Episode 46: Cash gives Mrs Cash a short warning; Spa derails Marrakesh Express.

By CRUZ | EDITOR in CHIEF
Published: September 24th, 2011
It was Tuesday September 22nd, a grey cloudy day in NYC. I arrived at SLAW and saw neatly wrapped sandwiches sitting on top of paper mats, napkins and a big bag of potato chips wide open.  Cash did a good job.  GOOD JOB!!!
Spa and Mr X joined us shortly.  Everyone commented on what a great job Mrs Cash did with the presentation, all sandwiches wrapped individually in wax paper like a professional deli would do especially because she had to prepare these the very morning.  
The sandwiches were triple layered delights filled with cole-slaw.  Cash, Mr X and Spa had ones with ham and I had one without (thanks Mrs Cash) since I don't ham.  The last time we had these was during "SLAW on the road" episode dated December 22nd 2010. You can read all about Episode 18 here [Link to Episode]

 

 

Cash played the Art lecture but we soon discovered that no one was paying much attention so he stopped it and started discussing about Spa's trip to Morocco which at this point is only 1 week away. We also discussed a situation where Spa entered Cash's office one morning and called him a name, completely un-provoked.  Let us pretend that name rhymes with shopping bag.  Cash demanded SLAWpology and Spa ignored the request. 

Spa started talking about her trip to Morocco again.  I think Cash prompted her with a song and Spa taking the bait started singing "Marrakesh Express" by Crosby, Stills and Nash.  The singing was so off that it made Cash jump up and put the song on youtube so we all can hear the difference.

Great food, music, "shopping bag", SLAWpology, Spa's singing and Cash's rapid fire jokes made this a very good SLAW. 

Editor's Note: Mr X to the rescue, SLAW needs to get more healthier.

As I was diving into a bag of potato chips that Cash brought for Episode 46th, Mr X calmly asked me if I was "bulking-up".  That made me realize that I was starting to eat unhealthy again.  
Project SLAW was founded on the belief that by eating home-cooked lunch during a work day we can save money, eat healthy and enjoy office lunches.
That made me re-design our logo for SLAW Weekly and gave me an idea for my next turn at bringing in Office Lunch. Sorry Cash but I must.
Here's to a NEW Start at SLAW, a healthier SLAW.
(Lets see how long this lasts, I would give this one a week)

Episode 45: The un-official weekly SLAW introduces SLAW Art Lectures

By CRUZ | EDITOR in CHIEF
Published: September 23rd, 2011
I accidentally stumbled into SLAW area during lunch hour one day and saw Cash, Spa and Mr X watching Art Lectures while eating lunch.  Then I find out that they have been doing this for a while and were already on lecture 5.  
WHAT!!!
I know I have been busy at work and not much time to take lunches but I missed out on four excellent office lunches and some interesting lectures.  Not to forget all the comments they probably made during those lectures.  The fun stuff!!!

On Friday September 16th, I had a 50 minute break between meetings so I went out with Spa and Cash to EAT on upper east side.  We all got soups (perfect for a rainy cloudy NYC day) and headed back to office. 
Cash called Mr X to join and we started our first lecture. Today's lecture was Lecture # 5: Ancient Near East and Islamic Art.  The lectures are 1/2 hour each which is perfect for work lunch and are available on DVD under series title Museum Masterpieces.  Professor Richard Brettel picks a few art object from a specific period and shares some key facts and observations.  I found this interesting and educational.
Since this is a blog about office lunch I will mention that soups from EAT although expensive ($9 for a pint) were very good. That didn't stop me from eyeing Mr X's leftover lunch which looked pretty good. http://www.elizabar.com/-C25.aspx
The lecture was interesting but some of us started to do other things towards the end.

Episode 44: SLAW comes back with Biryani and a lesson on Murga Punishment from South East Asia

By CRUZ | EDITOR in CHIEF
Published: September 23rd, 2011
Sorry for not posting any new blogs. It has been 2 months and I am happy to report that Project SLAW is still on.  
Team SLAW met on Tuesday September 6th and it was my turn.  It had been a while so I brought in some Paki comfort food, yup Beef Biryani (Layered Spicy Basmati Rice with Potatoes and beef) with the usual side of cucumber yogurt.  Since its been couple of weeks, I hardly remember what we talked about.  Mr X had a day off which I didn't realize so I had brought his portion. Oh well, more for me.  Besides Biryani I brought Gulab Jaman, a deep-fried ball of flour and sugar/honey and Halwa for dessert.

Spa was excited about her upcoming trip to Paris and Morocco, Cash was cash and I explained to them about a punishment that most people who grew up in South East Asia receives some time during their lives.  Its called "Murga" position which literally translate to the rooster position.  If you get caught doing anything you are not supposed to like talking in class, or breaking a traffic rule, well you are bound to be converted into a Murga for atleast 10-15 minutes if not half hour.  Both Spa and Cash were fascinated.  Wikipedia has an entry on it as well.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murga_punishment 

Spa even attempted to try it but couldn't really make her arms go under her legs and bring them up to her ears. Enjoy the pictures. :) 

New Episodes Coming Tuesday September 6th 2011

Our Office Lunch Blog Reaches 6000 Views!

