The only thing that people might love more than gorging themselves on their favorite foods is probably fad diets. For about two weeks every year, someone you know or maybe even yourself tries the latest crackpot diet plan that they saw on tv or found on the internet. While most of these things are harmless efforts to motivate yourself, sometimes they can crossover into misplaced concepts of how to live a healthier lifestyle. The only way to truly become healthier and lose weight over time is to cut back and eat better products. I'm not going to give a sermon on Weight Watchers today or genuflect on personal stories. I just want to pass along a few things that you can change immediately in your daily plan without much stress.
We are all busy people these days and at least once a week you're either not home for dinner/lunch or you're too tired to make it happen. I've found that the healthiest option for me in that case (other than the hated Subway) is Chipotle. I know all the horror stories about fat content and blah blah blah. Stepping in the door is only the start, then you need to know what you're getting. Go with either the salad, burrito bowl, or fajita burrito. All these options cut out the beans which are riddled with fat. Choose whatever meat you like, get the pico de gallo because it is fresh vegetables (even if you don't like it, it really doesn't change the taste), load up on lettuce as well, pick your flavorful salsa, then choose either the sour cream or cheese, but not both. Two things you can do to lighten up the burrito is ask for a much smaller portion of rice and tear off unnecessary tortilla parts as you eat. Now the eating out is covered. Sushi is another great option for eating out in a healthy manner, but that is a little more personal.
Now let's tackle grocery shopping. Just stop buying fryer items, fried items, and things from the freezer section. Convenience foods are all bad for you. We all need some snacks so stick to baked chips/tostitos, reduced fat crackers, and fat free pretzels. Check out the granola bar sections for high fiber bars that curb your hunger longer. Another huge cutback can be made in your sandwich choices by getting the 80 to 100 calorie light buns or the sandwich thins. Always stick with low fat cheese options and try to have light string cheese on hand for snacks. If you like the prepackaged salad chicken or other convenience items even like lunchmeat, try buying fresh meat and cooking it yourself on Sunday for the coming week. It will save you money, produce more food, and generally taste better. Pete, how can I live with all this low fat garbage and survive over the long haul? Season your frickin food is how. A well seasoned grilled piece of chicken is better than a fried hunk. Slow roasted, well seasoned meats are way better than prepackaged stuff as well. If you're busy, use your crock pot. Try using ground turkey instead of ground beef in tacos just once and see if you even notice. All of these suggestions may sound like a lot at once, but they really won't change the satisfaction you get from these foods.
My final point about cutting back and getting healthier is probably the toughest. You have to come to terms with the fact that you're probably going to spend more on groceries. Here's the upside: less money on doctor bills, fad diet plans, and insurance rates. Remember the old food diagram from grade school? Well that thing is serious. Besides cutting back on some fats and raising your fiber level, the biggest daily food issue is getting all of your water, five servings of fruit/veg, two dairies, and the necessary amount of protein. Start your day with at least two fruits during breakfast or at the midday snack. Try to get something by way of veg or fruit and a dairy during lunch. Now all you have to do is wrap things up at dinner time. Your second protein should be either breakfast or lunch depending on when you think you need it. Hopefully these ideas will help you create a healthier overall lifestyle and give you food for thought the next time you grab a bite out or get your weekly groceries. If anyone else has a thought or idea that works for them, please add it in the comment section. If you really feel like all of this is too much to tackle alone, then maybe signing on to Weight Watchers will be the right answer for you.
Restaurant Recap
I know full well that this selection will appeal to about 10% of the readership, but I have to put a plug in for Matsuri near the train station in downtown Geneva. This place is literally mom and pop as the husband and wife combo stand behind the sushi bar using the freshest ingredients to create your dishes one by one. The warm appetizers like shumai and gyoza are a great way to start the night, then the wide selection of rolls are all great. Personal favorities include the crazy roll with three types of fish, the baked eel rolls, and the spider roll with soft shell crab. You really can't go wrong with any of your favorites, and I encourage any first timers to give this place a shot. I popped my sushi cherry at this place last year and now I can't get enough. You can trust that they only use the freshest fish and take pride in everything they do. It doesn't hurt that two doors down you can hit a little fresh popcorn stand that cranks out stuff just as good as Garrett's in downtown Chicago.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Fine Line Between Selling and Selling Out
One of the biggest musical debates over the past thirty years or so has to be the old "they sold out" declarations. The hardcore hippies don't like it when their band plays a venue larger than 1,000 or produces an album that makes enough money to pay for anything other than weed and alfalfa sprouts. There is definitely a fine line between becoming a relevant band and being quoted by fourteen year old girls. My opinion is that if you truly appreciate your band's music, you would want others to share in your enjoyment. I like when I see a teenager playing some old Pearl Jam or singing along to Blue Oyster Cult even.
