Funyuns

I was 40 years old when I had my first Funyun.  Yes, really.  I don't know why, but Funyuns had never crossed my path earlier in life.  Sure, I had seen them perhaps, but, just never actually came about having them in my possession.  But then the pandemic happened, and I started eating a lot of chips, and eventually, that meant Funyuns.

"FUNYUNS® Onion Flavored Rings are a deliciously different snack that’s fun to eat, with a crisp texture and zesty onion flavor. Next time you're in the mood for a tasty treat that's out of the ordinary, try FUNYUNS® Onion Flavored Rings."

Funyuns aren't really chips though, but rather, cornmeal based flavored rings.  While new to me, they aren't new to this world, as they were invented in 1969.  They are a product of Frito-Lay (which I've reviewed before), but keep up their separate brand identity, even though they come in only two flavors:the original basic onion flavor, and a newer addition, "Flamin' Hot" (although they had a few others at different times, they never lasted more than a year or two each).

Original Flavor.

I tried my first Funyun.  Well, hmm.

It was crunchy, and oniony.  I think I liked it.  But ... I was so confused what it was made of.  These look like onion rings, but, clearly aren’t.  They are not actually made of onion for the most part, but, are onion ring shaped at least.  The base is corn meal and potato, and they are coated in flavorful blend of buttermilk, soy protein, corn protein, oils, sugar, dextrose, several kinds of flour, MSG ... oh, and garlic powder and onion powder.  Definitely not wholesome, and definitely not onion dominant.

These shouldn’t be good, but, after two bites, I was pretty hooked.  "Amazing", I quickly jotted down.  

I've had them several times since that first try, and each time, I'm again fairly pleased with them.  Such unique texture, great crunch, and very addicting.  However, maybe I've just been unlucky, but nearly every bag I've gotten has been largely broken pieces, not full rings.  I think they'd be even better in full ring form. 

**** for the eating experience, no matter how unwholesome they are.

Flamin' Hot.

Next, I tried the other flavor, Flamin' Hot. Ok, so I kinda loved these too.  Yes, the trendy "Flamin' Hot" variety of Funyuns.

I still don't entirely know what they are made of, but, they are crunchy and airy and light and truly just fun to eat.  Oh, hey, maybe I get it now ... they are "fun" to eat "onions" ... "fun-yun" ...

The Flamin' Hot flavor was not actually all that spicy, but was quite flavorful, zesty.  In addition to the laundry list of ingredients from the original flavor, these also incorporate several kinds of cheese (romano, cheddar), which I didn't expect, as I didn't taste cheese at all, and, what does cheese have to do with "Flamin"?  There is also no chili nor other hot ingredient listed, which makes sense why I didn't taste anything actually spicy.  They did however *look* quite flamin'.  The Flamin' Hot color I believe comes from tomato powder.  

Anyway, I liked these even more than the originals, and I'd gladly get them again too.  And just like the originals, my bag was all broken up bits, not a single full ring in this one.

****.

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Endangered Species Chocolate

Update Review, 2022

I've had pretty mixed feelings on Endangered Species chocolate bars, mostly not really caring for their chocolates (see previous reviews below).  But I got drawn back in again one more time, and tried another flavor ...

Vibrant Cherries + Dark Chocolate (72%).

"Vibrant cherries are surrounded by luscious dark chocolate in every sweet bite."

This bar sounded like a black forest cake, made into chocolate.  I couldn't wait to taste those vibrant cherries.

Spoiler: I didn't taste, well, any cherry?  Maybe a slight hint, but no more than what I might pick up in a chocolate or wine tasting, when I'm trying very hard to pick out things to say, "Oh, yes, it is very fruit forward ...".  So, vibrant cherries this bar does not have.  There was some tiny bits of chew, very few of them, that I guess were the cherry?

The chocolate itself was equally not that interesting.  It was deep dark chocolate, and seemed darker than 72% even.  It was a bit chalky and didn't have a great snap to it.  Fairly mediocre, although quite dark.

Overall, I was let down by this bar.  I wanted to taste the cherries, particularly given the claim that it would be so vibrant.  I also prefer a smoother, snappier chocolate.

**+.

And if you are wondering, this bar taught me all about the Atlantic Puffin.

Update Review, 2021

I didn't realize that I was already familiar with the Endangered Species chocolate bar line when I tried it this past year, having tried their "Bug Bites" product many times years ago, as they were stocked in my office.

"With more than 28 flavor varieties, a commitment to high quality ingredients, and a mission that promises a better future – our chocolate is more than a treat for your tastebuds."

It turns out, the same company makes regular size bars -18 varieties in fact, all except one are dark chocolates (at 55%, 60%, 73%, 88%).  They take pride in their sourcing, are fair trade certified, etc. The beans come from Cote D’Ivoire (the Ivory Coast), West Africa, and each bar is dedicated to the awareness of an individual endangered species, with literature inside the foil wrapper.

I've now tried a variety of their larger bars, and, in doing so, became educated about all sorts of endangered species.

