But, in an apparent snub to fat-loving Americans, this specialty pie will only available in the UK. WTF, Pizza Hut? We poor Americans have to make do with the KFC Double Down to get our fast food fat fix? How dare you. According to Pizza Hut UK, there are no plans to release the hot dog stuffed crust pizza in the U.S. My guess is, though, that if it makes enough money there, it will be arriving on this side of the pond some unfortunate day soon.

I did some quick calculations, and discovered that a standard 12-inch pizza would contain a circular hot dog boasting an approximate circumference of 37.699 inches (using a ∏ value of 3.14159). A 38 inch long hot dog! Talk about a sausage fest.

If I had the opportunity, I would definitely try it. And I’m certain I’d like it. But, I can’t get it, and that’s probably for the best. No one wants needs that much salt and grease. But it probably tastes so good. I’m so conflicted.

Pizza Hut's Hot Dog Stuffed Crust Pizza. Photo from Pizza Hut UK

Bel Cibo Fine Gourmet Foods & Spices has announced that they will be closing their store on Upper Union Street in Schenectady, and moving operations in early May.  Their last day of operation at the 1740 Union Street location will be Saturday, March 30.  They’ll be moving to a store at 163 Jay Street (also in Schenectady, on the Jay Street pedestrian mall).

The interior of Bel Cibo's Upper Union Street shop (photo from their Facebook page)

[W]e will now be offering a larger variety of perishable foods, cheeses and specialty foods! In addition, Bel Cibo will now offer Light Fare Gourmet Panini’s and Gourmet Cupcakes and some bakery items, as well as, cooking classes and demonstrations.  How exciting is this?!  I am sorry to have to leave the Upper Union Street Business District, but in order to provide these services I needed a space that would permit such an expansion.  It will be lovely space with a private classroom for cooking classes, cupcake decorating birthday parties, and beautiful spaces for the panini bistro and specialty food boutique all in one lovely space. Currently we are offering a MOVING SALE at 20% off your entire purchase until we close! Come in soon while we still have a good selection!

The majority of urinary tract infections are caused by extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC, for short), and doctors have long thought that the bacteria originated in the patient’s own body (in feces), and infections were caused when the bacteria entered the urinary tract, either through sexual activity or poor hygiene (such as improper…uh, wiping procedures). But now, because of some outbreaks of ExPEC in developing countries that hinted at external sources of bacteria, researchers are guessing that the infections were caused by contaminated meat, most likely chicken. Egads.

If it is contained in chicken, how can we protect ourselves from getting infections? Same way we always have: wash your hands and properly clean and disinfect potential sources of bacterial contamination during food preparation. But that’s just what we mere consumers can do. Obviously, though, there are potentially larger implications for the food industry, which may be forced to tighten food safety controls in large factory chicken farms. Long overdue, if you ask me.

And, if the chicken connection isn’t ultimately proven, how does one protect oneself from a urinary tract infection?

1. No sex. But if that isn’t palatable,
2. Always wipe front to back, and never with chicken.

Read more about this upcoming study in this article from the L.A. Times.

I’m excited about this, and I know customers of the Troy Farmers Market and Schenectady Greenmarket will be as well – Tara Kitchen (purveyors of Moroccan cuisine at both markets) will be launching their own restaurant in Schenectady, scheduled to open on Tuesday, January 31.

The restaurant – Tara Kitchen, natch – will be located at 431 Liberty Street in Schenectady, just a stone’s throw from City Hall and the Post Office. Their website is listed as “coming soon”, so I don’t have any details on the menu. All I’m saying is that their incredible chicken harira better be on there (I’m sure it will – it’s gained kind of a cult following at the markets and the recipe made it into Metroland’s 2011 Holiday Entertaining issue).

I’m not very familiar with Moroccan cuisine, other than an occasional tagine and some couscous, so I’m looking forward to a new experience. And, it doesn’t hurt that it’s only a few blocks from my office.

Another thing to look forward to: owner Aneesa Waheed has promised a podcast interview with me in the near future, after opening week.

(for fans of their store on State Street, they have closed it in order to focus their efforts on the new restaurant and the farmers markets.)

The Chicago 7 dog from DC-3

If you’ll remember, BFF Sarah and I visited Capitol Hill hotdogggery DC-3 during my November visit to Our Nation’s Capital. And I liked it so much I went back by myself two days later.  Anyway, I just saw that the Food Network show “Heat Seekers” (don’t know it, but whatever) recently stopped by DC-3 to shoot some footage for an upcoming episode.

According to the Huffington Post,

The show, which features mouth-scorching cuisine, was lured by two spicy items: The Q’s Seoul bulgogi and kimchi dog, topped with marinated rib-eye bulgogi, pickled kimchi and hot Sriracha sauce; and the Three-Alarm Cruncher, a take on D.C.’s famous half-smoke wrapped in bacon, split and filled with jalapenos and covered in spicy chili.

