Speck Of Texas

Friday, February 29, 2008

San Antonio p1

I know I was on a good roll for awhile. I meant to post this a few days ago but didn’t have the time.

Ok, here’s what’s been going on:

Did I talk about Valentine’s Day yet? We stayed in since neither of us wanted to deal with the crowds. We bought each other small gifts – nothing too huge. Michael made me dinner of garlic bread, homemade linguini with a pancetta tomato sauce similar to what he made me on our second date. For dessert he made homemade chocolate ice cream and I swear, if he hadn’t told me it was homemade I would have thought it was store bought – it was incredibly creamy and a really good flavor. All in all, it was a wonderful Valentine’s Day. I have personally never been against that day – I always considered it a good time to get cheap chocolate on 2/15!

Next item:
Last weekend Michael took me to San Antonio. We drove up Thursday night and stayed till Sunday. Our hotel was on the river walk and we really lucked out on the weather. It was just gorgeous the whole time. Friday we got up late, went to lunch on the river walk and then went to the Botanical Gardens. I know it’s February, but there were quite a few things to look at. Pictures later.


That night Michael had made reservations for dinner, so we got back to the hotel around 6 and then took our time getting ready. Where we were going was completely Michael’s idea. He had wanted steak, so he checked the steakhouse issue of Texas Monthly – it’s a really good Texas-centered magazine. The number 2 steakhouse in TX happened to be in San Antonio – called Bohanans. http://www.bohanans.com.

When we got there, the valet asked if we had reservations and when we said yes, he replied that he’d show us the private elevator. We walked through a courtyard and then took an elevator to the second floor. It opened right into the lobby. The Maitre’d was in a black suit and seated us immediately. At first, we weren’t given a menu – they just took our drink orders and then brought out crostini with cream cheese and jalepenos. It was a little too spicy for me, but Michael liked it. We had a main waiter and a waiter’s assistant. The waiter was in a full suit and the assistant was in white shirt, tie, and vest. They were quite spiffy. When they gave us the menu they also mentioned the off-menu items and that that they’d bring the ‘meat platter’ to show us. They also brought the wine list, which really was more like a ledger. I think it was about 40 pages! When they brought out the ‘meat platter’ we were speechless. It was a giant silver platter covered in meat that was shrink/plastic wrapped. One half was the top 2% of prime cuts that were $75.00. In the middle was a 34 oz bone-in Rib Eye, from which the bone protruded at least a foot (no,I’m not kidding, a foot). On the other side was the good stuff- Akaushi beef. They were $95 EACH. But, they were a good size – 12/14 oz.

Here are two links about it. Believe me – you’ll want to check this out.
Link to the article that originally got Michael interested in the restaurant:

http://www.texasmonthly.com/2007-12-01/feature.php


Explantion of the beef at the bottom of the page under the heading
"How Now Brown Cow"

