Dinner and a General Tso's Chicken Movie

Photo from www.saveur.com

I love Chinese food. Like, if you ask me if I want to go for Chinese--even when the answer is no, its really, yes.

Ok, well, let me say that differently, I love American-ized Chinese food, and while my favorite take out order isn't General Tso's Chicken (I am a Orange Peel Beef Fanatic, though), the sweet and spicy dish is a go-to for me at least every 4th order or so.  It's pretty clear that General Tso's fried and sweet deliciousness was cooked up for American tastes, but its ubiquitous on EVERY Chinese menu you find in America, regardless of location is fascinating.

That is why I was completely transfixed by the new documentary airing at the Tribeca Film Festival this month called "The Search for General Tso." Watch the trailer here.

If you are now craving General Tso's chicken like me, you can make your own via this yummy recipe from Saveur or check out New York Daily news' list of the best places in NYC to eat the delicacy.

Would you watch the film? What's your favorite take-out Chinese food item?

Read More

Boozey Tuesday: Tax Day edition

via www.thekitchn.com

So, its tax day.  Either you're one of those people who is elated to get some HUGE refund to spend on that new thing you want but probably don't need.  Or, you're one of those people who considers this akin to death, a reminder that we live in a government that takes an unbelievable portion of our salaries away, "Who the HELL is FICA?!?" has probably been uttered out of your mouth at least once.  Either way, I am thinking this requires a drink.

On tax day, happy or sad, I think you should keep it simple.  And my latest spirit of choice is whisky.  The genius of a simple "neat" cocktail is that it can be easily ordered (and it's impossible to mess up) at a bar, or you can enjoy from the comfort of your own couch.  One of my favorite blogs, The Kitchn, gives you a step by step guide to making yourself ready to drink your whisky neat here.

But, it's tax day so who has time for steps (you just did enough of those steps in filing your returns, right!?) I say choose your favorite (or ask your bartender for his favorite, then order the one one grade down from that one) pour yourself 1.5 ounces, sip and enjoy.

Erica Michele's Tax Day - Neat
1.5 ounces of Jameson
Clean Glass (tumbler, or rock's glass preferred)
Stella Artois Beer bottle (as a chaser)

Pour Jameson into a glass. Open your Stella. Take a lingering sip of the Jameson. 30 seconds later take a lingering sip of beer. Repeat until you love the American government again.

Read More

Pancetta, Crafting and The World's Best Cake: Sweet Paul's "Eat, Make . . ."

Pancetta, crafting and The World's Best Cake are all found in the new book from the crafting and cooking genius behind Sweet Paul Magazine.  Sweet Paul, aka Paul Lowe Einlyng,  uses his magazine, and his new book "Sweet Paul: Eat, Make..." to highlight "food and crafts through the lens of his seasoned stylist’s eye.

via www.sweetpaulmag.com s

Paul believes that perfection is boring, something I wholeheartedly believe. His genius is that he takes things that are simple, and elevate them to new heights, celebrating life's imperfections as well as its glorious beauty.  If you follow me on Twitter, you know I am a big fan of the simple, crave-inducing recipes from @sweetpaul like Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta AND Blue Cheese?! Maybe I really love him because pancetta makes its way in to a few recipes, like this delicious bite below.

via sweetpaulmag.com

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to tag along with one of my besites to the New York launch party for "Eat, Make . . ."  While there was no making (I really felt like there should have been a craft of some kind) there was indeed drinking, eating, mingling and of course, book signing at the Anthropologie in Chelsea Market.  Upon arriving, we nibbled, sipped and took a look at the book which is gorgeous and features tons of curve worthy craveable recipes, like the aforementioned WORLD'S BEST CAKE.  Although, there was no cake there were cake POPS and other great nibbles.

My favorite bite was a sort of caprese salad skewer with a balsamic infusion speared in the tomato.  I LOVE balsamic and the grape tomatoes and mozzarella were an inventive and delicious combination.

If you love crafting and simple living, make sure to pick up a copy of the book "Sweet Paul: Eat, Make . . ." and subscribe to the gorgeous Pinterest feed while you're at it, too!

Read More

Curvy Confessions: Lessons in Commitment and Vulnerability

Sometime in 2012, I was keenly aware that something in my life had to change.

You see, I was fed up with getting by but never quite getting ahead. I had also recently discovered that my genetics and years of trying to hold it all together had begun to take their toll, and I'd finally had my first panic attack.

