Posts
Here I go again.
Last night I went to see my good friends and we decided to try out Buffalo Wild Wings that just opened recently in New Brunswick, NJ on Rt. 1.
I’ve seen the commercials and had my mouth water at the food that they paraded on the television screen and the sight of those big screen TV’s full of sports made my eyes pop straight out of my skull. So, I was eager to try this place.
Walking into the restaurant you are hit by all the sports paraphernalia on the walls and everywhere there were rows of flat screen televisions with every sporting event that was on at that time. Pretty girls dressed as referees served food to the tables and in the center of the room was a huge bar.
The menus revealed a delectable assortment of foods with an array of different sauces from Sweet BBQ to Mango Habanero (Ryan’s sauce of choice for his wings). There was even every type of beer a man could want as well as an assortment of different liquors. Stephanie had a martini and seemed to enjoy that maraschino cherries they added. Ryan and I enjoyed a tall glass of Blue Moon with a slice of orange ornately perched on the rim of the glass.
We eagerly made our orders. We ordered appetizers of Ultimate Nachos and pulled pork Slammers from the Starters menu. For my meal, I had the Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Sandwich and could not wait for it to arrive.
As normally occurs when in a restaurant, we got engrossed in conversation and almost forgot that our food had yet to arrive. This is where the good times turned slightly askew. All the food came out at the same time!
They delivered our meals, our Slammers and our Ultimate Nachos! And to boot, they were either luke warm or cold!
Now, I’m not going to tell you that the food stunk. Far from it, it was actually very good, aside from needing to be a bit warmer and the appetizers brought out prior to the rest of the meal. I don’t know if this is how Buffalo Wild Wings does things or it was the fault of our server. There was agitation in our group to be sure. There was even talk of forestalling a tip!
But we did eat and drink our fill. And the atmosphere was great. I kind of had a bit of sensory overload trying to determine what game to watch. And I was there with some very very good friends.
There are three other locations in New Jersey; the closest to me is in Eatontown in the Monmouth County Mall. There is also one in Bridgewater and one in Watchung. I hope to visit them again and hope for a better experience. At least I hope that my food is hot.
UPDATE: they opened a restaurant here in my hometown.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, October 15, 2010
Bill O'Reilly - Bigot
I saw a clip of ABC’s “The View” from yesterday online. They had Bill O’Reilly as a guest. He began pushing his right wing, delusional, and narrow minded banter. After a while, two of the hosts, Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg got up and left the stage.
What spurred the retreat was O’Reilly claiming that President Obama’s poll numbers dipped because he stated that developers had a right to build a mosque at the Ground Zero site. O’Reilly then began to spout his usual acerbic venom and again show how much of a moron he really is. After inferring that the mosque should not be at the site, he presumed to claim that polls indicate that most Americans disapprove of the site. When he was challenged to produce the numbers to substantiate his claim, he fell short. Finally he let rip that it was Muslims who attacked us on September 11th. Attempts to correct him; that it was in fact Muslim extremists, who were behind the attacks, fell on deaf ears. O’Reilly would hear none of it.
Granted, I only saw the brief clip, but I’ve heard O’Reilly’s rants before. He and his co-hort Glen Beck seem to be the epitome of idiocy. They spout their vitriol on Fox News Network, what I often call the “Republican Network”. They often get their facts wrong and decry anything associated with liberalism, even more conservative views on the left. And when someone tries to disagree with them or set them straight, they talk over them and belittle them.
I don’t think that either man is capable of adult discourse or equitable debate. Instead of bemoaning people of other cultures, beliefs, orientations or backgrounds, they should embrace the uniqueness that makes America the great nation that it is. Hey Bill and Glen! Embrace the wonderful unique world. It’s the 21st century, guys! Grow up!
What spurred the retreat was O’Reilly claiming that President Obama’s poll numbers dipped because he stated that developers had a right to build a mosque at the Ground Zero site. O’Reilly then began to spout his usual acerbic venom and again show how much of a moron he really is. After inferring that the mosque should not be at the site, he presumed to claim that polls indicate that most Americans disapprove of the site. When he was challenged to produce the numbers to substantiate his claim, he fell short. Finally he let rip that it was Muslims who attacked us on September 11th. Attempts to correct him; that it was in fact Muslim extremists, who were behind the attacks, fell on deaf ears. O’Reilly would hear none of it.