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6000 Views

Episode 43: Shortest SLAW ever, Waiting for Mr X, Spa and Cruz chats Morocco

By CRUZ | EDITOR in CHIEF
Published: July 19th , 2011
To date, this was the shortest SLAW since we started sharing lunch at work November of 2010.  We started 12:10pm and I was cleaning up by 12:25pm. 
Because of just insane hot weather in NYC, I decided not to bring lunch from home and bought is frmo our Staff Cafe.  I went with
- Buffalo Chicken Wrap with Hot sauce, Blue Cheese, Carrtos and Celery.
- Mrs Vickie's Potato Chips
- Madeleines Petite French Cakes (from Starbucks)

 

Cash ate his half of Buffalo Chicken Wrap, I offered him another half and he politely declined.  I also offered him dessert and he declined that as well.  Mr X was busy with a meeting and since we were done in 15 minutes, he missed SLAW.  Spa and I discussed her upcoming vacation to Paris and Morocco.  For the record, Spa did really like this wrap.
And there you have it.  The Shortest SLAW in the history of SLAWs. 
I left Mr X's meal (I did cover it up though). He called me when I was back at my desk to thank me since this is his most favorite thing from our staff cafe.

Episode 42: Mrs Cash on Vacation, Spa/Mr X help out and Cash invents SLAWPOLOGY.

By CRUZ | EDITOR in CHIEF
Office Lunch Occured: July 5th , 2011
So Mrs Cash is on vacation.  Mr X/Spa helped out Cash (who is quite busy at work) and ordered a Pizza Pie from City Market Cafe, a deli close by.  The deli is so-so although they do make pretty good pizza.  For lunch we had:
- 1 Margarita Pizza Pie
- Salad with Mushrooms, Cranberries, Almonds, Tomato, Lettuce in Balsamic Vinigrette

All of us are super busy at work these days so not much time to eat. 

 

 

It was a quick lunch, 25 minutes at most and SLAW was over.  We did notice Spa adding salad to her pizza slice, kinda a pretend healthy pizza :)

Its been a week since this last SLAW so it is hard for me to remember what we talked about except that our discussion ended abrubtly.  In short some of jokes heavily targeted one of the members of Team SLAW.  To de-sour and sweeten Team SLAW, Cash invented slawPology.  (SLAW(Sharing lunch at Work + Apology).

After officially issuing the first ever slawPology, we all felt quite sweet and averted the end of SLAW for now.

Behind the Scene: Spa, Cash and Pretzel Hotdogs!

If you are wondering what we eat on NON-SLAW days*, this is the right post to read.
* Refers to days where we don't share lunch at work and eat separate, well not all of us apparently.
I stopped by Table SLAW during lunch hour and saw Cash and Spa fine-dining on Prezel Hotdogs and Pretzels.  
A total Carb Calorie Fiesta Frenzy!

 
Spa gave me a piece of the soft pretzels and they were DELICIOUS! 

Episode 41: Spa Slathers, Cash Flirts, Mr X Talks Hair and Cruz Leaves with Leftovers

By CRUZ | EDITOR in CHIEF
Published: July 5th , 2011
Welcome to our first July episode of SLAW Weekly, where 4 of us spice up our office lunch once a week, most weeks. Its Spa Day and based on texts and e-mails received from Spa yesterday, i knew what was coming our way.  Well, it was that and much more.  Slaw started on time, and by the time I reached SLAW table, everything was setup nicely. 
Spa brought:
MAIN COURSE: Grass Fed Boneless Rib-eye marianated in Slatherin Sauce (Original)
CHEESE: Prairie Breeze Cheddar
SALAD: Tossed Salad with Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber, Mushrooms, Dried Cranberries, and Sliced Almonds.
DESSERT: Red and Blue Cookies (in honor of 4th of July)
Here is what I saw when i walked in.  Lunch ready!

Lunch was DELICIOUS and HEALTHY.  Less on carbs and high on protein and taste (ignore those cookies for now). Now here is why lunch was delicious.  First of all everything was hand selected or prepared by Spa.  She put alot of thought into it.  Starting with sauce for the rib-eye.  It was Slatherin Sauce  and like they say Slather it on. http://slatheriton.com/

Second, Spa prepared the steak on 4th of July.  She went to her local butcher in Brooklyn and consulted on meat. Once home, she prepped the meat and took pictures (posted on this blog yesterday).  After hours of cook time, Rib-Eye was ready to be sliced up.  To ensure perfection she even ate some of it last night. Now that's some dedication.   

On to Cheese.  The Prairie Breeze Cheedar was delicious. Milton Creamery gets two thumbs up from Team SLAW.

Besides food, our in-house DJ Cash mixed up our office lunch with some 80's tunes.  Today's song was Jukebox (Don't Put Another Dime) by The Flirts. Link: http://youtu.be/Kohs_nlQzpM

So there we have it.  An office lunch with great food, good music, company and the best part, Spa loved doing all the prep and cooking.  Although if I somewhat quote Cash, this SLAW would be perfect if there was atleast one more cookie each and a cup of coffee.  Maybe next time Cash.

