JOEY CHESTNUT

 This is his cathedral, the crystal dome of umbrella blue skies. Whose vaulted ceilings touch the edge of heaven itself. Whose faithful join as one. To honor those who do not falter, those who do not heal. I speak of this man, who stands of the mortal and divine. Shy of a god perhaps but more than a man. His thoughts rise at the vapor of angels but whose charge is here on earth, to teach that intention is the outcome of those who refuse any other outcome. Hold back when forsaken, stand firm when forlorn, press on when weary, beaten, broken or undone. How long will fight? I will tell you; till he stands on the ramparts of glory overlooking a sea of truth. For he is the champion of now and of always of the air, of the fire of the sea from the land of the free of one nation. The Nathan’s famous 4th of July champion of the world……..JOEY CHESTNUT 

66 dogs & buns in 10 minutes make Joey Chestnut the hot dog eating champion of 2026 and our hero.

Bring Me My Kumquats

I never knew what a kumquat was until we moved into our house with a tree in our backyard. I only thought it was a gag from a W.C. Fields movie. . What do you do with kumquat? They are sweet/tart and make good snacks or jam. I found a hot sauce maker that wants to ferment them as an ingredient into his special hot sauce. I gifted him 14 pounds from my tree. Stay tuned.

MAD

The term second childhood has two meanings. It can mean the decline of an eldery persons mental and physical cababilities to the level of a child. It can also mean and refer to a joyful carfree retirment phase of life. I chose the later definition. That is why I just subscribed to Mad magazine; "What Me Worry?". Today's version of the magazine has; old classic articles, some new material and the iconic foldout. I enjoyed this magazine as a kid and I hope to enjoy it now.

 

RIC'S BACKYARD INVITATIONAL

 

Ric Gilbert is a respected bbq promoter, competitor, guru, Grateful Dead loving, bbq judge, zen master and friend. He also throws hell of a party once a year under the guise of a bbq competition at his house. We have been invited for years and finally were able to attend. This was the bomb diggitty bomb of a party and or competition. I hope these pictures share the fun.

 

BUON TEMPO

 

Did you know that 20 dollars can buy you a three course meal with wine included? Twice a month a dinner is sponsored by the Buon Tempo Italian Club. The cost to members is 20 dollars. I scratch my head in amazement how they are able to pull this off. The kitchen and wait staff is all volunteer. The dinner starts with anti-pasta.

 

Bread and butter is included as well as sodas and carafes of wine.  The salad is next to be followed by a pasta dish. This is served family style and you help yourself. They will bring you refills of any plate if it is available. The main course comes out and this usually is a protein with vegetables. If you still have room; coffee and an ice cream novelty will be your dessert. Wow! It is wonderful to still go out to dinner and not have to mortgage the house.

TADICH GRILL

 

We are in San Francisco visiting Tadich Grill. Tadish has been around since 1849 and I can attest they are doing things right. This establishment is old school elegance. The waiters are professional, the place is historic & just plain cool and the food is excellent. My waiter had an Andy Warhol vibe that just added to the fun of this San Francisco landmark.

   Parking Karma was not needed today. We took the Ferry across the Bay. It is kind of fun playing tourist in you own backyard.                                                                                                                               

 

                                                                                                                     

McClendon's Meats

 

Last month coming home from the Oregon knife show, I stopped at McClendon's Meats in Roseburg. This was the most fantastic meat shop. This was a one-stop shop for meat lover's and almost  put this Mad Meat Genius to tears. They had bacon, sausage, in-house smoked meats, jerky, cold cuts, fish, condiments and even a tiny pit of produce for garnish of your meat purchase. I bought this 3.5 pd USDA prime for almost half the price I would pay in the Bay Area. The people in Roseburg are very lucky to have such a meat palace.