Granted, I only saw the brief clip, but I’ve heard O’Reilly’s rants before. He and his co-hort Glen Beck seem to be the epitome of idiocy. They spout their vitriol on Fox News Network, what I often call the “Republican Network”. They often get their facts wrong and decry anything associated with liberalism, even more conservative views on the left. And when someone tries to disagree with them or set them straight, they talk over them and belittle them.
I don’t think that either man is capable of adult discourse or equitable debate. Instead of bemoaning people of other cultures, beliefs, orientations or backgrounds, they should embrace the uniqueness that makes America the great nation that it is. Hey Bill and Glen! Embrace the wonderful unique world. It’s the 21st century, guys! Grow up!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Cousins' Party?
Recently I went to a family gathering with my cousins on my mother’s side of the family. It was actually something out of the ordinary. Most of the time, we only got together as a group on holidays or weddings or funerals.
This time, the primary purpose was to say farewell to my aunt who was moving back to her native England. It was kind of a sad occasion. My daughter is quite close to my aunt. But, I suppose, in this day and age, distance is of lessening concern when you think that we can turn on a computer and talk via a web cam. Still, nothing beats seeing family in person.
I had already been thinking about it when my one cousin suggested having a cousins’ party once a year. It’s something we do with some irregularity with my wife’s family. It would be great to have that family closeness. It’s something I’ve always wanted and something that would be good for my daughter to get to know where she comes from.
It would be easy to have my cousins from my mother’s side get together every year. I wouldn’t even mind having it at my own home to have some traditional consistency. It seems that may be what it will take to continue the cousins’ party with my wife’s family. But for the cousins on my father’s side there is a singular problem.
My cousins from dad are scattered all over the country. Like me, they mostly come from modest means. Having a tradition where we all get together every year would be almost impossible, as well as a logistical nightmare. What I was thinking about for this side of the family that we have something about every other year or every five years and all get together in a central location.
It still may be problematic, though I would seriously consider it. Save up for it like a special vacation. I have some cousins on this side of the family that I have never met. Some I have not seen in years. And I worry that the distance, both geographical and emotional, will serve only to drive us further apart.
I want to be a part of my cousins’ lives. I want them to be a part of mine. I want to be able to look and see – to know – my family. As much of them as I can. Maybe it’s a dream I can place in the “some day” column of my life. But it’s a dream I don’t think I can give up on. If I don’t care or try, how can I expect others in my family to care. And then what will become of the family?
This time, the primary purpose was to say farewell to my aunt who was moving back to her native England. It was kind of a sad occasion. My daughter is quite close to my aunt. But, I suppose, in this day and age, distance is of lessening concern when you think that we can turn on a computer and talk via a web cam. Still, nothing beats seeing family in person.
I had already been thinking about it when my one cousin suggested having a cousins’ party once a year. It’s something we do with some irregularity with my wife’s family. It would be great to have that family closeness. It’s something I’ve always wanted and something that would be good for my daughter to get to know where she comes from.
It would be easy to have my cousins from my mother’s side get together every year. I wouldn’t even mind having it at my own home to have some traditional consistency. It seems that may be what it will take to continue the cousins’ party with my wife’s family. But for the cousins on my father’s side there is a singular problem.
My cousins from dad are scattered all over the country. Like me, they mostly come from modest means. Having a tradition where we all get together every year would be almost impossible, as well as a logistical nightmare. What I was thinking about for this side of the family that we have something about every other year or every five years and all get together in a central location.
It still may be problematic, though I would seriously consider it. Save up for it like a special vacation. I have some cousins on this side of the family that I have never met. Some I have not seen in years. And I worry that the distance, both geographical and emotional, will serve only to drive us further apart.
I want to be a part of my cousins’ lives. I want them to be a part of mine. I want to be able to look and see – to know – my family. As much of them as I can. Maybe it’s a dream I can place in the “some day” column of my life. But it’s a dream I don’t think I can give up on. If I don’t care or try, how can I expect others in my family to care. And then what will become of the family?
