Music and Food

They go together like Bud & Abbott. Like Thelma & Louise. Like Chocolate cake and milk. Like M&Ms and everything. Music is great. It is soothing. It is motivational. It shapes who we are. The next time you begin eating, which I assume is any minute from now, put on some music, close your eyes and explore your gastro senses. Find how your food tastes better. It would be easy to list my top 100 songs. Even my top 50. But, deciding on my top 5 was tough. Here are my choices. They are indeed dandies. Feel free to challenge me: 1. Stairway to Heaven - You think there is a better one? Really? Led Z was special 2. Piano Man - A close second. Go see Billy before you can't 3. Cats in the Cradle - Harry died so young at 39. But, he left us the most moving song ever written. I dare you to not get choked up 4. What a Wonderful World - Listen to Louie and get a smile and some chills 5. Imagine - John was the genius Beatle and this song proves it. I know I said top 5, but I have a worthy #6, Old 55 - The Eagles were brilliant. They had dozens of great ones and this was their best. Love all music. It will love you back and make you enjoy your food like never before. TEM 

Update on Pizza in Greenville

Things are shaking out on the Greenville pizza scene. New players and old alike continue to vie for pizza dominance. Here's my newest best of list:

1. Sidewall - not my favorite atmosphere, but excellent sauce and crust. Good service

2. Titos - great atmosphere. Naples in Greenville. Good crust. Great toppings. Sauce just behind Sidewall. Great service (try Titos other Italian food like Eggplant Parmegian. Maybe the best in Greenville)

3. Frankies - recommend take out only. Atmosphere not so great. Pizza is very authentic NYC

4. Pizza City - definite take out only. Atmosphere not so good. Very close to Titos quality 

5. Tony's on Haywood rd - Good NYC pizza. Not #1 but a solid 5

6. Stone Ave Pizza - really nice atmosphere. Pizza is delicious. Good sauce

7. Grimaldis - easy to forget about. Nice place. Good pizza

8. Dallesandros - Great outside family area with band. Pizza good but not a top 5

9. Sciortinos - More of an Italian restaurant, but good pizza as well

10. Bocca - Probably the best Italian restaurant in Greenville, but still has a good pizza. Just #10. Most authentic atmosphere

Others that are noteworthy: Mellow Mushroom, Barleys, Aces in Greer, Acropolis on Pelham rd, Vics downtown, Brooklyn on East North, (and I'm told Anthony's in Simpsonville)

Not noteworthy: Any and all chains, any and all frozen. Avoid both

TEM

U.S.

National Hamburger Day – May 28, 2019

Food

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The hamburger is a classic staple of western culture. Historically, it’s most likely that the first hamburger sandwich first appeared in the 19th or early 20th centuries, but there is much controversy over its origin. Over the years, the hamburger has risen as a culinary icon in America. Burger joints, takeaway food outlets and all-night-eateries serve them up in their millions – with cheese, salad, pickles, bacon and sauces. Why not celebrate National Hamburger Day by making hamburgers your own way on May 28th?

National Hamburger Day - Survey Results

 

National Hamburger Day Activities

1. Create Your Own Hamburger

   Pick one of the many hamburger recipes online, go to your local deli or grocery store to buy the ingredients, and handle business. Most importantly, make that burger with love!

2. Give the gift of Hamburger

   Yes, we said it. Give a hamburger to a loved-one, friend, or a complete stranger you pass on the street. There you go, making the world a better place, one burger at a time.

3. Head over to your local In-n-Out or Equivalent Restaurant

   You’ll be amazed at the various locations you’ll find nearby. Walk-in and enjoy a finely crafted hamburger at your fingertips.

Why We Love National Hamburger Day

1. Familiarity

   Sometimes, when we go out to eat, we don’t like want to be challenged. We crave the taste of the familiar and nothing's more familiar, at least to Americans, than the taste of a good ol’ hamburger.

2. The Taste

   Looking to have your mind blown? The possibilities are endless as you create your own combination of meats, cheese, vegetables, seasonings and sauces and have your hamburger your own way. Yes please.

It’s a Great Meal on-the-go

1. While some people love sitting down and taking their time to enjoy a great hoagie, some just simply have a fast-paced lifestyle. For those people always on the go, a hamburger is always a great idea.

Why can't we make trashcan turkey throughout the year?