http://www.texasmonthly.com/2007-12-01/feature-7.php


We just kind of looked at each other and Michael flat out said he was getting the Akaushi rib-eye and that I could get whatever I wanted. Rib-eye is usually too fatty for me, so I got the New York strip. I’ll come back to the meat in a bit. For appetizer Michael ordered miniature crab cakes. Everytime we go to a fancy restaurant that has crab cakes, he has to try them out. When the waiter was telling us about the specials he mentioned caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes with 15yr balsamic vinegar. Now, I’m not much on tomatoes, but I really like buffalo mozzarella, and it’s hard to find good quality. So, I went ahead and ordered that. It was so freaking good. I even ate ½ of the tomatoes. After the appetizer they brought out an intermezzo – palate cleanser. It was a martini glass with a scoop of raspberry sorbet, a blueberry and a mint leaf. It was perfect. While we were waiting for the main meal, the waiter brought out a wooden box with steak knives lined up, for us to choose our own knives. Michael looked it up afterwards and they were like $100 each. Really nicely designed and very sharp. Ok, here’s the main dish: Michael ordered the Akaushi Rib-Eye and for sides he got potatoes-au-gratin and White Truffle Oil steak fries. I got the Akaushi New York Strip, baked squash, and macaroni & cheese. Michael had one glass of red wine with the meal too – a 2004 Fransiscian. Really, we didn’t need four sides, although they were single serving. We just wanted to try them out. The white truffle oil steak fries were quite tasty, and my baked squash was unbelievable. It was the mashed up insides of the squash with clarified butter, bread crumbs, cheese, and crushed crackers on the top. It was incredible. The potatoes-au-gratin were ok, and the mac & cheese was too pungent for me, though Michael really liked it. Ok, onto the steak.If you missed it earlier, yes they were $95 EACH just for the steak. But, I’ve got to say, it was worth it! They were just incredible. We ended up splitting each and sharing, so I got half of the rib-eye and he got half the New York Strip. Usually rib-eye is too fatty for me, but with this beef, the fat was so microscopic and throughout the whole meat, it just made it so tender and soft. It practically melted in your mouth. The New York Strip was quite thick so it had more chew to it, but really after two or three chews it was done. Both were incredible. You know how you have some wonderful food and the first few bites you’re like ‘wow, this is really good! I love it!’ but then by the time you’re half way through, it’s really just a meal and you’re just eating it? Well, with this steak, every single bite was an experience. We starting cutting our bites really small cause it was so flavorful – you didn’t need a mouthful. It never got bland or too much. I just cannot say enough about this beef. You can only get it a few places in the US, so I’m glad one of them is in San Antonio! I told Michael that while I still like Logan’s Roadhouse for a nice $12 steak, let’s forget about all the other ‘fancy’ places like Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. When he’s wanting a good steak, he should just give me $40 to put in an envelope for our Bohanan’s fund. Throughout the whole meal the waiter’s assistant made sure our drinks were full. I had sprite and Michael had iced tea. When my drink got to the middle of the glass, they immediately brought me a new one. No asking what I was drinking or if I wanted more…just immediate service. I was really impressed. By the end of the meal I was quite full. Michael ordered Madagascar vanilla creme brulee since he really likes crème brulee and we figured they’d do a great job here. But, I wasn’t really in the mood for a heavy dessert, so I actually just asked for another serving of the raspberry sorbet intermezzo. The crème brulee was the best I’ve ever tried- and I usually don’t like it. My raspberry sorbet was perfect – a perfect ending – and they didn’t charge me for it, which I thought was classy. By the time we left, it was almost 3 hours. Oh, yeah, the total bill with tip was $360. Not bad considering only $14 was liquor! As much of a cheapskate as I am......it was worth it, and I’d do it again. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it was such an experience.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

two posts in two days! wow

Damn you guys! Do you have some setting to tell you when I post? Love all the quick comments!

Ok, let me add something about my previous post. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with internet dating. I’m merely saying that for ME, I was a little disappointed that I’d had to resort to that. I guess I’m just old fashioned enough for it to bother me. I’ve never been asked out on a date, and the fact that I met my current boyfriend through ME emailing HIM does tweek me a little. But, whatever, that’s how it worked out.

New topic:here’s a little rant for you. As most of you know, I am usually a happy, upbeat person. Yes, I’m sarcastic, but I’m not ‘mean’ or ‘angry’ most of the time. But, there is one topic that will get me extremely mad. That is when people that are in relationships do not realize how hard it is to meet someone – and they make single people feel bad for being single. Before meeting Michael, I had not had a date since sophomore year of college….1997. My brief joke of a relationship back in Dec of ’06 does not count because I was never asked out nor did we ever go on a real date. I don’t even think the guy paid for anything. So, yeah, that doesn’t count at all.

