Food
Our 3 Star Experience at La Pergola
From the Michelin Guide: Rome’s most famous roof garden, as well as the most international restaurant in Italy. From the terrace at La Pergola, Rome appears eternal and imperturbable, as it is so often described. The ambience here is hushed and elegant, with carpets and armchairs, silverware and fresh flowers, paintings and refined furniture all providing a magnificent setting for the superb views. It’s easy to see why so many Italians and visitors from around the world are willing to join the waiting list to eat here. The warm welcome and impeccable service add to the experience: there’s a timeless feel to the rhythm of service, which is discreet yet seems to anticipate and satisfy guests’ wishes and requirements even before they’ve had a chance to express them – it’s almost as if time itself is suspended. The restaurant’s beating heart is Heinz Beck’s delicate cuisine, which reaches extraordinary heights and could never be described as ordinary. Some of his dishes are bold in style, others more international, but the foundation of his cuisine is always Mediterranean. There are two separate wine lists: one dedicated to Italian labels, the other to wines from elsewhere in the world, both featuring some excellent rare bottles, as well as lesser-known labels selected by talented sommelier Marco Reitano.
It usually takes Six months in advance to get a reservation here. I think I got lucky because it was about five months in advance. We arrived early so we could get a table with an unobstructed nighttime view of Rome. The table shown above was our view. The staff was professional and greeted us and escorted us to our table and offered us a complimentary glass of champagne to start the evening. Of course we passed on the champagne. The dining room was elegant and refined and had stunning views of the city and a very hushed and intimate atmosphere. We were presented with a wine list featuring over 60,000 bottles. Another pass. The menu included a price fixed menu as well as a wide variety of Mediterranean and Italian inspired dishes prepared by executive chef Heinz Beck, who is known for his innovative and artistic approach to cooking. They tend to use fresh seasonal ingredients in exquisite presentations. Our first difficult choice was water. At eight euros a liter, we chose the Icelandic glacial water. And we made it last. Janice ate all a cart because there were too many fish items on the menu but it was all great food. I will describe more later.
Recent Addition
I recently updated my “before I die” list to include a visit to Japan and the opportunity to experience dining at a Michelin three-star restaurant. Specifically, I am eager to savor the delights of a Japanese restaurant that has earned this coveted distinction, and I look forward to immersing myself in the country’s rich culinary heritage and culture.
I am told, there are several reasons why there are so many Michelin-rated restaurants in Japan. One of the main reasons is Japan’s deep appreciation for culinary excellence and attention to detail, which is reflected in the country’s rich culinary heritage and culture. Japanese chefs are known for their skill and dedication to their craft, and many have spent years mastering traditional techniques and perfecting their dishes.
Another reason for the high number of Michelin-rated restaurants in Japan is the country’s high standards of hygiene, safety, and quality control, which are essential for earning Michelin stars. Many restaurants in Japan have strict regulations in place to ensure the quality and freshness of their ingredients, and they often use seasonal and locally sourced produce to create their dishes.
In addition, the Michelin Guide has been highly influential in Japan, with the first Michelin Guide Tokyo being published in 2007. The guide has helped to raise the profile of Japanese cuisine and has encouraged chefs to strive for excellence and innovation in their cooking.
Finally, Japan’s diverse and dynamic dining scene, which ranges from high-end kaiseki restaurants to casual ramen shops, has also contributed to the high number of Michelin-rated restaurants in the country. The Michelin Guide has recognized not only traditional Japanese cuisine but also international cuisine and innovative fusion cuisine, reflecting the country’s rich and diverse culinary landscape.
Okay, I admit it. I like to eat good food. And when I travel I really like to eat good local food. From street tacos in Mexico City, to a Michelin three star restaurant in Rome, I have eaten it all. Almost all. There are a few things I just won’t do. In any case, I have also enjoyed taking pictures of my food since the very first time I got a digital camera. And since those first pictures, cameras and picture quality have improved tremendously. When I have enjoyed a tremendously good dish, and I take a picture of it, I can almost remember how it tastes. Sometimes the picture looks better than the actual food was. Kind of like the McDonald’s menu compared to the hamburger they give you. But most the time it’s a wonderful reminder of a wonderful meal and the people who enjoyed it with me. In the early days it was somewhat of a distraction to use a digital camera with flash in a restaurant. Now it’s almost annoying with so many people taking pictures but we’ve all gotten used to it.
A little shrimp in Guatemala. Not recommended for the faint of heart. We think it may have been the shrimp that made Janice so sick and required a doctor’s visit in her hotel in Guatemala City. I ate the shrimp and I did not get sick. The best shrimp in the world we have eaten, however, was in Shanghai. So fresh and sweet. Ruined me for shrimp. (Jan 2022) Below is the doctor that came to our hotel in Guatemala City to give Janice a shot. She was really sick. It should be noted however that the shrimp she ate was from a very expensive restaurant in the old capital.
