#gourmet beer cheese recipe

[blaskmin]

Recipe for Gourmet Beer Cheese Gourmet beer cheese for Oktoberfest pretzels is made by simmering five different cheeses with beer and the perfect amount of seasoning. 10 ounces processed cheese food cubed, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 4 slices smoked provolone cheese, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 3 cloves garlic, 1 can or bottle beer room temperature, 3/4 package cream cheese, salt and ground black pepper to taste, 4 slices mozzarella cheese, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish or to taste, 4 slices smoked Gouda cheese

[nikkispizzaau]

Discovering the Best Pizza in Merrylands

Merrylands, a bustling suburb in Western Sydney, is home to a vibrant food scene with a range of international cuisines. While the area has diverse offerings, one particular cuisine that always attracts food lovers is pizza. Whether you're a fan of traditional Italian pizza with its thin, crispy crust or prefer something more loaded and experimental, Merrylands has options for everyone. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the best pizza spots in Merrylands.

What Makes a Great Pizza?

Pizza is a universally loved dish, but not all pizzas are created equal. The key factors that elevate a pizza from good to great include:

Fresh Ingredients: A great pizza starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether it’s locally sourced vegetables, artisan cheese, or premium meats, freshness is crucial for achieving the perfect taste.

Dough: A good pizza crust is essential. Some people prefer a thin, crunchy base, while others enjoy a thick, chewy one. The dough should be freshly made and well-balanced in texture.

Balance of Flavors: The toppings, sauce, and cheese should work together to create a balanced flavor. Too much of any one component can overwhelm the palate, so balance is key.

Authenticity: When it comes to traditional pizza, authenticity matters. Whether it’s a Neapolitan-style pizza with its soft, thin crust or a classic Margherita with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce, authenticity elevates the experience.

Now, let's explore some of the best pizza options in Merrylands.

Top Pizza Places in Merrylands

Sofia's Gourmet Pizza Located in the heart of Merrylands, Sofia's Gourmet Pizza is known for its authentic Italian pizzas. Using only the freshest ingredients, their pizzas have a distinct homemade flavor. The thin, crisp crust combined with rich tomato sauce and freshly grated cheese makes each bite an experience to remember. Their wood-fired pizzas are especially popular, offering an authentic taste of Italy. Whether you're a fan of the classic Margherita or something more adventurous like their Quattro Stagioni, Sofia's is a must-visit.

Pizza Deliziosa Pizza Deliziosa offers a wide range of pizzas, from traditional options to modern, creative variations. Their supreme pizza, loaded with pepperoni, mushrooms, capsicum, olives, and mozzarella, is a crowd favorite. For those who love a bit of spice, the Mexican pizza with jalapeños and spicy sausage is sure to impress. With a focus on generous toppings and bold flavors, Pizza Deliziosa is a hit among locals looking for a satisfying meal.

Merrylands Pizza & Grill Merrylands Pizza & Grill is known for its vast menu that caters to all types of pizza lovers. From classic options like Hawaiian and Pepperoni to more unique creations such as the BBQ Chicken pizza, they have something for everyone. Their pizzas are well-balanced, with a perfect combination of dough, sauce, and toppings. The friendly atmosphere and quick service make it an ideal spot for family dinners or casual outings with friends.

La Porchetta A renowned pizza chain with a branch in Merrylands, La Porchetta brings its traditional Italian recipes to the table. Their pizzas are crafted with love and attention to detail, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Try their seafood pizza for a delightful combination of fresh prawns, calamari, and garlic, or indulge in their classic Meat Lovers pizza. The variety and quality make La Porchetta a go-to spot for pizza enthusiasts in Merrylands.

Tips for Enjoying Pizza in Merrylands

Dine-in for the Freshest Experience: While takeout is convenient, nothing beats the experience of eating a pizza straight out of the oven. The crust is crispier, and the flavors are more vibrant when enjoyed fresh.

Pair with a Good Drink: Pizza and drinks go hand in hand. Whether you prefer a cold beer, a glass of wine, or a refreshing soft drink, pairing your pizza with the right beverage can enhance the flavors.

Try Different Styles: Don’t stick to just one style of pizza. From Neapolitan to Roman, deep-dish to thin crust, there are numerous styles to explore. Merrylands offers a variety of options to satisfy your pizza cravings.

Conclusion

Merrylands is home to some of the best pizza places in Western Sydney, offering a wide range of flavors and styles. Whether you're after a traditional wood-fired pizza or a modern creation with bold toppings, you’re sure to find something that hits the spot. Next time you're in the area, make sure to visit these top pizza joints to satisfy your cravings and enjoy some of the best pizza in Merrylands.

[gift-hampers-melbourne]

How to Make Dad Feel Extra Special with a Father’s Day Hamper 

Father's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show Dad how much he means to you than with a thoughtfully curated DIY hamper? 

Not only does it add a personal touch that store-bought gifts often lack, but it also allows you to tailor one of the perfect Melbourne hampers to suit your dad’s interests and tastes. 

This year, get creative and put together a special treat that is as unique as he is. From hobby-themed baskets to gourmet delights, the possibilities are endless. 

Let's dive into some creative Father's Day hamper ideas to spoil your dad with something special.

Personalised DIY Hamper Ideas for Dad

Creating a personalised DIY hamper is a lovely way to show Dad how well you know him and how much you care. Tailoring a gift to his specific interests can turn an ordinary present into something extraordinary. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started on creating one of the bespoke Melbourne hampers that will surely make his day extra special.

Customised Coffee Lover's Hamper

Is your dad a coffee fanatic? Then, assembling a hamper filled with gourmet coffee beans, a personalised mug (perhaps with a witty quote or a photo of the two of you), and unique coffee accessories like a stainless steel coffee scoop or a handheld milk frother can make his morning ritual even more enjoyable. 

Include a small coffee shop gift card or a book about the history of coffee to make this hamper complete.

Homemade Spa Hamper for Dad's Relaxation

Who says dads don't need a bit of pampering too? Create a relaxation hamper with homemade bath goodies. Think about adding homemade beard oil, a bar of natural soap scented with his favourite essential oils, and perhaps a DIY sugar scrub. 

To elevate the pampering experience, include a plush bath towel and a soothing playlist you've created just for him.

DIY Barbecue Master Hamper

For the dad who loves to grill, put together a hamper that'll make his next barbecue session a hit. Start with a set of personalised barbecue tools, add in an assortment of rubs and sauces (bonus points if you make them yourself), and don't forget a durable apron. You could also include a recipe book specifically for grilling, or better yet—compile a booklet of family recipes that feature his grilling favourites.

Culinary Delights Hamper Ideas for Foodie Dads

Dads with a penchant for culinary adventures will appreciate a hamper filled with ingredients, treats, and tools to fuel their passion. Whether he loves to cook, snack, or enjoy a good brew, here's how to cater to his foodie inclinations with a hamper that'll tickle his taste buds.

Gourmet Cooking Ingredients Hamper

Surprise your gourmet dad with a selection of high-quality cooking ingredients. This could include exotic spices, infused oils, aged balsamic vinegar, or specialty pasta. Consider items not typically found in the local supermarket to make this gift truly special. 

If he loves a particular cuisine, theme the hamper around that—think an array of Japanese cooking essentials or a collection of authentic Italian ingredients.

Sweet Treats & Snacks Hamper

For the dad with a sweet tooth or a predilection for snacks, create a hamper that's a treasure trove of goodies. Fill it with an assortment of his favourite sweets and savouries—from artisan chocolate bars and homemade cookies to craft popcorn and gourmet nuts. 