What? You say, what is trashcan turkey? Are you not a legal American? Are you not aware it is one of our most cherished red, white and blue pastimes? Are you not aware it is the BEST way to make turkey? We'll, now you are. I make trashcan turkeys. I have made several in the past and plan to make many more in the future. I regret to say I only make them at Thanksgiving. That is a shame. Who doesn't love turkey. And who doesn't love juicy, smoky, flavorful turkey. And the fun. Putting a turkey in the oven is boring. Spending the day in your backyard huddled around a trashcan...what could be better? Pound a stake in the ground. Surround it with aluminum foil. Put the seasoned turkey on the stake (like beer can chicken). Surround the can with coals. Add more to the top. Light the coals. Two hours later carefully lift the trashcan. Like magic. You have the perfect turkey. The set up will take about an hour. Keeping the kids and dogs away from the fire and hot coals will be the entertainment. Grab a brewski and enjoy the day. And, do it more than once a year. (more why's...Why can't we enjoy egg nog and fruit cake any other time than Christmas? Why can't we eat delicious, dark chocolate with nuts and nougat pieces of candy out of a well organized box other than Valentine's Day? Why can't we eat hamburgers WITH potato salad AND cole slaw any other day other than July 4th? Why can't we have bowls of M & M's sitting around everywhere on days other than Easter and Christmas?  Why can't my wife make my favorite Eggplant Parmigiana any other day than my Birthday? Why? Why? Why?)

TEM

It's Time for FREE!

The focus of my first blog of 2019 will be on FREE. I declare 2019 the year of FREE! It's time to tighten up. It's time for the wild ride of 2018 to end. It's time for frugal to begin. 

And why not? There is so much to do and see that doesn't cost much if anything. Keep your wallet safely tucked away and consider these great FREE things to do alone, with a friend or with the fam.

• Take a Hike - Nearby you have beautiful parks, lakes and trails ready for you to enjoy at no cost. FREE!

• Art Museum - Most are FREE and all are wonderful

• Library - One of the greatest FREE things we have at our disposal. Books, Magazines, Newspapers, CDs, DVDs, Computers, etc. All FREE. All the time

• The Radio - no fees, no cost. Unlimited formats. FREE information and entertainment 24/7

• Read - Learn, relax and enjoy. We all have dozens of books in the house yet to be read. And, the library has thousands for you at no cost

• Play Cards and Board Games - great family entertainment for hours and hours. Dust them off. Turn off the TV. Have fun with your family. It's FREEtime

• Visit and Talk - Turn off the outside noise like cell phones and TVs and enjoy a conversation with family and friends. Probably the best FREE there is

• Have BYOB parties - Have friends and family come over with a dish to share. Maybe a small cost, but not much. Way less than going out to dinner or going to a show or event

• Walk Downtown - Spend a half day. Spend a whole day. It's FREE. Fresh air. Entertaining sights. Exercise

• Attend a Farmers Market - FREE to attend. Just enjoy the experience. No need to buy anything. Samples galore

• Go to FREE Downtown concerts - Spring, Summer and Fall...they are a plenty

• Volunteer - No cost to you, but you get unlimited ROI for your time. Fulfilling. Enjoyable. Nothing better than a good deed

• Attempt a Jigsaw Puzzle - Again, dust one off out of your closet and test your skill and patience. Better yet, work on one with others, like family members

• Go for a Bike Ride - Put air in those flat tires and get out there for some fresh air and exercise. Riding a bike is FREE. Roads and paths are plentiful. Its a great thing to do alone for mind-clearing or with a friend. If you don't have a bike, borrow one

• Take a FREE On-Line course - There are many available. It's never too late to learn 

• Write letters - Yes, it will cost you paper, ink and a stamp, but that's it. This allows you to express yourself and communicate with family and friends in a "unique" way. Writing a letter lets out your creativity. You will feel good sending a letter. You will feel great receiving one back

• Go Fishing - Find a lake, river or stream, borrow a pole if you don't have one, dig up a worm or roll a dough ball and chill. Alone or with a pal. it's FREE therapy

• Clean up/Organize - No better satisfaction! 

