The muses are sort of quiet today…nothing startling nor deep. Maybe should just shut up...oh well.
Spent yesterday doing mostly nothing, with no good explanation. I did spend some time watching the “round of 16” tennis matches at Wimbledon, called the best day of tennis, I suppose because everybody plays. And, they did. No major upsets encountered along the way, so the high seeds move on. At the risk of getting into trouble I have an observation. It seems to be the tradition or practice that the female players include various vocalizations with their play that the males do not. I have no explanation for this, I am not sure if it affects your ability, but I think objective evaluation would justify that statement. I do know that it certainly limits the enjoyment of watching the games.
Then, we were treated to a historic event, as they played the first complete match under the new roof, plus setting the record for the latest match at Wimbledon (~10:30p local time). In the end the Scott Andy Murray outlasted a game Stan Wawrinka in a five set match. Virtually everyone in the stands was rooting for Murray, but I was impressed by Wawrinka’s grit (sorry, an over used term) in hanging in there til the end. Seemed like Murray mostly looked like he had a stomach ache.
The economy continues to affect the food scene. Have you noticed how many commercials there are for Subways “5 Dollar Foot Longs”; “Big Eats – Five Bucks” at Pizza Hut, Applebees: “two for twenty”; “pick ‘n pair starting at $5.99”; Friday’s “endless lunch, just $6.99”. Begging you to come eat.. and, if you do...
DFD
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Roll TIdes
Yesterday, going through the accumulated stack of papers on what passes for a desk , I uncovered the menu for a wine dinner at the Tides. Crap! It’s today! I forgot to sign up! A check with the restaurant resulted in being able to attend, although MFO took the night off.
Long time readers will remember that I have sort of drifted away from attending wine dinners, partially because of the “wine guy/gal” and the cute patter that usually accompanies the wine. “here’s a fun little wine…..”. Last night’s experience might make me more interested in attending (selected) such events more. The Tides is always a pleasant space (with the best rest rooms around), there weren’t many tables filled, so it was quiet which is always a plus, and the wine guy was very laid back. He visited each table at the start, and told a little about the wines, and then more or less retired for the evening. No speech at the start of each course. It was more like you decided to go out for dinner and had a prix fixe meal selected for you. Spanish Wines were featured, and the food selections sort of followed suit.
The tables were set with the menu for the evening, a water glass that had ice a plenty, and a wine glass for each course, mercifully including enough silver so that each course could be consumed with a fresh set. As it should be. Upon being seated, a glass of a NV Cava Brut Reserve was poured. After it warmed a bit it revealed a nice nose, yeasty taste and small bubbles, quite refreshing. Five courses followed, with just a little much time between, although when alone and you only talk to the tablecloth, it might be more apparent. A Quail Escabeche was served first, along with a Verdejo. Any wine would have a problem standing up to the acidic Escabeche, but this didn’t do too badly. The quail was diminutive, and maybe it was due to the Chardonnay Vinegar and wine sauce, but the color of the skin was somewhat pale although the meat was tender and pinkish. There were some very nice carrots and onions in the sauce.
The next course was (as far as I know) Italian, a Braciola with Sauce Espagnole. Although Espagnole is French for Spanish, it really has nothing to do with Spain (why it’s called that is another story), it’s just one of the so called Mother Sauces. Anyway it was a tasty beef roll stuffed with cheese and bread crumbs. Three spears of grilled asparagus were emanating from the beef, giving it a sort of regal appearance. I thought it was the best dish of the night. The rest of the courses consisted of a Seafood Paella, a Savory Bleu Cheese Cake, and finished off with a Strawberry Flan. The Paella was sort of “de-constructed” as it was served with rice in the middle, surrounded by pieces of shrimp, calamari, Mussels, Crayfish, a white fish and chorizo. Personally, I would prefer the classic preparation. It was paired with a Mouvedre. The strawberry flan carried the next honors, fruity and chilled, paired with a dessert wine of which grape i don't recall.
The service was just right, and if I had to gripe (and I always have to gripe) I would ask that either the food speed up from the kitchen, or the wine wait for the food. Pouring the wine and then waiting several minutes more means that when the food arrives, you have sipped your way almost through the wine (speaking for myself). On the plus side, the pours were generous, and seconds were offered on occasion. They were available for purchase although I really didn’t have any reason to increase an already bulging cellar. If I were forced to choose I would have gone for the Cava (at $9.99 I think).
