Poker Writing

I used to be a writer. I have been on hiatus for quite some time and recently have had the urge to write again. I am very passionate (obsessed) about poker and so I think that writing about it will be a great creative outlet. I'm going to have to get some articles and stories written up for a portfolio so that I can pursue freelancing some writing gigs in the poker world. Should be fun!

May my word counts and chip stacks both grow large! 

The Best Damn Ribs, Ever!

 My fiance and I got a few gifts certificates this past Christmas. One was to Lucille's BBQ, a place I had overhead people wax poetic about at the poker table. They weren't bluffing.

 As we hadn't been outta of the house in way too long, we decided to trek two towns over to the restaurant. That was one of the best decisions we've made, let me tell you.

 Now before I go on about the best damn ribs I've ever enjoyed, let me say that all of the food was top notch; my fiance's sirloin, the mac & cheese, and they also serve the most delicious garlic mashed potatoes ever.

I am a life long ribs enthusiast, I absolutely LOVE me some baby-backs. Mmm. So that when I say that these ribs are the best ever, I am not messin' around. The rack came on a plate as big as I am and it was love at first sight (or maybe smell.)

These lil guys could convert a life long vegan at first sniff. The sweet bbq sauce's scent is now up there with my all time favorites including fresh laundry and Victoria Secret's aptly named, Love Spell.

 The first bite is a mind altering experience as all of your senses get a rush of pure joy. There is a perfect "bark" of the outside that your teeth crunch into and then it is fall-off-the-bone, melt in your mouth, amazing! Sweet, with the tiniest, perfect amount of zing, these babies will have you immediately and utterly in love. So much so that you may write an ode to their greatness in the wee hours of the morning. (And post it weeks later. lol)

Seriously, if you haven't experienced these yet, you simply must, even if you have to make a road trip. But, just a warning: You'll have a new addiction.

It's Been a While. And Voodoo Doughnuts.

It's been too long since I updated the blog so I'm just making myself put something out there.

Recently got back from an awesome road trip with the GF and her mom. We went to Seattle to see Paul freakin' McCartney! It was such a sweet show, that man is getting up there in years but still ROCKS and throws off this boyish vibe. About 1/3 of the way through the show I proposed to my lady and she said yes! I'm pretty damn stoked to be engaged to the coolest chick I've ever met. You could say I'm winning at life.

We stayed with some family of hers and they were cool peeps. One of the most exciting things (besides getting engaged and seeing a goose-bump producing concert) was that we stopped in Portland, OR and got Voodoo Doughnuts!

OMFG, Voodoo Doughnuts! I got a maple bacon doughnut that sounds iffy but was the best damn doughnut I've ever experienced. So flippin' good! We got an assortment of delicious treats from a "Cock and Balls" to a "Dirty Ol' Bastard" and they were all very good, but man I wish I had got dozens of the maple bacon ones.

If you're ever within 100 miles of Voodoo, I'd say its worth the trip. Now that I'm back home I'm just gonna have to improvise my own maple bacon bar. Mmmm the experimenting should be delightful as experimenting often is...

Cheesecake Factory

My girl and I were recently sick and stuck in bed for a week. Besides the fact that we got a lot of rest, it was pretty bad. When we were finally able to leave the bed, we went out to eat at The Cheesecake Factory. Every time I've dined there has been a pleasure. This time was no different except for the fact that I wasn't 100% better yet.

Ordered the Pasta Carbonara which is: Spaghettini with Smoked Bacon, Green Peas, and a Garlic-Parmesan Cream Sauce. Available with Chicken.
Just mmm! I'd recommend this dish to just about anyone. I mean, bacon and garlic-parmesan cream sauce?! You can't go wrong there!

I love the coffee cups at The Cheesecake Factory, they are clear and it is fun to watch the cream mix in. The coffee itself is pretty good as well.

How could one write about The Cheesecake Factory without mentioning the cheesecake? Where to begin? Every variety of their cheesecake I've tried has been amazing. I think the Red Velvet Cake might be my favorite so far but it is so difficult to choose! 

Mizithra Cheese

In a previous post about The Old Spaghetti Factory, I mentioned that one of my favorite meals there is the Mizithra and Browned Butter over pasta. I have been in love with this dish for years and used to try to recreate it at home, but I couldn't find actual Mizithra anywhere but OSF. (You can buy it in small bags from them but from what I remember it was a bit expensive.) Recently my lady found it at Whole Foods and brought some home.
 I've been eating one of the best pasta dishes around at home! It tastes just like at Old Spaghetti Factory, maybe even a little bit better because I can put even more delicious Mizithra if I want.

Mizithra is a traditional cheese made in Greece. It may also become the name of my first child...

Pasta with browned butter and a pile of Mizithra Cheese.

Dinner,Featuring: Delice De Bourgogne Triple Cream

A delicious dinner, built around cheese, just the way I like it! A light and crisp mixed green salad, (as previously mentioned, I'm not the biggest salad fan but if it's got a lot of spinach like this one I will chow it down like a vegan) with a light ranch dressing. A fresh, aromatic Parisian loaf that was perfectly crispy on the outside and super soft on the inside. Thinly sliced prosciutto. ( I love pigs and hope to have one as a pet someday but damn, they just taste so good!) Ripened, sweet strawberries. All of these wonderful flavors plus the main attraction: Delice De Bourgiogne Triple Cream Brie. Oh my God, my mouth just watered. This is some of the CREAMIEST cheese I've ever had, which is wonderful because I'm really into the texture of food. I could spread it on a piece of bread like butter, spreadable butter. 

All of this excellent meal was acquired from Whole Foods. And one of the best parts is that no cooking was necessary. 

Christys' Hats

I love hats! I have been a fan of lids for as long as I can remember. I own all kinds of styles and colors and continue building my collection.  Christys' of London is a hat maker that has been making some of the best hats for over two hundred years!

One of my favorite hats in my collection in a Christys' fedora, it has a very classic look. Here is a picture:

I plan on adding many more Christys' Hats to my collection.