What a way to start the weekend. I did go out and karaokied a bit, as always it was fun. I don't eat meat on Fridays during lent so I didn't eat, I did have some coffee and chips with salsa. I got home and was a little hungry so as always mi chica came to the rescue and made me an egg and cheese torta. Ummm it was good and tasty and it so hit the spot.
So, I am walking during lunch, you know my daily two-mile walk and I am just car gazing when all of a sudden a truck passed by and it had one of those company magnetic signs and it read in big bold letters, "Keep Screwing" and right under it were a pair of animated screws. He, he if you guessed it was from a screw company you are right. Betcha people read it twice, I know I did.
OK, here's the scenario. You are walking down the street and there's a fool with ear buds in his ears walking towards you, he is singing out of the top of his lungs and sounds pretty crappy, then just as he passes you by we waves at you and nods his head in a sign of salutation... I really want to know what goes through those peoples minds, but then again I really don't care because I probably won't stop.
Five creams, five sugars, in it please. Isn't it cool, now you can order your coffee already made and ready to drink. If you ever want some of the best fresh coffee around skip Starbucks and head on to Micky D's theirs is by far a better coffee. Feel free to forward this message to them and quote me, then maybe, just maybe they'll give me free coffee for a month or something.
Did you know that lot of Mobile gas stations don't even charge for coffee. I went once and got me a coffee and they just waved me off. I thought for sure that was a one time deal but I went back on another occasion and guess what, yep, they waved me off without charging again. I am not saying all Mobile gas stations do this but I been to two of them in my neighborhood and I got the same treatment. Can't go wrong with free.
OK, so my father in law fixed my car and when he finished he told me I had to go a place where they could top off the oil in the differential. So I went to one of those quick lube places near us and asked them to do this. Fifteen minutes later my they called me and said my car was ready, they printed a bill on the computer and as I was pulling my debit card, the guy said, don't worry we won't charge you. I was pleasanlty surpirsed and thanked them warmly.
So, now I wonder was I supposed to tip all those people for the service. I just thought anything free helps my budget and I am thankful for it, the downside is that I hardly ever carry cash anymore so I really couldn't tip them.
Stimulating the economy
Yey, it's Friday and I will be going to my favorite karaoke hangout tonight. I figure a couple of drinks and some food will inject some revenue into Manny's. These days every dollar counts. Should be lots of fun, the Phoenix/Avondale weather can't be better and the music that is going on in my head is dying to come out. So... with that in mind and with not much happening in our lives I live you with another song I did some time ago.
OK, so Norah Jones I'm not, but hey I really like this Spanish version so I had to do it. Tomorrow a couple I met at Manny's is hosting a karaoke party at their house. Should be another good time and coming up on Sunday it's my son and his lovely wife's House Warming Party.
I hope you too have a great weekend planned.
.
Textile Revisited
I walked into Textile this week with fond memories of my previous trip there, which was waaaay back in October. I walked out -- ten courses later -- with a smile on my face that has not yet faded. Now that’s what I call Friday night food on a Wednesday.
Ten courses, you say? Yes, our five-course dinner was topped off with a five-course dessert tasting. That’s right: five dinners, five desserts. And we all lived to tell. Alright, less gushing, more fooding.
The amuse bouche was a slender cup of cream of rapini soup, topped with a stalk of rapini tempura. The soup had an incredibly clean taste, highlighting the freshness of the veggies within. The richness of the soup made it an ideal amuse, as any other size would overwhelm.
This was followed by a simple and simply delicious salad of hydroponic bibb lettuce, fromage d’Ambert, and a cute (that’s right, I said it) onion strudel. While the strudel and salad were lovely, the real star was the cheese, a creamy and mellow bleu that complimented without overpowering.
Next came a European turbot atop a cauliflower soufflé. The airy texture of the soufflé, along with its mild flavor, melded perfectly with the turbot, a delicate flatfish akin to a sole. Again, clean, fresh flavors, beautifully prepared and presented.
And then? The bacon tart with poached quail egg, wilted greens, and aged balsamic is a certain winner. No surprise that this one has stayed on the menu for some time; it is difficult to find fault with its gorgeous presentation and downright awesome taste. It is, after all, a bacon tart.
The star of the savories arrived last: a tender, pink cut of pork, cooked sous vide in pork fat, topped with a thin-crispy layer of wheat flour, and served over a balsamic reduction. I at first thought the meat looked “too pink,” but alas, one bite proved me wrong. It was tender and rich and packed with meaty flavor and goodness and sin and love. The black “forbidden” rice served alongside was a velvety dream. Fireworks.
