Yoga To The People

A few weeks ago a friend invited me to take a yoga class with her. I'm always game for a physical challenge. We ended up in two different classes that day. I was challenged as I usually am in a Vinyasa flow class, but something didn't click for me that day. The amount of students in the class could have been enough for me not to return but afterwards, my friend and I compared notes on our workouts. I sat in Half Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) till my hips and legs feel asleep in my class. She regaled me with her tales of Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III) and Tree pose (Vrksasana).


We didn't take class together until yesterday. Still some communication glitches, but I decided to go anyway, not sure she'd be there. All signs pointed to 'yes' - I woke up a bit overwhelmed and knew yoga would balance me. The sun was shining and NY was no longer smothered in the miserable heat-humidity combo of the previous couple of days. I got a train right away and arrived early enough that I was able to be in the studio on the 2nd floor (the 1st floor of Yoga to the People).

Earl of Bread and Meat

Apparently I’m not a purist because I hate rye bread. Pastrami too (was watching Sandwich Paradise on Travel Channel). But I love a good sandwich. Man, I’ve been eating sandwiches forever! Aint nothing like a good PB & J. I’m a chunky peanut butter gal. Last year, I ate at Peanut Butter and Co. for the first time for an article I wrote for NY Resident Magazine. 




Then there’s the other go-to mainstay, a tuna fish sandwich. I don’t eat tuna fish sandwiches from restaurants or delis. Just can’t do it. But after I drain the can, I add some ranch dressing or honey mustard, mix and eat. Simple, and I use the entire can in my sandwich. 




During junior high school, I think I raised myself on ham and cheese, lettuce and tomato, mayo on one side. I remember shopping trips with my mother and we’d get a ham and Swiss from Blimpie. I’m not a fan of wet sandwiches, but I had to have the oil and vinegar running down my knuckles as it dripped off the curved ends of the raw onions. My tastes have matured and the combination of the different hams (or turkey) and cheeses from around the world, never gets old. And that shredded iceberg you get from the deli has been replaced with mesclun greens. 




Meatball subs turn me off. Just the sight of them. As does the thought of eating a Reuben – sauerkraut and corned beef? Not to mention that bread (see opening statement) But I do like a good pizza burger. Don’t get me started on burgers…



I made a great sandwich for lunch today! It started with a chicken cutlet that I seasoned with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic, cilantro and parsley. A quick searing on extremely high heat to seal in the juices, then I lower the heat and cover. Juiciest chicken ever. While that’s cooking, I cut my rolls open and put it on the burner, high flame, about 10 seconds each side. When I’m almost ready to take the chicken off the heat, I lay a slice (or 2) of gouda or muenster cheese on the chicken, just until it starts to get soft, not to the melting point. That chicken & cheese combo goes right from the flame to the bun, cradled by a bed of crisp lettuce. Chilled salsa is scooped onto the chicken. It’s the juiciest, freshest, flavorful sandwich with a little bit of spice and char from the bun, the hot and cold dancing provocatively in my mouth. Dee-Lish! This sandwich can also be prepared with those burger patty-sized portabella mushrooms for my vegetarian comrades. My kitchen is always open.