People all too often want to tell you that you "should" be listening to a certain band. It's almost like a hip thing to do. Not necessarily because they like the music, but more like it is the trend. Tell me why it is good music. Do they have a nice tempo? Are the lyrics well written? How is this music worth listening to over what I already have? Fans are one thing, but the bands themselves are another. I like U2, hell I'm going to see them in four days, but Bono needs to go pound sand about how important he is. You're not the male version of Oprah! What happened to the meaningful lyrics of the Joshua Tree or the Unforgettable Fire? Some friends and I had a similar debate this weekend over Radiohead. Personally, I wonder if Radiohead isn't just a production of their own hype at this point. They had such epic tunes in the late nineties, but then Thom Yorke decided that turning into Liam Gallagher was more of a priority. You're not bigger than the music my friend. Ask Richard Ashcroft how that sort of crap works when he decided to blow up The Verve when they were just becoming relevant. I'm kind of off on a tangent at this point, but I think that good music is good music no matter how many records you sell. I think that you can make a more radio friendly record that still has important lyrics and good sound, and I don't think that growing beards and failing to bathe makes you an important band even if you think you're great.
Digital Ditty
With this week's topic in mind, I'll throw a newer band at all of you that I think will be important in the coming years. The Airbourne Toxic Event has a very new sound that is almost like melodic spoken word. The tunes grow throughout each song almost like a small story. I also guarantee that they'll be stuck in your head after a mere few listens. So be sure to jump on the bandwagon now because if you don't like them until their next album, you'll be a poser and they'll be sellouts and this whole thing will collapse like the White House in Independence Day. Jump on iTunes or your favorite downloading agent to snag Wishing Well and Sometime Around Midnight. It's a nice pair to get your introduced to a new sound.
People all too often want to tell you that you "should" be listening to a certain band. It's almost like a hip thing to do. Not necessarily because they like the music, but more like it is the trend. Tell me why it is good music. Do they have a nice tempo? Are the lyrics well written? How is this music worth listening to over what I already have? Fans are one thing, but the bands themselves are another. I like U2, hell I'm going to see them in four days, but Bono needs to go pound sand about how important he is. You're not the male version of Oprah! What happened to the meaningful lyrics of the Joshua Tree or the Unforgettable Fire? Some friends and I had a similar debate this weekend over Radiohead. Personally, I wonder if Radiohead isn't just a production of their own hype at this point. They had such epic tunes in the late nineties, but then Thom Yorke decided that turning into Liam Gallagher was more of a priority. You're not bigger than the music my friend. Ask Richard Ashcroft how that sort of crap works when he decided to blow up The Verve when they were just becoming relevant. I'm kind of off on a tangent at this point, but I think that good music is good music no matter how many records you sell. I think that you can make a more radio friendly record that still has important lyrics and good sound, and I don't think that growing beards and failing to bathe makes you an important band even if you think you're great.
Digital Ditty
With this week's topic in mind, I'll throw a newer band at all of you that I think will be important in the coming years. The Airbourne Toxic Event has a very new sound that is almost like melodic spoken word. The tunes grow throughout each song almost like a small story. I also guarantee that they'll be stuck in your head after a mere few listens. So be sure to jump on the bandwagon now because if you don't like them until their next album, you'll be a poser and they'll be sellouts and this whole thing will collapse like the White House in Independence Day. Jump on iTunes or your favorite downloading agent to snag Wishing Well and Sometime Around Midnight. It's a nice pair to get your introduced to a new sound.
Football Returns
How great was this weekend with the return of college football and for many more their fantasy football draft? I'm ready for the professionals to get the action started in a few days, but hope springs eternal for many in the college ranks. USC's ground game was quite impressive, but they are not national championship quality with a frosh at QB. Oklahoma's season ended before it got out of the starting blocks. BYU has a legit chance to crash not only the BCS but the national title game. You'd have to think that an undefeated Mormon crew puts up a better resume than the Fighting Paternos if both go undefeated. The Big Ten sucked out loud this past weekend. Northern Iowa and Syracuse both deserved wins, and OSU faced a big scare. Purdue started better than expected as did the Michigan offense. Indiana is absolutely abysmal and had two opportunities to lose at home against Eastern Kentucky. Another long year for those of us in the Midwest. Notre Dame showed that with their schedule they are a legitimate threat to make a BCS run. Their defense will determine whether they'll make a run at the title because the offense will fulfill their end of the bargain. Am I the only guy that thinks of Jimmy from Seinfeld when people talk about Jimmy Clausen? He seems like he would refer to himself in the third person. Jimmy had a good game, Jimmy's goin out, Don't touch Jimmy's hair, Jimmy's gettin angry! Florida should go largely untested to the national title game, and right now I say their matchup is likely from a group of Texas, Penn St, BYU, and Notre Dame based on talent and schedule.