All in all, a proficient Sunday evening. The Tides remains at the top of the Lexington Park (fine) dining options
and i did
DFD
Long time readers will remember that I have sort of drifted away from attending wine dinners, partially because of the “wine guy/gal” and the cute patter that usually accompanies the wine. “here’s a fun little wine…..”. Last night’s experience might make me more interested in attending (selected) such events more. The Tides is always a pleasant space (with the best rest rooms around), there weren’t many tables filled, so it was quiet which is always a plus, and the wine guy was very laid back. He visited each table at the start, and told a little about the wines, and then more or less retired for the evening. No speech at the start of each course. It was more like you decided to go out for dinner and had a prix fixe meal selected for you. Spanish Wines were featured, and the food selections sort of followed suit.
The tables were set with the menu for the evening, a water glass that had ice a plenty, and a wine glass for each course, mercifully including enough silver so that each course could be consumed with a fresh set. As it should be. Upon being seated, a glass of a NV Cava Brut Reserve was poured. After it warmed a bit it revealed a nice nose, yeasty taste and small bubbles, quite refreshing. Five courses followed, with just a little much time between, although when alone and you only talk to the tablecloth, it might be more apparent. A Quail Escabeche was served first, along with a Verdejo. Any wine would have a problem standing up to the acidic Escabeche, but this didn’t do too badly. The quail was diminutive, and maybe it was due to the Chardonnay Vinegar and wine sauce, but the color of the skin was somewhat pale although the meat was tender and pinkish. There were some very nice carrots and onions in the sauce.
The next course was (as far as I know) Italian, a Braciola with Sauce Espagnole. Although Espagnole is French for Spanish, it really has nothing to do with Spain (why it’s called that is another story), it’s just one of the so called Mother Sauces. Anyway it was a tasty beef roll stuffed with cheese and bread crumbs. Three spears of grilled asparagus were emanating from the beef, giving it a sort of regal appearance. I thought it was the best dish of the night. The rest of the courses consisted of a Seafood Paella, a Savory Bleu Cheese Cake, and finished off with a Strawberry Flan. The Paella was sort of “de-constructed” as it was served with rice in the middle, surrounded by pieces of shrimp, calamari, Mussels, Crayfish, a white fish and chorizo. Personally, I would prefer the classic preparation. It was paired with a Mouvedre. The strawberry flan carried the next honors, fruity and chilled, paired with a dessert wine of which grape i don't recall.
The service was just right, and if I had to gripe (and I always have to gripe) I would ask that either the food speed up from the kitchen, or the wine wait for the food. Pouring the wine and then waiting several minutes more means that when the food arrives, you have sipped your way almost through the wine (speaking for myself). On the plus side, the pours were generous, and seconds were offered on occasion. They were available for purchase although I really didn’t have any reason to increase an already bulging cellar. If I were forced to choose I would have gone for the Cava (at $9.99 I think).
All in all, a proficient Sunday evening. The Tides remains at the top of the Lexington Park (fine) dining options
and i did
DFD
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Crabs of Blue...
In the land of nothing to do in Southern Maryland, Friday night we had to choose between going to the River Concert and a special trip to the Blue Crab’s game in Waldorf. The St. Mary’s County Historical Society planned a group outing to attend the ball game and in the end we opted for that. We had never been to a game, and I had heard good reports about it, not only here, but about the “minor league” atmosphere, so figured this was a good way to check it out. Besides, just getting on a Keller Motor Coach (remember it’s not a bus – that’s for kids) in Leonardtown and getting off at the gate is attractive. So, we gathered at Tudor Hall in Leonardtown, had a quick Happy Hour and boarded the Keller for a relatively short ride to the ball park. As it turned out, the ride up and back were almost the highlight of the trip. As it turned out, Ernie Bell (of the recent car dealership fame) and Judge John Hanson Briscoe were among the happy troupe of fans. Ernie has long had a love and relationship with baseball here in the county, and spent most of the ride up telling about the old teams here in the county, both historical (1873) and more modern days (early fifties). He has a rich knowledge of the local history, who lived where, who did what, on and on. We were regaled by tales of games, players, ‘yellow pony”; “donkey”; “frog”; “head rat” of the wharf rats). Hearing his tales of early Leonardtown brings home that we’re just guests here. It didn’t hurt that we had the remnants of the happy hour with us. Then John Briscoe took the mic and we learned he was a pretty highly regarded left hander in his day. A blown arm resulted in his law career.