Caramel Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate.
60% Cocoa.

"Our signature 60% dark chocolate wraps around soft organic caramel delicately laced with pink Himalayan sea salt for a craveable experience in each square."

This was a ... fine chocolate.   Smooth, snappy style dark chocolate (Hershey's Special Dark is how I always think of this style), filled with a salted caramel sauce inside.  The caramel was quite sweet, quite salty, and definitely took over the bar.

As I wanted to taste chocolate, and not salted caramel sauce, this wasn't quite for me, but, I give them credit for making a salted caramel that was *actually* salty! **+.

Update Review: When I re-set my expectations, for a lighter, sweeter bar, and when I *wanted* something that was more a gooey sweet dessert, I enjoyed it more.  I wouldn't seek the bar out, but, I did finish it off eventually. ***.

This bar was dedicated to the Bald Eagle, which ... to be honest, I didn't really pay attention to.

Almonds Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate.
72% Cocoa.

"Our 72% cocoa dark chocolate always takes the stage. But when mixed with flavorful flakes of natural Real Salt® and crunchy, roasted almond pieces, a new nutty flavor emerges that’s as complex as it is delicious."

This bar gets a big "meh" from me.  The chocolate was a darker style, fairly bitter, not snappy nor particularly smooth.

Inside was ... grit.  I know this was the flakes of salt and pieces of almond, but, it really was quite fine and small, and seemed more like grit.  It was not a very pleasing texture.  The roasted almond pieces seemed sweetened? 

The result was a strange texture, a fairly lackluster base bar, and a mix of biter and oddly sweet bits.  It certainly was not compelling to me. **.

This bar was dedicated to the plight of the Eurasian Eagle-Owl.

Strong & Velvety Dark Chocolate.
88% Cocoa.

"Deeply powerful with lingering hints of fruit and spice, this bar, made from pure 88% cocoa dark chocolate, manages to stay silky smooth while packing undeniably rich cocoa flavor. For the true dark chocolate lover."

Next was a real highlight for me.  A real, legit, dark chocolate.  I guess I am the target audience, a "true dark chocolate lover".

This bar was dark, it was not a sweeter style, and really let the chocolate shine.  Rich, cocoa-y, and very, very satisfying.  It stayed smooth, no grit.

I really enjoyed this bar, and would get again. ***+

With this bar, I could learn all about the jaguar.

Original Review, 2017

I used to do chocolate reviews every week.  I'm not sure why I stopped, because I certainly haven't stopped eating, or trying new, chocolate.

Endangered Species Chocolate is not really a regular chocolate manufacturer, as you may have guessed from their name.  Yes, they care about things like sustainability, good sourcing, fair trade, non-GMO, etc, but the company has taken a really amazing stance, and donated 10% of their profits to different partners helping support wildlife.

They make chocolate bars in a variety of flavors, in assorted sizes, mostly regular sized bars, but they also have several individually wrapped smaller products, "Bites" (individual wrapped squares sold in resealable bags of 12), "Squares" (also individually wrapped squares sold in packages, this time of 10 and not resealable), and "Bug Bites" (individually wrapped squares sold in boxes of 64, basic flavors only.  They also make flavored chocolate based spreads and barks.

"Our milk and dark chocolate bars and bites are made with ethically traded, shade grown cacao and natural ingredients. Learn about at-risk species by reading the inside of each 3oz. bar wrapper. And the best part? 10% of net profits from your purchase are donated to support conservation efforts!"

I tried two of the Bug Bites, and I was impressed by how smooth the chocolate was, some of the smoothest I've ever encountered.  And shockingly, I liked the milk chocolate far more than the dark.

Milk Chocolate.

"Milk chocolate elevated, thanks to a rich and creamy 48% cocoa content. This 64-count box contains individually-wrapped milk chocolate squares that are just right for snacking and sharing. And an added treat – each square contains a full-color info card spotlighting 15 at-risk insects! Created in collaboration with The Xerces Society, a leader in insect conservation and a past 10% GiveBack partner."

I don't normally like milk chocolate all that much, but this was truly good.  Super creamy, smooth, actually flavorful milk chocolate.  I enjoyed it more than any other milk chocolate in recent memory.

Dark Chocolate.

"Experience deep dark chocolate at its best with our 64-count box of Bug Bites. Each perfectly portioned rich dark chocolate square contain an added bonus – a full-color info card featuring 15 key, at-risk insects! Created in collaboration with The Xerces Society, a leader in insect conservation and a past 10% GiveBack partner."

I'm normally all about dark chocolate, but I did not like this.  It was smooth, and had a nice snap to it, but it was way too sweet, and the flavor wasn't complex.

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Violet's Tavern

Violet's is a tavern by name, but really, I think American gastropub is likely more fitting.  It is located in the Outer Richmond, so I didn't visit it myself, but found it one day when I was browsing around on Door Dash.   While the menu definitely has a bar food vibe, fried chicken and burgers seem to be big hits, it also has a bit more sophistication, and seems to change frequently with the seasons.  Plus, they make their desserts in house, and have a great cocktail program.  So, even if I wasn't going to venture there, I was kinda drawn in, although I knew reviews were mostly for the bar aspects of the place, not the cuisine.

