Remember these words: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. For over 20 years, Jay has requested Dinner at Lawry's for his birthday and while not always a five star experience, it's always good and the service is great. This year, he requested Trader Vic's, mainly because he wanted a Navy Grog which he hadn't had in YEARS! So, being the ever-accommodating mate, off we went. We got there a little after 6 and there were no people there - nary a soul in the dining room - two people in the bar. We thought about it and decided to stay.
Our waiter, Cary, came to our table announcing he'd lived in St. Thomas and knows all about good food and fine wines [why, then, is he working there?]. He also told us HE doesn't eat dinner until 10 p.m. and that HE sleeps until 10:30 or 11:00 a.m. I don't remember either of us asking him. He tried to engage us in way too much of his life.
We ordered drinks: Navy Grog for the Birthday Boy and a Mai Tai for me. Jay said the Navy Grog was just as he'd remember it. The Mai Tai was good but somewhat on the small side. We ordered a PuPu Platter to go along with our drinks and it was good but the items got cold very quickly. Crab Rangoon doesn't hold up cool. The tealight candle didn't do much to keep the platter warm.
He encouraged us to look over the wine list as it was quite extensive and filled with popular California wines. Not so much.
We placed our orders from an extremely limited menu and I ordered a glass of Malbec to go with my meal. Cary brought the Malbec out immediately - the food didn't arrive for over 30 minutes. To any of you who know me, I HAD to order another glass to go along with my meal. Cary, rightfully, said HE would pay for my wine because it was taking so long.
Our food was OK but certainly not what we were expecting. And it, too, seemed to cool off really quickly.
So much for opting for a place other than Lawry's. Also, Jay said he's had a bit of an upset stomach and can only link it to the food from last night. Bless his heart! He said he would go back again but just in the bar for his Navy Grog and the PuPu Platter. We'll see.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday June 19, 2009
Here we go! We leave Dallas around 7:30 am. We head south on 35E. There's a little place in West [the kolache capitol of Texas] that has a really terrific breakfast, called The Stockyards Cafe. No kolaches - I'm not a fan. On Thursday evening, there was a cattle auction and the air was heavy with the scent of cow poo. However, the cafe held only the smells of amazing bacon, coffee and pancakes light and airy. The clientele are locals and it's great fun to be a part of it all. EVERYone was so very friendly and cordial - and it's just 90 minutes south of Dallas!!!
This hungry specimen wasn't sold. I don't know why - very friendly er uh bovine.
This is the place - west side of 35E, Exit 351!!! Try it - you'll like it.
Thankfully, there was a heavy cloud cover all the way down. We stoped at the LBJ Ranch and decided to take a tour. I'd been there with my sister Vicki several years ago but Jay hadn't been there. We decided to take the 'self' tour rather than the two hour bus tour. We were provided a map and a CD to guide us.
This is the Pedernales River which we crossed to get into the Ranch.
Here is the announcing signage.
Looking back across a field near the cemetary, is the Trinity Lutheran Church. Since the Johnsons weren't Lutherans, they only attended sporadically.
Here is the resting place of LBJ. Lady Bird doesn't have a headstone as yet, but her plot is noted with the appropriate flowers to his right.
Just some more signage.
Signage announcing the reconstructed birthplace of LBJ. Years back, we toured the home in Johnson City with my Mom, Steve and Kathy, my youngest sister. It was August and HOT HOT HOT, but not so today. Lovely cloud cover and a brisk breeze.
Here's LBJ's reconstructed birthplace surrounded by old pecan trees. A very nice setting.
"Hello, Lyndon. Washington's calling."
On the ranch, this bovine group was having their TGIF happy hour.
It's the same all over. Girls just want to have fun.
These old guys just didn't give a hoot.
We tried to stop in Fredericksburg but there were no rooms at the inns. So we headed on to Kerrville. We did a little touring around the area - hills and dales - and then had dinner at The Branding Iron which is part of the YO Ranch Resort. We had lovely libations and Texas fare for dinner. The bear was glad to see us leave!
Tomorrow, we're going to go back to Fredericksburg to tour the town and then - well, who knows. Hopefully, tomorrow the hotel will have proper bandwidth!
This hungry specimen wasn't sold. I don't know why - very friendly er uh bovine.