Clearly something had to change.

It was about that time that I also began to discover how insecure I was and how my insecurities were fueling my decisions on almost every level. I couldn't even love what I looked like in the mirror. So, like any Scorpio I began to brood. I poured over old pictures and old journals, not even really knowing what I was searching for. I came a cross old memories. Now, as a passive observer, I noticed how damn cute I actually was/am, because that was the opposite of how I felt at the time.

At that time: I'd lost almost 50 lbs for a man who still loathed my curves. At that time: someone who I thought was my best friend told me I did indeed look fat (for the record just don't ask "do I look fat in this.")  At that time: there were also the fond memories; the fun, silly drunken fun of my mid to late 20s, the Sunday Dinners I cooked for friends and for profit, the street food, the meals made on a super budget and the cheap eats of LA, NY  and beyond. Looking back on all of this something clicked; even when I was a "straight size" I was curvy and the commonality in my joyous and not so joyous moments was food and exploring the "city."

I also have known, for a very long time, that I was a storyteller, a writer.  My comfort in every situation I have ever been in, for as long as I could imagine was writing.  When I was in elementary school, I would, routinely, sit out kickball and foursquare to write in my journal and "think."  But, the fear of being vulnerable, the fear of showing my authentic self, living my struggle against my imperfections that has kept me from living my purpose.  I've always wanted to blend in, not stand out...but no matter how hard I try, I wasn't meant to blend, I've always stood out.

So in 2012 I decided, to start to try to live my truth.  Having a voice (or two) online, sharing my opinion and likeness to the world has been a process, but I've decided to (finally) stop running from the fear, rather running towards it.  In the past few months, I recognized that I needed to become more "Dauntless" about writing and sharing my voice. (Sorry, for the plug, but I AM currently reading (aka FULLY absorbed in) the Divergent trilogy, but more on that soon.) The fear of being vulnerable has kept me from this blog and kept me from sharing my stories, when I was born to do just that. This blog is my commitment to myself to live openly and authentically.  I won't always get it right, but I know that, that is the beauty of this journey. We grow, by making commitments. I am trying to grow so I am committing to Curvy in the City.

Thanks for joining me and supporting me.  Each day is a lesson and I look forward to the journey.

xo,
Erica Michele

Read More

African Fashion and Community: Dear Curves

Currently, all eyes are on South Africa as the country and the world mourns the life of Nelson Mandela.  Thinking back on Mandela's life, I began to think about what life would be like on the continent (and abroad really) without his influence. And since at the day job I work with (and do a loot of hours) on a fashion brand, it got me thinking about the African influence on the fashion industry.  I wonder how many of these designers, who have been courageous in bringing African fashion, ideas and inspiration to the masses, would have fared without the courage and sacrifice of people like Mandela lighting the way.  

I feel it is very encouraging that Africa and African fashion is front and center lately; the fashion forward Kenyan textiles of Suno, the popular African inspired bridal magazine Munaluchi Bridal, and major brands  like Burberry and Marni have interpreted traditional African fashion prints – such as the Ankara For (which is super fab by the way!). What many of these developments have in common is the desire to bring the Western world African fashion and inspiration, while also choosing to do so in a way that is sustainable and benefits the greater community.

I mean for real? All of this!

I was introduced to the Nigerian-inspired Dear Curves line recently and I have to say, was easy to love!

Dear Curves, is an African inspired clothing line for plus size women is the brainchild of plus size model and fashion designer; Linda Idegwu. The brand strives to promote and represent Africa through fashion and our consistent usage of African wax print fabrics in the most creative way.  In addition, to offering American styling (read: peplums and pencil skirts) for the American curvy woman, the line also helps to create sustainable business for African fabric makers.

Sisi Eko Erle Print Dress

Based in London but with an eye to the street style of Lagos, Nigeria, the Dear Curves girl is urban and fashion forward while always keeping an eye on African tradition.  You can find her dancing the night way in London and New York, or meeting friends for a bite at a local bar (like Dear Curves favorite) Bar Zuma in the Knightsbridge district in London.

I really enjoy watching all of the creativity and diversity of the fashion world and am inspired by the focus of many of the brands to work with and contribute to local communities.  I think that is something we all can take with us--for profit--or not.  Our communities support us. When one prospers we all do.

“ As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” 

― Nelson Mandela

xoxo,

Erica Michele

Read More

The Curvy Girls Guide to National Chicken Month!

