Deck of Cards for Euchre…check
Turkey & Dressing Sandwiches from Cremer’s…check
A newbie Dubuquer who just moved from California…check
a restaurant gone February 3, 2010
I was recently informed that the restaurant where I first worked closed. I am sad about the loss of a great locally owned BBQ restaurant.
Barely sixteen, I started at Aggie’s as a waitress and worked almost every position available from dishwasher to bartender. Of all the jobs, I loved being a prep-cook. Alone in the back I would spend most of the day peeling potatoes while swaying back and forth to the oldies. I can still feel the sting of vinegar in my nostrils while I mixed the ingredients for the signature BBQ sauce and the lush scent of brisket cooking on the smoker. Even as a teenager, I knew I was in my ideal foodie element.
Of course, my first job provided me with some less than desirable experiences as well. I mastered how to date the wrong men (mostly bartenders with nice cars and bad attitudes), how to smoke, and how to hold my liquor with the people I met at that restaurant. In other words, I learned a lot about what not to do at a young age. By the way, I no longer smoke or drink (too much), but I’m still working on the dating thing.
Cathy, the owner, is who I remember the most. Always looking out for me, she insisted that I call home before I left work and she made sure I had a good meal. More importantly she offered me counsel when no one else was providing it to me. She always told me, “You are young and the world is vast, and you’ll find a place in it.”
I have.
Thanks, Cathy.
Here is a little tribute to Aggies from Roadfood.com.
For the love of a hot dog; a haphazard journey to Hot Doug’s January 26, 2010
I won’t lie. I suck at finding stuff. In fact, my father always used to say I couldn’t find my way out of a paper sack if I tried. As I prepared for my first trip to Hot Doug’s in Chicago, his words haunted me. To thwart those words, I carefully studied the El station maps for days. I printed directions and brought my GPS thinking ”There’s no way I could get lost!”
Then, last Saturday, 157 miles away from home, my friend and I turned in the wrong direction from the Addison El Station. We were doomed from the start.
We continued in the wrong direction for over a mile.
After an attempted bus ride (bus driver looked at us and said, “California? You guys are going the wrong way.”), we finally gave up and hailed a taxi.
When we arrived, here’s what awaited us…
Should've gotten here earlier, jackholes!
After 1 1/2 hours of waiting outside on the sidewalk, we entered hot dog nirvana.
I couldn't agree more.
Hot dogs and the hand of an unnamed man.
The classic Chicago Dog--and my favorite!
Foie Gras Dog, or as I like to call it "Who the f**k barfed in my bun?" dog. Not good at all.
The Paul Kelly: Bratwurst soaked in beer. Mmmm...
Spicy bison dog with goat cheese.
Duck fat fries. Yes, I had a minor stroke later that afternoon. No regrets though.
Had to get the Sioux City Birch Beer!
January Activities January 21, 2010
The Lounge in Dubuque is one of those neighborhood bars that hasn’t changed its jukebox or its decor in about 30 years. That and its popcorn (which seems to be laced with crack–it’s addicting) is why it’s one of the greatest places you can visit on a frigid January Friday night.
In lieu of having anything truly creative to write these days. I’m forming a…wait for it…list. Let’s hope February will be more conducive to leaving my warm apartment.
1. Go to The Lounge
2. Eat popcorn
3. Kick jukebox
4. Practice Foxtrot
5. Watch local melodramas unfold
6. Attempt lifts ala Dirty Dancing
7. Shout out “NOBODY PUTS BABY IN THE CORNER!” and have an apple pie shot
8. Try not to order a hot dog, nachos, or an other semi-tempting foods.
9. Walk/climb home (try not to fall on face)
10. Fall asleep on couch before 11:00 pm
Don't worry about us. We're wearing our long underwear for the long, steep walk home.
The jukebox includes the following oldies but goodies (I need some help here so let me know if you have some favorites):
“Fever” Peggy Lee
“Hungry Eyes” Eric Carmen
“Devil Went Down to Georgia” Charlie Daniels Band
“Midnight Train to Georgia” Gladys Knight and the Pips
Frank Sinatra and Johnny Cash are in there as well.
A Shout-out to Carl! January 13, 2010
Sorry, this isn’t a shout-out to Carl Brutananadilewski from Aqua Teen Hunger Force though he deserves all of that sweet, sweet nectar.
Anyway, this is a shout-out to Carl Lennertz, a publishing/marketing guru and all-round smart guy. He was my favorite speaker at the Denver Publishing Institute! He also helped me with my job hunt a few years ago and he started blogging again! Feel free to peruse his blog about books, movies, and music at the Publishing Insider!
By the way, ATHF is available on DVD at the Carnegie-Stout Library. How awesome is that? The episode “Dumber Dolls” is my all time favorite, but “Frat Aliens” is a close second.
THE resolution January 12, 2010
Now, for my belated resolution for 2010. I only have one this year, but it is big.
