Bill Murray and Eckhart Tolle

By Allyn Raifstanger

This blog is not about food for the body but for the brain. I started reading a book called The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle. I have always wanted to be enlightened, whatever that may be. It would bring about positive changes in my body and soul. But was…

Fat Tuesday – Vegan Style

By Allyn Raifstanger

As we approach Fat Tuesday, I thought you would like my Vegan variations on some NOLA classics. Over the 32 years of owning and cooking at Allyn’s, I calculate we have made 500,000 entrees of Jambalaya. A half million is a significant number for one item at the restaurant. When I went vegan in 2013,…

Top Of Mind: Fast Food And Big Food

By Allyn Raifstanger

Fast Food and Big Food I have spent the last 32 years trying to make Allyn’s a better restaurant day by day. I have analyzed the details of everything from food and décor to budget. I believe that you need to change the ambiance of the restaurant every five or six years and, at the…

Is it time for a Holiday Epiphany?

By Allyn Raifstanger

Thanksgiving is over, and the holiday mayhem is on. We get warmed up to the mad rush of Christmas and holiday shopping well in advance. Starting in September, with the big box store displays of Christmas trees, lights, lawn ornaments, and holiday gift packages, there it is, in our faces. Still in shorts, mowing the…

The Great American Pastime

By Allyn Raifstanger

Here are some new over-the-top food items as reported by CBS Sports (www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/best-mlb-ballpark-foods-for-2019-ribs-giant-hot-dogs-and-egg-rolls-among-the-most-intriguing-new-menu-items/). Avocado Bites: deep fried and served with habanero sauce. MQ Rib Sandwich: slow-cooked baby back rib meat with MQ’s black cherry BBQ garnished with dill pickles and white onions on a soft white roll. The Foul Pole: A 2-pound battered and fried chicken tender…

Great Grains Recipes

By Allyn Raifstanger

Great Grains Recipes Whole grains, like the ones included in this recipe packet, help maintain a healthy weight and support heart health and digestion.Some grains take longer to prepare than others, so our “cook once, eat twice” tip is helpful! Many of the following recipes call for cooked grains, so experiment with cooking a large…