Scott Tycer has built himself a nice little practice in the revamped textile factory, a uniquely serene space that also houses his Kraftsmen bakery. Every table was filled. Service was attentive and down to Earth. Even the music was distinctly unstuffy.
Dessert recap forthcoming. Stay tuned, food fans. It’s a doozy.
Textile – 611 W. 22nd (near Shepherd)
Ten courses, you say? Yes, our five-course dinner was topped off with a five-course dessert tasting. That’s right: five dinners, five desserts. And we all lived to tell. Alright, less gushing, more fooding.
The amuse bouche was a slender cup of cream of rapini soup, topped with a stalk of rapini tempura. The soup had an incredibly clean taste, highlighting the freshness of the veggies within. The richness of the soup made it an ideal amuse, as any other size would overwhelm.
This was followed by a simple and simply delicious salad of hydroponic bibb lettuce, fromage d’Ambert, and a cute (that’s right, I said it) onion strudel. While the strudel and salad were lovely, the real star was the cheese, a creamy and mellow bleu that complimented without overpowering.
Next came a European turbot atop a cauliflower soufflé. The airy texture of the soufflé, along with its mild flavor, melded perfectly with the turbot, a delicate flatfish akin to a sole. Again, clean, fresh flavors, beautifully prepared and presented.
And then? The bacon tart with poached quail egg, wilted greens, and aged balsamic is a certain winner. No surprise that this one has stayed on the menu for some time; it is difficult to find fault with its gorgeous presentation and downright awesome taste. It is, after all, a bacon tart.
The star of the savories arrived last: a tender, pink cut of pork, cooked sous vide in pork fat, topped with a thin-crispy layer of wheat flour, and served over a balsamic reduction. I at first thought the meat looked “too pink,” but alas, one bite proved me wrong. It was tender and rich and packed with meaty flavor and goodness and sin and love. The black “forbidden” rice served alongside was a velvety dream. Fireworks.
Scott Tycer has built himself a nice little practice in the revamped textile factory, a uniquely serene space that also houses his Kraftsmen bakery. Every table was filled. Service was attentive and down to Earth. Even the music was distinctly unstuffy.
Dessert recap forthcoming. Stay tuned, food fans. It’s a doozy.
Textile – 611 W. 22nd (near Shepherd)
Stingrays and Transit Troubadours
All right, already! Barring some unforeseen disaster, we're outta here tomorrow morning around 10. We've hauled the dinghy aboard, topped off the diesel, loaded more jugs of drinking water, washed down the deck and I've been tucking away every loose object in sight.
According to our weather oracle Don Anderson, conditions are calm around Cabo Corrientes (the point of land at the southern end of Banderas Bay), which is usually the hairiest part of the trip south. We'll try to land in Ipala tomorrow night. We'll have to be careful of the fishnets at that particular anchorage, so if it's after dark when we arrive, we'll probably just keep going overnight and land in Chamela. Get some rest, go on to Careyes. Then Tenacatita. Then Barra de Navidad and Melaque!
The Capt caught a video of dozens of stingrays traveling past our boat -- They look like reflections on the water, or fallen leaves
No whales yet, but then we have only been outside the marina with the boat once in the last three weeks. But we've been spotting the occasional lone stingray, and here's the shot I promised of the whole herd (flock? school?) we saw a few days ago.
Transit troubadour expertly balanced himself on the lurching bus and entertained us. Curious-looking guitar he was playing... the neck looks like a bass but the sound was a normal guitar
And here's a transit troubadour we met on the bus to Puerto Vallarta yesterday, when four of us first mates jumped ship for the day. He was actually pretty good, and I liked that he talked about his songs. The Mexicans on the bus resolutely ignored him and refused to make eye contact, but I dug up a good tip for him.
I felt like telling him "I know what it's like, amigo, to play your best and be regarded as a pest."
According to our weather oracle Don Anderson, conditions are calm around Cabo Corrientes (the point of land at the southern end of Banderas Bay), which is usually the hairiest part of the trip south. We'll try to land in Ipala tomorrow night. We'll have to be careful of the fishnets at that particular anchorage, so if it's after dark when we arrive, we'll probably just keep going overnight and land in Chamela. Get some rest, go on to Careyes. Then Tenacatita. Then Barra de Navidad and Melaque!
The Capt caught a video of dozens of stingrays traveling past our boat -- They look like reflections on the water, or fallen leaves
Transit troubadour expertly balanced himself on the lurching bus and entertained us. Curious-looking guitar he was playing... the neck looks like a bass but the sound was a normal guitarI felt like telling him "I know what it's like, amigo, to play your best and be regarded as a pest."
