See and download the full gallery on posterous
Sent from my iPhone
Michael Saiz
Monday, August 31, 2009
REVIEW: Gelato's Dulce de Leche with Hatch Green Chile
So yesterday on my little spending spree at Central Market H-E-B, in my quest for the green chile Holy Grail, I stumbled upon this little ditty in the frozen section. I had been contemplating making my own green chile ice cream but have been way too lazy. Thought this would be a nice substitute. Nope. The Dulce de leche flavor just did not go with the green chile flavor at all. It was almost bitter & with an unpleasant after taste. Save your $$$$. It was pricey. I didn't even finish my bowl.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
REVIEW: Demos Greek Food.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
REVIEW: China Latina
Always think of eating at China Latina down in Southtown or is it King William on Sundays? On Sundays it is closed. Swung on by after trip to suburban Seguin to get S's Chinese kick. Steamed Dumplings for appetizers. Drizzled with ginger sauce and these things were almost perfect. Pork meat in dumpling was so very good.Won Ton soup for the second course. This soup was also so very good. Seasoned just right I wish I could have had a bigger bowl. For the main course had the Mongolian Lamb. This dish was also so very good. With Scallions and hoison sauce I couldn't get enough of this dish either.Usually I do not like Chinese Food as I think it has been way too Americanized. Usually I prefer Korean or Thai but this meal tonight was one I can personally guarantee. It was that good. Kudos to waitress Regina who was an expert at great service. I will ask for her again next time I am here. I almost never read the fortune cookie because I simply do not believe a piece of paper baked inside a sugar cookie can reveal much of anything. For some reason tonight I opened the cookie and found it so very appropriate.
Friday, August 28, 2009
REVIEW: Whataburger
OK so woke up this morning feening for some Chris Madrid's. Anything and everything off their menu is sooo good.
But I only have a 30 minute lunch and not enough time to drive down there. Since I already had burgers on my mind made a quick stop at Whataburger which I thought would do the trick. Well let me tell you something about Whataburger. I mean their burgers are good for fast food but why they have to use tissue to wrap the burgers?? By the time I get home---it's only two miles away, my burgers are cold?? And another thing. Can not get my green chile kick at Whataburger. So---I improvised and topped my jalapeno burger w/ my own chopped fresh green chile. In New Mexico we call that a Lotaburger. It'll do for now but still looking to make it to Chris Madrid's sometime this weekend. Why are you always packed Chris Madrid's??? Why???Thursday, August 27, 2009
REVIEW: CHUY'S @ the Forum (Green Chile Festival)
Met friends tonight for drinks and grub. Last time I was here I was not so impressed. This time it was different. Good friends always make for good times and their 21st Annual Green Chile Festival make it doubly good. Of course by now you know I am totally on my Green Chile kick so when plans changed from PF Changs to this place, I was a little happy inside. Started out with the Green Chile stew for my appetizer. Always good and with just the right amount of kick. I tried to share it but no one took me up on that offer. Had the Southwestern Enchiladas: blue corn tortillas stuffed w/ roasted chicken, cheese and green chile, topped with a fried egg. Almost as good as mom makes. Almost. Ralph was the only other one in our party to order off the green chile menu. He had the Tacos Norteños: homemade corn tortillas stuffed w/ marinated steak and Mexican slaw. He said they were super yummy too. So last time we were there it was too near their grand opening. This time they have ironed out the kinks. But be aware, Green Chile Festival ends soon. This marks four meals or more this week where I was able to incorporate Green Chile into the meal. Tomorrow?? We shall see.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
REVIEW: my own Pork Tenderloin with Green Chile Citrus Sauce
First of all, there is a Facebook boycott going on against Whole Foods. The CEO of Whole Foods dared to articulate an opinion that differentiated from the current administration's support of the Health Care Initiative. Progressives took it personally. Although Whole Foods is not my first choice of grocery stores, I went there today, boycott be damned, to get a few additional items for tonight's meal. Freedom people, Freedom. BTW----Whole Foods was packed. Still on my Green Chile kick, I roasted a Pork Tenderloin marinated with a Green Chile Citrus Sauce. OK I admit, not as tasty for me as if it were just seasoned with salt and pepper. Edible none the less. With a side of Zucchini, Corn, Green Chile and Potatoes with Ham, and Green Chile Ciabatta Bread, the meal was more than complete. The vegetable medley was actually quite good and would have made a fine meal in itself. Dessert was organic Cherry pie w/ whipped creme. Just the right amount of tartness. The Chow Chows always go crazy when they see the whipped cream can and always manage to finagle a lick or two. Tomorrow supper w/ friends at PF Changs. Wonder if I can sneak in a container of Green Chile and ask the cooks to stir fry it in something? LOL.
