Does Buying a Chik-Fil-A Sandwich Really Support Free Speech?

Seriously! Have I gone insane and just don’t “get it”, or does anyone else think this is just dumb? Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, in support free speech by proclaiming August 1, 2012 as Chik-Fil-A Appreciation Day.

At what point is it not worth waiting over an hour for something served in a paper bag?

Right, because that’s what a nation with increasing obesity problems needs; just another excuse/reason to eat fast food. There are some pretty ridiculous days out there, but I can’t think of ones that are just randomly started on Facebook….and by former government officials….for a fast food restaurant! I don’t know how, but I feel Huckabee gained more than just respect from the business because “money talks!”


This started when Chik-Fil-A’s CEO, Dan Cathy, was being hounded for his stance and support of anti-gay groups. If you hold on to a certain set of beliefs, then by all means, keep holding! I am not gay (happily married to Kelley, a woman, thank you), but I am also not offended by people who are gay. I don’t live by the Bible either, and the CEO uses it in support of his anti-gay stance since the Bible says only a man and woman should be together.

Great, fine, perfect; I guess he must feel that people should be stoned to death instead of modern day capital punishment. Is serving fried chicken and fries to the mass population (most of whom have too much “mass”) written in the Bible? If he wants to go by The Book’s standards, maybe switch to serving fish (not fried), bread, wine, and manna.


When the blogger at Organic Ingredients Now contacted Chik-Fil-A about how they source their chicken, their response was not very helpful. Click here for the full response, but this part really stood out to me:


“At farm level, antibiotics are only administered to prevent and control disease. A “withdrawal” period is required from the time antibiotics are administered before the bird can be processed. This ensures that no residues are present in the bird’s system. All chickens produced for Chick-fil-A are processed under the continuous USDA inspection program. Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) randomly samples poultry at slaughter and tests for residues.”

This response wouldn’t instill confidence in me. Then again, I’m the “crazy” one who eats weird (aka natural, unprocessed, and whole) food. I apologize if I have offended anyone as that is never my intention. I’m just “supporting” my free speech; without having to go anywhere to buy something!




"Fried" Speech

 If Chik-Fil-A wants to support anti-gay groups, I agree they should be able to practice their beliefs. I don't dislike the chain for their views, I despise all fast food chains for having non-nutritional food at cheap prices. Speaking of, what's with McDonald's and the Olympics?  I know, MONEY, but the two just don't go together...ever.  Unless it's something dumb like a swimmer eating 3,330 calories worth of the stuff. Even then, I'd indulge in a giant container of Chobani with peanut butter and crunchy granola!

Imagine if the flocks of people so eager to eat low quality fried food (I know grilled chicken and salads are available, but lets be real here; most people aren’t ordering that at a chain) support free speech all went to local farmer’s markets and bought fresh meat and/or produce instead. While “poor” Dan Cathy and his chicken chain were hurt from bad press, I know most small farmers are always hurting and could always use our support. On top of that, we’d have a healthier population and economy! Just some food for thought; make of it what you will.


Q: What are your thoughts on the Chik-Fil-A events? Do you agree or disagree with my feelings?

I’d like to hear either side if you care to comment. Meanwhile, I’m starting to think other designated “special” days like National Watermelon Day (tomorrow!) and Bad Poetry Day don’t sound too bad.

I'm Hooked! My First Food Expo...

Kelley and I had the opportunity to go to the 2012 Southwest Food Service Expo here in Dallas, TX on Sunday.  It's a 2 day event with today, Monday, being the last day.  Sadly, I have to face reality and go back to the accounting world in an office.  Good job, great people, not my passion.

Yellow bags in hand and read for some Expo!

Although I'm not in the food service business, being a blogger, and therefore possible product promoter, I had my place at the event.  I didn't know what to expect, but most food businesses took an interest when I told them what I do.  Of course, the ones with the lack of healthy food choices didn't seem too willing to converse, but the feeling was mutual.

