Bring mistletoe!
CLICK TO ENLARGE
30 November 2011
Thankings 2011
We went to New Orleans for Thxgiving 2011. Frankly, I can't think of a better way to enjoy the holiday. Maybe a warm, beautiful beach? Any place where you can enjoy piles of seafood, really. I love N.O. It is everything I need it to be. We will definitely go back. One day, I'd like to go with friends.
The first thing we did when we rolled into town was find Felix's, recommended by Food Orleans. [Jen's recommendations are solid.] Felix's is interesting in that it is an actual oyster bar where you step right up and have your oysters at the bar. There is sit-down dining, but if you are just stepping in for a quick beer and a dozen oysters on the half shell, the bar is ideal. We went to Felix's THREE TIMES. The food is first-rate (steer clear of the coleslaw) and the atmosphere is just the way I like it -- no frills, genuinely friendly servers, Dixie Beer in the bottle, Stella on tap, strong iced tea, and Crystal Hot Sauce. We can vouch for the red beans & rice, fried shrimp poor boy, craw fish etouffe, and blackened grilled shrimp. Be cautious with that horseradish! I got heavy-handed with it and it actually blinded me for a moment and made me feel as if I were about to go into cardiac arrest.
On this trip, we consumed meat. You can veg in New Orleans with relative ease, but we wanted no restrictions.
Oysters R in Season:
We popped in right before we left town:
For Thxgiving day, we had our Big Meal lined up for 7:30 p.m. @ Commander's Palace. We regretfully did not plan very well for breakfast or lunch. A lot of places were closed. That's what we get for assuming New Orleans never takes holiday breaks. So, we popped into this place called St. Charles Tavern on St. Charles Ave. It was terrible. The food was just o.k. (they actually served a broken hollandaise sauce to me!), but it was the service that made us sorry we ever stepped foot into that establishment. A waitress, not our own, approached and asked if we had intentions of ordering breakfast, as if our sitting there drinking coffee was really putting her out. After it became clear that our order was never entered, the service went from bad to worse. I'll never understand when people foul up and then are total b-holes about it. I would understand if ATM & I were jerks, but we're not. Even after all of that, ATM still had to inquire about our food situation. Not a typical New Orleans experience. Avoid.
O.K., so Commander's Palace. Wow. That place is incredible. I want that to be our Thanksgiving tradition. I have no photos because you just don't do that there. You arrive dressed to the nines and you'd better have a reservation. While an abundant, most professional and courteous waitstaff whirls around you, tending to your every need (including ones you didn't even know you had) you drink wine, Laphroaig, and eat the best food. ATM & I partook in a tiny culinary adventure and tried escargot for the first time. We figured that if you're gonna go there, you do it somewhere like Commander's. Our bravery paid off because it wasn't just good, it was delightful! It came drizzled in bone marrow jus on a piece of garlic toast. It was nothing as I imagined. The closest thing I can compare it to is overcooked macaroni pasta? It tastes like whatever you cook it in, really. For our main course, we had the traditional turkey dinner, chosen mostly because I really enjoy P & J Oyster dressing. Everything we had on our plate was tops. We rounded out dinner (and our bellies) with their bread pudding & espressos. Goodness. Contentment. Thankings. I had to be rolled out of there. We are really looking forward to it again. If you go, save your pennies, because that kind of thing don't come cheap!
I'm going to take this opportunity to proclaim "to hell with Black Friday!" It's a terrible annual event that makes me horrified at people. Like, more than usual. For the past several years, I've called it by another name: Buy Nothing Day. Sometimes, that's hard to do, especially if you're away from home. So, we shopped from local businesses like Southern Candymakers (they make the best pralines) and Peaches Records. We usually don't eat at chain restaurants (although St. Charles Tavern nearly made me reconsider) and try to buy local whenever we can. It is so easy to not buy landfill items like t-shirts & magnets & mugs & beads & candles & shotglasses you don't even want. Look, I don't really enjoy proselytizing about, well, everything, but, you know, it's how I roll. Everything you do affects someone or something else, a lot of the time in an adverse way. So, be mindful, right? If you must shop, shop local, whenever possible. Reduce waste, in all areas of your life. All that to say that perishables make the best gifts. I enjoy it when people share food from their travels, so I try to do the same.
Chocolate and sweet potato pralines from Southern Candymakers:
These are a hit with my co-workers:
Pretty treats from Sucre:
MASSIVE PHOTO DUMP!
It should be called Cafe DUH Monde, because, duh, you have to go, amirite:
Courtyard kitty:
Saint Louis #1:
Our room:
Native American-inspired Mardi Gras costumes:
Night blimpin':
Breakfast on the balcony (Thanks, Mom!) :
Pauvre bete:
Real good start to this bloody holiday season.