The NFL boys are getting set to kick the ball off in mere days. Nothing has really happened yet, but I'll throw around random predictions. The Rams, Lions, Bucs, Chiefs, Broncos, Raiders, Browns, Bills, and Redskins will be awful. I say that none of these teams win more than 6 games. The race is on now for the chance to not draft Sam Bradford since he's now injured. I don't disagree with Adam Schefter's prediction tonight that Aaron Rodgers wins the MVP. He absolutely could do just that and put up crazy numbers. He'll get a run from Drew Brees though. I think you'll see the Colts and Patriots struggle a bit this year, but the Pats probably win the East. The two rookie quarterbacks will have success at times, but be primed to be team leaders next season. Speaking of Adam Schefter, I bet someone wishes he was still the big fish in the small pond on NFL Network. They found a new beat writer that wears glasses to do everything that he did for them and now he's just a lost puppy behind Mort and Clayton. I think the AFC ends up being the Pats, Steelers, Chargers, and Texans along with the Ravens and Colts. The NFC will fill out with the Giants, Packers, Cardinals, Falcons, Saints, and Vikings. I say the Chargers beat the Ravens and Saints beat the Packers in the title games with the Chargers winning it all. Basically I'm saying the defense wins championships moniker takes a one year hiatus.
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Well most people are fresh off their respective drafts, and most people love their new players but others need some roster help. Here are some guys that should be owned in your league: James Davis, Michael Bush, Peyton Hillis, Mark Sanchez, Dustin Keller, Matt Stafford, Kenny Britt, Steve Smith (Giants), Cadillac Williams, Kevin Boss, Tony Sheffler, and the Jets Defense with Rex Ryan. Some guys will already be owned, but others are not. Mike Bell will not solve your problems even if you're a Pierre Thomas owner. Stick with guys that are talented, not overachievers. Wes Welker is the anamoly, not the rule. Feel free to hit me up all season with questions about potential trades, roster help, start em/sit em, and waiver wire pickups. One last piece of advice: you should be doing two things every week if you're serious about fantasy football or football in general, read Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback on Sports Illustrated and frequent Rotoworld. I'm not a paid endorser, but those guys know their stuff. Another one...listen to guys that cover the NFL, not so called "fantasy" gurus.
The NFL boys are getting set to kick the ball off in mere days. Nothing has really happened yet, but I'll throw around random predictions. The Rams, Lions, Bucs, Chiefs, Broncos, Raiders, Browns, Bills, and Redskins will be awful. I say that none of these teams win more than 6 games. The race is on now for the chance to not draft Sam Bradford since he's now injured. I don't disagree with Adam Schefter's prediction tonight that Aaron Rodgers wins the MVP. He absolutely could do just that and put up crazy numbers. He'll get a run from Drew Brees though. I think you'll see the Colts and Patriots struggle a bit this year, but the Pats probably win the East. The two rookie quarterbacks will have success at times, but be primed to be team leaders next season. Speaking of Adam Schefter, I bet someone wishes he was still the big fish in the small pond on NFL Network. They found a new beat writer that wears glasses to do everything that he did for them and now he's just a lost puppy behind Mort and Clayton. I think the AFC ends up being the Pats, Steelers, Chargers, and Texans along with the Ravens and Colts. The NFC will fill out with the Giants, Packers, Cardinals, Falcons, Saints, and Vikings. I say the Chargers beat the Ravens and Saints beat the Packers in the title games with the Chargers winning it all. Basically I'm saying the defense wins championships moniker takes a one year hiatus.
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Well most people are fresh off their respective drafts, and most people love their new players but others need some roster help. Here are some guys that should be owned in your league: James Davis, Michael Bush, Peyton Hillis, Mark Sanchez, Dustin Keller, Matt Stafford, Kenny Britt, Steve Smith (Giants), Cadillac Williams, Kevin Boss, Tony Sheffler, and the Jets Defense with Rex Ryan. Some guys will already be owned, but others are not. Mike Bell will not solve your problems even if you're a Pierre Thomas owner. Stick with guys that are talented, not overachievers. Wes Welker is the anamoly, not the rule. Feel free to hit me up all season with questions about potential trades, roster help, start em/sit em, and waiver wire pickups. One last piece of advice: you should be doing two things every week if you're serious about fantasy football or football in general, read Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback on Sports Illustrated and frequent Rotoworld. I'm not a paid endorser, but those guys know their stuff. Another one...listen to guys that cover the NFL, not so called "fantasy" gurus.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Deep Thoughts by Pete Helland
I've decided that the reason men put off getting haircuts until they can't stand it any longer is solely due to the fact that creating 8 minutes of small talk with a formerly pregnant teenager who currently has multiple baby daddies is equal to a root canal.
