Not just coffee

Archive for January, 2009

Rolling Along

Jan 17

Posted by admin in Biden, History, Inauguration, life, President-elect Obama

I can hardly concentrate on anything. I have the TV set to MSNBC, and they are doing the great job I expected. Except for that one little announcement about time to sign up for MSNBC events to watch with others on the 20th. No, over, full. Save time, don’t click. That’s OK, I’m not going anywhere. Live coverage for me. Inside with a crowd of 2.

I may not be there at this moment in time, but I’ve been there: the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Too many times to count. Yes, have stopped in Wilmington; find the train station in need of a little facelift, but who’s looking at that today. An hour stopover–great, and with a special passenger:  the conductor of vice-president elect Joe Biden’s trips on the Acela. That’s sweet.

Then on to Baltimore where people have been gathering for hours, and finally on to Union Station–my station, my base. I’m with him every step of the way, even though I am inside, just watching and smiling.

Love the morning Newsweek polls. People do have confidence that President-elect Obama can do it. How about those daughters; they told him what he needed to do. It will be great to have young opinionmakers in residence. We need their input and the charming way that daughters can speak to dads. The country needs the vibrancy, the liveliness of a leader who mirrors what we all want for this great country.

What an exciting day. Gotta go. Mighta missed a comment, a chapter of history. Stay tuned.

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The Bandwagon Effect–Tone It Down

Jan 16

Posted by admin in Advertisers, Economy, Inauguration, President-elect Obama

feature-inaugurationYes, I’m a groupie. I think I earned the chance to be one as I worked hard to make it happen. Yet, I am respectful.

Of course, I’m talking about the amazing election and the upcoming Inauguration of the person who can pull us all together and make us smile again: President-elect Barack Obama. I am so excited that someone like him will be able to stand in front of us on Tuesday and declare in a strong voice with his winning smile and a twinkle, “Yes, We Did.” I just object to every company in the universe repegging their commercials to use the phrase “Yes, we can” or the words “change” or “hope”. This election, the upcoming weekend, the swearing-in, and the next four years should not give license to travel agencies advertising they can. Seriously.

There is something almost sacred, magical about what has happened and what will go into place. I am such a traditionalist that it offended me that he was called “Obama” for the longest time after the election. What about respect. He is more than just a first and a last name, he is the President-elect. Now everyone seems to understand and remember to insert the official pre-Inaugural title.

Advertisers though: you are not adhering to the guidelines, mine. I do not mind the decorated cookies from Barnes and Noble, Starbucks,  and every other coffee shop or cafe. That’s ok. It’s fun. I do mind horrible, loud radio and television commercials from debt collectors, car dealers, and mortgage companies believing they can pull us out of this economic mess if they borrow a phrase that has taken on a different life. They CANNOT.

Let us show a little respect. Have a little dignity and revere the man who has helped so many people change their outlook and have hope. Leave the commercialism for the Super Bowl, the Oscars, and the Olympics.

Be there in Washington DC or plan to plant yourself in front of  a television to watch history’s next chapter. That’s something to shout about.

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A Roaring Rant

Jan 16

Posted by admin in Economy, food, life

target-glassI’ve had it. It’s ridiculous. A place charges upwards of $10 for a glass or over $40 for a bottle, and they think they can get away with 1950s wine glasses. Come on. Get over it. That’s unacceptable. We deserve a proper glass for a red. Those little glasses may work fine for a white, but a red needs to open. None of this narrow bowl. Nor the fat rim. I know times are tough, but you’ve been using those glasses forever. Throw ‘em out. Invest a little. You don’t have to look too far. Go to Target–they have a huge selection. Show that you have changed with the times.

No, you do not need every type of  Riedel glass for each wine. That’s the other extreme. Thank you, my Zinfandel will be happy to share with the Cotes du Rhone, just give me a bigger bowl. Then I can swirl. It’s a joke to try to get any essence of flavor from those little glasses. Have a sale. Let your customers buy them for water glasses. Me, I want a pour I can enjoy with my food.

As long as we’re talking wine. Let’s talk wine service. In the non-fancy places I go, the server still needs to know not to  put a half a bottle of wine in my little glass. Seriously, a medium pour is quite sufficient. Now I know why so many people literally grab the bottle from a server’s hand, and say it’s OK, I’ll pour. Someone taught servers to sell wine not to serve wine.