Friday, September 24, 2010
Traffic in New Jersey
Welcome to the State of Traffic. It’s like you can’t get anywhere in the State of New Jersey fast – or, sometimes, at all.
There are very few main highways that crisscross New Jersey. Sure we have the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike running north and south. We even have Interstates 287 and 295 that cut across west to east with a few smaller interstates. There are also a few state highways, county roads and back roads; but these are more for local traffic, are backed up with traffic and are hampered by speed restrictions and so many traffic lights you might as well be seeing green, yellow and red spots after so much driving.
Contrary to popular belief, New Jersey is not all cities. Most of it is actually very rural and open. In fact, with the exception of Camden and Trenton, almost all of New Jersey’s cities or metro areas are in the northeast part of the state. Even there traffic is terrible. But for the rest of us, there are very little pathways to access the state. Which is why traffic on what we have is so bad.
You would expect a state as populous as ours to have an adequate infrastructure. We should be able to get from one point of the state to any other with ease. That’s far from the truth. There are no direct routes, making any trip circuitous. And the roadways in service are decades old and in serious need of maintenance. And not the kind we see now where some workers get paid to sit by the side of the highway talking and drinking coffee.
It takes two to three times longer than it should to travel in the Garden State. Throw in when schools open, summertime or the Holiday Season and you have a recipe for a guaranteed parking lot in every thoroughfare. It’s time for serious solutions, but it will take more time, money and work than we may be willing to put into it. And I wouldn’t place my bets on the boys and girls in Trenton to do anything soon.
There are very few main highways that crisscross New Jersey. Sure we have the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike running north and south. We even have Interstates 287 and 295 that cut across west to east with a few smaller interstates. There are also a few state highways, county roads and back roads; but these are more for local traffic, are backed up with traffic and are hampered by speed restrictions and so many traffic lights you might as well be seeing green, yellow and red spots after so much driving.
Contrary to popular belief, New Jersey is not all cities. Most of it is actually very rural and open. In fact, with the exception of Camden and Trenton, almost all of New Jersey’s cities or metro areas are in the northeast part of the state. Even there traffic is terrible. But for the rest of us, there are very little pathways to access the state. Which is why traffic on what we have is so bad.
You would expect a state as populous as ours to have an adequate infrastructure. We should be able to get from one point of the state to any other with ease. That’s far from the truth. There are no direct routes, making any trip circuitous. And the roadways in service are decades old and in serious need of maintenance. And not the kind we see now where some workers get paid to sit by the side of the highway talking and drinking coffee.
It takes two to three times longer than it should to travel in the Garden State. Throw in when schools open, summertime or the Holiday Season and you have a recipe for a guaranteed parking lot in every thoroughfare. It’s time for serious solutions, but it will take more time, money and work than we may be willing to put into it. And I wouldn’t place my bets on the boys and girls in Trenton to do anything soon.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Nine Years Later
It’s 9-11 again. It seems to be the date everyone dreads. A solemn date that will live on like Pearl Harbor. In time, it may be relegated to the history books as just another event. For those of us who lived through it, it is more. Some of us lost loved ones. Some of us lost our sense of security.
I can remember where I was when the towers went down and what I was doing. It was kind of like what my mother described when she heard of the assassination of President Kennedy. I thought I was watching a strange movie. I had to proceed with my work day as if nothing was awry. I remember as I was at work I passed a recruiting station and gave serious consideration to stopping in and trying to join up. Never mind the fact that I had a girlfriend that I was considering proposing to and that I had unsuccessfully tried in the past to join the Navy. I just felt like I had to do something.
To say that the events of September 11, 2001 were terrible and heinous is an extreme understatement. We sent our men and women to do what they had to. Some never returned. Now, nine years later, what still bothers me – aside from some obvious unfinished business – is how much racism and bigotry has been born out of those events. Maybe they did not begin at that point, but those events gave the bigots a rationale for their beliefs.
It was a radical group that did these things. It would be most unfortunate if we profess to come together in unity as one nation and one people and ostracize a group because of skin color, religious or cultural differences or sexual orientation. If we cannot include everyone, we can never be one nation.