Anyway, I thought Sarah might find this interesting, since she lives only a few blocks from the place (and because she’s a fan of the half-smoke). I guess we should be glad we got in there, because it’s going to be a madhouse once that ep airs. Get your dogs now!

• Red Wine May Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer: A new Cedars-Sinai study shows that drinking moderate amounts of red wine may lower the risk of breast cancer. Please define “moderate amounts”. I want to make sure I’m getting enough.
• Newsworthy for those of us in NY’s Capital Region: Mazzone Hospitality has launched its “Angelo’s Preferred” rewards program, which gives customers reward dollars based on purchases. You earn 1 point for every dollar spent at participating locations and every time you reach 500 points you get a $25 gift card automatically added to your Rewards Card (plus, you get a $10 Reward just for registering for the card). Additional benefits include rewards on your birthdays and anniversaries (my birthday is coming up soon – February 3 – in case you’re thinking of getting me a little something), and some other perks.   You can accumulate points at the following Mazzone properties: Angelo’s 677 Prime, Angelo’s Tavolo (Scotia), The Inn at Glen Sanders Mansion, Patron’s Club at the Hall of Springs, Aperitivo Bistro (Schenectady), Prime at Saratoga National, and the New Prime Bar & Grill in Clifton Park.  Go get your card: www.angelospreferred.com.
• If you like Starbucks (which I do – I really really do), then you should head over to your local shop this weekend for a free tasting of their new roasts, and cast your vote for the one you love most. Starbucks even promises a thank you gift. The tastings will be going on in the US this Thursday-Saturday (Jan 12-14). Canadians have to wait til February 9-11 for their tasting. Ha ha, Canucks. That’ll teach you not to live where it’s so damn cold that it takes a whole extra month to get there.
• 

  thaaat's right...bring it right over here....

  Take a look around the office – someone there is bound to be carrying around that blasted Girl Scout Cookie order form. Yes, it’s Girl Scout Cookie Time and I’ve succumbed to the crushing pressure of extra calories to help my friend’s daughter earn a badge (you’re welcome, Joe). And coincidentally, Bob also ordered two boxes from his friend’s daughter. So now we’ve got SIX FREAKING BOXES OF COOKIES coming to our house.  I’m really only half-complaining: one of those boxes will contain my beloved Samoas. Yeah, baby. Also arriving with our order: this year’s new cookie, the Savannah Smiles.  Savannah Smiles are wedge-shaped lemon cookies, dusted with powdered sugar.  They’re named after the place where Girl Scouting began, in honor of the Girl Scouts’ 100th Anniversary. DAMN YOU GIRL SCOUT GOODNESS. Don’t you know I went on a(nother) diet this year???

• Speaking of diets, are you feeling a bit filthy on the inside? Do you feel the need…the need to cleanse? Well, our pal Gwyneth Paltrow is offering readers of goop, her ridiculously awful “lifestyle website”, the opportunity to shell out $425 for the goop cleanse. The cleanse consists of…oh, who the f*** cares. Gwyneth Paltrow, you skinny bitch, you can kiss my ass. I’ve got an idea – how about a 99¢ Beefy 5-Layer Burrito from Taco Bell? Same results, 0.23% of the cost.

Well, I’m so disgusted by the thought of Gwynnie’s cleanse that I need to end this here.

Yep. It’s happening!

Two days worth of joyous foodie news that has made me extremely happy:

• Penzey’s will open a location in Crossgates Mall, opening date March 2012. Love Penzey’s. I’m so excited, and not just because of all the money I’ll save on shipping costs! Steve Barnes from Tablehopping had the news yesterday.

• Trader Joe’s has FINALLY announced (after years of endless maddening speculation and grass-roots campaigning) that they’ll be opening a location on Wolf Road in Albany. The Business Review broke the story this afternoon (Friday).

Well, good thing I just paid off my car. I’m gonna need a lot of spending money.

If you’re interested in reading the press release, it’s after the jump.

Trader Joe’s to Open Albany Store Located at 79 Wolf Road

The Store is Scheduled To Open 2nd Quarter 2012

(January 6, 2012) Monrovia, CA – Trader Joe’s, a unique, neighborhood grocery store with foods and beverages from the exotic to the basic, has signed a lease to open a new store in Albany located at 79 Wolf Road. The store is scheduled to open second quarter 2012 and is approximately 13,000 square feet in size.

Trader Joe’s was originally named in recognition of its distinct grocery buying process, because they search the world for great values and distinctive products. Crew members (store employees) consider themselves “traders on the culinary seas.” Crewmembers sport brightly colored Hawaiian-themed shirts, adding to the light-hearted air of the store.

Many area residents after the store opens can expect to receive a copy of the Trader Joe’s “Fearless Flyer” in their mailboxes. The Fearless Flyer is a somewhat irreverent description of a timely selection of Trader Joe’s products. It’s been called a cross between Consumer Reports and Mad Magazine. Each edition highlights a selection of Trader Joe’s products that the company buyers believe are worthy of customer interest, including comfort foods and items that are organic or have other special attributes.

