After I graduated from law school in 2001, I moved back to the area and decided that I wanted to cook Thankgiving dinner for my family. It went so well that, ever since then, I have hosted Thanksgiving. I made a number of recipes, most of which were from Emeril, including "The Perfect Bird," the single best roasted turkey recipe imaginable. One easy recipe from Emeril that I have adapted as my own is his recipe for pumkpin bread pudding. The recipe follows:
PUMPKIN BREAD PUDDING
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
4 eggs
1 cup light brown sugar
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups canned pumpkin purée (unseasoned)
6 cups cubed day-old bread
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush a large (3 quart) casserole or (10 x 14 inch) baking dish with 2 tablespoons of butter. In a large bowl whisk together eggs, brown sugar, cream and milk. Stir in vanilla, spices, pumpkin purée, and bread, blending thoroughly. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and pour into casserole or baking dish. Bake until just firm, 1 hour. Cool pudding in dish on a baking rack and serve.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Levantine Meat Pies
About a year an a half ago, a strange little place called "Tuscany Grapes Cafe" opened on Lee Highway in Falls Church, behind the 7-11 across from the big cemetery. I have no recollection of why I happened in there one night with my girlfriend, but it was clear that they had just opened (possibly that night). Aside from a few common Middle Eastern appetizers like hummus, the posted carry-out menu reflected a bad strip mall pizza and sub joint, as did about half of the restaurant, which was basically a pizza counter and kitchen. The other half of the place was an open dining room, once appropriate to the pizza counter, but now adorned with a handful of Middle Eastern artifacts and some hookahs.
The "staff" consisted of three guys sitting in the dining room talking. When we walked in, one got up to meet us, gave us a gracious welcome, and showed us to some seats in the back. It was late for a weeknight and we were the only customers in the restaurant, which looked like either it had been cleaned for the night or we were the first customers of the day (or ever). I was regretting the decision to enter until our "waiter" (who, as it turns out, owned the place) reappeared with the menus. As expected, the dining menu matched the carryout menu. However, a single, typewritten sheet had also been inserted, offering "Tuscany Grapes' Pies" with various fillings. Our server described these as "Lebanese pizza" and enthusiastically suggested we try one. I took the recommendation and ordered a pie with beef filling.
Our strange experience had so lowered my expectations that anything edible would have surprised me. But the meat pie I got was good. Really good. Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" good. It was round dough, about the size of a medium pizza and similarly sliced, layered with ground, spiced meat, and topped with another thin layer of dough. I asked our server the proper name of the dish and immediately forgot his response. I still have no idea what it’s called, but, after a little research, I think it was most likely a version of sfiha, or lahm bi'ajīn, or lahmajoun, which may or may not all be the same thing.
We went back to Tuscany Grapes a couple of times after that and only ever got the meat pie and the Middle Eastern appetizers, which were always very good. Each experience was as strange as the first and my girlfriend and I were always the only customers. A few months later, my girlfriend moved (ironically) to Ramallah for work and, because I was convinced that the quality of the food was in direct proportion to the owner’s fondness for my girlfriend, I stopped going to Tuscany Grapes.
When the girlfriend recently returned to my life (she actually returned to the States some months ago…it’s kind of a long story) one of my first thoughts was to take her to Tuscany Grapes for another meat pie. (I know, I’m terribly romantic…and did I forget to mention that she’s a vegetarian? I said it was a long story.) I was greatly disappointed to discover that Tuscany Grapes is gone. So, now my quest has begun. Not only must I identify the strange, yet wonderful, meat pie that I remember, I must also find a good version of it.
Anyone have any ideas?
Original Post: http://donrockwell.com/index.php?showtopic=15238&st=0&p=175085&#entry175085
The "staff" consisted of three guys sitting in the dining room talking. When we walked in, one got up to meet us, gave us a gracious welcome, and showed us to some seats in the back. It was late for a weeknight and we were the only customers in the restaurant, which looked like either it had been cleaned for the night or we were the first customers of the day (or ever). I was regretting the decision to enter until our "waiter" (who, as it turns out, owned the place) reappeared with the menus. As expected, the dining menu matched the carryout menu. However, a single, typewritten sheet had also been inserted, offering "Tuscany Grapes' Pies" with various fillings. Our server described these as "Lebanese pizza" and enthusiastically suggested we try one. I took the recommendation and ordered a pie with beef filling.