So, before we knew it we were pulling up to Regency Furniture Stadium, and disgorged at the gate. It’s a very pleasant facility, small enough that you can walk from the right field to the left without much trouble, and there is a very laid back, homey feel to the place. There are some “boxes”, and a sort of pavilion affair off to the side. Nice setting. As for the food, there isn’t the variety apparently available “up the road”, but still some interesting choices. There is the standard ball park stuff with addition of some “crab” items (crab cakes and balls, plus a crab pretzel????), some BBQ chicken. Besides the standard counters there are some “carts” in the aisle where you can get more specialty stuff like fancier hot dogs, Turkey Hill lemonade, and some more boutique beers (standard is Coor’s light and A Sam Adams product, and Blue Crab). You better learn to multiply by $3.75 because that seems to be a standard price for most things. Dogs a little less (or more if you go for the froo froo), burgers a little more, but at least nothing leads with a 7 as it allegedly does for the Nats.
We settled into our seats about 25 minutes before game time. I really don’t know how many seats they have, but it wasn’t crowded by any means, and there seems to be plenty of room. Very heavily family oriented, with kids everywhere (a statement, not a judgement). Pretty soon players began sauntering in from left field somewhere, no locker rooms behind the dugouts apparently. Another passenger familiar with the team said that this was the highest “non-affiliated” level team there was. In other words, there isn’t any connection to any major organization. The players are here to get seen with hopes of connecting with “the bigs”. Some have had offers, but didn’t like the team that did, so they are shopping themselves around. Each of the players came onto the field carrying their own glove, and most had a bat bag, or just carried their bag. Most stopped and chatted with the fans (or family), some signed some things, really up close and personal stuff, not the isolation you get at major league parks.
Finally the game began, after an “interesting” rendition of the National Anthem by a seven year old girl. Although I know there are those devoted baseball followers of the game out there, and God love them. I will be the first to admit that I am not a big baseball fan, and am not passionate about our “national pastime”. That’s a very key word there, “past time”. Because a lot of it does without much going on. The pitcher stood on the mound, stared at home plate. Stepped off the mound, peered in again, stepped on the rubber and delivered. Ball One! Another ritual ensued before the second offering flew toward home. It got worse if somebody got on first, stare over there, step on, step off, throw over there, step on, step off, you get the idea. The first inning took 20 some minutes to play. The pace of the game is not accelerated by the fact that between almost every inning there is some “event’ that goes on, like eating contests, dancing on the dugouts with “Pinch” the mascot, little games for the kids. In between there are real baseball plays, and there were some good ones including home runs, stolen bases, but they certainly come at a price. One interesting interlude was when the “Barnstormers” manager came on the field to protest something, threw his hat down and was summarily ejected from the game. In the majors, that means he goes back into the dugout, kicks some benches, punches the wall, and disappears down the runway. Not here! You get tossed and you have to walk from home plate, toward the shortstop, into left field, finally exiting out there. A good three minute trip in full view (and voice) of the home fans. Talk about the walk of shame! Anyway, the game dragged on, pitching, walking, running, singing, dancing, a leisurely pace to say the least. When we departed at our pre-agreed on time of 10:00, the game was just getting into the 7th inning, after a 7:13 first pitch.
Oh, and back to food a minute, I had one of those fancy dogs, lathered in mustard, onion and relish, some boardwalk fries (which as far as I can tell means they come in a cup instead of those paper trays), and an Irish stout. I was trying so hard, carefully holding the dog in both hands, over the napkin, little bites, carefully chewing, until almost the last bite when somehow the dog exploded into many pieces, giving me a nice yellow stripe on my tasteful (Dress for Baseball) shirt and a lap full of mustard soaked onion pieces. You can’t win.
Anyway, it was a pleasant evening, albeit long. Would have to seriously consider another outing..
