There is a God!!!

09-28-06_2035.jpg
Originally uploaded by carolyn8.

About a month ago, I threw out my last pan. I've had it for five years, and the handle was coming loose. Plus, it was a $20 wok. It definitely paid its dues.

I kept a couple pots, but I threw out the pan to force myself to buy a decent set of cookware. Everything I have made for the past month has been in a pot. It's hard, lemme tell ya.

So I've been researching and researching and researching. I had my heart set on a set of All-Clad stainless. (I have one All-Clad pot, love it.) But it was just so expensive. Then I discovered that Emeril's line of pots and pans is actually MADE by All-Clad, and it's 18/10 stainless...AND, the pan/pot handles fit my hand better. (My hands are on the small side, and it seems like most pan handles are a bit wide or heavy for me.) But alas, the 10 piece set is usually $240. A good deal, certainly, but after this year, I'm broke.

Today, I gave up. I wanted to make a pork cutlet for dinner, and you can't really do that in a pot very well. I decided to go buy yet another cheap pan at Marshalls. (Where I got my all-clad pot). Lo and behold! A 10-pc set of Emerilware for $170!!! SOLD! I LOVE THEM!!

Eva Enjoying Dessert Roll

Omaha - Sushi Japan - Eva Enjoying Dessert Roll
Originally uploaded by brady frequent traveler and eater.

Eva finally got to try the famous Dessert Roll at Sushi Japan in Omaha Nebraska. We had a wonderful weekend trip, even though it started out with a painful five hour weather delay at Midway airport.

On Friday night we got to Sushi Japan right before it closed. Zach whipped up a nice plate of nigri. On Saturday we stopped by a kiddie soccer match to see one of the people I worked with in Omaha. We also checked out some open houses. $750k buys A LOT of house in Omaha. We ended the night at Sushi Japan and then the Dundee Dell. When I worked in Omaha, I spent Tuesday nights at Sushi Japan and Wednesday nights at the Dell.

On Sunday we slept in and had brunch at Dixie Quick. I remember Carolyn and I had a very enjoyable low kew brunch there a few years ago. This time the place was packed and they were not only out of all benedict dishes, but as we sat there more items were erased from the chalk board menu! For the heck of it, we checked out a Greek Fest and drove over to Iowa and went gambling in a casino. We lost $11. :(

Turkish Restaurant for us to try

Steve Dolinsky did a feature on this place a couple of weeks ago, and i must say it looks absolutely delish. Can we try it??? Oh, and It's BYOB!!

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=restaurants&id=4567314# (watch the video)


Taste of Turkey comes pretty cheaply at this Andersonville spot. Lunch specials, which include soup and salad, and half-portions of entrees come in at under $8. One of the restaurant's specialty dishes is called iskender: layers of Turkish fried bread, yogurt sauce, sliced gyros meat and tomato sauce. Another popular choice is Turkish pizza with ground beef, peppers, lettuce, onion and tomato. The restaurant is still waiting on its liquor license, but in the meantime you can bring your own or try the Turkish coffee or fountain juices, available in sour cherry, lemon or orange. Seating for 100 includes pillow seats, and most tables have a view of the open kitchen. On Friday and Saturday evenings after 9 p.m., you can listen live Turkish music and a belly dancer also entertains.

Yummy Food at Bin Minh Quan

Oakland - Bin Minh Quan - Bun
Originally uploaded by brady frequent traveler and eater.

I am hungry for good Vietnamese food. Sigh!

L'Shanah Tovah

Today at sundown is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. For months we've all talked about how we need a do-over. Well this is it. According to the Judaism 101 website, Rosh Hashanah "is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning changes to make in the New Year. " So let's take advantage of it, and do just that. Here's to a happy and healthy one...

A dumpling for every occasion!

Michelle and I have had this discussion before, every ethnicity has some form of dumpling. (Hey, that's a great book idea, I should pitch that).

Chinese: potstickers
Mexican: tamale
Indian: samosa
Italian: ravioli
etc. etc.

However, apparently the Jews have taken that one step further, and actually have a specific dumpling for each holiday. I'm jealous. Here's the article

PAWS Run for their Lives

Would be great if you guys could pay tribute to Vestka either by supporting the cause, and/or by being at the finish line to cheer me in...10a on a Sunday. Could go eat omlettes or dim sum after...Chinese tradition in my family is to celebrate a great life rather than mourn a death.

Vestka's Fundraising Page

New bench...

09-10-06_1116.jpg
Originally uploaded by carolyn8.

Yep, more furniture. It finally feels like I have a home! :) Got this sweet black leather storage bench at Domicile. It's by Padma, the same company that did my dining room chairs.

I actually found it last week, the original idea was to get two leather cubes, but when I found out this was reduced to $400 from $800, I couldn't resist the deal. Unfortunately, one of the wooden legs was cracked, but we found another bench that had broken hinges and they swapped out the leg for me, which is why I couldn't pick it up until yesterday. So now, they have the same bench, but with a cracked leg and broken hinges. I bet they reduced it to $200, lol. Love Domicile!

Hi from Berkeley!

Berkeley - Blondie's Pizza - Eva
Originally uploaded by brady frequent traveler and eater.

This one is for you, C!

thanks :)

So tired, guys. It's been a true bitch of a year. But I'm fortunate to count y'all as my family, my brothers and my sisters, to be in a job that I am so passionate about, and to be learning about what the real meaning of love is. It's free of judgement, entirely unconditional, and truly patient. Just wanted to thank you guys for always respecting the hard decisions, for loving me when the going gets tough, and for being patient when I need the time to disappear under the covers for awhile.

I think about how many times I would have sunk to un-saveable depths, to have at least one of you grab me by the nape and pull my head above water. You all are the closest thing to family I've ever had. :)

It's goddamn time for a do-over. :)

much love,
c

Hi - We are off to SF Bay Area for the weekend

Red Sail Boat In The San Francisco Bay
Originally uploaded by brady frequent traveler and eater.

Hi - Eva and I are headed Friday morning to the SF Bay Area to attend her friend's wedding and see my parents (and her relatives). We'll be back Monday night!

Umm....

Did we ever show Brady his OTHER bday present??

Thank you!!!

Brady Birthday - Group Photo
Originally uploaded by brady frequent traveler and eater.

Thanks for a wonderful birthday bash!!!!! Eva and I are right now enjoying the left over cheese!! Yummy cheese.