Have you seen black garlic? The taste is subtle with strong notes of balsamic and its texture is silky with a little chewiness.  I like it alone, but this could be smeared on a giant portabello or steak.

Oh wow! The event was more than I imagined.  Upon entering there was a giant section to try various beers from small, local, and far away breweries all distributed by Ben E. Keith.  I was shocked to see such a vast array of quality brews that they distribute; they were all so good! I even quoted Will Ferrell from "Old School" where he says "Once it hits your lips, it's so good....", classic.

Banana Bread Beer; nuff said.  It smelled strong of banana bread in the oven and tasted great too.  This would be perfect for beer bread....hmmmm

Since it wasn't a health food expo, I was selective in the samples I tried.  I even just walked away from one booth when, after asking several times what ingredients were in his product, he just kept saying "It's gluten-free." or "It's all natural."  Really? Please people; if you're going to sell something, give me more details!!!

After a few rounds of beer sampling....I was no better, just the lucky one behind the camera!

And geez, I know many people need to avoid gluten at all costs, but what's with so many businesses making it a point to tell everyone their product is gluten-free?  I'm surprised bottled water doesn't have a giant label proclaiming that it's "Gluten-free."  No offense, but I am quite sure many people choose gluten-free foods thinking that it's just something healthier.  Please, if you're going to make drastic food choices or changes in your diet, know the reasons why.  Because the mainstream media says it's good, is not a real reason.

I volunteered to help the barista make latte art; he basically held my hand and did the whole thing.  Still fun though!

"My" latte art....not as good as most since I was stubborn and didn't move my arm the right way.

Where was I?  Oh yeah, there were some very healthy and knowledgeable people with great products too.  One business I enjoyed was Slim Ritas, who makes margaritas and a few other mixes sweetened with stevia. I don't drink often, but haven't had a margarita in years since most mixes are loaded with sugar.  The taste was clean with refreshing lime and a hint of sweetness that doesn't coat your mouth like sugary drinks. This is  perfect for the summer heat.

The delightful lady behind the stevia margarita mix wanted to have me try some to write about.  So, look out for my review along with a recipe or two using the mix.  I'd like to make margarita muffins, or maybe put a little in a mango-lime salsa.  Do you have any ideas of what else a stevia margarita mix would be good in?

Zilks Foods, the business that makes top notch hummus, salsa, pesto, and salsa, was there with several goodies. It was a delight to meet some of their kind representatives, and to try more food! They make a Tzatziki with Greek yogurt that I could eat with a spoon.....and I did!  You really can't go wrong with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill for a refreshing , low-fat dip, spread, or marinade.

There's plenty to talk about, but I must cut it short today.  I will have pictures of the event throughout the week and hopefully have a few sample and review postings lined up.  I am grateful Kelley came along with me; we had a great time, but I think I stayed longer than she cared for.  Sorry, Kelley, I have no good excuses, just can't get away from food!

Lychee and Rambutan basket....with I could've brought them home!

Q: Have you ever been to a food expo?  Is it your line of work or were you just lucky enough to have the chance like me?

I hope to go to another one next time something is around, these things are fun!

We Need More Healthy Dessert Joints

 Sure, you can find several healthy food establishments in many areas of the US, but do they offer healthy desserts? I’m not talking about organic sugar and whole eggs from free range hens, no; we need places that offer desserts healthy enough to count as a nutritional meal.

Why? Where’s the fun in that, you ask? I understand dessert should be Dessert, but with increasing health problems, special diets, and people like me who just want treats without so many empty, over-processed calories, there’s a void to be filled.

This is something I think about while working (accounting doesn’t feed my imagination very well) and wishing I had my own food business. I like my job, but its still “work”; I’d like to earn my income from something I created and feel passionate about. This way it won’t be viewed as just a job where I work, it would be my own (ok, Kelley’s too) and I would be working with what I love….Food!


Assorted stevia baked goods ready for consumption!