I Will Survive
For the second time in a short amount of time we are going to have pizza for lunch sponsored by the two regional sales managers as a way to thank us for all we do for the sales team. Work is extremely slow and yet we are all still surviving there so it's nice to have a free lunch once in a while. These days saving a dollars means a lot to most of us. "God may squeeze you, but he won't choke you".
I don't know if I have mentioned this before but I work for a company that sells electronic equipment to every school in the country. Yeap, we are the "Best Buy" for the education sector along with Government and even churches. Did you ever hear that when they hire a new employee at See's Candies they encourage that newbie to eat as much chocolate as his/her little heart desire. The idea is that very soon that employee will want nothing to do with chocolate anymore.
Well, that sort of is me. We sell the latest in electronic equipment and yet the three TVs that I own are about 10 years old. It takes me forever to jump on the band wagon of new technology. I know the new TVs are very clear, heck they are actually clearer than real life but I'll tell you what when I am home watching my old 62" rear projection TV, since I have nothing to compare it with I still think it's the greatest and I will very much miss it once it breaks.
So adapt and overcome is my motto, I am always broke so I adapted and daily overcome it. No need for me to have the latest rage in plasma TVs, or a $300.00 iPod, or a brand new computer. I am a recycler of sorts, I bought my TV from a friend for a mere $500.00 dollars, my iPod shuffle was a gift from work as was my very old lap top computer, but guess what? Old as they are they work just fine.
My car still gets lots of attention, of course it's a Mustang but I do keep it looking pretty nice. It's a 93 and it's starting to show its age. I have been asked time and time again why don't I trade it in, but really why would I? My car is HOT, it's PAID IN FULL, and my yearly tags are about $25.00. No thank you, I'll keep my old Mustang which by the way will soon be at Knott's Berry Farm's Fabulous Fords Forever Car Show. Try that with your newer cars. lol
I guess the moral of all these is that if we wise up a little, we can live comfortably in the poor house. But then again there are those that have a need for the new stuff and the never ending outstanding credit card balances, what do we call it? Oh yeah, the American dream.
Gotta, go pizza is here and it's calling my name. Ummmmm pizza!
.
I don't know if I have mentioned this before but I work for a company that sells electronic equipment to every school in the country. Yeap, we are the "Best Buy" for the education sector along with Government and even churches. Did you ever hear that when they hire a new employee at See's Candies they encourage that newbie to eat as much chocolate as his/her little heart desire. The idea is that very soon that employee will want nothing to do with chocolate anymore.
Well, that sort of is me. We sell the latest in electronic equipment and yet the three TVs that I own are about 10 years old. It takes me forever to jump on the band wagon of new technology. I know the new TVs are very clear, heck they are actually clearer than real life but I'll tell you what when I am home watching my old 62" rear projection TV, since I have nothing to compare it with I still think it's the greatest and I will very much miss it once it breaks.
So adapt and overcome is my motto, I am always broke so I adapted and daily overcome it. No need for me to have the latest rage in plasma TVs, or a $300.00 iPod, or a brand new computer. I am a recycler of sorts, I bought my TV from a friend for a mere $500.00 dollars, my iPod shuffle was a gift from work as was my very old lap top computer, but guess what? Old as they are they work just fine.
My car still gets lots of attention, of course it's a Mustang but I do keep it looking pretty nice. It's a 93 and it's starting to show its age. I have been asked time and time again why don't I trade it in, but really why would I? My car is HOT, it's PAID IN FULL, and my yearly tags are about $25.00. No thank you, I'll keep my old Mustang which by the way will soon be at Knott's Berry Farm's Fabulous Fords Forever Car Show. Try that with your newer cars. lol
I guess the moral of all these is that if we wise up a little, we can live comfortably in the poor house. But then again there are those that have a need for the new stuff and the never ending outstanding credit card balances, what do we call it? Oh yeah, the American dream.
Gotta, go pizza is here and it's calling my name. Ummmmm pizza!
.
Mexican Coke: The *Real* Thing?
Much to my detriment, I love Mexican soda. And since I teach at a school that’s 95% Hispanic, I have ample opportunity to try new flavors and types. The obsession began with Mexican Coke, but has branched into Jarritos and Joyas, and whatever out-of-the-ordinary my students can find. Yes, they certainly love to take advantage of my obsession, leaving me occasional treasures in the distinct form of that old-fashioned glass bottle. I love it, but am wary of drinking too much, as I’ve been warned about the sheer amount of sugar.
