“Do the right Thing,
the right Way,
at the right Time,
with the right Heart”
~ Danny Singleton
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Thought of the Week: February 19, 2011
“If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we are a nation gone under.”
~ Ronald Reagan (40th U.S. President)
~ Ronald Reagan (40th U.S. President)
Dining with David: Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel - Bessemer, AL - February 19, 2011
http://www.crackerbarrel.com/
What a way to start off the morning; a nice restaurant and great company. My family wanted to have some nice time together and I was more than willing to oblige. We got up a little early (for them on a Saturday) and headed down to the ole Cracker Barrel; a great staple for good breakfast food. I had my norm of Wild Maine Blueberry Pancakes. These are great pancakes with blueberries smothered inside. You then add some nice blueberry syrup and these are wonderful. I had the whip crème on the side so my beautiful bride could enjoy herself; she has a thing for homemade whip crème. Of course, I had to get bacon on the side.
My oldest daughter had a full meal. She had eggs, bacon and a full ‘side’ of French Toast. To add to the toast, she had them coated in Montmorency Cherries. Not sure if it was bad or not as she ate most of it.
The food was good as expected. My favorite part was just having a great time with my wonderful family. Always good to spend some quality time with my wonderful bride (of 22 years) and my two great daughters.
Rating: 10 (family time)
http://www.crackerbarrel.com/
What a way to start off the morning; a nice restaurant and great company. My family wanted to have some nice time together and I was more than willing to oblige. We got up a little early (for them on a Saturday) and headed down to the ole Cracker Barrel; a great staple for good breakfast food. I had my norm of Wild Maine Blueberry Pancakes. These are great pancakes with blueberries smothered inside. You then add some nice blueberry syrup and these are wonderful. I had the whip crème on the side so my beautiful bride could enjoy herself; she has a thing for homemade whip crème. Of course, I had to get bacon on the side.
My oldest daughter had a full meal. She had eggs, bacon and a full ‘side’ of French Toast. To add to the toast, she had them coated in Montmorency Cherries. Not sure if it was bad or not as she ate most of it.
The food was good as expected. My favorite part was just having a great time with my wonderful family. Always good to spend some quality time with my wonderful bride (of 22 years) and my two great daughters.
Rating: 10 (family time)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Dining with David: Casper's Cherokee Sirloin Room
Casper's Cherokee Sirloin Room - Eagan, MN - February 17, 2011
http://www.cherokeesirloinroom.com/
It was recommended for us to go visit a solid steak house right down the street from the hotel. I had seen this building before, driving by, and wondered about the red barns. A very unique decorated place; like an old converted western barn. Now the booths are slim and not really good for a bunch of ole guys. The best item on the menu, I could not get anyone to pay for it. This is the famous ‘Gangster Holiday’ which includes a mob based theme of private room with a gangster movie playing and prime rib for everyone along with a side, salad, soup, dessert, onion rings and a bottle of Sheep Dip Whiskey (??). And it comes with a limo ride and tour of gangster houses and hide-outs; it can be yours for only $1,499.00.
I started off with a salad and it really was just a basic style; nothing special. I ordered their Bob Casper’s Bacon Beef Tenderloin; you know I am a sucker for bacon. This is a little 8oz tenderloin wrapped in bacon and grilled/smoked just right; aged for over three weeks. This was one little great steak with a very flavorful smoky taste. As a side, I got their ‘fantastic onion rings’; I had high hopes but these were nothing to write home about; just there. Two of my companions got their limited Prime Rib, 18oz; one was regular and one sizzling blackened. These looked huge and I cannot imagine what their very special 36oz supreme cut would be. Anyway, if you want a great steak, this is your place.
Rating: 8.5
http://www.cherokeesirloinroom.com/
It was recommended for us to go visit a solid steak house right down the street from the hotel. I had seen this building before, driving by, and wondered about the red barns. A very unique decorated place; like an old converted western barn. Now the booths are slim and not really good for a bunch of ole guys. The best item on the menu, I could not get anyone to pay for it. This is the famous ‘Gangster Holiday’ which includes a mob based theme of private room with a gangster movie playing and prime rib for everyone along with a side, salad, soup, dessert, onion rings and a bottle of Sheep Dip Whiskey (??). And it comes with a limo ride and tour of gangster houses and hide-outs; it can be yours for only $1,499.00.
