Panda Palace, Jade Garden, #1 China, Noodle House. Chinese restaurants dot every neighborhood, across every demographic, around every socioeconomic pitfall and paradise. They can be tattered looking, plexiglass-enclosed safe houses to brightly lit, neon glistening meccas of General Tso, Pekin Duck and Mu Shu.

In exploring the fast food of the Chinese-in-America landscape, there were few answers to be found. This food isn't quite the styrofoam-addled, overly-sauced dreck found at the food court at the Mega Mall.

As reported on the Cheftalk.com website with images - READ MORE

A good restaurant is not just about the food. It is about the experience. The experience is about service, the surroundings, the food and a bit of the colorful panache that gets served with each dish. And a bit about the way a titillating dining experience makes you feel after you leave.

Here are 5 areas of importance to create the perfect Dining experience.

As reported on Cheftalk.com - READ MORE

All things sweet is a photo album on the Cheftalk.com website of some REALLY yummy looking desserts. The Ombre Cake above caught the GLOB master's eye right away.  Traditionally, an ombre cake is a white cake with white frosting that has been dyed to create an ombre effect (color from dark to light). Check this link out if you are seriously thinking lunchtime desserts!

As viewed on the Cheftalk.com website with slideshow - READ MORE

Quartermoon, Free Fridays Concert Series, Bo Diddley Community Plaza, Fri, 8-10 pm. Rock/folk band performs an eclectic mix of music from Gram Parsons to Bill Monroe to Merle Haggard, and many original songs.

Robin Hood, Hippodrome Theater, Opening Night, Friday, various times & days. This play follows the man defined by a red feather in his hat and a heart of gold as he steals from the rich to give to the poor. In order to restore justice and harmony to Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood must face several seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

UF College of Veterinary Medicine’s Open House, Sat, 10 am-4 pm. Learn about the veterinary profession and what the UF Small and Large Animal Hospitals have to offer; engage in learning opportunities; adopt an animal from a local shelter.

Jest Fest, each Sat night in April, Bo Diddley Community Plaza, 6-8 pm.  This Sat:  A living and breathing human statue exhibition, Lynn Polke Rainbow Tiger Circus; Ken Silkie's interactive show, An Evening at the Opera; the internationally noted silent clown from Paris, Arsene Dupin, performing Magikhana.

Audacious Women & Pianist Thomas Royal, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville, Sat, 7:30 pm. This double feature opens with a female a capella musical ensemble and closes with  pianist Royal playing improvisational jazz.

Blue Oven, Bluegrass, and Beer, Jones B-side, Sun, 3-7 pm. Live bluegrass, blues, and folk music courtesy of The Micanopy Porch Band, Jeffrey Forbes, and Seaton Tarrant in support of Blue Oven Kitchen.

Nicky’s Family, Hipp Cinema, Hippodrome Theater, various days and times. The film tells the nearly forgotten story of Sir Nicholas Winton, an Englishman who organized the rescue of 669 Czech and Slovak children just before the outbreak of World War II. Winton, now 103 years old, did not speak about these events with anyone for more than half a century.

49th Annual Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, Cedar Key, Sat & Sun. Over 120 fine artists and craftsmen will showcase works of art on Historic 2nd Street.

What do you make yourself for lunch, if nobody else is around? I bet you're hoping I'm going to say something ambitious, like "a gently poached chicken breast, cooled and sliced across a vegetable salad with a hand-whisked vinaigrette," because that happens, ever. Or maybe you're hoping that this is where I tell you about my secret peanut butter fluff with crumbled potato chip sandwich habit, alas, I'm not even interesting enough at lunchtime to be scandalous.

I made a big fuss about poaching eggs a few years ago because I loved them but had a hard time getting them right at home. Once I did, I was triumphant, but nevertheless, have probably not made one in over a year, or not since I discovered that there's an even simpler route to that cooked-white-loose-yolk-soft-edge nirvana. Soft-boiled eggs require no vinegar, no teeming water and no whirlpools, but they peel like a dream.

As reported on the Smitten Kitchen website with recipe - READ MORE

Consult your gut, slow down the eating process

Most of us allow external, and usually visual, cues to determine how much we eat. The larger the portions for example, the more we eat; the bigger the container the more we pour.  As in so many areas of modern life, the culture of food has become a culture of the eye. But when it comes to food, it pays to cultivate the other senses, which often provide more useful and accurate information. It can take twenty minutes to finish a meal, the sensation of satiety will arrive too late to be of any use. So slow down and pay attention to what your body -- and not just your sense of sight – is telling you. This is what your grandparents were getting at with the adage, "Your eyes are bigger than your stomach."

- Michael Pollan's FOOD RULES is an easy-to-use guide that draws from a variety of traditions, suggesting how different cultures through the ages have arrived at the same enduring wisdom about food. Whether at the supermarket or an all-you-can-eat buffet, this is the perfect guide for anyone who ever wondered, "What should I eat?"

