On a misty Friday, we loaded up the truck and rode down to Pemdenwall to set up EF’s stuff early so I could make my tee time.
No one in our foursome played well, but there were beers, brown, cigars, and loaded fries. A good time was had by all.
You can take the man out of the landscaping game….
After an interesting evening, I went out for some early morning fishing. It was beautiful and peaceful on the lake, and I managed to land a fish. It was a great, and American way, to kick-off the 4th.
Winn-Dixie’s breakfast, as always, was delicious and filling.
As the rest of the guests arrived, it was pool time.
Did LB or Harvey win the staring contest?
Chad and Brammer held court down on the pong side of the pool, but Bolt and I never got a chance to challenge them…
I think this was the most food, and the most guests we’ve ever had. I’d bet 40-50 people rolled through. It was really cool to see the old group all together (with all the new little ones) and having a great time. It was really awesome of Pam-ela and Winn-Dixie to host everyone (and do all the shopping, planning, set-up, cooking, cleaning, and etc.).
The force is strong with this one…
Instead of Bourbon, I decided to mix it up brown sauce wise. The Bernheim was good, but a little hotter than I expected. Still, it was nice to try something new.
The first leader I’ve ever used. It landed me several fish. It was sad to see it go.
The Captain and I took a paddleboat out for a romantic fishing expedition. Unfortunately, we forgot to check our vessel to make sure it was ship-shape, and ran into rudder problems on the water. Several wide arcs later, we made it back to land.
That evening I lit up a fine cigar, and The Captain invented a new beer pong game when Bolt demanded a triangle despite having four cups left, and Pam-ela named it Niagara. Kinky Koleen and I also cemented our names in Niagara history by participating in the first game and determining the rules.
The next morning WinnDixie made my favorite breakfast, and I got to enjoy the rare luxury of the first spoonful of a fresh jelly.
After some more time on the water, I fixed some Palomas and lit a cigar.
WinnDixie boiled some gizzards for a couple hours, and then panko breaded them and fried them. OMG delicious and tender. After that he also made wings. It was decadent.
Another great 4th is in the books, and I’m already looking forward to Labor Day.
by rsiv withMy mom lives in FCC and is on the chamber of commerce. While watching my daughter, she went to the grand opening of Pita Pouch a couple weeks ago and told me about it. I decided to check it out and got a couple pitas to take home one day after work. They were good, but not mind-blowingly so. The decor is cool and its not another pizza place or froyo joint, so I thought I might mention them in a catch-up post or something. Then I went back with my wife and got the bowl. OMG the bowl. The cool thing about pita pouch is all the toppings, and with the bowl, you can really load them up and try a lot/all of the options.
With the pouch, you can really only fit maybe 5 or so toppings. My bowl was fully loaded and exploding with different flavors. They even give you have a pita with the bowl, so you’re not missing a thing by not getting the pouch. I’ve had the chicken and the beef, but I haven’t tried the falafel yet. The chicken and beef are both good options; you can’t go wrong. For the toppings, I think I passed on about three, but got at least a little of everything else. Once you load up your bowl, get a mint lemonade. I honestly can’t think of the last time I had such a flavorful meal. Definitely check out the Pita Pouch, and definitely go for the bowl.
by rsiv withI was missing the beach today, and thinking back to a trip to the OBX I took almost a decade ago. My buddy RP made some ceviche and it was delicious. I realized I’d never tried to make ceviche so I decided to give it a shot. After googling a few recipes, I decided on a general game plan. To make ceviche, you basically get about a half cup of citrus juice per pound of seafood, and marinate it for about 20 minutes. I decided to use swordfish, scallops, and shrimp. I broke out a chef’s knife I got for xmas, and cut the seafood into small chunks. Instead of cutting up onion and tomato, I found some fresh pico de gallo at the grocery store. It had cilantro in it already, but I bought extra because I’m a fan. For heat, I went with seranno peppers. I sliced them as thinly as possible.
The interwebs told me to marinate/cook the seafood in the citrus for 20 minutes, but to add the rest of the ingredients right before serving, so that they don’t get mushy or let their colors run. I juiced about 8 limes per pound of seafood, and a lemon and half grapefruit as well just to give it a little something extra. The grapefruit reminded me of a Papa Doble (recipe found here), so I decided to do a little riff on that drink with my ceviche. I added a little marachino liqueur (a little goes a long way). After 20 minutes, I drained most of the citrus juice, combined the rest of the ingredients, added some pink sea salt and pepper, and we were in business.
