Boo, my camera broke

Well, I can't upload pictures at the moment, but you can catch some food pictures on my facebook page.
In the meantime I will update you on a few of the marvelous meals I've had in recent months: I will do everything that I can to add pictures later.

Outback Steak House:
We went here in December with my inlaws and two of our children. I am an Outback Virgin and had always wanted to try this supposedly "Australian" based chain.
There was a commercial on television that seduced us right away with its upclose visuals of a succulant lobster tail and juicy looking steak. Somehow, I made it to my 40's without ever trying loster tail. I've had lobster bites, I've had lobster salad and last year at Disney World I had a lobster roll (which is a sweet mayonaise based cold salad served on a hot dog bun), but i had never had a grilled lobster tail.
Oh my. Let me tell you. Lobster tail is my friend and I will gladly give up any other cut of fish or seafood for it.
We ordered the special and we received in addition to bread basket, a small but perfectly grilled steak, and a lobster tail, sliced down the middle and spread out invitingly with its sweet sweet meat dressed with a tad bit of cajun spices and served with drawn butter.
It was awesome, and I will look forward to it again and again. Oh yeah, there was some kind of potato on the plate but I ignored it. In situations like this, its important to eat first things first, and let the taters get cold on the plate.

The Stable Cafe, Asheville, North Carolina

In late September, I enjoyed a marvelous girl's trip get away with my Best Girlfriend, Karma. We saw so many cool things that I had never seen before. One of our main reasons for going towards Asheville was to see the famous Biltmore Estate. Many people suggested that we try the Stable Cafe after our tour, and so we did. Made from an old horse stable (or so the story goes), it is really a large airy space with individual stalls with four tables apiece. After our friendly host showed us to our table and we had satisfied our thirst with iced tea (so many steps and hallways in that house!)...we spent a good fifteen minutes discussing the menu. Karma decided on the chicken salad sandwhich and fries and I got the house salad with homemade cheese buttermilk dressing. For starters we had corn bread and the fried green tomatos. Now for those of you who are fans of fried green tomatos you know that you either do it right or you do it wrong...but these folks did it right. Our tomatos arrived lying innocently on a bed of succotash salsa, and had been dressed with fresh goat cheese and then drizzled with a chipolte mayonaise. Only complaint? Only three maters...but, we made do...My salad was generously infused with garden greens, veggies, sprouts and this wonderful creamy cheese dressing. As usual we did halfsies...I got half of her sandwhich and she got half of my salad. With the corn bread and tea refills...we left two happy girls...on to the winery, where we tasted some killer wine..and also some that tasted like Drain-O....ssshhhh...don't tell mom..

coming soon!!

My BFF and I went on a fabulous girl's trip to Asheville, North Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and Knoxville, Tennesee last week. As with any vacation of mine, there were lots of food adventures..stay tuned and I will fill you in on our gastronomical hits and misses on the road

Egg Roll # 1, Dine in...Monday Sept. 21st, 2009

This morning my friend Karm and I decided to cruise to our favorite restaurant in Beech Grove. No, I can't even say it was a decision. Its like a drive or a need, like a salmon swimming back upstream to find its mate. It can't be explained, and its something that we do whenever we can, and even sometimes when we can't. If this place were open 24 hrs? Oh, boy...we'd be in big trouble. Let me tell you about this place.

Its called Egg Roll # 1, and its located on Emerson in front of Wal-mart. Even from the outside it looks like every other strip mall Asian restaurant, wedged between a cell phone store and a day-old bakery. But that's okay, we are not here critique the decor.

We come here for the food--and the food alone. We can get atmosphere anywhere. We know that we can sit in dimly lit booths batting our eyes at our husbands over a small tea light any old time. We can and have been on many romantic dates around this great city. We are not here looking for romance, or even a handshake, we are here for one reason and one reason alone.

We are here to get our grub on and to satisfy our addiction to pho....(pronounced like fuh). Its messy. Its sloppy. And it takes me a good 30 minutes to eat...with chopsticks. Is it worth it? oh yes...