Today’s Chronicle features an article about the rise in popularity of Mexican Coke in America. Turns out, the sugar-laden Mexican version may actually be the “healthy” choice, since its ingredients are more natural.
That’s right, natural. Mexican soda is made with the pure and holistic cane sugar, while the American version is made with the superficial and manufactured high-fructose corn syrup. Never mind that the amount of sugar in Mexican soda is enough to overgorge every ant bed in Houston... ahem, Texas. It’s nat-ur-al. Say it with me.
All health issues aside, Mexican Coke flat out tastes better. And while I don’t drink soda of any kind with regularity, when I do get a craving, I can now confidently sate my thirst with an almost-all-natural refresco de Mejico. Que buena!
Now. Look what’s waiting for me on the other side of that mound-o-grading. [swoon!]
Today’s Chronicle features an article about the rise in popularity of Mexican Coke in America. Turns out, the sugar-laden Mexican version may actually be the “healthy” choice, since its ingredients are more natural.
That’s right, natural. Mexican soda is made with the pure and holistic cane sugar, while the American version is made with the superficial and manufactured high-fructose corn syrup. Never mind that the amount of sugar in Mexican soda is enough to overgorge every ant bed in Houston... ahem, Texas. It’s nat-ur-al. Say it with me.
All health issues aside, Mexican Coke flat out tastes better. And while I don’t drink soda of any kind with regularity, when I do get a craving, I can now confidently sate my thirst with an almost-all-natural refresco de Mejico. Que buena!
Now. Look what’s waiting for me on the other side of that mound-o-grading. [swoon!]
Pieces and Bits
Not nice, I spent an hour and a half on the freeway this morning while going to work. There were accidents all over it. So after all was said and done I was only 45 minutes late to work. Did I say only?Well, it seems that my new template is being well received by all of you out there. I discovered that some computers will make the side bar drop all the way down and will start displaying it after the last post. I had seen blogs like this before, I believe that happens due to the kind of browser in the computer. In most computers it looks fine and it's actually pretty awesome. Again, thank you Nikki.
Another thing I won't do here is post small pictures much, they do not align the way I want them to so I'll stick to medium and large size only. I may use small ones only a the beginning of a paragraph and only one at a time.
So, no American Idol today. Fear not, it will be back tomorrow. Tonight we watch what the President has to say. We are living in very scary times and we need a doze of good news and good actions. It seems things are moving along and we continue to survive the carnage of this economic crisis. Man I tell you, everybody is out to collect the dollars you may owe them. I guess businesses out there feel it's better tho have some money than no money. I don't know how many of you out there are praying people or believe in prayer but realize that we have to start all pitching in somehow help each other and accept that we may be needing some divine intervention too, so praying won't do any harm and may not be such a bad idea after all.
It seems most of my shows have either ended or are on a long hiatus. That just suits me fine as it will give me more time to start singing on line again. I am setting up my system and I am even working on a live broadcast. So, stay tuned for more updates on this. Oh and did I mention karaoke is back at Manny's. I hear it won't stop until the weather gets too hot. So for now, we sing.
.
Adventuring Out: Vietnamese
Last month we took several students from our rad charter school to try Indian food for the first time. It wasn’t a required trip, but anyone who wanted to branch out and try new things was welcome to join us. Results were great; the nine students that came along thoroughly enjoyed the new experience, and many more let us know that they were interested. So now we’re expanding our stomachs and our comfort zones monthly. Hizzah!
This month we tackled Vietnamese, partially because it’s something “crazy” and different, and partially because it’s my favorite (I’m selfish. Sue me). SEVENTEEN brave teenage souls joined us at Pho Saigon on Fuqua for soup, supp, and spring rolls. Again we gave them a primer on the cultural basics, and then we let them have at it...
And have at it, they did. Most students ordered vermicelli noodle bowls, making valiant attempts at the slippery noodles with inexperienced chopsticks. Others chose rice bowls, preferring something a little closer to home. They watched with rapt fascination as I added basil, lime, sprouts, and plum sauce to my steaming bowl of pho. And by decree, everyone tried a spring or imperial roll.
The kids soaked up the adventure, guessing to what extent they’d be willing to branch. Most expressed shock at the new and unique range of textures and flavor. The truly daring ones ordered crazy desserts, tapioca drinks, and durian smoothies. The less adventurous packed their leftovers to take home for mom. The atmosphere was fun, festive, and totally hilarious.