Despite having the ingredients to make a Papa Doble, I decided to try a cocktail I saw on twitter instead. The Paloma turned out great, and is definitely a good alternative to a margarita.
The ceviche turned out great. My car read 101 degrees today, so a light refreshing meal was exactly what we wanted. I’ll definitely be adding ceviche to my repertoire. All and all it took me about an hour to prepare everything. Longer than the 10 minutes it takes me to grill a steak and put dressing on a salad, but worth it when you have the time. Crack a pacifico, whip up a paloma, or make one of Hemingway’s favorite drinks, and give it a try…
by rsiv withWe thought about going to The Homestead or The Greenbrier for our anniversary but we just got back from WV and we’re about to leave for the OBX, and Fathers’ Day is coming up, so we decided on an easy dinner out. I made a reservation at Brine, a fairly new restaurant with a good raw bar. Then I thought I should pick somewhere HB might prefer instead. But I realized that we really do like the same things, and Brine would probably be plenty fancy enough. As it turns out, it was a great decision. We started with cocktails. HB got an awesome take on the Old Fashioned with Four Roses and chocolate bitters. I got the margarita that won Margarita Wars in DC. For food, we ordered the honey hole (12 oysters, 12 clams, 12 shrimp, and some awesome ceviche). We also got an order of voodoo fries.
The local Rappahannock oysters were great, but surprisingly, not my favorite part of the assortment. I enjoyed the oysters with Brine’s really delicious mignonette and a squeeze of lemon. For the clams, I poured some Tabasco sauce and added a pinch of real horseradish. The clams, enjoyed in this way, were amazing. I don’t know if I enjoyed them, or the ceviche, more. Everything was amazing, including the fries, which came with a great cajun mustard but were even better with the house-made barrel aged hot sauce.
After our cocktails we ordered a bottle of cava which was reasonably priced and delicious. We ordered one dessert, but our waiter, Mike, brought out three since it was our anniversary. Everyone we encountered at Brine was very welcoming and helpful, which is rare for a restaurant which as been open only so long, but even so, Mike was exceptionally helpful and friendly. We were generous with our tip, and he earned every cent.
We had an amazing anniversary at Brine, and we’ll definitely be back.
by rsiv withLil Biscuit was looking to get out of dodge, so we headed out to Hinton, WV. Its a fairly long drive, EF’s longest to date, so we stopped at a cracker barrel to break up the trip.
After a huge meal, a few more hours on the road, and a quick stop to change a dipe, we arrived at my Aunt and Uncle’s place. I pulled some scallops and steak out of the cooler and got started on dinner.
The next morning EF and LeBeef enjoyed the view while I whipped up some breakfast.
The forecast for the days we were there all looked iffy, but it was warm and dry, so we went down the mountain to rent a pontoon.
EF wanted to go fast, so I let her drive.
After the boat ride, which was a great success, we grabbed a couple pizzas and headed home to enjoy the view.
The next morning we had some breakfast, but HB wouldn’t let EF have any bacon.
When the local police response time is over an hour (estimated), you have to be prepared with triple aught magnum buck. Fortunately, we didn’t have any visitors.
We enjoyed the short drive over to Pipestem State Park for a quick 9 on their par 3. I was thinking we should go to Pipestem with the Lambs as its a really cool place, and only a short drive from Rainelle.
It was a really fun and challenging course; the perfect way to spend a couple hours.
Even though it was a little late in the afternoon when we got back from golf, we headed over to Sandstone Falls. It was beautiful, and we got there at prime fishing time.
I managed to hook up pretty quick, and got a small largemouth on a popper. Then I switched to a some streamers and wet flies, but struck out. It was an amazingly beautiful place to fish.
FJ made some delicious burgers, and we watched the sunset.
We were having so much fun we decided to stay an extra day (LeBeef was outvoted).
After breakfast, we headed into Lewisburg for lunch.
My Aunt and Uncle like Stella’s, and I can see why. The coalminer’s daughter tried a miner’s daughter.
While trout eluded me at Sandstone, it did not disappoint at Stella’s.
After a really good lunch, we drove over to Smooth Ambler distillery.
We were greeted by Admiral Pickles, and given a tour by Val. EF ponied up to the bar to learn about Smooth Ambler.
Smooth Ambler is a pretty young distillery. The source a lot of the bourbon (as it takes four years to age minimum, but in the meantime, they’ve put out a lot of interesting products. I really like their aged gin. Their wheated whiskey also tastes promising. Val gave a great tour, and we’ll definitely try out their future products.
