Junk Food Nation, it’s my birthday!  WOOT WOOT.  As I get older, birthdays have caused me to reflect very heavily, and with it being the day after Thanksgiving, this year I am even MORE reflective.

On a basic level, growing up, I didn’t really ever celebrate my birthday – I mean, my mom would bake a cake for me (yellow cake is my favorite, future trivia answer), and yes, maybe I’d receive a gift, but I never had birthday parties or the like.  When I got to college, since my birthday always fell on a date when people were home for Thanksgiving, I never really celebrated it then either.  My 21st Birthday came and went without a drunken rager.  And, surprise surprise, this trend really never changed while I was in law school.  November 29th came and went quietly since everyone I knew was, well, home with their loved ones.

I know my birth date is not as unfortunate as those who have their birthdays on December 25th or the like, but still – I always wished more people were around. Plus, once people DID get back into town, they’re on their way to celebrating the winter holidays.  My birthday always fell into a black hole.  “Oh it was your birthday over break? Well, happy birthday!”  Yeah…thanks.

This is probably why, in recent years, I decided to REALLY do my birthday up!  Huge parties, large invite lists, anything to surround me with as many people as possible to combat the semi-quiet that always surrounded my birthday. Bars. Dance parties. Atlantic City. WORK IT WORK IT.  It was a lot of fun 🙂 Last year, I realized that all of the big parties was a rather self indulgent endeavor and decided to hold a charity event. I think people liked it.

This year? I dunno.  I’ve been so busy with work and this blog, I haven’t had time to plan anything. But for the first time in a while…I’m pretty birthday-content. I’m home with my family. I have the Junk Food Gal by my side. And you, Junk Food Nation, have just been amazing this year.  I don’t feel lonely at all, because the support you all have given me this year has been overwhelming.  Even if I’m slow in responding, if ever, I read every single tweet, Facebook comment, blog comment, and email you send me.  I really do – you guys are the best.  Thank you.

How will I spend the day? Well, eating, of course.  What else would your friendly neighborhood Junk Food Guy be doing? I strongly encourage you guys to do the same, and send me pictures of your leftover creations!

What about you, Junk Food Nation? Any of you out there have birthdays at weird times during the year?  Let me know in the comments below.

Today’s junk food: Salt & Seaweed Pringles!

Salt & Seaweed Pringles

Salt & Seaweed Pringles

Salt & Seaweed Pringles: The Money Shot

Salt & Seaweed Pringles were purchased for me for me by my friend Amir (thanks Amir!) while he vacationed in Vietnam.  I’d seen these a while ago when my buddy Arish posted a picture of him eating these. Also, The Impulsive Buy reviewed a slightly different version of these chips a while back.

But these seem to be a newer take on the Seaweed Pringles. Love the imagery – the chips are in tiny handrolls!  VERY COOL.

Salt & Seaweed Pringles: Thank God some in English

Salt & Seaweed Pringles were purchased in Vietnam but are apparently a Thai product? Can anyone confirm the language on this can?

Salt & Seaweed Pringles: Smaller Pringles!

Salt & Seaweed Pringles are a little different than the prior version, noticeably, in that they are not GREEN.  Instead, these Pringles are noticeably smaller in diameter than US Pringles, and they have been lightly sprinkled with, well, salt and seaweed.  The can they came in was a slightly smaller can than we could buy here in the US, also.

Salt & Seaweed Pringles: SPECKLED!

I popped the top, stuck a bunch of Salt & Seaweed Pringles in my mouth, and crunched.  Each individual chip was smaller and denser; to be honest they sort of reminded me of Lay’s STAX consistency.  Thicker, and slightly crunchier than regular US Pringles.

The seaweed taste was subtle but present.  I would’ve liked it to be stronger.  And while the salt content was well balanced against the seaweed, I would’ve wanted the whole thing to be saltier.  More salt, more seaweed.  What’s with the light handed seasoning?

Still, some of the chips did hit a good note of salt, and on those, the seaweed taste you know and love from sushi really stood out and that umami flavor tickled my tongue.  When the seaweed flavor was lighter, the chips had an almost slightly sweet flavor…hence why more salt was needed.

All in all, however, I DID like these, but if I had one recommendation for whoever makes these international Pringles – MORE OF EVERYTHING.

PURCHASED AT: Vietnam

COST: I mean……I have no clue.

And hey *indulgent self-plug alert* if you guys REALLY want to get me a gift for my birthday… you could always just follow me on Twitter @junkfoodguy or LIKE my Facebook Page. 😉 I clearly measure my self-worth by those numbers 😛

Sincerely,

Junk Food Guy