I’d like to think that I’m a writer who will bring you both sides of the story. Following my post Monday on the things I dislike about waiters and waitresses (click here to catch up), I thought it only fair to talk about the folks who patronize restaurants and diners all over the area. I’ve seen some of you out there, and believe me, you’re no picnic when it comes to serving. Trust me when I tell you that –…
I love to go out to eat. If I won the lottery tomorrow, most of my winnings would probably be spent on fine food and drink in high-end restaurants. I’ve seen (and known) a lot of waiters and waitresses in my day, and I can tell you that there are certain things I expect from them. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that the “front of the house” in a restaurant is a tough job, where people spend hours on…
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner (note to self – get a card for my wife). Although I’m convinced that it was originally conceived by the greeting card and candy industries as a way to move product in the dead of winter, it’s as good excuse as any to plan a date night with your spouse or sweetheart. I’m often asked “aren’t there any NICE places to eat around here?” The answer to that, of course, is yes –…
Ahhh, the weekly jaunt to the grocery store. I know it’s a necessity, but the recent busy holidays have only amplified my issues and problems with our local food warehouses. I like to think that I’m a relatively calm person, but some of these things make my blood boil – and I’ve seen some of you in the aisles as well. You’re one step away from a court date and anger management classes. I get it. To protect the innocent,…
Not to brag, but I’m often complimented on my cooking. My wife and kids have their favorite dishes that I make, and I warn the young ones that one day they’ll be off at college and pining for some of Dad’s chicken pasta, pork tenderloin, or maple-glaze salmon. It’s gonna happen. My wife (God bless her) gives me free reign in the kitchen (she’s no dummy). Her attitude is that if I love cooking dinner every night, then by all…
What’s happened to all the “fine dining” choices in Hagerstown? “LJ’s”? Gone. “Aqua 103”? Being “re-launched”. “Family Meal”? Didn’t make it 6 months. These days, it’s easier to spot a Sasquatch or an “I’m with Hillary” bumper sticker than it is to sit down to a linen tablecloth when dining out in the county seat. Don’t get me wrong, I like a good Legion Steak Feed or hog butchering as much as the next guy, but there are times when…
Dear American Craft Brewers: Hello! I know you don’t know me, but I’d like to think that I write this letter to you as a representative of the American beer drinking population. First of all, let me say “thank you” for giving us much better versions of Pilsners, Lagers, Porters, and Stouts than any of the “big” breweries out there. You know which ones I’m talking about. The ones that produce watered-down, urine-colored hops and barley that I affectionately refer…
With just less than three weeks to go until Thanksgiving, you might very well wonder where all of the traditions and trappings we follow here in the United States came from. Well fear not, turkey fans, for I am here to provide you with all of the useless knowledge that will make you the conversation specialist at this year’s holiday table. Thanksgiving – the Date Thanksgiving was actually celebrated on different dates in different states in the early 1800’s. …
Well, Halloween is here and we’re now headlong into the rush towards Thanksgiving (notice I said Thanksgiving, even though all the stores will have their Christmas decorations up by week’s end). What will be on your table for the holiday feast? Well, according to statistics – for 88% of Americans, it will be a turkey. That’s a staggering 46 million birds – around 736 million pounds of cooked poultry – more than at any other time of the year (including…
Yes, it’s Halloween time again. The kids are out grabbing anything they can get their hands on and parents (like me) are patiently waiting for them to get home so we can raid their candy bag for the good stuff. My hometown did their “trick-or-treating” last night, so I have a fresh supply of sweets that should last me until – oh, I don’t know – Sunday? Here are some of my favorites Snickers bars – My all-time weakness. If…