A Foodies Life

Central Michel Richard

I'm walking as fast as I can in birkinstocks that should not be worn for a day of walking the mall in Washington D.C. The sweat is dripping off of me as I walk through the doors of Central Michel Richard with my sister. We were rushing for our 1:30 reservation after seeing the spectacular views of our nations capitol a top the Washington Monument.

As we enter we are greeted by a hostess and maitre'd who are behind the podium. Out of the corner of my eye I notice him look at me and sneer and turn and make a comment to the hostess. Feeling two feet tall we are lead to our table. The restaurant is ultra hip and vibrant with a yuppie business crowd enjoying their afternoon lunch. As I look around I realize that I feel out of place wearing my shorts and holding a cap I bought that morning. I can't decide if I should be more upset at my dress or the way I was made to feel. I try to get over it and focus on the menu. My eyes are drawn immediately to the Lobster Burger which I decide to try. My sister and I both order the Gazpacho and she orders the crab cake. The gazpacho comes in a big white bowl with garnish chopped up the waiter then finished by serving the soup tableside in each bowl. The soup was extremely lite with a beautiful creamy feel to it. In between eating the soup my attention was drawn to the large open kitchen where the staff was working away. Our entrée's came out and while small my lobster burger tasted delicious with a crunchy sweet potato garnish and aioli.

While I was disenchanted from the start of the meal they won me over with their food. I would recommend Central Michel Richard if you want an upscale lunch. If you want great service maybe try somewhere else.

Aglamesis Brothers

If your ever in Cincinnati, Ohio there is one place that you have to check out.   It's an ice cream parlor that is almost as old as the city, OK probably not but it felt that way.  It's called Aglamesis Brothers and it definitely in a blast from the past.  They have been in business in the Oakley section of town since 1913.  When you walk in the store you are greeted by loads of candies, homemade ice cream, toppings, cones etc.   You don't get your ice cream at the counter and sit down though.  You actually sit down and are waited on, and all they sell is ice cream.  I think it's the first place that I've ever been where that is the case.  I had the banana mint ice cream and it was amazing......check it out if your ever in Cincinnati!

A girl named Anna

I fell in love with a girl named Anna while I was on vacation.  Anna is the almost two year old daughter of my friend Amy in Cincinnati, Ohio.  During the two days I was in Ohio I learned how great kids can affect your plans!  That aside Anna, without knowing it, created an interesting experience.  How do restaurants deal with kids in their establishments. 

The first night I arrived we went to a little bistro in the Oakley Square section of town called Kona Bistro.  As soon as we arrived with Anna, and three month old Ben, in hand we were seated and great attention was paid to helping deal with the kids.  Anna's parents ordered her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which was brought promptly, as were crayons, paper etc.  All of this helped us adults enjoy our meal.  The food was delicious.  Even though the temperature outside soared over 100 degree's I tried the butternut squash and pear soup, which was delightful, although a little peppery for my taste.  For my entrée I had a grilled pork chop with dried cherry port demiglace, garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus.  The pork chop was large and cooked nicely with a sauce the complimented it wonderfully.  We made a mad dash to get out of the restaurant before the kids really exploded which meant we didn't order dessert.  I would highly recommend trying Kona Bistro if your in Cincinnati and have the opportunity.

In sharp contrast the next day Amy and I went to the Oakley Pub with Anna and Ben, hubby was at work.   After an hour of Ron entertaining little Anna at the chiropractors office, long story.  We were all hungry and ready for an adventure.  The only problem was that it was close to Anna's nap time.  The staff at the Oakley Pub was less than friendly, less than attentive and made us wait for our bill.  The only thing that I remember having is a hamburger that sounded interesting but they might as well have cold it a heart attack burger.  It was called the Zola burger with capicola, bacon (I think) and other accoutrement's.  I felt like it was just too much contrasting tastes on a burger. 

I think it says a lot about a place with how they deal with children.  It is always a tricky situation between dealing with children and making sure the rest of the patrons are happy.  On this trip I may have solved the question of whether I ever want to have children or not..........where do you think I'm leaning?

Bye for now!

Things to come

 Hey Everyone,

Sorry it's taken me a few days to write.  I'm trying to get back into my normal way of life here in Florida.  I'm gonna talk a little tonight about a few things that are to come in the next week or so.  I just have so much to write about!

I'm going to talk about my trip, of course.  Get caught up on my Top Chef and Hell's Kitchen watching and I have an exciting announcement to make.  I'm going to get to that now though.

While I was away I came to a few interesting realizations.  The biggest one is that I do not like the way that I look.  I am very overweight!  I came to this for many reasons but mainly because I've seen myself in a few pictures that I took while on vacation.  So I am working out the details but my twin brother and I have entered into a competition about who can lose the most weight and keep it off for the longest amount of time.  This past weekend I was in Nashville working on a celebrity golf tournament that is hosted by Vince Gill and Amy Grant, two people that I admire a great deal.  Amy and I took a picture together and I couldn't believe how I look.  So my personal goal for myself is to take the same picture next year when I see her and be much thinner. 

So for all those people that just thought this website was going to be just about food it's also going to be about my weight loss.  It should be interesting for you all to see me chronicle this while also talking about food.  So get ready cause it's gonna happen!  I started today by coming home and exercising during the middle of the day and trying to eat well.   

Wanted to give you all that update and tell you all to get ready for pictures and stories!  I'm gonna do my best to start writing tomorrow!  Hope you all have had a great couple of weeks!

Bye for now!

 

I'm Baaaaack

Hey Everyone,

I am safely back home.  Just wanted to do a quick check in.  I have a lot to write about......had an amazing time..  I need to get to sleep so I'm focused for work tomorrow but I will write when I get home!

 

Ron

Vacation

OK it's finally here!  I'm on vacation.  I'm going to be giving you updates from the road in the comment section of this entry.  I've got my Tivo set to tape all my favorite shows so I can write about them when I get back.  The car is packed! All I have to do is get some coffee and get in the car and go!  Bye for now!