Personalise it further by adding snacks you've made together or by including a few family favourite recipes.

Craft Beer Connoisseur's Hamper

If your dad enjoys exploring the world of craft beer, assemble a hamper that indulges this hobby. Select a variety of craft beers from local breweries or international favourites, ideally including some he hasn't tried yet. 

Pair these with beer-friendly snacks like gourmet pretzels, artisan cheese, or spicy nuts. To add a personal touch, write a note describing why you chose each beer or include a beer-tasting journal where he can record his tasting notes.

Creating a Father’s Day hampers Melbourne filled with personalised touches is not just about giving a gift—it's about showing Dad you truly know and appreciate him. Whether he's into coffee, cooking, or simply unwinding at the end of the day, these hampers will surely bring a smile to his face and warmth to his heart.

Activity-Based Hamper Ideas for Adventurous Dads

Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift can be quite a challenge, especially if your dad is the adventurous type who seems to have everything. But fear not! By focusing on your dad’s hobbies and passions, you can create a customised hamper filled with items that will surely put a smile on his face. Here are a couple of unique hamper ideas tailored for those dads who love a bit of adventure in their lives.

Outdoor Adventure Essentials Hamper

If your dad loves to spend his weekends hiking, camping, or exploring the great outdoors, an Outdoor Adventure Essentials Melbourne hampers will make his day even more special. Think about including items that are practical yet fun. Here are some ideas to get you started:

- A high-quality, durable water bottle to keep him hydrated - A multifunctional tool or a high-grade pocket knife, perfect for any surprises nature may have - A lightweight, waterproof, portable camping hammock - An eco-friendly insect repellent to keep those pesky bugs at bay - Topographical maps of his favourite hiking spots or new areas to explore

By packing a Father’s Day hampers Melbourne with these thoughtful items, you're not only appreciating his adventurous spirit but also encouraging his next great adventure.

Gardening Enthusiast's Hamper

For the dad with a green thumb, a hamper filled with gardening goodies will surely brighten his day. It’s a wonderful way to show you care about his hobbies. Consider including:

- A set of ergonomic gardening tools that are easy on the hands - Rare or unique seeds for flowers, vegetables, or herbs that can add a new flavour to his garden - A stylish yet functional gardening hat to protect him from the sun - An informative gardening book, perhaps focusing on organic practices or exotic plants

You could even add personalised plant markers or a subscription to a gardening magazine to keep his inspiration growing.

Thoughtful Gestures in the Hamper

Sometimes, it’s the little, personalised touches that make a gift truly memorable. Here are a couple of ideas to add a layer of thoughtfulness to your Father’s Day hamper.

Handwritten Letter or Poem

In a world dominated by digital communication, a handwritten letter or poem can have a profound impact. Take some time to write down your thoughts, memories, and appreciation for your dad. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. The key is to speak from the heart. Whether it’s a fond memory you share, acknowledging his influence on your life, or just saying a heartfelt thank you for all he does, this personal touch will make your hamper one-of-a-kind.

Customised Photos or Mementos

Photos have a magical way of capturing moments in time, and when it comes to Father’s Day, a picture really is worth a thousand words. Consider including in the hamper:

- A framed photo of a memorable day spent together - A custom-made photo album chronicling your adventures as a family - A keychain or mug personalised with a family picture

You could also opt for something more symbolic, like a small keepsake related to an inside joke or a shared interest. Such mementos serve as daily reminders of your bond and can be cherished for years to come.

Incorporating these thoughtful gestures not only provides a deeper emotional connection but also transforms your Father’s Day hamper into a treasure trove of memories and sentiments. 

It’s about acknowledging your dad’s unique personality, showing him that you really know and appreciate who he is, and ultimately, making him feel loved and cherished on his special day.

Conclusion and Final Tips for the Perfect Father's Day Hamper

Creating a DIY Father's Day hamper is not just about putting together gifts—it's a way of showing Dad how much you care. By adding a personal touch, whether it's through a handwritten note or a handmade item, you make the Melbourne hampers truly special. Here are some final tips to ensure your hamper is perfect:

- Personalise it: Tailor the hamper to reflect your dad's interests and tastes. - Presentation matters: Take time to arrange the items neatly and choose attractive wrapping. - Include a note: A heartfelt message can sometimes be the most cherished part of the gift.

Remember, it's the thought and effort that counts the most. Happy Father's Day crafting!

Source URL: https://father-day-hampers.blogspot.com/2024/02/how-to-make-dad-feel-extra-special-with.html

[foodreviews]

Food and Beverage: A Gastronomic Adventure

Food and beverage, a phrase that conjures images of delicious dishes, tantalizing drinks, and culinary exploration, plays a pivotal role in our lives. It's more than just sustenance; it's a gastronomic adventure. From street food vendors serving up spicy delights to five-star restaurants with gourmet cuisine, the world of food and beverage offers a diverse and exciting journey for our senses. In this article, we will delve into the realm of food and beverage, exploring how it shapes our culture, enhances our experiences, and reflects our global diversity.

Culinary Diversity: A World of Flavors

Food and beverage are a global canvas of flavors, colors, and textures. Every culture and region has its unique culinary traditions, making it a thrilling adventure for both the seasoned food enthusiast and the novice. From the spicy curries of India to the hearty pasta dishes of Italy and the savory sushi of Japan, the world of food is a gastronomic tour of diverse tastes.

In recent years, the fusion of culinary styles and ingredients has further enriched this experience. Food fusion has become a growing trend, where chefs blend elements from different cuisines to create exciting new dishes. The rise of food trucks and pop-up restaurants has also contributed to this diversity, offering inventive and accessible options to explore.

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A Culinary Journey: Exploring Local and Global Cuisines

One of the great joys of food and beverage is the opportunity to explore both local and global cuisines. Whether you are traveling to a foreign land or simply exploring your own city, every destination has its culinary gems waiting to be discovered.

Local eateries, whether it's a cozy neighborhood diner or a bustling street market, often provide authentic glimpses into a region's food culture. Sampling traditional dishes from these places is like taking a culinary journey through the heart of a community, where flavors and ingredients are deeply rooted in the local history.

Global cuisines, on the other hand, offer an opportunity to experience a world of flavors without leaving your home. Restaurants and food festivals dedicated to international cuisine bring the world's culinary diversity to your plate. These experiences can be both educational and indulgent, expanding your palate and your appreciation for global cultures.

Food and Beverage: A Reflection of Culture

Food and beverage also serve as mirrors reflecting the cultural heritage and identity of a society. Traditional recipes are often handed down through generations, preserving the essence of a culture's history. Ingredients, preparation methods, and even the rituals of eating can reveal much about a community's traditions and values.

For instance, a Japanese tea ceremony is not just about the tea itself but the art of preparing it and the significance of the act. Similarly, the Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on fresh produce and olive oil, reflects the health-conscious and communal values of the region. Exploring food and beverage within a cultural context can be a fascinating way to learn about the world.

The Art of Pairing: Food and Beverage Harmonies

The world of food and beverage extends beyond individual dishes. The art of pairing food with the right beverage, whether it's wine, beer, cocktails, or non-alcoholic options, is a sensory delight in itself. The right pairing can elevate a meal to a new level of enjoyment.

Wine and cheese, for instance, have a well-established history of complementary flavors. The acidity of a wine can balance the richness of cheese, creating a harmonious blend. Similarly, the pairing of craft beers with spicy dishes or cocktails with savory appetizers can create taste experiences that are greater than the sum of their parts.

