Absorbine_Sr

So, tonight we visited Chef and the Farmer and may I just say, it was everything we hoped for and more. We started off with flash fried collard chips. Crispy and lightly salted. We also had grits with gumbo, andouille sausage and local shrimp. No pic on this one but I've never had grits this good. Next up, Debbie had a Jed's salad with local greens and blue cheese dressing. I had charred green beans with coarse mustard and muscadine grapes. We asked the sommelier for a wine suggestion to go with our main course choices (within budget) and we were happy with his choice. Debbie went for the tomato pie and fall veggies for her main. I went with the sage brined pork chop with dirty farrow and sweet and sour beets. Not only was it the best pork chop I've ever had, it was one of the best pieces of meat I've ever consumed. Finally, Debbie had a watermelon and rosemary sorbet with watermelon dice and a rosé float. It was a meal beyond reproach and if you are ever in eastern North Carolina, get your ass here. Oh, my dessert? A very dry Martini. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So, we follow a show on PBS called "A Chef's Life." It's about a woman and her husband who run two restaurants in Kinston, N.C. Last night we visited their oyster bar, The Boiler Room. First up, the gentleman pictured is shucking my fresh oysters. Said oysters There were two more oyster dishes were consumed. Their take on a Rockefeller and a spicy offering where the oyster is served on a pork rind with a hot sauce and slice of jalapeño. No pics as they disappeared too quickly. Sorry. They were delicious. We also had a roasted corn, tomato and kale salad. Very clean and refreshing. On to burgers. Debbie had a veggie Butterbean burger. Mine was a surf & turf burger with popcorn oysters and a jalapeño mayo. Seen below. With that, a tip of the hat to Hot Doug, an order of beef fat fries. Not duck. What looks like cheese on these is actually powdered beef tallow. They explained it keeps down the greasiness. All was excellent. Also not pictured is Debbie's bread pudding. Also awesome and can be seen on Facebook. Tonight, their main restaurant, The Chef and the Farmer. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Video of a run we did on the Blue Ridge Parkway today. Low clouds, rain and unfamiliar road kept me from pushing too hard, but Debbie and I (and the GTI) enjoyed it a lot. Shot on Debbie's iPhone 6 hand held. Forgive the couple of thumb intrusions. https://vimeo.com/140013072 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Busboys and Poets Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mekhleme, Iraqi corn beef hash with poached eggs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Yep. Heading to D.C. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Skyline. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Happy Birthday Sir!

RIP Gary. And Wayne, I believe I met Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson the year of that tour. I worked for Camelot Music which was based in Ohio. They had a yearly convention for managers, and one year that I went Hunter's band performed live for us. There was a meet & greet afterwards and I got to shake hands with both of them and talk to Mick about his days with Bowie. In hindsight, I bet he hated that. And chilling story about your ride back. Glad you guys were back a few cars...

Shelly, it looks like the pencil has Palm Rejection:

I've had the same basic experience with Comcast. Once a tech makes it onsite, they seem to be competent, sympathetic people. It's just dealing with the seven layers of inhuman, script reading fuctards that makes it so rage inspiring. Sorry about the lightning Carl.

When I want a laptop, I want a real laptop. Even with the keyboard I don't see the Pro as a laptop replacement. But that is just me. If it works for you, then cool.

Apple TV for sure. Beyond that I think I'm good. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Memories for us older folk. RIP. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not entirely true my friend. The tinfoil hat is supposed to filter that out. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My humble apologies middle bro. I do have some memory problems, but I will never forget who my true brothers are. Love you man.

Finished paella. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shrimp and scallops added. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Paella underway. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not at all. I carry it there in jeans, shorts, you name it. It's never given me an issue. Of course, I'm not lacking for padding back there.

I saw Al's when he was here for DLD and ordered one immediately. I love it and carry it in my back pocket. It's compact, but its heft lets me know it is there. And I believe Gene also gave me a whale opener. The only opener I have that can get through waxed bombers without muss or fuss.

My condolences Brent.

Happy Birthday!