I started off with a salad and it really was just a basic style; nothing special. I ordered their Bob Casper’s Bacon Beef Tenderloin; you know I am a sucker for bacon. This is a little 8oz tenderloin wrapped in bacon and grilled/smoked just right; aged for over three weeks. This was one little great steak with a very flavorful smoky taste. As a side, I got their ‘fantastic onion rings’; I had high hopes but these were nothing to write home about; just there. Two of my companions got their limited Prime Rib, 18oz; one was regular and one sizzling blackened. These looked huge and I cannot imagine what their very special 36oz supreme cut would be. Anyway, if you want a great steak, this is your place.
Rating: 8.5
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Dining with David: Al Baker's
Al Baker's Classic Americana - Eagan, MN - February 16, 2011
http://www.albakers.biz/
We had to grab a quick lunch today and someone suggested we try this little local spot. I must say the building is quite unique and good atmosphere. Kind of reminds you of the older, more classical style restaurants. The first thing on the menu that caught my eye was fresh lemonade; I just love it. It was even better when it came out in a tall glass. Now, this is one tart little drink; very good. I then happened to notice one of my favorite sandwiches, the Monte Cristo. This sandwich is turkey, ham, Swiss and American cheese on a multi-grain bread (see, healthly!) that is dipped in batter and fried (how could this be bad?). Now, my favorite was this ole favorite from Bennigan's. The Al Baker's is very good but not quite as good as the ole style Bennigan's used to serve; not the same kind of crust and substance. Of course, it was served with jam, strawberry; I always prefer raspberry though for its tart and texture. A good lunch and good place.
Rating: 8.5
http://www.albakers.biz/
We had to grab a quick lunch today and someone suggested we try this little local spot. I must say the building is quite unique and good atmosphere. Kind of reminds you of the older, more classical style restaurants. The first thing on the menu that caught my eye was fresh lemonade; I just love it. It was even better when it came out in a tall glass. Now, this is one tart little drink; very good. I then happened to notice one of my favorite sandwiches, the Monte Cristo. This sandwich is turkey, ham, Swiss and American cheese on a multi-grain bread (see, healthly!) that is dipped in batter and fried (how could this be bad?). Now, my favorite was this ole favorite from Bennigan's. The Al Baker's is very good but not quite as good as the ole style Bennigan's used to serve; not the same kind of crust and substance. Of course, it was served with jam, strawberry; I always prefer raspberry though for its tart and texture. A good lunch and good place.
Rating: 8.5
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Dining with David: Bonfire
Axel's Bonfire Wood Fire Cooking - Eagan, MN - February 15, 2011
http://www.axelsbonfire.com/
http://www.axelsbonfire.com/
Got the chance to take our customer out tonight and they wanted to go to a local grill, Bonfire. Very unusual place with massive sculptures hanging from ceiling along with huge lights and of course, many fires and grills. We started off with their Bull Bites (blackened tenderloin tips) and Walleye Fingers. A very good start to a good meal. I ordered a very healthy meal of Axel’s Pan-Fried Walleye. A large piece of grilled Walleye topped with toasted almond slices. The fish was excellent and the almonds really helped top it off. The side was their cheesy has browns; not bad at all. They then just had to look at the dessert menu. I had their special blackberry bread pudding with raspberry sauce. This sounds great and had a great opportunity; only problem was it was cold. Now the blackberries and raspberries together were great. They did ‘comp’ us for the desserts but impression already set.
Rating: 8.75
Monday, February 14, 2011
Dining with David: The 5-8 Club
The 5-8 Club - Minneapolis, MN - February 14, 2011
http://www.5-8club.com/
There is an old controversy in the Twin Cities about who has the original Juicy Lucy. There is Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club. I decided to go visit the 5*8 as it had options for cheese and was recommended by the locals; always the best bet. This place is right on the corner of a little neighborhood in an old converted house. Opened back in 1928, it had its' roots as one of the 'speakeasy' locales; serving illegal liquor.
