ΣΦΕ Golf Tourney
In anticipation of my upcoming golf tourney, I had a fortifying breakfast, and then wore myself out trying to fix some stuff at the range. Then I fueled back up while watching The Masters.
The fat girl helped me send a few emails.
And then HB and I went to Mad Fox with Lil, and I had a bday cigar with Le Petite.
I pulled my thumb from EF’s mouth, got the truck tuned up, and headed to Naw-fuk.
After a little drive, C-Note and I pulled up to Obici house on the Nansemond in Peanut City. Its a beautiful place, it was a beautiful day, and Sleepy Hole is a really nice course.
After a pretty decent round (for me) at some of my favorite Virginia courses, we followed Uncle Thom to the Dirty Buffalo for some wings.
Then we hung out while Thom and Bobby Light played some kickball.
That night, we kicked back with some of Bobby Light’s delicious homebrew.
My tum was (still) acting up on me, but I managed to get enough sleep to function the next day. I watched a toddler for a few minutes (without incident) and then we headed to the tourny.
The course was in pretty bad shape, but we had an awesome time despite it.
Bolt hogged the potty and frightened the passersby on a walking trail with his moans, Bobby Light took matters into his own hands, and I took a selfie.
C-Note made an amazing 90 and some odd foot putt out of a bunker for birdy.
Bolt celebrated with a little rum. Then he started demanding that we play his walk-up song before he hit.
One of us mentioned that Bolt was getting a little drunk. He just looked at us, whipped out his club, and let his driver do the talking. We were impressed, but not as impressed as the two ladies on the walking trail that also saw Bolt’s driver.
After the tourny we went to some University’s campus, perhaps Duke or UVA, its hard to tell, for our frat’s BBQ.
We did a little catching up, and then headed to real plaza for some plaza time.
Bobby Light was excited to be out with friends enjoying a big beer and white sauce, but real talk, he was more excited to get home and see his little princess (#VGTIC #TBIIL).
Bolt opted for more queso fundito.
He seems to be building up a tolerance, so he added a bottle of verde salsa picante.
After dropping C-Note off at the airport, BL and I went under a container ship in the HRBT and headed home.
The next morning, I needed a fortifying meal for the trip home. BL suggested a sweet potato biscuit sammie from Handsome Biscuit. Schliz and I went for the Hella Fitzgerald, while Bobby Light got the Stevie. OMG nom. Very jelly that I can’t get a sweet potato biscuit sammie on the reg.
After a little more catching up, it was time to leave my gracious hosts, the Light family (of the Northern Neck Lights, formerly the Richmond Light’s), and head back to NYS. It was a great time, and hopefully I’ll be back to the Tidewater for some more golf and catching up with old friends soon.
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Sweet Sticky Smoked Rabbit Recipe, Barbados Rum Punch Recipe, Opening Day at the Nats, Martin Motorsports (BMW repair in Alexandria)
I’ve made some really good food the last couple of days. The first was last week when I realized we had a lot of hummus and tzatziki leftover. I instacarted some ground lamb, feta, and salad. I pan fried the lamb burgers with some oregano, feta, and herbs de provence mixed in. Then I just put some baby kale in champagne vinaigrette on the plate with the leftover dips, and we were in business. I’ll have to remember this recipe. Its easy, fast, and delicious. Then FJ took me to pick up the M3 at Martin Motorsports. Gary has been taking care of my M3 for over a decade, and he is the best in the area. He has done everything from oil changes to transmission replacements for me. I cannot say enough good things about Gary or Martin Motorsports.
I enjoyed a small success in working from home some this week.
On Thursday, Lemuel and Caroline came in to town. Caroline was headed out to Morocco with LeBeef. Lemuel gave her a ride and then picked up a motorcycle in Charlottesville. We had dinner at Gypsy Soul.
The food was decadent, and everyone had a great time. EF was particularly good that night. She was all smiles and hardly a peep.
The fried chicken, steak, and mac and cheese were standouts. The chicken and dumplings were pretty good as well, and I’d say my catfish rounded out the bottom, despite also being quite good.
Friday, we started on a walk to Mad Fox, but a delicious scent of curry wafted through the air, and like a siren, it pulled us off course and to its door.
I ordered the Junglee Laal Maas. The waiter asked if I liked spicy food, as its a very spicy dish, but before I could answer, HB interjected that not only did I like spicy food, we were insulted that they asked, and that they should try to serve me something too spicy just too see how futile it would be (or something to that effect). I was then served the spiciest dish I’ve ever consumed. I felt dizzy while eating it.