Next up was supposed to be Greek. But I’d like to do something totally off the wall... like Ethiopian! Only we’re a little constricted by our location. Any ideas for a crazy cuisine off I-45, south of Hobby Airport? :)
This month we tackled Vietnamese, partially because it’s something “crazy” and different, and partially because it’s my favorite (I’m selfish. Sue me). SEVENTEEN brave teenage souls joined us at Pho Saigon on Fuqua for soup, supp, and spring rolls. Again we gave them a primer on the cultural basics, and then we let them have at it...
And have at it, they did. Most students ordered vermicelli noodle bowls, making valiant attempts at the slippery noodles with inexperienced chopsticks. Others chose rice bowls, preferring something a little closer to home. They watched with rapt fascination as I added basil, lime, sprouts, and plum sauce to my steaming bowl of pho. And by decree, everyone tried a spring or imperial roll.
The kids soaked up the adventure, guessing to what extent they’d be willing to branch. Most expressed shock at the new and unique range of textures and flavor. The truly daring ones ordered crazy desserts, tapioca drinks, and durian smoothies. The less adventurous packed their leftovers to take home for mom. The atmosphere was fun, festive, and totally hilarious.
Next up was supposed to be Greek. But I’d like to do something totally off the wall... like Ethiopian! Only we’re a little constricted by our location. Any ideas for a crazy cuisine off I-45, south of Hobby Airport? :)
Dim Sum at Ocean Palace
Happy was I when my friends Kai and Andrew asked if I’d like to grab dim sum with them last Sunday. Though I had had dim sum before, I’m definitely still a novice, so the opportunity to grub it up with a few experts was gloriously enticing.
We ventured out to the colossal Ocean Palace on Bellaire in Houston’s Chinatown, where the huge dining room was more than half filled by the time we got there at 11:30. Older Chinese women scuttled about with their carts, leaving treasure bins of goodness on various tables. The heavily Chinese crowd of youngster, middlers, and elders conversed with subdued animation.
And then there’s the food. Kai and Andrew intrepidly guided me through a hulking list of delicacies, showing me the good, the bad, and the just plain gimmicky. They patiently taught me how to identify the best dumplings, what dishes to avoid (eggplant, for example, since it’s not native to China), and how to pick the tiny bones and tendons from the chicken feet, a dim sum staple. Perhaps best of all, they didn’t laugh at all when I squeezed the Siracha bottle so hard that the little green top went flying… And. Sauce. Went. Everywhere. Heh.
I loved the shrimp dumplings, textured turnip cakes, Lotus leaf rice, tofu-wrapped pork, and slippery rice noodle rolls. Kai craves the chicken feet and steamed pork buns, while Andrew’s perennial favorite is the spongy tripe.
The morning turned out exciting-yet-relaxing, serene, fast, formidable, I’m-so-full, and fun. If only all my weeks could begin with such varied grace.
Ocean Palace – 11215 Bellaire Blvd. (near Wilcrest)
We ventured out to the colossal Ocean Palace on Bellaire in Houston’s Chinatown, where the huge dining room was more than half filled by the time we got there at 11:30. Older Chinese women scuttled about with their carts, leaving treasure bins of goodness on various tables. The heavily Chinese crowd of youngster, middlers, and elders conversed with subdued animation.
And then there’s the food. Kai and Andrew intrepidly guided me through a hulking list of delicacies, showing me the good, the bad, and the just plain gimmicky. They patiently taught me how to identify the best dumplings, what dishes to avoid (eggplant, for example, since it’s not native to China), and how to pick the tiny bones and tendons from the chicken feet, a dim sum staple. Perhaps best of all, they didn’t laugh at all when I squeezed the Siracha bottle so hard that the little green top went flying… And. Sauce. Went. Everywhere. Heh.
I loved the shrimp dumplings, textured turnip cakes, Lotus leaf rice, tofu-wrapped pork, and slippery rice noodle rolls. Kai craves the chicken feet and steamed pork buns, while Andrew’s perennial favorite is the spongy tripe.
The morning turned out exciting-yet-relaxing, serene, fast, formidable, I’m-so-full, and fun. If only all my weeks could begin with such varied grace.
Ocean Palace – 11215 Bellaire Blvd. (near Wilcrest)
Nikki... Pimp My Blog!
This is my lovely and talented daughter Nikki. Once a year, in this case a little longer than that, she gives my blog a total new look. Last night she called me to tell me she had already finish with the new template and that she was ready to make it live. This is usually a high stress time for her because of all the gadgets and buttons that I have on my sidebar, she always stresses because she thinks she'll forget something.