So, before we knew it we were pulling up to Regency Furniture Stadium, and disgorged at the gate. It’s a very pleasant facility, small enough that you can walk from the right field to the left without much trouble, and there is a very laid back, homey feel to the place. There are some “boxes”, and a sort of pavilion affair off to the side. Nice setting. As for the food, there isn’t the variety apparently available “up the road”, but still some interesting choices. There is the standard ball park stuff with addition of some “crab” items (crab cakes and balls, plus a crab pretzel????), some BBQ chicken. Besides the standard counters there are some “carts” in the aisle where you can get more specialty stuff like fancier hot dogs, Turkey Hill lemonade, and some more boutique beers (standard is Coor’s light and A Sam Adams product, and Blue Crab). You better learn to multiply by $3.75 because that seems to be a standard price for most things. Dogs a little less (or more if you go for the froo froo), burgers a little more, but at least nothing leads with a 7 as it allegedly does for the Nats.
We settled into our seats about 25 minutes before game time. I really don’t know how many seats they have, but it wasn’t crowded by any means, and there seems to be plenty of room. Very heavily family oriented, with kids everywhere (a statement, not a judgement). Pretty soon players began sauntering in from left field somewhere, no locker rooms behind the dugouts apparently. Another passenger familiar with the team said that this was the highest “non-affiliated” level team there was. In other words, there isn’t any connection to any major organization. The players are here to get seen with hopes of connecting with “the bigs”. Some have had offers, but didn’t like the team that did, so they are shopping themselves around. Each of the players came onto the field carrying their own glove, and most had a bat bag, or just carried their bag. Most stopped and chatted with the fans (or family), some signed some things, really up close and personal stuff, not the isolation you get at major league parks.
Finally the game began, after an “interesting” rendition of the National Anthem by a seven year old girl. Although I know there are those devoted baseball followers of the game out there, and God love them. I will be the first to admit that I am not a big baseball fan, and am not passionate about our “national pastime”. That’s a very key word there, “past time”. Because a lot of it does without much going on. The pitcher stood on the mound, stared at home plate. Stepped off the mound, peered in again, stepped on the rubber and delivered. Ball One! Another ritual ensued before the second offering flew toward home. It got worse if somebody got on first, stare over there, step on, step off, throw over there, step on, step off, you get the idea. The first inning took 20 some minutes to play. The pace of the game is not accelerated by the fact that between almost every inning there is some “event’ that goes on, like eating contests, dancing on the dugouts with “Pinch” the mascot, little games for the kids. In between there are real baseball plays, and there were some good ones including home runs, stolen bases, but they certainly come at a price. One interesting interlude was when the “Barnstormers” manager came on the field to protest something, threw his hat down and was summarily ejected from the game. In the majors, that means he goes back into the dugout, kicks some benches, punches the wall, and disappears down the runway. Not here! You get tossed and you have to walk from home plate, toward the shortstop, into left field, finally exiting out there. A good three minute trip in full view (and voice) of the home fans. Talk about the walk of shame! Anyway, the game dragged on, pitching, walking, running, singing, dancing, a leisurely pace to say the least. When we departed at our pre-agreed on time of 10:00, the game was just getting into the 7th inning, after a 7:13 first pitch.
Oh, and back to food a minute, I had one of those fancy dogs, lathered in mustard, onion and relish, some boardwalk fries (which as far as I can tell means they come in a cup instead of those paper trays), and an Irish stout. I was trying so hard, carefully holding the dog in both hands, over the napkin, little bites, carefully chewing, until almost the last bite when somehow the dog exploded into many pieces, giving me a nice yellow stripe on my tasteful (Dress for Baseball) shirt and a lap full of mustard soaked onion pieces. You can’t win.
Anyway, it was a pleasant evening, albeit long. Would have to seriously consider another outing..
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Just a little bit more
on the event tuesday night (local, etc.). It was a fundraiser for Patuxent Habitat for Humanity, a worthy cause.
