Saturday, October 31, 2009
REVIEW: Le Peep
OK so I am still mad that Le Peep closed it's location in Alamo Heights/Oak Park. Had to trek all the way to Stone Oak to enjoy my fave breakfast place. To start off with had the Chocolate Kiss Hot Chocolate thingy thing. It was was like 55 degrees outside so there was a distinct chill in the air. The drink was excellent as always. It warmed me up and tasted ever so good. Things change. I opened the menu and my favorite meal was no longer there. The Down Home Sausage Pie was missing and I was a little annoyed. I was all ready to settle for something called the wanderer when the waitress came to take our order but I asked her about the DHSP because I was curious about it's disappearance. She made me so happy when she said they would be able to make that dish for me even though it is no longer on the menu. Joy. When they brought out the dish, it was a bit smaller than I remember it being but it was still delicious and filling and lip smacking good.4 Stars out of 5PS: Extra kudos to the waitress who found me my fave dish even though it is no longer on the menu. PPS: We must have arrived at just the right time as there was no wait to get in to Le Peep. As we left the line stretched out the door. PPPS: It's only really cold four days out the year in San Antonio but I put on my seat warmer in my truck this morning anyway. Could only stand the heat on low for like 5 minutes. Just wasn't cold enough for seat warmth. LOL.
REVIEW: Le Peep
OK so I am still mad that Le Peep closed it's location in Alamo Heights/Oak Park. Had to trek all the way to Stone Oak to enjoy my fave breakfast place. To start off with had the Chocolate Kiss Hot Chocolate thingy thing. It was was like 55 degrees outside so there was a distinct chill in the air. The drink was excellent as always. It warmed me up and tasted ever so good. Things change. I opened the menu and my favorite meal was no longer there. The Down Home Sausage Pie was missing and I was a little annoyed. I was all ready to settle for something called the wanderer when the waitress came to take our order but I asked her about the DHSP because I was curious about it's disappearance. She made me so happy when she said they would be able to make that dish for me even though it is no longer on the menu. Joy. When they brought out the dish, it was a bit smaller than I remember it being but it was still delicious and filling and lip smacking good.4 Stars out of 5PS: Extra kudos to the waitress who found me my fave dish even though it is no longer on the menu. PPS: We must have arrived at just the right time as there was no wait to get in to Le Peep. As we left the line stretched out the door. PPPS: It's only really cold four days out the year in San Antonio but I put on my seat warmer in my truck this morning anyway. Could only stand the heat on low for like 5 minutes. Just wasn't cold enough for seat warmth. LOL.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
REVIEW: Taco Palenque
Busy afternoon of running errands turn into busy night of catch-up. No time to cook so had take-out at this place that just opened on 410 between Broadway and Nacogdoches. I seem to remember a joint with this name on 410 near Marbach but I could be wrong. Had the Carne Guisada Plate. The beef tips were dry not moist as is the Tex Mex tradition although it was flavored well. The tortillas did not look very good. Again, not very Tex Mexy.Rice was also dry or over-cooked. I did not try the beans. What I did like was the Pico de Gallo and the Salsa. Both were fresh and spicy and flavored just right. Did some research on this chain and found a lot of good stuff here on wiki. Found out they are open 24 hours a day so that's also something good to keep in mind? Are Taco Cabana's open 24/7?Bad thing was we thought the meal was a bit pricey considering this is still a fast food joint. 2.5 Stars out of 5PS: Overheard at the dinner table---"why do people always come to San Antonio and think they can sell us non San Antonio type of food? This place will not last."PPS: Founder invented the El Pollo Loco chicken recipe.
PIX & THOUGHTS FROM THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS HOME OPENER VS NEW ORLEANS #SATX #NBA 10-28-09
How good was this team last night??? Seriously---the Spurs rocked my socks off.
