Thought of the Week: December 31, 2011

Every once in a while, get off the merry-go-round and ask yourself these questions:

·                  What are we doing?

      ·                  What should we be doing?
      ·                  What should we be doing next?
      ·                  What should we not be doing?

                    ~ Communication Briefings (Adapted from 'From 36,000 feet')
                     (Repeated New Year’s thought)

Thought of the Week: December 24, 2011

“O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn”                 ~ Placide Cappeau

Dining with David: Public House

Public House – Chattanooga, TN – December 19, 2011
www.publichousechattanooga.com
After finishing a big presentation, we (three of us) decided to go get something to eat and recap the presentation.  It was suggested to walk around the corner to a little local place right there in Warehouse Row.
We walked in and this is a nice white-table cloth type place; they even provided a black napkin so that the regular white napkin would not shed on my black pants.  I ordered their healthy Salmon Club (I did this just for my beautiful bride).  This was one great little sandwich.  It is a toasted bun with a nice chunk of grilled salmon, bacon (yum, yum), tomato and lettuce.  They give you their special Green Goddess sauce but I opted for the horse radish.  The string fries were very crispy and had a little basil on top for extra taste.  To top it off, I had fresh squeeze lemonade to drink (always gets high points from me).
I must say I really enjoyed this place; great food and normal pricing.
Rating: 9

Dining with David: Aretha Frankensteins

Aretha Frankensteins – Chattanooga, TN – December 18, 2011
www.arethas.com
Unfortunately, I had to travel on a Sunday (never a good thing).  Upon arriving in Chattanooga, my business partner and I decided to grab a quick bite for dinner and then finish up our work (big presentation next day).  I had quickly looked and found this little, local place that Rachel Ray just loved.  It was only 5 miles from our hotel.  Upon pulling up, it was a converted house in the middle of an eclectic area (Tremont Street).
There were only a few tables and most everyone (much younger than us) were outside drinking.  We sat down inside and ordered some breakfast food for dinner.  My partner had one of their oversize omelettes with fried potatoes and a huge cathead biscuit.  I had their famous Elephants Gerald waffle.  This wonderful piece of Belgian waffle (crispy outside, soft inside) had a wonderful taste.  This is the only waffle I can remember not putting some type of syrup on it for flavor.  Now, it was coated with goodness (cinnamon pecans on top of French vanilla ice cream) and was fantastic.
A very unusual place with great food.  A definite must try next time you are in Chattanooga.

Rating: 9

Thought of the Week: December 17, 2011

“It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas;
Soon the bells will start,
And the thing that will make them ring
   is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart.”
          ~ Meredith Willson  ("It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas")

Thought of the Week: December 10, 2011

"Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store or under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends."     ~ Cindy Lew

Thought of the Week: December 03, 2011

“Change allows us to exit the comfortable and enter the improved.”                             ~ David Cottrell

Dining with David: Chamberlain's Steak and Chop House

Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House – Addison, TX – November 29, 2011 www.chamberlainsrestaurant.com
Wow, I would have never thought I would be back at such a great restaurant.  I can remember eating a fantastic steak at Chamberlains over 15 years ago.  In fact, I remember it was so tender that I cut it with a fork.  Well, my current customer wanted to go back there tonight and I just couldn’t complain.
We started off with the Appetizer Sampler; colossal shrimp cocktail, spiced seared Ahi Tuna and Kobe beef pot stickers.  What a great way to start the meal.  Of course, they also provided us with their famous roll poppers; huge, sweet tasting muffin style rolls; mixed with a special butter (you know how I just hate great bread).
The mid-course was one of their special salads; fresh Mozzarella, marinated tomatoes, basil and aged balsamic oil.  A great (only ordered half) salad with fresh ingredients and a wonderful taste.  A full order would have a been a great meal in itself.
I then had one of their great Filet Mignons; 12 ozs of tender, aged beef.  I had it topped with a round chunk of their special truffle peppercorn butter; truly an Oh My Goodness.  The steak was great but mixed with the truffle butter, fantastic.  Not sure of anywhere you can get such a great, smoked, tender beef with the great mixture of truffle oil.  As a side dish, I substituted for their Vermont cheddar steak fries.  These were large, long-cut fries flash-fried so the outside was crispy and the inside was soft.  They were then topped with white cheddar and heated to slightly crispy.  Another great item to a great meal.
A very nice, upscale chop house with one of the best steaks you will ever find.  A strong recommendation for anyone in Dallas.
Rating: 10

Thought of the Week: November 26, 2011

“The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don’t know what to do.”
                                   ~ John Holt

Thought of the Week: November 19, 2011

BE THANKFUL
By Author Unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Thought of the Week: November 13, 2011

“When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.”