So let’s get it right:  A proper glass for a red, and a server who recognizes wine is a drink to enjoy, not to gulp.

It’s a rant. Cheers.

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Now I Know We Are in Trouble

Jan 15

Posted by admin in Economy, food, life, New York Times

cookbookfabioEveryone can agree: times are tough. Just how tough became apparent a short time ago when I learned that the rich don’t eat out that much anymore. Whoa! The rich are being careful. This is a problem, and it’s taking its toll.  What about the average guy who’s trying to figure out how to cut basic expenses?

Look when times are flush, great chefs can thrive. They can buy the most expensive ingredients, create the most beautiful dishes and dazzle diners with preparation. People blink, a small blink, when the check is presented. When times are tough, truffles get replaced by mushrooms, and high-end diners have to consider what is unique about this experience that warrants the hefty price tag. Even when dining concessions such as prix-fixe menus, two-for-one specials, and half-price wine nights do not do the trick, something big has to change. The chef often gets caught in the middle of the tussle.

This is a long-winded way to say that Fiamma the restaurant in New York City is no more. It has become an event space. Washington DC sent one of its top tier chefs, Fabio Trabbocchi to the big city to cook his creative high-end Italian dishes to the glitteri in New York. He was the star of the Ritz Carlton at Tysons Corner in Virginia with his restaurant Maestro, where he was the true conductor, the master. The name continued, but it lost its headliner. He was lured to the food mecca of New York with the promise that his star would shine even brighter. He did well. The economy did well. Then, poof, it was extinguished. He has become a story of the economy, an example of food lore.

Yes, I am sure he will be cooking somewhere else soon. It is just such a shock to have this type of industry casualty. It quickly teaches us that money is tight. That expense accounts are being counted. That people have to consider where they go and how often they can go out. Yesterday Frank Bruni of the New York Times broke the news. I personally feel the restaurant world, especially those who had dined at either Maestro or Fiamma are a little rattled.  I am.

Fabio’s gift was in the details. He mastered the basics and used expensive ingredients to make restaurant magic. He was a serious chef who understood that Americans were interested in fine food, and he was able to bring some of his Italian childhood flavors into the high court of gourmet food. The ever present rumor was that his New York benefactors would let him return to Washington as the star chef at their new hotel. Not so fast.

I will never forget the special dining room smells when he would roast foods over hay. He will cook again. Someone just has to have the money to let him man the stove and find the diners who will once again support his style. Even if he takes it down a notch or two, it will take some time to regain the crown achievement.

I have hope. I can wait.

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The Importance of the Crackle

Jan 12

Posted by admin in life, New York Times, Pairings, Uncategorized

No, I do not mean Rice Krispies , but they are a food product that I will always hold dear with positive memories: my Mom’s favorite late night snack. This “crackle” comes from a wood-burning fireplace. There’s nothing quite like it. All the sounds, the smells, and the sense of warmth as it saps the heat from the rest of the house. That’s a shame, but  the fireplace room is its own haven of content.

There is something about the world that seems all right while you read in front of cacophonous fire. Just as long as you read sections of the newspaper that have nothing to do with real world issues. Start with the Sunday Styles section of the New York Times and rush to the back, to the wedding stories. They are so much fun. Of course, there are the Bill Cunningham party photos. Skip over the real life, potentially sad articles, and  go for the morning fun and begin your day with a relaxing tone.

Then, you can ease into that splendiferous cup of espresso. Did I mention I made it to Wegmans. From earlier posts, you’ll know it’s not around the corner but worth the drive. I get less expensive gas in Virginia and then head over to the shopping mecca which somehow seems to do as much damage to my credit card as a trip to Costco. Bad financial week, hit both of ‘em in a matter of a few days.

Now it’s time to analyze what it is about their whole bean dark roast espresso that keeps me hankering for a true cup. Maybe it’s the price. Certainly doesn’t hurt that the 32-ounce bag of beans is under $10. Flavor wins from the bean’s oily richness that engulfs the coffee machine’s bean holder. It transcends any other coffee bean experience of late. Hit the buttons, grind, and punch up a double espresso.

Now the morning has promise, a crackling fire ,and a true cup of espresso. I haven’t even started the potatoes yet. More on that later.

Crackling sounds and a steaming cup of coffee. A perfect pairing.