Our strange experience had so lowered my expectations that anything edible would have surprised me. But the meat pie I got was good. Really good. Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" good. It was round dough, about the size of a medium pizza and similarly sliced, layered with ground, spiced meat, and topped with another thin layer of dough. I asked our server the proper name of the dish and immediately forgot his response. I still have no idea what it’s called, but, after a little research, I think it was most likely a version of sfiha, or lahm bi'ajīn, or lahmajoun, which may or may not all be the same thing.
We went back to Tuscany Grapes a couple of times after that and only ever got the meat pie and the Middle Eastern appetizers, which were always very good. Each experience was as strange as the first and my girlfriend and I were always the only customers. A few months later, my girlfriend moved (ironically) to Ramallah for work and, because I was convinced that the quality of the food was in direct proportion to the owner’s fondness for my girlfriend, I stopped going to Tuscany Grapes.
When the girlfriend recently returned to my life (she actually returned to the States some months ago…it’s kind of a long story) one of my first thoughts was to take her to Tuscany Grapes for another meat pie. (I know, I’m terribly romantic…and did I forget to mention that she’s a vegetarian? I said it was a long story.) I was greatly disappointed to discover that Tuscany Grapes is gone. So, now my quest has begun. Not only must I identify the strange, yet wonderful, meat pie that I remember, I must also find a good version of it.
Anyone have any ideas?
Original Post: http://donrockwell.com/index.php?showtopic=15238&st=0&p=175085&#entry175085
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Againn, DC
Dear Againn DC,
Screw you. I have never been motivated to trash a restaurant on this board, or elsewhere, but you deserve it. I was in your establishment for over 50 minutes last night and none of those minutes was even remotely pleasant. Your staff managed to do absolutely everything wrong. From the 10 minutes I was at the host stand before anyone said a word to me, through the 15 additional minutes it took to get our menus, to the 15 minutes it took to get two average beers, to the two separate times my dining companion tried to order an appetizer, only to be told that the kitchen was out of it, through the 10 further minutes I waited for a manager who never came (which I was forced by my server to do when I asked for my check). All of these I could let pass because, when I finally begged my server for the check saying “I will literally pay you anything you want if I can get out of this restaurant” she told us to just go (no food was ever ordered). But, now you have reported me to Opentable as a no-show. So I feel compelled to report you to this community, Againn DC, as a no-show. Apparently your management has all decamped for Rockville.
Sincerely,
Never Againn.
Original Post: http://donrockwell.com/index.php?showtopic=12494&view=findpost&p=171862
Screw you. I have never been motivated to trash a restaurant on this board, or elsewhere, but you deserve it. I was in your establishment for over 50 minutes last night and none of those minutes was even remotely pleasant. Your staff managed to do absolutely everything wrong. From the 10 minutes I was at the host stand before anyone said a word to me, through the 15 additional minutes it took to get our menus, to the 15 minutes it took to get two average beers, to the two separate times my dining companion tried to order an appetizer, only to be told that the kitchen was out of it, through the 10 further minutes I waited for a manager who never came (which I was forced by my server to do when I asked for my check). All of these I could let pass because, when I finally begged my server for the check saying “I will literally pay you anything you want if I can get out of this restaurant” she told us to just go (no food was ever ordered). But, now you have reported me to Opentable as a no-show. So I feel compelled to report you to this community, Againn DC, as a no-show. Apparently your management has all decamped for Rockville.
Sincerely,
Never Againn.
Original Post: http://donrockwell.com/index.php?showtopic=12494&view=findpost&p=171862
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Today's Headlines
Jesus Says: Ready, Aim, Fire!
