It snowed in in VA on Wednesday, but we braved the cold and went out on the baby’s first errands anyway to prepare for Thanksgiving. We started at Heidelberg Bakery to get some sweets. I grew up in Arlington, but it was HB’s first visit, and she was quite impressed.
Then we swung by Arrowine for some cheese, meat, malbec, and sparkles. Arrowine has an incredibly knowledgable and helpful staff. I really only go around the holidays or when HB and I throw a dinner party, but each time is a treat.
Then for dinner my mom swung by Taste By Katie (and has been super helpful in general. I don’t know what we’d have done without her these first weeks home). I’d had some leftovers from when Katie catered my wife’s baby shower, but I’d never had her dinners. I was very impressed. The pork dish was delicious and substantial.
I capped off the evening with a little Russell’s Reserve.
Then it was back to the grind (sort of).
My sister and her bf came over for EF’s first picnic. It was a beautiful day out, and the Italian store sammies were great.
Then EF had a checkup, and all was well.
Shelier made the best leftovers I’ve ever had: duck and turkey pot pies.
EF watched her first western. Her great-papaw would be proud.
And I made a risky breakfast decision.
by rsiv withFor our last brunch before being parents, we went to my current favorite restaurant, Gypsy Soul. I started with a bloody mary with bourbon and pork belly, and then later enjoyed one with scotch and a pickled quail egg (surprisingly delicious).
The pimento cheese was a very good starter.
My dad got the country fried steak, which I’d not had before. I think I’ll have to order it next time I go.
Chef RJ (a very gracious host), came over and talked bourbon with me. He poured me a little Belle Meade, which was excellent. Gypsy Soul uses my favorite brown sauce glasses as well, but I’d expect nothing less from such a classy establishment.
It may be a while before I get back to Gypsy Soul, but I’m excited to take the baby.
by rsiv withWith the birth of my firstborn imminent, the wife and I have been busy trying to not waste a second of freedom. We enjoyed some Chasin’ Tails a while back. Crawfish, oh dang, n’awlins hot, and beignets and chicory coffee for dessert.
On Veteran’s Day, we had lunch at Bonchon. Then later I poured a dram and lit up a pipe by the fire.
Later in the week we went out with Marteen to Nam Viet for the best Vietnamese dish I’ve ever had: Bo Dun on skewer. Its beef rolled around vegetables, that you put into a rice paper wrapper and dip in a sweet honey sauce. Amazing.
My dad had a half cord delivered, but it was a little larger and greener than advertised. A log took a bad hop into my shin, but fortunately I had my Red Wings on, so I barely had a knot to ice when I got home.
Then HB and I enjoyed another brunch at Paladar. I was adventurous enough to try a pumpkin spice mojito that despite being too sweet, worked very well.
by rsiv withWhen I joined my fraternity, it was just starting on my campus. We got a Charter about 10 years ago. Last weekend, we went back for the 10 year reunion.
The business school has changed a lot. I used to go to class on the top floor of a bank.
This view brings back so many memories I can’t even tell you.
After some fairly intense pregaming, we went to the gala.
Bobby Light did an excellent job as Master of Ceremony.
JD and Josh both gave really exceptional and heartfelt speeches.
The founding fathers that were present.
House of the Founding Fathers.
Singing the Conclave version of Country Roads.
Drunk dialing Varga (hope I don’t end up on standards).
Afterparty at Schooners.
Here’s to brother Chad…
Birthday shot of Jager for CW, very corridge time in corridge.
The next morning we awoke to a cold rainy day. Very Bad News (VA).
We had a fairwell brunch at The Warwick Restaurant. I got to see my old place.
Jes. Desperately needed, and delicious. I wish I had a pic of the group. We had a huge table in the back. I was sitting next to Moose, and we cracked each other up the whole time.
It was a really great weekend. I’m really optimistic about the state of the frat, and damn proud. I really had a lot of fun hanging out with all the guys, and meeting a bunch of the new ones. Can’t wait for the 20th.
by rsiv withThis weekend was Homecoming at the ‘ol Alma Mater. HB and I rolled down early Friday to beat the traffic. We walked around Colonial Williamsburg for a few hours, and then hit The Cheese Shop. We had some local drinks, and some great sandwiches.
