Weekend Update - Asian Edition

Yesterday, we finally did the Asian market day we've been planning since H-Mart and 99 Ranch Market opened in Austin earlier this year. Scott-n-Julie and Jeff and I headed to H-Mart first, so we could get lunch at the 8-restaurant food court there. We tried several things from a few of them, and almost everything we tried was a hit! My favorites were the Kimchi Tater Tots and Bulgogi Sandwich from EStreet Tacos, and the garlic-soy Korean Chicken Bites from Donkey Mo's. And omg, EStreet has something called Chicken Skin Chicharrones, also very highly recommended, which I will definitely try next time. Their queso supposedly rocks as well. So, EStreet and Donkey Mo's, y'all. Write. That. Down.

We perused the aisles at H-Mart, which is very large and bright, and looks just like a regular grocery store, other than the products are almost all Asian. Their produce was OUTSTANDING. Just beautiful. I complain all the time about our produce at our grocery stores. Their stuff was exceptional and not expensive.

Next we headed to 99 Ranch Market. It is smaller than H-Mart (still big though!), and less well-lit. Their produce looked just like my HEB, pretty average. Their prices ran quite a bit less than H-Mart. They also have Peking Duck for $20 and live lobster for $8 per pound. I almost bought a vat of Kikkoman soy sauce (the only one I use), 2 quarts worth, for $5 and change. Couldn't figure out where to store it, so I didn't, but just as an example, they do have great prices. Plenty of selection, too. I did get some grapeseed oil (the best for stir fry, according to Jet Tila) and sesame oil there.

We stopped into the Beto campaign office in the 99 Ranch Market shopping center, to buy a bumper sticker. I was going to take a photo of Jeff entering the glass doors with a big sign for the Texas Democratic Party, just to send his parents for funsies, but they are reaching that age where we don't want to shock them too much.

Last night, Jeff and I went to a new-to-us restaurant so I could try Banh Mi for the first time. It was really good. We need to hit one of the more acclaimed banh mi spots to compare though.

Today, Jeff and I saw Crazy Rich Asians, I guess to complete the Far East themed weekend we're having. I liked it, but I will warn you, it is a rom-com with the emphasis on the Rom. You probably think it's a comedy along the lines of The Hangover or Wedding Crashers from some of the trailers, but it is a normal romantic comedy, with a few laughs here and there. Still good! Just don't plan to blow Dr. Pepper out your nose laughing.

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Somebody Feed Phil

We've now completed the two seasons of "Somebody Feed Phil" on Netflix, along with the original PBS version, "I'll Have What Phil's Having," also on Netflix. SO GOOD! Phil's show reminds me of "Better Late Than Never," Henry Winkler's show on network TV, where Henry, Terry Bradshaw, George Foreman and William Shatner travel all over the world together. Both shows dive into local traditions, food and attractions in foreign cities.

"Somebody Feed Phil" and "I'll Have What Phil's Having" are hosted by Phil Rosenthal, a very funny comedy writer/producer who has been involved in a ton of successful comedy television shows, including "Everybody Loves Raymond." Each world city he visits is so different, and they do a fantastic job of integrating the foodie aspects with the real flavor of the culture. The food is far more casual than the upper crust, fine dining of "Chef's Table."

Now we're sad we've seen all the episodes so far. Looking for a new show to watch until The Crown is back!


Saturday 9: It's a Jungle Out There (Theme from Monk) (2003)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song is the theme from the detective show that ran from 2002-2009. Were you a fan?

Yes!

2) The song warns us about the air we breathe and the water we drink. Does your home have an air or water filter?

Doesn't every home have an air filter on the AC? Sometimes these questions worry me. Reminds me of when JulieP's AC froze up (literally with a giant sheet of ice) because she didn't know she was supposed to change the air filter... for THREE YEARS. Yes, we have an air filter on our AC. We have a water filter only on the water from the fridge dispenser.

3) The lyrics say, "People say I'm crazy to worry all the time." Are you a worrier? Or do you just take things as they come?