Understanding the principles of food and beverage pairing is a valuable skill that can enhance your culinary adventures and make dining more enjoyable.

Sustainability and Food: A Growing Concern

In recent years, the food and beverage industry has faced growing scrutiny over its environmental impact. From the carbon footprint of food production to issues of food waste and overfishing, the industry is at a crossroads. It is increasingly important for both consumers and businesses to consider the sustainability of their food choices.

Many restaurants and food producers are now adopting practices that prioritize sustainability, such as sourcing ingredients locally, reducing food waste, and supporting ethical farming practices. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the impact of food and beverage on the planet and a desire to make more responsible choices.

Conclusion: A Delicious Journey

Food and beverage are more than just sustenance; they are a gastronomic adventure that takes us on a journey through diverse cultures, flavors, and traditions. Whether you're savoring local dishes or exploring global cuisines, the world of food offers an endless array of delicious possibilities. It's an exploration of culture, a celebration of taste, and a reflection of our ever-evolving world.

As we continue to explore and appreciate the culinary world, it's essential to remember the importance of sustainability and responsible consumption. By making conscious choices, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy this gastronomic adventure just as we do. So, savor the flavors, raise a glass to the art of pairing, and embark on your own gastronomic journey. Bon appétit!

Read more : - The Importance of Food Packaging Materials in the Food Industry

[mexicanfoodnearme2]

Tantalize Your Taste Buds: Where to Hunt for Irresistible Mexican Food Near Me!

Introduction

Mexican food is a celebration of flavors, colors, and textures that has captivated the palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. From the sizzle of a fajita skillet to the creaminess of guacamole, every bite tells a story of Mexico's rich culinary heritage.

The Essence of Mexican Cuisine

Mexican cuisine is a harmonious blend of indigenous ingredients and cultural influences. It's mexican food near me a symphony of spices, herbs, and seasonings that dance on your tongue with each mouthful. From the earthy taste of corn tortillas to the fiery kick of chili peppers, Mexican food is a carnival of sensations.

Exploring Traditional Mexican Dishes

Tacos: A Flavorful Classic

Bold and versatile, tacos are the heart and soul of Mexican street food. Whether filled with succulent grilled meats or hearty beans, every bite is a fiesta of flavors.

Enchiladas: Rolled Delights

Enchiladas, rolled tortillas filled with various fillings and topped with sauce and cheese, offer a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Chiles Rellenos: A Fiery Indulgence

Chiles rellenos, battered and fried chili peppers stuffed with cheese or meat, provide a tantalizing combination of heat and richness.

Regional Mexican Delicacies

Yucatan: The Home of Cochinita Pibil

In the Yucatan region, the slow-cooked marvel of Cochinita Pibil showcases the ancient Mayan technique of marinating and roasting pork.

Oaxaca: Mole Galore

Oaxaca introduces us to the world of moles, intricate sauces made with a blend of spices, chilies, and chocolate, elevating dishes to new heights.

Puebla: Birthplace of Chiles en Nogada

Puebla's pride, Chiles en Nogada, features stuffed poblano peppers with a creamy walnut sauce, creating a patriotic color palette.

Finding the Best Mexican Food Near You

Whether you're a dedicated foodie or a curious newbie, satisfying your Mexican food cravings has never been easier.

Local Restaurants with Authentic Flavors

Discover nearby Mexican restaurants that bring the true essence of Mexico to your plate, offering an array of traditional dishes made with love.

Food Trucks: Hidden Gems on Wheels

Food trucks have revolutionized the culinary scene, offering gourmet Mexican street food that's quick, convenient, and bursting with authenticity.

Online Delivery Services for Convenience

Craving Mexican at home? Numerous online platforms now deliver freshly prepared Mexican delicacies straight to your doorstep.

Tips for the Ultimate Mexican Food Experience

Embrace Spices and Heat

Don't shy away from the spices and chilies. They are the heart of Mexican cuisine, adding depth and character to every dish.

Pairings: Margaritas and Beyond

Elevate your dining experience by pairing your meal with classic beverages like margaritas or exploring Mexican beers and aguas frescas.

Saving Room for Dessert: Churros and Flan

Leave room for the sweet finale! Indulge in churros, crispy sticks of dough, and flan, a silky caramel custard.

Cooking Mexican at Home: Recipes for Enthusiasts

For those who love to experiment in the kitchen, try your hand at crafting authentic Mexican dishes like salsa, guacamole, and even tamales.

Mexican Food's Global Influence

Mexican cuisine's popularity has transcended borders, influencing and inspiring food cultures around the world.

Navigating Dietary Preferences while Enjoying Mexican Cuisine

Mexican cuisine offers plenty of options for vegetarians, pescatarians, and those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can savor its delights.

Preserving Authenticity: Challenges and Innovations

As Mexican food gains global recognition, chefs and enthusiasts strive to preserve its authenticity while embracing modern culinary innovations.

Conclusion

Embark on a culinary journey that explores the vibrant tapestry of Mexican flavors. Whether you're savoring a taco from a food truck or recreating traditional recipes at home, Mexican cuisine promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

[artisanalfoodproducts]

Best Artisan Food Producers in Switzerland

Are you planning your next culinary trip to Switzerland? You’re surely about to experience one of the best trips of your life. But are you aware of the popularity of Swiss food throughout the world? Indeed, Switzerland is known as having the best artisan food producers in the world! If this breathtaking place is on your itinerary or you are a resident of the majestic country, then be sure to read this article to know about a reliable quality gourmet food store from which you can purchase the best artisanal products online.

Larix Food is a trusted platform to purchase artisanal food and drinks online. They offer local drinks such as wine, beer, liquors, syrups, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and other alcoholic beverages, along with local cured meat, sausages, cheese, and confectioneries, all of them of the best quality.

Larix Food is not only the best gourmet food store online, but it also offers fun activities such as hike and dine experience in the Blenio valley of Ticino and many more. Find Larix boxes that are also a great way to gift friends or family or to keep as a memento of your Swiss experience. From the savory delights of fondue and raclette to the tantalizing exquisiteness of Swiss wine and beers, Larix Boxes have something to offer for all.

Larix Food offers a wealth of delectable recipes through newsletters, all curated by Swiss food experts who have a deep understanding of the country's culinary heritage. With Larix Food newsletters, you will gain valuable insights into the origins of Swiss drinks and foods, their cultural significance, the stories of their local producers partners and even great recommendations for food and wine pairings.

For the uninitiated, Swiss food is a delightful combination of flavors and traditions that reflects the country's cultural diversity and alpine heritage. From world-renowned Swiss cheeses such as Gruyère and Emmental to the unique taste of Swiss Schnitzel, the country's culinary offerings are a treat for the taste buds. Swiss cuisine also features hearty dishes like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal in a creamy sauce) and rösti (grated potato dish), providing comforting flavors that warm the soul. With an emphasis on fresh and high-quality ingredients, Swiss food showcases the country's commitment to culinary excellence. Whether you're savoring a traditional fondue from Larix Food or exploring regional specialties, Swiss cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, whether you're planning a trip to Switzerland or simply want to explore the wonders of Swiss cuisine from the comfort of your home, Larix Food is your go-to resource as one of the most reliable artisanal foods from producers in Switzerland. Get ready to embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure and let Larix Food be your trusted companion in discovering the flavors that make Swiss food truly unforgettable. Enjoy your trip to Switzerland with the best gourmet food order online, buy drinks online, and delicious, single origin coffee with Larix Food. For more details, visit https://larix.ch/en/

[centralparkcollection]

Where to Eat the Tastiest Street Food in London

London is often associated with high-end restaurants and posh eateries helmed by celebrity chefs. However, the English capital also has an exciting culture of street food through its long-stay markets and pop-up food courts. Furthermore, London has an exciting food scene that encompasses British, European and international cuisine. Find out what and where to experience the best of street food close to Central London hotels.