I do have some regrets about food. Mostly not trying things. Oh and that burrito from the 7-11 in Dallas Texas… I really regret that one. However, as with most things we regret the things we don’t do more than the things we actually do. At least for me. I regret not trying Sushi until my 40’s. I should have tried it earlier. This particular section is mostly pictures and stories about food, the places and the people. One of my favorite food stories, revolves around a picture in Dubai. Alberto and I threw down about $100 each (2001) for a sword dance and a huge meal, which “included” lobster. As the food arrived, I started taking pictures because it was amazing. And one of first was a large seafood platter of various seafood. As the meal came to an end we asked our waiter where lobster was. And he told us it was in the very first platter that we received. I quickly opened up the picture from my camera and showed him, and asked him to show me the lobster. Of course it wasn’t there and he knew it and he disappeared and never came back. And we didn’t press it. I still miss eating that lobster
When Janice and I in July 2014 Took a group of Hannahs friends to the coast from Escunitla to take a little ocean boat trip and eat lunch. Fresh food for sure.
Food that is good for you.
Info on good food.
On the Health Side
2022 should be the year of healthy eating and overall attention to personal health. Proper diet, weight, sleep and suppliments are key as we deal with the plagues we are experiencing. Here is one.
Liposomal Vitamin C. Kind of an odd place for this, but I needed a place to have friends go to learn about this.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away? I am trying to eat one a day especially for the pectin content.
Evidence for the Health Claim
Studies have long shown that diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of numerous chronic conditions. But more detailed studies show that apples, in particular, may be particularly protective of good health.
Apples, particularly their skins, are an excellent source of antioxidants . Antioxidants are believed to prevent damage to cells and tissues and help defend the body from cancer , cardiovascular disease, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease . Apple varieties vary in their antioxidant content, with Red Delicious having one of the highest levels. In addition, the flavonoids in apples, which possess antioxidant properties, are believed to protect the body against allergens and viral infections. Apples may also improve lung function.
In a study conducted in Finland, researchers investigated the relationship between apple consumption and the risk of stroke in over 9,200 men and women. Those individuals who consumed the highest number of apples showed a lower risk of stroke over a 28-year period compared to those who consumed the least number of apples. The researchers suggest that this benefit may come from the “phytonutrients” contained in apples, possibly including flavonoids. Two other Finnish studies showed that apple consumption may also reduce the risk of heart disease and lung cancer .
Evidence Against the Health Claim
There are many other foods—including other fruits—that contain the same antioxidants and offer the same benefits as apples. Beverages like coffee and black tea, and fruits including blueberries, cranberries, red grapes, strawberries, and bananas, are all rich in antioxidant flavonoids. Cranberries, studies show, are even higher in antioxidants than apples.
Of note, most of the nutritional benefit of apples appears to come from their skin, so peeled apples, apple juice, and applesauce lack the rich levels of antioxidants that the whole fruit contains.
Apples alone can’t keep anyone healthy, as no single food can, and apples can’t be expected to reverse previous damage caused by poor diet and lifestyle. Diets rich in trans fats, salt, and sugar—even with an apple a day—don’t lead to good health. Regular apple consumption, of course, is only beneficial as part of an overall healthful diet and exercise regimen .
Conclusion
Apples are a great choice for a healthful, low-fat, low-calorie snack. They’re rich in fiber and antioxidants, both of which may be protective against a variety of chronic diseases. To receive the maximum health benefits from apples, eating the whole fruit—including the skin—is recommended.
But remember, apples are no substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. And, even this is no guarantee. People who live impeccable lifestyles still suffer from heart disease and cancer, and keeping your doctor completely away makes it difficult to receive preventive services, like screening tests. Seeing your doctor regularly (but not too often) will allow him to possibly uncover conditions that can harm you in the future, even if you feel perfectly well while munching on that Red Delicious.
References
Amodio A. Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? Families.com website. Available at: http://health.families.com/blog/does-an-apple-a-day-really-keep-the-doctor-away . Accessed November 5, 2008.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away (press release). Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: http://www.jhu.edu/hurj/issue2/07E%20Apple%20A%20Day.pdf . Accessed August 8, 2006.
Vitamin C is the most used supplement in the world.
There is good reason for this as the science behind the many benefits of vitamin C is solid. Dr. Svent Gyorgi and Dr. Linus Pauling performed innumerable experiments proving that man, unlike most animals, is dependent upon vitamin C for a healthy existence. For decades we have relied upon various ascorbic formulas for our supplemental needs, but now a whole new vista opens up with Liposomal technology.
Increase Absorption Dramatically – Regular vitamin C is absorbed at approximately 19%, the balance remains in the gastrointestinal tract to attract water and loosen the bowels. Nanotechnology, liposomalized vitamin C is absorbed at 93%, measurable in the blood stream. A 390% increase in absorption! Get IV results with oral dosage!
My ideas on lifestyle and eating and supplimenting to avoid Covid.