Pho is a simple yet complex dish that is a staple in Vietnamese diets. Its often served for breakfast and I can see why. What better way to start your day than with the delicate broth, steaming egg or rice noodles and wonderful punch of mint, lime, and pepper? The variety in texture alone will be enough to make your taste buds salute the sun. As Karma is fond of saying the broth alone is worth the drive.

Karma always orders the Beef Pho with egg noodles, and I always get the Mi-Kho which has both shrimp and pork. These delectible meats are mixed in with a fragrant fish based broth, egg noodles, green onions, white onions, and fish flakes in a bowl bigger than your head and served with a small plate of mint leaves, vietnamese peppers, bean sprouts and lime wedges for garnish. Once everything arrives at your table, the fun of adding each garnish to get the right taste and texture begins. Everything from the distinct smell of the mint, to the tart lime juice work together to create a taste and texture sensation like no other.

The bean sprouts are raw and cook in the steaming broth while you slurp your noodles. Its great fun, and you get extra points for using chopsticks without making a mess. Being a lefty, I'm notoriously messy, but its Beech Grove so who cares?

Mi-kho is served with the broth on the side and you add it right before eating, keeping everything hot and steaming, as depicted in the bottom photo.

I know its hard to imagine such a bounty of riches ...so here, I have posted pics. I also put our appetizers which are vietnamese spring rolls served with lettuce leaves and cucumber slices, and fish sauce, and fried crab rangoon with sweet and sour red sauce. Good news: iced tea refills are free!

service: 4 out of 5 smiles

cost: very affordable

taste: outstanding

personal note: hoisen sauce on table is a great addition if you want to dip your noodles in it. Make sure to get some chop sticks to go just for fun.

Noodles and Company (order to go)

For months now I've been hearing praises about this little cafe-style restaurant in Greenwood. All of the murmers were insisting that I try the noodles and all of them suggested one particular dish--- the Wisconsin Mac and Cheese.

So of course, I decided to order something else.

Call me a rebel but when anyone says asks me to fork over (no pun intended) $7.95, it had better be in exchange for something that I am incapable of making in my own kitchen for less than a dollar and a trip to Aldi's.

Sorry Cheeseheads, maybe next time.

But I am getting side-tracked here, on to my adventure in a bowl. I arrived shortly before 8:00 pm and found a healthy scattering of patrons on dates and so-called dates slurping out of big mouthed bowles and looking fairly content. I suck at estimations but my guess would be about twenty inside, and ten people outside on the deck enjoying the late summer breezes. I take this as a positive sign. My rule for restaurants is that if over 1/2 of the people there are in high chairs or using a walker then I'm out the door....its usually a very bad sign. But apparently this joint was for the diaperless set, so in I go.

I belly up to the bar and peruse the menu. I asked the 12 year old behind the counter if there were any pictures of the entrees, but no...however, I was cheerfully told that if I ordered something and did not enjoy it, I could get something else at no charge. Major Kudos on this little company policy....Now why don't they do this at the Spaghetti factory?

The menu is divided into three regions, Asian, Mediterranean, and American. After much conference with the manager and cashier, I decided to order the Japanese pan noodles with shrimp and was given a paper cup to get some water while I waited for my order to be freshly made. Nice touch. I also signed up for the birthday club, which I think translates into free noodles on my birthday. Double Yay.

Now the unfortunately news at this point, is that I forgot to take a picture....next time. I promise!!

Fast forward to the moment of truth:

How did the Japanese Pan Noodles pan out?

Let me tell you, if I could propose to a pasta dish this would be it. I would drive to the mall and go to Jarod's jewelry store and buy a princess cut diamond ring with platinum settings and throw in the matching earrings, then fall on my knees and beg to be partnered for life...sadly this can't be done in this reality, so I will settle for a pitty date.