The menu items wouldn’t require a lot of prep work with long wait times, just a nice place to have tea, coffee, and healthy treats like those seen on some of my posts or on Chocolate-Covered Katie’s Blog. Maybe there could be savory foods like the Clean Eating recipes on The Gracious Pantry for a healthy lunch. The menu should be relatively simple so customers can get in and get out; like a donut shop…..but not. Then there’s no reason to go to some unhealthy joint because of convenience!


Sourced from CCK's Blondie Batter Dip Post


I’ve been inspired to create many recipes based on those posted by Chocolate-Covered Katie, and it’s obvious there are many, many fans of her recipes. To bring these nutritious treats into a restaurant seems like a great idea to me. Yeah, you could measure out a tablespoon of cocoa, another tablespoon of flour, some salt, sweetener, puree of some sort, etc to make a Microwave Chocolate Cake at home and that would be fine. Or, you could go with some friends to each order your own microwave chocolate cake with ingredients of your choice (vanilla protein powder, peanut flour, whole spelt flour, etc.) and enjoy their company with a cup of tea or coffee.

Healthy dessert joints like this would prove to be popular hang outs around college campuses too. Hey, this might help offset the “Freshman 15”……or “20” or “50”……ok, I’ll stop.


Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Bread with sliced banana peanut butter and honey!


Wouldn’t you like a place to enjoy guilt-free fruit and squash “ice cream”, stevia-sweetened treats, grain-free cereal, or Baked Overnight Oatmeal snacks as a tasty treat that can double as a nutritious breakfast? For lunch, you could have healthy tuna/salmon cakes or a tasty mix of cubed sweet potatoes with black beans and tuna.


If you had a place like this to go, would you? If so, what would you want on the menu?

Having a "Cuppa Joe" in Breck

I love coffee. Kelley loves coffee too.  We love seeking out unique, local coffee shops to enjoy a good cup of brew wherever we travel.  We've been to several around Breckenridge, CO and they are all pretty good places for coffee and lunch fare.  Today we found an awesome and lively shop that's been open since August of 2011 called "Cuppa Joe".

We were kindly welcomed upon entering Cuppa Joe and quickly attended to.  I questioned about different coffee options, but ended up ordering what I always get at unique shops; an Americano with 3 or 4 shots of espresso and nothing else.  Johanna (the Barista/Owner) offered to throw in the 4th shot for no charge since she makes the shots in doubles anyway.  Fine with me, I will never pass down more jolts of caffeine; it doesn't really affect me too much anyway.

Kelley Ordered her go-to drink when travelling, a dry Cappuccino with skim milk.  We tried each others drinks and decided they were the best we've ever tried.  I would happily start (and end) my day with this drink!  We talked with the Johanna a little and she would happily answer any questions and never seemed annoyed.  I'm used to people getting annoyed with my inquiries, so this is a big thing. 

The menu options all look very healthy and customer recommendations can be found on the Facebook page here. 

Kelley's cappuccino on the left and my Americano on the right.  They were too good to take pictures when first served.

The owner assured me they get their food in fresh and prepare everything to order.  So, for any special requests made by people like myself, rest assured they will add, remove, or substitute ingredients as you desire.  The sweet potato and black bean burrito sounded like something I'd readily order, and she said they can serve it in a bowl if requested. 

Our table inside the cozy shop.  The couch behind me looked really comfy.

I can tell the locals are quickly catching on to the place since the owner seemed to know most people by name as they entered. With great, healthy food prepared to order at competitive prices, there's no reason not to make Cuppa Joe a frequent meeting place. I suggest you make this local and inviting cafe a priority if you are ever visiting or live nearby.

Kelley and I visited Cuppa Joe before leaving for Texas right when they opened at 6 a.m.; I enjoyed another 4 shot espresso Americano and Kelley requested another cappuccino.  We both expected the shop to be closed since a giant snow storm had come through and was still going strong as we left, but we recieved another warm welcome from Johanna and she had already served a couple customers.  It's great to see an owner with so much passion to make sure the business is open as stated and that customers will visit regardless of the weather outside.
Check out Cuppa Joe's Facebook page and follow them on Twitter to help support this great business.