Hotel Livin'

I'm working in Boonville for the next five weeks, and living in a Ukiah hotel. The first thing I did after checking in was scout out a market. Raley's is just okay, but do they have pristine produce and other natural goodies? Methinks maybe not. Top shopping priority was on snacks. Most of my meals would be taken care of during work, on set. More about movie catering and craft service (snacks) to come.

My recommendations for healthy and happy eats, for one?

1. Nuts-alone or in a snack blend. Don't buy too much. Try a sample! I was disappointed that the cherry-nut mix I bought had old peanuts in it. I can deal with white chocolate chips -- just barely-- but old peanuts are too sour and nasty. I should've remembered to try a sample, or at least a hard and long look. Doing that helps find rancid or off flavors, or even weevils.

2. Apples. They hold better in a bag than bananas, which will make you happy when you realize a book and laptop have been pushed over the fruit. Apples also seem to stay firm and crisp under any conditions.

3. Water. Mineral water fit snugly in the mini fridge I had. I guess those looking for adult pleasures would of course want:

4. Local wine and/or beer. I'm holding off since I'm in a family way but would normally get some Anderson Valley Brewing Company beer, as well as red wine from local wineries. Next time.

5. Chocolate bars in various forms. No need to eat a whole bar but a few pieces of whatever sort of chocolate you crave can make a night in front of the tube with weird blankets and pillows feel more special.

On my next outing, I will probably get some bagged popcorn and other salty snacks, cheese and crackers, as well as different bulk sweets. Candied ginger, my dear? Juice and more drinks will be fun to sample, too.

Non food items that cheered me up: a cheetah caftan, grrrr!, candle, books, magazines (from the New Yorker to People, they'll all come in handy), salt scrub, handmade soap, loofah mitts, and great smelling grape shampoo and conditioner. Other homey items I've seen people use in long term hotel stays include yoga mat or other exercise gear, fancy, silky pillows, a large and fluffy towel, robe and slippers, music, and pictures of loved ones.

Comments

[cookiecrumb]

Five weekses? Do you get to sneak home on weekends? I hope it's fun.
I read somewhere, ages ago, about a caterer for a rock band. She said she could make good meals from 7-11. What a challenge.
(Can't wait to hear more about this gig.)