Trader Joe’s carries an extensive array of domestic and imported foods and beverages including fresh baked artisan breads, Arabica bean coffees, international frozen entrées, 100% juices, fresh crop nuts, deli items, and vitamins and supplements, as well as the basics, like milk and eggs – all at honest, low prices.

Trader Joe’s is truly a grocery store unlike any other. Trader Joe’s is a “store of stories,” meaning every item in the store has its own virtues — high quality ingredients, great flavor or simply an extraordinary price — many items often feature all of those qualities. Another significant point of difference, all of Trader Joe’s prices are everyday prices. Trader Joe’s doesn’t have “sales” for a few days, only to hike the prices back up again. Their prices change only when their costs change — there are no fancy promotions, discount cards or couponing wars.

So how does Trader Joe’s offer unique groceries at prices everyone can afford? By offering more than 2000 items under the Trader Joe’s private label, which includes Trader Darwin’s vitamins (For the Survival of the Fittest), Trader José’s salsas, Trader Giotto’s marinara sauces, in addition to specially purchased items.

Also, Trader Joe’s buys differently than other grocers – they purchase from manufacturers, not through distributors. They’ll take a brand name product, take out the preservatives and artificial colors and ingredients, and put it under their Trader Joe’s label to sell it at a real discount.

Trader Joe’s introduces approximately a dozen new items every week, heightening the store’s adventurous appeal. Our buyers travel around the world searching out unique products at great values. In order for an item to be sold in a Trader Joe’s store, it must pass the scrutiny of a discerning tasting panel. Thousands of items are tasted each year to find products that both appeal to the culinary adventurer and microwave aficionado.

###

Trader Joe’s is a chain of neighborhood grocery stores featuring high quality imported and domestic foods and beverages at honest, low prices. Trader Joe’s (www.traderjoes.com) began in 1958 in the Los Angeles area. Since then, Trader Joe’s has expanded to more than 360 stores in 31 states.

What’s great about Chipotle, if you aren’t aware of it, is their focus on fresh, sustainable, responsible, high-quality food – a concept they call Food with Integrity (FWI). Some interesting facts (from their press release):

• Chipotle expects to use over 10 million pounds of produce from local family farms in 2011, up from 5 million pounds in 2010
• The local produce will be grown on farms within 350 miles of the restaurants where it will be served
• All the pork, beef and chicken they serve is naturally and humanely raised (an all vegetarian diet, no added hormones or antibiotics and responsible animal husbandry)
• In 2011, Chipotle will purchase over 100 million pounds of naturally raised meats and sell more naturally raised meat than any other restaurant company
• Its sour cream and cheeses are made from milk that is rBGH-free (recombinant bovine growth hormone); 35% of it is from pasture-raised cows
• 40 percent of the black and pinto beans used are organically grown with about 5 percent using water-saving conservation tilling methods

This is all pretty great, considering the sorry state of the rest of the fast-food industry.

For my part, I’m excited to have another lunch option close by my office. I love Chipotle’s rice (the cilantro really makes it for me), and I think it’s time I tried some other things on their menu besides a chicken burrito bowl with pinto beans, corn salsa and cheese. Seriously, that’s all I’ve ever ordered.

The Schenectady Chipotle will be open from 11am – 10pm daily, and will offer fax and on-line order pick up.

picture at www.washingtoncitypaper.com

Washington DC’s City Paper reports that a neighborhood in the District finally has what the rest of the free world has – a cupcake bakery. But this one has a twist.  Olivia’s Cupcakes (located at 2318 Minnesota Ave. SE) has installed a sheet of bulletproof glass between the customers and the cupcakes. From what I understand, the neighborhood is a little rough, and the glass was installed to protect employees from robberies. Says owner Cindy Bullock:

“I have owned several businesses in this area and we have been robbed several times. We wanted to make [the shop] elegant and beautiful, but because of the teenagers and having my children here we wanted to protect them.”

I applaud people for trying to improve their neighborhood, and I do not condone violence. Not even against cupcakes. (Though their website makes me a bit stabby).

Sarah, I don’t want to go here when I visit, ok?

Hot Harry’s is a fast casual restaurant and catering business co-founded in 2004 by Samir Abdallah and his wife Maggie Abdallah, in Pittsfield, MA. Hot Harry franchises are currently open locally in Albany, East Greenbush & Schenectady, further out in Pittsfield, as well as one location in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Menu items include fresh burritos, tacos and other California-style dishes for breakfast, lunch & dinner; eat in or take out.  They also do catering. Their website is www.hotharrysburritos.com.

The proximity to Siena College practically guarantees success for Hot Harry’s. And I’m a fan – they offer brown rice and whole wheat tortillas for their burritos, a welcome change from some other local burrito joints.

According to their website, they were supposed to open a location in Glenmont this past spring – I wonder what happened?