April Fools!!!

All of these global farming issues and rising food prices have been on my mind a lot lately. We, as people of this planet, need to come to terms with what is at stake in the future. This troubles me to say the following, heh, I mean look at the general topic of this site. Perhaps all of us meat eaters should lower our intake a bit. Maybe, and this troubles me even more, we should just find the strength to do away with eating meat all together, as united people of this lovely green & blue planet, one step at a time. Then, some countries would not have to be pressured to export grains to feed the cattle or any other live stock in another country. This needs some more thought…

April Fools!!!

Continued from Part I, Part II, Part III, & Part IV

Hugh growth in foodie culture.

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Black pepper isn’t sold as black pepper anymore. It’s tellicherry pepper.

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Restaurants are swapping out salt shakers for mini grinders.

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Never vacation during Thanksgiving or part of the time is leftover hell.

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I miss Costco already.

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Medications to treat all kinds of problems are advertised everywhere. Have trouble opening the door? Ask your doctor for oxypentolinoyl.

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Don’t put our tab on the table when we haven’t even finished our meal. Don’t interrupt our conversation to ask if all is ok every 2 minutes.

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Houston’s grilled artichokes are the best damn artichokes I’ve had in my life. (Coming soon on the parrilla when in season)

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If you’ve never been to a Penzeys store before and have the chance, GO! Just be careful with how much money you bring. Very tempting to buy one of each and that would be mighty expensive. Or visit their online store. They have every spice or spice mixture known to mankind. Ok, not that many but 250 different types. No chimichurri though. Check out their gift boxes if you are stumped for this holiday season.

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The Strip District in Pittsburgh is a foodie paradise.

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Habanero cheddar at Sunseri’s. Strip District, Pittsburgh. Two cheeses from Argentina; Sardo and Reggianito.

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“I remember reading once about some place that serves sandwiches that fit into the ‘you haven’t experienced Pittsburgh unle’”

“Primanti Brothers”

I love when restaurants have some sort of claim to fame food that you just have to try no matter how fattening or heart destroying. Even better if that is pretty much all you can order.

Stepping through the doorway we saw that the place was packed.

Do they take names? How do we get a table? We’re seven, what are we going to do?

“Just find a table when one opens hon.”

“Oh yeah, look at that grill. This is one of those heart attack joints”

Three places opened at the counter and one table that seats four. I ended up at the counter. “Get the black angus”, I’m told by one in our party. I see the pastrami and it looks good. Corned beef orders are heard in the background. Before we’re asked our orders we see…

Customer: Pastrami

Cashier: Drink?

Customer: Coke

Cashier mumbles to cook: Pastrami

Cook slaps pastrami on greasy grill. Flips it a few seconds later and tops with cheese. Then the construction starts

Bread…meat & cheese…french fries…cole slaw…tomatoes…bread…done.

Literally a whole meal as a sandwich.

That process repeated about three more times before we’re asked for our order. In the meantime, my wife says to me, “I just want meat and cheese on my sandwich”. Um, I think you just order the type of meat you want or they’ll just kick your ass out the door for messing up the system.

A few minutes later the Dagwood-style creations landed in front of us on a sheet of wax paper–no plates or utensils. I bet this acts as a great preemptive strike against the evil hangover, I pondered. Trying to could keep my jaw from dislocating, I took my first bite. A clash of temperatures and flavors. The steaming hot meat battled the cold crunchy cole slaw. Sweet tomatoes, tangy cabbage, oily potatoes, savory meat, and melted cheese desperately clashed with each other. This is the long lost cousin of Rachel and Reuben The only complaint I had were the french fries. Maybe it was a bad day or that’s how they always are. They did nothing for me and were soon banished from my enormous sandwich kingdom.

I’ll have to have one of those again. [I learned later that they have two locations in Ft. Lauderdale. Maybe I passed them before, but not next time.]

Official Site
Better photos and reviews

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Ceviche House
78 S Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL

Name says it all but they serve some other Peruvian dishes. Ceviche de pulpo(octopus) was refreshing and out of this world. Some sort of tangy ginger sauce was served on the side. If anyone knows what that is, let me know

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Moquila
88 Plaza Real S, Boca Raton, FL

All kinds of tequila from mainstream to hard to find. Absolutely awesome guacamole made table-side, or at the bar if you sit there, in a molcajete.