I can remember where I was when the towers went down and what I was doing. It was kind of like what my mother described when she heard of the assassination of President Kennedy. I thought I was watching a strange movie. I had to proceed with my work day as if nothing was awry. I remember as I was at work I passed a recruiting station and gave serious consideration to stopping in and trying to join up. Never mind the fact that I had a girlfriend that I was considering proposing to and that I had unsuccessfully tried in the past to join the Navy. I just felt like I had to do something.
To say that the events of September 11, 2001 were terrible and heinous is an extreme understatement. We sent our men and women to do what they had to. Some never returned. Now, nine years later, what still bothers me – aside from some obvious unfinished business – is how much racism and bigotry has been born out of those events. Maybe they did not begin at that point, but those events gave the bigots a rationale for their beliefs.
It was a radical group that did these things. It would be most unfortunate if we profess to come together in unity as one nation and one people and ostracize a group because of skin color, religious or cultural differences or sexual orientation. If we cannot include everyone, we can never be one nation.
Monday, April 19, 2010
California Eatin'
My company sent me to Southern California for two weeks for training. Of course, I have to eat while I’m out here. I wanted to try out the different places out here that I wouldn’t get to see or eat at when I got back east. So, I tried to stay away from places like McDonald’s and T.G.I. Friday’s (although, I’m planning on going to Friday’s tonight). Since I’ve only got three more days after today, I thought I would give my opinion on what I’ve tasted thus far. Besides, I know when I get back everyone will ask me about the food.
First there was Big B’s Barbeque in Fullerton, CA. The first night I was in California I ordered delivery from here. I got the BBQ Pork Sandwich with fries and some cans of soda. The sandwich was kind of small but really really good. They serve it with a pickle which, I think, is always a good accompaniment to BBQ. I liked it so much that I decided to go down to the restaurant on my fifth night. I thought it was a big sit-down restaurant. When I got there, though, it was like a small pizza shop. There were two small tables with two chairs a piece. There was a table that stretched the length of one wall with about four stools, but the kitchen was much bigger than the dining area. I had a BBQ beef sandwich that night. While the food was good, it was a place that was better to order take out or delivery from. You can check them out at http://www.bigbsbbq.com/.
Breakfast was served by the Marriott Residence Inn of Placentia. I had the raisin bran most mornings. That should tell you something when the choices included scrambled eggs, waffles, sausage and oatmeal. All staples. But, although one should never pass up a free meal, I wasn’t that thrilled with my breakfast options. In addition to the raisin bran, I also settle on one of the small muffins and, today, some bacon.
The first full day I broke down and ate lunch at the Wendy’s in Brea. It was close, within walking distance, and cheap. ‘Nuff said. This was my lunch of choice for a good portion of my trip.
That night was more delivery. I wasn’t up to heading out despite asking the group in my office who last went out to California for training. This time I got Ruby’s in Fullerton. I got their bacon cheeseburger. Let me say that, in most instances if there is a good burger to be had, it will be had by me. It was a good burger that came with fries and I ordered a side of buffalo chicken strips. What made the burger was the “Ruby Sauce”. It was kind of like thousand island dressing. I think I would eat there again. Checked them on the web and turns out it’s a diner set up like a classic 50’s place that looks pretty good. Look them up at http://www.rubys.com/.
The next night I tried what I heard was a California fast food icon, Jack-In-The-Box. Got the Homestyle Ranch Chicken sandwich. It was okay, but still fast food. It had the benefit of being cheap. http://www.jackinthebox.com/.
Day four. Everyone told me to visit this place. From people at the office to my cousin, Jeff. In-N-Out Burger. Went to the one in Placentia for lunch with the two other’s in my training class. This place is a franchise fast-food place, too. Sells basically two things: burgers and shakes. They must do pretty well, because they are all over! The burgers are very good and the shakes are thick. But, I guess I was hoping to have an epiphany of sorts when I took my first bite based on all the hype. The burgers are huge and dripping with tasty juices. Fries there are good, too. Would I eat there again? Definitely. But I guess I was expecting something extra-ordinary about the burgers. See them at http://www.in-n-out.com/.