• Teach Yourself Something - Learn to juggle, learn to change your car's oil, learn to knit, learn photography, learn to blog, learn yoga, learn to build a website, etc. Most, if not all, can be self taught using tools/items you already have

• Lastly... Plant a Garden - Yes, this is a food blog, so food must be a part of the 2019 Frugal plan. You will save a tremendous amount of money by planing a garden, planting some seeds and then tending the garden (another great FREE activity). Then, cook the food instead of going out and spending way too much in restaurants (eat-in or take-out)

There are many, many more ideas to add to this list, but this is a good start

We spend way too much money eating out and traveling and on technology and paying to go to shows and events. We have the ability to do so much for FREE. There is gold in our own backyard. Literally and figuratively. Stay home or nearby. Enjoy what your city and state has to offer. Visit family and friends. Spend less. Save more. Don't covet what you don't have. The grass is never greener. I recently wrote a song entitled "I Miss the Bliss." It speaks to the bliss we once had with a simpler life. Frugal is in. Make 2019 the best year ever by enjoying and appreciating what you have. TEM

The Most Important Meal Of The Day? Every Darn One Of Them

It's the reason we wake in the morning. The reason to smile. The reason to breathe. The greatest meal of the day...and they are all great. Breakfast. Your first meal. The meal that starts you off. That gets you going. The meal that gives you the most for the money. The meal we can all make at home fairly effortlessly. And make well. The order that most restaurants can't mess up. The least expensive meal of the day. The most for the money. For breakfast, I like creativity. Mix and match. Make an omelet with multiple cheeses. An omelet with cottage cheese. Eggs over medium with melted cheese on top. Eggs with a grilled cheese sandwich. Home fries loaded with grilled veggies. So many variations to choose from. We are blessed with great breakfast options. The best place for breakfast is home sweet home. If you want to venture out, here are a few options (not bagel shops...that was  a previous post with Greenfield's winning hands down and not fast food. Chick Fil A wins hands down):

GREAT - Stax Epicurean, Cracker Barrel, Biscuit Head, Eggs Up Grill, Sully's Steamers, Famous Toastery

QUESTIONABLE - La Peep, Another Broken Egg, Dennys, IHop, Stax Omega, Mary Beth's (Note: some of these are listed in this category because of their pricing vs quantity. Some because of pricing vs quality. Some are just not great)

SPECIAL - Waffle House (in a category by itself, also listed in my best DEALS post)

SPECIAL OCCASION - Spoonbread in the Westin Poinsett Hotel (treat yourself) 

Some of the above are overpriced for what you get. The ones in GREAT give you good value

Make it a great morning...eat a good breakfast! TEM

                    Setting the Bar on Bars

Though not a lover of the spirits, I do love a good bar. Why not? A seat at the bar is a happy place. Always friendly. Always fun. Easy to meet new people. It's like hanging out in your own place, "where everyone knows your name." Usually great TVs full of sports. And, 9 out 10 times, no wait for a spot to eat. I find the service for food to be better than at a table. Faster and more attentive. So, what about the Greenville bar scene? I must admit, I have not sat at every bar in Greenville, but I have probably seen 95% of all of them. And, I have 'studied' them. Here are my top five:

1) Rick Erwin's Steak House - Downtown with a big town feel. Dark lighting. Dark wood. A professional barkeep dressed accordingly. Frank Sinatra crooning away. It is the closest thing we have to being in a long-standing NYC bar. A great, great experience 

2) Addy's - Downtown. A throw back. Remember the bar in It's a Wonderful Life? Not when George goes back with Clarence... Nicks. The one before that... Martinis. The really good one. That's Addy's. It's a classic. A must sit experience

3) Up on the Roof - Downtown. Overlooking the Greenville skyline on the roof of the Embassy Suites. A great atmosphere and a fantastic view

4) Zorbas(the original) - Rustic. No, old. Same everything since it opened in the 70's. Maybe 60's. Maybe 50's. So, so classic. Beyond retro. A one of a kind experience. Go before you can't. Don't miss it

5) Local Cue - The new hottest spot in town. Fun. Fun. Fun. Millennials galore. And, they card everyone. Even, 80 year olds on a walker. How great is that?

There are many great bars in Greenville - other high-end greats are Natucket and Hall's. More informal, fun bars are Biminis, Shuckin' Shack,  Bar Louie and BGs 

Notice I have not even talked about the drinks. No need. They all pour a good drink... or so I'm told. Drink up!

TEM