I'm a worrier, but not nearly as much as I used to be. I've found that whatever you're worrying about probably won't ever happen, and things you never imagined definitely will. So, what's the point really?

4) TV's Adrian Monk is known for his outstanding deductive powers, an homage to Sherlock Holmes. Have you read any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books featuring Sherlock Holmes?

Yes, and I loved Robert Downey, Jr. in the film.

5) Monk was also known for fastidiousness and precision, an homage to Hercule Poirot. Have you read any of Agatha Christie's books featuring Poirot?

Nope, but I played and enjoyed very much the original PC video game And Then There Were None. It doesn't include the Poirot character, but... just... saying...

6) This song was written and performed by Grammy and Emmy winner Randy Newman. Do you have any trophies or plaques? 

I have a trophy from the Foundation, when I was awarded Volunteer of the Year a few years ago.

7) Before winning an Oscar in 2001, Mr. Newman had the distinction of having the most nominations (15) without a win. Do you consider yourself a graceful loser?

Very. 

8) In 2003, when this song was introduced, Lance Armstrong won his fifth Tour de France. Later, he was disgraced in a doping scandal. Can you think of a time when a hero disappointed you?
When my dad left my mom to marry his childhood girlfriend, I was totally blindsided. I would never have guessed that he was the type of person to leave his family. Never. Later, I would find out that not only had he had done it to a wife and son before us, he would do it again, to the new wife. Disappointing is a nice word for it. To find out it was part of his modus operandi really threw me for a loop. Eventually, he married his last wife and stayed with her. He and I talked a lot about marriage and life, and I was happy that he learned that marriage is a commitment worth honoring, and just packing up and leaving when things go a little wonky isn't appropriate.

9) Random question -- We're catering lunch. Should we put you down for a burger or a taco?

burger

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Markle Family Weirdness

I don't have anything against Megan Markle. I mean, a former-American princess is always cool in my book, but I feel like people are ignoring a huge point in her family drama- her mom is the only family member who seems to support her. I agree that her dad and his kids appear to be a bit kooky, but everyone has some kooky family members. The kookiness doesn't really explain why they would make up villainous things about her. There aren't any other family members who are the average Joe, who are in her life, who have anything positive to say? Did she distance herself from everyone? If so, why?

And why completely cut off all communication with your father? If she were speaking with him, probably not telling him anything of any real importance he might share with the press, but just keeping cordial lines of communication open, perhaps he wouldn't feel left out. It all seems super weird to me.

Also, the people she invited to her wedding were her mother... and her coworkers from her last job. If my mom and some coworkers were the only friends and family I had at my wedding, everyone would have wondered what was up with me. Yes?

Just saying. lol


Saturday 9: The Nanny (1993)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song is the theme from a sitcom that originally aired from 1993 to 1999. Were you a fan?

I watched occasionally.

2) The song tells us that Fran once worked in a bridal shop. Have you ever worked in a retail setting?

I worked in a shoe store one summer during college- not the kind where you have to put shoes on people, the kind with shoes on racks, thank goodness. I can't remember the name of it!

3) The kids in the Sheffield household appreciate their nanny's "joie de vivre," which is defined as "exuberant enjoyment of life." Are you feeling joie de vivre this morning? 

I'm feeling good. Maybe not "exuberant." Ha!

4) "The Nanny" is the colorful one, the one who wears red when everyone else wears tan. What color do you think you look best in?

Purple. Always good with green eyes.

5) The TV show, The Nanny, was the brainchild of actress Fran Drescher. She got the idea while visiting her an old friend in London. Her friend's pre-teen daughter enjoyed having Fran as a confidante and shopping buddy. Do you enjoy shopping as a leisure activity? Or would you prefer to just dash into a store, grab what you need, and get out and go home?

I do a lot of shopping as a leisure activity. More a shopper than a purchaser.

6) The friend Fran was visiting in London was Twiggy, who was the world's most famous model in the 1960s. Name another famous model.

Christy Brinkley

7) The Nanny: The Complete Series is available on DVD on Amazon. It consists of 19 discs and takes 55 hours to watch, start to finish. What TV show have you recently binge watched?