The first thing we did when we rolled into town was find Felix's, recommended by Food Orleans. [Jen's recommendations are solid.] Felix's is interesting in that it is an actual oyster bar where you step right up and have your oysters at the bar. There is sit-down dining, but if you are just stepping in for a quick beer and a dozen oysters on the half shell, the bar is ideal. We went to Felix's THREE TIMES. The food is first-rate (steer clear of the coleslaw) and the atmosphere is just the way I like it -- no frills, genuinely friendly servers, Dixie Beer in the bottle, Stella on tap, strong iced tea, and Crystal Hot Sauce. We can vouch for the red beans & rice, fried shrimp poor boy, craw fish etouffe, and blackened grilled shrimp. Be cautious with that horseradish! I got heavy-handed with it and it actually blinded me for a moment and made me feel as if I were about to go into cardiac arrest.
On this trip, we consumed meat. You can veg in New Orleans with relative ease, but we wanted no restrictions.
Oysters R in Season:
We popped in right before we left town:
For Thxgiving day, we had our Big Meal lined up for 7:30 p.m. @ Commander's Palace. We regretfully did not plan very well for breakfast or lunch. A lot of places were closed. That's what we get for assuming New Orleans never takes holiday breaks. So, we popped into this place called St. Charles Tavern on St. Charles Ave. It was terrible. The food was just o.k. (they actually served a broken hollandaise sauce to me!), but it was the service that made us sorry we ever stepped foot into that establishment. A waitress, not our own, approached and asked if we had intentions of ordering breakfast, as if our sitting there drinking coffee was really putting her out. After it became clear that our order was never entered, the service went from bad to worse. I'll never understand when people foul up and then are total b-holes about it. I would understand if ATM & I were jerks, but we're not. Even after all of that, ATM still had to inquire about our food situation. Not a typical New Orleans experience. Avoid.
O.K., so Commander's Palace. Wow. That place is incredible. I want that to be our Thanksgiving tradition. I have no photos because you just don't do that there. You arrive dressed to the nines and you'd better have a reservation. While an abundant, most professional and courteous waitstaff whirls around you, tending to your every need (including ones you didn't even know you had) you drink wine, Laphroaig, and eat the best food. ATM & I partook in a tiny culinary adventure and tried escargot for the first time. We figured that if you're gonna go there, you do it somewhere like Commander's. Our bravery paid off because it wasn't just good, it was delightful! It came drizzled in bone marrow jus on a piece of garlic toast. It was nothing as I imagined. The closest thing I can compare it to is overcooked macaroni pasta? It tastes like whatever you cook it in, really. For our main course, we had the traditional turkey dinner, chosen mostly because I really enjoy P & J Oyster dressing. Everything we had on our plate was tops. We rounded out dinner (and our bellies) with their bread pudding & espressos. Goodness. Contentment. Thankings. I had to be rolled out of there. We are really looking forward to it again. If you go, save your pennies, because that kind of thing don't come cheap!
I'm going to take this opportunity to proclaim "to hell with Black Friday!" It's a terrible annual event that makes me horrified at people. Like, more than usual. For the past several years, I've called it by another name: Buy Nothing Day. Sometimes, that's hard to do, especially if you're away from home. So, we shopped from local businesses like Southern Candymakers (they make the best pralines) and Peaches Records. We usually don't eat at chain restaurants (although St. Charles Tavern nearly made me reconsider) and try to buy local whenever we can. It is so easy to not buy landfill items like t-shirts & magnets & mugs & beads & candles & shotglasses you don't even want. Look, I don't really enjoy proselytizing about, well, everything, but, you know, it's how I roll. Everything you do affects someone or something else, a lot of the time in an adverse way. So, be mindful, right? If you must shop, shop local, whenever possible. Reduce waste, in all areas of your life. All that to say that perishables make the best gifts. I enjoy it when people share food from their travels, so I try to do the same.
Chocolate and sweet potato pralines from Southern Candymakers:
These are a hit with my co-workers:
Pretty treats from Sucre:
MASSIVE PHOTO DUMP!
It should be called Cafe DUH Monde, because, duh, you have to go, amirite:
Courtyard kitty:
Saint Louis #1:
Our room:
Native American-inspired Mardi Gras costumes:
Night blimpin':
Breakfast on the balcony (Thanks, Mom!) :
Pauvre bete:
Real good start to this bloody holiday season.
20 November 2011
oh oh oh
Yesterday, we were in Hot Springs, sitting at the bar in Belle Arti, the best bar in town if you are seeking a quiet, dimly lit place to drink, and ATM leaned over to me and said, "We stay busy, don't we?" It's true, we always have something to do. I'm glad for it. Hope you guys are staying busy and productive in a way that makes you happy. Give 'em hell!
