You are what you eat...eat sh** & you'll look like sh**!

At the Safeway just on the edge of the Castro District, the Managers have been kind enough to supply a nook with table and chairs - where shoppers can take a respite from the arduous task of perusing the canned goods and what have you - or plunk down for a snack before heading homeward bound.

Today, it didn't escape my attention that - judging by the physical shapes of the San Franciscans perched all around me in the upscale grocery - that the old cliche rings true.

You are what you eat!

Take the gentleman to my right, for example.

Shortly after I began to nibble on a snack, he flopped down, and guzzled a quart of buttermilk- as he chowed down on a mean-sized portion of macaroni & cheese laden with Parmesan - he self-served up from the deli bar just a hop-and-a-skip away.

Uh-huh!

The rolls of fat jiggled raucously at his jowls and waist as he shovelled the load of high-calorie fatty-foods away.

Meanwhile, a pimply-faced twenty-something dude lauded the wonders of acid peels to a friend on the other end of his cell phone, as he washed down a nasty pastry with an endless stream of big gulp without a clue.

In contrast, a handsome young male with a toned body and flawless skin - munched on a green salad across the table from me - which was followed up with fresh raspberries and blueberries from the produce department for dessert.

What was his beverage of choice?

Vitamin water!

I laughed out loud when I checked out the elderly gal on the left.

As she nibbled on a package of fudge cookies, she thumbed through the National Enquirer for other kinds of juicy titillating tidbits to feast on.

With any luck, her little grey cells haven't turned to brain rot, yet!

Moi?

I crafted a tasty sandwich out of a crusty roll (grain) and cheese slices (protein), ate rice pudding for dessert (sugar & sodium), and wolfed it all down with reduced fat milk (protein, Vitamin A, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin C), and an 8 oz. glass of ice water.

Yes, I'm slim - somewhat alert - boast healthy-looking skin and a lustrous mop of hair.

There's something to be said about not eating much meat!

Just ask Lady Gaga.

It makes 'ya light-headed and balmy (unless you gobble down a substitute like tofu).

And, prone to get hunger pangs for party dresses crafted out of animal carcasses!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Julian's Delight...light nutritious treat for lazy days in sun!

At the crack of dawn I sauntered up to the cashier at Pavillions with my Los Angeles Times in hand, just as the clerk started to ring up items for the shopper ahead of me.

The handsome stranger half-turned, smiled, and apologized for having so many items (a whole cart full of delicious-looking groceries).

"If you were here two seconds earlier, you could have gone ahead of me."

"That's okay. I'm a patient man," I chuckled.

After a quick once over, it struck me that the cutie had been out prowling all night in his rugged leather jacket, black jeans, and tres chic t-shirt.

Tweaking? 

Not to be confused with tweeting, of course.

At this point, he plucked up a carton of strawberries and noted that they were on sale for a paltry 99 cents a package.

So, I scurried off, and snapped up a box.

When I returned, he shoved a box of freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies in my direction, and urged me to scoop one up.

What do they say?

Beware of Greeks who bare gifts.

Dreamy, though!

Unlike this guy, who obviously shopped for a week or so in advance, I usually pick up a few items daily for a couple of good reasons.

The food is fresher, and I'll also be able to take advantage of sales that might pop up out-of-the-blue, during the week.

Notwithstanding, the truth of the matter is, I never know day-to-day what I am going to be in the mood to munch on.

When it came time to pay-up, the dude's bill was a staggering $180.00!

And, get this, the sexy stud paid in cash.

Hmmmm.

As he strode off, it suddenly dawned on me that I could rustle up a tasty light snack with the strawberries, something to chomp on in the early afternoon when the sun started to burn off the early morning haze (smog?).

And, I'm going to share the receipe with you!

"Julian's Delight" requires a bowl, yogurt (frozen or plain), strawberries, a can of madarine oranges, one or two kiwi, a banana, and a package of asssorted nuts, walnuts, or almonds.

Right off-the-bat, you should know, I am not keen on measuring.

Not in respect to food, anyway!

Basically, I use my instinct, and toss the items in the bowl with daring aplomb.

Before you start, be sure to have a can of mandarin oranges in the fridge, so the contents are chilled when the dish is ready to be served.

Nothing worse that dried-up warm mandarin fruit, in my opinion!

The first step requires a bit of slicing and dicing.

For example, chop the strawberries, kiwi fruit, banana, and nuts into bite-size pieces.

Pour the yogurt into the bowl first.

Then, ceremoniously add the strawberries, kiwi fruit, and banana selections on top of the yogurt.

Drain the mandarin juice from the can and return it to the refrigertor in a sealed container (use it later for a fruit and/or protein shake).

With a bit of creative flair, position the mandarin slices on top of the contents in the bowl.

Sprinkle on the nut mixture.

Voila!

A tasty nutritious snack that will be easy on the stomach and digestive system.

And, it will also provide a slow-burning energy, sure to get 'ya through the rest of the day.

Bon appetite!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

West Hollywood...Yogurt Stop. Where you pump your own!

I was trundling along Santa Monica Boulevard last evening with my head in the clouds when the owner of a shop - Yogurt Stop - dragged me inside to sample a handful of their precious yogurt flavors offered up in their spanking new outlet just across from the celebrity car wash.

Once inside, I felt a little disoriented.

Just another dessert shop?

No way!

Strains of catchy upbeat music that filtered out over the state-of-the-art stereo system brought a smile to my face.

"We crank it up after ten," the cashier (co-owner) piped up with a hint of wicked glee.

The decor is aesthetically pleasing, too.

For instance, eye-catching high-tech chrome vats outfitted with spiffy spigots installed flush along the back wall beckon the adventurous to pump their own yogurt treat at whim.

Then, the discerning yogurt officiando can slip over to a bank of deep-pan dishes and sprinkle on delectable toppings that range from chocolate chips, brownies - even coconut shavings - to fresh succulent fruits like blueberries, strawberries, mandarins, and the like.

"We were impressed with the quality of the produce at Urth Cafe so we signed on with their supplier," one of the co-owner cuties beamed.

With great gusto I rustled up a delightful treat at a princely sum: $2.34.

Sure suited the pocketbook!

For a short while, I relaxed in a comfy chair, as I chowed down on my "pump" special.

The heavenly scent of the freshly-cut flowers arranged here and there about the room were a classy touch, too.

On a wide screen overhead, I even caught an episode of the gay cult classic - "Queer as Folk" - that I missed a season or two ago.

The two gals who conjured up the idea have something here, judging by the number of lookie-loos who sauntered in for a gander non-stop.

Right now, the owners invite you to drop by and sample a handful of their tantalizing yogurt flavors for free.

Hurry, before the line starts forming at the door and snaking down the street.

Only in trendy West Hollywood, eh?

Info: http://www.yogurtstop.net

http://www.julianayrs.com