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My Keychain Is Not this Big

Jan 9

Posted by admin in Uncategorized

grandetogoSome mornings are so perfect. You glance through the paper, and you see it: The phrase, the headline, the sentence that puts the day into perspective. Today it jumped. Right in the middle of  a grocery ad–there it was: “Cheap Is Chic”.

It’s been so long since we had grocery wars. Now every brand is tripping over itself to talk about lowered prices, special promotions, and member benefits. My key chain is not this big. Everyone wants me to sign up so I can get the best price. Today Harris Teeter took the strategy up a notch and started a new level of higher order promotions, the e-VIC program which promises to make shopping easier with personalized emails that notify you not only store specials but help you with your shopping list.

I used to be really paranoid about all these frequent shopper cards, but hey, I figure somebody knows everything about me already so I might as well take advantage of an opportunity to save a few bucks. Anyway when was the last time you paid for something and someone didn’t tell you that today you saved “X amount”. Just heard it at Starbucks. That seemed a little bit of a stretch–think the person bought a gift card and came in with her own ginormous branded cup and ordered her usual oversize drink, and they told her she saved S3.59. Hmm. Starbucks!

Seems every grocer wants to give you $5 off $25–that’s almost become a basic standard. Whole Foods which used to be thought of as Whole Paycheck is working hard at increasing its private 365 label and having weekly specials that really are starting to look affordable. What is this world coming to? Commonsense?  What about a local chain telling us it’s okay to save money–”Cheap is Chic.”

That phrase works as long as quality matches price and product. Having just returned from the big box genius, Costco, I noticed their acquiescence to the reality of the times is that they had  fewer  hardbacks but  increased their paperback selections. That’s smart. Everybody is looking for a break. They also automatically took off savings coupons before you showed them the little clipped pieces of paper. Automatic savings. Interesting.

It’s as if everyone is shouting–join in. You can really save some money. Don’t be left out. Sounds like an infomercial, but it’s not.

What’s happening is real. Now we just have to find the money to save some money. Whatever changes we make, and whatever changes merchants make will help. It can’t hurt. What we’re doing now is all too painful.

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My Newest Toy

Jan 7

Posted by admin in Environment, Gadgetry, Uncategorized

kitchen_webtouchlessWe’ve heard enough about the fact that we are destroying our own universe. I’ve decided singlehandedly to make the difference that will save us. Seriously. First, it started with having to take boxes of newspapers, cans, and glasses 10 miles away to a recycling center. I mean a serious place, where you separate and sort. I’d only read about this kind of commitment, but I immediately became hooked trying to figure out if I put everything in the right container. After a few trips I realized that I was going to become Recyclewoman. I was making a difference. Before making this commitment I almost reveled in the joy of NOT having to recycle. Put it all in the trash can. One single receptacle and gone. Outta here and with less chaos.

Then, and not sure what really made me turn the corner, I decided enough. I had to change the household ways. I had to solve the world’s problems. Thus the paper box ensemble in my weekend garage where I am amazed how much “trash” was getting thrown away. Now it goes to a happier place after its short country drive and gets separated into its proper future life. Who knew you could become so proactive so quickly!

Where I live we put everything into one container and hope the recycle people don’t just toss it into the garbage can. Although neighborhood spies have suggested that not everything is what it seems. For years I have been amazed by neighbors who never  took out their blue recycling can. What were they thinking? Nothing to recycle? Did they not eat? Read? Get 7th class mail? I have shamed them into compliance as I smile when I see their blue container streetside on Sundays.

As for what has changed inside my house is my new purchase. I purchased a separate hands-free, wave trash can that enables everyone to put the recyclables into its feeder mouth. The iTouchless is truly a thing of beauty, a stainless steel wonder.  A single conveyance that helps eliminate the chaos of items that otherwise overflow their paper bags and beg someone to take them outside. Of course, I bought my new wonder toy online at Costco  and benefited  from free shipping and great pricing. They were begging me to elevate my societal contribution. It was a total mindless act of good will. Now after a few days of this holiday present for all of mankind, I notice how everyone in my family understands commitment. They’re not just trashing it.

Since we get three newspapers daily with an occasional one purchased for some arcane reason, we produce a lot of news print. Add to that all the containers, cans, and bottles, and you have a serious amount of material that should work its way into the blue can. You just wave and never have to get in there and touch.

Anyway we are hooked. Some day all of you will thank us for becoming recycling zealots.

Did I mention I bought two and can’t wait to try some of the other goodies from this company!

