Sain't Christopher

Chow

This first course I didn't take a photo.  It was a white truffle custard with black truffle ragout baked in an egg shell served in one of those soft egg stand things.  But here are the rest of the courses:

Foie Gras Torchon with Roasted Peach Relish, Toasted Orange Brioche

Mustard Crusted Coho Salmon Medallion on Braised Red Cabbage with Chive Sauce

Roasted Veal Tenderloin with Lemon-Sage Crust on Sauteed Fettucini with Julienne vegetables

Mt. Tam Triple Cream with Apple Compote and Walnut Bread

Warm Chocolate Cake topped with Pistachio Ganache.  Roasted Fig Ice Cream.

Go in Peace

Deliciously Different

The Dad was driving by our old neighborhood and the party store* that had always been on the corner of Inkster and Joy was gone, torn down, only to reveal this old Vernors ad painted on the building next to it.

* What you call a liquor store, we from mittnelandia, for some reason, call a party store.  More festive, no?

Go in Peace

What about Jimmy? Do you answer to Jimmy?

Mattenstein, his lovely wife, and I went to see Casino Royale yesterday and then went for a suprisingly good dinner of fine Irish cuisine.

None of that was a joke.

Go see the Bond film.  Really, go now.  They nailed it.  As Matt said, they finally found a replacement for Sean Connery.  As I understand it, he was considered for the part they eventually gave to David Nivens.

Go in Peace

Late Night in America

I said it then, and I say it now: 51% is not a mandate.

It does, however, get you a kickin' new office.

Go in Peace

Morning in America

With a clear voice America spoke yesterday: it's time to raise the minimum wage for gays who can't marry.

Go in Peace

Proof

Elfini last month had the temerity to ask when this had become a MomBlog.

I never write much about the mom's I know.  She's only getting mention here because I've been waiting 4 days to use the word temerity. 

Okay, on to what's important: I witnessed pure joy Friday night, a happiness having the same wonderous charm as a puppy not understanding a leash isn't a toy.  Kids are so great when they get excited to see you.  For years my sole thrill in this has been having the Boone come running at me yelling "chriskrocke" (one word) and then jumping into my arms.  Now I get a second dose.from Zoe's reaction when I walk thru the door.  Y'see, it melts all the crusty bits of my soul when she starts insane foot stomping while pronouncing my arrival, "ROCKY!!"  I love that.

But later she did something that was even better.  We'd been playing for a while and she took off from the couch in the living room and ran (such as she does) while releasing this high pitched scream of bliss.  She got to the kitchen door, turned, smiled, and returned to us the same way.

What in the world could be better than the freedom from future self conscious baggage and just do that?

Go in Peace

The War on Terror Celebrates Its 401st Birthday!

I thought of it too late to get Luke and Miss Lis "Guy Fawkes Day" cards- Walgreens was sold clean out.

Remember remember the 5th of November,

The Gunpowder, Treason and Plot,

I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason

should ever be forgot

For those of you not in the know, on Guy Fawkes Eve little English children leave treacle and spotted dick on plates next to the fireplace to ward off terrorists.  The next day the plate is empty and in its place is left a rough draft of the English Constitution circa (1605), symbolizing the promise that once safe from terrorists, then their rights will be codified.

Y'see the English don't have a written constitution like we do here in America, something that has really become vogue again since 9/11.  Standing around the traditional bonfire, the English have taken great joy laughing at the silly Americans with rights that are "guaranteed" even in a time of war, when any good, commonsensical governent knows that freedoms must be curtailed.

So, put on a kilt, play a bagpipe, watch a Sean Connery film, eat some bara brith, and raise a Guinness to celebrate this grand English holiday.

Go in Peace

Geekier Than Thou

Three weeks ago I bought the adorable Miss Zoe Cai a new Sesame Street DVD.  Because I'm a generous, fun loving Godfather, who wants to help her learn?

No.

Because it has Stephen Colbert as the letter Z.

Go in Peace

Say It Ain't So

The orginal maker of an American icon, the plastic pink flamingo, went out of business today.

Give KT a call, or maybe just an e-mail, to help her thru this difficult time.

Go in Peace