NSFW Peter Griffin Exposed #familyguy NSFW - What the deuce??
You've heard of Guys With iPhones site, right? Well Peter Griffin from Family Guy has gotten in on the fad. I'm surprised it wasn't Stewie.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
REVIEW: my own Bacon, Fried Egg and Green Chile Breakfast Tacos
Everything I can put Green Chile on or in these next two weeks I will. I have a soft-on for Green Chile documented here. Woke up so hungry so made me a couple of breakfast tacos. When I first moved to San Antonio 14 years ago, a colleague invited me to go get some breakfast tacos. I had never heard of such a thing. I envisioned breakfast food in crispy tacos. That did not sound good to me. When we got to the restaurant I delighted in finding out they were just like our breakfast burritos except not all rolled up; merely folded flat like a taco. Ahhh----this made sense and I have been enjoying them ever since. When I make my own breakfast tacos at home I always use fried eggs instead of scrambled eggs. I'm just weird that way. Actually, I prefer the juicy juice of the runny eggs. Topped with bacon and fresh chopped green chile and all rolled flat in a green chile tortilla compliments of Central Market, my breakfast was super yummy. One green chile meal down---two more to go. Three green chile meals a day documented German style a la Inglorious Basterds or American Style. German style is difficult. LOL.
Monday, August 24, 2009
REVIEW: my own grilled rib-eye steak w/ green chile sausage
Green Chile!! As you all know I am finally in heaven with the Hatch Green Chile Festival in town at Central Market documented here. Monday's are traditionally Rib Eye night so we grilled up the fat juicy rib eye from Central Market. Always delicious. Tonight also had the green chile sausage. Grilled to perfection I might add. Just what the green chile doctor ordered. With a side of fresh roasted chopped green chile seasoned with a bit of garlic and salt. My stomach was in culinary heaven.Quenching my now fiery belly with a slice or two of fresh watermelon. So fresh. Bluto & Bossanova stretching to partake when they realize supper is almost ready. Night is complete. Now to watch #weeds & #nursejackie on SHO.
thoughts and pix of a HEALTH CARE TOWN HALL MEETING held by Congressman Lamar Smith District 21 Texas @LamarSmithTX21
Pix are here.
August 24, 2009
Dear Representative Lamar Smith,
As someone who works in health care, I am writing in support of health care reform and modernization. I believe this effort can best be achieved by building up the current employer-based system upon which 160 million Americans rely.
While I am writing to you today as an individual, I am also an employee at United Health Group, one of the largest and most diverse participants in the health care system. I know first-hand the significant challenges our nation faces in improving access to quality care, while at the same time managing rapidly growing health care costs. Based on my experience, the employer-based system is in the best position to take on this crucial challenge in the years to come.
I strongly agree with the comments of many policy makers, including President Obama, that Americans should be able to keep their current health insurance if they wish. Efforts to weaken the employer-based system, however could force many American families to opt out of employer-based coverage.
Thank you for your role in ensuring meaningful health care reform.
Sincerely,
Michael Sáiz
Sunday, August 23, 2009
REVIEW: Hatch Green Chile Festival @ Central Market H-E-B San Antonio
Pix are here.
As a native New Mexican I was sad to move to San Antonio 14 years ago and away from a close source of Hatch Green Chile. In New Mexico, there is no other substitute. And every late summer, the air is filled with tantalizing smell of green chile roasting. Thank the lard for Central Market. Somewhere along the way they started hauling the green chile up to ME by the truckloads. For two weeks in late August I am able to purchase fresh, roasted green chile for my own personal stash and am able to sample it in all kinds of ingenious ways. The market has seen fit to put it in chips; tortillas; sausages; hamburgers; scones; etc. Truly I am in green chile heaven. Friends. Get your Butt (pun intended) over to Central Market on Broadway and sample your self some authentic New Mexican cuisine. I personally guarantee it. PS. I would have taken more photos but the HEB No Photos Inside The Store Policy Enforcer found me and gently asked me to refrain from taking more photos. At least they didn't take my media card like Kenny Chesney did to a fan at a concert. Sorry Mr. Butt but I am merely a fan of your green chile festival not a spy hoping to steal supermarket secrets. PPS. Guess I missed the entertainment this year as I was there kinda early. There is always next week. Sent from my iPhoneMichael Saiz
REVIEW: Inglorious Basterds
The first thing you notice in this movie is that the title is mis-spelled. Fanciful play on the part of Quentin Taratino? Maybe, but this is not the only whimsical thing in this movie. Everything is fantastically delivered in the fantasy tale.