That night I was glad that I had saved some cash on lunch. I tried Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ in Brea on East Imperial Highway, http://www.lucillesbbq.com/. I didn’t know that this was a chain restaurant at the time. When I got there it was packed! I had to wait thirty minutes for a seat for one! I’m glad I waited. The service was great and the people friendly. They had plenty of huge flat screen televisions with a multitude of games on, a must have for a steakhouse if you ask me. I ordered the smokehouse BBQ burger and a beer to wash it down. This burger was huge, too, just the way I like ‘em. I wish they had a location in Jersey. The outdoor seating would be awesome to take the wife on warm summer night.
Skipping to the weekend, I headed to Hollywood. No, I didn’t see any movie stars unless you count the ones on the Walk of Fame. After traipsing through Tinsel Town and before heading to see the gates of Paramount Studios and the La Brea Tar Pits, I settled down for a burger at Mel’s Drive-In. Just like Ruby’s, Mel’s was set up like a 50’s diner. Even had photos from movies like Diner and American Graffiti. It was just off the Hollywood Museum which I had visited earlier that day. There was a doorway connecting the two. It took a while for someone to notice that I wasn’t being helped, but once this waiter came over he made sure that I got what I needed. While I was waiting I had chance to see the specials placard on the table advertising the $12 burger (I wasn’t even given a menu when I got there). The burger came out fast piping hot. I got it with bacon. I think it was the lunch special of the “Famous Melburger”. It was 1/3 lb. burger with the bacon cooked inside the burger, topped with melted cheese (not a cold slice of cheese placed on top afterward – melted cheese!). Four locations in Northern Cali and four in Southern Cali. Wish they were in New Jersey. You can see them at http://www.melsdrive-in.com/.
That night I had dinner out at the Grill Boy in Fullerton. It was an odd bird. It looked like a small restaurant or diner from the outside. Inside it is set up like a fast-food joint. You belly up to the front counter and order from the menu boards up over the counter. They had a big list of choices. I ordered the chicken fajitas (had to have Mexican in Cali at least once) and after I paid, they give you a number to place at the end of your table. You can sit anywhere that’s free and they bring your food out to you. There were two waitresses who came around asking if everything was okay and clearing tables. The fajitas were good, especially the red, green and yellow peppers. Inexpensive, but was hoping for more. http://www.grillboy.com/.
Yesterday I took a trip to Santa Monica. Can you say EXPENSIVE? That’s the impression you get as soon as you enter the city. The food choices arranged from restaurants with open fronts and indoor and outdoor seating and hostesses who seem like sentinels waiting to tell you it will take forever for you to get a seat; or places like McDonald’s. Luckily I found a Hooter’s on a corner near the parking garage where I left my car. I’ve never been in one before and was pleasantly surprised. There were families there and HUGE TV’s with every game on at that time. I imagine all Hooter’s are the same, with the bar and tables around. The waitresses take your order and slide it across zip lines strung over head over the whole restaurant to the grill in the back. I got a buffalo chicken sandwich. This thing was a monster! Wasn’t dripping with buffalo sauce like I was hoping, but I was definitely not hungry anymore. If you don’t know how to find the website for this place, guys, I’d be shocked, but here it is just in case: http://www.hooters.com/.
That night I asked the front desk of the hotel for recommendations for a good place to eat. Didn’t want anything fancy and they recommended two places: T.G.I. Friday’s and Heroes Bar & Grill of Fullerton on West Santa Fe Ave. I was a little wary about this place for some reason. It wasn’t anything except jitters about spending another dinner out alone. This place is off the highway in a shopping area called Roco’s. It is the iconic family owned sports bar & grill. I wish this place was back home. My waiter was this big guy who looked like he was the bouncer. He had a fun and open attitude that was contagious. I wish I knew his name, because if you go I’d tell you to tip him big. He was that good. I got this burger called the Hero Burger. It was bigger than huge and wrapped in paper. It was topped with thousand island dressing which I loved! Of course, I had it with bacon on an onion roll and a huge pickle on the side. Plus, the games were on all over and the place was hopping! I loved it! The people all around were all having a great time and I wished I was with family or friends. Check this place out: http://heroesrestaurant.com/.