I don't know if it is possible to be jealous of a bean sprout, but if it were, I would be guilty because I can not think of a more fitting ending than to be laid on top of a pile of perfect al denta udon noodles that have been thoroughly infused with black bean and sweet soy sauce. Add to this the marriage of cilantro and given a little "you may now kiss the bride" kiss of black seseme seeds. To be completely fair there were some carrots and brocoli involved, but they really were useless. It is the noodles that stole my heart and it is the noodles that will have me stealing glances in their direction everytime I go north on highway 31.

Congrats to Noodles and Company, you are in my heart and speed dial from now on.

my rating:

service: 4 out of 5 smiles
taste: 4 out of 5 smiles
cost: moderate
note worthy tip: you can reorder if you don't like your entree at no cost

personal tip: portion size is on the smaller size, so plan on getting the salad also, or going to dairy queen after....

new format: Restaurant Blog entry number one!!

Previously, I have posted pics of reasons in my life that I have found smile-worthy. This was an attempt on my part to bring joy and happiness to my life and to concentrate in some small way on the good in my life and not the negative.

Well, it occurs to me on this fine Thursday morning that the quickest way to bring a smile to my face, and to many other faces that I know and love, is with a plate of warm, wonderful, fragrant, tempting, mouth-watering yumminess that we call food. Food is the common denominator for so many of us foodies. We love it, we crave it. We appreciate it for all that it does and will do for us. It triggers memories, it soothes broken spirits, it uplifts a tired soul at the end of a 12 hour shift, it beckons to us in the middle of a 3 hour movie, or even a good night's sleep. It is present at all our milestones; birthdays, weddings, funerals, first dates, and an ordinary friday night supper.
Families have traditions called "Taco Night", "Pizza Night", "Salad Luncheons" and "Chili Cookoffs"...there aren't too many traditions centered around doing the laundry or washing the car....but throw some pig in a skillet and see who comes running with their fork in hand. Yes, it will be me....and anyone who enjoys a little bacon fat in their veins..okay, I admit it; A lot of bacon fat in their veins.

So here's to a new experiment. There might be pictures, there might not be...but I am gonna post my thoughts and adventures with food. I live in a fabulous food city with any number of choices for venue when it comes to lunch/supper, and the 4th meal...stay tuned!!

cheaper than rehab

Only a fellow yarn groupie would understand the addictive properties of a string of fiber and two needles working in tandam. I started knitting about six years ago, and crocheting about two years ago. Nothing beats the comfort of the repetition of stitches, the challenge of new patterns, the thrill of watching a project take form right before you. Its like rinse, lather, repeat...only without the soap in your eyes.

This little pink shawl is going to be part of the Easter Outfit for a certain young lady that I know. I'm using four different fibers, each a different texture and color, but they all work together as if they were made to lie with one another.

I've taken a lot of ribbing over my "old lady" hobby, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is cheaper than drugs and alcohol, and healthier than a bag of doritos...and I love being able to give friends and family my little handmade gifts. I also get a thrill out of doing the charity knitting with my knitting club. We have sent so many helmet protectors to soldiers and scarves to the downtown homeless shelter. It feels good to give back, even if I can't give cash.

So, if you know me, and I know you and like you--then don't be surprised to see a yarn something-or-another in your future.

For the first time in my 41 decembers, I felt like the Christmas tree actually had enough presents under it to reflect the love that I felt for the recipients of said presents. Nothing really beats watching your DNA tearing into 3/4 of your monthly income. lol. It was a fun two minutes, what can I say?

Daddy Time

One of my favorite sounds in the world. Andy playing with the kids and them laughing those deep belly laughs. I know that in a few years it won't be cool to sit in Daddy's lap or even anywhere near him. But, at seven and eight they seem to relish the time together. Even the cat likes to be the center of attention if he can swing it. This is a familiar scene at our house when the simpsons or cartoon network is playing.