HB had to waddle up a little hill to see over the fence. As soon as she looked over, a goat barked at her very loudly, and she jumped about as high as a pregnant can.
The O’Conner Great Dismal Black IPA was particularly good. HB’s ginger ale was pretty good as well.
The next afternoon, we headed to Pierce’s. CW told me it was his first time there, and I couldn’t believe it. We did get attacked by some bees while trying to picnic outside, but when we retreated indoors, the bbq was just as good.
After stopping by some brothers’ house near campus to load up with beer and cornhole boards, we headed to the tailgate. This year we queued up on campus outside the lot.
C-Dubb and I hosted the Alumni Tailgate, which went over pretty well. More people stopped by than I expected, and we went though all of the brats I brought, and everyone raved about CW’s chili. We also hung out some at the undergrad’s tailgate. I pass out some cigars, met some new guys, and spoke with the brother that had made the smoker (he even taught himself to weld), and was also the DJ. He said he could help me make my own, which I’m quite excited about.
Last year, I was a little concerned about the state of our chapter after seeing the tailgate. This year, I couldn’t be more proud and optimistic. It seems like we have a great, diverse, group that can really throw down. After the tailgate, we got some Plaza to go. The manager still remembers us, even though we only seem him about once a year now.
It was a great weekend. I can’t thank CW enough for having us at his place in Williamsburg. I look forward to the 10 year reunion next week, and can’t wait for next year’s tailgate.
by rsiv withOn Friday, HB and I headed down to Reedville for our annual pig roast. Back in college, we had a pig roast for a frat brother/roomate’s birthday. Ten years later, we’re still at it. After a rainy but beautiful drive down 17 and 360, we arrived at the bay, had some salty fried chickens from Little River Market, and did a little setting up.
Most of the guests had about a three hour drive after work, so we prepped the hog, did some quick raging, and called it a night.
Saturday we were up early(ish) to get the hog on.
We weren’t the only ones with our hands full…
HW fixed us up some delicious bloodies, and it was time for some breakfast burritos.
With the pig looking good and the coals low and grey, we threw some bourbon soaked smoking wood on and covered the pig with tin foil to saturate the hog with hickory. We grabbed drinks, camp chairs, and did some catching up.
Once we hit about 160 degrees, we pulled the pig. Getting the pig on the table is always a little precarious, but we handled just fine (this year).
With Special K at a high school reunion, Bobby Light took over the carving duties.
The last three years or so, I keep saying we’ve made the best pig yet. I definitely felt that way this year. The rub we use is perfect, and the bourbon/salt water injection we did the night before left a subtle delicious bourbon flavor to the meat. The pork was great, and Patrick’s corn puddin’ wasn’t messin’ around either.
Effie’s first taste of OGF.
I’m no veterinarian, but to the best of my knowledge, Lucy (the dog) is not pregnant.
If you haven’t had Li’s Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes, you haven’t lived.
After the hog was butchered and everyone had their fill, we headed down to the dock for some stogies.
That evening, we somehow found the energy to keep partying. Lil Steve was coming off a long shift at the hospital, so he shotgunned a red bull or two.
We finally kicked the keg around midnight. We’ve kicked four or five kegs in the past, but as time goes on, more ‘festers move away, get busy, get pregnant, etc. The group can still throw down though.
I had the last drop from the last pitcher around 1:30, and called it. I had a few nightmares about a monster under my bed that night…
The next morning I was in desperate need of some coffee.
After some breakfast, we cleaned up the garage, and headed to The Crazy Crab. This year, with all the babies, it was the smallest group at the crab yet, but we had a great time. I won’t really try to explain the road pasta. You really had to be there.
Sweet tea and bloodies.
Sugar toads, hush puppies, and fried green tomatoes.
OGF is always one of the best times I have all year. I’m a pretty fortunate and lucky guy. I can’t tell you have often I have people come up to me and tell me how lucky I am, or how jealous they are of my close knit group of friends. ’14 did not disappoint. Even with kids, we had time to catch up, roast an amazing hog, have some drinks, cigars, and a really great time. Can’t wait for OGF ’15 Carova (or wherever it may be).
by rsiv withOn Thursday, the wife and I went to an expectant parents class. Three hours later, I’m a confident expert.
