October Stuff

Fall is my favorite time of year. I swear this year the colors were more vibrant than ever. I suspect it had to do with several days of sunshine. It sure has been nice. We had a heck of a storm roll through last night and I'm glad I got my fall photos earlier because many of the trees are naked.

Last night the "dinner club" met at a fantastic restaurant tucked away in an office park of all things. Russell's. Its an old white barn that's been converted into this magnificent restaurant. A bit pricey, but OMG the food was so good.

I started the night with a glass of wine from Avennia winery. Their GSM blend, "Justine" is so amazing. I couldn't put my finger on why it was so good so I searched this morning on it.

2013 Avennia 'Justine' GSM Blend- Grenache dominant wine with 47% Grenache, 38% Mouvedre and 15% Syrah. Lovely aromatics of rose petals, provencale herbs, raspberry and smoked meats. Lovely mouthfeel with flavors of black cherry, tar, raspberry and raspberry ganache flavors. A feminine Rhone blend that finishes long with vanilla cherry.  Nice viscosity, and ripeness reminiscent of a hot vintage.

None of that is what I would have said. It certainly did have "tar" flavor. Wine writers remind me of the same people who create "colors" for clothing. It's not "gray" it's "Oatmeal".

At any rate, it was good. It went well with the NY Strip steak I had. This steak is the reason I wanted the group to go here. About a month ago we had a leadership dinner here for work. We had to "pre order" our meal so they could prepare and plan. I ordered the NY steak. I figured if you're cooking for 35 people the steak wasn't going to be great. I figured it'd be overdone.

It was completely the opposite. It was about 2 inches thick and cooked perfectly. The peppercorn gravy on it wasn't too peppery which made it perfect.

I started my meal last night with their spinach salad. Being on blood thinners, if I drink I should eat my dark greens...at least that what I'm told. What makes this spinach salad so darn delicious is their vinaigrette. The spinach salad has its normal suspects: spinach, almonds, dried cranberries, Parmesan cheese. But their vinaigrette is a house made Pancetta Vinaigrette. Y'all I cannot tell you how good this dressing was. I wanted to lick the plate. Naturally, I'm not on the looking for a recipe for it. They wouldn't share.

I did the NY steak again with the house-made peppercorn demi glace...mmmm... Blueberry did their pork chop and said it was delicious. Mr. Landlord did their scallops, Mrs. Landlord did their salmon and Blueberry's sister who crashed our party did their fettuccine with shrimp. Not a bad one of the bunch.

We finished our meal with dessert...of course. I was so stuffed when we were done I swore I wouldn't eat again. Which is a lie of course.

Last weekend was the annual pumpkin carving Sunday dinner. We had a large group again...we always do. I made Mom's cabbage rolls. It was nice to have some comfort food for dinner around so many comfortable people. They turned out good and I felt like she was with us all night.

I totally cheated in my carving this year. I wanted to get this gray/blue pumpkin and knew it couldn't be carved...been down that road before. Super tough and thick, so instead I bought these little pegs to be used. I couldn't cut the darn thing straight to save my soul...which made it more interesting. Yah, that's it.

Since my friend who appreciates good beer joined us I decided to pull out the Dark Island Reserve from our Scotland trip. I purchased this on the Orkney Islands at the Orkney Brewery. This beer was so good. Super dark, super chocolatey, super delicious. I must go back and get some.

And the traditional goofy shot from Sunday dinner. I didn't get photos of the actual pumpkins this year...oh well. Thank god I made all of them pick up their own pumpkins. I have a cat instead of a pumpkin.

Apparently...

Wow, last week flew by so fast I didn't even have time to blink and think about posting to the blog. I miss writing, whether you think I'm good at it or not is irrelevant. I miss writing.

This week was a blur of activity. Work has increased a lot. I'm still loving it and love everything about it. I like being busy. I'm not overwhelmed yet, but can see it within an arm's reach. Thankfully, I have a boss who'd understand - cuz his job is just as crazy. I like the test though. I like to test myself and see how far my stress level can be tested.

Aside from work, this week was a social flurry. Monday night was dinner club. It was my pick this month and picked the new steakhouse in Redmond called the Prime Steakhouse. 

It was good. Expensive - that's for sure. I'd have to say I have no need to go back there. If I wanted a good steak I'd fire up my own grill.