For more information about FOOD RULES visit Michael Pollan website:

$2.00 PORK SANDWICHES! $2.00 PORK SANDWICHES!  Oops, sorry, I got caught up in that TV ad where the guy jumps out the window, and back in the front door yelling about a super cheap special.  A $2.00 sandwich lunch special is something to get excited about.  What make the David's BBQ pork sandwich special on Tuesday's is that this is really good BBQ.  David's does a nice job cooking the other white meat to smoked 'que perfection.  The chopped pork, or the sliced variety is very tasty, and is complimented by a spicy on-the-hotter-side of mild BBQ sauce on the GLOB Master's lunch time belly bomb.  Sometimes I add the David's coleslaw to the sandwich for a tart, crunchy flavor addition.  I like my BBQ sammie on the crunchy Texas Toast.  You have to admit that is a darn good looking sandwich above.  David's only disclaimer is you can buy just 5 sandwiches at one time.  In other words you can't stop the school bus and buy everybody on the giant Orange school wagon a $2.00 sandwich. Gosh Pee Wee, a TWO dollar sandwich and TWO sides is just a little over SIX bucks.  I'm going back to David's BBQ for lunch today.

This smokehouse is serving X-large portions of BBQ bliss

By Mike Sanford, GLOB Editor

There is more David's BBQ feature information on the David's BBQ NE 23rd Blog page.

I've been a Davids BBQ fan for a real long time. My relationship goes back to 1998 when the restaurant was located on NW 23rd Ave. across from what is now Ward's Grocery. I'm guessing you've heard their snappy music on television and radio ads. Their web site proudly states David's BBQ was voted 'Best BBQ and ribs in Gainesville', and 'Best Food' at the Greater Gainesville Beer Festival.

BBQ ribs and beer. I wish I could describe the wonderful images floating around in head right now thinking about ribs and beer. I have no idea who the challengers were at that beer festival, but I can tell you with one of David's extra large, incredibly fleshy ribs in one hand, and a glass of the ice cold golden nectar of the gods in the other, second place really is unimportant.

David's ribs are so large I recently ordered the large pork plate special with two sides and could only eat two of the ribs. I shared the order with my friend Lynn and she ate two of the ribs. It was my sons Bob's birthday so I gave him the fifth rib to take home for later.

OK, Lynn didn't do a very good job of cleaning all the meat off her rib bones. So I made sure she didn't throw any of those juicy, tender morsels of meat away . . .

I'm a big guy. I wear extra large clothes and could easily weigh 300 pounds as opposed to 200 pounds. Folks like me will appreciate this next statement. THERE IS NO PORTION CONTROL AT DAVID'S BBQ.

The pork plate special mentioned above is a lot of food. Picture a nine inch black plate of five giant ribs and a major portion of fries on top of the ribs, only to have a very large order of perhaps the best onion rings in town stacked on top of the fries sitting in front of you. Literally a triple-decker order of heart stopping heaven. Now think about it being your mission to clean your plate.

That's what momma always told me.

The flavors are extraordinary. The meat is perfectly cooked. The side orders are cooked to perfection. Their Texas toast chopped pork sandwich -- in which I measure BBQ success -- I M O is one of the best sandwiches in town.

For the GLOBers interested in a good Food On The Run spot David's has a quick drive-thru that moves you through the order window, pick up window process in a timely manner.

BTW the home cut french fries are really good. Their lightly battered french fried onion rings most likely are the best in town. If these O R's aren't the best you need to tell me where to find better onion rings. Go ahead add your comment below, send me to David's competition.

Since the large rib special is big enough to share, my suggestion is to order both the fries and the onions rings as your two side orders.

My ex-wife summarized the David's BBQ experience perfectly, "How come the people eating in here are all shaped like you and not like me?"

OINK!

I was out getting my exercise miles when I came upon David’s Real Pit BBQ on NE 23^rd Ave. and thought it would be a good time to grab a quick bite to eat. While I was waiting my turn, I was reading a table top card with a large headline that said, “What Style Are You?”   The card was advertising the David’s USDA CHOICE Black Angus Quarter Pound Classic Hamburger for $4.79. You can get a BBQ burger for $5.29. For an additional $2, you get a small drink and French fries. Those giant, fat, meaty home cut French fries are some of my favorite spuds in GLOB Land. I’m not joking when I tell you this was a CLASSIC Hamburger. A thick juicy, flavorful USDA CHOICE BLACK ANGUS patty stacked up high with Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle, and Onion. I added my own mustard and ketchup. This is a hamburger that could have made the GLOB Fab Five of hamburgers. Wait a minute. I am this minute updating the GLOB Fab Five Burgers to include this one, and it is the undisputed champion. On Friday, David’s sells this red meat protein prize winner and their BBQ Burger for FOUR DOLLARS! If there is a better $4 dollar hamburger deal in town some one needs to let the GLOB Master and GLOB readers know!

The Pluses and Minuses of David's BBQ:

David's BBQ (+) Indicators : Truly serving up plates of bar-b-ques bliss!