Being the end of my only weekend in California, I decided to stay out a little late. Went to Angel’s Sports Bar & Grill. Great place with a great bar. The bartender was actually from New York, so I got a little taste of home in addition to a few beers and a couple shots. Again, the games were on. There were two pool tables and I was wishing I had my friends with me. I’d love to play pool with Walter, Luis or Ryan. Nice little place in Anaheim that was tucked out of the way and I found with a query to my GPS. If you go, Lana is great and will take care of you. Tip her well and tip the bartender, too. She said she is only there for a few months more because she longs for the east coast. I’m with her. California is great, but Jersey is home.
Lastly, today I had lunch at Fatburgers on the advice of my instructor. It is a California franchise. They are all over and I went to the one in Brea. You get to pick your size of burger from small to XXXL. They even have a thing were they see if you can eat their “Triple King” burger. You get a certificate if you finish it and your pic on the wall. I am soo tempted. I may die of a coronary, but I will be stuffed and happy. It was a heaped with toppings including mayo on a toasted bun. They have to wrap it in paper to keep it from toppling over or falling apart before you can eat it. Established in 1952 and it keeps the feel of that era complete with the music. They can be found at http://www.fatburger.com/ and all over the country. They are even in Atlantic City! I am a Fatburger fan!
Now, after all this talk of food, I am going to go eat!
First there was Big B’s Barbeque in Fullerton, CA. The first night I was in California I ordered delivery from here. I got the BBQ Pork Sandwich with fries and some cans of soda. The sandwich was kind of small but really really good. They serve it with a pickle which, I think, is always a good accompaniment to BBQ. I liked it so much that I decided to go down to the restaurant on my fifth night. I thought it was a big sit-down restaurant. When I got there, though, it was like a small pizza shop. There were two small tables with two chairs a piece. There was a table that stretched the length of one wall with about four stools, but the kitchen was much bigger than the dining area. I had a BBQ beef sandwich that night. While the food was good, it was a place that was better to order take out or delivery from. You can check them out at http://www.bigbsbbq.com/.
Breakfast was served by the Marriott Residence Inn of Placentia. I had the raisin bran most mornings. That should tell you something when the choices included scrambled eggs, waffles, sausage and oatmeal. All staples. But, although one should never pass up a free meal, I wasn’t that thrilled with my breakfast options. In addition to the raisin bran, I also settle on one of the small muffins and, today, some bacon.
The first full day I broke down and ate lunch at the Wendy’s in Brea. It was close, within walking distance, and cheap. ‘Nuff said. This was my lunch of choice for a good portion of my trip.
That night was more delivery. I wasn’t up to heading out despite asking the group in my office who last went out to California for training. This time I got Ruby’s in Fullerton. I got their bacon cheeseburger. Let me say that, in most instances if there is a good burger to be had, it will be had by me. It was a good burger that came with fries and I ordered a side of buffalo chicken strips. What made the burger was the “Ruby Sauce”. It was kind of like thousand island dressing. I think I would eat there again. Checked them on the web and turns out it’s a diner set up like a classic 50’s place that looks pretty good. Look them up at http://www.rubys.com/.
The next night I tried what I heard was a California fast food icon, Jack-In-The-Box. Got the Homestyle Ranch Chicken sandwich. It was okay, but still fast food. It had the benefit of being cheap. http://www.jackinthebox.com/.
Day four. Everyone told me to visit this place. From people at the office to my cousin, Jeff. In-N-Out Burger. Went to the one in Placentia for lunch with the two other’s in my training class. This place is a franchise fast-food place, too. Sells basically two things: burgers and shakes. They must do pretty well, because they are all over! The burgers are very good and the shakes are thick. But, I guess I was hoping to have an epiphany of sorts when I took my first bite based on all the hype. The burgers are huge and dripping with tasty juices. Fries there are good, too. Would I eat there again? Definitely. But I guess I was expecting something extra-ordinary about the burgers. See them at http://www.in-n-out.com/.
That night I was glad that I had saved some cash on lunch. I tried Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ in Brea on East Imperial Highway, http://www.lucillesbbq.com/. I didn’t know that this was a chain restaurant at the time. When I got there it was packed! I had to wait thirty minutes for a seat for one! I’m glad I waited. The service was great and the people friendly. They had plenty of huge flat screen televisions with a multitude of games on, a must have for a steakhouse if you ask me. I ordered the smokehouse BBQ burger and a beer to wash it down. This burger was huge, too, just the way I like ‘em. I wish they had a location in Jersey. The outdoor seating would be awesome to take the wife on warm summer night.