So, she asked me to open my browser and to take a look. I am sure she was crossing her fingers hoping I would like it. She is the designer, so I give her carte blanche as long as she incorporates a Mustang and a Harley. So this time she said she wanted keep it simple and she eliminated the bike. I think I can live with it because I think the new design is super cool.
This is how some of you may see it. Depending on your computers resolution settings. This happens to be the way my lap top sees it.
So, I would like to hear some feed back from all my friends out there and let me know what you think? I for one am 100% satisfied and will enjoy the new look for quite a while, or at least until I can get that lovely daughter of mine to mess with it again.
.
A Bad Case of Dockitis
Valentine's Day dinner at La Cava Martinez with Wendy and Mark of Sol MateI'm hoping the first night to stop at Yelapa, the last anchorage to the south in Banderas Bay, so we can spend a few hours in that unique village that can only be accessed by boat, even though it's not on an island. Imagine, no auto traffic. Maybe I'll even meet Maria, whose Yelapa blog has provided me with so much information about that interesting place.
I have photos, but not on the laptop, so I'll have to plug them in later after I've transferred them from my other 'puter. Yes, we are traveling with four computers, three of which actually work. Don't ask why.
So far I've seen the back of one whale and a whole flock (pod? flock? school?) of stingrays about the size of an 8x11" sheet of paper, which we were able to capture on video. My friend Juliet, who's now in Santiago, says that's where the whales are.
I still love La Cruz, but we're finding ourselves doing a lot of repairs, provisioning and socializing, and no cruising. In fact, we've only been out in Banderas Bay once. And the marina, as the Capt remarked this morning, is starting to feel like a trailer park.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
On Sunday night we food-ventured to Sugar Land to try the brand new Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. Grimaldi’s has already won rave reviews as the city's lone coal brick-oven pizzeria (read: New York style). I didn’t know that there could be a lone anything in this sprawling metrolpolis, so my interest...? Was piqued.
Nestled into the First Colony Mall just off the Southwest Freeway, Grimaldi’s is an open and inviting space. The menu is somewhat limited – you simply choose your sauce (traditional red or garlicky white), and then the toppings. We chose a traditional pizza with sliced tomato, mushrooms, and pesto, plus a white pizza with sausage and mushroom. The pizzas arrived in good order, and we got to work.
What really set Grimaldi’s apart, to us, were the sauces. The red sauce teemed with pure, unadulterated tomato flavor. Smooth and delicious. Like it went straight from the vine to the oven. The garlicky white sauce had just as much flavor, if not more. Defying the odds, I liked it best. The cheese, too, is top notch; the crust is thin, yet sturdy, and grilled to a perfect crispness.
Grimaldi’s serves a great pizza, plain and simple. However, while I’m happy to have sampled, I’m not sure that I’d trek to Sugar Land for it again, as I’m still enamored of the much closer options at Dolce Vita and Pink’s. Is it worth the trip? Sure. But just once.
Nestled into the First Colony Mall just off the Southwest Freeway, Grimaldi’s is an open and inviting space. The menu is somewhat limited – you simply choose your sauce (traditional red or garlicky white), and then the toppings. We chose a traditional pizza with sliced tomato, mushrooms, and pesto, plus a white pizza with sausage and mushroom. The pizzas arrived in good order, and we got to work.
What really set Grimaldi’s apart, to us, were the sauces. The red sauce teemed with pure, unadulterated tomato flavor. Smooth and delicious. Like it went straight from the vine to the oven. The garlicky white sauce had just as much flavor, if not more. Defying the odds, I liked it best. The cheese, too, is top notch; the crust is thin, yet sturdy, and grilled to a perfect crispness.
Grimaldi’s serves a great pizza, plain and simple. However, while I’m happy to have sampled, I’m not sure that I’d trek to Sugar Land for it again, as I’m still enamored of the much closer options at Dolce Vita and Pink’s. Is it worth the trip? Sure. But just once.
R+L Racing
I know it's been done before and I have blogged about it before but hey what can I say, it's a recurring good time. R+L is a trucking company that I use at work and they are co-sponsors of the NASCAR #17 Ford Fusion racing car driven by Matt Kenseth. Twice a year they bring it to a nearby company and we get invited to go see it while enjoying a catered lunch. Yep, a NASCAR racing car and food all in one outing, if you ask me it's a win win situation.
Add to the excitement that Matt won last Sunday in Daytona. Daytona is the one race everyone remembers, granted he was driving the DEWALT Ford, but we all know R+L sponsorship is still there.