~ GK Chesterton

Thought of the Week: November 6, 2011

“Example moves the world more than doctrine.”
     ~ Henry Miller (Writer)

Thought of the Week: October 30, 2011

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth
and spoke the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard,
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

©1996 Linda Ellis

Thought of the Week: October 23, 2011

“Lighthouses don't go running all over an island looking for boats to save: they just stand there, shining.”     ~ Anne Lamott

Thought of the Week: October 17, 2011

“Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe.”     ~ Saint Augustine

Dining with David: Shakey's Pizza Parlor

Shakey’s Pizza Parlor – Warner Robins, GA – October 12, 2011

http://www.shakeys.com/

Well, nothing can be simple.  I drive into Warner Robins and there are maybe a hundred restaurants near my hotel.  Not to be outdone, I drive 10 minutes away to go to a nostalgic place, Shakey’s.  Once I saw it listed, I just had to go visit.  When I pulled up, I was reminded of the 1970’s and the local Shakey’s in Midfield, AL.  Shakey’s goes back to the 50's and was big in the 70’s.

I got the basic dinner buffet to sample some pizza, spaghetti, chicken and their Mojos (sliced potato bites).  After the first bite, I was reminded of the original style; thin crust, light sauce, a little cheese and some toppings.  Since the high temp ovens are used, the crust is very good with those wonderful bubbles.  Good food, great place, great memories.

Rating: 7.5

Thought of the Week: October 10, 2011

“Design is not just what it looks like.  Design is how it works.”
                         ~ Steve Jobs

Thought of the Week: October 2, 2011

Happy National Customer Service Week

Thought of the Day: September 24, 2011

TALKING YOUR WAY TO BETTER SERVICE

The 10 important words to say:
- I apologize for our mistake. Let me make it right.
The 9 important words to say:
- Thank you for your business. Please come back again.
The 8 important words to say:
- I’m not sure, but I will find out.
The 7 important words to say:
- What else can I do for you?
The 6 important words to say:
- What is most convenient for you?
The 5 important words to say:
- How may I serve you?
The 4 important words to say:
- How did we do?
The 3 important words to say:
- Glad you’re here!
The 2 important words to say:
- Thank you.
The 1 important word to say:
- Yes.
                       ~ Steve Ventura (Serve Right)

Thought of the Week: September 17, 2011

“Before attempting to help any client, ask yourself these three questions:
1. Why do people buy my products or services?
2. What is the result if I do not help them?
3. How could I improve their experience with my company?”

~ Linda Byars Swindling

Thought of the Day: September 11, 2011

"I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.” "
     ~ President George W. Bush (September 11, 2001)

Thought of the Week: September 10, 2011

“A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot.  It has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain.”
     ~ Mildred White Struven

Dining with David: Custred Family Cooking

Custred Family Cooking: Labor Day – Logan Martin Lake – September 4, 2011
In continuing with our family time & feast, we moved into prime time with the big meal; cooked by my older (much older, must be) brother.  This involved several grill items; all smoked.  It started with your baby-back ribs that just fell off the bone; great taste and texture.  Then moved to the chicken with the same BBQ sauce.  The special was the back-strap; fresh from your local deer.  A great little piece of meat with wonderful smoke rings and taste.  Dipping the meat into the BBQ sauce was just the right mixture.

Of course, we had the usual extras to top off the meat including salad, potato salad, fries, okra, macaroni and cheese and some bread designed for dipping.  To top off the meal, finished it just right with some home-made ice cream.  Another great meal and good weekend.

Dining with David: Custred Family Cooking

Custred Family Cooking; Labor Day – Logan Martin Lake – September 3, 2011
As our usual full family time together, the Custred family gets together at the lake ‘chalet’ for some family time.  Saturday night is my night to cook the easy stuff while my older brother does the main cooking on Sunday.  Hamburgers were on the menu and you cannot have just plain burgers.   I decided to go Minnesota style.  I mixed the ground chuck with some special seasonings (even including a little coffee grinds; really helps keep moisture in) and then stuffed the inside with a little cheese (provolone, parmesan and asiago; great Italiano mixture).  To really top the burger off, I grilled some bacon and some fresh sliced ham to go with some BBQ sauce.  The combo of juicy burger with hot cheese, bacon and ham is a great mix; just add lots of napkins.  Family time starting off right.