This is the place - west side of 35E, Exit 351!!! Try it - you'll like it.
Thankfully, there was a heavy cloud cover all the way down. We stoped at the LBJ Ranch and decided to take a tour. I'd been there with my sister Vicki several years ago but Jay hadn't been there. We decided to take the 'self' tour rather than the two hour bus tour. We were provided a map and a CD to guide us.
This is the Pedernales River which we crossed to get into the Ranch.
Here is the announcing signage.
Looking back across a field near the cemetary, is the Trinity Lutheran Church. Since the Johnsons weren't Lutherans, they only attended sporadically.
Here is the resting place of LBJ. Lady Bird doesn't have a headstone as yet, but her plot is noted with the appropriate flowers to his right.
Just some more signage.
Signage announcing the reconstructed birthplace of LBJ. Years back, we toured the home in Johnson City with my Mom, Steve and Kathy, my youngest sister. It was August and HOT HOT HOT, but not so today. Lovely cloud cover and a brisk breeze.
Here's LBJ's reconstructed birthplace surrounded by old pecan trees. A very nice setting.
"Hello, Lyndon. Washington's calling."
On the ranch, this bovine group was having their TGIF happy hour.
It's the same all over. Girls just want to have fun.
These old guys just didn't give a hoot.
We tried to stop in Fredericksburg but there were no rooms at the inns. So we headed on to Kerrville. We did a little touring around the area - hills and dales - and then had dinner at The Branding Iron which is part of the YO Ranch Resort. We had lovely libations and Texas fare for dinner. The bear was glad to see us leave!
Tomorrow, we're going to go back to Fredericksburg to tour the town and then - well, who knows. Hopefully, tomorrow the hotel will have proper bandwidth!
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 14, 2009 Mother's Day Celebrated
In order not to be among the great unwashed masses celebrating Mother's Day ON Mother's Day, Steve and I continued our decade-plus tradition of going out either the week before or the week after Mother's day. We celebrated last night in a relatively new seafood restaurant in Plano, Coast. No, there isn't an ocean view but there is a huge fountain in the roundabout in front of the restaurant.
We were seated in an open-sided booth. The decor was clean and coastal, with a huge coral piece in the foyer. Not too many folks were dining but it was early. The bar area had a respectable crowd for happy hour. We ordered martinis which were very good but not overly generous. Our waiter brought a basket of bread - the usual little crusty rolls - and a surprisingly good little cornbread creation with whole kernels of corn and chopped jalapeno peppers. Very nice.
Steve had the Ahi Tuna Crudo as his appetizer - a very thinly sliced raw tuna reminiscent of carpaccio. It was really good tuna; quite tasty. I had a salad of red and yellow roasted beets with goat cheese and arugula. I really liked it and will try to recreate it a home. I love beets in just about any form.
Steve's entree was Shellfish Marscapone Ravioli. He generously allowed me half a ravioli. It was good but I won the ordering contest. I had wonderful sea scallops. They were sweet, fresh and really delicious. Accompanying the scallops were sweet pea ricotta tortelloni with minted chardonnay butter. What a wonderful flavor! Just perfect.
For dessert, we shared a lemon phyllo tart with lavendar honey ice cream topped with chopped pistachios. Not too much phyllo - just the right amount. And the lemon filling was terrific.
A feature of the entree menu is the option of a smaller or larger portion. I selected the smaller, and thankfully, and got three large scallops. I wanted to try the tart and was glad I'd made that choice.
Coast is a really good restaurant and the service was non-intrusive yet alert - good. I don't think Jay would like it as they don't offer fried shrimp, his favorite.
On the way home, we stopped at Sullivan's for our after-Mother's Day Dinner martini. I'd not been to Sullivan's and it was hopping. Lots of Thursday night trolling going on. It was fun people watching.
Another great Mother's Day Celebration with my son.
We were seated in an open-sided booth. The decor was clean and coastal, with a huge coral piece in the foyer. Not too many folks were dining but it was early. The bar area had a respectable crowd for happy hour. We ordered martinis which were very good but not overly generous. Our waiter brought a basket of bread - the usual little crusty rolls - and a surprisingly good little cornbread creation with whole kernels of corn and chopped jalapeno peppers. Very nice.
