'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Christmas: The best 24 hour stretch of the year, which begins at about 5 pm on December 24th.

Probably my favorite tradition is reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to my kids. I missed it twice when I was overseas, and it was gut wrenching. As I am preparing to do my fatherly duty we have some business to attend to. The kids have been cleaning and playing in the snow all day. After they thawed out we had a quick and easy dinner, watched A Christmas Story, then it was time to break out the book and gather all the kids up for story time. After the cookies and milk were put out and the little monsters were finally put to bed two of Santa's "elves" had to bring all the presents down from their hiding places, finish wrapping up the ones that slipped passed the wrapping process, and get them under the tree. It really is magical!

Photo from my iPhone. Finally done. It looks so beautiful. So peaceful.

Nothing beats the feeling of watching these little monsters shred the wrapping paper, which my wife so lovingly encased each present in, with their tiny claws and admire it briefly before moving on to the next one. It's the best, and it will begin in a few short hours. Then it will be my job to assemble all things requiring assembling, and of course testing them out to make sure they work properly... Breakfast will happen somewhere in there, which of course will be cinnamon rolls. Then it will be on to dinner preparations. Ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin rolls are all on the menu. And for a night cap I have a pint of Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout in the back of the fridge.

Another year inches closer to it's end. Another Christmas down. A whole year to get ready for the next one.

Greatest Sandwich Ever?

So I went to Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh, PA a couple months ago, I have been itching to post this since then but who has the time these days? Anyway, I must say that on that day I ate the most amazing sandwich ever!

First let me set the stage: We went to the original location in the Strip District. Walking into the restaurant had a strange nostalgic feeling, like I had been there before. There is a toughness in the air, the spirit of the hard working people that have frequented the joint since the 1930's. That attitude is instilled in the staff; not rude but no nonsense. Like that aunt that you just don't want to piss off, you know she loves you to death but you have a feeling that the next words you speak to her may set her off...

Photo taken on my iPhone

Me and my friend Sam saddled up to the counter and ordered up the black angus sirloin steak sandwich. Sounds like it would be expensive but even though it is the priciest sandwich on the menu it comes in at a reasonable $6.75. Every sandwich comes topped with coleslaw, tomato, and a huge handful of fries and is served on fresh baked, thick sliced Italian bread. Sam isn't big on coleslaw but was up for an adventure. The toppings are lovingly smashed down on the sandwich by the cook, watching her cook added so much to the experience. The sandwiches are huge but so good we just looked at each other and knew what we were thinking - one more please!

We left very full and very satisfied. I envy him, work takes him to Pittsburgh at least once a month, and every time he is that way now he eats one of those amazing sandwiches. I have yet to go back, but that will change in the next couple weeks.

Primanti Bros. locations now include 15 restaurants in the Pittsburgh area and 4 in Florida.

Well, it was Mexican...

So my wife heard about a new Mexican restaurant, so we have a total of one in the local area now. Had to try it out.

Bad news first. The wait staff sucks. I hope they fix it. The people that sat next to us got there a full five minutes after we did, but somehow they got their food before we even ordered our drinks, and we had the same waitress. Half our food came out several minutes after the first plates arived. And for a Mexican resraurant the portions were super small. I'm used to a huge plate of food, I mean beans and rice are cheap. But I guess it was enough.

Worst of all: NO BEER!!!

Good news, the food was good. Fairly authentic. Reasonable prices. Nothing to do cartwheeles about though, but since they have a monopoly on the market it will have to do.

If you have patience to spare and are desperate for some decent Mexican food and you happen to be in the Olean area let me know. I'll get you the address.

Happy Zoo Day '09

If you know, you know. If you don't you don't. Either way enjoy 2/22!

It's been a little while...

Not that anyone ever looks at this :-P

We are settled in our new home in Olean, NY. There are quite a few local food establishments around for me to post about. So check back soon.