Spring Break
Heartburning Fajitas
LIZ SUNSHINE
Issue date: 10/19/06 Section: Verve
|
This isn't your sissy "I need a Tums" indigestion, but the go-see-your-doctor-and-find-out-what-you-have-to-give-up-to-make-it-stop-before-it-kills-you heartburn.
I think it started my first year of college when I was working four different part-time jobs and trying to carry 15 credits. Like the Phoenix, I rose from the ashes of that year with an inferno in my chest, but a nice used car in my driveway.
It wasn't until a couple of years later (trying to guess how long I've been in college? Not telling) that I finally sought medical treatment.
I laughed when my doctor told me what I had to give up to end the pain. The list included coffee, chocolate, tomatoes and most spicy foods, the very four categories I would demand if left on a deserted island. The fifth, obviously, would be all starches.
Well, I compromised with the doc and decided I could possibly limit spicy foods. The rest of the list, of course, would remain staples of my diet and I would continue to suffer. Some days, those that are less stressful, are OK. Others require a sleeve of Tums and a lot of milk.
What I lost in the deal was fire-in-your-mouth, tears-in-your-eyes buffalo wings. Gone also were the regular gut-ripping burritos from Chevy's. Honestly, I've also backed off from the O.J. in the morning and certain Italian dishes laden with tomatoes.
One dish that I could not give up was fajitas. Think caramelized onions, sautéed green peppers, salsa, guacamole, cheese, great marinades and soft tortillas. Chicken or steak, it doesn't matter.
Yikes, I need antacids just thinking about this meal.
Generally I don't make this sizzling dish at home because I would never think twice about hopping in the car and driving 60 miles south to Littleton to indulge in fajitas at The Brewery Bar at the Park Meadows Mall.
Unfortunately, these days I'm too busy, too lazy and too broke to head south too often. To remedy this craving recently I hopped on foodnetwork.com, my favorite stand-by spot for easy recipes.
Going into the search, I knew of only one man to trust with the job: Bobby Flay. Known nationally for his intense flavors and personal style on barbecue and southwestern food, Flay owns four restaurants, including Mesa Grill and Bolo.
Be the first to comment on this story