Steve had the Ahi Tuna Crudo as his appetizer - a very thinly sliced raw tuna reminiscent of carpaccio. It was really good tuna; quite tasty. I had a salad of red and yellow roasted beets with goat cheese and arugula. I really liked it and will try to recreate it a home. I love beets in just about any form.
Steve's entree was Shellfish Marscapone Ravioli. He generously allowed me half a ravioli. It was good but I won the ordering contest. I had wonderful sea scallops. They were sweet, fresh and really delicious. Accompanying the scallops were sweet pea ricotta tortelloni with minted chardonnay butter. What a wonderful flavor! Just perfect.
For dessert, we shared a lemon phyllo tart with lavendar honey ice cream topped with chopped pistachios. Not too much phyllo - just the right amount. And the lemon filling was terrific.
A feature of the entree menu is the option of a smaller or larger portion. I selected the smaller, and thankfully, and got three large scallops. I wanted to try the tart and was glad I'd made that choice.
Coast is a really good restaurant and the service was non-intrusive yet alert - good. I don't think Jay would like it as they don't offer fried shrimp, his favorite.
On the way home, we stopped at Sullivan's for our after-Mother's Day Dinner martini. I'd not been to Sullivan's and it was hopping. Lots of Thursday night trolling going on. It was fun people watching.
Another great Mother's Day Celebration with my son.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Happy Birthday, Joshua James Giuseffi
Joshua James Giuseffi, my most adorable great nephew, turned the BIG ONE on April 17. He's just as handsome as he can be here with his Big Sister, Laura, and his Mom, Carol.
Since it's Josh's birthday, Laura dubs him King for a Day. He doesn't appear to be all that fond of his crown, but that's okay - it's HIS party and he'll slip it off if he wants to.
Since Laura's been through the birthday festivities for a few years, she wants to make sure Josh enjoys his cake.
Birthday cake is a huge success as witnessed by his hands and face.
With Laura as his Brilliant Big Sister, Josh is sure to have many more Happy Birthdays.
Since it's Josh's birthday, Laura dubs him King for a Day. He doesn't appear to be all that fond of his crown, but that's okay - it's HIS party and he'll slip it off if he wants to.
Since Laura's been through the birthday festivities for a few years, she wants to make sure Josh enjoys his cake.
Birthday cake is a huge success as witnessed by his hands and face.
With Laura as his Brilliant Big Sister, Josh is sure to have many more Happy Birthdays.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Belated Update - April 19, 2009
Well, I've not been a very good blogger of late. I'm so tardy in my updates.
Vicki came for her visit but I took very few photographs. Don't ask me why; I just didn't. We did, however, have a very good time.
On April 4, we brunched at Eden again, and again, it was great - mostly because our group is so dear. Here are Cindi Eades, Georgia Wright [seated], Molli Harris, Rose McElye [seated], Vicki and Danielle Gardner [seated]. Danielle, the consummate hostess, brought beautiful roses to adorn the table. We thought the roses would look good in our teeth, and so . . .
And here are Molli, Vicki, Rose, Cindi and Danielle as we leave. Not to worry, we're set to go back on May 3rd for another wonderful brunch. Yes, we're addicted to Eden.
While Vicki was here, we discovered a new [for us] burger joint - Stadium Cafe in Addison. Really great burgers with lots of Special Nights. Mondays, all burgers are $2.00, and on Wednesdays, all burgers are half price. Since we've give up on The Addison Point FOREVER, we will jump between Jake's and Stadium Cafe. I like SC more because you actually get a plate and cutlery. At Jake's, just a basket - eat your fries with your fingers. At SC you get a cloth napkin; Jake's gives you a role of paper towels. Jake's burgers are good but a little too greasy for my taste. I'll give a real review of SC the next time we go - hopefully, this Wednesday.
The Addison Point is off our dance card due to several reasons, two of which are: burgers have become tasteless and they appear to put another vodka in the Stoli bottle [confirmed by a former waitress we ran into]. We'd noticed a decline in the "regulars" and now know the reason why. Adios! Their new management sucks.
Vicki and I did some shopping, mostly for Josh, who turned ONE on 4.17. We watched several movies and just enjoyed being with each other.
