Gastronomie

Qu'est-ce que c'est... or, Where in the world is Fatemeh?

Seven Hours in Memphis

I know I sometimes have a warped view of my world... For example, for the past several years, I've flown over 100K miles per year on United, which has bestowed upon me the status of "Premier Executive 1K". Which basically means I'm that schmuck you hate as you're boarding, who's usually seated in Business Class with a glazed look in her eyes, trying to remember which city she's heading to next.

There are, of course, some nice perks to this program -- the aforementioned upgrades usually clear, I get treated pretty well if there are irregular operations (e.g., weather, equipment problems, etc), and... and... OK, maybe that's mostly it.

But the thing is, once you get used to the perks, it's really hard to think about going back to a lower level of status. Like I said, a warped view.

What does this all have to do with Memphis? Well, United was running a double-miles promotion, and I've always wanted to eat at C's favorite barbeque joint, the Bar-B-Que Shop, so on a total whim, we booked a ticket that would put us on the ground in Memphis for almost exactly seven hours.

It was an exhausting journey (we were in the same clothes for exactly 28 hours), totally indulgent (three meals in 5 hours), and totally invigorating. It was one of those days that leaves you marveling at how amazing the world we live in is, and was a reminder to throw caution to the wind and take life by the balls sometimes.

 

Tags: Food, Food & Drink, BBQ, Beer,Photography,United,Travel,Memphis,Oakland,San Francisco

Falling... the Mint Gimlet

Remember this post?

Remember how I struggled with my decision? I posted on Facebook, I update my Twitter, I asked everyone who would indulge me. I studied every review, every YouTube demo, every blog post about the Canon EOS XSi.

And then? I ordered it. I waited with bated breath as my delivery window was posted on Amazon, and then delayed by two days. I said goodbye to my loyal little point-and-shoot. The one that followed me from Burning Man to Italy, and re-ignited my zeal for photography.

Yesterday, my brand-spankin' new camera was delivered. And in the evening, a special angel arrived bearing a "Congratulations" gift bag loaded with the things a newbie dSLR owner may not know she needs: a polarizing filter, a UV filter, a lens hood, and a cool Lowepro shoulder-strap that lets me carry around an extra battery (also gifted).

And today? Today I must admit that I have fallen completely and totally in love with my new camera.  Why? Because I am more confidently taking photos that make me feel legitimized, if you can imagine that. Even after two of these:

Hangar One Mint Gimlet

• 2 oz Hangar One Kaffir Lime vodka
• Juice of one Key lime
• 6 torn mint leaves
• Agave nectar to taste

I like the mint flavor to be slight subdued in this drink, otherwise I think it overpowers the delicacy of the vodka. It's why I don't muddle. Simply shake all ingredients, with copious cocktail ice, until frothy and ice cold.

I love, love, love whizzing lime zest, sugar, and the tiniest bit of kosher salt in my spice grinder  to rim this cocktail. It makes the presentation a little more special, and only serves to subtly enhance the flavors in the drink.

Tags: Food, Food & Drink, Cocktail, Hangar One,Canon,Camera,dSLR,Photography,Oakland,San Francisco