I ordered easily on Door Dash, and my order was quickly confirmed, but it somehow took more than an hour from the time my Dasher picked up my order until they arrived at my apartment.  The actual food experience was abysmal, but I did quite enjoy my cocktail.

Side note: Stuck doing a lot of takeout and delivery these days? Want to try some free food and new pickup or delivery services?  Here are some codes for free money!

• Nextdish: ($10 off your first order) [ Delivery only ]
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• Caviar ($20 off, $10 off your first 2 orders) [ Delivery or pickup ]
• Ritual ($6 off) [ Pickup only ]
• Delivery.com ($10 off) [ Delivery or pickup ]
• Grub Hub ($10 off) [ Delivery or pickup ]
• Seamless ($10 off) [ Delivery or pickup ]
• Allset ($5 off) [ Pickup only ]
• Nextdish: ($10 off your first order) [ Delivery only ]
• Uber Eats ($20 off - use code eats-lejw5 at checkout) [ Pickup or delivery ]

Drinks

Violet's is a tavern by name, but, they are known for their cocktail program.   While the cocktail menu at the tavern is quite extensive, only a few are available for delivery, in single servings or doubles.  I honestly wanted them all, as their plays on my standard two drinks, a negroni and an old fashioned, were two of the three options.

Violet Skies. $23.

"Butterfly pea flower mezcal, city of London gin, Ventura strawberry brandy, Rothman & Winter creme de Violette, Kalani coconut, lemon, scrappy’s grapefruit bitters."

I was drawn to Violet's for one of their signature drinks, the aptly named "Violet Skies".  A drink, when served at the restaurant, made for Instagram, no question.  A lovely shade of purple.  But also, the ingredients just sounded good to me, and I was on a bit of a mezcal kick, after quite enjoying a mezcal based cocktail from International Smoke the week before (review coming soon!)

The drink was as beautiful a shade of purple as it looked in all the photos I had seen.  Really, lovely, and I think the color came from trendy butterfly pea flower, which you usually see in bubble tea shops these days.  It was a remarkably well crafted and balanced drink.  The mezcal gave it a smokiness, the gin some boozy depth, the strawberry brandy a touch of sweetness balanced by the grapefruit bitters, the coconut liqueur and creme de violette even more complexity ... so much in it, but, they came together in harmony really.  

The bottle said to serve over ice or up, and I preferred it with some ice.  

I quite liked this, and would get it again, or really, it inspired me to try more of their cocktails.  ****.

Food

On the food side, the menu has a few appetizers (fries, chips and dip, and a couple others that are constantly changing), two token salads, a burger or fried chicken sandwich, and their signature fried chicken, along with a seasonal vegetarian special.  Desserts are always changing, but I think the "Big Ass Chocolate Chip Cookie" is a menu regular.  They do offer a few more dishes for dine-in, but they weren't on Door Dash.

Summer Garden Pasta. $24.

"Kohlrabi noodles, cherry tomatoes, corn, squash." -- DoorDash

"Noodles of Kohlrabi in Truffle Cream w/ Parmesan & Summer Vegetables" -- Their Menu

I had a couple of very indulgent nights in a row, and was looking for something lighter and healthier.  I also was really craving truffles (I know, random, but I had a fantastic truffle sauce with my scallops from Isa - review coming soon! - a few days prior, and I just wanted more truffle goodness), and I was eager to get a bit more corn before summer really passed us by (it was mid-September).  I saw Violet post this dish on their Instagram, and I was immediately sold.  It sounded perfect for my mood.  Granted, I don't love kohlrabi, but it sounded refreshing, and yet comforting at the same time as it was quasi-pasta, and would have cream sauce.  And, um, truffles and corn!

Since my delivery took so long, it was stone cold when it arrived, and all lumped together in one side of the big box it came in.  Ok, it clearly suffered from transit.  Also, the sauce had broken, was a big pool of oil.  Still, I had hope.

I tried a bite of the completely cold dish, and, wow, I did NOT like it.  The kohlrabi was fine, but, the sauce ... it just didn't taste good at all.  The taste was odd, and it absolutely did not taste like truffle at all (honestly, maybe they changed the dish to not included truffle?  There wasn't even a hint of it).  And it was so, so, so oily.  Sorta sour oil and grease.  

I was really hungry by this point, and persevered, heating it up, but, the taste was really unappealing, and the greasy factor just got worse.  The corn was actually good, and I liked the burst tomatoes, and even the breadcrumbs, but, it was all just so oily, and so odd tasting, it was impossible to eat more than a few bites.  I rarely, rarely give up on a dish and hate food waste, but, I extracted a bit more corn and tomatoes from this, and down the disposal it went.

I truly disliked this, and it absolutely was not worth the $24. *.

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