On the way home, we stopped at the Big Wheel in Alderson for an ice cream cone. Errbody but HB got butter pecan. HB got birthday cake.
When we got home, we decided to really enjoy our last evening on the porch. I spread creme fraiche on some blinis, and realized I had no mother of pearl spoon. I grabbed EF’s spoon in a pinch, and added the caviar. Then it was time to pop some champagne.
For dinner, we had heavy canapes. It was quite a spread.
After dinner I opened a bottle from Smooth Ambler, and lit one of my favorite cigars.
The next morning it was time to head home.
We cleaned and packed up, and headed down the mountain to have lunch at Kirk’s. HB ordered a hot dog with sauce, onions, and mustard, and I ordered the same. Shes an honorary West Virginian now.
It was a great trip. We all had a great time, and I really think EF got a lot out of it. We look forward to bringing her back. Next time we’ll have to visit when my relatives are in town. Thanks again to Uncle L and Aunt C for letting us stay at their amazing home!
by rsiv withFriday I loaded a literal truckload of baby stuff and we headed to Fredrock. My pictures from the weekend got a little out of order, and I used a lot of HB’s pictures, so my bad. We played a round at Gauntlet.
C-Note had a couple of amazing drives.
I ended up breaking 100 again! And Gauntlet is no easy course. Special thanks to my caddie, WinnDixie.
EF loved the water. She kicked like crazy under her float and loved splashing around.
This diamond crown (figurado no. 6 maduro) was insanely good.
Every meal we had was delicious, as always.
Savanna had a photoshoot. Cameras on cameras.
There were bebes everywhere this year. The times have changed.
Thom and Marteen enjoyed a romantic twilight paddleboat ride.
The sky was beautiful. Marteen pulled out his long lens (pun intended) so we could see the planets.
This was the first time I had my new fly rod out. I managed to catch four fish. I got a couple large mouth bass, a blue gill, and either another blue gill or a crappie (I couldn’t tell which).
EF had her first lil taste of homemade biscuit.
Thom boated out to where I was fishing to bring me a refreshment.
Daddys don’t let your babies grow up to be cowgirls.
EF LOVED Bentley. She was giggling and so excited when he came around.
Everybody was able to catch a fish. After Thom snagged one, I commented that I was in the wrong line of work, and should have been an adventure guide. I’ve helped/taught my buddies to fly fish, squirrel hunt, upland hunt, etc. The guys on the shore said they’d just been talking about how I’ll make a good scoutmaster. Thats probably the best compliment I’ve ever received.
As always, HB and I had a great time. Pam-ela and WinnDixie were amazing hosts as always. Our hosts, RyRy, and all our friends really made it possible for EF to have a great time too. HB did a really amazing job, and EF took like a fish to the water. I can’t wait to take EF to the beach, and then back to the pool.
by rsiv withSaturday we watched Sunderland score a big three points, and then we dined al fresco at Clare & Don’s. We started Mother’s Day with caviar and rose champagne. Then we headed to Georgetown.
Pizza!
Learning from her momma.
FJ sneaking his (unlimited) mimosa into the shot.
Sea Catch’s crab benedict is on point. The snow crab bloodies are delicious.
When Princess Fussybottom is giving you the stank eye…
…just cover it up.
A great time was had by all. Anyone who knows LeBeef knows that she isn’t just a great mom, but a great person. CK and I are very lucky to have her. I can’t wait for EF to learn to talk so she can tell HB that she is, “the best mom EVER!”
by rsiv with
Monday I helped Lil Steve move some stuff out as he anticipates a move to Myrtle. It was nice seeing Jimmy Dean who I rarely get to see. Then Lil treated his family and me to some delicious cheesesteaks.
On Tuesday, we celebrated a quiet Cinco de Mayo at home. Later in the week, HB got her first Mothers’ Day prezzy from EF.
Since the weather has been so nice, we did some grilling out.
Rob came by for steaks, stogies, and some real talk.
Friday, I enjoyed fast service (not even one person in front of me) at the mobile DMV. Then EF and I played chess against Castling Chris.
It was perfect out, so we headed to Gtown for a row and some food.
My girls saw me off.
HB and Chris enjoyed some oysters on the water.
Chang-mang and I got our sea legs back.
Then we celebrated with sam summer and great food.
I’d been craving softshell crab all winter. It did not disappoint.
That evening it was still too nice to go inside, so I fixed myself a julep and lit up a Perla del Mar.
Saturday I enjoyed a huge win for Sunderland, and now its time to cheers some rose champs to our Mothers.
by rsiv with