Thought of the Week: September 3, 2011

“The best preparation for work is not thinking about work, talking about work, or studying for work: It is work.”
     ~ William Weld

Thought of the Week: August 27, 2011

“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”     ~ Marianne Williamson

Thought of the Week: August 20, 2011

“Consider the following things before you speak:
·         Is it True?
·         Is it Honest?
·         Is it Important?
·         Is it Necessary?
·         Is it Kind?”
                           ~ David McKinley

Dining with David: McGorray's Golf & Grille

McGorray’s Golf & Grille – Decatur, IL – August 12, 2011
http://mcgorrays.com/
Our customer selected another good place for lunch.  We went to a very unusual sports restaurant with three full inside golf simulators; like golf courses on the inside.  It was amazing to see some other customers playing a full round of golf from one spot; full simulation for driving and putting; would have loved to try it.  We had a nice business lunch and even got to try their specialty meal.  I ordered their famous, award winning (?) Pulled Pork Sandwich.  This was one very messy sandwich.  It had pulled pork, chipotle aioli, mustard vinegar coleslaw (YES, I did eat that too) on a toasted bun with grilled pineapple slices on the top.  If that was not enough, the fries were waffle style smothered in cheese sauce and topped with bacon and extra cheese.
The pork was good but not your great smoky taste and the unusual ingredients really added to the meal.  Made for a very good sandwich.  The taters were just ok; really a cheap mock-off of the great Outback; not even close.  Overall a good meal and really unusual.
Rating: 8

Travels with David: St. Charles, MO

Historic Main Street – St. Charles, MO – August 13, 2011
www.historicstcharles.com
We had a few hours before our scheduled flight time out of St. Louis.  Since we were staying up in St. Charles, it just seemed appropriate to swing by and visit the historic section on the way to the airport.  What a beautiful part of town.  Old historic houses down a cobblestone lane and sitting one block off of the Missouri river; a true gas-light district (burning gas lamp posts).  Great to see items from Lewis & Clark, Daniel Boone, and MO first captial.  My bride would be proud (even though I miss her a lot on trips like this), I only spent $1.25 for some wonderful smelling, fresh-made, muffin style chocolate chip cookies.  Areas like this just make you stop and thank God for all he provides.

Thought of the Week: August 13, 2011

"There is no substitute for hard work."
     ~ Thomas A. Edison

Dining with David: Beach House

Beach House – Decatur, IL – August 11, 2011
http://decaturbeachhouse.com
Our customer suggested a local place for a long business luncheon.  As we crossed a lake and then rounded down toward the docks, I just knew this was going to be good.  The Beach House restaurant is located right on Lake Decatur and a wonderful spot; nice, casual atmosphere overlooking the lake.  We started off with crab cakes (New England style) and spinach & artichoke dip.  Both of these were great.  The crab cakes were spicy with a great texture and the dip was covered with cheese and served with homemade chips.
I ordered their daily specials of chicken gumbo and Ahi salad.  The gumbo was thick with chunks of sausage and chicken in a great sauce.  The Ahi tuna salad was a nice bed of greens topped with Ahi, cashews, tomatoes, sprouts and balsamic dressing.  The Ahi tuna was seared and coated with pepper that provided a great taste with the greens and balsamic.  A very good salad.
A great location with very good food; a place to try if in the area.
Rating: 8.75

Thought of the Week: August 6, 2011

“You can be a risk-taker without being a world-changer, but you cannot be a world-changer without being a risk-taker.”
      ~ Dr. Del Tackett

Thought of the Week: July 30, 2011

“The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.”

~ Eric Hoffer

Thought of the Week: July 25, 2011

“When you examine the lives of the most influential people who have ever walked among us, you discover one thread that winds through them all.  They have been aligned first with their spiritual nature and only then with their physical selves.”
     ~ Albert Einstein

Thought of the Week: July 16, 2011

“Patience is the ability to let your light shine after your fuse has blown.”
     ~ Bob Levey