I started off with a little special of Deep Fried Cheese Curds. These little poppers were white cheddar Wisconsin cheese fried to a golden brown with a light, crisp breading. Yes, these were very good. I then ordered the famous, the disputed one and only, The Juicy Lucy. This is the most popular item and the reason people come to the 5-8. It is a 1/2 lb burger stuffed with Pepper Jack cheese; you get to pick cheese. Yes, I did say stuffed. The premise of the Juicy Lucy is the cheese on the inside rather than on top. For some reason, it does make the burger very juicy as that cheese just penetrates into the full core of the burger. Now, you will need some napkins as it is messy. I added nothing but a little toasted to my buns and mustard and ketchup; nothing else is really needed on such a burger. A very filling meal. This is definitely one of those must experience items.
Rating: 8.5
http://www.5-8club.com/
There is an old controversy in the Twin Cities about who has the original Juicy Lucy. There is Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club. I decided to go visit the 5*8 as it had options for cheese and was recommended by the locals; always the best bet. This place is right on the corner of a little neighborhood in an old converted house. Opened back in 1928, it had its' roots as one of the 'speakeasy' locales; serving illegal liquor.
I started off with a little special of Deep Fried Cheese Curds. These little poppers were white cheddar Wisconsin cheese fried to a golden brown with a light, crisp breading. Yes, these were very good. I then ordered the famous, the disputed one and only, The Juicy Lucy. This is the most popular item and the reason people come to the 5-8. It is a 1/2 lb burger stuffed with Pepper Jack cheese; you get to pick cheese. Yes, I did say stuffed. The premise of the Juicy Lucy is the cheese on the inside rather than on top. For some reason, it does make the burger very juicy as that cheese just penetrates into the full core of the burger. Now, you will need some napkins as it is messy. I added nothing but a little toasted to my buns and mustard and ketchup; nothing else is really needed on such a burger. A very filling meal. This is definitely one of those must experience items.
Rating: 8.5
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Dining with David: Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme - Hoover, AL - February 12, 2011
http://www.krispykreme.com/
You ask, how can you improve the taste of a fresh KK doughnut, well, you can't. But you can change the shape for special occasions like Valentines. KK outdid themselves with some new doughnuts. My youngest daughter just had to try them and of course, I was there to help. We got the chocolate covered glazed with sprinkles, the chocolate covered glaze and then the glazed with raspberry filling. Now, I don't think these are meant for health, but WOW are they good.
Rating: 9.75
http://www.krispykreme.com/
You ask, how can you improve the taste of a fresh KK doughnut, well, you can't. But you can change the shape for special occasions like Valentines. KK outdid themselves with some new doughnuts. My youngest daughter just had to try them and of course, I was there to help. We got the chocolate covered glazed with sprinkles, the chocolate covered glaze and then the glazed with raspberry filling. Now, I don't think these are meant for health, but WOW are they good.
Rating: 9.75
Travels with David: Franklin Mountains
Franklin Mountains State Park - El Paso, TX - February 11, 2011
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/franklin/
We had a brief window on Friday to actually see something (other than business) and guess what, there is a state park just 30 mins from downtown. We drove over the mountains with great views and drove into the state park. This is a nice little area, over 24,000 acres, with numerous trails, and camping/picnic areas. We even got to walk the nature trail, 3/5 mile. Now, there are some great views and some steep areas to walk. It is amazing at over 5100 feet above see level how your breathing is just a little tougher in activities. There are views of the mountains and can easily see Mexico (Juarez) from there too. Didn't get to stay long but enough to enjoy the good ole sun and dry air. Beautiful area.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/franklin/
We had a brief window on Friday to actually see something (other than business) and guess what, there is a state park just 30 mins from downtown. We drove over the mountains with great views and drove into the state park. This is a nice little area, over 24,000 acres, with numerous trails, and camping/picnic areas. We even got to walk the nature trail, 3/5 mile. Now, there are some great views and some steep areas to walk. It is amazing at over 5100 feet above see level how your breathing is just a little tougher in activities. There are views of the mountains and can easily see Mexico (Juarez) from there too. Didn't get to stay long but enough to enjoy the good ole sun and dry air. Beautiful area.