Southbank Centre Food Market 

Open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the Southbank Centre Food Market is a convenient choice for tourists. It’s moments from the London Eye and Royal Festival Hall. 

Stalls represent British classics such as scotch eggs, sausage rolls, and Cornish pasties. However, there is an excellent variety of global fare including Japanese-style poke bowls, Korean barbecue, Polish sausages, Dutch pancakes, Greek souvlaki, North American sandwiches, and Portuguese custard tarts. 

The drinks offering is equally broad, with options ranging from bubble tea and hot chocolate to West Country cider and European craft beers.

Mercato Mayfair Food Hall

Convenient for those staying at hotels near Paddington Station, Mercato Mayfair Food Hall is one of the most unusual places to go for street food in London. 

Housed inside a deconsecrated church, the building is appointed with original stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and an altar. Spread over two floors, the venue has stalls serving worldwide cuisine, a rooftop terrace, and an atmospheric wine cellar in the crypt. 

Food on sale includes pad Thai, lobsters, homemade pasta, ramen, grilled meat, and Malaysian street food with an emphasis on sustainable practices.

Vinegar Yard

Next to London Bridge Station, Vinegar Yard brings together food, drinks, art, and a weekend flea market. 

Food is available daily with the offering changing seasonally. In general, you can anticipate such options as Asian street food, burgers inspired by Indian recipes, and Neo-Neapolitan pizzas.  

Draught beer sourced from local breweries is rotated frequently while cocktails reflect the season. 

Pergola Paddington 

Guests staying at hotels near Paddington Station should pay a visit to Pergola. This is a rooftop bar with a street market atmosphere. 

Food on the menu includes ciabatta sandwiches, hot chicken, loaded fries, duck pancakes, bao, and dumplings. The offering includes main plates and platters, perfect for sharing or experimenting with different flavours. The popular venue has scores of tables making it a wonderful option if you plan on making an afternoon or evening of it. 

Tipples inspired by the seasons include classic cocktails and spritzes with plenty of options for those who do not drink alcohol. 

Borough Market

Borough Market is the most famous spot for street food in London. This Thameside market springs to life early each morning with vendors selling fresh produce, pantry items, regional cheese, artisan coffee, and street bites. 

Typical dishes cooked at the covered market include Spanish paella, rock oysters from Essex, gourmet sausage rolls, curries from South Asia and Southeast Asia, and traditional apple crumble. 

There are several bars where you can sit down with an ale or glass of wine. In fact, these are the perfect destination for a date night while staying at Central London hotels.

[luckystorein22]

Looking for a delectable cheese to add to your next charcuterie board or gourmet meal? Look no further than Castello Danish Brie Cheese, available now at Lucky Store Online Gourmet Store.

Crafted with the finest ingredients and traditional Danish cheese-making techniques, Castello Danish Brie Cheese is a rich and creamy indulgence that will delight your taste buds with every bite. Its smooth texture and mild, buttery flavor make it the perfect pairing for everything from crackers and fruit to wine and beer.

Not only is Castello Danish Brie Cheese delicious, but it's also versatile. Use it to elevate your favorite recipes, such as quiches, sandwiches, and even mac and cheese. It's sure to impress even the most discerning cheese connoisseur.

At Lucky Store Online Gourmet Store, we take pride in offering only the highest quality products to our customers. And with Castello Danish Brie Cheese, we're confident that you'll taste the difference. Order now and experience the magic of this delicious cheese for yourself!

[millenniumfae]

Video Game Cooking: Nectar (Hades 2018)

Nectar is one of the in-game items Zagreus can collect. By gifting these bottles of golden liquid to other characters, he raises his affinity with them, which in turn gives him powerup items and advances character questlines. 

Hades (2018) is a retelling/adaptation of the classical Persephone and Hades mythos. All items, settings, and characters are from classic Greek mythology; Zagreus’ foster mother is the primordial goddess of night. Achilles’ personal questline is about reuniting him with his lover Patrocles. Zagreus has spent his entire life sheltered underground in Tartarus, so he doesn’t know what birds are, or what winter is. 

In turn, ‘nectar’ exists in Greek mythology. It’s sometimes interchangeable with ambrosia; both are the legendary foods/drinks of the gods, said to grant immortality to anyone who consumes them, amongst other positive effects. In-game, nectar is the more commonplace counterpart to ambrosia; Zagreus finds nectar as a dungeon drop. But he needs to defeat the champion of Elysium boss to gain a single bottle of ambrosia.

Today, we’re gonna re-create the nectar of Hades (2018) for ourselves! It may be contraband in Hades’ domain, but it’s not like anyone pays attention to that rule, anyways.

Why are we recreating nectar, and not ambrosia? Because there already exists tons of ‘ambrosia’ drink recipes. Maybe not based off of the Hades (2018) version, but there’s nothing new or exciting in making yet another ambrosia drink. Nectar, on the other hand, gives us more room for invention.

Hades (2018) Nectar Recipe  (Makes One Serving)

1 1/3 cups Martinelli's sparkling cider

2 tablespoons orange flower water

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 teaspoon edible gold shimmer powder (make sure it lists all ingredients, and is certified food safe)

A pinch of coarse sea salt

A pinch of lemon zest

A drop of mint extract

The first times Zagreus gifts nectar to npcs, they describe honoring some sort of godhood custom and exchange with him with a ‘keepsake’ - an in-game powerup he can wear. Unlike with gifting ambrosia, their eyes don’t pop out with shock at receiving such a luxurious gift, it’s instead just something nice, even if relatively commonplace. But nectar is still prestigious enough that gifting the actual Olympic gods nectar goes over well.

If ambrosia is the equivalent of Zagreus gifting $30,000,000 Breguet watches to his friends and family, then nectar is the gourmet-wrapped basket of cheese and crackers you see in the ‘gift’ section of the grocery store. Something you spot while on errands, and impulsively buy so you have a hostess gift the next time someone invites you over. It’s a gift borne of societal custom, and implores the giftee to give you something in return, eventually. Everyone from your multimillionaire uncle Poseidon to your humble jailbird neighbor Sisyphus are pleased to receive such a gift, even if they might value its contents differently.

(In the early-access versions of the game, nectar was ambrosia. The final release wrote ambrosia as the coveted, rare prize you earn after defeating the champions of Elysium. True enough, Zagreus can only find ambrosia after defeating the Elysium boss.)

In original Greek mythology, ‘nectar’ and ‘ambrosia’ aren’t two distinct things. Homer describes nectar as the god’s drink, and ambrosia is the food. But in Sappho’s and Anaxandrides’s poems, it’s the opposite. There’s more recorded mentions of ‘ambrosia’, rather than nectar. Some take this to mean that both nectar and ambrosia can be seen as something both food and drink, like honey.

Both share canonical similarities. Ambrosia and nectar are fragrant foods/drinks, sometimes used as literal perfume by the gods. Makes sense that nectar smells good, if in the AD period we’ve taken the word to mean the sweet stuff within flowers.

Other than its smell, we’ve no canonical information about nectar (other than in the Odyssey, nectar is described as either ‘rose-red’ in color, or in scent). Hades (2018) rendered nectar’s appearance as an opaque, warm gold liquid in a cute little round bottle, wrapped with a ribbon to benefit its ‘gift merchandise’ reputation.        