Dining with David: Bristol Seafood Grill

Bristol Seafood Grill – Creve Coeur, MO – July 14, 2011
www.bristolseafoodgrill.com
After a long day of presentations and a 2.5 hr drive back to MO, we decided to stop off and get a good dinner; in fact, the only dinner for the week.  I quickly looked for some good seafood from my iPhone apps and found a place rated pretty high; we decided to try.  Give an A plus to the iPhone.
A very nice restaurant that was packed; not your true full upscale but pretty close; white tablecloth and the normal fancy stuff; shame my bride could not be here.
This would turn out to be a salmon night so we started with some smoked salmon flatbread.  This was some tasty little bread covered in smoked salmon, garlic sauce, caper, watercress and lemon olive oil; very good stuff.  I then had a cup of their creole gumbo.  This was a good little cup of soup; large chunks of sausage, shrimp and a spicy sauce.
We both had the meal of the night though, Cooper River Sockeye Salmon.  Wow, this special salmon only available ~60 days out of the year is worth the wait.  A very rich taste, almost like butter, with a great color and texture; really nothing like normal salmon.  I have had both Sockeye and King in the past and both are excellent. I was able to top mine off  Lobster Mac N’ Cheese;  now I am not a Mac & Cheese person but this was pretty good.
Of course, they topped off the meal by serving warm, sweet biscuits on your side platter for your enjoyment.  They even give you homemade honey butter to really set it off.  A great meal, a great place and a wonderful piece of salmon.
Rating: 9.5

Dining with David: Hickory River Smokehouse

Hickory River Smokehouse – Decatur, IL – July 12, 2011
www.hickoryriver.com
Our customer picked a little BBQ place for us to eat lunch today.  I have been avoiding an IL type meal but when offered it with a little que, I just had to go for it.  I got their special ‘BBQ shoe’.  This was a toasted piece of Texas toast, covered in pulled pork, slathered with fries and coated with their special cheese sauce.  That was not good enough and I added some of their ‘mixture’ sauce; a combo of their mild and hot BBQ sauce. 
I will have to say that this was a good little meal.  The pulled pork was very good; had that nice smoked taste but not so strong that it is overwhelming.  The potato fries on top was a good mix and even their cheese sauce had a good little spicy taste.  Top that with their BBQ sauce and I was quite pleased with my ‘shoe’.  Never thought I would say, ‘I enjoyed that shoe’ but ole well, welcome to IL.
Rating: 8.5

Travels with David: Lincoln Tomb

Lincoln Tomb – Springfield, IL – July 11, 2011

http://www.state.il.us/hpa/hs/lincoln_tomb.htm

In continuing with the Lincoln day theme, we left the Lincoln home and headed to Oak Ridge Cemetery.  This place is the home of the Lincoln tomb and war memorials.  They were closing the doors but a nice lady allowed us to go in for a few minutes.  Wow, what an impressive place.  It is coated in granite and houses Lincoln (10 feet below and behind the monument below), his wife Mary and three of their sons. 

Standing back outside and looking at the impressive monument, chills come back.  God Bless the USA!

Travels with David: Lincoln Home

Lincoln Home – Springfield, IL – July 11, 2011
www.nps.gov/liho/index.htm
In continuing with the Lincoln day theme, we left the presidential library and headed 5 blocks to Lincoln’s one family home.  This place was built back in 1839 and for those times, was a very nice house.  Amazing to see how they lived back then.   Nothing personal, but just don’t like that one bedroom for him and a connecting bedroom for her.  Loved the desk and furniture in the house though.

Travels with David: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum – Springfield, IL – July 11, 2011
www.presidentlincoln.org
My travel partner this week decided for us to go visit a little history; little did I know that today would be Lincoln day.  Once we took care of some business, we went to the presidential library.  This is a very impressive place (just look at the pictures below).   There is a mock white house with the Lincoln family, two movies, lots of artifacts and tons of true history items.  Nothing but a small heaven on earth for the history buffs (sorry Courtney). 
There is certainly a lot of good and bad you can say about Lincoln but he was an American and this place will give chills down your spine.  I thought I knew a lot about our country and good ole Abe, but not true; this place taught me a lot.  I walked out of there with head high and feeling good about American.  God Bless the USA.

Dining with David: Charlie Parker's Diner

Charlie Parker’s Diner – Springfield, IL – July 11, 2011
www.charlieparkersdiner.net
As we drove in from St. Louis, MO (isn’t flying great!), we needed to grab a little bit for lunch.  I had seen this place on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and thought, why not.  We get off the interstate and drive around a back road to what looks like an old metal hangar building.  And oh what our eyes see, but this is the restaurant. 

Now, this place is known for their 16” pancakes (yes, bigger than a pizza) and their horeshoes (pick your meat with cheese sauce, not cheese but cheese sauce, covered in fries; called a shoe).

