The Second Run

As of February of this year, it was my first time ever going to a Sonic’s Drive-In. To summarize the history behind the eagerness to go, was that me and my best friend from high school (still to this day) would make a effort to eventually go to a Sonic’s spot that ranged a time span of 11 years that started since 2004, despite the place being nowhere near our location. The selling point to be completely honest would be the multiple commercials that they would advertise on cable TV during the late night hours, and they were actually funny in some cases. Fast forward to today, and with the help of some friends that came down from Sacramento to also go to AX 2015, we decided to take a honest 50 minute trip out to Anaheim, which happens to be the closest Sonic’s to where I live. Much to my surprise, it was actually their first time going to Sonic’s as well, which made the trip even more worth it. We actually ended up ordering extras and taking some food back home with us, but if there was anything I could give Sonic’s credit for, it would easily be their Slushies and Shakes without a doubt.

Dreams Realized

For years, if there was anything I wished to happen, was that I would be able to visit a Sonic’s Drive-In spot during my lifetime. Believe it or not, there is actually a story for my eagerness to do so. For years, there were Sonic’s commercials played on TV and even on radio, and I was sold on the food they had to offer and options they had in the case of slushes, icees, or iced style drinks based off of such. Mind you, this curiosity began in high school, which was practically 11 years ago. Fast forward to January 27th, 2015…..it finally happened. With two others that I know who were eager for food and even a honest drive, we took it to Sonic’s which was located in Anaheim, California. The ride to was filled with laughs and excitement; On a technicality, it was about a 20 to 30 minute drive to said location. The moment we made it was the moment I was absorbed into what was really happening.

I couldn’t believe it, because me and my best friend had a long winded talk about it, and though he managed to go before I did, I vowed that I would meet him halfway in going as well. Cue 6 years later, it finally happened. The prices were much lower than I expected, and between the three of us that went, we spent maybe no more than $25 to $30. As for the end result, we ended up with handfuls of food and drinks that we ended up taking back home with us. In a way, the menu was a bit overwhelming, considering that my eagerness to try anything was almost taking over at that point. Though the other two that I went with has had Sonic’s before, this experience was truly enjoyable for someone who has never been. My first time was filled with laughs and enjoyable food, especially for a 25 to 30 minute drive, the experience was truly one of a kind.

The New Year

A Happy New Year to everyone! 2014 was one of the most random years for me personally, but for 2015 I have a different plan. For a few months, I’ve been holding true to my word of changing the way I go about certain things, my eating habits being one of them. During my post high-school days, I enjoyed cooking almost….everything. It took my mind away from stress or even just to clear the mind for a better day. College came around, and I was still cooking everything despite there being a McDonalds, Del Taco, Jack in the Box, Burger King, and the list goes on. If I was on a strict time limit during classes, I would from time to time go grab a quick bite from either of those places but managed to save my appetite for when I got back home. When I started working and going to college, that’s when it all began to slow down for the homemade meals. Not completely, but enough to notice a change in eating habits. I cut this story short for now to fast forward to the present, after taking a 5 mile walk around the area left me in a real hungry state. Today, I made this oven baked boneless chicken breast marinated in a Chile-Lime sauce with a few cuts of red and green bell peppers. I followed that up with spoonful or two of jasmine rice with some sliced bell peppers as well as some of the sauce to coat the rice, and a selection of the last of the Normandie Veggie Blend that lasted me for a bit through december. It hit the spot enough for me to actually get another plate (but smaller) and enjoy. This actually inspired me to want to experiment with a mixture of either ground turkey or various seafood in the case of re-introducing various meals back into my eating habits.

Keeping the Treats

I’ve been staying true to my word, and making the honest effort to change my eating habits little by little. There used to be a time where I would cook most of meals during my college days, which then turned into the opposite once I began to work much more with a overnight shift. Since then, I’ve been making a slow return to cooking a majority of my meals, ranging from a simple breakfast or a nice sized lunch to a well portioned dinner as posted above. Although it’s a bit simple…it did the job on taste and nourishment for me enough to want to cook it on the regular if I have the said ingredients. This particular plate consisted of two spoonfuls of jasmine rice with red, yellow, and green bell peppers in a light orange sauce, a handful of the Normandie Veggie Blend from Costco that was steamed, and a small to medium cut of a oven baked boneless chicken coated in a ginger orange sauce. This is a meal I can see myself taking with me to work for not just getting through the long shifts, but also for a pretty packed lunch as well. Most of all, it was quite the enjoyable dinner for the two to four days that the entire amount that was cooked lasted.

The Honest Treat

After having quite the chaotic day today, I took a moment to take a stride to the store that’s right around the corner from my place. For the past few weeks, I’ve been doing more to stay home, develop more ways to cook, and eat. The end result after a few purchases from the store? Shown above, a homemade salmon burger which I took a picture of. It consists of a salmon patty that was cooked in the oven with a slice of muenster cheese, sitting on a small bed of spinach that is topped with sliced red and green bell peppers and lightly sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Instead of using condiments, I used Litehouse’s Caesar Caesar dressing as the spread for the Sesame Seed bun to make for a amazing dinner. Would definitely make again if I have all of the materials needed. I’m also tempted to experiment a little more with this recipe as well in the case of how I can potentially expand it even more.