Sometimes You Just Gotta Relax

There are times in our lives, when we just need to put aside what we think is important and relax. The world isn't going to come to an end if we don't get it done today. Nothing for as I'm concerned is ASAP. The way I see it. A day ends at 5pm. Seriously. Most business close at 5. You can't handle a crisis after 5pm in most cases, so chill and it can be taken care of the next day.

Today I decided to do just that. No ASAP's, no housework, no yardwork...just me going out to enjoy the day. Honestly I didn't do anything special. The whole point was to get out of the house by myself and enjoy some me time. I decided to go to one of my favorite places in Houston for a burger, Beck's Prime on Westheimer Road. If you look through my blog,  you'll find an article I wrote last year about this great little place.

To sit back sipping on an ice cold fresh iced tea, enjoying a burger topped with nothing but swiss cheese and hickory sauce...being shaded by a 400 year old oak tree. Yes, I said 400 years old. The only sounds I could here were the birds, the black birds landing on the chairs next to me as if they were to say "Hey, glad you're here" and fly off.

It's times like these that we forget about. Taking time for ourselves. So when people get on your nerves, the kids won't shut up, your spouse thinks chores have to be done right now...slip away for some quiet time...and a good ol' fashion hamburger.

Seriously, Life can be Good.

It's been a while

Hi Gang,

It's been a while since I've blogged. So much has been going on lately I haven't had the time to sit down and write. I've lost 20 lbs so far, not that I was fat and unfortunately it wasn't from my good cooking. I'm a confessed sugarholic, so I had to do something about it. Wanna know how bad I was? I could inhale a 42oz bag of Peanut M&Ms in one sitting without blinking an eye. Not a way to set a fine example to my friends. Plus sitting in my closet is a bit cramped and dropping a M&Ms can be chaotic!

One of my wine racks are full of empty bottles that I need to review...and yes I remember what each one tastes like.

You'll be hearing from me soon...whether I'm sitting in from of the computer or blogging from my cell phone.

I'll be posting an easy recipe of my famous grilled fish tacos...even my kids ask for them!

See ya around the kitchen, folks!

- Donald

Old Fashion Lemon Icebox Pie

If I'm going to enjoy a piece of pie, you'll find me at one of the long standing dessert restauants in Houston...Hose of Pies on Kirby Ave.

I've been going to the original House of Pies since the early 80's when I was a big concert goer. tickets were $15.65 a piece! To see Journey, Frampton, David Lee Roth fronting for Van Halen...the list goes on.

House of Pies was THE place to go after a night of loud music.

After leaving Paulie's in Montrose and doing a little bit of antiquing, I was hungry for some dessert and coffee. How do you enjoy this experience? You sit at the counter, not in a booth!

Today I enjoyed my all time favorite pie...a lemon icebox pie. A REAL icebox pie! Very creamy, not overly tangy, soft whipped cream and a graham cracker crust. Oh and a hot cup of coffee! I could have eaten the whole pie!

So if you are ever in Houston, make a stop at the original House of Pies.

...and sit at the counter!

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Penne & Shrimp Genovese at Paulie's

Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day. After hard freezes and rain, it was time to get out of the house!

We headed over to one of my favorite haunts in the Montrose area of Houston, Paulie's. I enjoy dining at Paulie's as the food is great, not like everyone elses, the atmosphere is very relaxing and they have a nice wine selection.

I wanted to try something different and since I love pasta and seafood, today was a great day to try Paulie's Penne & Shrimp Genovese dish.

The pesto sauce was prepared to perfection. Not overly thick, nor soupy. A great texture that clings to the pasta a shrimp. As you know I love cheese but this time I never gave it a thought. Perfect without it! To compliment lunch I paired it with a nice 2006 Badia A Coltibuono Cetamura Chianti. This wine complimented the meal nicely! It's 100% Saniovese with a nice depth of fruit. You'll love it!

Paulie's has a great menu for those that are tired of the same old stuff.

Enjoy my friends!

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