When you see the cars up close they are not the most exciting thing to see. There is nothing fancy about them, the engine just sits there looking rather small in the engine compartment, the interior is a cage and only one sit rests there waiting for it's driver. Perhaps the best part is the paint job. But make no mistake the most exciting thing happens when the fire the engine up and the engine roars like a wild animal. Those things are loud and when the car runs you realize how much power is in those engines.
Watching NASCAR on TV is fun but to really appreciate how fast the cars go you must see them in person. My niece once asked me what is so fun about watching a car go round and round in a circle, well all I know is that it just is.
Fuego en la Sangre Finale
"Fuego en la Sangre" is the telenovela we have been watching for the past year or so. It's been a great novela to watch with lots of cheese moments but overall it has been entertaining enough for me to sit from 8:00 to 9:00 pm every night.
Well they say all good things must come to an end and so this telenovela's last episode will be this coming Friday. Now, I've been known to organize a party or two just for such an occasion and so I will do my best to recruit some volunteers to cook a wonderful meal so we can gather at my mom's on Friday and enjoy the last episode.
I don't know about you but to me this is as good an excuse to have a family gathering. Even if just a few of us show up it will be great.
CMC Pancake Breakfast
On Saturday night I told both my daughters that the Copperstate Mustang Club annual Pancake Breakfast would be on Sunday and asked them if they would like to go. We had missed the last two years and they both immediately agreed to come. Of course Junior enlisted himself too and so the plan was to wake up early to get ready since we had to be at the park before 10:00 a.m.
I couldn't believe there were only three Fox Bosy Mustangs in attendance, but I did love the attention my car received.
Let me mention that Junior works at Danny's Car wash and last Friday I left my car home and I kindly asked him if he would take it with him so I could get a free car wash. He agreed and two hours later he called me at work to let me know that he was going to give my car the royal treatment and was going to have it detailed inside and out.
When I came home that afternoon I could not believe my eyes, my car's color is called Electric White because it is a vibrant white but for the past few years it had been more of a yellowish white with lots of grease smears all over. So driving in and seeing a totally white car parked in my driveway with a clean interior and engine I couldn't be more happily surprised.
So, the annual Pancake Breakfast was just the venue or show to proudly display it again. So at 9:00 a.m. I we took off only stopping in Phoenix to pick up my daughter Nikki and "Ducky" and we were on our way. It was a cold morning so for the first time I did not lower the top (I must be getting old because on previous years top was always down even if freezing). We got to the park early but it was almost already full. One thing my daughters were wondering was if we would know anybody since we have been away for so long.
New to our clug is the CMC Racing Division. They are coming up with events and holding them at Speedworld. I have not attended one yet but I hear they are very exciting.
Upon entering the park I started to hear "Here comes Jose" and or "Jose is here", wow you would think people forget but not this community of Mustang enthusiasts. Granted, there were many new faces, people I haven't met yet, people I haven't seen, but all the familiar faces were there too. The welcome couldn't have been any warmer, even the president of the club said "I would like to welcome Jose back, I know I saw his car drive in" then he asked "Jose, where are you?". Of course I was flattered by the attention and made some noise of my own. When I told mi chica of this she said, "Noise, not you". lol
As you can see it was a full parking lot. I was amazed at the amount of brand new Mustangs. When I joined ten years ago it was mostly classic Mustangs. Wow, how times change.
The weather warmed up a bit and the meeting went by, then it was time for the 50/50 raffle. I had bought two tickets and Nikki bought one only. Well, they say it only takes one ticket and Nikki proved that, she was the lucky winner of a $75.00 pot. "Daddy, thank you again for inviting me to the Pancake Breakfast" she told me again.
To go with my clean car, my fog lights that I ordered also came in and will be installed soon. Yeap, I think my car is on it's way to looking good again. We are all looking forward to Knott's Berry Farm and Fabulous Fords Forever car show. This year we will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Fox Body Mustangs. Should be a blast, we are ordering our tickets this week event though the show is the third week of April.
Well, I brought the car show to you and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
St. Valentine's Day
So, mi chica and I decided to celebrate St. Valentine's Day at home instead of going out to a fancy restaurant, that is if you want to call Jack in the Box fancy. lol
Last Wednesday I asked her what we were going to do for Valentine's and she said it was to late for reservations so I being the quick thinker that I am said, "Why don't we call our kids and ask them if they want to join us for a Carne Asada at the house". Next thing I know is the kids are telling me see ya on Saturday. Turns out they were down with the news. Are you kiddin' they will never say no to Carne Asada.
It was a simple but fun family gathering. My three kids, or should I say six kids, since my in laws treat us with love and respect that we love them like our kids, and the icing on the cake our seven grand kids were all at the house with us. And OK I will be the first one to accept that carne asada may not be the most romantic meal but boy is it good and tasty.