Nobody in Hades (2018) describes the taste/smell of nectar. Ambrosia, on the other hand, is said to be rare ‘vintages’ that you’re guaranteed to like. Sometimes, gifting either results in a cutscene where Zagreus and co. hang out at the lounge, complete with a sound clip of uncorking a bottle and pouring it into a tall glass. You can also see characters drink nectar amongst each other, savoring both the occasion and the taste. Eurydice also offers a ‘Refreshing Nectar’ power up item, which just kinda looks like normal nectar but in a tall glass. 

There’s a clear alcohol equivalence. But nobody references drunkeness in-game. Even original classical Greek culture didn’t have a drunk culture like we do; wine was revered, but it was mixed with water to be savored, not to intoxicate oneself. Maybe nobody in-game can get drunk in the first place; everyone’s either an immortal, or a ghost.

(In my opinion, it’s always a bit weird when videogame characters can nurture deep, trusting relationships purely built upon a system of gifting items. But Hades (2018) does make it clear that Zagreus already has established relationships with most of the cast.)

Ambrosia’s a rare vintage. So what does that make nectar? We need to make something sweet, pleasant, attractive-looking, and also tangibly related to its rarer sibling. So we’re using another liquid that’s distilled and sometimes fermented; apple cider. 

A bit of this decision comes from the soundbite of opening up a nectar in the lounge; it’s a thin viscosity with a slight hint of foam, almost sounding like beer. And the color matters too, since different distillations of apple cider can result in different colors, ranging from dark brown to a light, bright gold.

Apple juice, when fermented, can have alcohol contents going from light apple wine, to brandies that have 10-25% alcohol. As a culinary ingredient, its modest fructose content means a higher temperature tolerance, and its citric acid can be used as a brine. It’s a popular ‘new world’ ingredient in cooking and baking. 

It’s also an ‘old world’ food. Hades (2018) doesn’t take itself super seriously, with its foil-wrapped gyros and french fries as in-game healing items. But any character/worldbuilding they do have, they keep it consistent. 

Zagreus says that Hermes’ symbol “almost looks like a bat wing”, when it’s very clearly a bird wing. Because he’s lived underground his whole life, he doesn’t know what a bird is. Weapons upgraded with the aspect of people like Guan Yu, or King Arthur, are time-bending powers that no one has ever heard of, with hints that these mysterious people live in places with their own gods/mythology. Zagreus catches a trout/bass/sturgeon fish for the first time, and it’s completely foreign to him, but Achilles fondly recalls these Greece-native fish fitting of his Nereid heritage. Characters have discussions about how mortals fear death, despite Thanatos being a gentle god represented by butterflies. There’s no sun, therefore no time, in the underworld. Hades is the god of minerals as well as the underworld, hence gems and diamonds being an in-game loot. 

Apples originated in Central Asia. During the Classical Greek era, they would have resembled what we call crabapples; small, hard, sour, cherry-sized. “At the Sammardenchia-Cueis site near Udine in Northeastern Italy, seeds from some form of apples have been found in material carbon dated to around 4000 BCE.”

It implores me to find ingredients that fit the setting, as with my other Video Game Cooking recipes. No pumpkins, no corn, potatoes, chocolate, tomatoes, vanilla. Instead, we have things like almonds, lentils, oranges, honey, garlic, onions (haha, suck it Achilles)

To reflect nectar’s ‘sweet smelling’ trait, we’re using an ingredient common in Persian cooking - and later the French royal court of King Louis; orange flower water. I found mine in my local Asian grocery. It’s a byproduct of making essential oil, and it’s colorless/flavorless, but with a strong aromatic smell that affects any food you mix it with. It’s also a known ingredient in modern day Greece, called anthonero (ανθόνερο). 

(Eeurydice is confirmed to use both nectar and ambrosia as a cooking ingredient, and her food is apparently amazing. Maybe one day, I’ll make another Video Game Cooking recipe based off of her Pom Porridge, or Ambrosia Delights.) 

And to really make it look like the food of the gods, we’re adding an ingredient found more and more in swanky bars worldwide; edible glitter powder. Originally, people only used this to decorate baked goods and candies, but come Instagram, people are making these really picturesque cocktails that shimmer rainbow. You gotta be careful when buying these for yourself, though; the tiny tins of decorative edible shimmer power you find at Michaels may not actually be as edible as they claim. I found Bakell-brand Luster Dust at a bake-supply shop. If it doesn’t list its ingredients, or certify itself as FDA-approved, then don’t use it for food.

And since it’s called ‘nectar’, we’re also adding honey. Which has long history of its divine status as a holy food. To take down the intense sweetness a bit, the tinest pinch of sea salt - another holy, pure substance. And to really bring out the brightness of the apples, we’re adding a sprinkle of lemon zest. A tiny drop of mint extract brings a complex depth to the orange flower smell.

To make a glass of nectar; cover the bottom of the glass with mint, lemon, sea salt, honey, and orange flower water. Then, pour the apple cider with the gold shimmer dust together, so that the two mix together a bit, to avoid clumping of the powder. Then you mix the drink a bit, so that the honey, zest, and salt aren’t sitting at the bottom.

It only now occurs to me that this recipe might actually be a rendition of Eurydice’s Refreshing Nectar item, rather than pure nectar itself. But just take my word for it; when you open up a bottle of nectar, you get that whiff of blossoms with the slight coldness of mint, and the sea salt/honey taste goes really well with the apple juice. I imagine that Eurydice’s somehow making a further delicious drink by adding a splash of Bailoni and ice. 

Enjoy! Just imagine that you’re hanging out with Zagreus and his three partners, cracking a cold one open over stories about how crazy the surface world is. Did you know that we have machines called computers that instantly relay information all over the world??

[food-for-comfort-blog]

Steakhouse Smoky Barbeque Beer Burger With Caramelized Onions

Recipe: http://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2013/03/steakhouse-smoky-barbecue-beer-burgers.html

[megan0013]

21 Things About Me and 21 Tagged

tagged by @bifacialler and @creativenicocorner

Nickname/s: Meg

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Height: 5′3

Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff... with Slytherin tendencies

Last thing I googled: what time Vavoline opens on Sundays 

Fave music: i can find at least one song in every single genre, but i’m on an alternative kick right now - Strumbellas, Passion Pit, Fitz and The Tantrums, Killers, ect. Anything Florence + the Machine, DMB (because memories), Queen (fun story, when i was five my cousin and i locked our dads out of the car and jammed to We Will Rock You for a solid fifteen minutes), Mumford and Sons, love me some Britney, and have been known to JAM to some old Nelly, ect.

What I follow: writblr, trollhunters, caos, funny cats, baby animals, museums, art history, marvel, healthy recipes, story prompts, writer problems, strange magic

Song stuck in my head: Sweet But A Psycho by Ava Max

Followers: 84

Do I get asks: sometimes, but I’d LOVE TO GET MORE

Amount of Sleep: whatever i can get - but a solid 7 is ideal

Lucky Numbers: 3

What I’m wearing: husband’s t-shirt (cause sometimes you just wanna put your pj’s on at 5pm)

Dream job: author 

Dream trip: Italy. All of it.

Favorite food: mac-n-cheese... I can eat it hot, I can eat it cold. I can eat it for breakfast, I can eat it for dinner. I can eat it smoked with five different gourmet cheeses, I can eat it with a single sandwich slice.