1. Get out of credit card debt. This debt has been hanging around since my college years and 2010 is the year it will die.
You know you might need to get out more… January 12, 2010
when the most exciting part of the week is coming home to a re-caulked tub and a new toilet seat that actually fits the bowl.
Thank you, landlady, I no longer fall in! You are amazing! Now, how about replacing that kitchen counter?
Anyway, I hope my last post didn’t cause alarm. Driving about 1,000 miles over the snowy holidays kicked my ass this year. Upon returning to Dubuque, all I wanted to do was eat, sleep, and wear sweatpants. That is exactly what I’ve been doing in my cozy fortress of solitude.
I’m boring myself January 8, 2010
In an effort to refresh and recharge for the new year I’ll be taking a short break from blogging in the next week or so.
The nasty Iowa weather, the post-holiday blues, and some recent news has left me dull and uncreative.
Don’t worry!
I’ll be back soon!
My Mother’s Hair: The Conversation That Never Ends. Ever. January 6, 2010
Scene: My mother stands in the middle of the living room with a mirror. I am sitting on the couch with wine.
Mom: Look at my hair.
Me: What about it?
Mom: Well, what do you think? Is it too blonde?
Me: Yes.
Mom: But all the women at work love it!
Me: Okay, then it’s fine.
Mom: Is it too white?
Me: Yes.
Mom: Really?
Me: Yes.
Mom: Susie likes it.
Me: Have you seen her hair? She looks like she should be thrusting a muscle car in an ’80’s music video!
Mom (rolling eyes): Do you think it should be darker?
Me: Yes.
Mom: But then my grays will show more at the roots.
(My eyes wander the room trying to find an escape)
Mom: Are you sure you don’t color your hair? It looks like darker than mine.
Me: Yes, I’m sure and my hair is darker than yours.
Mom: I’m old.
Mom: Do you think I should color it?
(I guzzle my wine to prepare for another go around)
Books to Read Before I Die Challenge-2010 December 28, 2009
I was recently informed of an intriguing before I die reading challenge at a blogsite called Bibliophile By the Sea. All I have to say is GAME ON! This is the perfect motivation for me since I have been struggling with my reading lists lately. I must emphasize that my BID list is massive, so this list is just the tip of the iceburg.
Here are the rules (FROM BIBLIOPHILE BY THE SEA):
- Between now and December 31, 2009, make a list of between 10 and 20 Books to Read Before You Die. (depending on interest, this may be an annual event challenge).
- The books on your list can come from your stacks or the library, and be in print or audio format.
- Once you’ve created your post with tentative titles, THEN sign up using Mr. Linky, by pasting the link to your post, along with your name/blog name. This is how you will be registered. Finalize your list by 12/31/09 (no changes to the list after 12/31/09).
- NOTE: If you don’t have a blog, you can still sign up and join in the fun.
- All bloggers who complete the challenge will be entered in giveaway to win an Amazon Gift Card.
- Questions/comments, please feel free to comment or email me.
You can sign up anytime prior to January 1, 2010, once you’ve created your “tentative list”.
Here’s my tentative 2010 list (in no particular order and suggestions are welcome)!
1. White is for Witching – Helen Oyeyemi (CW highly recommended this one)
2. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen (This book has been sitting in my bookshelf for most of my adult life. 2010 will be the year I read it.)
3. Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression - Studs Terkel (I borrowed this one from my economist friend about a year ago. I’m guessing she wants it back.)
4. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain (I’m not sure how I escaped middle school without reading this one.)
5. The Blind Assassin – Margaret Atwood (A favorite book of one of my Denver Publishing Institute friends. My other DPI friend loathes it. I must enter the conversation)
6. The Art of Mexican Cooking – Diana Kennedy (Yes, I read cookbooks. After hearing an interview with Kennedy on “The Splendid Table”, I can’t wait to read her cookbook!)
7. Midnight’s Children – Salman Rushdie (Again, I’ve been putting off this one off for years)
8. Great Expectations – Charles Dickens (Ditto)
9. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – J.K. Rowling (This one has been on my list since I was schooled by the English Department Chair’s children a few years ago. Afterwards, they asked me “Are you really smart enough to finish your master’s degree?” Thanks, boys. I’ll read this, but I will never be able to answer your math story problem flashcards. NEVER.)
10. Ulysses – James Joyce (I won’t lie. I’m still intimidated by Joyce. I’ve read parts of this, but never all the way through)
11. Let the Great World Spin - Colum McCann (Amazon e-mails me this book as suggested reading CONSTANTLY.)
12. My Last Supper: 50 Great Chefs and Their Final Meals – Melanie Dunea (Features an almost-naked Anthony Bourdain. This makes it a must read for me)
13. War Dances – Sherman Alexie (He can be a little preachy, but I still love his writing)
14. Lights on a Ground of Darkness – Ted Kooser (Kooser’s work appeals to my midwestern-growing-up-in-a-shack-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-on-the-prairie roots. I read everything he writes)