To reward myself for learning so much so quickly, I had some Captain D’s.
Friday around noon, I drove out to Bull Run Shooting Center to get a quick round a clays in. As I found out at the dove hunt, I’m a little rusty. It was misting pretty good, so I went to chick-fil-a to wait out the weather, and enjoy my second round of fast food in as many days.
The weather passed, so I hit the course. I gradually got to where I was shooting pretty well.
Someone must be an incredible archer…
Then my fraternity brother Thom came up from Ptown. I traded him a NLDS ticket for help putting together baby stuff. That night, we went to Spacebar, and then enjoyed some Woodford and a smoke. I commandeered Thom’s tender account, and learned that tinder is fun for maybe five minutes, but then becomes monotonous. Worse still, no one wanted to tell me what they were drinking when Thom matched. Fortunately, Thom’s yacht rock mix consoled me.
The next morning, I made french toast breakfast sandwiches with a side of tots. After all was said and done, I sprinkled some nutmeg and cinnamon on top, and poured a little maple syrup on them. Delicious.
Before breakfast, Thom had already put together a rocker. Afterwards, we put the crib together. Then we headed to the Nats game. We got to the park when the gates opened at 3. I had a ribs, HB had shake shack, and Thom had the DMV.
Closer to game time, you could tell it was a sellout. I went down to give RP his ticket, and then we headed to our seats.
The atmosphere was electric. Everyone was really into the game.
So into the game that we stayed all 18 innings, until the heartbreaker. Since we arrived at 3, we’d been there 9 hours. Pretty amazing considering it was chilly, and the I-talian woman is just about as pregnant as one can be. She was a trooper. We gave RP a ride so he wouldn’t get raped mugged at gunpoint again (true story).
After getting to bed at about 1, we woke up hungry. We headed to Paladar for exceptional food, and bottomless mimosas (three varieties from which to choose). The maple pulled pork was a sweet and savory delight.
And what does one do after bottomless mimosas? Gardening with a Confederate saber.
After some light pruning, we put a pack and play together and installed a dimmer switch (dimmable LEDs are awesome). Having worked up another appetite, we headed to Anthony’s for Linner.
Again Thom, I can’t thank you enough. We got a ton accomplished, and I really appreciate it. I’ll give you a call January-ish about Caps tickets, and the high chair thats currently unassembled in my basement.
After Thom left, I figured out that I was able to stream the Superclásico live. I’m a Boca Juniors fan, but I’m never able to watch their games where I live (though it was on GOL TV, but neither I, no my parents have that channel). Being able to watch the Superclásico, and essentially in HD, was awesome. Here is a link to the site that streamed it; it looks like they show a lot of Argentine Primera División matches. It was made all the more epic due to the torrential monsoon the teams played through. A ball booted at full strength on the ground only made it about 20 yards. A slide tackler could glide for about 15 yards. The weather made for a reckless chaotic spectacle. It was a physical, hard fought game, but there were occasional graceful plays strung together despite the playing conditions. Boca went up early, but then experienced a terrible call. Gago amazingly blocked a shot on the goal line with his head and foot, but the ref called a handball, issued a red card, and penalty kick. Karma intervened, and the penalty went high, but boca had to play the rest of the game down a man. River came back to tie it up, but all in all it was a very fun match to watch.
What an amazing, productive, and action-packed weekend. Thanks again Thom!
by rsiv withOn Saturday, Marteen came over for some fancy beers. We started with some bourbon barrel aged ale from Brooklyn Brewery (a gracious gift from my sister’s boyfriend). Then we headed over to Spacebar. They had some great local Oktoberfest on tap, but the stouts were the standouts to me.
I’m not sure this is possible, but Marteen, you should post that pic you took to the comments and put my photos to shame (Marteen is literally a pro).
The grilled cheeses at Spacebar used to be too greasy for my taste (which is saying a lot, because I love greasy food), but they finally got it together. The bbq sandwich is on point. The totchos have always been delicious. “This dog’ll hunt.”