I didn’t want to overdo so decided to try their regular pancake, a 2 stack flavored with blueberries along with a side of bacon and hash browns.  My travel partner, who loves veggies, got their Vegetable omelette. I just cannot even comment on a veggie omelette; but it must have been good as he ate the whole thing.  I think the best thing he got was their massive wheat toast though.

My pancakes were huge; glad I didn’t try the 16”; these regulars filled the plate.  They were completed coated with blueberries, rather than the normal sprinkle of fruit.  I cannot explain what was in these things but they had a very unusual taste; a bit like whipped eggs, vanilla and something else (?).  I topped it with a little syrup and wow, they were good.  No way I finished these things; left half (well, maybe a ¼ after my travel partner ate some too).  The bacon was good; normal.  The hash browns were dry grilled rather than butter/oil grilled; different but good.

The atmosphere is this place is great.  The food is even better.  I would love to go back and try their sandwiches; they looked great.  This is a must try place.

Rating: 9.5

Thought of the Week: July 9, 2011

“Things to remember:
1)  The worth of character;
2)  The improvement of talent;
3)  The influence of example;
4)  The joy of origination;
5)  The dignity of simplicity;
6)  The success of perseverance.”

           ~ Marshall Field

Thought of the Week: July 2, 2011

“If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away.

And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

God Bless the U.S.A.”

      ~ Lee Greenwood

Dining with David: Eva's Kitchen

Eva’s Kitchen – Clayton, AL – June 28, 2011
Well, when you are in a small town, where else do you go eat for lunch but a double-wide trailer way off in a small residential community?  My customer took me to a nice little, true soul food place called Eva’s.  Yes, she has her restaurant actually located in a converted double-wide trailer sitting right off a narrow street blocks off the main road.  You just know that something good is about to be tasted.
We walked in, the converted back door/porch, to an open area with tables/chairs and walked over to the counter.  They have your normal spread of meat & 3 and a small menu to order sandwiches.  I got mine from the daily food bar: chicken fried pork chop, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy along with a yeast roll.  Now, just ask my wife, I am not big on any of these; except the roll.  The pork chop had a thin fried crust that was wonderful but not to be topped by the juicy white meat of the seasoned pork chop.  This was one good little chop.  The macaroni was your higher end elbow noodles with three kinds of cheese; very good but rich.  The potatoes were very creamy and the brown gravy just topped it all off.  Of course, the homemade yeast roll was excellent with a little chop stuck in there.
What even made this better was they had homemade lemonade sitting behind the counter; not too tart or sweet and very good.  I can say I have now eaten at Eva’s.  If you are ever in Clayton, be sure to swing by Oak Ave and have a little taste for yourself.
Rating: 9

Dining with David: River City BBQ

River City BBQ – Eufaula, AL – June 27, 2011
http://rivercitybarbeque.com/      http://www.facebook.com/rivercitybbq
I had the pleasure to drive back down to Eufaula late today.  I had some extra work to do and decided to grab something quick for dinner.  I had heard about this great BBQ joint called River City but did not know where it was located.  Well, I found it; very easy to find, just north of town before air-strip.  This appeared to be my kind of place, rough outside and even using chalk boards for the menu.
I decided to try their smoked brisket sandwich basket with their famous hush puppies and sweet potato fries.  The brisket was placed on a soft buttered bun with sauce on the side.  The brisket had great smoke lines and a rich, hearty taste.  Mixed with one (they have 4 kinds of BBQ sauces) of their sauces, this was a very good sandwich.  The sweet potato fries were also very good.  Had that nice soft inside with fried outside with that nice crunch.  The hush puppies were lined with jalapeños and had that great cornmeal with a little sweet and a kick of hot.
This is my kind of hole in the wall restaurant.  If you ever get a chance to go to Lake Eufaula, make sure to stop by River City BBQ.
Rating: 9

Thought of the Week: June 25, 2011

"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."     ~ Thomas Jefferson

Dining with David: Humble Pie

Humble Pie – Phoenix, AZ – June 22, 2011
http://humblepieusa.com/
After a long three days of tradeshow, the team was ready to get away from the resort for a little discussion and down time. I picked a local, upscale pizza place only minutes away. It is located in a strip mall but has a full fire pizza oven and a nice patio for us to sit and eat; yes, the temp dropped down to 99 degrees but they had a fan and it was not bad.
We started off with some roasted assorted olives (not my choice) and then some bruschetta (one with goat cheese and roasted peppers and the other with fresh mozzarella and balsamic). These were very good. We then ordered two pizzas for the four of us. The first was my selection of Prosciutto & Pear with Prosciutto di parma, gorgonzola, fresh grilled pears and topped with arugula. This was one different little pizza and the arugula offset the roasted pears and gorgonzola. It had large slices of prosciutto with that nice salty taste. A nice, different, unique pizza. They ordered the S.O.P with sausage, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, ricotta cheese and sauce. I did not try this one but they said it was wonderful.
A very different place with very good unique pizzas. A nice place with good food for the right time.
Rating: 8