Instruments: flute

Languages: English, and enough Spanish to get by

Favorite songs: You’re My Best Friend by Queen, Cosmic Love by Florence + The Machine, Crash by DMB, Island In The Sun by Weezer, My Prerogative by Britney Spears, Dust Bowl Dance by Mumford & Sons, River Deep, Mountain High by Celine Dion, Party Up by DMX, Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters, Freshman by The Verve, The Wire by HAIM... I mean, I’m legit all over the place and these are just the ones I could pull from my random playlists in under thirty seconds.

Random fact: my nose wiggles like Samantha’s on Bewitched when I say certain “m” words and my absolute biggest pet peeve is when someone takes out the trash and doesn’t replace the bag.

Aesthetic: messy brown buns, sunglasses, bright-colored beach towels with palm trees swaying in the wind and a beer in hand. pavement, cutoff shirts, and running shoes as the sun rises over the lake. dark wood, grey and navy, gold trim. wood-chips on playgrounds, blonde boys, skinned knees, deep brown eyes that can put a puppy to shame. the smell of old books, of firepits, of salt and sunscreen. sperry’s, cardigans, cut-offs. a german shepherd curled up by the couch or giving toddlers a kiss on the nose. laundry baskets filled with every color under the sun. plastic swords and soccer balls, kayaks and hot wheels. sunday morning snuggles in bed, coffee and cinnamon rolls.

I tag: no one, cause the two who tagged me have it covered 😘

[lundsandbyerlys]

Monger Madness: Help us pick the ultimate cheese champion

Eight cheeses. Three weeks. Seven taste-offs. Who will be the champion of cheese? The king of queso? The finest of fromage? Join us for Monger Madness, in stores now through April 3, 2019.

Vote for your favorites by texting CHEESE to 55955.* When you cast your vote, you’ll receive a $5-off coupon for cheese and be entered for a chance to win a $100 Lunds & Byerlys gift card!

This year, eight popular cheeses will be facing off in the ultimate cheese-tasting event of the year. Meet the competitors:

Westminster Rustic Red Cheddar

Made in the Somerset region of the United Kingdom.

Rustic Red Cheddar is a happy accident, created when a helveticus culture was added to a savory cheddar recipe by mistake.

Sweet, nutty caramelized notes combined with a little savory bite. 

The helveticus culture creates this cheese's signature snap/crumble when you taste it.

Pairs well with a spicy red wine, such as an aged Zinfandel or Malbec.

Old Amsterdam Gouda

Gold-medal winner! Tastes like a young Parmigiano-Reggiano crossed with an aged Dutch Gouda.

Rich, nutty, robust flavor and firm texture.

Made in Holland from local pasteurized cow's milk and imported Italian cultures; aged over twelve months. 

Perfect with a glass of fine wine or port.

Manchego Young

The most popular cheese in Spain and their #1 exported cheese. 

100% sheep’s milk cheese with a green, gray, or black cross hatch pattern on natural, inedible rind. Usually aged 3 to 14 months.

Flavorful but mild with a nutty, tangy, sweet and slightly salty finish. Firm and dry, yet rich and creamy.

Oscar Wilde Cheddar

Made from the milk of pasture grazing cows, in the Irish Cheddar style. Aged around 2 years.

Named after the famous Irish poet.

Each block is carefully selected and hand-graded.

Rich and nutty with a distinctly creamy taste and a firm, smooth texture. Finishes with a playful, tangy bite.

Carr Valley Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar 

Wisconsin white cheddar studded with cranberries and chipotle peppers, made from pasteurized cultured cow's milk.

The perfect balance of tart and spicy, where the heat sneaks up on the finish.

Delicious sliced up into your favorite sandwich. Also works well on grilled chicken or burgers.

Created by Sid Cook, 4th generation Master Cheesemaker. Carr Valley is owned and operated by the Cook family.

Awarded 2nd Place 2017 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest

Grand Noir Blue

A triple-cream blue cheese made from the milk of Swiss brown cows that graze in the Allgau region of Bavaria, Germany. 

Aged for several months in its waxy black mantle, like wine in a cask.

Gluten free, lactose free and rBGH free.

Grand Noir received Best of Class in the blue veined cheese category at the World Championship Cheese Contest in 2016.

Tomme St. Georges

Semi-soft sheep’s milk cheese, aged 3-6 months.

Made in the French Alps by Société Fromagère de Riom.

A cross between Ossau Iraty and a traditional French Tomme such as Tomme de Savoie.

Most Tomme-style cheeses produced in the French and Swiss Alps use cow's milk, but Tomme Saint Georges breaks with that tradition. 

This washed-rind cheese’s name comes from the small town where it’s made, Saint Georges.

Sartori BellaVitano Black Pepper

An American original cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. Made in Antigo, Wisconsin.

Aged around 8 months.

Savory and full-bodied, with a rich, nutty, creamy taste. Has the creaminess of a cheddar, but the flavor profile of a nutty Parmesan. Rubbed with course ground black pepper to impart a spicy bite.

A Sartori family original, made by several Master Cheesemakers. This gourmet cheese is a celebrated silver-medal winner at the 2014 World Cheese Awards.

Pairs well with Chianti, Chardonnay, light red wine, India pale ale, American pale ale, Trappist style beer.

Taste-off schedule:

March 7-10: Round 1, Game 1 Westminster Rustic Red vs. Old Amsterdam

March 11-14: Round 1, Game 2 Manchego Young vs. Oscar Wilde Cheddar

March 15-18: Round 1, Game 3 Carr Valley Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar vs. Grand Noir Blue

March 19-22: Round 1, Game 4 Tomme St. Georges vs. BellaVitano Black Pepper

March 23-26: Semi-Finalists, Game 1 Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2

March 27-30: Semi-Finalists, Game 2 Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4

March 31 – April 3: Championship Matchup Winner of Semi-Final 1 vs. Winner of Semi-Final 2

April 4: Champion Announced

Stop by our deli between March 7 and April 3, taste these magnificent cheeses for yourself and help us choose the 2019 winner!

*Message and data rates may apply. Periodic messaging. Text STOP to cancel, HELP for help to 55955. By voting you agree to receive 3 marketing text messages, which may be sent through an automatic telephone dialing system, from Lunds & Byerlys at the mobile number provided. By voting, you are confirming you are over the age of 13. Opt-in not required as a condition to purchase goods and services from Lunds & Byerlys.

[notanotherbookreview]

Gwyn & John Steinbeck’s adobe house in Monterey and Ed Ricketts’ Pacific biological Laboratories in Monterey.

My Life With John Steinbeck Chapter 4, Gwyn describes Ed Ricketts John's friend, muse, and alter-ego.

(Ed Ricketts was a marine biologist, the owner of Pacific Biological Laboratories and a pioneering ecologist. He is known to most people as the inspiration for the charater of “Doc” Ricketts in John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row, but Ricketts was also the author of two books on marine biology: Between Pacific Tides and Sea of Cortez.. His lab was a gathering place for writers, artists and musicians, counting among its guests Joseph Campbell, Henry Miller, and of course Steinbeck.)

Three was company, not a crowd in this fond portrait. 

CHAPTER 4 – JOHN, ED RICKETTS AND ME

Millions of words have been penned and spoken of John and Ed Ricketts, some true and some false. I do not profess to know all, but I know much, since I was there and lived through an important part of their lives. Ed Ricketts was possibly one of the finest marine zoologists the world has ever seen, or will see, and his untimely death in an accident was a tragedy. He was one of the most benign men I have ever met, and he became the best friend I ever had. Ed was one of those people who give you strength while they lack that for their own emotional problems, their own involvement with others, both men and women.