I'm in rare form this season in that I'm actually looking forward to the holiday season. I can't wait to deck the halls (I'll wait until after Thxgiving, I ain't no Xmas Creep!) while listening to our traditional Perry Como Christmas record and drinking copious amounts of Silk Nog. Ho ho ho!
This past week, Heather has been assisting me (Read: doing all of the hard work) in making Xmas stockings for ATM & I. Here is a little sneak peek:
I'm not a very artistic person, so I'm really happy with the results thus far. I've been working on them solo these past couple of evenings, so here's hoping that I don't spoil them.
As a result of this project, I've been listening to French & German house music non-stop, which has been totally uplifting.
Last weekend, my little family unit consisting of ATM, myself, KMHD, mum & Larry (our stepdud) went to Memphis to meet ATM's mum, stepfather, brother, sister-in-law & nephew. Aside from Larry being a total asshat (13 y.o. me wanted to shout, "YOU'RE NOT MY REAL DAD!" at him), it went really well. After lunch @ Interstate BBQ, we went to the Memphis Zoo. Even though ATM's family have always treated me (and KMHD, too) as one of their own, it's official now, and it is so sweet!
My mother-in-law always thinks of the little things, which I appreciate greatly. She brought petit fours! Love her.
Now it wasn't 100% attendance, but 3 out of 4 ain't bad! I got to wine/dine with Leigh & Keiko @ Capital Bar & Grill this past Friday. We made future holiday plans. I love it when we get together. Heather, too. I hope planetary alignment happens and it works out. Love you girls.
Back to work!
I'm in rare form this season in that I'm actually looking forward to the holiday season. I can't wait to deck the halls (I'll wait until after Thxgiving, I ain't no Xmas Creep!) while listening to our traditional Perry Como Christmas record and drinking copious amounts of Silk Nog. Ho ho ho!
This past week, Heather has been assisting me (Read: doing all of the hard work) in making Xmas stockings for ATM & I. Here is a little sneak peek:
I'm not a very artistic person, so I'm really happy with the results thus far. I've been working on them solo these past couple of evenings, so here's hoping that I don't spoil them.
As a result of this project, I've been listening to French & German house music non-stop, which has been totally uplifting.
Last weekend, my little family unit consisting of ATM, myself, KMHD, mum & Larry (our stepdud) went to Memphis to meet ATM's mum, stepfather, brother, sister-in-law & nephew. Aside from Larry being a total asshat (13 y.o. me wanted to shout, "YOU'RE NOT MY REAL DAD!" at him), it went really well. After lunch @ Interstate BBQ, we went to the Memphis Zoo. Even though ATM's family have always treated me (and KMHD, too) as one of their own, it's official now, and it is so sweet!
My mother-in-law always thinks of the little things, which I appreciate greatly. She brought petit fours! Love her.
Now it wasn't 100% attendance, but 3 out of 4 ain't bad! I got to wine/dine with Leigh & Keiko @ Capital Bar & Grill this past Friday. We made future holiday plans. I love it when we get together. Heather, too. I hope planetary alignment happens and it works out. Love you girls.
Back to work!
10 November 2011
NOV '11 TOP TEN
I really ought to post these lists @ the end of the month since 1. the month is not yet up and 2. because I have to write in past tense, no thanks to weirdos + stalkers. BUT, I wanted to get this out there.
1. November 1: Day one of Dias de los Muertos. All Saints Day. My birthday. It also marks the one year anniversary of my Ba Ngoai's passing. This was the second year in a row that I couldn't spend it with ATM due to real shit timing, but, thankfully, a few friends helped me celebrate properly. My lovely friends & family give good gift.
That's a museum quality hangin'!
2. Thxgiving in New Orleans. Last year's trip was so great, we obviously have to do it again. I've been doing a little recon at FOOD ORLEANS for ideas, tips, and insider information. All it does is make me want to be there nowish. We've got great accommodations. Travel makes me happy. New Orleans makes me happy.
3. Last week, I bought some mussels, Argentine red shrimp & oysters from Floyd's Meat and Seafood. Subsequently, I made mussels in tomato broth, grilled shrimp (that tasted like lobster), and Manhattan Clam Chowder, not at the same time, mind. I am so not done with you, shellfish!
4. Books, shelved. I did that ol' design trick where you shelve by color. Our house is becoming.
5. Bought old and expired film for my Polaroid 500. First box has been a dud so far, but maybe I'll get lucky with the rest. I may just have to find a different camera, so I can get fresh film from The Impossible Project.
7. Kitchen demolition, COMING SOON. Before we can remodel, we have to repair some jury-rigged fuckery that's going on behind the walls. Because we can only go as far as we save funds, I won't start looking at design blogs on how I would like my future kitchen to look like, even though I have a good idea, but am glad we're heading in that direction.
8. Reading up on traveling to Viet Nam. Any advice? The fact that we're going isn't even real to me yet. Is this happening? I'm really glad to have this opportunity to go to one of the homelands and spend time with my mum and sister. Duh.