Dare I say it is his best work since Pulp Fiction? Although nearly three hours long, I was entertained chapter by glorious chapter. The acting was solid. The plot was intriguing. The soundtrack was compelling. I wanted more, yet was wholly satisfied by the horrific ending. Mr. Tarantino? Come to San Antonio. I want to be in your next movie. Go see this movie my friends. I personally guarantee it!Sent from my iPhoneMichael Saiz
Sunday, August 16, 2009
pix from DALLAS COWBOY TRAINING CAMP @ the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Finally made it to the Dallas Cowboy Training Camp on Sunday, August 16, 2009. Joyce, S's sister was in town for a quick visit. We all loaded up to go downtown to go to church: The Church of the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp. Can I get an hallelujah????
The Disney: A cHristmas Carol Train Tour had made a stop at Sunset Station which is right by the Alamodome. We stopped for a look. We also ventured across the freeway to the Tower of the Americas as well. Pix are from Joyce, S and myself. Pix are here. Enjoy.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
REVIEW: Babes Hamburgers
After seeing District 9 at the Cinema I was hungry for shrimp but we settled for burgers. We drove all the way down Blanco for Chris Madrid's but all three parking lots at this local haven were packed and over-flowing. We drove around till we happened upon Babes on Fred Road. Still your typical burger joint. I remember it being full of softball teams after a game; church groups after church or biker dudes after a ride. Today was no different. Had the basic cheeseburger with fries. Both were greasy and tasty w/out being overly saturated. Unhealthy to say the least but still fresh and homemade. Dammit I forgot to get mine with jalapeños. You should give it a try again, like I just did. I've always liked the way they send your order by ski lift to the cooks.Sent from my iPhone
Michael Saiz
Michael Saiz
REVIEW: District 9
First of all, every coming attraction they showed before the actual film, I WANT TO SEE: Surrogates; Shutter Island; Zombieland; and others I can't remember. All look like must see movies.
District 9 was a solid movie. Believe the hype. If you enjoy science fiction; action and allegory then this thinking-man's movie is for you. With solid acting, incredible imagery and a compelling story, this movie was able to engage me and keep me entertained throughout. I give it an 8.5 out of 10. Suddenly I feel like eating Shrimp Scampi. Sent from my iPhoneMichael Saiz
Friday, August 14, 2009
Why British newspapers are more fun.
Couldn't find this on the internet anywhere so I am posting it here. Passed on by @1945suicide by inter-office email. Enjoy.
Review: my own Spaghetti with Bacon and Eggs.
All morning I was thinking of Chick-fil-a for lunch but since these are Desperate Times, decided to stay home and make me a quick inexpensive lunch. I love working from home. Sticking with the egg theme from last night, decided to make Spaghetti with Bacon and Eggs. Tossed with some balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese this was a quick; delicious and inexpensive lunch. And why is this blue dog always hanging about??? Oh yeah---bacon in my pockets. LOL.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
REVIEW: my own Stacked Enchiladas con Huevo Frito
Growing up, my family always met up w/ my Tio Junior and Tia Lucy and their kids on Sundays for Enchilada Supper. Lucy could cook. Yum---those are good memories. @Lorraine68 is my cousin and a part of those foodie memories. My own memories were made when I bought my house nine years ago. Packing boxes were everywhere and I needed to feed the good friends who had bothered to help me move. Just having bought a house, money was tight so I had planned to make Enchiladas. I was able to locate the corn tortillas; the Hatch red chile powder; the cheese; the hamburger meat but I could not find the flour. I use flour to thicken the enchilada gravy. Without flour to thicken the gravy I was up a creek. I was able to make an emergency substitution and to this day continue to use that secret ingredient much to my enjoyment. In New Mexico, it is tradition to stack the enchiladas instead of rolling them so I continue that tradition now living in Texas. Also New Mexican tradition is to top your stack of enchiladas with a fried egg. I may now be a Texan but will always be a New Mexican at heart. My meal tonight consisting of just Enchiladas---no sides---was delicious. When I make enchiladas I always think of those Sundays long ago and wonder if Lucy would be able to taste and figure out my secret, thickening agent, ingredient. Bluto was especially anxious tonight for left-overs but alas, I would never feed enchiladas to a dog. No matter how much he begs.Dessert was left-over fudge from our trip to Fredericksburg, TX over the weekend. Still good and rich and fattening.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
FINAL REPORT: Mom's recent Ovarian Tumor Surgery
My mother Alice got her final report today on her recent Ovarian Tumor surgery. As you recall that evil thing growing inside her was 10+ pounds. My mom is petite. 5’2 at the most so that thing was huge as it found asylum in her body. It was excised and documented here.