John and Ed had a tremendous bond of friendship between them. I never experienced anything from Ed except sheer goodness. He opened my mind to philosophy which I had never skirmished with since school days. To me, Ed was a kind of Jesus. I believe John thought that way, too. Ed wore a beard, this man of middle stature. Everything he did had the essence of kindness in it. If he did not really like you Ed would not display it with unkind words or temper; he just looked at you, smiled and said, ‘Oh yes, really.’ He did not say, ‘Get out of my life, you’re a pain.’ He said, ‘It’s nice meeting you.’

He had this great essence for life, and you could not help but admire it, whatever his faults. He was, in a way, enamored by sex, which perhaps isn’t too bad a fault. John loved Ed’s love of life; Perhaps it was the qualities that Ed displayed all the time that John wished to have but could not show, or would not allow himself to have. With Ed, they were built in, solid.

In our correspondence Ed would write: ‘My dear girl – never be ashamed of using the word “good.” There is much behind that, if you think on it. There is “good” everywhere; sometimes it takes people months, even years to discover it through mistakes, and God knows I have made them, and, anyway, who hasn’t?’ Ed used to say, ‘Don’t bother about hyperbole; simply say you like it – because it is good.’ It was that simple; beauty in that simplicity.

Ed was simple, too, in that he never cared about material things. Life was his work, and music too. He would listen from the moment he got up (if he was alone, he went around the house naked), and throughout the day while he dissected a starfish or anemone, or when he cooked. He would try to cook anything and was a gourmet. Once he said, ‘You can eat from the world if you know how to preserve.’

Ed Ricketts never wavered in his loyalties – John didn’t, either – and would never show jealousy. Even when some of the women he loved and who loved him left him, Ed continued to be their friend. Many times he saved their life. There was a special magic about Ed Ricketts; in many ways he was John’s offspring, the source of the Steinbeck Nile.It is a well-known fact that Ed and John’s correspondence was one of the most prolific between friends other than writers.

Whenever John discussed anything with him, Ed had a way of saying something was not right without saying it, and that is an art. At such times he would sip a beer and look to the ceiling and say, ‘Hmm, hmm, John, but that’s not quite right.’ Never did he say, ‘No, don’t quit.’ For John, sharing moments with Ed – and they shared many – was like going to an analyst. Afterwards John would tell me, ‘I’m all right.’ There was not any problem that he ever took to Ed that he could not solve, where John was at a loss.

I first met Ed in the early forties. John wanted me to meet him to see whether Ed approved of his ‘choice.’ Ed Ricketts watched all life go by, everything. There was nothing in the passing parade that escaped his eye or he could not laugh or cackle about. He was a slow speaker, exceedingly slow; every word he spoke was a saga. The way he spoke was like a Max Beerbohm drawing. Another side of Ed was that you never knew what you were going to eat at his house. God knows, John loved good food. One day, while the rain poured a monsoon, Ed called and asked us over for chicken soup. It was one of those cold, raw Monterey days. We went, and he served the soup in vast bowls, complete with his homemade bread. The soup was delicious, and I know how to make chicken soup.

But Ed’s ‘chicken soup’ was made out of sea cucumbers, which are part of the slug and worm family. He had collected his ‘chicken’ that day, and chopped it up. ‘I simply wanted to try it,’ he said nonchalantly. It was delicious. ‘You can always live off the land or the sea,’ he said, smiling. ‘Goddam it, Ed, I wouldn’t be surprised if you went and made a ground-up clam milk shake!’ said John. ‘Wait a minute, I have to write that down and try it,’ teased Ed. ‘With malt in it,’ added John. \‘What else?’ Ed replied.

Ed should have published a recipe book from the sea and elsewhere. It would have made a fortune. No matter what you said to Ed Ricketts you could not shock him. Take the time he told us about a woman he had picked up some place (and there were many women) when he had been drinking his usual rum or beer. Ed always drank rum or beer. He had been in no hurry. Ed said he felt the woman had been suffering all her life, and he helped her. John and I listened to him, unmoved. Ed always expressed himself freely about his sex life. ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘we made love and if it hadn’t been for me, she would have never discovered that she had a double vagina.’ ‘What?’ said John. ‘Yes, after the first time, I discovered it,’ he said in a very low tone of voice, but yet completely natural.

In a way, Ed was over-idolized, but maybe John made him that way. There is a story a professor told me, that John and Ed treated each other like Greek sisters, and I think in a way they did, if walking arm in arm on a beach makes you a Greek sister. They had this so-called gypsy pact, and they were brothers. Anyone can do that – if they’re rotten drunk. It is open to conjecture, but I believe that although John, with his own brilliant mind, gave so much to Ed, in turn Ed was a father figure to John.

The three of us had many good times together, and you always came out of them learning something from two great minds. In my eyes, Ed was nine feet tall, although he was only five-foot-six. But he had this aura. When he entered the room everyone stopped, turned their head, and asked, ‘Who is that?’ John once told me Ed would make one hell of a politician because he went around patting babies’ heads. He listened to everyone. Ed wanted to know what everyone else was thinking.

About a year after I first met Ed he had been carrying out research and, since he lived on Cannery Row, he said to me, ‘You know, before I die the Cannery will be dead, and we’ll fish out our waters. Every day we’re going out farther, and I’ve studied the waves, tides and fish schools. Every year when I go down to the wharf, the fishermen tell me they had to go out six miles while the year before it was five.’ He predicted the canneries would die and we would fish out ‘the beautiful waters,’ as Ed always called them. The Cannery was dead before he died.

When John and I were married Ed wrote us that the canneries were closing because we had taken so much from the sea and had given nothing back. He felt about the sea as Jacques Cousteau feels, although Ed pre-empted Cousteau by twenty years.

It was an experience to be with a man who took us out in a dune buggy and said, casually, ‘Oh, there’s a paleolithic rock over there and we’ll find some seashells.’ We would look at the rock and he would turn, saying, ‘All this was under the sea once.’ There wasn’t anything you could discuss with Ed Ricketts that he did not know about; he had an understanding of archaeology and geology as well, but his particular knowledge was of marine biology and the sea.

Ed cared little for money. John financed him. Ed’s laboratory did become a sagging enterprise. He did not have the driving desire for fame that John had; he was a philosopher and a scholar, and there was not one single thing that passed him by that Ed did not study. In his makeup he did not have time to stop and fight. Occasionally he might get tight and then would say, if it were a lady, ‘Lady, you’re full of shit!’ When he spoke it was as if Jesus had said it.

Ed was happy for John and me, although he never visited us in New York. Once, he felt let down because John was not allowed, on medical grounds, to go with him on an excursion to the Aleutian chain. I do believe that John was, unbeknown to himself, highly possessive, and this sometimes showed in his relationship with Ed. In many ways, Ed was a man’s man as well as a woman’s man. I never saw him without a drink, yet only saw him drunk twice. From the moment he arose and started the day, he started on beer, and by two in the afternoon he was on rum. John liked that about him.

Sometimes for breakfast, Ed used to go across the street from the Lab to Wing Chong’s and get six cans of beer, a large hunk of cheese and a pineapple pie. Some breakfast! Ed was what he was, and my life was vastly enriched for knowing him. He never spoke much about his family. Ed loved animals, although he put them to sleep and cut them up; that was his living. ‘You can’t make anybody like you who doesn’t like you,’ he once said. How true.He told John and me the story of when he was a young boy and he had a cat that liked to jump on the mantelpiece in his home in Chicago. His father didn’t like the cat, and it knew it. His father had a high wing chair with a lamp beside it, and would there sit and read the evening paper. Each night the cat would get up, turn around and wet all over his father. ‘Every night my father would say he was going to kill that cat tomorrow. I used to hide the cat. He didn’t kill it. You see,’ said Ed, ‘if you give bad feeling you’re going to get it back.”