David's BBQ (-) Indicators: David's presents a counter of interesting hot sauces they have titled the wall of fire. All of those hot sauces and we can't sample any of them.

Be the first to offer your GLOB comments, lunch photographs and opinions about David's Real Pit BBQ.  Please identify your opinions with a PLUS SIGN (+) for positive comments, and a MINUS SIGN (-) for your negative comments.  - THANKS!

Otis is excited about living with you

By Kendall Crews, GLOB Correspondent

I have a BIG love for animals and I got a BIG animal idea for the GLOB. After an enthusiastic discussion with the GLOB Master, we have decided to add a column to the Gainesville Lunch Out Blog that will feature animals looking for homes we call our:

Haile's ANGEL of the week: Otis

Otis is a friendly black basset hound mix. He is about one year old and loves to play. Otis is short and stocky sort of like a canine body builder. When I saw him waddle out from the back of the kennel all happy, ready to play and seeking my attention he brightened up my entire day. Otis is one of the best dogs I've met at Haile Pet Rescue. I really think he deserves a good home with someone that will love him and treat him right. Otis had everyone in the front office laughing while I had him out. He is so curious, checking out all the corners of the room and under everything. When I gave him a dog bone treat he thought it was funny to throw it up in the air and catch it. The more we laughed the more he would fling the bone across the room or throw it way up in the air with his mouth. He really liked the attention, and that all eyes were on him. So please don't hesitate, If you are looking for a new hound dog friend. Otis is ready to be your new pal, companion!

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Pet Statistics the average cost of basic food, supplies, medical care and training for a dog or cat is $600 to $900 annually. Seventy-eight percent of pet dogs, and 88 percent of pet cats are spayed or neutered. (Source: APPA)

Being a volunteer at the Haile's Angels Pet Rescue is a lot of fun.  I am learning that when it comes to homeless pets there are a lot of them and they require a lot of work. They make me feel special when I see them because all the animals are so happy when they see one of the volunteers. They have so much love to give and seem to be so forgiving even though they have been neglected in some way or they wouldn't be here.

Haile's Angels Pet Rescue is a nonprofit organization that helps homeless pets find homes. All pets up for adoption are fully examined by Dr. Linda McCollough of Haile Plantation Animal Clinic, which is right next door to HAPR in Haile Pet rescue.  At Pet rescue we call the homes we find for these little angels 'forever homes'.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Alachua County Animal Services, and the Alachua County Humane Society plus several other organizations also find homes for pets. Feel free to add a comment in the GLOB comment window below to mention other organizations, and locations of rescue animal services.

It is the dawn of the super crab.

Crabs are bulking up on carbon pollution that pours out of power plants, factories and vehicles and settles in the oceans, turning the tough crustaceans into even more fearsome predators.

"Higher levels of carbon in the ocean are causing oysters to grow slower, and their predators — such as blue crabs — to grow faster," Justin Baker Ries, a marine geologist at the University of North Carolina's Aquarium Research Center, said in an recent interview.

As reported in the Washington Post - READ MORE

The April Green Drinks meetings met at Gainesville's SweetBerries Eatery and Frozen Custard to discuss sustainability initiatives locally and beyond. The co-owner of SweetBerries, Jane Osmond, spoke about preserving the history of their building, previously owned by Books Inc. and the Book Lover's Cafe, by refurbishing the original furniture and promoting sustainable practices and using locally sourced tempeh and produce in their sandwiches and salads. Ms. Osmond emphasized their future goals of making SweetBerries more sustainable by reducing their use of wasteful materials such as styrofoam, and becoming more energy efficient.

Charles Motley from the Amazon Waterfalls Association presented the organization's mission to encourage conservation practices, provide greater economic opportunities, and strengthen cultural and social traditions in the Cuispes District of Peru.  Yumbilla, one of the worlds 5 largest waterfalls was recently discovered in this zone in 2007, it measures in at over 895 meters putting it on the worlds top five largest fall list (three times the size of The Eiffel Tower of Paris).

Amazon Waterfalls Association was established to help protect the natural splendor of this zone while making it accessible for all to enjoy.  The program combines the efforts of volunteer and local workers to help construct the infrastructure necessary to allow the local population to protect this zone well into the future while benefiting from the tourist revenues.  Amazon Waterfalls is recruiting summer volunteers to work on several projects, such as maintaining trails, working in a local tree nursery, and teaching English in local schools. More Amazon Waterfalls Association information can be found on the Amazon Waterfalls website.

SweetBerries passed out frozen custard samples of their tasty vanilla frozen custard that was immersed in an apple juice flavored drink. Samples of sandwiches, and soups from the SweetBerries menu were also available.

Monthly Green Drinks meetings are coordinated by Cineme Verde Director Trish Riley and showcases Gainesville sustainable businesses, and organizations environmental focus by business-to-business networking, and participating in community events.  For more Greendrinks information This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at Green Drinks Gainesville.