Thursday, February 21, 2013

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Good Times, These are the Good Times


My 51st bday. Woke up, looked out the window. Miserable gloomy day. Perfect! I love hangin' on the couch in my clown clothes, big fluffy robe and a blanket for extree security on days like this. Not a problem for me to just be. I'm grateful for so many things and not even depressed about the age thing. It's just a number.

Like 67, as in 67 Burger here in Fort Greene! I was granted any request for food in any burrough. Even though I know he would sit uncomfortably and awkwardly try to make real conversation with me, P was willing to take me to any nice restaurant of my choosing.

With the snow and cold though, my true wish was to just have a relaxed comfortable warm day and food brought right to me. These are exceptional burgers and so many enticing combos to choose from. I went for the Ranch; ranch dressing, homemade crispy onions, and your choice of cheese. P got the Southwestern; homemade chipotle mayo, roasted peppers, tomatoes, scallions, and pepper jack cheese. Huge. Size does matter. All the right accompaniments. Award winning fries.

Best 51st birthday yet!


Monday, February 4, 2013

It's Good to Be King

Michael at work, (I can use his real name because there are about 50 of them all named Michael and even if I narrowed it down by saying 'gay Michael' which is probably insulting to some so I won't, still leaves about 10 possibilities), well anyway he tells me about his cooking experiments sometimes when we get lucky enough to have a lunch break together. He always starts off with great ingredients and I feel him but he also always keeps going a little well, maybe a Lot too far, adding a long list of odd extras that have no business in the dish just maybe something he had on hand. Then I have to make that face. Oooh, no, no, no! But I love to hear his stories and often don't end up saying one word through lunch. He tends to talk in run on sentences that lead to other stories until all the threads are going in several different directions. I try sometimes to lure him back to the original subject if it was interesting. Other times I just let him riff endlessly. Everything usually ends in me looking a pictures of his cat on his Iphone. We only get a half an hour to eat and I take the entire allotment just to chew my food, so I don't mind just sitting and listening. Not that I could get a word in edgewise.

I can certainly relate to mish-mashes of all sorts when it comes to bad food pairings. But once in awhile I'll make a completely balanced plate with all sides complimenting the main. It's a lot harder to do than I ever imagined, especially with no training. It's like Tom Petty said, 'If you think this (songwriting) is so easy, you try doing it'.

This was one of those times! Braised BBQ pork country ribs with pineapple salsa and wild rice with wilted baby spinach.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

You're the One That Gives It All

Super Bore Bowl Sunday! No, I do like celebrating. I'm not into football. I come for the snacks. I'm writing this late so all details are cloudy but I know I did a few things right. I had these country ribs and at the last minute I decided to just braise them in BBQ sauce and top them with a pineapple relish. Are you kidding me?! A made blackened shrimp tostadas with avocado and red cabbage dressed in a lime vinaigrette. Hee Haw! Side of black bean dip lightened up and whipped with yogurt. Yes and Yes! Also a yogurt lemon green onion Feta dip that for me was the hidden gem. Light, refreshing, tangy! And how about that Beyonce! Hot dang that girl is alive ain't she?!