Pix are here. Matt Bonner, Michael Finley and Roger Mason were on fire from three point land. Always a pleasure to see Manu Ginobili back in action.Tony Parker totally had his way with that little guard from New Orleans.Tim Duncan---well Tim Duncan was consistently Tim Duncan.DeJuan Blair has my vote for rookie of the year. Richard Jefferson struggled early but kept Peja from being effective.The bench. Oh my, the bench is DEEP!!! 30 to zero advantage at half-time is incredible.The drive for five is alive. This will make for an interesting season. The off-season changes appear to have been successful Go Spurs Go.Spurs 113 - Hornets 96Thanx for a great start to a great new season.PS: How do you take a picture of a glow in the dark t-shirt??Wednesday, October 28, 2009
REVIEW: ATT Center Food
Thanx Express-News for cheap seats & free food. I can't review free food or was it built into the price of my tux? LOL
Sent from my iPhone
Michael Saiz
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
REVIEW: Leather Portfolio Notebook Thingy Thing
Back when I was in Prison---er---back when I worked in a Prison, I had these leather notebook portfolios thingy things made for me and my bro @TMarkM. The year was 1993. These portfolios thingy things were made by the Captain's "boy" for an obscene little amount of money. The prisoners were not allowed to make a profit on these outside projects. These leather notebooks are so well made I am certain they will last forever. I was a substance abuse counselor for a Therapeutic Communities style of therapy at the Clements Unit in Amarillo, Texas called Lone Star Stay'n Out. The program was designed to treat substance abuse by making changes in attitude and behavior that would lead to a low recidivism rate. When I left the program we were operating at a high 80% success rate. Those were good times as I learned to be a tough cookie by working in a Prison Setting. Mark had just started his educational career at New Mexico State University and had requested an Aztec theme. Poor Captain's "boy" came up with this design instead. It's still nice.My design was the logo for that company. It means: the key to stay'n out (of prison) is Lone Star (therapeutic communities). The Zia symbol from the state flag of New Mexico is on the back of my portfolio. I'm a Native New Mexican. It is a shame I now work from home. I would love to show off this Notebook thingy thing in an office somewhere.PS: Wonder if Captain's "boy" is a free man now a days? PPS: My walk-in closet in my apartment in Amarillo was larger than a cell at the Clements Unit. PPPS: I got to meet Governor Ann Richards as this program was a pet project of hers.PPPPS: I didn't get to meet Governor George Bush as he closed down all pet projects of Ann Richards. PPPPPS: Funny how current job sometimes feels like a prison?
Monday, October 26, 2009
SPECIAL GUEST REVIEW: Chris Madrid's
My good friend Anika @arios5 had an inkling for a good burger so she asked me for some advice. I went duh?? Chris Madrid's. What follows is HER review.
This was a really good burger. Haven't been in a long time. Need to go more often. The fries where good as well. Regular fry was perfect for two. PS: Anika is newly pregnant and we call her baby Raspberry since it is about as big as a raspberry. Raspberry gives two thumbs up too. PPS: My recent view is here.Sunday, October 25, 2009
REVIEW: Chili's
When fate hands you a gift card to Chili's and payday is a week away and you don't feel like cooking, you use the card to corporate chain bleh blah bleh restaurant. They are running the 3 courses for $20 promotion that is very popular right about now. We shared the Kickin' Jack Nachos. They were alright. Should have had the skillet queso instead.Bacon Burger was my main course. It was good. I was hungry.We shared the White Chocolate Molten Cake. I thought we would get some mini version of their usual dessert but it was the full size version. This sucker was good but again I was hungry. So usually I hate this place---with a passion---but tonight we made due because money is tight. Damn Recession.Thank you Metro Ambulance for the free gift card. Door Prizes are cool at conferences.
Power Wheelchair Dude Strikes Again
Usually I see this guy zipping down Broadway with his wife on his lap but today he was flying solo. It is still always a strange sight to see. LOL
Sent from my iPhone
Michael Saiz
Saturday, October 24, 2009
REVIEW: Sorrento's Ristorante
We usually go here for the food not the service. Tonight, this all changed. This family owned Italian restaurant in Alamo Heights has always made solid handmade meals. Seriously, this family knows it's stuff. Had the Greek salad and Cannelloni tonight. Absolutely a delight. Every ingredient fresh. Every bite an opera in your mouth. Now for the service. We always seem to get stuck with a grump of a late middle aged waiter who makes it clear that he would rather not be serving you. One time he even changed the tip amount right in front of us because he said he deserved more tip. He throws the plates of food on the table. Neglects your table. Makes you wait for your ticket. He must be related for I am sure he would have been booted out a long time ago. Tonight this disagreeable man was not there. We got who I imagine is the daughter of the owner. She was pleasant and agreeable. Met our every need even though she was also tending a large party. So please give this place a try. Every dish, including the pizza, is well crafted and tasty. I suggest if you never have been here, to start with the house Lasagna. It is filled with meat and smothered in a pink sauce that is sweet. Out of this world. 4 Stars out of 5
WHAT I LEARNED FROM SKYDIVING...