On Easter, I made Beer Braised Beef [Steve proclaimed it as PERFECT]. I also made a sopapilla cheesecake [Wendy's recipe] which was so very good but so very, very rich.
A new grocery store opened in Plano: Market Street. It's terrific on so many levels. The staff is friendly, helpful and downright nice. There are no "cart return" slots in the parking lot. The bagger escorts you to your car and takes the cart back to the store. This frees up several parking spaces, lessens the risk of runaway carts banging into your car AND provides an escort to your car when it's dark or if you're alone. Service, service, service!!! After only two times in the store, the butcher remembered me! After several years of going to Tom Thumb, nada!!! Market Street is now MY grocery store - Jay likes it, too.
Today, while resting on my heating pad and with my back medication, I watched the HBO movie, Grey Gardens. WOW! Look for Emmys in September!
So, that's about it for now. I know; I know - boring!!!
But to whet your appetite, there just might be a rant in the near future.
Ciao for now.
Vicki came for her visit but I took very few photographs. Don't ask me why; I just didn't. We did, however, have a very good time.
On April 4, we brunched at Eden again, and again, it was great - mostly because our group is so dear. Here are Cindi Eades, Georgia Wright [seated], Molli Harris, Rose McElye [seated], Vicki and Danielle Gardner [seated]. Danielle, the consummate hostess, brought beautiful roses to adorn the table. We thought the roses would look good in our teeth, and so . . .
And here are Molli, Vicki, Rose, Cindi and Danielle as we leave. Not to worry, we're set to go back on May 3rd for another wonderful brunch. Yes, we're addicted to Eden.
While Vicki was here, we discovered a new [for us] burger joint - Stadium Cafe in Addison. Really great burgers with lots of Special Nights. Mondays, all burgers are $2.00, and on Wednesdays, all burgers are half price. Since we've give up on The Addison Point FOREVER, we will jump between Jake's and Stadium Cafe. I like SC more because you actually get a plate and cutlery. At Jake's, just a basket - eat your fries with your fingers. At SC you get a cloth napkin; Jake's gives you a role of paper towels. Jake's burgers are good but a little too greasy for my taste. I'll give a real review of SC the next time we go - hopefully, this Wednesday.
The Addison Point is off our dance card due to several reasons, two of which are: burgers have become tasteless and they appear to put another vodka in the Stoli bottle [confirmed by a former waitress we ran into]. We'd noticed a decline in the "regulars" and now know the reason why. Adios! Their new management sucks.
Vicki and I did some shopping, mostly for Josh, who turned ONE on 4.17. We watched several movies and just enjoyed being with each other.
On Easter, I made Beer Braised Beef [Steve proclaimed it as PERFECT]. I also made a sopapilla cheesecake [Wendy's recipe] which was so very good but so very, very rich.
A new grocery store opened in Plano: Market Street. It's terrific on so many levels. The staff is friendly, helpful and downright nice. There are no "cart return" slots in the parking lot. The bagger escorts you to your car and takes the cart back to the store. This frees up several parking spaces, lessens the risk of runaway carts banging into your car AND provides an escort to your car when it's dark or if you're alone. Service, service, service!!! After only two times in the store, the butcher remembered me! After several years of going to Tom Thumb, nada!!! Market Street is now MY grocery store - Jay likes it, too.
Today, while resting on my heating pad and with my back medication, I watched the HBO movie, Grey Gardens. WOW! Look for Emmys in September!
So, that's about it for now. I know; I know - boring!!!
But to whet your appetite, there just might be a rant in the near future.
Ciao for now.
Monday, March 9, 2009
March 8, 2009
This was the day we all lost an hour of sleep. I may have to rant about that on another post. In spite of that speedbump, we brunched at Eden again, and again it was wonderful. I wish more people would find this treasure. Today, we were joined by Susan Reno, a Paralegal at Strasburger. That's MOI, Susan and Molli. The dirty grey Camry is my baby who I failed to wash in order to get rain. Maybe I'll get it washed this week.
And here are Danielle, Susan and Molli. Molli looks terrific after her recent encounter with THE KNIFE and is returning to work on Monday.
Wendy was in Tennessee visiting family and friends and Rose was sick in bed. Hopefully, they'll be able to make our next brunch for which we are already scheduled - when Vicki is here.