Thought of the Week: February 12, 2011
“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” ~ Robert Heinlein
Friday, February 11, 2011
Dining with David: My Brothers Place
My Brothers Place - Las Cruces, NM - February 10, 2011
Had an executive luncheon today and they picked this local Mexican restaurant. Located downtown and in a very discreet building; very authentic inside but plain on outside. Good chips and salsa. Menu was presented on a wood board with a cut handle; very different. I ordered their famous flat style chicken enchiladas with green chile sauce. This was one little spicy dish and took quite a while to cool down afterwards. The food was good and similar to other places in town. No way could I eat all of that food.
Rating: 6.5
Had an executive luncheon today and they picked this local Mexican restaurant. Located downtown and in a very discreet building; very authentic inside but plain on outside. Good chips and salsa. Menu was presented on a wood board with a cut handle; very different. I ordered their famous flat style chicken enchiladas with green chile sauce. This was one little spicy dish and took quite a while to cool down afterwards. The food was good and similar to other places in town. No way could I eat all of that food.
Rating: 6.5
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Dining with David: Lorenzo's de Mesilla Ristorante Italiano
Lorenzo's de Mesilla Ristorante Italiano - Las Cruces, NM - February 9, 2011
www.lorenzosdemesilla.com
Located in Old Mesilla, this restaurant is a wonderful place, just off of the main road. Got to chance to take my client and his team out for lunch and they picked this place. Now, you ask how good can Italian be in a Mexican spot? Well, pretty good actually. The building is spectacular with great atmosphere. The service was great along with the food. Since this was lunch, I started off with their Tomato basil soup. This was a surprise and very good. The best may have been their rolls; very crunchy on bottom, very soft and hot on the inside and flaky on the top. Wow, that is some good stuff. I think we cleared several baskets of those wonderful rolls. It was great for dipping in the soup. I then had their lunch portion (almost too big) of their famous Grilled Chicken Cannelloni. This crepe style stuffed with cheese and grilled chicken and covered with cheese and sauce was very good. Once again, the rolls were used to help address the sauce. A lunch like this makes it tough to go back to work; no dinner necessary after this meal.
Rating: 8.5
www.lorenzosdemesilla.com
Located in Old Mesilla, this restaurant is a wonderful place, just off of the main road. Got to chance to take my client and his team out for lunch and they picked this place. Now, you ask how good can Italian be in a Mexican spot? Well, pretty good actually. The building is spectacular with great atmosphere. The service was great along with the food. Since this was lunch, I started off with their Tomato basil soup. This was a surprise and very good. The best may have been their rolls; very crunchy on bottom, very soft and hot on the inside and flaky on the top. Wow, that is some good stuff. I think we cleared several baskets of those wonderful rolls. It was great for dipping in the soup. I then had their lunch portion (almost too big) of their famous Grilled Chicken Cannelloni. This crepe style stuffed with cheese and grilled chicken and covered with cheese and sauce was very good. Once again, the rolls were used to help address the sauce. A lunch like this makes it tough to go back to work; no dinner necessary after this meal.
Rating: 8.5
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Dining with David: Barrigas Las Palmas
Barrigas Las Palmas - El Paso, TX - February 8, 2011
Once again, got to visit one of the top places in El Paso; voted one of the best Juarez restaurants (yes, as in Juarez Mexico; in sight of the restaurant right across the border). By the way, my hotel room last night overlooked the border of El Paso, TX USA and Juarez Mexico; just a weird feeling. This place was the selection of our customer for lunch. Nice atmosphere. Chips and salsa were good but not great. I ordered their special of Puntas de Filetes (beef tips) with their special spicy sauce. The tips were a little tough and not the best quality of meat I have had but the sauce was just the right degree of spicy; hot but not so hot you couldn't eat it. The atmosphere was nice and pretty authentic but the food was just OK. I think my taste buds are just too accustomed to Tex-Mex and not true Mexican food.