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Island Dogs Bar
505 Front Street, Key West, Florida

Had a calm neighborhood bar feel to it. Located about a block off Duval. Seems the hootin’ ‘n hollerin’ Margaritaville-searching types missed this place. Spectacular interior design. Great bartenders. Live music.

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Blue Heaven
729 Thomas St. Key West, Florida

A bloody mary and one of their daily breakfast specials will get you back on your feet. Dine outdoors and watch the roosters.

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Why is it every time I take long flights, I eventually end up with some coughing sickness that takes two weeks to defeat and is contagious like ebola.

Continued from Part I, Part II, & Part III

“Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh!? You’re going to Pittsburgh!??! Why???”

I heard that about 50 times before hopping on a plane to eat turkey leftovers for a week. Most of them had never even been there while those had, visited, not lived, mumbled it as being the armpit of something or other. I get excited about visiting unexplored cities, so I’d have to see for myself, but I wasn’t looking forward to swapping 80ºF temp for 30ºF bone-chilling hell.

Although we didn’t actually stay in Pittsburgh, about twenty miles out, we did make about three trips to the downtown and surrounding areas within a week. That was enough to fill me with sights of beauty, not armpits. Not a place where I would take up residence, (uh, you live at the bottom of the world) but definitely a location where I would be happy with a month of free time and a camera. Everywhere I looked, I had the surreal feeling of being on some movie set. Maybe that’s because quite a number of movies have been filmed there, I don’t know. I probably sound like a giddy lunatic, and so many places in the middle or northern U.S. must look the same or better, but haven’t been around those parts much.

Pittsburgh has a lot of history, much of which I have no clue and if I did, you would still be spared. I do know that Iron/Steel City was extremely prosperous until the steel production fallout in the 1970’s. The outcome of that left many areas looking as if they were frozen in time. However, the large presence of elite financial, tech, and medical institutions is turning the once sooty city into a revitalized cultural hot spot. Well, that’s what I was told.

The blend of architecture is absolutely amazing. Just so you know, my knowledge of architecture ranks right up there with Britney Spears’ parenting skills, but I could definitely sense deep influences from Germanic Europe meshed with American colonial. Then there are the bridges. Pittsburgh and the surrounding area must be the bridge capital of the world.

What impressed me the most is how much of that architecture is preserved. Although gentrification is rearing its head in many neighborhoods or “sides”, restoration trumps demolition. If that’s not possible, than some sort of facade or influence appears to remain as you can see in the second image here. Unlike Buenos Aires, where developers, property owners, and city officials could give a rat’s ass about preserving even a minor detail of something that has the slightest hint of historical significance.

You can read more about greed’s destruction on the following posts

another one bites the dust
just one more
The Gods…they must be crazy
Out With The Old…
Out With The Old… Pt. 2
Another place gone
Any doubts as to a real estate boom in Barracas?

So overall, I thought Pitt was a great city and the people were some of the friendliest I’ve ever encountered in one area. Not sure if I’ll ever be back there, but a nice place to remember.

Continue to the wrap up

Continued from Part I & Part II

South Florida

I used to live in Florida so there really isn’t much for me to say in general. Much of the time was spent shopping at almost every single store we could reach or having a fantastic time with some family. I will, however, offer my thoughts on Key West and ,when I wrap this whole series up, cover food and restaurants.

Key Weird

Headed down to Key Weird for an overnighter but, as an afterthought, I think I’ve had my fill of Key Weird. This wasn’t the first visit for myself or anyone else in our group–been there a few times–and we did have a blast together. I just don’t think it is worth going back unless I’m with a bunch of people and when one of the big “events” are happening. Any other time is hit or miss.

I’ll just say that I felt like I was partying along with the stereotypical Daytona or Panama City (both in Florida) tourists. If you are familiar with either of those locations, not the crowds or spring break students, then you know what I’m talking about. If not, then I’ll leave you guessing. And no, it has nothing to do with race, color, religion, or sexual preference.

Continue to Part IV

continued from Part I

Buenos Aires

Bought a book for the plane and ate Tuñin pizza.

