Category 4: Foods

Eric	Richard	Khurram	Derrick
Lasagna	Steak	Pizza	Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Subs	Beef Burgers	Onions	Fettucine Alfredo
Calzones	White Rice	Ice Cream	Cakes
Prime Rib	Queso Dip	Chocolate	Pies

Round 1: Eric went with Lasagna first. We all know why, and its really hard to argue with. However, my choice of steak represented the most upscale yet all encompassing food of the entire category. Khurram’s pick of pizza represents perhaps the most popular food in the United States, and considering it can be eaten for virtually any meal and at almost any casual gathering was an outstanding choice. Derrick’s pick of spicy chicken sandwiches at first seems narrow but then it must be remembered that it covers more than just Carl’s Jr. Spicy Chicken sandwiches (though those may be the best). Ultimately I think Khurram and I had the best two picks of the draft. I go back in forth on which one I like better and I can’t decide. On the one had, steak is the ultimate man’s meal. It can also be eaten in more sophisticated settings. But still, I’d miss pizza more than I’d miss steak if I couldn’t eat either, so edge goes to Khurram and pizza.

Round 2: The quality of food selected in this round dips noticeably. Fettucine Alfredo is a solid choice by Derrick and gives him some Italian food in his collection. Khurram’s choice of onions was an attempt to screw over others, and in some ways was a very good job. However, because Eric choice Lasagna before Khurram chose onions I wonder if that means any onions in the sauce would/ would not be excluded. That being said, I am not a huge fan of onions (with the notable exception of onion rings) so I can live without them. Beef Burgers was a quality choice by me, and Eric’s choice of subs is of similar ilk. Both foods can be eaten in any casual situation are great for parties and outings. However, subs have the potential to be healthier, so even though I am more partial to burgers, I give the edge to Eric, and his choice of subs.

Round 3: I was planning to take Calzones this round, but Eric grabbed them with his pick. Essentially it is a way of having pizza without having pizza and a good pick, though it’s another food from the Italian category. My pick of white rice, while lacking creativity or outstanding flavors is essential for me considering how much rice us Japanese people eat. Plus when you eat freshly harvested rice, there is really nothing like it and it goes well with almost everything. Ice Cream and cakes go well together, its just a shame that they got separated. Both are good picks, though I am surprised desserts went in the 3^rd round. All told, as much as I love calzones, ice cream and cakes, I like my pick of white rice the most. After all it is the choice of a couple of billion Asian people.

Round 4: Having seen round 4, it is now not surprising that desserts went in round three, as the same two people went with dessert items in round 4. As good as pies are, the chocolate pick takes the cake (excuse the pun), so to speak. The Queso dip and prime rib picks are solid but nothing special and Khurram again takes this round.

Overall Impressions: Khurram and Derrick are hurt by a lack of overall variety in the “real” food area, however, they have a couple of great dessert items. Eric and I picked up great actual food, but missed out on the quality desserts. I give the slightest of edges to Khurram and his pizza and chocolate selections, though my picks of white rice and steak, and everyone else’s overall variety make this a tough call.