ATT CENTER

SPURS GAME

And so at the end of the day when I started with pancakes and bacon, I so needed a 7-Up or an alka-seltzer at the Spurs game. Had to settle for a Sprite as the Spurs whipped some Hornet butt!

THE LORDS KITCHEN

BURGER AND FRIES

Ha Ha Ha! Then ended up at this place prior to the game.

ASIAN FESTIVAL YEAR OF THE OX

BEEF RICE BOWL AND SPRING ROLL

Dish one of many at this event and at this event today.

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY SANDWICH

MICHAEL'S HOUSE

30 minutes for lunch is not much time to assemble and eat the best Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich ever made---but I tried. Peter Pan Honey Roast Peanut Butter with HEB More Fruit Four Berry Fruit Spread on lightly toasted Mrs. Baird's 100% Whole Wheat Bread with a cup of Lactaid Reduced Fat 2% Milk with a shot of Torani Sugar Free Vanilla is a Mmm Mmm great quick lunch. How this for product placement.

GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH AND VEGETABLE CHICKEN SOUP

MICHAEL'S HOUSE

Lunch! And finally a half decent healthy meal after all that take-out from earlier in the week. Rushing here to get in the shot as I could not get my timer to work correctly for some odd reason. So Mmm Mmm Grilled Cheese for lunch. I love it but boo had no tomato soup in the pantry so had to eat this uber healthy vegetable noodle soup and it was a bit bland. Oh well---WW friendly LOL.

BEIJING EXPRESS

TAKE OUT

More OT so more TO! Beijing Express is 5.8 miles from the house so not all that express but the food is pretty good. Had the Grilled Pork and Jasmine Rice with Spring Rolls and special sauce. Mmm Mmm OT TO good. No OT tomorrow so tomorrow I will cook a good homemade meal. Promise.

CHACHO'S

TAKE OUT

OK so Michael has been a bad boy. Working OT again so no real time to cook a decent meal for supper. Took a quick trip to Chacho's to meet my craving for nachos. Mmm Mmm Picadillo Nachos are way yummy. Tricked my mind into thinking that I was eating a bit healthy by only getting the 1/4 order instead of the 1/2 as usual. The full size is just plain obscene and my mind is easy to trick after-all.

WHATABURGER

TAKEOUT

Happy Chinese New Year! Happy Year of the Ox! I had everything ready for my Bang Bang Chicken to commemorate the Chinese New Year but as always, life got in the way. Whataburger is always a nice standby. My one complaint is that by the time I drive the 2.0 miles back from the drive-thru my burger is often already cold. Took Bossanova and Blue with me for the ride. When I got back put the burgers on the ottoman so I could eat in front of the living room TV. Went to the computer room to get my camera and when I came back Blue had already found and eaten his burger. I'm sure he said Mmm Mmm good burger!

TIP TOP CAFE

Usually there is a line out the door to get in this place and a lengthy wait too, fortunately today, we got right in and got right down to business. Tip Top Cafe on Fred Road is one of those local favorites that you have to set aside time for at least four times a year. The food is home cooking Mmm Mmm awesome. You always have to start out with giant batch of Onion Rings which are downright delicious. I had the chicken fried steak which covers the entire plate and requires three sittings to eat it completely. Awesome wait staff, delicious food and a cozy, den-like feeling make this place a favorite every time.

EARL ABEL'S

Mmm Mmm---Belgian Waffles for breakfast at Earl Abel's. Earl Abel's is a San Antonio tradition that goes way back. I really do miss it's old location though on Broadway for the new owners moved it to Austin Highway because they built a new luxury highrise condo on it's old site. If you look real hard you can see the waiter mannequin behind my left shoulder. This guy is so life like it's scary. Ran into my neighbor Mr. Roberts and his dad there this morning. I recognized his car in the parking lot because he has the cleanest; shiniest car in town.

LASAGNA

It's incredible how lasagna resembles enchiladas---right? I had not made lasagna in a very long time but had the hankering for this meaty dish. Found another healthy version of this evening meal that I thought I would give a try. Sun dried tomatoes, fresh basil, sausage added to the fresh taste of this meal. Was it Mmm Mmm good? I think it was a bit too healthy to be Mmm Mmm good. Oh well, I still enjoyed it while watching the Spurs on TV.

