Here I am again! I'm being a 'post hog' like TF claims regularly to be.
I had an interesting supper. We went to a restaurant by the name of 'Fishbone' that obviously specializes in seafood. One dish that they are acclaimed for is grilled octopus, so that's what I ordered.
The pros: It was incredibly tender. Octopus can be pretty chewy. Apparently they cook it in a Sous Vide where the octopus is put into a sealed plastic bag with various seasonings and then cooked for several hours in a hot water bath. Then it is grilled briefly to give it a char.
The cons: It was quite bitter! I suspect that my octopus had been exposed to too much open flame rather than just intense heat. My wife and my son had the same dish and they both said that theirs were not bitter at all.
The restaurant also did what I absolutely abhor in that the accoutrements were served in extremely small portions in most cases. I had the equivalent of about three grape sized baby potatoes, and Kaitlin had exactly two baby carrots, as in tiny, tiny carrots. What gives with these tiny portions? Maybe they own shares in the local Burger King. On the other hand, I had more olives than I had ever seen on a plate in my life. I left half of them because their taste was starting to dominate my palate.
They did give us complementary aparatifs which was unexpected, except they were served after the meal instead of before which I thought was more the norm. If they were giving out freebies I would have thought that a nice Port or Brandy would have been more appropriate for after the meal, but beggars can't be choosers. The roasted apple and parsnip soup was good but the flavours were very subtle as was the custard tart for dessert, so I did have something to not complain about. The server was extremely professional too.
I will confess that I am very critical when it comes to dining out. It really bothers me to spend $300+ for four people when things are less than perfect. But get this - my favourite restaurant is the local Wimpy's Diner. The food, service and portions are always, always excellent and the prices are a bargain by comparison. We know the owner, chef and servers very well and they treat us like family. They serve a huge variety of extremely tasty soups, all of which have more flavour than the apple/parsnip soup at Fishbone.Dianne and I could eat there for a week for less than what we spent at the fancy restaurant last night. Of course, that probably wouldn't be a particularly healthy choice but it would sure taste good!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critterIt really bothers me to spend $300+ for four people when things are less than perfect
That´s more than our monthly budget for food, toiletries - in short, all our household expenses other than rent, electricity and communication. From that perspective, dining out needs to be not only perfect, but even beyond that. It´s something we just can´t afford anymore. I am just glad Petra is such a perfect housewife and cook so I don´t miss dining out.
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
Tinplate ToddlerThat´s more than our monthly budget for food, toiletries - in short, all our household expenses other than rent, electricity and communication. From that perspective, dining out needs to be not only perfect, but even beyond that. It´s something we just can´t afford anymore. I am just glad Petra is such a perfect housewife and cook so I don´t miss dining out.
You make a very good point Ulrich! We could have had the same meal in our own home for a fraction of the price. We even have a Sous Vide but we haven't had the courage to use it yet! Maybe I will try doing my own octopus some time soon. We have a superb seafood shop in town. That's one of the benefits of having a large local Portugese population!
I will make the excuse, however feeble, of pointing out that both Dianne and I have very bad backs. Sometimes it's worth the expense to go out to the local diner for dinner just so we don't have to stand in the kitchen making a meal and cleaning up afterwards. When we are making a meal we both have to sit down every few minutes to relieve our back pain. That gets tedious.
There was a place in Milwaukee called Bone Fish Grill. Just the name made me un-hungry, never have been there. Don't know if it's still around!
Mike.
PS. Yep, still around. Just looked them up. All seafood, based in Tampa, FL. I take sea food in small doses. I like my fresh water game fish.
My You Tube
Good morning, everyone.
I love seafood, and I miss it since we moved to the middle of the continent from New Orleans.
Last year we vacationed in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. We went down to the docks and bought large amounts of shrimp as it was unloaded from the boats. I loved it.
We actually saw the sun for about two hours yesterday. Continual cloudy days bother my wife to the point that she is going stir crazy. I may have to put her on a plane and tell the airline to fly until it's sunny, and then drop her there.
I've gotten more layout work done. I finally finished the movie theater. It does not look good to me, but my wife likes it. I'm going to work next on some grain elevators. They're from a kit I got for Chrismas. I don't enjoy kits as much as scratch-building, but it was a gift, and the giver would like to see it once it's done.
Have a great day, everyone.