Airport

Every time I’m at Ezeiza, the main international airport in Argentina, I hear at least one disgruntled passenger from the U.S., mouthing off for some idiotic reason like problems at an airport in Argentina don’t happen back home.

Last year it was some guy mumbling a little too loudly that he was “so f*cking sick of this backward ass country” because he had to stand in line to pay for something. Good, don’t come back!

This year it was a lady who had to toss her recently purchased water bottle at a security check before stepping onto the plane. To her husband or boyfriend, “I’m so sick of this place.” Yep, Argentina is to blame for liquid inspections. No other country does it. Maybe this behavior is quite common.

LAN

My current favorite airline is LAN. They’re not perfect but I’ve never had any problems except for a few delays that were less than an hour. Their crews are friendly and the steerage-class food is quite good for airline fare. You actually get a real glass to sip wine out of!

Thankfully, they now offer direct flights to Miami instead of always having to make a stopover in Santiago, Chile. We could have taken a shorter flight in the faster 777 that American uses for their direct flight but like Aerolineas, I’ve had it with them too. Maybe it’s the double A’s, I don’t know. Flying with them is just a totally undesirable experience. Their crews, rules & regulations, or wtf their problem is just pisses me off. Grumpy old crew members, who look like they need to retire, treat everyone like a 4 year old in daycare.

Now, as with cruise ships, I feel it is my duty to rant about American Airlines.

Beverages

I have flown round trip flights to and from the U.S. on LAN, TAM, and Aerolineas Argentinas. Each time, all of them offered free wine, beer, and liquor. Even a wonderful night cap cart passes by before lights out. American, on the other hand, says screw you with a $5 dollar charge for every drink.

Please Sit Down

On my most recent trip with LAN, if anyone loitered in the aisle for too long when the fasten seatbelt sign was turned off, a crew member would take action by kindly speaking on the PA system. Indirect, yet pleasant, they asked passengers to remain seated with their seat belts fastened for safety. They repeated this about every 30 seconds until those milling about for no reason sat down.

That method is way too nice for Old Miss Crabtree on American. No, she likes to walk right up into someone’s face and say, “Sir/Ma’am, YOU NEED TO SIT DOWN RIGHT NOW!” No please. No kind voice. Why should they? We’re all four year old brats.

Seat belts

LAN’s crew knew that I was an adult and responsible for myself. Pilots can usually pick up turbulent areas miles away on radar. Unless the plane suffers a serious malfunction or collision warning during the period when the fasten seat belt sign is off, then I’ll probably be safe with or without my seatbelt on. If you were in an empty row, you could lay across the seats, as many people did, without hearing a word.

On American, I am a 4 year old in the back seat of grandma’s car. Are you wearing your seat belt back there?! Are you wearing your seat belt?! While I was dreaming away and counting how many corderos would end up on the grill this summer, I awoke 3 or 4 times to some batsh*t insane madwoman with a flashlight running down the aisle to see if we were all wearing our seat belts under our blankets. No turbulence warning. No lit fasten your seatbelt sign. Just madness

Go to Part III

Whenever I fly to the U.S., I plan at least one night’s stay for each leg. In case of delays, cancellations, some extra shopping, and finally, to recuperate before jumping into another aluminum tube with wings.

Everything was planned perfectly.

Fly from here to Buenos Aires and stay one night. Leave the next evening to Miami. Stay in Boca Raton for a week and go to Pittsburgh. Stay in Pittsburgh for a week and fly back to Florida. Stay in Boca one night and fly out of Miami the next evening for Buenos Aires. Stay in Buenos Aires one night and fly back home the next evening.

Well, like usual, from the start, Aerolineas Argentinas had to f*ck something up with their usual bullsh*t. It’s a given with them. This time, without any warning phone call, we found out a few days before flying that our early morning flight had been canceled. (Always confirm your flight multiple times if flying with them….seriously) We can put you on an evening flight the same day out of Ushuaia. Great, there went one whole day of Buenos Aires free time. Oh, and a three hour drive to Ushuaia and reimbursement for the fuel or transportation. That’s right, we canceled your flight without telling you and now you have to figure out your own way to get to Ushuaia but if you give us the receipt we’ll see about reimbursing you.

Ushuaia

Being in no rush to reach Ushuaia on departure day, we decided to check out a few spots along the way. Don’t ask me why, but one of them was a small coast guard station just off the main route on the banks of the majestic Lago Fagnano. I have mixed feelings about what I witnessed.