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/us-military-weapons-inscribed-secret-jesus-bible-codes/story?id=9575794
The Bitter Drought of 2010
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/19/AR2010011900877.html
Korean Government Misses Obvious Answer to Low Birth Rate: Catholicism
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8469532.stm
Piper Down, We Have a Piper Down! (Danke EAM)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8463333.stm
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/us-military-weapons-inscribed-secret-jesus-bible-codes/story?id=9575794
The Bitter Drought of 2010
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/19/AR2010011900877.html
Korean Government Misses Obvious Answer to Low Birth Rate: Catholicism
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8469532.stm
Piper Down, We Have a Piper Down! (Danke EAM)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8463333.stm
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Today's Headlines
Your Friends Don't Want to Talk to You Anymore
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1382960.html
In Alabama, Justice Delayed Not Justice Denied
http://abovethelaw.com/2009/12/best_motion_for_continuance_ev.php#more
Trust Me, You Don't Want to Mess With the Women's Basketball Team (Danke SB)
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/womensbasketball/big12/2009-12-16-missouri-players_N.htm
How to Feel Better When They Fire You (Danke EAM)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8416431.stm
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1382960.html
In Alabama, Justice Delayed Not Justice Denied
http://abovethelaw.com/2009/12/best_motion_for_continuance_ev.php#more
Trust Me, You Don't Want to Mess With the Women's Basketball Team (Danke SB)
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/womensbasketball/big12/2009-12-16-missouri-players_N.htm
How to Feel Better When They Fire You (Danke EAM)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8416431.stm
Monday, December 7, 2009
Today's Headlines
Holiday Gift Idea: Classics Never Go Out Of Style
http://www.break.com/tv-shows/saturday-night-live/dick-in-a-box-uncensored-637685.html
While We're Rehashing SNL Bits: I'm On A Boat
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clips/digital-short-im-on-a-boat-uncensored/1105773/
Better Late Than Never: Voicemail Slow Jam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEkomaBTppY&feature=player_embedded#
Anyone Know If This Joint Allows Beer Pong?
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5914651n&tag=exclsv
http://www.break.com/tv-shows/saturday-night-live/dick-in-a-box-uncensored-637685.html
While We're Rehashing SNL Bits: I'm On A Boat
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clips/digital-short-im-on-a-boat-uncensored/1105773/
Better Late Than Never: Voicemail Slow Jam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEkomaBTppY&feature=player_embedded#
Anyone Know If This Joint Allows Beer Pong?
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5914651n&tag=exclsv
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Boone's Rules in a Crisis Situation
In honor of Tiger Woods' current domestic perdicament, I will add my first ever substantive post: Boone's Rules in a Crisis Situation. I have been formulating these for twenty years, and sharing them almost as long. But they bear repeating:
1. Deny Everything. By this I don't mean deny specific accuasations. I literally mean deny EVERYTHING. Denying specific accusations would be lying. There is a rule for that (see number 3). I mean, say things like "I don't know what you're talking about" and "that's crazy."
2. Create a Diversion. By this I mean focus trouble away from you. Find something the accuser would be far more pissed about. Talking about the diversion might completely shield you from blame for the original sin.
3. Lie, or, if the lie would be worse than the truth, Confess Everything and Ask Forgiveness. This is the hard step, because it calls on you to understand the true repercussions of the lie versus the truth. Most people get this wrong, because it is easier just to lie. Do not get this wrong, you could end up in jail or disbarred. (See Bill Clinton.) If you can't assess the repercussions of the lie, call an attorney. If the lie is minor, but you're stupid, call a friend.
4. Run Like Hell. If the lie or truth don't work, you need to get the hell out of dodge. This is why lawsuits settle and why marriages break up. And, if you know this rule, it's why you never get your ass beat.
Note: None of these rules apply if you are speaking with law enforcement officials. In that case, there is only one rule: SHUT THE FUCK UP AND CALL AN ATTORNEY. This rule applies even if you are innocent. Seriously. Just stop talking.
1. Deny Everything. By this I don't mean deny specific accuasations. I literally mean deny EVERYTHING. Denying specific accusations would be lying. There is a rule for that (see number 3). I mean, say things like "I don't know what you're talking about" and "that's crazy."
2. Create a Diversion. By this I mean focus trouble away from you. Find something the accuser would be far more pissed about. Talking about the diversion might completely shield you from blame for the original sin.
3. Lie, or, if the lie would be worse than the truth, Confess Everything and Ask Forgiveness. This is the hard step, because it calls on you to understand the true repercussions of the lie versus the truth. Most people get this wrong, because it is easier just to lie. Do not get this wrong, you could end up in jail or disbarred. (See Bill Clinton.) If you can't assess the repercussions of the lie, call an attorney. If the lie is minor, but you're stupid, call a friend.
4. Run Like Hell. If the lie or truth don't work, you need to get the hell out of dodge. This is why lawsuits settle and why marriages break up. And, if you know this rule, it's why you never get your ass beat.
Note: None of these rules apply if you are speaking with law enforcement officials. In that case, there is only one rule: SHUT THE FUCK UP AND CALL AN ATTORNEY. This rule applies even if you are innocent. Seriously. Just stop talking.
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