It is with great elation that announce and celebrate National Chicken Month!  National Chicken Month, is a brilliant way devised by chicken producers to continue chicken sales that would begin to wane after the end of summer.

Let's start by getting the obvious out of the way.  I am a black woman and I am about to talk about why I love chicken.  But, well...I mean kill me, but I do. It's so yummy, so versatile, so satisfying!  But this should come as no surprise--I AM holding a piece of fried chicken on the homepage of this blog!

Chicken is delicious YEAR ROUND, not just during National Chicken Month.  This month just serves as a canvas to highlight just how awesome chicken is! Chicken even serves to make us laugh, mainly cause we all love it to eat and have fun with chickens. Who can forget Arrested Development's infamous chicken impersonation (coo, coo, ca chaw) or the epic chicken battle from Family Guy, and of course Foghorn Leghorn (Leghorn is a breed of chicken BTW) because of course, The Bird Is the Word!

Grilled, fried, poached, shredded, stewed, roasted . . . So many different ways to enjoy it!  (For the adventurous among you, read Andrew Zimmerman's breakdown EVERY yummy edible part of the chicken here)

My rules to what constitutes "good eating" bird:

Cut
I prefer the classic 1/4 chicken ---rich dark meat thighs & legs = yum.
Or....wings..cause you're not American if you don't like wings.

Skin
So as another not so secret reason why I am curvy...I love chicken skin. It has to be well seasoned and must always be crispy! The skin (done right) gives a lovely textural and savory note to any cut of chicken.

Confession time:I have a secret snack I make when I make my chipotle bbq stewed chicken.  I like to cook it initially with the skin letting the fat render and add flavor to the sauce, but it's texture doesn't make it awesome to enjoy.  Instead, I take the skins and pan fry them with a little salt and pepper and finish with a little chipotle bbq sauce.  Heaven, guilty delicious--heaven.

Cooking
Chicken should be cooked just thru, as too much cooking makes chicken horrible, texture and taste wise.  It should also be golden brown, not pale, not burnt but perfectly golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside.  Chicken is a versatile and delicious food, when treated right.

I didn't get curvy by not eating...and much of what I eat is some great chicken.  My favorite types of chicken...all excel in one of the aforementioned categories:

1. Roast Chicken 
2. Rotisserie Chicken
3. Grilled Chicken
4. Korean Fried Chicken
5. Classic, Southern Style Fried Chicken

xoxo,

Erica Michele

Read More

Curvy Woman Rant, A Girl on the Cusp

SO, it finally happened.  I had my very first Facebook rant!

I feel like I've crossed some sort of milestone.  But, that rant was necessary. It served to open me up to my passion and self-expression. I was in a rut, I was feeling so, many things, things I should have used the self-expression of my blog to get out, but I was...AFRAID.  Afraid to hurt people's feelings, afraid that if I became fully expressed I'd be rejected.  I worked in entertainment for the bulk of my career and still work in media now because expression fascinates me, it motivates me, it inspires me. Therefore, I needed to express who I was, without fear of what people would think of me.

WHAT SET ME OFF: I read some comments about a model's weight online, people felt the need to not only determine what that size was but then to question whether on not she was indeed "plus size."  The conversation that should have existed about the fashion, the styling, the shot, was all replaced with discourse about whether or not she was plus sized enough.  This rant, freed something in me and it needed to be said.

My anger was based on knowing what it's like to be on the cusp.  To be told by men I've loved and well meaning "friends" that I wasn't "that fat." Only to then open myself up to those who were (traditionally) plus size, who would surely not make me feel like that, to only be told I wasn't plus enough.  (Much like the model in question--who for the record is CLEARLY not straight size.) So I had to speak, I had to have a voice for those who sit there (like I did for many years) and take it.

For me, in an industry that should be about confidence for who you are and sometimes the lack of support by for those of who should be part of the same community baffles and angers me.  Body image issues transcends our racial, sexual orientation and gender boundaries. We in the plus community should be embracing ANY woman who is ostracized based on what size happens to be on the inside of their pair of jeans.  Confident women who have more than one number on their clothing label (I like to call us #doubledigitdivas) are a rarity.  We have a unique opportunity to preach love, self-love goes beyond body image, since for better or worse we are faced with dealing with that every day.

That's the community I am interested in being a part of...one that accepts our flaws but moves forward to be better.

I think many of you feel the same way, those of you who do I am glad to have your support.

xoxo,

Erica Michele

Read More