Finally, today, she was able to meet with her surgeon who apparently took a month long vacation immediately upon completion of her surgery back in July. The news is good. Although the tumor was considered borderline, she was told today that she has NO CANCER. Needless to say Mom is happy.
Mom would again like to thank everyone who took the time to keep her in your thoughts. She appreciated the prayers as well. Needless to say Mom is grateful.
Love you mom. Glad to hear the good news. Stay healthy. Needless to say come back to visit real soon.
And get a Twitter account already. LOL.
CC: brother T Mark
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
REVIEW: My own Pan Seared Pork Chops with Three Cheese Risotto
I’m all about the other white meat: Pork. You can find me eating pork chops almost every week. This week was no exception. Juicy; caramelized and just the right amount of crunch. Super delicious.
I used to always think Risotto was just rice but I make mine more al dente than creamy and I really enjoy the texture. Layered with three different cheeses it came out near perfect.
Every time I eat Watermelon I am reminded of that Galileo video by Indigo Girls. Fast forward to 2:49 and you find the quote: “Water Retention is not new to me”. LOL. They are singing about reincarnation. Watermelon was red and juicy.
No left-over’s remained for the Chow Chows. I ate it all. Insert enormous Viking burp here.
MSaiz
Sunday, August 9, 2009
pix from MOM'S MINI VACA: DAY FOUR
Mom is still in the air but here are the pix. http://michaelsaiz.smugmug.com/gallery/9213394_xFWdD
Here's pix from day one.
Here's pix from day two.
Here's pix from day three.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
pix from MOM'S MINI VACA: DAY THREE
Again---can't delay gratification. Here's pix from today.http://michaelsaiz.smugmug.com/gallery/9207029_2wpYNShopping in the AM. Fredericksburg in the afternoon. La Fogata near dark. Here's pix from day one.Here's pix from day two. Sure am enjoying mom's visit. What to do on day four???
Friday, August 7, 2009
pix from MOM'S MINI VACA: DAY TWO
Because I’m all about instant gratification---here are the pix for mom’s second day in her MINI VACA to San Antonio.
http://michaelsaiz.smugmug.com/gallery/9195416_zQRim/1
First day photos are here.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
MOM'S MINI VACA: DAY ONE
Because I’m all about instant gratification---here are the pix for mom’s first day in her MINI VACA to San Antonio.
http://michaelsaiz.smugmug.com/gallery/9187644_gBBrK
She continues to be super healthy after her Ovarian Tumor Removal last month. She’s in town for fun before she has to go back to work. Love ya mom.
MSaiz
Sunday, August 2, 2009
REVIEW: SALT GRASS STEAK HOUSE
Way too hot to grill steak outside but in the mood for savory grilled steak? Quandary? Nope---head to Salt Grass Steak House. Usually.We won a free appetizer w/ some promotion they were running for return visits. We had the Fried Mushrooms cuz S doesn't like Spinach dip or Jalapeno Poppers. Boo. The mushrooms were good but filling. Ordered the salad w/ dressing on the side. As you can see the dressing was not on the side. Well on the side of the plate---most unappetizing. Always I seem to have the medium Rib Eye Steak w/ Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Usually it's good. Today, not so much. Mine had a hard char on the outside and more medium rare than medium for my liking. The Garlic Mashed Potatoes were cold. No dessert for me. Even though I had only really eaten half my steak and the salad and mushrooms, I hit a wall and was super full.Last time I was here it was good. See here for that review. So next time I guess I will pull out the grill; head over to Central Market HEB and pick out some most excellent rib eye steaks, invite my Twitter friends, and have a party in my backyard. Seriously. Next time for sure. And as always, the super spoiled; still moist from their bath today; takes a day for them to fully dry chow chows got left-overs. Bossanova thanked me with a big wet kiss. Bluto was camera shy today but he ate his fare share.
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