Wednesday night the girls all went to Cirque du Soleil to see Kurio.  It was fun, as always to be with the gals.  The show was fantastic...I've yet to see a Cirque that isn't. Kurio wasn't my favorite show, but it was good and spectacular - as usual.

Thursday was more working late and Friday was more working late. By the time Saturday came around I was ready to sleep in. Only the demons cats had other ideas. So I was up at the butt crack of dawn. 

Seattle SIL came over Saturday to do some pretty special things....WE CHECKED IN FOR OUR CRUISE.

That's right. In a short 49 days we'll be in Barcelona. I cannot wait. We've got our hotel booked, and have started talking about what we want to do in Barcelona.  SIL is going to make me go through an art museum - which may be good for my soul...we shall see. Admittedly, I wouldn't mind going through a Picasso museum or two.

So we're checked in. We've paid for our excursions. We've paid for our on boat daily fees. Everything is set. Now we wait.  I do think, though, that March 31 will be here before I know it.

Today I went with Blueberry to shop for cars. She was in a car accident a week or so ago and totaled the CRV.  Today wasn't nearly as bad of an experience as I thought it might be. She's done a good job at doing enough research to not seem lost.

That's all for now. Over an out.

Never on a Sunday, a Sunday, a Sunday...

I've not heard that song in a LONG time, and suddenly today it's stuck in my noggin'.

Yesterday was Sunday dinner. 

This happened...

... after we had dinner.  There must have been something odd in the Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole...besides AWESOME-SAUCE. 

We're trying to come up with some Sunday dinner themes.  Mr. Landlord asked if we can have a 50 Shades of Grey - ah no. The image of that with my friends just sorta made me lose my appetite.

Tonight Mr. and Mrs. Landlord, Blueberry and I did our dinner club thing tonight. It was my selection and I chose the Prime Steakhouse in Redmond.  It was delicious. Expensive! Very expensive, but delicious! I'm not sure I'd go again though. Mostly because if I want a good steak I BBQ it.

I had these meat skewers. 6 oz of New York and 6oz of Sirloin. The side was potatoes gratin. The sauce was a red wine beurre blanc or however you spell it. It was, in a word, delicious. I took the leftovers home and plan on having them for lunch tomorrow.

And that's been that for the last couple of days. What about you? What have you been up to?

When in Peru...

Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list for, well, as long as I've had a bucket list.  The reality is I'll probably never get there.  Still, one can dream.

And since one can't go to Peru, Peru came to me.

Tonight was our monthly dinner club and we went to Wyraqocha Peruvian Restaurant.  This little restaurant is new and small.  They didn't open until 6pm and are only opened for dinner. I'm hoping they open for more than dinner, but understand the business model for a new restaurant.

Tonight was also Mr. Landlords birthday so it was extra special.

I had some weird drink that was WAY too sour but flavorful. It tasted a lot like a very sour margarita sans Tequila.  I didn't finish it because it was just too much for me.

For dinner I had some filet mignon treat. Little bite size pieces of filet mignon and red onions on top of French fires. So bizarre, but OMG soooo good. It was so good in fact, I neglected to take a picture.

After dinner, being Mr. Landlord's birthday we got these little shortbread cookies that had dulce de leche in the middle of them. Wow. I could eat a ton of those, and I'm not a sweets person.

They came in the cute little wood box that was opened like a gift. The candle you see there is a shot glass full of homemade corn nuts and a candle. Clever...

At the end of the day, the food was good, the service was good - well up until they broke the internet and then couldn't run credit cards and then didn't have the old fashion swipey thing and had to write down our cc numbers.  Technology!

I wouldn't necessarily go back to this place. It was good, and one visit was enough. Their  menu is small and not overly interesting to me. The food was good, I'll give them that.

The Hollywood Tavern - a new diner's perspective

I don't consider myself overly particular when it comes to certain things.  Like I'm no fashionista.  I don't really care about clothes or shoes.

And then there are some things that I do truly care about. Some things I'm totally brand loyal about. For example, you will only find Best Foods Mayonnaise in my house.

Restaurants and eating out I have a certain level of expectations where service, food quality, and atmosphere are concerned. I want a good value for my money in an environment that is rushed or overly complicated.

Each month the Landlords, Blueberry and I forge out and try a new restaurant. Each of us get 3 picks a year and it has opened my eyes to some new/fun restaurants.  Many I'd return to. Most I wouldn't - because there are too many other's to try.