York1 John
Good Afternoon!
York1We actually saw the sun for about two hours yesterday. Continual cloudy days bother my wife to the point that she is going stir crazy.
Lucky you! There is no trace visible of that big, hot ball! Just cloudy, wet & windy, withthe temperatures just above freezing at the moment. No improvement in sight
Seafood - I am not particularly keen on sea food. I think I had my share of it on my various travels. I don´t mind a fried fillet of fish, salmon, tuna, even some "Matjes", that´s soused herring, but that´s it for me. I am more for a nice steak, schnitzel, burger, bratwurst, ham etcetera.
Have a great day!
We went out for dinner last night in a group of six. We all had the lobster, which is on sale Sunday nights for $12. Yes, twelve dollars, and it was delicious.
But, they ran out of lobster right after we got ours, so the place emptied out as people walked in, discovered the lobster was gone, and left immediately.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Good morning.
Yesterday was one of the worst flight experiences Judy and I have ever had. For starters there was this drunk young gal that had to be escorted off the plane. Her spouse Looked So Sad. His whole vacation was ruined in an instant.
We all felt our oats when we we're young and should have learned from that, apparently she didn't! A person must know their limitations. If you're excited about vacation, wait and party when you get there.
York1 Track fiddler I'm on the red eye fight to Laughlin Nevada. It looks like you should get good attention from the stewardesses. It doesn't look like there are too many people on board.
Track fiddler I'm on the red eye fight to Laughlin Nevada.
It looks like you should get good attention from the stewardesses. It doesn't look like there are too many people on board.
It looks like I left the L out of flight and spelt fight. It was more appropriate for the occasion anyway.
Have you ever heard that slogan by Delta Airlines "We love to fly and it shows" ? ...... In Judy and my case it was "We don't like to fly and it snows"
When the plane got to Minot, North Dakota to pick up the other passengers to fill the plane. They had just had a snowstorm and the runway was not plowed yet. Our plane circled in the sky above the clouds for 2 1/2 hours
After that they had an Ice-Sleet storm and we couldn't land any way. The pilot then flew us to Fargo, North Dakota to get more fuel. I guess I could never say I stopped at the gas station in a jet before, ... Until Now!
After another hour layover the pilot took us to Laughlin Nevada, there were only 20-25 passengers on the plane.
So after that, John, you were right. We had really good service. We were kicking back with our legs taking up three seats.
What should have been a 4-hour flight turned out to be an 8-hour flight...... At least we're here
Post Hog Post Hog, DAVE is a Post Hog!!! ........ Well someone has to do that while I'm gone
Make it a great day everyone.
TF
TF - I am feeling for you two! I have lost track of how many years of my life I have wasted waiting in planes and airports to continue my journey! I have lost track how many times I got stuck at airports due to bad weather, or late arrivals and missing my connecting flight! In Europe, flights to most European destinations are not worth the effeot any longer, thanks to the high speed trains. If you add the time you need to drive to the airport, park your car, walk to the terminal, check in, get through security, board the plane, fly to your destination (add the time you circle above), get out of the plane, go to the baggage claim, wait for your baggage, get a taxi and drive down town, the train does not need more time. High speed trains the only way to fly
Tinplate Toddler the train does not need more time. High speed trains the only way to fly
Ulrich, do you have to rub it in to us US citizens that are NOT on the East coast? We pour concrete roads instead of investing in trains, don't ask me why.
mbinsewiUlrich, do you have to rub it in to us US citizens that are NOT on the East coast?
Just to rub it in a little more:
And another flight at flight level zero, this time riding in the cab.
Distances in the US are too large. I looked into taking a train from Boston to West Palm Beach in Florida. It would have been over 24 hours, and would cost considerably more than flying. Boston to New York, on the other hand, is a great train ride, cheaper and faster than an airplane trip.
For those traveling with families, nothing beats the cost of driving. Trains and planes are fine for single travelers, but a couple with a pair of children can experience sticker shock even going a couple of hundred miles.
MisterBeasleyDistances in the US are too large.
So they are in Russia and China, but both countries invest heavily into high speed trains. However, high speed trains need a dedicated infrastructure and zero, zilch and nil grade crossings, which costs a pretty penny. I don´t see private companies being able to shoulder that expense.
Things may change and if we are lucky, we might live to see this change happen.
