“Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not!” – Author Unknown Holiday stress is a widespread problem. A majority of Americans report feeling “extreme stress” this time of year; lack of money, crowds and shopping decisions, obligatory parties, pressure to please family and friends, all the while bombarded by media images of happy smiling…
Let’s talk about meat. Succulent meat. Smokey pink meat. Of course I’m talking about barbecue, a centuries old method of “low and slow” cooking which involves a large slab of protein, low heat, plenty of smoke and lots of time. How low and slow can you go? Christian, the friendly and informative busser at Grand…
“Butch” was already seated at a table when I sauntered into Et Voilà French Bistro. A month had passed since our last rendezvous and I couldn’t wait to tell him about my recent travels. Et Voilà French Bistro is one of Normal Height’s newest restaurants and ups the ante when it comes to a memorable…
According to Merriam-Webster, “hobnob” is defined as time spent with someone (especially a famous or wealthy person) in a friendly way. “Butch” is famous for his acerbic sense of humor and is a wealth of scandalous gossip, so I guess you could say we “hobnobbed” at Hob Nob Hill. Hob Nob Hill has been serving…
I’m not a breakfast person. If you’re like me, then “the most important meal of the day” is a mug or two of steaming coffee dosed with liberal amounts of milk and sugar. Maybe I’ll gobble down a banana or spoon through a cup of creamy yogurt, but when somebody says “breakfast”, all I hear…
“Butch” said he had some news to share. “Another promotion?” I jokingly queried. “Not exactly,” he somberly replied. We were seated at a table in Cucina Sorella, the latest addition to the Urban Kitchen Group’s family of restaurants. Located in the heart of Kensington, the large space follows the Group’s successful formula of offering California-inspired…
“Butch” apologized for being late. “I overslept,” he explained. I didn’t mind. He was only fashionably late and I was sitting at the wood slab bar sipping an Orderville India Pale Ale (IPA) ($7) while soaking in the ambience of One Door North. The high-ceilinged space, with a nod to discovery and adventure, has an…
“Butch” moved to an apartment in Normal Heights a few months ago. We enjoy exploring the neighborhood and experiencing everything Adams Avenue has to offer – unique shops, quirky bars and a variety of restaurants. Beerfish is the newest eatery along the busy boulevard. As one would correctly surmise, Beerfish focuses on two things –…
I have a close friend and partner in crime who is “Ethel” to my “Lucy”, “Waldorf” to my “Statler”, “Butch Cassidy” to my “Sundance Kid” – you get the picture. We met for dinner at Pardon My French one recent evening to share news and gossip. “Butch” and I huddled in the large private booth…
A heavy bowl-sized molcajete made of black volcanic stone is placed on the table. Diced tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, garlic and cilantro are heaped inside. A whole peeled and pitted avocado is added to the mix with a squeeze of grilled lime juice then expertly blended. And that’s how guacamole ($7.99) is made at Ortega’s Mexican…