Almost forgot, Mr X did describe how Mrs Cash did her hair back in the 80's (this while we watched the Flirts sing JukeBox).  Front straight up (thinking gel) and back buzz cut. And yes yes, I as always happily took away the leftovers as my pre-dinner snack.  Good stuff.

Spa prepares for SLAW & Happy 4th of July everyone.

First of all 

Second of all I know Spa has been quite busy today preparing for SLAW tomorrow.  To prove, here are some images from her SLAW prep. 
Message received from SPA at 12:02pm

E-Mail received from SPA at 6:16pm

Can't wait for our Office lunch tomorrow!  
Good Job!! 
Good Job Spa!!!

Episode 40: Mr X's 10:00pm Taquitos, Pitmaster Lost Forever and What to do With Wide Open Walls.

By CRUZ | EDITOR in CHIEF
Published: June 28th , 2011
Welcome to Episode 40 of Weekly SLAW where 4 hard working people share office lunch in order to save $ and time.  I can definitely say we save time but not sure if SLAW saved us any money, if anything some of us spent much much more.

Today was Mr X's turn and he brought
-  Beef Taquitos 
-  Sour Cream
-  Newman's Peach Salsa with Tostitos Crispy Round Chips

Mr X brought his home-made Taquitos back on March 10th 2011 in Episode 27 although he had Newman's Pineapple Salsa with Tostitos home style chips. Link to Episode 27 from March 10th
[Editor Thinking Out Loud] ~You know writing about office lunch can get a little draining, especially 8 months into Project SLAW and by the time I come home from work, eat, watch TV I normally forget most of what actually happened during our office lunch~
Cash asked Spa about her Pit Master, her reply
Pit Master is gone.  
Spa enjoyed her time with him although she never made it to the Pitmaster's BBQ cook-off. Oh well on to bigger and better things. ;)  [Pitmaster was part of Episodes 32, 33, 34 and 39]
Lunch started few minutes early.  Spa confirmed her upcoming trip to Morocco then discussed an issue she was having on Facebook with one of her friends. Her Bottom line: everyone has a right to say what they want on their own page. She wasn't feeling well and said that her nephew might have 102 degree temperature which she might have gotten.  Her statement was a cue for Cash to start singing a song from the 70's (Hot Blooded - Foreigner) which then turned into a cue for Spa to bring out her 70's dance moves.  Its always a scene at SLAW... Talking about that, right before all this we had a inquisitive visitor come check us out.  She had heard about SLAW and peeked in to see how its done. (PS: All visitors are welcome although come at your own risk)

Walls are wide open?!?!?
Towards the end of our lunch, Cash said "My Walls are wide open right now". His house is under renovation and there was a discussion on whether to install wiring for surround sound system. I voted a HUGE YES although he decided otherwise.  I guess I voiced a lot of excitement cause I was getting my mini HDTV for my bathroom today so any home tech talk is exciting for me. 
Nothing like watching Good Morning America while you hmmmm brush your teeth or shave.
SLAW ended 20 minutes early.  Food was delicious, company was good, music was lively, some discussions were even more livelier.  That wraps up our Episode 40 of SLAW Weekly.

  

Episode 39: Spa in Morocco, Cash Cherry-Pick Cherries, Mr X Bites a Mango.

By CRUZ | EDITOR in CHIEF
Published: June 15th , 2011

Welcome to Episode 39. The episode that broke No Rice or Pasta rule quietly. It was my turn and I kept it the usual with a Beef Biryani (white rice, potatoes, spices, plum pits) with cucumber Yogurt dressing, For sweet, I brought Mangoes. Cash helped me by adding some organic corn chips and Cherries which was hand selected for Spa (aka leaving her with all the deformed yet still delicious cherries). 

Corn chips added a nice crunch to Biryani. Soft rice and crunchy chips. Like Spa pointed out, adding carbs to carbs. Even it that was a crime, it was a delicious Carb on Carb crime. 

 

SLAW lunch was mostly about MOROCCO. More specifically Spa's potential upcoming vacation to Morocco.  Looks like she has a few places in mind, friends lined up for the trip, good connection with a hotel owner, room picked out and everything.  While Spa was talking about her trip, Cash started singing "One Night in Fez" which was taken from "One Night in bangkok" by Murray Head. 

Here is a little video of our lunch.  You will notice Spa breaking out her dance moves.  And thats not why i cut the video... I swear.

For every SLAW there is a lot of prep and hard work.  In today's episode, my mom was up early cooking, cutting and mixing away. Interesting thing about Project SLAW is that we do setup, eat, laugh, try to dance and cleanup under an hour which is why SLAW has lasted as long as it did. Even on a day when its my turn, our office lunch lasted 45 minutes, and blogging about this including posting pics was an hour in the evening while watching TV. 

SLAW WORKS. BELIEVE IT.