And, in the effort to save our time yesterday, I didn't get into the "juggling" aspect of attending these events. I knew it was coming, but it is still frustrating. You "check in", and are handed a wine glass (thanks again for that) along with your little ticket you're supposed to get punched at each booth to prevent you from returning 10 times for that stuffed pepper. Okay, so you have to keep track of the glass and your ticket. That's two already. get to the booth with maybe now that modicum of wine in your glass requiring extra care to prevent it from dribbling out on the ground (or you). You get your little morsel from the vendor usually in a little cup or on a little plate, and oh yes, here's a napkin and a spoon/fork. Enjoy! Ticket, glass, dish, napkin, utensil, thats five. and the last time i counted, i had only two hands. Several strategies are available - some make a little "stand" by cupping the wine glass at the top and try to balance the plate on that; you and saunter over to a parked car and slyly use the hood/trunk; ask somebody to hold it for you (not recommended); squat on the ground (other troubles arise). It's just damn hard. and yes, i know there are those little devices that enable you to hang the glass around your neck, and also look like an idiot.. a real problem..
Sign seen in a rear window of a car: "Re-Hab is for Quitters"
DFD
And, in the effort to save our time yesterday, I didn't get into the "juggling" aspect of attending these events. I knew it was coming, but it is still frustrating. You "check in", and are handed a wine glass (thanks again for that) along with your little ticket you're supposed to get punched at each booth to prevent you from returning 10 times for that stuffed pepper. Okay, so you have to keep track of the glass and your ticket. That's two already. get to the booth with maybe now that modicum of wine in your glass requiring extra care to prevent it from dribbling out on the ground (or you). You get your little morsel from the vendor usually in a little cup or on a little plate, and oh yes, here's a napkin and a spoon/fork. Enjoy! Ticket, glass, dish, napkin, utensil, thats five. and the last time i counted, i had only two hands. Several strategies are available - some make a little "stand" by cupping the wine glass at the top and try to balance the plate on that; you and saunter over to a parked car and slyly use the hood/trunk; ask somebody to hold it for you (not recommended); squat on the ground (other troubles arise). It's just damn hard. and yes, i know there are those little devices that enable you to hang the glass around your neck, and also look like an idiot.. a real problem..
Sign seen in a rear window of a car: "Re-Hab is for Quitters"
DFD
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Local night...
We attended the Local Flavor Local Fare event last night over in Leonardtown (notice it’s always “over” in Leonardtown). It was a fun event as usual, but we thought that there weren’t as many people there as last year. A good turnout of the restaurateurs however with all of the Leonardtown eateries represented, as well as three from the Lexington Park side of the world, making 11 overall. The two wineries also were there with tastings (more later) that came along with your ticket, or you could purchase a full glass separately. I did enjoy the fact that real glasses were used instead of plastic.
A detailed description of the food offerings would result in too much ink, but items such as Local Vegetable Salsa topped with Local Crabmeat, Maryland Crab Cake Sliders with Local Veggie Coleslaw, Stuffed Sweet Peppers with Caiso Fresco wrapped in Bacon, on and on. I did get the chance to try the Bollywood Masala offering of Chicken Curry on Rice. It did not have as much heat as I feared, so maybe I better get myself in there. All the food was served well, and it’s nice to see the faces from the places we eat. They are a nice bunch, those food people. A couple of images of folks and food..
One thing I always dislike at events where wine is “tasted” is when they use those little metering devices in the wine bottles. I know that they donated their time and wine, but it just somehow seems that it sends the wrong message. Pouring by hand is more personal which is what Solomons Island Winery did, resulting in enough wine that you could “taste” it. But the Perigeaux folks brought out the plastic thingies to assure a common thimble full of wine for all. Just a small vote that next year’s event be done without those…
is this a taste?
DFD
A detailed description of the food offerings would result in too much ink, but items such as Local Vegetable Salsa topped with Local Crabmeat, Maryland Crab Cake Sliders with Local Veggie Coleslaw, Stuffed Sweet Peppers with Caiso Fresco wrapped in Bacon, on and on. I did get the chance to try the Bollywood Masala offering of Chicken Curry on Rice. It did not have as much heat as I feared, so maybe I better get myself in there. All the food was served well, and it’s nice to see the faces from the places we eat. They are a nice bunch, those food people. A couple of images of folks and food..
One thing I always dislike at events where wine is “tasted” is when they use those little metering devices in the wine bottles. I know that they donated their time and wine, but it just somehow seems that it sends the wrong message. Pouring by hand is more personal which is what Solomons Island Winery did, resulting in enough wine that you could “taste” it. But the Perigeaux folks brought out the plastic thingies to assure a common thimble full of wine for all. Just a small vote that next year’s event be done without those…
is this a taste?
DFD
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