Tinplate ToddlerSo they are in Russia and China, but both countries invest heavily into high speed trains. However, high speed trains need a dedicated infrastructure and zero, zilch and nil grade crossings, which costs a pretty penny.
Both Russia and China have governments that can take what they need or want. We have no stomach for doing that here on the scale needed for even one long distance line, let alone any meaningful network.
I was going to write a long explanation why it won't happen here, but I deleted it all. It's been discussed to death on these forums.
Yes, it has been stated many times over, which does not make it better. Trains are still the most energy efficient form of either traveling or moving goods and there is still hope that in the future, some of the funds going into extending an already overloaded road system will be diverted into bringing passenger trains into the 21st century.
The "reasons" ( I call them excuses) that everybody is mentioned so far is the general attitude of this country about trains.
"We don't need no stinking trains!.....we need bigger and better ROADS". The only thing that ends up getting bigger and better, is the road builder's lobbyist and BIG bucks.
Every body compares train travel to Amtrak, not what it COULD be if the dedication was put forth. Country too big?? really?
PS. I better stop before Vinnie comes out of his office.
Mike . France and Germany have been through that as well. There was quite some resistance against high speed trains coming from airlines as well as the auto industry, not to forget the road construction people. Howver, once the trains showed their capabilities, they are now seen as a legit addition. There will be more high speed links coming up in Europe, i.e. linking Scandinavia to the rest of Europe.
Edit. Comments removed by me. I don't want to get my blood pressure up.
Eveing, hum no one here tonight?
Flo, Wake up! I will have a , if the gang shows up give them what they want and Dirk will take half a dog treat.
Work Front was slooow which was fine with me! Reason it was fine with me you ask?
I have messed up my right foot from walking Dirk! My new diabetic shoe's cause a bad blood blister 4 weeks ago, got the adjusted 2 weeks ago. Sill not right and next refit is Feb 10th. Started wearing my old diabetic yard shoe's, they are all so shot! New shoes brusied my right ankel. (foot rolls to the inside) Old shoes then brusied my instep, they are shot! my ankel on inside looks like I hit it with a 2 pound dead shot hammer! I am now wearing my old Work Shoes. Have not wore them as much and my ankel feels better.
Trains are running well.
Later, Ken and Dirk says "that was a short walk Daddy, woof, woof.
I hate Rust
cudakenLater, Ken and Dirk says "that was a short walk Daddy, woof, woof.
I just got in from walking my Daisy. Walking is stretching it. We stop, smell, take two steps, stop, smell, take two steps ...
I've tried dragging her, but she digs in and then wags her tail. She's got me wrapped around her little paw.
Hope your foot feels better.
Ken,
Dirk was complaining about only getting a short walk.
This is hilarious. It is the first time that the subjects have seen snow:
Sometimes I can appreciate how they feel about the white stuff!
Good Morning All,
I'll have a regular to go please Zoe. I feel much the same about snow but here in New England one must learn to put up with it.
Hope your feet get better Ken. Hard to be on your feet and in pain. Dirk will figure it out.
Had our club delayed Christmas brunch at the Thayer Hotel at West Point on Sunday. I had never been there before - didn't do a tour or anything - the hotel and food was good. We had a buffet and that worked well.
There is a Bone Fish in Orlando near the hotel where we stay when flying out but we've never eaten there as it is usually locked up tight by the time we get in on Sunday night.
I think the main problem with train travel here is the lack of investment in the physical plant. The reason it is 24 hours from New York to Miami is the slow speed if they even manage to stay on schedule and that is for the express. You are right about needing above grade dedicated trackage just as you are right about the need for the fortitude to do the work. I've done a few long trips and while they were expensive, I enjoyed them. The trip I did not enjoy was the one from Florida to New York. I got cancelled out of my flight due to weather and found out too late to book the express. The local ended up taking 34 hours to do the 1100 mile trip - about 33 miles and hour average. We lost over an hour in the middle of the night waiting for a freight to clear the only working main line in the Carolinas and the rest was much like that. Unexplained delays and slow downs, grade crossings, etc. If you could average 100mph, the trip would be 11 hours in all. I unfortunately don't see the will here to do what is needed mostly because it would need a massive public subsidy and we have no stomach for that. The seating and food service was good - no complaints there but as usual the sleepers were sold out (never seems to be enough of those) and sleeping even in a comfortable reclining seat with leg supports just is difficult. We won't mention the scenery once you get up north except to say it looks much like bombed out post-war Europe. Hopefully I danced around the edges enough to keep Steven Otte from having to step in.
time to pick up tools. Ciao, J.R.