Anyways, I think current media – books, tv, movies, make it seem like everyone is dating and if you’re home alone on a Friday night then there’s something ‘wrong’ with you. I never understood how women could have several dates with different men in the same week. I think people that are constantly dating someone (serial monogamy) or have been married for awhile, don’t realize that not everyone is getting hit on at the grocery store. There are many, many, many very nice, normal, polite, friendly, caring people that aren’t dating. Even women that go out to singles events, or speed dating, or trying to meet people through friends of friends, there’s no real guarantee of meeting someone or being asked out. Sometimes guys don’t realize what their ‘league’ is and they just want to talk to the hot chicks – ignoring the normal looking women. I know it’s hard for guys to ask out girls, but it’s even harder for us!

I have always felt that I’d rather be alone than with the wrong guy. I have never felt that I ‘needed’ a boyfriend. I truly believe that there is someone out there for everyone. And quite honestly, I feel that there’s multiple someones for everyone, cause just 1 would be too mean. Ok, back on point. I don’t think anyone should make anyone else feel bad for not having a date in X number of weeks/months/years. Sure, you have to at least TRY. You’re not going to meet anyone while sitting on your sofa. But, just because someone is 40 and never married doesn’t mean there’s something ‘wrong’ with them – that they’re afraid of commitment, or a momma’s boy, or a perpetual immature teenager. Maybe they just haven’t found the right person. I know it’s easy to get depressed and feel that there’s no one out there for you. It’s such a cliché, but you just have to keep a positive outlook on the whole thing. You will meet someone, and they’ll be wonderful, and they’ll make you happy.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

I guess it's time

I guess it’s time I come clean about how Michael and I met. And really, I’m not doing this because I feel guilty about fudging the truth. I’m mainly doing this because I can’t remember who I’ve told what! That’s why I don’t usually lie about stuff – my memory isn’t good enough. So here it is:

Yes, Michael works with Melanie- that was true. But, we actually met over Match.com. Shocking, I know.

Fade to black as the flashback comes into focus:

Picture it – Austin, 2007. I was 29 years old. About to turn 30. I decided to get a bit more active in trying to find someone to be in my life. One of the women at my office had met her boyfriend on match. They’ve been together over 2 years and neither of them are what I consider ‘lookers’. Very much country Texans. I figured if those two found each other, there’s hope for me. So I went on, did a profile, posted a few pictures. Thank goodness I’ve got a nice smile and photograph fairly well – and I guess a bit of sarcasm didn’t hurt either. I was very up front about not wanting kids at all and that it was non-negotiable.

There are A LOT of people on match! Some really gorgeous guys, but also a lot of ‘regular’ guys in all shapes and sizes. I emailed a bunch of them with a short greeting. The large majority did not respond. A couple responded saying they’d met someone already. One guy I did chat with, but I felt I was being interrogated, so I cut that off quickly. Then I emailed Michael. He emailed me back and we went back and forth a few times. Then we did a phone call…I think it lasted over an hour, can’t remember. Then we met for lunch. Four hours into our first date, the conversation went around to me volunteering at the shelter. He said, “hey, if you volunteered there, you must know Megan, our HR person. She used to work there.” I said, “well, if you know Megan, then you know Melanie, my best friend, and I know exactly where you work.” We got very quiet for a few minutes while we digested how small Austin is. At that point Michael went from being ‘internet stranger’ to ‘guy that works with Melanie’. That facilitated the date going to 11+ hours. Then I called Melanie to get all the dirt on him, and she said he was a cool guy. Five months later, we’re still going out, still getting along, still enjoying being together.

Why did I fudge the truth? Well, basically if this relationship had only lasted a month or so, I wouldn’t have said anything. But, since this is getting fairly serious, I felt I should come clean. Also, I wanted to encourage anyone out there thinking about going online, to try it out. Do match.com, not eharmony. I hated eharmony. It’s not set up well and hard to use. Yes, I did both. In the long run, if a few hundred dollars helps me find the guy to spend the rest of my life with, that’s a decent investment. Of course, it’s also a large amount of rejection. I feel you just have to brush that off and say, eh, he wasn’t the guy for me then. If anyone wants encouragement or support in trying it out – let me know. I’ll help write your profile…and Michael can take pictures if you need!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

lost track of time

sorry cpu I know I'd said I'd post a bunch in response to your blog.....but I'm tired. I know it's only 10:30, but I haven't been sleeping well lately. Actually fell asleep at work yesterday! Ah, fun times.

