's an old Greek fable inspired by the fall Mediterranean Sea where a young orphaned boy works at a farm his whole life. His only friend was young Anastasia who would watch him from the other side of the brown wooden fence. Everyday young Taso would get up from a small room decorated with only a wooden bed overlayed with a soft bamboo mat, strap his sandals to his feet, and walk out to the chick pea fields. There Anastasia would watch him hoe the dirt, plant seeds with his worn and tired fingers, and grow the beautiful plant that provided his family their only source of income.

One day overcame with love and emotion and the hard work of a young little boy, Anastasia went up to him while he was planting and gave him a kiss. Taso dropped the seeds beneath them as they shared that moment of love. Taso and Anastasia married and lived a peaceful life together.

A year later the locusts had ravaged the fields of Greek and only a few chick pea plants remained and they were on young Taso and Anastasia's meek home. They were those that had been grown from love, dropped from Taso's worn hands, and growing purely on emotion and spirit.

Chef Joe chooses only the most passionate ingredients and these chick peas, grown from the love of two young Greeks, were used in the spicy hummus with red pepper flakes (acquired from only the finest grocer Key Food) that line his pita. Chicken is placed in a semi-circular pattern to enrich the flavors of the meat. The pita is then carefully closed and wrapped in the most delicate foil available.

To complement the meal, sweet tree-ripened peaches have been selected as a wonderful side and contrasted with Chef Joe's famous Parmesan and Garlic Pita Chips. Green tea is the suggested drink of choice to add a top note of kombucha with a base note of plentiful antioxidants. Bon appetit!

Victory for Joe

2009-06-09T10:33:00.001-07:00

Joe's roast beef, provolone, and potato bread overcame the simply underprepared and underperforming steak and cheese. Graciously and wittingly paired with the two complementing side dishes of orange and parmesan and garlic pita chips, the meal provided Joe with superior nutrition and sustained energy Stay tuned to tomorrow's episode where both Andy and Joe take the judges feedback (thank you Elys) and turn the notch up in the competition.

My Lunch for 6/09/09

2009-06-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Roast Beef and Provolone on Potato Bread with Grey Poupon
Parmesan and Garlic Pita Chips
2 Healthy and Hearty, Sweet and Succulent Oranges

May the best lunch win!!!

The Sandwich should take all

2009-06-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today our returning champion has prepared a delectable sandwich that would make a mortal man’s knees weak and cows cry.

A toasted cheese steak sandwich that has been broiled to help bring out the tenderness in the meat, while complimenting the hearty 12 grain bread the steak resides on. Four cheeses from around the world have been infused into the sandwich, and to synergize their flavors a mayonnaise-horse radish blend softly coats each sandwich.

The judges are debating now, please hold onto your stomachs.

Defeat

2009-06-08T12:49:00.001-07:00

Even armed with Apples and String Cheese, Canned Chicken Tortilla Soup just didn't have what it takes to defeat beef. Tomorrow is another day.

Day one: Victory

2009-06-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

Today, with a one two combo of perfectly grilled and seasoned shoulder roast, I defeated canned soup to claim victory in the first edition of Lunch Wars! Please stay tuned as the competition could possibly heat things up the future.