Dining with David: Superstition Saloon

Superstition Saloon - Tortilla Flat, Arizona – June 21, 2011
http://www.tortillaflataz.com/
As part of my travels through the Apache Trail in the Superstition Wilderness, I stopped off in Tortilla Flat. Now this place is not very large, just several buildings and a total population of 6. After visiting the general store, I decided to catch a late lunch/early dinner at the saloon. They appear to be famous (by someone) for their burgers and killer chili. I decided to skip the chili based on the 116 degree heat but did decide to try their famous burger.
The burger had a thick patty that was marinated in a rich sauce and was very juicy. I topped it with BBQ sauce, ketchup and mustard along with a slice of tomato. It was a very good burger; was it the best I have had, no way. But for this little community, I am sure best in town. Now, they did shine when I substituted the standard fries for homemade chips. These were very large, crunchy chips that tasted great. With the BBQ sauce for dipping, it was just right.
Now this place is decorated quite different with western themed items and signed dollar bills lining the walls. They even have saddles as bar stools, was not comfortable; stuck with a basic table/chair. The strangest part of the experience may have been the drink. This is the only place I know that they don’t ask what you want to drink. You are served a large water with a slice of lime; great choice. I loved it but weird that drinks are not that important; guess with the heat, water is all you need, don’t need the caffeine.
Rating: 7.5

Travels with David: Apache Trail

Apache Trail (AZ Historic Route 88) – Arizona – June 21, 2011
http://www.apachetrail.net/
After working the trade show in the morning and then visiting some customers in Phoenix, I had a few hours free. I decided to head out to the desert and see for myself this famous Apache Trail. Everything I had read talked about the curvy, twisted roads; well, this is very true, not for the weak stomach.
I drove to Apache Junction and then to Goldfield and Lost Dutchman state park. I then entered the Superstition Mountain range and all of its glory. Pulling off and seeing the Weaver’s Needle was something. But topping the hill and seeing Canyon Lake was fantastic. I drove on into Tortilla Flat (where I had a lunch/dinner); small town with population of 6, yes that is six. I then drove down to the Tortilla Trailhead and stopped; this is an unpaved road (for over 20 miles) and the bat-mobile I was driving did not do well on the bumpy roads. I ended up driving about 23 total miles of the trail and then headed back; the trail goes for over 47 miles. This is one impressive place; referred to as the second Grand Canyon.
Now, if I was smart, I would have picked a little cooler day; only got up to 116 today. The air conditioner never stopped running full blast and I keep drinking water the entire time. As they say, just a dry heat; 116 is still a 116 degrees.

Travels with David: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa – Phoenix, AZ – June 20, 2011
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxdr-jw-marriott-phoenix-desert-ridge-resort-and-spa/
As part of the tradeshow I am attending, I was forced to stay at the Marriott resort. Not just your normal Marriott but the elite, the JW Marriott. This place has two golf courses, Palmer & Faldo, (didn’t get to play though; having to work), spa, four acres of pools including lazy river, waterslides and many shaped pools and hot tubs, 9 restaurants and over 900 rooms/suites sitting on over 300 acres; not bad. My room was a normal mini-suite (should have been huge for the price they were charging) and a great little patio overlooking their Isle of Capri; a little wedding type venue with water all around. In fact, as I type this, I am sitting on the patio overlooking the water and palm trees with rabbits and ducks at my feet. Not a bad little spot.  It is a shame my beautiful bride could not come and enjoy too.