But it was so delicious, I even had the leftovers the next day…
…but that was a terrible mistake. I tried to preempt the inevitable by taking some peptos, but I learned my lesson about trying to play god with my bowels. Nature must take its course and some things are not meant to stay in the body. My tum was not right for a long time, and I would get woozy off even one beer. Something was not right. I feel OK today (5 days later), but its taken me that long to feel right. Moral of story (HB), don’t taunt the waiter when he asks if you can handle India spicy.
Later that week I made some chicken and waffle sliders with some WV apple sauce for breakfast.
Since it was a nice day, I made some Barbados Rum Punch, and we got some salteñas and fried yucca for lunch. For the rum punch, use mount gay eclipse (or at the very least, something aged), and freshly ground nutmeg.
Then we did a little porch sitting with a glass of mount gay eclipse and a bolivar. I’ve been loving this spring weather.
On Saturday, we went to the farmers market and got some crabcakes for lunch.
Then I put my germinated tobacco seeds in plugs. I’ll post more about my tobacco crop later on, or search my archives about last year’s harvest.
On Easter Sunday, FJ and I went to Jefferson to get a quick 9 in (yes I ended that in a preposition, deal). Sunderland came off with a big win, 3 points, and hopefully, a better chance of not getting relegated.
With LeBeef out of town, we still decided to do a family Easter dinner. I had an irreverent idea/good recipe I thought would work with rabbit, so I went for it. I quartered the rabbits the night before, and put them in a brine of salt water (1/4th cup salt, half cup water or so), bourbon, and freshly chopped rosemary. After golf, I got the smoker going (but you could also do them on the grill).
I used FJ’s trusty blowpoke to regulate the temp.
It smelled delicious.
A while back, I found a different kind of rib recipe. Its basically just balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, cayenne pepper, and rosemary. It works really well with pork, but I had a hunch it would also work well with smoked rabbit. I never follow a recipe exactly, but I did use the same ingredients. I used a different brine/marinade overnight, and then since there is a lot of sugar in the sauce, I only mopped the rabbit about an hour or so before it was done, and then added some extra sauce when I took it off. Otherwise, the sugar in the sauce might burn on you (especially if grilling it at a higher temp).
While we waited, I enjoyed the weather with a few beers. If you aren’t up on this Innis & Gunn (thanks CK and Ryan), you don’t know what you’re missing.
LeBeef facetimed us from Rabat.
Otto played with the girls.
And after trying to stoke the smoker up to caramelize the final glaze, and putting the corn on the bottom rack, I managed to start a brief but intense husk fire, which didn’t mess up the food, but was dramatic none the less. Everyone was superlative about the meal. CK said it was in her top 5 of all time. If you want to recreate it, I think I smoked the corn about 45 minutes at about 220-300 or so, and the potatoes can be on as long as it takes the meat to cook. I’d actually have preferred to pan fried the taters, but I didn’t have time and I didn’t want to mess up with kitchen with LeBeef gone. Season the potatoes with the same balsamic, brown sugar, garlic, cayenne, rosemary marinade as the rabbit. Again, due to the sugar, I’d add the marinade towards the end of the cooking process. Spray or mop olive oil on the corn before you smoke/grill it, then butter to serve.
After dinner we had blueberry pie and decorated eggs.
Then the next morning we had some hot cross buns for Easter that we got from the Amish shop over at the farmers’ market.
Monday was opening day, and FJ invited me to the ballgame.
On the way, in the convertible, we saw the first cherry blossoms starting to pop out, and the paddle boats are on the water.
I had a footlong and a beer.
We didn’t come away with a win, but with spring and baseball back, one can’t complain. Especially me. Spring is finally here, I’ve been eating well and seeing family, my girls are doing great, and I’ve got two golf trips on the horizon. Life is good.
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Spring has finally sprung, Garofalo Artisan Liqueurs Night Life coffee Liqueur
EF saw her first flowers, so it must be Spring. In celebration, I decided to fire up the grill.
While we were out shopping for St. Patrick’s Day, I happened to be in an ABC store in which the owner of Garofalo Artisan Liqueurs was giving a taste test of his Night Life coffee liqueur. I had a sip, and it was pretty good. He told me it was Virginia made, and I was sold. With the weather as nice as it was, I decided to make the revolver cocktail, light up a boli, and get into a good book. I didn’t have any oranges for garnish, but followed the recipe otherwise. I really enjoyed it. The liqueur has a rich coffee flavor that isn’t too sweet. For my taste, I think a 50-50 ratio of bourbon to Night Life would be better, but I’ll let you know once I have a chance to try it out.