If everybody was working for the weekend, the weekend would have a pretty large payroll.
I am always confused as to why young celebrities hate that paparazzi so much. They need to appreciate where they came from. I bet River Phoenix wishes that TMZ followed his ass around. Maybe that creepy photog will save your life Mischa.
Why do we need so many flavors of gum?
I'm still waiting to meet the guy or girl who just says point blank that their property and stocks aren't worth crap now during the recession. It would be quite a refreshing counterpoint to the "you know my neighborhood is really stable and my stocks have held their value." I guess I didn't know that they bought their stocks in 1986. I look for slightly better return over a 23 year period than holding its value.
Keyboards on cell phones is yet another way of us giving up on ourselves. Why not push these kids to become pro-typists on the old 9 keys? It's not like there is a job waiting for them.
How many years of digital photo backlog is appropriate before actually printing a new picture?
I wish that posters were appropriate adult home decoration. I think it is the blue sticky tack that makes this taboo.
I'm glad I never put investment money into astroturf.
Who else thinks that owners of Mazda Miatas should be forced to dress in drag when behind the wheel?
Cheers to me for making it almost 28 years on this earth without having to poop while in the middle of the lake on a fishing trip. One of life's little discussed fears. I've always wondered what happens next, but I haven't wondered enough to actually test the theory.
Does anybody else feel like the tooth fairy comes back when you're an adult and takes back her money? I have no other way of explaining how I burn through cash so quickly.
I bet if you gave one of those sticky hands from the vending machines outside of Pizza Hut to an 8 year old in 2009 they would probably just punch you in the nuts. Or they'd ask you how you turn it on. Ahh the bright American future.
Do you think anyone named their kid Carl Bob Danny Frank in honor of George Carlin?
I feel like the odds are slim that someone from my generation will do something worthy of creating a new holiday. That should be a goal. It's been awhile.
Meat sandwiches should be an acceptable snack. Granola bars are so 1980s.
If the people at Jell-O bring back the pudding pops and gelatin pops that Bill Cosby used to sell, I will give them the deed to my house.
Whoever came up with the concept of furniture that you have to take home and build is not welcome at my dinner table.
Don't worry. You're not alone. None of us recycle when we're home by ourselves. It is an unwritten rule.
I feel like people that say something is a great idea, but they don't want to participate in that activity; must have really low standards for the word great.
Sometimes I like to take a moment to appreciate how versatile lunch is. I can have breakfast. I can eat a big meal or maybe just a salad. Thank you lunch for not judging me.
With that, have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend. If you need me to give you weekend suggestions over the holiday, then my advice would be to call some friends and family soon to make sure they know you're still alive.
If everybody was working for the weekend, the weekend would have a pretty large payroll.
I am always confused as to why young celebrities hate that paparazzi so much. They need to appreciate where they came from. I bet River Phoenix wishes that TMZ followed his ass around. Maybe that creepy photog will save your life Mischa.
Why do we need so many flavors of gum?
I'm still waiting to meet the guy or girl who just says point blank that their property and stocks aren't worth crap now during the recession. It would be quite a refreshing counterpoint to the "you know my neighborhood is really stable and my stocks have held their value." I guess I didn't know that they bought their stocks in 1986. I look for slightly better return over a 23 year period than holding its value.
Keyboards on cell phones is yet another way of us giving up on ourselves. Why not push these kids to become pro-typists on the old 9 keys? It's not like there is a job waiting for them.
How many years of digital photo backlog is appropriate before actually printing a new picture?
I wish that posters were appropriate adult home decoration. I think it is the blue sticky tack that makes this taboo.
I'm glad I never put investment money into astroturf.
Who else thinks that owners of Mazda Miatas should be forced to dress in drag when behind the wheel?
Cheers to me for making it almost 28 years on this earth without having to poop while in the middle of the lake on a fishing trip. One of life's little discussed fears. I've always wondered what happens next, but I haven't wondered enough to actually test the theory.
Does anybody else feel like the tooth fairy comes back when you're an adult and takes back her money? I have no other way of explaining how I burn through cash so quickly.
I bet if you gave one of those sticky hands from the vending machines outside of Pizza Hut to an 8 year old in 2009 they would probably just punch you in the nuts. Or they'd ask you how you turn it on. Ahh the bright American future.
Do you think anyone named their kid Carl Bob Danny Frank in honor of George Carlin?
I feel like the odds are slim that someone from my generation will do something worthy of creating a new holiday. That should be a goal. It's been awhile.
Meat sandwiches should be an acceptable snack. Granola bars are so 1980s.