This month the Hollywood Tavern in Woodinville was the restaurant of choice. It's a pub that focuses on good roadhouse food like fried chicken and sandwiches. It's location is good and took over the spot where a dive bar (I think called Mabel's) once lived.  It's been revived and slightly remodeled.

Outside has a nice bar area that has seats around a fire pit and a few picnic tables scattered about. Blueberry got there a bit early, as did I, so we sat outside briefly, ordering a drink and some tasty appetizers before the Landlords arrived.

It took a bit of time (more than I felt was necessary considering the crowd) for a waitress to greet me and/or ask for a drink order.  I quizzed the waitress on some of the beer options and sadly she wasn't 100% sure which was what.  No worries, not everyone is a beer person. BUT if you're a server where beer is a big deal, you should now.

I ordered and she was on her way. Not 2 seconds later another waitress stopped by to ask for my order. Um...already ordered.

Once we were all together we went inside to sit and have our meal. The inside is made up of clean lines, nice tables, but uncomfortable chairs. I secretly think some restaurants do that so you won't linger and they can turn the table.

Our waitress was a tall, energetic young lady who greeted us relatively quickly.  We the Landlords weren't quite sure about what they'd be drinking so we sent the waitress on her way.

As I glanced around the place I was impressed with the small dining area.  I remember thinking it had an intimate feel about it, but it felt big at the same time.  As the night progressed, I would curse myself for even thinking that. 

That place GOT LOUD.  We had two large parties in the dining area (each between 15 and 20 people) and once they got in there, and all the other tables were full, you couldn't hear a word anyone was saying.

This disappoints me greatly. ONE of the many reasons I go out to dinner is for the social aspect of it.  Getting caught up with friends is part and parcel with my eating out experiences. I want to be able to hear the person I'm with and not just sit quietly eating because, well, why bother?



That aside, I ordered their cheeseburger with bacon and an ice tea (I already downed my beer so needed something more).  It took quite a bit of time for the food to arrive, and under normal circumstances I wouldn't care because you are, after all, there to be friendly and socialize.  But considering we couldn't hear a damn thing, the time seemed to be an issue.

When the food finally did arrive, it was hot, it was good, and it was plentiful.  The burger was just the right size with a mound of hand cut fries next to it.  The fry sauce they provided was icky to me, but I am sure it's because it was a mustard based fry sauce and I'm not a fan. So I ordered a side of ranch.  Double ick! The ranch was WAY too dill-y.  Lots of dill and some spice to it. After that I stuck with ketchup.

Mr. Landlord was the only person who didn't order the burger, he ordered their fried chicken.  It looked a bit overcooked (dark brown on the outside) but Mr. Landlord said it was moist (god I hate that word) and delicious.  He prefers a different type of breading on his fried chicken, but said it was still tasty.

The BEST part of the entire meal was the dessert. The have homemade soft serve ice cream, with a bunch of random toppings, a peanut butter mousse, hazelnut cookies, and some other stuff.  Mr. Landlord got the soft serve with "magic shell" and caramel. It was huge and apparently the "magic shell" was too magical and almost inedible. Mrs.Landlord got their fritters with bacon and a whisky glaze.  It was a big portion and she seemed OK with it. 

I got the chocolate hazelnut cookie.  Oh...my...goodness.  They are baked to order.  They came out hot, crunchy and with a side of Nutella. 

But the winner in the dessert category was the Peanut Butter Mousse. ENORMOUS portion. It sat on top a bed of marshmallow fluff that had been burned -  like you would see a smore.  One bite and I was in heaven.  Blueberry was in heaven...Mr. and Mrs. Landlord was in heaven.  It was to die for. And totally a dessert that could have been split by three people.

Just look at the size of the Peanut Butter Mousse

A quick note on the service between dinner and dessert. I had mentioned the large parties right? Our waitress had one of them and was being run to death.  It took 20 minutes for us to get our desserts.  I had assumed it was because of the big party, but I now think it was because the cookies were baked fresh.  At any rate, she was apologetic and seemed worried that she wasn't giving us as much of attention as she should.

My ice tea never got refilled BTW.

All in all, it was an ok experience. I'm not sure I have a need to go back there. Though their burger was pretty good and I might be tempted to try their fried chicken sandwich.  I wouldn't NOT go back and so it falls firmly in the "meh" category with regards to food and restaurants.

