Growler stations reduce the deficit

Now that we're in the middle of the depths of a long harsh winter, it's time for an Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout. Although the winter stuff's not true here in Columbia, maybe the real catalyst is the store next to my hotel that has a growler station with growlers for only $10. Maybe one day we can live in a World where growler stations will outnumber gas stations. The first politician to propose that gets my vote in the next election. This could allow a savings so substantial that we may not have to freeze federal employee salaries or raise the retirement age to 150.

Day after Thanksgiving

Day after Thanksgiving included a big plate of leftovers for lunch, that's a given. For dinner however, braised lamb shanks were the centerpiece. They were braised in red wine, beef and chicken stock, and spiced with fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic and onions. They were delicious and went great with a bottle of Pinot and some Champagne cocktails.

Thanksgiving

Once again, ate way way too much food. Also as usual had to fight dad off from trying to cut the turkey right out of the oven. Crazy how he can sit in a recliner all day long, then the second a piece of meat comes out of the oven he springs up and is ready to slice like Edward Scissor hands. Next year I may cook a Cornish hen on the side just so he can have something to slice on while the other meats rests a bit. Pictures include sausage dressing, and cheddar pineapple casserole with cranberries. Not pictured were the stuffing (must go inside the turkey to be called stuffing), cheese onions, cranberries, acorn squash, and mashed potatoes of course. Desert was a chocolate bread with ice cream and chocolate sauce.

One down, one to go

Enjoying some brews at Hunter Gatherer in Columbia SC. Had a pale ale and their Ye Olde Bastarde. Pale ale has great balance and the Bastarde is pretty much a porter. Best part is you don't have to go through a 20 page beer menu like Flying Saucer, and watch some duffis stand on a table to get his "I drank 150 different beers" plaque. When I finish a 150 beers, I go for a whiz and start over, no ceremony necessary.

Chicken salad in a Cantaloupe

Gourmet shop in Columbia again. I've had this twice now and it was great both times. As suspected, ordering fresh fruit in the winter is a gamble. I'm 50/50 on the cantaloupe actually being ripe, but good none the less.

Gourmet Shop in Columbia SC

Fast becoming my favorite lunch spot in Columbia the Gourmet Shop knows how to make some soup. Forgot what the sandwich tasted like before I finished swallowing, but the red pepper Gouda soup will occupy a place in my palate memory for some time to come. Texture was very different with little pieces of unmelted cheese to go along with great red pepper flavor.

Meat and cheese in Columbia

Found a new gourmet shop in Columbia that required my patronage. Had some meat and cheese for dinner in the room, of course with a little wine to accompany. The prosciutto was a La Quercia Coppa Americana and the cheese was an aged Mimolette. The prosciutto was not too salty, and perfect on the bread. Cheese was very mild and not so hard I couldn't chew it. Supposedly Mimolette was originally made as a request of King Louis XIV. Now I want to try the cognac that carries this cheese connoisseur's name.

Kung Fu Academy

Right above "my" Starbucks in Columbia. Just incase you need a little extra kick in the morning.

Cheeseburger w/fried egg

This is one of my favorite burgers, and especially for breakfast. Goes perfect with a Belgian beer.