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The Cabin, Shotgun Patterning, Quail Hollow Farms, Upland Hunt, Grilled Quail
If you’re tired of restaurant and baby posts, you’re in luck. We finally had a guys weekend in WV for an upland hunt. Due to certain other responsibilities, our usual fall hunt didn’t work out, so I thought a nice spring hunt would be nice. I did not expect a March blizzard.
It was a little dicey getting up there. The toll road was crazy, but my 4wd had it covered.
At the woods, the driveway had about 8 inches of accumulation.
RP made us some ghetto hot dogs (bread for a bun), and we had moon pies for dessert.
Then we settled into our sleeping bags (to avoid doing laundry), and called it.
The next morning was plenty cold, so there wasn’t much melt.
I grabbed a jazz cigarette, and a filling meal at the waffle house (on the left), and we headed to the shotgun range.
I put it in four wheel low, and we headed down a back road in the wildlife management area.
The snow came up to the bumper between the wheels, and at about the time we took this photo, we lost cell service. There were some tire tracks, but we never saw a soul.
But we made it.
We measured out 40 yards, and set up the patterning board.
We tried some different ammo, and a couple chokes. I’ll post the results of our patterning later on.
After patterning, we had a little fun throwing our own clays. The new thrower I got worked out great.
After about three hours, we warmed up, packed up, and headed out.
After shooting, the truck started right up and we got out of the snow no problem.
When we got back to the cabin, Dr. Bumpy was waiting for us. The rest of the guys arrived, and we rolled out to the Long Branch Saloon for dinner.
After dinner, I had a Kirkland Light (I would not recommend it), we started a fire, and enjoyed the 8 degree temp on the screened porch.
The next morning we did a little sledding on the first hole of Stoney Lick.
Then it was time to head to Quail Hollow Farm for some upland hunting. The weather wasn’t ideal, but Steve didn’t want us to go home empty handed.
After a warming up with some clays, we geared up for the hunt.
Steve turned the dogs loose, and we were off. It was a really beautiful day. The quail have flown better when its dry, but to their credit, there were plenty we missed.
Badger and Molly were great as always, but someone was misbehaving and got the leash…
Everyone took a bird or two, and Thom had some particularly nice shots.
After the hunt, we cracked some beers, pulled out the cigars, and put in a lip or two.
The dogs snuck a few spoils of the hunt while Thom and Steve cleaned the birds.
Steve’s son came and sold us some apples, apple sauce, hot sauce, apple butter, etc. We left prepared for a feast.
Back at the cabin, we toasted to Zeiby’s and ML’s first upland hunt, and dried out.
RP and Bumpy bacon wrapped the quail, and threw them on the grill.
The feast was delicious. Thanks again to the chefs. After some midnight toddies, I had to call it. Fortunately, I woke up to some freshly made crunk food the next morning.
Then RP made us some biscuits and gravy.
Bumpy blew an alternator, so we went into Berkeley Springs to try to replace it.
After some McD’s, we stopped at sheetz for some gas. I noticed some guys in a sedan wearing button-downs tucked into chinos. I looked them up and down while gassing up the truck, and gave them the, “you boys ain’t from around here” look. They bought it, which is hilarious, since neither am I. FJ is probably mortified, but the other Wayne boys would be proud.
I came home exhausted, but with a cooler full of birds. As always, I had a great time with the guys. It had been too long. Can’t wait for next time.
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Catch up, Superbowl
We had another good meal from Caribbean Plate.
HB made some great food on a snow day. It started with cinnamon rolls, then we had some fried thick cut bologna sammies, and finally, some breakfast for dinner.
One day we thought we’d be healthy and get some Cava mezze grill. The food was amazing, but based on the portion size, I don’t know how healthy it was.
We also got some taco bamba. The food was great except they’ve ruined their chicarrones. I think they’re using store bought pork rinds. Very sad times.
EF has decided she likes sitting up like a people and got a new wub. She also had a perfectly timed kerchoo (thanks Chashley for the book).
On superbowl Sunday, I had time for a run. I think thats my second run since EF was born, and my time definitely reflects it. I hate running, so I can’t wait for the weather to warm up so I can get out on the water.
Then C-Note and Jodiah came over for some hot tubbery. We made bourbon lancers and lit up some stogies. I had a Hoyo, and RP had a Partagas. Then we warmed up in the sauna.
HB got back from the inlaws. I fixed some wings and fries upstairs and then we went downstairs to watch the game. I didn’t really have a horse in the race, but I would have liked to see New England lose.
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Ode to the Hot Tub
The other day at about noon the snow really started coming down. I was working from home and had to do a little house sitting anyway, so I decided to take a lunch break. My truck was the more obvious choice, but I decided to take the M3 out for a snowy spin.