If something went wrong and someone tried to start a fight when the three of us were together, Ed would simply look up to the ceiling and say, ‘Well, I guess the cat’s about to piss.’ That was the signal – don’t fight, just get out. But Ed had problems always with women or his love life, his wife or his children. He knew how to solve others’ emotional problems, but not his own. He watched the world go by. Ed read constantly, and I have never seen such a magnificent library as his. He had a constant desire and thirst for knowledge.

I am proud that once he said he liked me, because when he was talking about something I didn’t know about, I would say, ‘I honestly, don’t know what you are talking about.’ Said Ed, ‘Most people say, “Oh yes, uh-huh, I think I know what you’re talking about.” Gwyn never does.’ That was a great compliment coming from a man I so admired. He was never condescending. If I would tire, or be busy he would politely ask forgiveness; never would he say, ‘Get lost, you bother me.’ Sometimes he got angry, but I never saw such control in a man, and he always refused to argue; Ed always wanted to debate a problem. ‘You have your point of view, and I have mine,’ he used to say.

When Ed died a horrible death from injuries after being hit and dragged by a train, John went to pieces. He flew from New York to Monterey. After the funeral, he went to Ed’s house and destroyed diaries and letters, including their letters. Why? I believe John thought there is a beauty in the world you just don’t want others to pore over. Ed Ricketts, John and I shared a special relationship, the kind that comes along once in a lifetime. John left a legacy of great writings to the world. His beloved friend Ed left himself.

Below Gwyn's pueblo house in Monterey and Ed Ricketts' lab. Pacific Biological Laboratories

[wolfgangleuven]

Must try dishes at a Leuven Restaurant

Belgian cuisine is not limited to waffles however there exists a plethora of other succulent food items that can amaze you with their pleasant taste. Belgian food plays an essential role in the culture of the country. Though the nation’s division is linguistic, you can still recognize the people from different regions from the food they like. For an instance, Wallonian cooking imitates the French style with the usage of rich sauces however Flemish cuisine comes with a strong influence on Dutch. Apart from all the differences, the sole thing that is common between all the Belgian foods is that these are washed down with a glass of wine or beer. Now, you grab your glass and pour a cold one for yourself while scrolling down to these palatable Belgian dishes that deserve to be tried at a Leuven Restaurant.

Stoofvlees

Generally known by the name stoverii or stoofvlees, carbonate flamande comes in a lot of variations as a plethora of families have handed down their recipes for generations. Most of its recipes have a rich dark beer, onions, salt, beef, bread, herbs, pepper, and other spices. Moreover, people also add mushrooms, bacon, carrots, red wine, and shallots in it too. Sometimes dark chocolates are also added. With slow and long marination, it becomes the best product of BBQ Grill Leuven as it delivers the most tender meat for us to enjoy. 

Sole Meuniere 

One of the most savory Fish Dishes Leuven that you will find fancy is Sole Meuniere. Its latter part can be translated as “miller’s wife” which gives reference to the way she dips fish in seasoned flour first and then pan fry the fish with a little amount of butter. This dish comes with lemon juice and chopped parsley that makes a rich brown butter sauce. This dish is best enjoyed with potato servings. French people like this dish a lot. You must try it once in a lifetime especially if you visit the city of Leuven.

Chicons au gratin

A popular and comforting dish from Belgium is chicons au gratin which is a Flemish specialty. It has a unique tangy flavor that comes from endive which is a key ingredient in Belgian starters, soups, salads, appetizers, and main courses. It has leafy vegetables, prime boiled ham, and regional cheese that is traditionally served with mashed potato. The most interesting fact that you should know is that the endives are not limited to any restaurant in Leuven however these are exported to other countries including the United States too. 

Filet Americain

If you are expecting a juicy steak to arrive on your plate then you should not order Filet American. This seasoned raw minced beef is served cold. You can see a lot of seasonings added to the beef that gives flavor to this dish. These seasonings include egg yolk, pickled onion, capers, salt, pepper, oil, mustard, ketchup, tobacco sauce, Worcestershire, and whatnot. There are two ways to eat this dish either you can spread it on bread or you can enjoy it as a main course meal. When you have it as a main meal, you can combine it with pickles or frites. Trust me, you are going to fall in love with this dish as soon as it reaches your table. 

Spare Ribs 

Spare ribs are too juicy that they melt in your mouth and are fall-off-the-bone delicious. Your oven does all the work for you when it comes to preparing spare ribs on BBQ Grill Leuven. These slow-cooked ribs leave a magical aroma to make the dish too appetizing. To try this dish at its best, one must visit Wolfgang's restaurant as their gourmet chefs know how to let their customers enjoy the most delectable dishes. The tender meat and incredible aroma infused in this dish will make your experience like never before. 

All these dishes are a must to try as they are heavenly and lovely to make your dining experience amazing. Visit Wolfgang restaurant and enjoy the Belgian fish dishes Leuven here that are worth trying.

Wolfgang Restaurant Tiensestraat 82 3000 Leuven +32 47 16 83 459

[dillonboyer]

TANNER SMITHS BAR IS A REAL REPRESENTATION OF Prohibition-era

If you are trying to find a cocktail bar that meets all your imagine a real speakeasy bar, most likely to tanner smiths cocktail bar, this speakeasy cocktail bar is a true depiction of speakeasy society bringing you a convival setting that looks much like an early alcohol consumption club, you will constantly like the dim-light environment, wonderful group and also the inspiring setting of real antique décor, bench has fine wooden styles, brick walls and also a tile flooring that will certainly bring you to the prohibition period in NYC, this Speakeasy cocktail bar midtown is not only understood for its great interior setting yet they also use some imaginative craft mixed drinks with the best ingredients, you can go with their delicious alcoholic drink mixes or might be try the trademark craft mixed drinks that they serve.

When it comes to craft cocktails this cocktail bar is the very best cocktail bar midtown New York City serving tasty Craft Cocktails Near Me, You will certainly always like the Winona mixed drink bringing you a real feel of a speakeasy style, for the yummy Winona consume alcohol the tanner smiths bar instills their variation of the old fashioned beverage with a smoke herb to offer you that initial feel of a well-crafted artisan cocktails, asides the Winona that is offered at tanner smiths bar the food selection additionally offers a few other scrumptious mixed drink alternatives, they have various other well-crafted mixologies and also thankfully, the food selection likewise brings a new selection of craft beer, whether you are ready for a rum, bourbon, concoction you can always snag a seat as well as get a yummy craft beer.

Something you can not pay for to miss out on at this cocktail bar is the tasty brunch, the tanner smiths has the very best Brunch Near Me as well as their gourmet approach to brunch provides you a chance to choose some of the finest recipes, for breakfast you can always consume the Mac and cheese, eggplant chips and much more tasty delicacies, when you finally locate this breakfast to be a work of art you can currently make reservations for their scrumptious late night food.

The tanner smiths cocktail bar likewise holds the very best private occasions in midtown, if you have a celebration you intend to organize the tanner smiths bar offers a convivial and also well-arranged setting for that special celebration they additionally have an excellent selection of craft cocktail serving you the most effective cocktails for your cocktail parties or any other occasion.

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