Two reasons

I really have to search lately to find a reason to smile. But, here are at least two of them. Having children later in life is something that is usually discouraged. For me, it's worked out to be a weird, wonderful and exciting experience. I don't know if these two little ones will suffer for having an older mom, I hope not. I try to nap while they are gone, and be alert and awake when they need me. I keep my complaints about aching knees or popping joints to myself. And I can sing almost every song on Spongebob Square Pants. I know that my husband and I will be some of the oldest parents sitting in the audience when they graduate. And we may not live to see our great grandchildren. I can take that chance...it's worth it when you are offered the biggest kitkat in the pile. Not with pouting, not with a grudge but because "Mom, I wanted to save it for you."

admit it, you've done this before

the best part of childhood. licking the bowl. it also happens to be the best part of making brownies. Add a little brother with a goofy irresistable smile and it makes being seven years old a wonderful place to be.

deconstructed love

one of my favorite parts of summer, huge slices of tomato that are so ripe and juicy that they refuse to be ignored. It's like a tiny bit of August stacked between two pieces of wheat bread. I can even do without the bacon and be just as happy. If the finished product is out of focus, it's because I was quivering with anticipation. Living in Indiana my whole life, I know that this color and flavor won't be around in January,when all the sad hard little white excuses for tomatos will be stacked up at Krogers. Posers.

thanks for the memories

This may seem like a picture of a teenage boy and two 6 year olds to you, but to me, it represents 3 kid free days that I had this past July, thanks to a generous donation by Grandma Sherry. So short a time, but the memory lingers. Church camp for kids equals couch camp for mom. The good news is that this year they will be in the 3rd grade and qualify for a whole week camp. Donations welcome j/k

one of my top ten favorite houses

In the interest of privacy I can't tell you where or whose house this is, but it is one of my all time favorite houses. It's huge! And I spent many happy afternoons there as a teenager. There are four floors and as you can see a nice big front porch. The basement is finished and has a work shop area, pool table, and dart board and used to have a foos ball table, the ground level has a gorgeous oak staircase, large dutch kitchen, utility room, bathroom, dining room and both casual and formal living rooms, the next floor has four bedrooms, a sitting room full of ferns and green plants and a nice sized bathroom, then up in the "attic" there is a sweet little alcove that has a bed and dresser and a sitting area with a television and reading chairs. Just too sweet. All decorated in antiques and eyelet lace, with a slight nod to the dutch heritage of it's owners. The backyard is landscaped with a fishpond and rock garden. Believe me, if this house ever went on the market...I'd find a way to be first in line (although the concrete duck on the porch would have to go!)

Dundler Mifflin, May I help you?

Most fun we've had in a while, sitting in our office watching "The Office" season premiere. We sit in the blue recliner, usually surrounded by two cats and a dog. It was a pretty good show, we both were laughing outloud at different parts. Can't wait to see that movie Ghost town with Ricky Gervais who played the British version of Michael Scott....he's sooo funny. Look him up on youtube --he does some hilarious stand up. FYI: Target has Dundler Mifflin notepads and pens etc in their dollar spot area, and you can get Office t-shirts at NBC.com under the NBC store sight....not that I've been geek enough to google it or anything..

unspoken promise

As long as these colors are flying I know that somehow everything is going to be okay.

My very own Tony Danza

100% worth smiling over. I came home tonight and there was evidence that cleaning had occured! I highly recommend being married to a neat freak. Even if you are not one yourself, you can reap the benefits and therefore spend your free time on the couch munching on chex mix and watching the Emmys.

a perfect lunch

Mondays are perfect for lunch out with the girls. I deserve the break after working all weekend, and my 3rd shift pals haven't started their work weeks yet. Add a cute little future vice president and a shrimp salad and it is a perfect scenerio.

Do NOT try this with a cat!

dog. A Hanna Montana Wig. A camera
Need I say more?
Watch this space for more ways to degrade and humiliate your pets...although, I will say, cats are not as friendly about preteen fashion.

retirement, it's not just for breakfast

My boss dancing every dance at his retirement party. After working over 50 years full time who doesn't deserve a little Margaritaville? We had a great time. Have fun in North Carolina golfing, Mr. O'B...there aren't many bosses as kind and generous (or who can get almost everyone in the room up and dancing)