WING STOP

When the price of gasoline went way up to near $4.00 a gallon, I promised not to venture more than six miles from the house for take-out so luckily, Wing Stop is like 5.8 miles from the house. All day the IM crew I hang with at work was making a fuss about Wing Stop Wings so I undertook a mission out in the middle of rush hour traffic down the Wurzbach Parkway to Embassy Oaks for a sampling. Mmm Mmm freaking delicious. Hot, Lemon Pepper, and BBQ wings with blue cheese dip and fries and Bourbon Baked Beans were way worth it for me blowing my diet. I'll need to go there again soon. Now if there was only one in my neighborhood.

SPAGHETTI AND GIANT MEATBALLS

I like making dishes from scratch so I tried this new recipe for Spaghetti and Giant Meatballs that was supposed to be a bit more healthy. Rolling ground turkey with 85/15 ground beef to make the balls, I pan fried them in olive oil to a toasty finish. Also made from scratch this fire roasted tomato sauce that didn't take all day to make. This meal was Mmm Mmm healthy good. I ate it all up!

INAUGURATION DAY

MICHAEL'S HOUSE

I like to keep things simple sometimes and what is more simple than bone-in pan grilled pork chops and sautéed mushrooms? Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper made for an Mmm Mmm simple meal. OK---I was still a bit hungry after I ate my simple meal as I usually have it with a chunk of crusty French bread. Oh well---I am trying to eat more healthy so bread and carbs are bad for me.

MLK DAY

RESTAURANT: KOREANA RESTAURANT

Somewhere along the way when I outgrew Chinese food and was turned onto Korean, Thai and other non-Chinese Asian food by my friend Cindy, Koreana Restaurant , has always been a staple. Today I tried the Pork Gulgogi for lunch and I was not disappointed. Served with the usual spicy soup and assorted appetizers including kimchee, I left that place with a Mmm Mmm full belly. The waitress spilled my soup all over the table when she brought my lunch out in the traditional bento box but no matter she brought me out another bowl and apologized a thousand times. This place is great for authentic Korean food---you should go but just watch out for those potent and lethal Korean burps afterwards.

PANCHITOS AT THE QUARRY

Here I am eating the Enchiladas de Picadillo at http://panchitos.net/. As you notice I am not using a fork or spoon. This my friends is New Mexican style where you just scoop up the food with two pieces of tortilla. In fact, I didn't know what a spoon or fork was until I was like six or seven because I ate all my food using this method. Mmm Mmm scooping up my food with tortillas good. First visit to this restaurant and while it was good it could have been better. I'll have to give it another try another day.

LOUIE LEDEAUX SEAFOOD

Not our first stop tonight for good eats because our first and second and third choices were busy with lines out the doors. Louie LeDeaux Seafood at the FORUM is reasonably priced and reasonably good too. The crowd started to pick up as we were leaving so people do recognize a good deal. Had the Fisherman's Platter with shrimp, oysters, catfish, crawfish, stuffed crab, dirty rice and coleslaw---all was Mmm Mmm cajuny even though my oysters were fried not raw!

LUBY'S CAFETERIA

Now cafeteria food being what it is, and me growing up on Furr's Cafeterias, I was never one for Luby's Cafeteria when I moved to Texas some 15 years ago. In fact I still say sometimes---'wanna go to Furr's when I mean Luby's. Baked White Fish is usually good and usually what I get but tonight it seems it sat under the hot lamps a little too long. And, boo---they didn't have the cabbage which is what I really love at this cafeteria. Also, did their prices go way up when they were acquired a few years back? Mmm Mmm around the corner and quick food but I find my self taking longer between return trips to this establishment.

WINTER STEW

The best laid plans of stew and men---with apologies to Steinbeck---but that is my attitude today. Found a recipe for a Winter Stew because the weather man said it was going to be chilly today. He lied---it was 63 degrees today and sunny. So my winter stew was not really a chilly day warming meal and the stew itself was not what I had expected from my favorite recipe book. Turnips, parsnips, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, leeks, onions and sausage sounded pretty good but it was Mmm Mmm bland. Definitely an acquired taste---without the sausage it's a vegetarian's dream. Boo!