After bringing in the mail, I decided to make sure the hot tub was working properly.
I was reminded of the proverb: without pain, there is no pleasure. Having a newborn can be a tad stressful at times. I think this was just about the most relaxed I’ve ever been. My favorite cigar, my favorite Scotch, a steaming hot tub, some jazz, and the gentle fall of the snow. I even had a cardinal come keep me company, but to be honest, it was some much appreciated alone time.
I enjoyed a little tree overhang that sheltered me from the snow, and a magical and ethereal view that the above picture doesn’t do justice. I decided the sauna needed a quick check as well.
HB took EF for a walk in the winter wonderland. EF was full of wonderment for about 20 minutes, and then enjoyed a nice brisk nap.
After the walk, HB made some homemade hot coco while EF enjoyed some leche de madre.
That weekend, I thought HB might enjoy some hot tub time as well. I picked myself out another cigar.
Then while HB was soaking, I popped some bubbly and made up some canapés as a quelle surprise.
I’ve got to say, this was a pretty damn good time. The salty fattiness of the caviar, crème fraîche, and blinis was cut perfectly by the dry acidity of the bubbly. The cigar put my olfactories into overdrive and took me back to Havanna. The jazz didn’t hurt either.
Let me wax a little poetic about the champs. This bottle was an impulse buy for new years. Fortunately, we only managed a bottle a person on NYE, and this one was spared the saber. I was aware that Bollinger is a favorite of Bond, and totalwine said it had a high wine spectator score, but that was about it. I was very impressed by this bottle. It was rich and complex with velvety bubbles, and paired perfectly with our accompaniments. Its a very handsome bottle as well. Dark forest green glass, gold accents, and a beautiful pearlescent label that screams that one pair it with caviar.
EF took a pretty long nap, and HB and I got a lot more hot tub time than anticipated (Thanks EF).
After a long afternoon of hot tubbing, we decided to unwind in front of the fire with a little brown (Thanks again to Susie, a true aficionado, for the bourbon – HB loves it). Then we put on some Strikeback and enjoyed some sex for no reason…
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Lots of catch up, and stuff randos won’t be interested in…
FJ came over, and we loaded up the 30 footer to hang FJ’s wreath. I’m not a huge fan of heights, but we got it done.
Since I have the new bebe, I got out of putting up the little trees that line the driveway this year. Its always a cold tedious task, so I was happy to avoid it, but it makes the house look like a holiday car commercial, and I’m glad Swaggy-we and FJ got them up. Later that evening, I had a surprise for FJ. HB really wanted a picture of EF and Santa, but the doc said germy malls and unvaccinated bebes don’t mix. So I went on amazon prime, and in two days, Santa popped down the chimney.
Thursday we had a little cocktail party. I went to Dominion Wine and Beer to get some provisions.
It was nice to see everybody, and a welcome change of pace from the dipers and fussiness.
Chelsea was going to be in Scotland for her bday, so we celebrated early. Then she and Ryan headed to Scotland, while FJ and Swaggy-we rolled to West By God Virginia, so HB and I were new parents that were house and dog sitting. Yay.
We made the most of it with Taco Bombas.
Then daddy enjoyed some much needed hot tub and sauna time.
The next day I interrupted band practice to let the dogs out.
Then Otto von Bismarck (Prince of Bismarck, Duke of Lauenburg) helped me pick out a Riesling to pair with some chinese.
After lunch, HB wrote some thank you notes, and then we headed out to walk to the dogs, and take EF on her first walk.
After a light stroll, I rewarded myself with a stogie and some sauce and enjoyed watching the clouds roll by. I rounded out the evening with a nice schvitz.
I gchatted with the buggins and Ry, who were having a great time in bonny Scotland.
I enjoyed a salteña. FJ finally got an xmas tree for his office, which was decorated with all my favorite ornaments.
LeBeef and FJ had their xmas party, and EF attended virtually via her baby monitor.
On Chelsea’s bday, I picked up some flowers from her for my moms.
Then I enjoyed some of the truffles that Christine brought over. They were quite delicious.
Most festive holiday pano-selfie ever?
We tried out the coravin on some port, and HB enjoyed some rare tuna steak for the first time in nine months.
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Chasin’ Tails, Bonchon, Nam Viet’s Bo Dun (best Vietnamese dish ever!), man work, Paladar
With 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.
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10 Year Frat Reunion
When 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.
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Homecoming – Colonial Williamsburg, Pierce’s Pitt BBQ, SPE Tailgate, Plaza Time
This 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.
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