"February is the shortest month, so if you're having a miserable month, try to schedule it for February."
- Lemony Snicket
February is almost here! Sunday, in fact, and it may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s packed with plenty of reasons to smile, snack, and celebrate! From crêpes and bagels to chopsticks and pistachios, this month blends comfort food, clever traditions, and a little wisdom along the way. Thanks to Carla Besosa for once again curating a thoughtful and playful list of days to enjoy!
Feb. 2 DAY OF THE CRÊPE
These delectables are not readily available, so treat yourself today! Cortado Café at Fox Chase, Fontaine Caffe and Creperie on Royal Street, and Café du Soleil on both Union and Jefferson streets are options for your crêpe exploration.
Feb. 6 NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY
From the Confucian school of thought: "Knives are for warriors, but chopsticks are for scholars." Go out and eat smart!
Feb. 7 EAT ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST DAY
It's dairy, so why not? Try Pop's Old Fashion Ice Cream on King Street, where everything is made in-house. They have many flavors from which to choose, including my favorite - Coffee (although the Salted Caramel and the Kahlua Chocolate Chip sound enticing as well).
Feb. 8 NATIONAL PORK RIND DAY
Pork rinds are actually a healthier alternative to potato chips, providing protein and zero carbs. In Latin America, they are "chicharrones," as I grew up referring to them; in southern and Cajun cultures, "cracklings." You can purchase them in snack size bags (the largest being at Bestway on Telegraph Road), or you can pull the skin right off the pig once it's roasted. I've tried both. I recommend the former.
Feb. 9 BAGEL & LOX DAY
Cameron Cafe makes a mean bagel with cream cheese, lox, red onion, tomato, and capers! Some other options for bagels and locks include Cortado Café in Fox Chase, the Chewish Deli on Pendleton Street, and Bagel Uprising in Del Ray.
Feb. 12 DARWIN DAY
Let's try to evolve, shall we? In the words of Darwin himself, "It is not the strongest of species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change."
Feb. 26 PISTACHIO DAY
A nut with many benefits (aren't we all?😂)! Pistachios help lower bad cholesterol, provide protein and fiber, and are rich in antioxidants. They make good additions to baklava, cakes, ice cream, pasta, and salads. Did they grow in red shells? Of course not! Red dye was originally used to hide imperfections.
Carla Besosa has been a Cameron Station resident since 2000, and a Compass contributor for more than 20 years. She earned the title of "Cameron Station Foodie" for the many restaurant reviews she wrote for the newsletter, many of which can be found in The Compass archives on the community website, www.cameronstation.org. Carla is a huge supporter of Cameron Station and very tuned into the fun and delicious ways to enjoy life in and around our community.
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