Thought of the Week: June 19, 2011

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”
~ Henry Ward Beecher

Dining with David: Custred Cooking at the Beach

Home Cooking – Orange Beach, AL – June 17, 2011
As part of our vacations, we normally cook most of our meals. Now, this Turquoise Place condo has made that so much easier with the commercial grade appliances; much easier cooking for 13. Tonight was our seafood night: hushpuppies, grilled potato wedges, grilled chicken, macaroni & cheese, chips with cheese, red snapper, large shrimp melody and jumbo boiled shrimp. My bride and I made a run to a local seafood market this morning and purchased the shrimp and snapper to set the tone.  Of course, we only went to 3 places before we found what we wanted; we are a little picky about our seafood.
The hushpuppies were two kinds, regular and Cajun style. The potatoes were sliced and coated with salt and Italian dressing and then grilled to taste. The chicken was marinated with Italian dressing and seasoning and grilled. The red snapper was sliced and coated with a little seasoning and baked; yummy. The large shrimps were cooked with a mixture of butter, garlic, seasoning and lemon providing a good little taste. My favorite was the jumbo shrimp with your typical boil mixture. Mix that with some homemade cocktail sauce and they were good.
Another nice little meal and a great way to wrap-up another yearly vacation at the beach.
Rating: 9

Dining with David: Doc's Seafood Shack

Doc’s Seafood Shack – Orange Beach, AL – June 16, 2011
http://www.docsseafoodshack.com/
Well, cardinal rule of eating eat always wins; listen to the locals. We found another great place tonight for the 13 of us; yes, that is a crowd. We wanted a nice place to go and debated between two spots; I voted for the local favorite. Doc’s Seafood is like your typical ‘hole-in-the-wall’ restaurant; fancy is not important, just deliver the good food.
We got there after 1700 and had to wait a little bit; should have seen the crowd by the time we left though. We were seated at two tables and the waitress was right there for drinks; love the way they just bring a small pitcher of your drink to the table; why don’t other places do this! To set the tone, there is no cocktail sauce. They provide the horseradish in little cups in a sand bucket on your table. You mix your own with the ketchup; no premix here. Love it.
We started off with some fried crab claws and gumbo. The claws were light and good. Mixed with the fresh (and strong on my part) cocktail sauce, very good. We then headed straight for the main course. I have heard so much about the famous fried shrimp, I just had to go with that. My brother ordered some massive platter of about 4 items; no clue there.
You know when you go to eat large shrimp and the tails have already been pulled, you are good to go. These shrimp (~ 12 of them) were large and lightly coated with a nice batter and fried to perfection. The shrimp were excellent and the crust helped make it. Very light and juicy on inside and crispy on the outside. It was almost like huge popcorn shrimp; but with a real taste. Mixed with the cocktail sauce, yum yum.  Maybe the best fried shrimp I have had.
The hushpuppies were just ok; nothing special here. The fries were your normal crinkle style and very good too; flash fried. I also got the new potatoes and with a little butter and salt, came to life.
If you want someplace to just go eat (no flash, no dance, no style) and food is your goal, then Doc’s is your place.
Rating: 9.5

Dining with David: Panini Pete's

Panini Pete’s Café & Bake Shoppe – Fairhope, AL – June 14, 2011
http://www.paninipetes.com/
My love and I got to spend the day together and drove on up to a quaint little town, Fairhope. It has been many a year since I have been there; it has grown but still small town flair. We parked and started walking around downtown and Molly (yes, even she looks for special places) started looking for a restaurant she had heard about that was so good. Well, she found it; not me, her. We walked down an alley into a little French Quarter style surroundings. I noticed that some people (locals) were sitting in a solarium type room eating; seemed different. We found the restaurant, a hole in the wall, and, of course, their main sitting area was the solarium room.
So this place is known for their chief, Pete. He has a flair and has been featured in Southern Living, and Food Network with Guy Fieri. We sat down and decided to split a little sandwich. We go with the Panini Burger (I let her pick by the way). This was a nice cut of meat grilled just right; very tasty. It was presented with ciabatta bread with fresh mozzarella and lettuce/tomato. This was a very good little sandwich. But wait, the homemade chips were the best. These were thinly sliced and flash fried with a lite seasoning; wow, they were good.
When she asked if we wanted desert, I said, what do you have. We ended up with their special of Blueberry Bread Pudding. Not your ordinary bread pudding. This was bread from their beignets, mixed with walnuts and tons of blueberries and a lite sauce; not sweet and very, very good. Overall, this was a nice little place to sit and spend some time and get a great meal. Would love to go back there for breakfast sometime too.
Rating: 9.5