I like to think Tommy Sietsema is really going around tagging the restaurants he reviews, but I doubt it. Thanks again Marteen for generously picking up the tab. After a couple strong beers, Marteen and I thought it was a great idea to taste almost the entire Buffalo Trace Mashbill #2 line. We started at Ancient Age and worked our way up to Blanton’s. Then I threw on some hipstery tunes, and we bro’d out.
by rsiv withLast week the wife and I went to Aruba. This was just about the last week my wife’s doctor cleared her to travel, so we picked Aruba for our last hurrah. We were looking for somewhere good this time of year (no hurricanes), all-inclusive (the wife isn’t as mobile now that shes in the third trimester), with great weather and beaches. Our travel agent steered us to Aruba.
Is there any better breakfast at 4:45 am?
Our first glimpse of Aruba, then below, the view from our room. We stayed at the Tamarijn in Aruba, an all-inclusive that only has oceanfront rooms.
First taste of Balashi, Aruba’s local brew.
After some ceviche for lunch, we went over to the Alhambra Casino area (read my gambling post/craps how to here). We stopped at Fusion, a cigar bar, which had great live music. I got a Partagas Serie P No. 2. Unfortunately, it wasn’t well humidified, so I had to keep fighting a pretty bad run in the Aruban wind. The wind is Aruba is constant. I lost a cigar cherry or two to it, but during the heat of the day, its a lifesaver.
The next morning we enjoyed breakfast by the ocean.
After drinking, eating, swiming, and relaxing all day (which is pretty much all we did all day everyday), we went to the Italian restaurant for dinner.
The pistachio gelato was very good.
After dinner, I lit an Aruhiba cigar. Its one of the only domestically made products on the island (Aruba is very small), and since Aruhiba is produced on such a small scale, I was pretty skeptical. (The two daytime pictures below are just to show the tube. This is the only Aruhiba I had, so its the only one I can really recommend.)
I was very pleasantly surprised. The Aruhiba had excellent draw and great flavor. I’d definitely recommend trying one out.
On the second day, we headed into Oranjestad (only about a 10 minute cab ride) to get some provisions. First, we stopped by the Cigar Emporium, and then headed to Casa Del Habano. Check out my review of cigar retailers in Aruba here.
After loading up on cigars, we stopped at a The Paddock on the water for some lunch. Then we headed back.
Back at the room, I picked out a Trinidad Reyes, and we hit the beach. It might be the perfect beach cigar. Great flavor, and a nice small size. Perfect for enjoying a drink or two.
After some more beach time, we went to the Asian restaurant.
After dinner, I had an H Upmann Connoisseur No. 1. I was a really big fan. I can’t say I’ve had an H Upmann I haven’t enjoyed.
The next day we tried the pizza place for lunch. It was really good, and the pizza with jalapenos I enjoyed was very spicy.
I pride myself on being able to enjoy just about any food, drink, etc. I like to think I’m pretty open minded, but I’ve never been able to enjoy Campari. I used to have a similar distaste for port, but that was eventually overcome. I decided to give Campari another shot, so I ordered a Negroni. It wasn’t my favorite cocktail of all time, but it was enjoyable.
After a great dinner at the Caribbean restaurant we went back to the casino, and I tried my first Juan López Selección No. 1. Again, it was a very nice cigar. So far, all the new cigars I’d tried this trip had been excellent. After winning some money at the casino, we walked around some, and then headed back to the lobby pool. A wedding had occurred that day, and the reception after-party was in full effect. I pressed my luck and ordered a Campari on the rocks, while the DJ (successfully) urged the wedding guests to jump in the pool fully clothed. We saw a cell phone drown, and it probably wasn’t the only casualty.
I realize this probably isn’t the most exciting vacation post, as all we did was chill. Hopefully the beauty of Aruba makes up for the lack of subject matter. The next day was more of the same, breakfast, lunch at the pizza place, delicious cigars, etc.
I think this was the night our luck finally ran out at the casino. After a four day streak, we left down for the first time. The good news is that I had an incredible cigar. The Trinidad Fundadores was easily one of the best cigars I’ve ever smoked. The start was unremarkable, but a delicious mix of cedar, vanilla, floral, and earthy flavors quickly started to build. I must have remarked to my wife how amazing the cigar was ten times. We lost at the tables that night, but had a great day.