"Somebody Feed Phil" on Netflix

8) The Nanny theme was sung by Liz Callaway. Her father, the late John Callway, was a long-time Chicago newscaster. Have you, or has a loved one, ever been on TV?

I was on the news once with Gordie Howe at a Houston Aeros game, when I was a kid.

9) Random question -- Which of these adjectives comes closest to describing you: sexy, sophisticated or down-to-earth?

down-to-earth

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New Sister-In-Law!

Jeff's brother's wedding was last weekend! They got married in downtown Ft. Worth. Gorgeous city view and lovely, tearful ceremony. Lots of wine at the reception. We are very happy for the two of them, now off on their honeymoon. We also have a new step-nephew and step-niece (18 and 15), which is neat.

I love his new in-laws! They are an outgoing, fun-loving group. They're all from Austin, and some of them still live near here.

Next wedding is Cathy and George in Vegas! Waiting for a date on that. *drums fingers*  ;)

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Eagle Pass Road Trip

But first... I use a small, retractable key reel, attached to my purse handle, for my house key, so I don't have to dig around my purse for keys when I get home. Just pull and unlock. Bam.

There are some really cute ones, about .75 inches diameter, at an Etsy shop called Made On Terra, out of California. I have the dragonfly one, and just ordered the Tree of Life. I've used mine a lot for about a year and it's just now starting to stick a little when retracting. Check 'em out! Search for "lanyard belt" to see the little retractable key rings with clasps to attach to things.

Went on an overnight road trip to Eagle Pass with Scott-n-Julie last weekend! We drove Hwy 165 from Henly to Blanco (one of our old faves) and drove through The Swiss Alps of Texas, a famous loop with amazing hills and valleys. Jeff and I had never been there. It is SO green compared to our area right now. Just breathtaking.

We stopped in Medina at The Apple Store. (Not THE Apple Store. The fruit kind.) We wanted to pick apples at their Love Creek Orchards, but our schedule was tight and I don't think there were any available for picking anyway at the time. (Call ahead to check!) So we had burgers at their cafe, which were recognized as one of The 50 Greatest Burgers in Texas in 2016 in an issue of Texas Monthly. They were REALLY good. The soft bun was my favorite part, but the burger is perfect. They also have soft-serve apple ice cream and apple pie, if you're so inclined. Also excellent.

Went to UT's Briscoe-Garner Museum in Uvalde, at Vice President (during FDR's first two terms) John "Cactus Jack" Garner's home. That's a neat place! Lots of info about Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe (in the 70s) and VP Garner. We love small town museums. You would be amazed what they have at these places. Surprisingly cool. And you can get closer to things than you can in large city museums... even touch some stuff! We liked this museum. Worth the stop.

We made our way to Eagle Pass, checked in to the hotel and then headed to Lucky Eagle Casino. Scott was very lucky that night and only lost $50 out of the $200 he wagered at the slots. Julie, Jeff and I each lost the $20 we wagered at the slots. My twenty bucks was gone in about 3 minutes. Not even kidding. I'm a video poker girl, if I gamble at all, since I feel like it gives the longest play time per dollar. Lucky Eagle only has a few video poker machines, all at the two bars in the middle of the casino.

We had dinner at a casino restaurant, Sage. We tried everything from pasta to short ribs, and it was all great.

The people in Eagle Pass were very friendly, without exception. They couldn't have been nicer. May have been the casino drinks, but definitely happy, talkative folks.

We drove along the Rio Grande on the way out Sunday morning, but you can't see the river from the highway because there is a lot of brush blocking the view. There are dirt roads through the trees, but Scott advised us not to go there, because they are border patrol roads. Okie doke then!

Had Sunday lunch on the way back in Castroville at The Alsatian Restaurant. Delicious! They have German fare, along with French and American food, and artisan pizza. I had a reuben, my favorite sandwich. Their sauerkraut is really yummy. Next time, I'll try the Jägerschnitzel. We talked with the owners, a couple and their brother.  The building is from the 1800s, with some courtyard seating outside, perfect for a romantic evening meal.

Good times!

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