Choosing My Beer On a Case by Case Basis

It's no secret that I love a good beer. Recently, Brandi treated me to a beer at one of my all-time favorite places, The Stumbling Monk.

Now, I urge you to click on that link and look closely at the picture. While searching for a link to direct you to this fabulous bar I (hardy har har) stumbled upon this review that JUST SO HAPPENS to include a picture of ME (and Patrick and some of our friends). Isn't that the best thing ever?!? It's circa 2007 which makes it somewhat dated, but all the more fun.

Anyway, Brandi and I had been doing a little shopping and we ended the evening with a delicious beer and great conversation. One of my favorite things about the evening, was the accidental Space Needle on our table.

Paint chipped Space Needle and St. Bernardus 

I know that you are all waiting with bated breath for a "real" post. I promise it is in the works. May I suggest waiting at The Stumbling Monk?

Blowing Off Some Steam:Hot Tamale!

Have you ever wanted to make 40 tamales? Yes? Well, settle in. I'll show you how. (I am experimenting with photo-size here. X-tra Large? BBW? Thoughts, experiences? No one cares? Perfect, let's move on.)

Until recently I had never made a tamale. Frankly, I wasn't even really sure what it was other than it being wrapped in a corn husk (or a plantain leaf?) but with some thorough internet research (thanks Wikipedia!) I discovered that Tamales were a Spanish Conquistador staple and that in Central America they use plantain leaves, but in Mexico, corn husks are used.