When we arrived, I thought nothing of a man and woman unloading what appeared to be blankets from small delivery van onto a folding table. A small bus and van, both nondescript, were parked nearby while about 30 people or so chatted and wandered about. While walking about 20 yards from the truck to the shore, a larger coach bus pulled up. More tourists with their red or blue Northern Face jackets.

The mixed feelings hit me upon jumping into the truck to leave. I saw the true purpose of those who were unloading the delivery van. A makeshift gift shop. Tourists proceeded to hover over tables layered with wool hats, blankets, ponchos, and gloves.

First of all, I was wondering why the hell tourists were being taken to this location that is comprised of a small simple building, two trailered boats, and two catwalk-like docks along the water. It’s a coast guard station! Ok, the view is nice and it saves the tour company 20-30 minutes of further driving to Tolhuin for another perspective of Lago Fagnano but really! As we left, I counted 6 other buses on the way. If it is such a popular attraction on the tourism circuit why not develop a special area that is more accommodating? Anyway, to top it off, someone pimps goods from a truck after a five minute viewing of a lake? COME ON! Were they really there for the view or just given another chance to buy more touristy crap?

However, when I saw that many of the tourists actually had interest in the products, I thought if it floats their boat then all is good I guess. But then again is it really? Sooner or later word spreads and I’m sure at some time there will be fifty trucks there selling items thus creating another cheesy tourist trap. Hopefully things will change for the better, I mean this island is still in early development stage.

Just to let you know, I have nothing against the gift shop after tour spectacle in general. Many museums and theme parks have you walk through a gift shop after the tour or attraction. It works and I’ve come out happy on occasion with a few trinket purchases of my own. Something just felt wrong about this situation. Why not take them back to a shop in town or maybe they did that too.

At about 13:30 we arrived in Ushuaia with our empty stomachs gurgling away. Let’s grab lunch. Little did we know how hard that task would be.

First, Ushuaia has the typical touristy city set up where 90% of the restaurants are located in one area. Second, it was Sunday. Third, it was a city election day. Forth, there were two docked cruise ships.

Whoa, I think I saw two people who might have been locals walking the streets. If someone wrote a book called Hilly Hiker and the Camping Factory, this would be the perfect setting. Attack of The Clones? Block to block we saw packs of cruise sheep. All wearing either red/black or blue/black winter jackets, tan cargo pants, and hiking books. Were we in some sort of Northern Face advertising nightmare? Are there no other colors/patterns available?

I hate the whole cruise ship concept. I hate it. It’s like a plague the destroys all things good with seaside towns or cities. I’m not talking about the fly into town and catch a round about trip to view various islands and Antarctica type of cruises. The ones I hate are the multi-port hop off to buy some stuff and hop back on kind. Once they step off that boat, they hit like a swarm of locusts. Either confining themselves to the shopping area close to port or hopping on a bus for some brief excursion. Mucking up a pleasurable experience in those areas for both locals and short-to-long term travelers on a daily basis. The national park here becomes one major dust cloud due to all of the chartered buses in season. Restaurants are practically standing room only at lunch time. At least they have to shepherd themselves back into their pens in the late afternoon for departure. I could go deeper and yes I know that they bring in a boatload of cash for local economies and businesses but that’s a topic for another day.

We parked and walked a bit down Avenida San Martin, the main strip for restaurants and shops that is about two blocks north of the docks. The restaurants were packed. Peeking through various doorways showed that restaurant owners or managers fit in as many tables and chairs they could while paying no attention to available space in order move around. Milanesas or lomitos were on our minds not platters of centolla, trout, or lamb. After realizing our mission was futile, we ducked into a buffet restaurant with Chinese characters on the signboard. The buffet would not be restocked we were told. Not happy, yet hungry, we resigned ourselves to the clutches of oily remains.

Hours after camping out at a relative’s house and watching heavy snow fall while praying our flight wouldn’t be canceled, we were finally able to start the real journey that was intended from the beginning.

As a somber note, only recently did I learn that some of those tourists that we saw roaming around on our departure day, would soon board the MS Explorer. Glad everyone made it out safely.

Go to Part II