Rating: 6.5
Once again, got to visit one of the top places in El Paso; voted one of the best Juarez restaurants (yes, as in Juarez Mexico; in sight of the restaurant right across the border). By the way, my hotel room last night overlooked the border of El Paso, TX USA and Juarez Mexico; just a weird feeling. This place was the selection of our customer for lunch. Nice atmosphere. Chips and salsa were good but not great. I ordered their special of Puntas de Filetes (beef tips) with their special spicy sauce. The tips were a little tough and not the best quality of meat I have had but the sauce was just the right degree of spicy; hot but not so hot you couldn't eat it. The atmosphere was nice and pretty authentic but the food was just OK. I think my taste buds are just too accustomed to Tex-Mex and not true Mexican food.
Rating: 6.5
Monday, February 7, 2011
Dining with David: Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey's
Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey's - El Paso, TX - February 7, 2011
Got a chance to go to another local place for some good Mexican food; not even a web site here! Started off with some huge chips; these are full shells fried. The salsa was good and had just the right kick on the end. I even got to have cherries and limes in my Coke; gives it a good twist and nice offset; just the right balance of acid and sweetness with that ole Coke kick. I was talked into getting the Shrimp Jalisco. It was standard shrimp (what do you expect in El Paso) stuffed with green chilies and spices, wrapped in bacon with some hot sauce on the side. It was good, not great. We did end with some very hot sopapillas. These were very good and light covered in cinnamon and got to top off with honey. Great atmosphere and place to visit.
Rating: 7.0
Got a chance to go to another local place for some good Mexican food; not even a web site here! Started off with some huge chips; these are full shells fried. The salsa was good and had just the right kick on the end. I even got to have cherries and limes in my Coke; gives it a good twist and nice offset; just the right balance of acid and sweetness with that ole Coke kick. I was talked into getting the Shrimp Jalisco. It was standard shrimp (what do you expect in El Paso) stuffed with green chilies and spices, wrapped in bacon with some hot sauce on the side. It was good, not great. We did end with some very hot sopapillas. These were very good and light covered in cinnamon and got to top off with honey. Great atmosphere and place to visit.
Rating: 7.0
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Thought of the Week: If I Were the Devil
If I Were the Devil
By Paul Harvey
I would gain control of the most powerful nation in the world.I would delude their minds into thinking that they had come from man’s effort, instead of God’s blessing.
I would promote an attitude of loving things and using people.
I would dupe entire states into relying on gambling for their state revenue.
I would convince people that character is not an issue when it comes to leadership.
I would make it legal to take the life of unborn babies.
I would make it socially acceptable to take one’s own life, and invent machines to make it convenient.
I would cheapen human life as much as possible so that the life of animals are valued more than human beings.
I would take God out of the schools, where even the mention of His Name was grounds for a lawsuit.
I would come up with drugs that sedate the mind and target the young, and I would get sports heroes to advertise them.
I would get control of the media, so that every night I could pollute the mind of every family member for my agenda.
I would attack the family, the backbone of any nation.
I would make divorce acceptable and easy, even fashionable. If the family crumbles, so does the nation.
I would compel people to express their most depraved fantasies on canvas and movie screens, and call it art.
I would convince the world that people are born homosexuals, and that their lifestyles should be accepted and marveled at.
I would convince the people that right and wrong are determined by a few who call themselves authorities and refer to their agenda as politically correct.
I would persuade people that the church is irrelevant and out of date, and the Bible is for the naïve.
I would dull the minds of Christians, and make them believe that prayer is not important, and that faithfulness and obedience are optional.
I guess I would leave things pretty much the way they are.
Thought of the Week: February 5, 2011
“We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past, but by the love we're not extending in the present.” ~ Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love)
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