First, lose weight. Stay active.
Fat and Covid
The coronavirus appears to evade the body’s immune defenses and “hang out” in fat tissue, which allows it to replicate and trigger a severe immune response, David Kass, MD, a professor of cardiology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, told the Times. https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20211209/coronavirus-attacks-fat-tissue
What is Liposomal Vitamin C?
Many of us already know the benefits of vitamin C, both in our diet and supplement form. It’s probably the first thing you reach for when you feel a cold coming on due to its well-known antioxidant and immune boosting power.
We also know that we can only get vitamin C through our diet. However, just because we’re consuming a certain amount of vitamin C doesn’t mean that the body is able to put that full amount to use within our cells.
This is where liposomal vitamin C comes in. Liposomal vitamin C is more absorbable and bioavailable in the body because the vitamin C is encased within liposomes, microscopic droplets surrounded by a lipid bilayer, the same kind of barrier as our cell membranes. This liposome makes the vitamin C fat soluble (instead of water soluble) and more easily transported into our cells, where it can be used.
Let’s break down the characteristics, benefits, any side effects, and answer some of the most common questions about liposomal vitamin C.
What’s the difference between standard vitamin C and liposomal vitamin C? “Regular” vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is what you’ll find in most vitamin C supplements as a powder, tablet, or capsule.
This type of vitamin C is water soluble, meaning it’s absorbed in water. Although our bodies contain a lot of water, the structure of our cells is made of lipids—fat. As we know, oil (fat) and water do not mix; they repel each other. This means that water soluble vitamin C is not absorbed very well into our cells where it is most needed.
Only very low doses of standard vitamin C can be well absorbed by the body; the higher dosage you take, the lower the absorption rate! At the commonly recommended 1,000 mg dose, your body can absorb less than half of what you ingest. The rest is excreted mostly into the urine. This means that taking oral “megadoses” of vitamin C isn’t really doing you much good, not to mention can cause digestive upset.
Liposomal vitamin C on the other hand, is still ascorbic acid, just encased in a liposomal form—surrounded by a lipid bilayer that allows for easier access into the cell. This means that it is far more absorbable and bioavailable in the body, ready to be used as needed. As a supplement, you get more value out of a liposomal formula than a water soluble formula.
Benefits of liposomal Vitamin C
Liposomal vitamin C essentially has the same benefits of standard vitamin C, you’re just more likely to notice the results due to its higher absorption ability. These are some of the primary areas in which vitamin C supports the body.
Skin health
Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen, the structural “glue” that holds us together.* Collagen is essential for cellular integrity, helping to keep out pathogens and toxins from the cytoplasm and the cell nucleus, where they can cause real damage.
It’s also what helps skin retain its smoothness, bounce, and elasticity. You’ve probably heard dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts recommend a “vitamin C serum”—this is why! [3, 4]
Heart health
Vitamin C is our most essential antioxidant, protecting nutrient molecules like proteins and lipids from oxidative stress and damage. For heart health in particular, it inhibits oxidation of LDL-protein, which reduces atherosclerosis. It has also been linked in some studies to improvements in arterial stiffness, lipid profiles and endothelial function.
Mood boost
Vitamin C helps synthesize neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, the chemical signals that regulate our mood. Real liposomal vitamin C can easily cross the blood brain barrier, where it can be immediately used for mental support and mood regulation.
Without adequate vitamin C, researchers found that study participants had depressed mood and increased cognitive impairment.
Immune support
We need strong immune systems more than ever, and vitamin C is your immune system champion. Research shows that vitamin C reduced the number of common colds by half in physically active people.
Does liposomal Vitamin C have any side effects?
Standard vitamin C can easily cause digestive upset if taken in high doses. Liposomal vitamin C, however, since it is much more rapidly absorbed and used by the body, is far less likely to cause any side effects. Still, you should follow your health practitioner’s direction on a dose that is appropriate for you.
Can you take too much liposomal Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is well known for causing gastrointestinal distress when taken in high doses. However, liposomal vitamin C minimizes this risk because it bypasses typical absorption constraints in the gut and is rapidly absorbed into the cells. Though unlikely, liposomal vitamin C may initiate a Herxheimer reaction––flu-like symptoms that can occur when the body begins to rapidly detoxify and the elimination systems become overwhelmed with the sudden toxic burden released from the tissues. If this occurs, simply cut back on your dosage or stop altogether until you recover. As always, consult with a healthcare professional if you have a reaction or concern using liposomal vitamin C.
Liposomal Vitamin C
Good to know for 2022
One of many Mixing Formulas
Now you have the best mix of liposomal vitamin C, which you can pour into a 1 litre glass bottle and place it into the fridge to use when needed.
Link to buy a kit. https://store.tovatech.com/do-it-yourself-liposomal-vitamin-c/
Links for Lipo recepies
How to Make Liposomal Vitamin C At Home (Homemade Lipo-spheric Sodium Ascorbate Recipe)