The following are some of the images captured during the day.
Mexican rice, nopalitos salad, cabbage salad, refried beans, and onions with soy sause were the perfect side dishes to complement the meat. We were planning on having some home made cookies but discovered that in the end we did not have room for any more food.
Maybe not them most romantic way to spend the day but to me nothing could have been better than having all of our family with us in such and important day. After all they too could have turned us down in favor a fancy restaurant.
This is my youngerst grandson. He is one that always stays away from me and even cries if I pick him up, but today he showed me some love by letting me hug him and kiss him.
Once In a Blue Moon
I am not known for making the right decisions all the time but I would venture to say that sometimes I do. Once in a blue moon I'll do something right. Finding mi chica and later marrying her has got to be one of those things that were so right. In the eve of St. Valentine's Day this just hits me as one of those things that when you think about it makes you go ummm! And then it hits you, BAM! How lucky I was to find her. So, since I haven't posted a song in a while here is one and I will take this opportunity to dedicate it to mi chica but at the same time I hope you all like it.
Rate this performance at The Sims On Stage
The Dance
As a grandfather I feed on the stories my daughters and son tell me about their kids as they remind me of days gone by when I was in the same situation. Whether it's my daughter Nikki showing us Ducky's... Oops! Pardone moi Loyiel Eduardo Jr's Christmas performance, or going to see Brianna and Tallyanna perform at their schools recital, those are the moments that grandpa and grandma will always cherish.
Kids do the darnest things, some are shy and some are not. Some are afraid to let go and some will just go. I remember a long time ago when my son grabbed my leg and wouldn't let go on his first day of kindergarten, as a matter of fact this is a story that has already been told in this blog at least a couple of times so I won't bore you with it again. Listening to my favorite country music radio station I hear a song by Darius Rucker that totally reminded me of that day.
The song is called "It won't be like this for long". And the second verse goes something like this:
She's crawling in there bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now don't you worry
This will only last a week or two
Here he is singing about a she, but it could have easily be my he. If you are curious about how the complete song goes then CLICK HERE!
So while on the subject of music and sons and daughters and grand kids and the things they do, let me tell you about what went on yesterday. With St. Valentine's Day just around the corner my grandson Diego invited his mom to a mother/son dance at school. Boy was this kiddo excited about it. He got all dressed up, he got his hair done in his now trademark Mohawk, he allowed me to spray some of my perfume all over him, and little dude was ready to go and boogie.
Now I don't remember my daughter or son for that matter doing the prom thing so to me this was pretty close to that. So... I got my trusty camera and captured a few images that I will now share with you here.
To read the mom's point of view of this CLICK HERE!
A *New* Home for the Houston Gastronome
Good news! Thanks to my rad buddy Kev, Great Food Houston has gone all advanced-like. Now instead of typing a whopping 34 characters in the address box to get to this page, you can type a mere 25. That’s right, we’re moving! www.greatfoodhouston.com is now its own functional site. Words and all!
I’m still trying to figure the look, feel, and new interface out... but live it, love it, bookmark it, tell your friends. And if you are kind enough to link to my blog from yours, please would you update the link there? Smiley. Thankfully. Prettyprettypleasewithacherryontopally...?
Head over now to read about a weekend in Dim Sum.
(JJ’s cornbread at Beaver’s!)
I’m still trying to figure the look, feel, and new interface out... but live it, love it, bookmark it, tell your friends. And if you are kind enough to link to my blog from yours, please would you update the link there? Smiley. Thankfully. Prettyprettypleasewithacherryontopally...?
Head over now to read about a weekend in Dim Sum.
(JJ’s cornbread at Beaver’s!)
A Great Day
Despite the fact that it was freezing in the morning and I couldn't see out of my window for the first five minutes of my drive to work the day is shaping up to be a very nice day.I am surprised that we are not getting sick, I think not turning on the heater at night helps. Just five days ago we were having summer like days, it's funny how the temperature dropped again so radically. The rain fell freely two nights ago and it's predicted to rain over the weekend. But I know that's nothing and I do count my blessings. I could be living in the East Coast... NOT!
You now the saying "The West is Best" well, I agree. So today in this wonderful sunny but slightly cold afternoon I am taking mi chica to the doctor. She is still trying to find out why she is getting the dizzy spells and why her blood pressure sky rocketed twice in the past month.
I'll keep you guys posted but in the meantime I wish you all a great day too. As the song says, "It's a good day to be alive".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)