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OK, I'm A Junkie

Jan 6

Posted by admin in Uncategorized

miscellaneous-end-of-december-beg-of-january-0521That’s a tough admission so early in the year, but I feel I need to level with you, my readers. I got up this morning with great anticipation to return to my fancy, but well deserved, coffee maker, the Saeco Incanto de luxe S-class (seriously, this is not a car, but has the same fine commitment to quality). It has patiently been awaiting my return from vacation.  It probably missed me. Let me backtrack.

This was the house present a year ago. The idea was simple, two people working at home deserved great coffee and could pay for the machine by not having to run out and grab a Starbucks. The closest coffee shop to my house is Starbucks, actually there are two, each approximately two miles away. Not a bad walk; clearly an easy drive. Either way, at least a $3 investment per cup. Do the math– two people, 2 cups of  purchased coffee, 2 times a day. See it’s not hard to justify going  Deluxe. Full disclosure, Costco, of course, was running a special so the stars were totally aligned.

After all, this high-efficiency beauty grinds on an as-needed basis and lets you put in ground coffee for the necessary decaf experience. I should add it’s also the bossiest piece of equipment we’ve ever owned: empty dredge drawer, beans are empty, fill water tank. All displayed with such an authoritan voice, you obey. Anyway, it doesn’t work til you fulfill its commands.

Ok, back to my problem, the machine in its finery was at the ready. Only problem, I still did not have my precious beans. Remember it is a planned excursion to go to my Wegmans (see earlier post which details my love affair) and my trusty calendar implies that I cannot make that trip for two more days. I had Nicaraguan espresso beans that had been waiting for me to declare them worthy. No choice; they were all I had. Today was the day. They have a sentimental value as they were a gift from a friend, but they are no Wegmans espresso dark, rich, fragranty bean. They will have to work. I am happy to say, and my friend would be happy to hear, they run a very close 2nd. No other product has earned that accolade!

My mother used to say, it is the water. You can’t make a good cup of coffee without first having good water, she’d say. See coffee is in my genetic makeup. It is an important part of my constitution. I would add that we have owned many coffee makers, but never a machine of beauty that ranks up there with many a coffee shop’s efforts at a double espresso. We have the perfect trifecta: filtered water, high quality beans, and a streamlined beauty of a machine. Perfecto.

 The coffee maker did its best and demonstrated that a good machine with explicit built-in timing devices can elevate a bean far higher than a mediocre machine can take it. I had tried these Nicaraguan beans earlier with my vacation machine, and they truly flunked. So the combination of two quality products makes it work.

I’m on. A coffee junkie that can now begin the day and start the year in an appropriate manner.

More on Wegmans later. You probably wonder how I can be so supportive of such a big store. Or, Costco for that matter.  Just you wait.

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Projects–It's A New Year Thing

Jan 3

Posted by admin in Uncategorized

shredded1Everywhere you turn today, someone is ready to give you advice. That’s how new year’s begin. It is an almost inherent ritual that we take a measure of ourselves. We make promises and pledges and feel uplifted with a clean slate. We can start anew.

Projects are an obvious form of the ritual. I doubt if the Container Store or Staples would even exist if there were not organizing rituals that get kicked into high gear at the new year. Somehow both stores make you feel guilty if you haven’t thought about reorganizing your life, yourself.

There are projects that have a beginning and an ending, and then there are my projects. They just go on and on and on. I mean the concept of throwing out items. It is an ongoing lifestyle project that creeps to the top of my “to do” list on a regular basis. The problem is quite simple. It cannot be solved, completed, finished, ended–you supply the word.

No matter how much mail I open and shred, the postman seems to think I want to see his next delivery. I cannot get ahead of the pile of solicitations, invoices, or just plain old junk. I shred. It helps. It just doesn’t end. I actually think I love the endless little bits of shredded paper.

Clothes. That’s another winner. I recognize I will never wear half of my possessions and that closet clean-outs are healthy and therapeutic. Yet no matter how much I give away to the various collection drives, I still am left with way too many items.

Papers or articles. Even with the instant touch of the Internet, I still clip, cut, and save paper and articles. I have folders for folders, some going back so many years that now they could be called” decades-old info”. That’s a scary thought.

So here we are, ready to promise ourselves we will get it together. Organize, throw out, and eliminate. It’s a simple enough pledge but an almost impossible concept to fulfill.

Now here’s a project we can do: Make no lists. Now we’re finished. Got you Staples. Coffee cures.

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