If the people at Jell-O bring back the pudding pops and gelatin pops that Bill Cosby used to sell, I will give them the deed to my house.
Whoever came up with the concept of furniture that you have to take home and build is not welcome at my dinner table.
Don't worry. You're not alone. None of us recycle when we're home by ourselves. It is an unwritten rule.
I feel like people that say something is a great idea, but they don't want to participate in that activity; must have really low standards for the word great.
Sometimes I like to take a moment to appreciate how versatile lunch is. I can have breakfast. I can eat a big meal or maybe just a salad. Thank you lunch for not judging me.
With that, have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend. If you need me to give you weekend suggestions over the holiday, then my advice would be to call some friends and family soon to make sure they know you're still alive.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Pay Less Property Taxes
If we can get serious for a minute here during the current financial crisis, one way to give your budget a shot in the arm is to pay less property tax to the government, charlie, uncle sam, and the like. I'm not trying to use this forum to solicit my services as I feel that any educated person can handle their assessment appeal on their own. The way to pay less property tax is to first make sure that you are paying too much. You probably are by default. If the assessment of your home multiplied by 3 is more than you think your house is worth, then you're paying too high of taxes.
You better make damn well sure that they're too high because if they're low and you're wrong, you'll end up with higher taxes. Don't appeal your assessment if you've made any additions or substantial renovations to your home. If the government doesn't know, don't let them find out. Most of these assessments were done well over ten years ago and since that time they just multiply them upward every season. Usually that works, but if you haven't noticed yet, property values aren't exactly climbing.
All you need to appeal your assessment is fill out the required form and prove why it is too high. You don't need a lawyer, nor do you really need an appraiser. That makes things easier, but it doesn't make sense to pay $350 unless you're going to save more than that. All you need is someone with access to MLS or time to head down to your local county/township assessor and sort through the files. You'll need a few sales over the past year or so that prove your house is worth less. Try to focus on sales with similar parking, bedrooms, bathrooms, and other key ingredients like lot size and home size. You'll want to throw in a few current listings as well because those things are dropping faster than Brett Favre's career passer rating. Now just take this data to the assessor and explain your argument. It is as simple as that. Good luck.
Ode to Nader
With all the money that you've saved from your tax appeal, why not treat your home to a new television. Prices are currently bottoming out at the start of football season. There is inventory to be cleared for the holiday season, so hit up your local discount store and make a deal happen. Samsung HDTVs are the absolute way to go. I've got one, my friends have Samsung, and even my neighbor went with Samsung. Personally, I steer clear of LCD. I am a fan of the plasma. I like the sharper colors and contrast. The best way to buy an HDTV is to see the thing in action, so don't buy online or without a sample on the floor. The new LED televisions look pretty sharp and they are very slim. These features come with a price tag. Try to get the newest version you can within your budget. Technology is constantly changing. I would suggest a 1080P at this point unless you're looking at a second television solely for cable or satellite use, then 720P would suffice.
You better make damn well sure that they're too high because if they're low and you're wrong, you'll end up with higher taxes. Don't appeal your assessment if you've made any additions or substantial renovations to your home. If the government doesn't know, don't let them find out. Most of these assessments were done well over ten years ago and since that time they just multiply them upward every season. Usually that works, but if you haven't noticed yet, property values aren't exactly climbing.
All you need to appeal your assessment is fill out the required form and prove why it is too high. You don't need a lawyer, nor do you really need an appraiser. That makes things easier, but it doesn't make sense to pay $350 unless you're going to save more than that. All you need is someone with access to MLS or time to head down to your local county/township assessor and sort through the files. You'll need a few sales over the past year or so that prove your house is worth less. Try to focus on sales with similar parking, bedrooms, bathrooms, and other key ingredients like lot size and home size. You'll want to throw in a few current listings as well because those things are dropping faster than Brett Favre's career passer rating. Now just take this data to the assessor and explain your argument. It is as simple as that. Good luck.
Ode to Nader
With all the money that you've saved from your tax appeal, why not treat your home to a new television. Prices are currently bottoming out at the start of football season. There is inventory to be cleared for the holiday season, so hit up your local discount store and make a deal happen. Samsung HDTVs are the absolute way to go. I've got one, my friends have Samsung, and even my neighbor went with Samsung. Personally, I steer clear of LCD. I am a fan of the plasma. I like the sharper colors and contrast. The best way to buy an HDTV is to see the thing in action, so don't buy online or without a sample on the floor. The new LED televisions look pretty sharp and they are very slim. These features come with a price tag. Try to get the newest version you can within your budget. Technology is constantly changing. I would suggest a 1080P at this point unless you're looking at a second television solely for cable or satellite use, then 720P would suffice.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Know Your Cuts of Meat
I'm going to steal a Letterman segment for this week's food topic. Nothing can save you more money at the grocery store than knowing your cuts of meat and what to do with them. The key is not just knowing what types of meat to use, but what the purpose of the meat is within the dish that you are preparing. Not all meats are created equal. The old 10 pounds of feathers weighs more than an 8 pound brick doesn't carry over to purchasing proteins. A one pound T-Bone steak is much less meat than a one pound Sirloin. The meat quality is just as good and the lack of fat and bone means that you're actually getting a pound of beef. That doesn't mean that I don't purchase meat on the bone, it just means that you need to be aware of what you're buying.