After our wonderful brunch, Susan and I went downtown to the Majestic Theatre and saw The Rat Pack Live at the Sands. It was a blast from the past. I saw Sinatra in the late 70s at Ceasar's Palace and was moved to tears. No lie! He was stupendous.
In this production, Stephen Triffitt played Sinatra and he was very good but his voice was way too smooth. Very enjoyable, though, and he had the moves down.
David Hayes did a really good job playing Sammy; in fact, if you closed your eyes, you'd think it really was Sammy. He had a lot of Sammy's moves down and could dance a bit, but Sammy was tiny and this guy wasn't.
Mark Adams did a SPOT ON job playing Dean Martin. He sounded like him, moved like him and except for a larger nose, looked like him. And he drank like him. He was my favorite - can you tell? All in all, it was a terrific show. I would recommend it to locals but yesterday was the last day.
Well, that's it for now. I have an appointment with the dentist for a cleaning on Thursday but don't think that's blogable. Vicki will be arriving soon and that WILL be blogable.
Ciao for now, mi amici.
And here are Danielle, Susan and Molli. Molli looks terrific after her recent encounter with THE KNIFE and is returning to work on Monday.
Wendy was in Tennessee visiting family and friends and Rose was sick in bed. Hopefully, they'll be able to make our next brunch for which we are already scheduled - when Vicki is here.
After our wonderful brunch, Susan and I went downtown to the Majestic Theatre and saw The Rat Pack Live at the Sands. It was a blast from the past. I saw Sinatra in the late 70s at Ceasar's Palace and was moved to tears. No lie! He was stupendous.
In this production, Stephen Triffitt played Sinatra and he was very good but his voice was way too smooth. Very enjoyable, though, and he had the moves down.
David Hayes did a really good job playing Sammy; in fact, if you closed your eyes, you'd think it really was Sammy. He had a lot of Sammy's moves down and could dance a bit, but Sammy was tiny and this guy wasn't.
Mark Adams did a SPOT ON job playing Dean Martin. He sounded like him, moved like him and except for a larger nose, looked like him. And he drank like him. He was my favorite - can you tell? All in all, it was a terrific show. I would recommend it to locals but yesterday was the last day.
Well, that's it for now. I have an appointment with the dentist for a cleaning on Thursday but don't think that's blogable. Vicki will be arriving soon and that WILL be blogable.
Ciao for now, mi amici.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
March 4, 2009 - Old Friend
I met a dear old friend in Fort Worth yesterday with very good intentions. I'd intended to take a picture of Lucille's Stateside Bistro, and I'd intended to have a wait person take a picture of Kendall and me for this very blog. However, I was so wrapped up in our three-hour game of "catch up" I entirely forgot. A senior moment? Nay, I call it catching up with an old, dear friend. It's been YEARS and we plan on getting together more than once every 20 years. And Kendall gets to select the spot next time!
It was so terrific seeing her again after all these years and she was so nice to agree to meet me at Lucille's. Steve [son] has raved about Lucille's lobster bisque for a few years now, so I wanted to try it. My mistake in ordering was that I only ordered a cup instead of a bowl - - or two. It was terrific! It had a bit of a kick to it but not too much - definitely not enough to lessen the yumminess of the lobster. I would like to get The Baguettes to try it. It would be a fun day. There are so many wonderful museums in Fort Worth - we could make a day of it - or even a weekend!
I vow [but remember I'm a SENIOR] to be more diligent in getting photos on his blog. And soon we'll have Central Daylight Time so I'll have more time outside! And I need to learn my new camera.
Ciao for now!
It was so terrific seeing her again after all these years and she was so nice to agree to meet me at Lucille's. Steve [son] has raved about Lucille's lobster bisque for a few years now, so I wanted to try it. My mistake in ordering was that I only ordered a cup instead of a bowl - - or two. It was terrific! It had a bit of a kick to it but not too much - definitely not enough to lessen the yumminess of the lobster. I would like to get The Baguettes to try it. It would be a fun day. There are so many wonderful museums in Fort Worth - we could make a day of it - or even a weekend!
I vow [but remember I'm a SENIOR] to be more diligent in getting photos on his blog. And soon we'll have Central Daylight Time so I'll have more time outside! And I need to learn my new camera.
Ciao for now!
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