Skipping to the weekend, I headed to Hollywood. No, I didn’t see any movie stars unless you count the ones on the Walk of Fame. After traipsing through Tinsel Town and before heading to see the gates of Paramount Studios and the La Brea Tar Pits, I settled down for a burger at Mel’s Drive-In. Just like Ruby’s, Mel’s was set up like a 50’s diner. Even had photos from movies like Diner and American Graffiti. It was just off the Hollywood Museum which I had visited earlier that day. There was a doorway connecting the two. It took a while for someone to notice that I wasn’t being helped, but once this waiter came over he made sure that I got what I needed. While I was waiting I had chance to see the specials placard on the table advertising the $12 burger (I wasn’t even given a menu when I got there). The burger came out fast piping hot. I got it with bacon. I think it was the lunch special of the “Famous Melburger”. It was 1/3 lb. burger with the bacon cooked inside the burger, topped with melted cheese (not a cold slice of cheese placed on top afterward – melted cheese!). Four locations in Northern Cali and four in Southern Cali. Wish they were in New Jersey. You can see them at http://www.melsdrive-in.com/.
That night I had dinner out at the Grill Boy in Fullerton. It was an odd bird. It looked like a small restaurant or diner from the outside. Inside it is set up like a fast-food joint. You belly up to the front counter and order from the menu boards up over the counter. They had a big list of choices. I ordered the chicken fajitas (had to have Mexican in Cali at least once) and after I paid, they give you a number to place at the end of your table. You can sit anywhere that’s free and they bring your food out to you. There were two waitresses who came around asking if everything was okay and clearing tables. The fajitas were good, especially the red, green and yellow peppers. Inexpensive, but was hoping for more. http://www.grillboy.com/.
Yesterday I took a trip to Santa Monica. Can you say EXPENSIVE? That’s the impression you get as soon as you enter the city. The food choices arranged from restaurants with open fronts and indoor and outdoor seating and hostesses who seem like sentinels waiting to tell you it will take forever for you to get a seat; or places like McDonald’s. Luckily I found a Hooter’s on a corner near the parking garage where I left my car. I’ve never been in one before and was pleasantly surprised. There were families there and HUGE TV’s with every game on at that time. I imagine all Hooter’s are the same, with the bar and tables around. The waitresses take your order and slide it across zip lines strung over head over the whole restaurant to the grill in the back. I got a buffalo chicken sandwich. This thing was a monster! Wasn’t dripping with buffalo sauce like I was hoping, but I was definitely not hungry anymore. If you don’t know how to find the website for this place, guys, I’d be shocked, but here it is just in case: http://www.hooters.com/.
That night I asked the front desk of the hotel for recommendations for a good place to eat. Didn’t want anything fancy and they recommended two places: T.G.I. Friday’s and Heroes Bar & Grill of Fullerton on West Santa Fe Ave. I was a little wary about this place for some reason. It wasn’t anything except jitters about spending another dinner out alone. This place is off the highway in a shopping area called Roco’s. It is the iconic family owned sports bar & grill. I wish this place was back home. My waiter was this big guy who looked like he was the bouncer. He had a fun and open attitude that was contagious. I wish I knew his name, because if you go I’d tell you to tip him big. He was that good. I got this burger called the Hero Burger. It was bigger than huge and wrapped in paper. It was topped with thousand island dressing which I loved! Of course, I had it with bacon on an onion roll and a huge pickle on the side. Plus, the games were on all over and the place was hopping! I loved it! The people all around were all having a great time and I wished I was with family or friends. Check this place out: http://heroesrestaurant.com/.
Being the end of my only weekend in California, I decided to stay out a little late. Went to Angel’s Sports Bar & Grill. Great place with a great bar. The bartender was actually from New York, so I got a little taste of home in addition to a few beers and a couple shots. Again, the games were on. There were two pool tables and I was wishing I had my friends with me. I’d love to play pool with Walter, Luis or Ryan. Nice little place in Anaheim that was tucked out of the way and I found with a query to my GPS. If you go, Lana is great and will take care of you. Tip her well and tip the bartender, too. She said she is only there for a few months more because she longs for the east coast. I’m with her. California is great, but Jersey is home.