Let's start with our bovine friends. The new "in" cut of beef is flank steak. I was at the grocery store the other day and this cut cost as much as sirloin steaks and almost as much as NY strip. It is a glorified flat roast. You have to carefully cook this meat and cut it correctly or you might as well eat the hooves. The same principle applies to paying $17/lb for filet mignon. At that point, go all in and get the T-Bone or Porterhouse for $12/lb. Sirloin is a great substitute for steak eaters in each instance, but NY and Ribeye will also work when on sale. If you're going to make hamburgers, just buy the 80/20. It will make a better burger and it is cheaper. No one wants chopped sirloin burgers (aka hockey pucks). Skirt steaks are great for all Mexican cuisine since you don't need as much meat with all the other trimmings. You can get two cuts for less than 1/2 pound, which will easily feed two. When shopping for a roast, always get a chuck roast. Those eye roasts and butt roasts will dry out every time unless your name is Emeril. No one wants to be the one to break out the salt shaker and ketchup when you serve them roast, so don't give them a reason to.
That glorious animal sometimes known as Wilbur has fewer cuts, but many uses. Your cheap and tasty friend is the Boston Butt. You can go with or without bones and this piece of meat will make the best pulled pork or carnitas that you could imagine. Season this thing well. You should have plenty of money left for seasoning as this cut is usually less than $2/lb. If the grocery store is having a sale on those thick boneless chops, get a few then slice them yourself for sandwiches. A center cut pork chop is worth every penny by the way. If you like T-Bones, save some cash and treat yourself to the pale pink T-bone. If you like Italian veal dishes but don't want to drop nearly $20/lb, slice your boneless chops thin, then pound them flat. You won't notice the difference when you use pork.
Chicken is pretty much chicken. All I can say is that you should all try the wonderful world of boneless skinless thighs. They have much more flavor and you can trim off any excess fat. These are especially good when grilled with Mexican spices for tacos or burritos. Other than that, try to purchase whole chickens on the cheap and dispatch them yourself.
On a side note, if you love pot roast and other homestyle dishes when the weather gets cooler, then you need to snag some lamb shanks or veal shanks sometime this fall. They take pot roast to a whole new level. We'll have a recipe sometime this fall for a nice Osso Buco. If you're really adventurous, head down to the butcher shop for pork neckbones to create an old world Italian sauce. Hopefully these hints will help when you find yourself hanging out at the butcher counter this weekend wondering what to cook. Due to the travel, we weren't cooking this weekend so there are no new recipes to share. Something will be ready next week for tailgate season after the Labor Day relaxation.
Restaurant Recap
If you don't feel like cooking for yourself this holiday weekend, then take the time to make the trip to Crest Hill/Joliet on Theodore Street and get into Merichka's. You'll know it when you see it, just off I-55 and Larkin is a wonderous old school restaurant. I'm sure they have some great dishes, and you can see the fresh cut steaks in the cooler as you wait, but all you need to know is how to order a poorboy and onion rings. You haven't had this type of sandwich before. A few of you were lucky enough last football season to have me prepare a similar version for tailgating, but nobody does it better than these guys. You start with a huge cut of tenderized sirloin, put it on garlic bread, then you have your choice of cheese and grilled onions. I just go for the steak on bread because it is already perfect. Personally, I order light butterine because they full monty is just coated in garlic butter. You absolutely need to pair this sandwich with onion rings for the full experience. They are the best onion rings that I can find in the tri-state area. So go down to an old neighborhood and experience real food amongst the older crowd. If you think I'm just messing around, we drove there two Fridays ago after work in a rainstorm. Sometimes these sandwiches just call your name.