You're Gonna Hear me Roar...

Yes, Katy Perry is stuck in the noggin tonight/day/week.  I heard this song tonight on the way back from dinner and I said, out loud, "I sure haven't felt like I wanna roar in some time."

That's an interesting statement to me. I couldn't figure out where that had come from. I didn't think I felt that way. But alas, I think my inner self had something it wanted me to think about and so spewed forth.

It's true I haven't felt so fantastic in the job front lately. I keep missing things that I shouldn't miss. And I hate that the boss brings them up and looks at me wondering how I could have missed it. I need to really focus again. I half wonder if it's because of working at home. Not having the stimulus of hallway conversations, or the actual "going to work" process to keep you on a regular schedule.  I need to noodle on this a bit more before I put a fork in it and call it just a rambling of some old fart.

Speaking of old farts, tonight was our monthly dinner club with the landlords. Mr. Landlord had a birthday yesterday and I wasted no time reminding him just how much older he is from me.  With a smile of course. He said he feels no older than he did on Sunday.

We went to a Puerto Rican place here in Redmond called La Isla. I've been there a couple of times

Logo courtesy of La Isla

and have had fantastic food. The first time having a Cuban...oh that was a religious experience. The second time I had Ropa Vieja - another experience to be sure. Tonight, not so much. I had their bistec something or other and the steak had the texture of a piece of meat that had marinated in an acid too long.  You know what I mean right? The meat just had this not quite right texture. Flavor wasn't there either.  I had it with a side of garlic and butter shrimpees.  I should have taken a photo because the amount of garlic on these four poor shrimpees was insane.  The taste and flavor was there, but the shrimpees were over cooked.  Chewy and rubbery. Needless to say I wasn't impressed this time.  If/when I go back, I'll stick to the Cuban or the Ropa Vieja.

Finally Friday

Wow. hi. Remember me? Again, I come to the blog begging for forgiveness for not writing as much as I'd like.  Its funny really because I have a list of blog topics that I'd love to write about, yet every time I sit to write about them my mind goes blank.  I do a lot of thinking/writing as I'm falling asleep at night and by morning I forget.  Me thinks I should get a recorder to have by my bed so I can chat into it my thoughts.  I already have a journal, but that's proved useless.

Anywhoo....

Let's see, what has happened since the 3day...not much but enough to chat about.  Stealing a page from The Patron Saint's blog...you get a list.

1. One of the most exciting things I've done is "hired" an interior designer.  She's a young gal eager to use her skills and is quite inexpensive.  I've always had this inner dream of having someone come in and decorate my place. I can scrapbook and match colors with the best of them, but doing it in my home I just can't do.

She and I met, we discussed what I'd like to accomplish and off she went. We'll be meeting again on Monday to chat about her suggestions for my living room. I can't wait.

2.  Working from home has it's ups and downs. The up is, well working from home. The down is I miss all the social interaction with working in an office. The way to fix that is to go to lunch with friends.  I seem to now be going to lunch several times a week.  I find it somewhat amusing that by working from home -where fixing lunch would be easy - I am instead going out to lunch. Whereas when I was in the office, I ate at my desk more often with food from home. 

3. I spent a day wondering around Ballard and the Seattle Public Library with my friend Meg-A-Roonie.  She and I met for lunch at this BBQ joint in Ballard called Bitterroot BBQ.  Decent food but one helluva spicy bloody Mary.  I think my lips are still burning.

It was raining that day, and was one of the last days for the Ballard Farmer's Market. So we strolled the market and finally decided it was too wet.  Off we went to the Seattle Public Library. For like the first time ever I won't post photos of the event, but please do go check them out. 

4. This months dinner club selection was mine to make.  I'm a big fan of the restaurant Purple here and found the owners opened a new restaurant near by called The Commons.  Figured it would have the same quality food as Purple.  I would not be disappointed.  While the service was questionable the food was delicious.  I highly recommend checking it out.

5. Crab hats are going to be on the prowl this weekend. We're heading to the Mt. Rainer Scenic Railroad for our next adventure. I'll keep you posted.

So there you have it. A list.  I'll try to get to blogging more, but I can't be responsible for myself apparently.

Happy Friday.

PS - actually posting this on Monday since the interweb was giving me fits on Friday.