May 15, 2004
1. Tie your goggles tight else they will try to fly off your head.2. Close your mouth as you fall from two miles up.Pix are here.Tuesday, October 20, 2009
REVIEW: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
They rolled me to the truck. They literally rolled me to the truck after we finished eating at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen tonight. Stuffed I was after tonight's anniversary feast. How much is 14 years worth at Pappadeaux ??? Apparently $5.50 a year. Started out with the Twisted Hurricane: a blend of frozen papadocious & frozen margarita with SKYY Infusions raspberry & SKYY Infusions citrus vodkas. Strong and potent and instant rush to the head. I have always liked that they make the Greek salad right at your table. Yes it's good and obligatory because the Pappas Brothers are Greek and know their Greek food. Had the Titan Shrimp Platter: Shrimp prepared three ways, jumbo shrimp montage, shrimp brochette, & grilled shrimp all served over dirty rice with a side of zucchini strings. The grilled shrimp was ever so good. Just right. The stuffed shrimp was also very tasty. The bacon wrapped shrimp was a bit salty. Hello, it was wrapped in bacon but it was still a good dish. No room for dessert. Did I mention they rolled me to the truck?This place was hopping tonight. Didn't anyone know it was only a Tuesday? Locals know this place is usually a bitch to get into especially for mother's day, but tonight the wait was minimal. The waiter was super attentive and deserved his generous tip. 4 Stars out 5. PS: Thanx for 14 years S. Love you.Sent from my iPhone
Michael Saiz
Michael Saiz
Saturday, October 17, 2009
COMMENTARY: Blue Light Special (or) All These Electronic Blue Lights are Driving Me Crazy.
I need to get some black electrical tape. Cover up all these blue lights that keep me up at night. When did all our electronics get the blue light treatment? It needs to stop.Proof is here. Proceed at your own peril. PS: It's kinda hard taking pix of blue lights in the dark. PPS: The only things that should be blue in this house are songs and the Chow Chows tongues.PPPS: I am so bored tonight.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
REVIEW: MacArthur High School Sprit Parade #SATX
Every year the high school in my neighborhood has a spirit parade right through the middle of my subdivision.
I have lived in this neighborhood by the airport for nine years. I have always meant to take pictures but always feel like such a perv taking pix of kids but since I was not the only one with a camera in the crowd tonight, I snapped away.
Ahh to be a kid again.
Pix are here.
5 Stars out 5.
MSaiz
Monday, October 12, 2009
REVIEW: My own Caldo de Pollo
I felt so bad giving my last review a half a star that I thought I would make it up with this review.
This is the best bowl of Caldo I ever made.5 stars out of 5REVIEW: Ming Court at the Vineyard
I was so caught up in the rain and the accordions and accordions in the rain yesterday that I completely forgot I had a horrible eating experience. Finding ourselves on the edge of Stone Oak, we happen upon Ming Court. My friends like Chinese food and you all know that I am very wary of Chinese food in San Antonio as it all has been very Americanized. We enter and they take our drink orders and say "help yourself to the buffet". Oh no---I loathe Chinese buffets. I had been duped. Started out with pot stickers; cold. Corn nuggets; cold. Wings: cold. I was not off to a good start and you get where I am going with this post.The only items I actually enjoyed were the lettuce wraps and won ton soup. Everything else was either cold or just not tasty at all. Dessert was a complete failure. We were all pretty embarrassed as to the quality of the food in that buffet. We all left hungry. Now you can see why I was able to pig out at the International Accordion Festival a mere hour later..5 Stars out of 5
VIDEO: Dancing in the Rain to Accordion Music
So went to the International Accordion Festival documented here and finally got the quick video of couple dancing in the rain converted. Apparently my camera takes video in HD and couldn't get the blog to recognize it. Fingers crossed.
They were sweet and obviously in love. May we all be so in love.Sunday, October 11, 2009
REVIEW: International Accordion Festival
Rainy and miserable today. Not a good day for concerts at outdoor venues. I braved the rain for the International Accordion Festival at La Villita today and had a great soggy time.
Pix are here. Wish I could have stayed longer but felt a chill come upon me to the backdrop of a slow descending grey.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
REVIEW: Chalk It Up
Looking for good cheap fun, I heard about Chalk It Up happening downtown today and decided that was for us.
The whole premise being that local artists turn the sidewalks and streets of downtown San Antonio into impressive works of art.
Pix are here. Warning there are a lot of photos.
This was lots of fun and wish I would have know about this in previous years. Keeping this event on my calendar for next year.
We also headed down to Market Square to catch some accordion players but guess they were between sets and didn’t catch them for the International Accordion Festival. Maybe tomorrow?
4.5 stars out of 5
Such a shame these works of art will wash away with the next rain storm.
MSaiz
REVIEW: Chris Madrid's
This review will be most unfair. I love Chris Madrid’s and have never had a bad burger there. Ever!
Tonight after the Chalk It Up thingy happening downtown, we drove by and much to our surprise found that it was not as busy as it can be on the weekends.
Had the Tostada Burger: Homemade refried beans, chips, onions, and creamy cheddar cheese on our delicious beef patty topped with fresh pico de gallo. Yes!!! Always tasty and always satisfying.
Get your butt to Chris Madrid’s soon. You know it’s been too long.
4.5 stars out of 5.