The fifth day saw our first and only break in the beautiful weather. As soon as we got to breakfast the sky opened up. We got a brief window to walk back to the room, and then another downpour started. I made the most of the weather with a R&J short churchill (the managers’ fav at Casa Del Habanos), poured some HC7, and enjoyed some Ian Fleming on the kindle.
I enjoyed the cigar, but it wasn’t as good as the others on the trip. The rain was holding steady, so I went for a swim in the rain, and then the wife and I took an adventurous walk in the rain to the bar.
I tried to take a G&T roady when we left the bar, but it was pretty watered down during the rainy walk home. Just a few minutes later, the weather lifted, I lit a Trini Reyes, and we hit the beach.
Despite losing the night before, we went back to the casino. I lit up a Behike 56. Simply outstanding. If you haven’t tried a Behike, you haven’t lived. I believe this was my third ever, and it really does just blow you away. I couldn’t really say if it was better than the Trinidad Fundadores I enjoyed on the trip, but they were both exceptional among some really good sticks.
Since I might have spent more time that usual at the bars during the storms, I was feeling good, and decided that taking pictures of the Behike in the casino was a good idea. Fortunately, nobody noticed, and our luck returned. The wife with her double luck (baby in her belly) rolled her way into just about doubling our money from, at one point, being down to about 30% of that night’s bankroll.
I waved goodbye to the casino, thinking how crazy it was that I just had such an amazing cigar, and how great our luck had been.
The next morning, I poured some rum on a beautiful day, and lit up an H Upmann Mag 46. I love the draw on these, and the flavor is superb.
We decided to spend our last night at the Casino. Despite being up, we had had a lot of fun at the craps table, so figured, why not? Unfortnately, my cigar luck had run out. I lit up a Hoyo Epicure Especial, which just had an off flavor the whole time. It was a slightly sour note that just never left. Despite the disappointing cigar, the somehow pulled off another win at the tables.
On the day of our flight home, we got up early to get a little more beach time in.
Since it was our last day in Aruba, I lit my last cigar, and tried to finish the last of my rum.
While packing to leave, I discovered a cigar I had missed, so I lit it up. Notice my buddy in the background?
How about now?
We ordered some pizza for lunch, and saw that our favorite bartender, Edwin, was working. Without ordering, he made my wife some virgin banana daiquiris (her usual), and poured a balashi for me. After a couple refills, we told him we were leaving. He said we’d have to come back, and then fixed me a double Dewar’s on the rocks. This was definitely going to be the most tipsy I’d ever checked into a flight. After lunch, we got to the airport, and headed home. It was a fun and relaxing trip. If you’re looking to get away, enjoy some great weather, and just relax, definitely consider Aruba.
by rsiv withI saw Spencer Trappist Ale on Uncrate, and had to try the first American Trappist Ale. I was unable to find a local source, so I went to the interwebs. I found the flavor to be more subtle than other Belgium-style ales I’ve had. The carbonation seems higher than other Trappist ales I’ve imbibed. Perhaps I’m just not familiar with a refectory ale/patersbier. Overall, I found the beer to be particularly interesting, very drinkable, and quite enjoyable. Its definitely unique. I hope Spencer puts out more styles, for instance, a dubbel, tripel or quad. I have seven bottles left, but after I go over to my buddy HW’s tomorrow, I’ll be sure to save the remaining five for special occasions.
From Spencer’s Site:
Our recipe was inspired by the traditional refectory ales known as patersbier (“fathers’ beer” in Flemish) in Belgium. These sessionable beers are brewed by the monks for their dinner table and are typically only available at the monastery. Spencer is a full-bodied, golden-hued ale with fruity accents, a dry finish and light hop bitterness. The beer is unfiltered and unpasteurized, preserving live yeast that naturally carbonates the beer in the bottle and keg and contributes to the beer flavor and aroma. Spencer is the first and only certified Trappist beer made in the United States.
I also became interested in the difference between Trappist monks and Benedictine monks. Best I could figure off of google, Trappist monks are more strict. I was not able to find a reliable source however, so if you know for sure, comment or drop me a line.
More info about Trappist breweries.
by rsiv with