9. Hot Springs, Arkansas. What a weird & fascinating little city. I love it there and I believe my future is in there somewhere. KMHD & I played hooky there last week. It was fun. Massages, a little flea marketing, and eating. I need to go back for these things...
The best trophy known:
Puttin' on the Ritz (Cracker sweater):
10. Thrift stores, flea markets & antique stores. Everyone loves to do this, I know, but we've discovered some new places that has amazing stuff. Here's this:
In case you didn't catch the two on the side there. WTF:
Original art:
Honorable mention: OCCUPY Little Rock. Have you met them yet? Have you marched with them yet?
1. November 1: Day one of Dias de los Muertos. All Saints Day. My birthday. It also marks the one year anniversary of my Ba Ngoai's passing. This was the second year in a row that I couldn't spend it with ATM due to real shit timing, but, thankfully, a few friends helped me celebrate properly. My lovely friends & family give good gift.
That's a museum quality hangin'!
2. Thxgiving in New Orleans. Last year's trip was so great, we obviously have to do it again. I've been doing a little recon at FOOD ORLEANS for ideas, tips, and insider information. All it does is make me want to be there nowish. We've got great accommodations. Travel makes me happy. New Orleans makes me happy.
3. Last week, I bought some mussels, Argentine red shrimp & oysters from Floyd's Meat and Seafood. Subsequently, I made mussels in tomato broth, grilled shrimp (that tasted like lobster), and Manhattan Clam Chowder, not at the same time, mind. I am so not done with you, shellfish!
4. Books, shelved. I did that ol' design trick where you shelve by color. Our house is becoming.
5. Bought old and expired film for my Polaroid 500. First box has been a dud so far, but maybe I'll get lucky with the rest. I may just have to find a different camera, so I can get fresh film from The Impossible Project.
6. Feminist root beer. I bought the herbs, bark, and roots to make root beer from scratch. Still trying to sort a few things: an exact recipe, what to bottle it in, and what to call it if it's even worth bottling and naming. This is something that I would like to succeed at in large measures.
7. Kitchen demolition, COMING SOON. Before we can remodel, we have to repair some jury-rigged fuckery that's going on behind the walls. Because we can only go as far as we save funds, I won't start looking at design blogs on how I would like my future kitchen to look like, even though I have a good idea, but am glad we're heading in that direction.
8. Reading up on traveling to Viet Nam. Any advice? The fact that we're going isn't even real to me yet. Is this happening? I'm really glad to have this opportunity to go to one of the homelands and spend time with my mum and sister. Duh.
9. Hot Springs, Arkansas. What a weird & fascinating little city. I love it there and I believe my future is in there somewhere. KMHD & I played hooky there last week. It was fun. Massages, a little flea marketing, and eating. I need to go back for these things...
The best trophy known:
Puttin' on the Ritz (Cracker sweater):
10. Thrift stores, flea markets & antique stores. Everyone loves to do this, I know, but we've discovered some new places that has amazing stuff. Here's this:
In case you didn't catch the two on the side there. WTF:
Original art:
Honorable mention: OCCUPY Little Rock. Have you met them yet? Have you marched with them yet?
07 November 2011
Red Red Wine
As with anything else I post, maybe only I am amused by this. I'm not a big drinker, never have been. Recent over preparedness has left me with several bottles of red wine, so I decided to give drinking red wine an earnest go.
I have been, on more than one occasion three sheets to the wind, the last time being at the Kilgore wedding, which was May of this year. So, I can remember the last time I over-imbibed. The sad truth is that when I do drink, it's a 100% effort, so I go a wee bit overboard. Well, why not? I'm rarely in the mood! It's something that takes me at least three days to recover from. Right, so my usual spirits of choice are, depending on the occasion or location, gin (& tonics), (shots of) tequila, (bottle of) sparkling wine, or a beer or two. But, nothing compares to the warm hug of red wine. Guys, Y U NO TELL ME ABOUT RED WINE?
How is it that I'm only now discovering the allure of grape juice plus?!!! It's awesome! It is a whole different kind of ... intoxication.
So, you probably have UB40's Red Red Wine stuck in your head. Serves you right!
02 November 2011
11-01-2011
Yesterday was my birthday. I turned 33 years old. In the evening, my friends and I dined, imbibed, and decorated sugar skulls. We made plans for the future. I had a lovely time. Besos to KMHD, Brittany, Heather & Mariella!
Heather & Brittany are clearly the artists of the bunch. Heather's handywork:
Brittany:
Britt's handywork:
KMHD's handywork:
Chairs from a funeral home:
Heather & Brittany are clearly the artists of the bunch. Heather's handywork:
Brittany:
Britt's handywork:
KMHD's handywork:
Chairs from a funeral home:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)