FISH 'N CHIPS

Still trying to eat more healthy---made some all from scratch Baked Fish 'n Chips tonight while still retaining some of the tradition by wrapping them in newspaper. Why newspaper? I'm told it helps soak up the grease from the deep fryer. Of course by baking this dish I eliminated that problem. Made my famous homemade tartar sauce and my meal was Mmm Mmm complete. One day I will attempt to make homemade ketchup. Today was not that day. And---Go Spurs Go!

BILL MILLER'S

TAKE OUT

Putting in some OT today and no real time to cook so went down the road to Bill Miller's. Stayed on the light side of the menu and got the Baked Potato combo with the vegetable beef soup. As always, the soup was way too hot to eat right away---burned my tongue. This quick meal always satisfies though and keeps my belly full. Mmm Mmm, I need to buy stock in Bill Millers.

PANCAKES

Totally in the mood for pancakes today for lunch---I think my less pretentious friends call it BRINNER. Anyway---was making my pancakes from scratch and dropped my favorite mixing bowl and the glass scattered into a million tiny pieces everywhere in my kitchen. UGGH--wasted 10 minutes picking up because didn't want the chow chows to step on glass. Anyway---made another batch and Mmm Mmm very tasty brinner---cuz I'm a winner!

HU HOT MONGOLIAN GRILL & BARBEQUE

This place at 12710 IH 10 W Suite 100 is very near my work office and when I still worked at the office instead of at home, I would eat there often. We would always say in a loud, rough voice: " wanna' go to HOOO HOOOT?" Now I go like once every 60 days or so because it is clear across town from my home. Mmm Mmm it is good though because as you assemble your own stir fry you can pick exactly the toppings you like the most. And of course, if it comes out wrong you can try again or simply just blame yourself. By the way I always use the "Burn your Village" BBQ sauce.

BUC-EE'S GAS STATION

Made a day trip to Katy, Texas to go to the Forbidden Gardens and made my obligatory stop at my favorite roadside gas station Buc-ee's Beaver Gas Station outside of Gonzales, Texas. This place is an absolute gem! The bathrooms are the cleanest ever---they even have hand sanitizer at the urinals. Wanted a picture of me eating their world famous jerky but that didn't work out. Here I am drinking their world famous hot chocolate. Mmm Mmm it was piping hot and good because brrrr---55 degrees and windy is too much for this Texan to handle.

MEATLOAF

Happy late birthday to the King---it was yesterday!

On the verge of going to a hockey game tonight but that did not work out so stayed home and made comfort food instead. Meatloaf, smashed potatoes and steamed green beans---all fresh and super tasty. Mmm Mmm, just like Elvis's mama used to make I'm sure.

ANGEL FOOD CAKE

OK so I have 30 minutes for lunch and I ask my colleague via IM if I had time to assemble my ingredients for homemade Angel Food Cake? She said yes! She is formally trained in chefdom so I went for it! So there I was on my lunch hour---er---1/2 hour lunch making a mess in the kitchen like I always do. Twelve egg whites and sugar and flour and etc. later I had a beautiful ring of Angel Food. OK---I must have gotten some egg yolks in the egg whites because it did not rise quite as high as usual. No matter---Mmm Mmm yummy fluffy light.

JOSEPHINE STREET CAFE

This is a place where the locals hang out. Josephine Street Cafe located at Highway 281 and Josephine Street is definitely where this local likes to get away from the tourists. Started out with the queso and sausage appetizer platter. Mmm Mmm finger licking queso good. Followed up with a giant rib eye steak with mashed potatoes and gravy and a tiny glass of Shiner Bock Beer which made this evening complete. Oh yeah---this is the restaurant where they have a giant tree that grew through the roof. Come hang out with me sometimes before a Spurs game.