Let's start with our bovine friends. The new "in" cut of beef is flank steak. I was at the grocery store the other day and this cut cost as much as sirloin steaks and almost as much as NY strip. It is a glorified flat roast. You have to carefully cook this meat and cut it correctly or you might as well eat the hooves. The same principle applies to paying $17/lb for filet mignon. At that point, go all in and get the T-Bone or Porterhouse for $12/lb. Sirloin is a great substitute for steak eaters in each instance, but NY and Ribeye will also work when on sale. If you're going to make hamburgers, just buy the 80/20. It will make a better burger and it is cheaper. No one wants chopped sirloin burgers (aka hockey pucks). Skirt steaks are great for all Mexican cuisine since you don't need as much meat with all the other trimmings. You can get two cuts for less than 1/2 pound, which will easily feed two. When shopping for a roast, always get a chuck roast. Those eye roasts and butt roasts will dry out every time unless your name is Emeril. No one wants to be the one to break out the salt shaker and ketchup when you serve them roast, so don't give them a reason to.
That glorious animal sometimes known as Wilbur has fewer cuts, but many uses. Your cheap and tasty friend is the Boston Butt. You can go with or without bones and this piece of meat will make the best pulled pork or carnitas that you could imagine. Season this thing well. You should have plenty of money left for seasoning as this cut is usually less than $2/lb. If the grocery store is having a sale on those thick boneless chops, get a few then slice them yourself for sandwiches. A center cut pork chop is worth every penny by the way. If you like T-Bones, save some cash and treat yourself to the pale pink T-bone. If you like Italian veal dishes but don't want to drop nearly $20/lb, slice your boneless chops thin, then pound them flat. You won't notice the difference when you use pork.
Chicken is pretty much chicken. All I can say is that you should all try the wonderful world of boneless skinless thighs. They have much more flavor and you can trim off any excess fat. These are especially good when grilled with Mexican spices for tacos or burritos. Other than that, try to purchase whole chickens on the cheap and dispatch them yourself.
On a side note, if you love pot roast and other homestyle dishes when the weather gets cooler, then you need to snag some lamb shanks or veal shanks sometime this fall. They take pot roast to a whole new level. We'll have a recipe sometime this fall for a nice Osso Buco. If you're really adventurous, head down to the butcher shop for pork neckbones to create an old world Italian sauce. Hopefully these hints will help when you find yourself hanging out at the butcher counter this weekend wondering what to cook. Due to the travel, we weren't cooking this weekend so there are no new recipes to share. Something will be ready next week for tailgate season after the Labor Day relaxation.
Restaurant Recap
If you don't feel like cooking for yourself this holiday weekend, then take the time to make the trip to Crest Hill/Joliet on Theodore Street and get into Merichka's. You'll know it when you see it, just off I-55 and Larkin is a wonderous old school restaurant. I'm sure they have some great dishes, and you can see the fresh cut steaks in the cooler as you wait, but all you need to know is how to order a poorboy and onion rings. You haven't had this type of sandwich before. A few of you were lucky enough last football season to have me prepare a similar version for tailgating, but nobody does it better than these guys. You start with a huge cut of tenderized sirloin, put it on garlic bread, then you have your choice of cheese and grilled onions. I just go for the steak on bread because it is already perfect. Personally, I order light butterine because they full monty is just coated in garlic butter. You absolutely need to pair this sandwich with onion rings for the full experience. They are the best onion rings that I can find in the tri-state area. So go down to an old neighborhood and experience real food amongst the older crowd. If you think I'm just messing around, we drove there two Fridays ago after work in a rainstorm. Sometimes these sandwiches just call your name.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Dreaded/Anticipated Rock Reunions
The older I get, the more bands I see reunite after early career demises. I know that these rock reunions basically began in the late eighties and early nineties with seventies rock groups getting back together for arena shows or supporting greatest hits compilations. You also have the brief hiatuses due to drug rehabs from lead singers like Aerosmith and Stone Temple Pilots. The question has now become what is the limitation of these reunions? We know that all of these touring acts have fanbases, but when does it go from kitschy to played out?
I like to feel that I'm part of something special. When I had the chance to see Alice in Chains get back together (with a new lead singer that is well...alive) at a Chicago club, it was an awesome experience. The sound was great and the singer did a solid job. I got a chance to hear a lot of the songs that I love and never thought possible to hear in person. On the flip side, I didn't leave the show clamoring for a new album. I could see myself catching another show due to the small price tag and good experience, but the catalog for me is closed. I'll try to give the new stuff a shot, but it won't be put together with the rest of the Alice vault (or Music Bank if you will).
For some of these older bands, it is great to see them hit the road for large crowds and share their experience. It was aweinspiring to see The Who live. I wish I would have had the chance to see more than 1/2 of The Who, but that is all that's left. These guys don't wear out their welcome though. They have side projects to record new music, then get together every few years to rock a new collection of fans. Thank goodness I had the chance to see Fleetwood Mac during a greatest hits tour. That was an amazing show, but they're down one singer and Stevie certainly doesn't have enough voice left to make any relevant new material.