Howdy ....
We returned from a family gathering in Nashville over the weekend which included a memorial service for Shelley's Mom at her church. As I have been posting she passed away last month.
I hope to catch up with you Diners soon. Also, I need to get back to working on my layout.
Cheers.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Heartland Division CB&QI hope to catch up with you Diners soon. Also, I need to get back to working on my layout.
.
Good to hear from you Garry. I hope all is well. I look forward to updates on your layout work.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Tinplate Toddler TF - I am feeling for you two! I have lost track of how many years of my life I have wasted waiting in planes and airports to continue my journey! I have lost track how many times I got stuck at airports due to bad weather High speed trains the only way to fly
TF - I am feeling for you two! I have lost track of how many years of my life I have wasted waiting in planes and airports to continue my journey! I have lost track how many times I got stuck at airports due to bad weather
High speed trains the only way to fly
Hi Ulrich. Bad experiences with planes, sounds like you've had many. This was our first bad experience on a plane. We also had a bad experience with Amtrak.
We took the train to visit my son in North Dakota. The trip out there was a lot of fun. The return trip, .... Not So Good! Our train leaving Minot, North Dakota was delayed 19 hours due to high winds. Stuck in a train station for 19 hours is not a pleasant experience
It would be nice to have the high speed trains you have over here.
I'm sending you guys a postcard.
A while back I watched the construction of the world's largest (Cement) Arch Bridge by the Hoover Dam in Arizona. It is also the largest Arch Bridge of any in North America.
This picture standing on the Hoover Dam.
My Fascination of bridges, I just had to go see this. You're not supposed to stop under the bridge but I did anyway. I needed that picture.
They had to build two high towers in Arizona and two hightower's in Nevada to string two sets of 5 cables across the river. Cable cranes transported all the materials back and forth over the river to construct the bridge.
The Hoover Dam.
Here is the type of cable crane that was used to build both.
This would make a cool model for a layout if one had the space.
After we returned to the hotel we went to the prime rib room.
Prime-rib wildebeest for all
Have a great day everyone.
TF,
The CFO and I saw the bridge while it was under construction. You could still drive across the top of the dam then. It was impressive then. Didn't get a prime rib but we completed the trip from Las Vegas to Williams and then the Grand Canyon Railroad to the southern lip of the canyon the day after. All in all a memorable trip. J.R.
Good Evening!
It´s quite windy at the moment. Not a bad storm, just enough wind to feel uncomfortable. Gives you a chance to find out which of your doors or windows doesn shut completely air tight
Track fiddlerHi Ulrich. Bad experiences with planes, sounds like you've had many. This was our first bad experience on a plane. We also had a bad experience with Amtrak.
Yes, I had my share of unplanned stopovers, delays, planes grounded for technical reasons, closed airports due to bad weather and the likes. I have also gone through a fair amount of trains running late, missed connections or even cancelled trains. Did you know that trains can get lost? Well, that´s what happened to us in 1971. We took the overnight auto train from Cologne/Germany to Klagenfurt/Austria. About two hours into the journey, the train stopped abruptly. Some joker had directed the train onto a wrong track and after traveling down that route without noticing the wrong direction, the catenary ended. No juice - no journey! It took more than two hours before a tiny Diesel switcher arrived at the scene, only to find out it won´t be strong enough to pull the train back those 20 miles, were the electric engine could rund around the train to pull it back on o the right track. So we had to wait another two hours for the now stronger engine to arrive! Total delay was 5 hours! It didn´t matter much, we were able to catch up the better part of the delay during the night and arrived only with a little delay in Klagenfurt the next day.
Tinplate ToddlerDid you know that trains can get lost?
Reminds me of one of my favorite "train" movies!
Yeah, lots of Hollywood factual "licence" here but sure was an entertaining movie for this boy to see on the BIG Cinemascope screen when I was nine. Why let facts get in the way of a good story
Thanks for that "Steamship Round" slab of prime rib there, TF
Au jus is au-right with me!
Cheers, Ed
GMTRacingI think the main problem with train travel here is the lack of investment in the physical plant.
Mike