ASIAN BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS

Quick and easy, these Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps are also very good. Broiled Flank Steak; Cellophane Noodles; Boston Lettuce; Mango Bits; Green Onions and Minced Garlic all assembled into a wrap are Mmm Mmm yummy. I used to always be afraid of the broil setting on the oven but now it is my friend. The broil setting can be your friend too. Learn to love your broil setting.

CALDO DE POLLO

I have figured out two things already and I'm only on day six. One thing is that I might run out of clothes and you might say: "Michael's in that shirt again?" And, you can never go wrong with a big steaming bowl of Caldo de Pollo. Mmm Mmm. On a cold night like tonight this really hits the spot. I had it going all day in the crock pot and ready when I get off work. Ok---I know I work from home but you get the picture. Chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, corn cobs, secret spices and chicken stock simmering all day in the crock pot make the chow chows crazy all day.

SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS FRITTATA

Everything always looks easier on TV. I guess because they have a staff of hundreds to help pull it all off. Anyway, my new favorite cook on Food Network, Anne Burrell has a show called Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and I caught an episode where she explained the secrets of brunch. I just had to try her recipes for they looked oh so good. Sausage and Peppers Frittata, Fingerling Home Fries and Dried Cherry Scones with homemade butter were Mmm Mmm good today except my kitchen looked like a tornado had touched down and it took a bit longer than I would have hoped. Oh well, I like trying new and different meals and this is one I will definitely try again.

PAPOULI'S GREEK GRILL

Now I suppose there are other Greek Restaurants that are better in San Antonio, but this one is just more convenient to me. Lunch today @ Papouli's Greek Grill in the Forum was still pretty good. Taking advantage of their Make-a-Meal deal I had the Gyro Pita Sandwich and Greek Salad and greasy French fries. Mmm Mmm. This place always fills me up and if you can beat the rush, you can get in and out pretty quick. They say they have belly dancers on some evenings but I have yet to figure out where they dance 'cause the place is pretty small. Obligatory Greek Island paintings on the wall add to the charm of this local restaurant.

LE PEEP CAFE

Usually this place is packed and there is a long line snaking out the door to get in for breakfast. Today, we were able to get in with out a problem; we suppose for being the day after a holiday. Le Peep, located at 1896 Nacogdoches Road has always been one of my preferred breakfast locations. Sticking with my favorite meal, I ordered the Down Home Sausage Pie: poached eggs on top of home style potatoes with onions and bell peppers and sausage smothered in cream gravy. Mmm Mmm. The only thing that is missing is Hatch Green Chilies but oh well I'll have to wait until I'm in Albuquerque. Yes, Le Peep is a chain restaurant but definitely worth the wait. Oh and when the weather is chilly like today, try the Chocolate Kiss Hot Chocolate. The fresh whipped cream is divine.

NEW YEARS DAY

MICHAEL'S HOUSE

Starting off the new year right with my batch of New Mexico Syle Stacked Enchiladas. Authentic New Mexican chile from Hatch; ground chuck beef and hormone free cheese stacked on high make this a pretty good enchilada but there is a secret ingredient. All I can say is Aunt Jemimah. No need for sides of rice and beans because I stack it four layers high. Notice the double plating just like the restaurants. Mmm Mmm. Just like Lucy used to make---just kidding---just like mom makes!

THAI CHILI ORIENTAL RESTAURANT

When you go to a restaurant often enough that they know you by name and preferred dish, that my friends, is a good deal. Thai Chili Oriental Restaurant located at 4303 Thousand Oaks in Northeast San Antonio has become one of my favorite places for Thai food. I always seem to order the same dish PHAD WOON SEN, shown here,but only because it is consistently delicious. PHAD WOON SEN is bean thread noodles with mixed vegetables, stir-fried with egg and pork cooked to my hotness scale of seven. Ten being the hottest. And you can see the giant serving size I get because I am a regular---wink wink. I get this on their HAPPY MEAL special served from 5P to 7P. This special deal also includes eggroll; wonton; soup; steamed rice and tapioca pudding. My friends, you must try THAI CHILI when you are my neck of the woods. I have never been dissapointed in any dish I have tried. Stop in and say hi to Nicky and say Michael sent ya. I promise---you will leave completed sated.