MSaiz
REVIEW: Couples Retreat
Wasting time before the CHALK IT UP thingy happening downtown, we step into AMC Rivercenter for a viewing of Couples Retreat. Had not been to this theater inside Rivercenter Mall on the riverwalk in years and believe me, it did not receive the stadium seating treatment many older theaters received in recent make-overs. And, I’m not certain that I wasn’t bitten by some kind of flea or bed bug or something.
This movie written by Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau from Swingers fame is not nearly as bad as all the critics have argued. Sure it is a forgettable fluff of a film but it engages you in just the right way that if you see it during a matinee, you will not have wasted your time or money.
There are many memorable and laugh out loud scenes including the yoga scenes with Carlos Ponce.
See it with the other half of your couple because after all no one wants to eat alone at Applebee’s on a Friday night.
3 out of 5 stars.
PS: This film was directed by first time director Peter Billingsley. Yes the dude from the 1983 A Christmas Story.
MSaiz
Thursday, October 8, 2009
REVIEW: My own New Mexican Stir Fry
Usually I make this dish as a side dish but tonight decided it was hearty enough to eat as a meal in itself. Tonight, I also named it for the first time because usually I call it Ham with Potatoes; Mexican Squash and Corn. Since I cooked this dish in a wok, tonight I christened it: New Mexican Stir Fry.
In tribute to America's school children, tonight I also sing Mmm Mmm Mmm New Mexican Stir Fry good.REVIEW: Robert Earl Keen - The Rose Hotel ( )
Thank you Vanessa. Vanessa was my boss when I worked at a funeral home in the late 90s. She used to hand out rodeo tickets for a job well done. Guess I was good because I was the proud recipient of Robert Earl Keen tickets. This is circa 1997?? I had not heard of REK but was eager to get out of the house on Vanessa's dollar. The coliseum was packed. The crowd was rowdy. The lights went down and the stage lit up. The place erupted in applause and hoots and hollers. For the next 90 minutes it was like I was at a Beatles concert. Everyone sang along to every song. I found myself thoroughly entertained by "Robert Keen, Robert Keen", and I have been hooked ever since. With Robert Earl Keen's latest release, I remain hooked. The Rose Hotel, released September 29th, has been on my regular rotation since today. I know, I know, I am not really unbiased here since I truly worship the man for his singer/songwriter talent, but I have to let you know: go get this album. The album satisfies from start to finish.
Make no mistake, this is a country album, but REK will entertain any lover of music. REK is always able to turn an ordinary event and weave it into a beautiful song woven with touches of humor and darkness. My favorite songs so far include 10,000 Chinese Walk Into A Bar and Wireless in Heaven and have been included here for your listening enjoyment.REK writes cool, funny, alt-country songs. I have heard him compared to Elvis Costello of the country world. I am inclined to agree. PS. Meet REK once at a book signing. Audible Sigh.
Make no mistake, this is a country album, but REK will entertain any lover of music. REK is always able to turn an ordinary event and weave it into a beautiful song woven with touches of humor and darkness. My favorite songs so far include 10,000 Chinese Walk Into A Bar and Wireless in Heaven and have been included here for your listening enjoyment.REK writes cool, funny, alt-country songs. I have heard him compared to Elvis Costello of the country world. I am inclined to agree. PS. Meet REK once at a book signing. Audible Sigh.
10,000 Chinese Walk Into A Bar by Robert Earl Keen
Download now or listen on posterous
04-robert_earl_keen-10000_chinese_walk_into_a_bar.mp3 (6191 KB) Download now or listen on posterous
Wireless In Heaven by Robert Earl Keen
Download now or listen on posterous
11-robert_earl_keen-wireless_in_heaven.mp3 (6498 KB) Download now or listen on posterous
Sunday, October 4, 2009
REVIEW: San Antonio Spurs Open Practice Sunday
Pix are here.
So today we headed over to the Spurs Open Practice at AT&T Center: sweet!!!!I am so excited about the new season. Everyone looks super healthy and I think our bench has great depth. There is much potential in this current line-up with just a few kinks to iron out. It was great to see so many people there. It looked like almost the entire lower bowl was full of people. San Antonians love their Spurs.Free tickets to three pre-season games was a plus as was the chance to win great seats for the season opener against New Orleans. Timmy Duncan in a three-point contestant that he wasn't prepared for was fun to see.The crowd was wild for Manu Ginobli.Great seats we were in---I can only dream to have seats like this during the regular season. So excited for the new season to start: Go Spurs Go!!!5 Stars out of 5.Saturday, October 3, 2009
REVIEW: Sonic
So everyone knows what I do most every day @ 330P: Sonic Run. Tonight I stopped there for dessert after eating @ Mama's tonight. Mmm Mmm Mmm Butterfinger Sonic Blast. Mmm Mmm Mmm. Tonic was playing while we were at the Sonic: Ironic??? LOLAnd as always, Bluto attempts to take my treat when I make it home.
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