Dining with David: Louisina Langniappe

Louisiana Langniappe – Orange Beach, AL – June 12, 2011
http://www.thelouisianalagniappe.com/
Well, as part of your vacation, you always want a nice dinner out. We struggled with where to go in Orange Beach and decided on a highly mentioned place less than a mile from our condo. Louisiana Langniappe is located in the San Roc Cay Shopping center and Marina. It seems Langniappe (lan yap) means ‘a little something extra’ and they mean it. The views are great overlooking the Marina and bay with nice white tablecloths and most importantly, excellent service. Even though there were 12 of us, they handled us with ease and had everything just right.
They start you off with some little hushpuppies and butter. Now these are good little bits and set the tone just right. I then had their Cajun Seafood Gumbo. Nice, chunky gumbo with shrimp, crab and oysters. Next was my main course of Lobster Tail & Shrimp Etoufee. I love etouffee and this was good; but nothing like you can get down in Lafayette, LA. The crawfish had a good taste but they put some extra cheese on top with the efouffee and rice; a little over the top, even for me. The lobster tail was good and just right with the melted butter. A very good dinner.
Best service I have had in a while; well done folks.
Rating: 9

Thought of the Week: June 10, 2011

“A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.”
                 ~ Martin Luther

Thought of the Week: June 5, 2011

“Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”     ~ Voltaire

Dining with David - Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse

Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse – Jackson Hole, WY – May 29, 2011
http://cowboysteakhouse.net/
Our group headed back downtown to go to the famous Million Dollar Cowboy. We had reservations (27 of us) for the Steakhouse located in the basement of the famous Million Dollar Cowboy bar (www.milliondollarcowboybar.com). I have been waiting on a good meal this trip and finally got it tonight. I got their Filet Mignon (one of my favorite cuts) with herbed garlic fries, asparagus and béarnaise sauce. This was one good piece of meat and cooked just right. Not the best Filet I have ever had but very, very good. The sauce topped it off just right and the garlic fries were great. I then had to mess up my meal by ordering their dessert. I got their flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce; let’s just say the sauce was great. The cake was more like a mix of cheesecake and brownie; like both but not mixed together. A very good meal.
Rating: 9

Dining with David - Billy's Giant Hamburgers

Billy’s Giant Hamburgers – Jackson Hole, WY – May 29, 2011
http://www.cadillac-grille.com/Billys.html
Well, unfortunately, I had some time by myself and needed to grab a little lunch. So, I decided to hit a famous burger bar that the guides keep telling me about; supposed to be the best burger around. This place is located right across from the square in Jackson Hole and nothing but a hole in the wall; bar stools around the counter to hold maybe 12 people. I got lucky and was able to walk in right as someone was getting up. A very busy place and fun to watch your food cooked right, and I mean right, in front of you.
The burger was very good; one of the better meals out here in WY. A nice piece of meat cooked right on the grill and placed on buttered/grilled buns. A very no frills place and very limited items. The fries were nothing special, just normal waffle style. For this trip, it would rate pretty high, but overall, just a regular meal in a great atmosphere.
Rating: 7.5

Thought of the Week: May 28, 2011

“Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point.”
   ~ Harold V Melchert

Thought of the Week: May 21, 2011

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone”
     ~ Ronald Reagan

Dining with David: Another Broken Egg

Another Broken Egg – Sandestin, FL (On the Bay) – May 15, 2011
http://www.anotherbrokenegg.com/
I was fortunate to be able to play golf today with many customers and we started the day off just right; good food. Another Broken Egg is a great little restaurant that specializes in breakfast. I ordered my favorite, Banana’s Foster French Toast. This is 4 pieces of French toast covered with warm Banana’s Foster sauce, pecans, fresh sliced bananas and a little whipped cream. The taste is amazing and provides a great, slightly sweet taste with a little healthy fruit, bananas. The marketing slogan says ‘A bona fide humming experience’ and for a change, they are right on. To top this off, I got 3 pieces of baked bacon. A great way to start off the day.
Rating: 9

Thought of the Week: May 14, 2011

“You see, we need instruction on how to possess money without being possessed by money.
We need help to learn how to own things without treasuring them.
We need the discipline that will allow us to live simply while managing great wealth and power.”
     ~ Richard Foster (The Challenge of the Disciplined Life)

Thought of the Week: May 8, 2011

“Just as a small fire is extinguished by the storm whereas a large fire is enhanced by it - likewise a weak faith is weakened by predicament and catastrophes whereas a strong faith is strengthened by them.”
~ Viktor E. Frankl

Thought of the Week: April 23, 2011

“If we pray, we will believe;
If we believe, we will love;
If we love, we will serve.”
     ~ Mother Teresa