Lastly, today I had lunch at Fatburgers on the advice of my instructor. It is a California franchise. They are all over and I went to the one in Brea. You get to pick your size of burger from small to XXXL. They even have a thing were they see if you can eat their “Triple King” burger. You get a certificate if you finish it and your pic on the wall. I am soo tempted. I may die of a coronary, but I will be stuffed and happy. It was a heaped with toppings including mayo on a toasted bun. They have to wrap it in paper to keep it from toppling over or falling apart before you can eat it. Established in 1952 and it keeps the feel of that era complete with the music. They can be found at http://www.fatburger.com/ and all over the country. They are even in Atlantic City! I am a Fatburger fan!
Now, after all this talk of food, I am going to go eat!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Booting Up the In-Laws
It finally happened. My in-laws finally got their first computer. And they entrusted me with helping them choose the one that was right for them.
This happened several weeks ago. Took my father-in-law down to the store and showed him several models, including the one I thought would be best for him. I let him play with it a bit, something I think is important as he would be the one who would have to work and live with it for the length of its life. We decided a laptop would be best for them and he seemed to take to the track pad well.
To say that my in-laws are computer illiterate is an understatement. They would be the first to agree. I think my father-in-law has difficulty with most pieces of technology. But that’s okay. He comes to me to explain things as best as I can or, at least, set it all up so that it works.
I felt real good when he asked me to hook him up with the computer. I understood that it was still a large responsibility. Not just that I was placing my still budding rep on the line, but because we do so much on our computers, I could cause some real problems choosing the wrong equipment and setting it up incorrectly. Not to mention the money they put down.
What made me feel even better was when I was talking to the sales rep about what I wanted to set him up with, my father-in-law said that it sounded like we were speaking in a foreign language. He said he was impressed by the fact that I kept pace with the sales guy and in no time we had the computer, router, anti-virus software and a system back-up.
And that wasn’t the end of it! I explained as best I could how to order the broadband connection from his cable company. Then the first weekend I could get down there, I set up his email accounts. Was going to set up some other systems for him, but he had to tear me away so that I could enjoy myself a little.
Still, whenever they have a question or a problem, I’m the one they call. I’ve helped them through a few rough patches and, when I couldn’t, pointed them in the right direction. Maybe there is something to this computer thing for me after all. I really enjoy it. I hope that I’ve been of some help. Maybe they will recommend me to others. I know I’m ready and willing to help when I can. Makes me feel like I have contributed to someone’s education, productivity, and entertainment.
This happened several weeks ago. Took my father-in-law down to the store and showed him several models, including the one I thought would be best for him. I let him play with it a bit, something I think is important as he would be the one who would have to work and live with it for the length of its life. We decided a laptop would be best for them and he seemed to take to the track pad well.
To say that my in-laws are computer illiterate is an understatement. They would be the first to agree. I think my father-in-law has difficulty with most pieces of technology. But that’s okay. He comes to me to explain things as best as I can or, at least, set it all up so that it works.
I felt real good when he asked me to hook him up with the computer. I understood that it was still a large responsibility. Not just that I was placing my still budding rep on the line, but because we do so much on our computers, I could cause some real problems choosing the wrong equipment and setting it up incorrectly. Not to mention the money they put down.
What made me feel even better was when I was talking to the sales rep about what I wanted to set him up with, my father-in-law said that it sounded like we were speaking in a foreign language. He said he was impressed by the fact that I kept pace with the sales guy and in no time we had the computer, router, anti-virus software and a system back-up.
And that wasn’t the end of it! I explained as best I could how to order the broadband connection from his cable company. Then the first weekend I could get down there, I set up his email accounts. Was going to set up some other systems for him, but he had to tear me away so that I could enjoy myself a little.
Still, whenever they have a question or a problem, I’m the one they call. I’ve helped them through a few rough patches and, when I couldn’t, pointed them in the right direction. Maybe there is something to this computer thing for me after all. I really enjoy it. I hope that I’ve been of some help. Maybe they will recommend me to others. I know I’m ready and willing to help when I can. Makes me feel like I have contributed to someone’s education, productivity, and entertainment.
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