Myths About Elle: Food

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How well do people really know you?



My friends can finish my thoughts and My siblings can predict my reactions, and yet, they wouldn't be able to tell you who my favorite actor is, or which food I prefer or rather just the opposite. Having known my close knit crew intimitely for a long time now, some things go without saying. And then, there are those "other" trivial tidbits that have gone un-noticed. As the list is a growing one, I will just touch on the singular subject of food.

Caffeine

Myth: Elle does not drink coffee.

Myth: Elle cannot handle caffeine

Truth: So far away. Being Chinese, tea is never more than a sip away. Having grown up in Vietnam, I thrive on French Roast. I can't even remember my first sip of coffee because I was so young. My parents often reminisce that I drank cupfuls by the time I was 4. Don't believe it? Just consider my stature. Ask anyone - I'm the shortest one in the family.

Origin: I used to drink tea everyday and coffee on weekends. Then I got to college and only had time for tea once a week and coffee once a month. Not adjusting well to often haphazard schedule of University life, it became increasingly hard to get up. At the same time, I began feeling numb to the effects of caffeine. And so, I gave it up. Eventually, the dominating traces of the drug was flushed out of my system and I was no longer immune to the effects from occasional indulgences. It wasn't until the invasion of Boba-mania that tea slowly crept back into my life. Coffee however remains over-priced and less forgivable.

Dairy

Myth: Elle cannot eat cheese

Truth: Elle is only somewhat lactose intolerant.

Origin: I say "no" to certain cheeses. They see that I'm Asian and have trouble downing milk (sometimes) - thus, a convenient lie is born. I actually have more success with cheese than milk, but it is just easier to tell people that I can't digest hard or crumbly cheeses.

Real Truth: I can't get past the stench of hard cheeses like Parmesan and I don't like the texture of Feta. Bleu Cheese encompasses both qualities so I try to stay as far away from it as possible.

Dessert

Myth: Elle likes sweet stuff

Truth: Whoever believes that obviously has not seen me scrape the excess icing off my donuts. Don't get me wrong. I like dessert, just not overly sweet ones. Hence, I prefer Asian cakes and plain donuts.

Origin: I have been caught on numerous occasions, oggling the dessert menu. What can I say? The pictures are pretty. And if someone insists, I'm not going say no.

Alcohol

Myth: Elle enjoys social drinking

Truth: I do not enjoy the taste of wine and spirits. The conspicous glow of my Asian Flush is not encouraging either. Bottom line: Wine gives me a headache, cheap liquor makes me nauseous, and beer tastes bitter (though I do have a higher tolerance for bitter foods than I used to, making this my current drink of choice).

Origin: I like looking at pretty cocktails too. I also enjoy the smell of wine and the way it enhances savory food. I drink on special occasions to join in on the good cheer, but my willingness to partake shouldn't be mistaken for delectation.

So how well do you know your peeps?