Only time will tell if some of these reunited acts make a return to the relevant recording world. I like Don't Stop Believin as much as the next guy, but did you know Journey has put out like 5 albums post-Steve Perry? What's the point? I'll be first in line to check out Led Zeppelin if they ever decide to strap on the Fenders again, but after Robert Plant teamed with some random lady for a spoken word recording, maybe Jimmy Page should suggest they stick to Kashmir if they reunite. With that said, we need to appreciate these bands while we have them in their original packaging. On the flip side, these bands need to appreciate themselves as well. Guess what bald ass Billy, no one gives a shit about the Pumpkins without D'Arcy and Iha. Sorry that Zwan was more like the ugly duckling, but you aren't the band all by yourself. And you Chris Cornell, you're creeping out all us rock fans. Timbaland? Really? You were the man. Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden, Audioslave, why did you throw all that away? I'd pay money to see Kim Thayil and Tom Morello assault your eardrums with tasty licks. Now you're recording with the background vocals guy from Days of the New. I made that up, but you get my point. These reunions are fun and nostalgic, but go pay the $20 it takes to get into a Jet show or Rise Against. These guys rock too, and they're at the top of their game.
Digital Ditty
I like to try and relate this section to whatever the actual post was about, so I'll do my best. I know Alice in Chains are breaking a new album later this month, but until then add Junkhead to your collection. It's dark, loud, and makes for an angry lawnmowing adventure on a weekend morning. If you like The Who's greatest hits, then add The Real Me to your download list. It's a bit edgier and more uptempo. I know Fleetwood Mac isn't for everyone, but Secondhand News is a fun two and a half minutes. If you only have 99 cents left in your account and you don't already own this song, then you should absolute use that final download to get Hunger Strike by Temple of the Dog. A young Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell dueling vocals across a background of what would become Pearl Jam. On a final note, Jet has a new album out. If anybody has some thoughts on it, I'd love to catch a review.
I like to feel that I'm part of something special. When I had the chance to see Alice in Chains get back together (with a new lead singer that is well...alive) at a Chicago club, it was an awesome experience. The sound was great and the singer did a solid job. I got a chance to hear a lot of the songs that I love and never thought possible to hear in person. On the flip side, I didn't leave the show clamoring for a new album. I could see myself catching another show due to the small price tag and good experience, but the catalog for me is closed. I'll try to give the new stuff a shot, but it won't be put together with the rest of the Alice vault (or Music Bank if you will).
For some of these older bands, it is great to see them hit the road for large crowds and share their experience. It was aweinspiring to see The Who live. I wish I would have had the chance to see more than 1/2 of The Who, but that is all that's left. These guys don't wear out their welcome though. They have side projects to record new music, then get together every few years to rock a new collection of fans. Thank goodness I had the chance to see Fleetwood Mac during a greatest hits tour. That was an amazing show, but they're down one singer and Stevie certainly doesn't have enough voice left to make any relevant new material.
Only time will tell if some of these reunited acts make a return to the relevant recording world. I like Don't Stop Believin as much as the next guy, but did you know Journey has put out like 5 albums post-Steve Perry? What's the point? I'll be first in line to check out Led Zeppelin if they ever decide to strap on the Fenders again, but after Robert Plant teamed with some random lady for a spoken word recording, maybe Jimmy Page should suggest they stick to Kashmir if they reunite. With that said, we need to appreciate these bands while we have them in their original packaging. On the flip side, these bands need to appreciate themselves as well. Guess what bald ass Billy, no one gives a shit about the Pumpkins without D'Arcy and Iha. Sorry that Zwan was more like the ugly duckling, but you aren't the band all by yourself. And you Chris Cornell, you're creeping out all us rock fans. Timbaland? Really? You were the man. Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden, Audioslave, why did you throw all that away? I'd pay money to see Kim Thayil and Tom Morello assault your eardrums with tasty licks. Now you're recording with the background vocals guy from Days of the New. I made that up, but you get my point. These reunions are fun and nostalgic, but go pay the $20 it takes to get into a Jet show or Rise Against. These guys rock too, and they're at the top of their game.
Digital Ditty
I like to try and relate this section to whatever the actual post was about, so I'll do my best. I know Alice in Chains are breaking a new album later this month, but until then add Junkhead to your collection. It's dark, loud, and makes for an angry lawnmowing adventure on a weekend morning. If you like The Who's greatest hits, then add The Real Me to your download list. It's a bit edgier and more uptempo. I know Fleetwood Mac isn't for everyone, but Secondhand News is a fun two and a half minutes. If you only have 99 cents left in your account and you don't already own this song, then you should absolute use that final download to get Hunger Strike by Temple of the Dog. A young Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell dueling vocals across a background of what would become Pearl Jam. On a final note, Jet has a new album out. If anybody has some thoughts on it, I'd love to catch a review.
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