Hey, was I supposed to tell people about your blog?
Everyone, check it out! It's lots of fun rants.
http://madcompscientist.blogspot.com/

I'm just shocked the name was still open!

If you want me to remove the link just let me know.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Just a little narcisistic

Ok this is when he was fiddling with the lights in the beginning and I got tired of smiling for no reason. He wasn't really taking pictures at this point - just testing the lights. This is in no way my 'real' photoshoot with Michael. I was also not having a good hair day.

Yes, that's me doing cross-eyes







Ok, this is where I was actually trying to look cute.




I told Michael to take this photo this way. I really like it.

well really, there's no excuse

I'm all by myself tonight. Michael has a photo shoot for some acrobat friends of his, so he'll be getting in late. I've been putzing about on the internet, checking up on blogs (bad Randy! post more!) (yay to Gil! always interesting!) and realized I really need to post on mine.

It'll be a quiet night tonight. Not only is Michael busy, but I left my cell phone at work. I never do that, but I just drove off and left it sitting by my monitor. And since I don't have a home phone, this night will be fairly silent.

I'm trying to decide what I want to do...sleep, read, cook, do laundry (ok, I've already got a load going), watch tv (bunch of Reaper, Heroes, Sarah Conner eps to watch), or just continue to putz around on the internet. So many choices, so few hours before I have to go to bed. Oh, yeah, I guess I could look for a new job. I was supposed to be working on that, wasn't I? Sigh.

Oh, hey, my dad is doing really well. Thanks to everyone for their well wishes. The surgery went smoothly and he's healing nicely. He had a doc appt last week and they took the staples out. They'd met the staff at that office before when they got their flu shot, so the medical asst - Angie- gave them a bunch of free stuff to take home. They said my parents are 'cute'. He doesn't need to go back to the doctor unless something starts to not heal right. But, so far so good. He can't pick anything up that's heavier than 10lbs and he's gotten into trouble a couple times with that. Then my mom yells at him about whether he wants to go back into the hospital.

Hmmm...updates, updates, updates.......Mike & Annette have been making homemade pasta lately. That stuff is so freaking good. If you have the opportunity and have a mix master with the pasta attachment, def try it out. It's really easy and it's amazing how much better it tastes. .....A few nights ago we watched Lucky Number Slevin at Mike's with a bunch of people. Didn't care for the movie. Too much exposition at the end. I was like 'ok, I get it! just roll the credits already!'. Not recommended......ah, the tv show Psych is still going strong. They even had a spanish telenovella episode that was hilarious (Randy I know you were a Spanish major, so I taped it for you). It's on the USA channel - check it out. It's got hijinks......Went to Costco last weekend with Jeff/Judy and Jayne. The nice thing about going with other people is we can buy huge quantities of stuff and then split it. For example, buying a whole chocolate cake is excessive. But, buying a whole chocolate cake to SPLIT is perfectly acceptable. This time we found fresh butternut squash ravioli and jars of organic tomato basil sauce. We bought some and split it. Michael and I had the ravioli with the sauce on Saturday night. It was AMAZING. That sauce has got to be the best sauce I have ever had in my life. I'm not one to jump on the 'organic' bandwagon, but it tasted very fresh (for being from a jar!) and incredibly flavorful. The herbs were just right. I called Judy up to ask when we could go again. They had tried the ravioli and loved it too, but hadn't tried the sauce yet. I think we're going back in a couple weeks. I'm going to have to get several jars of that sauce. I hope they still have it. That's the only annoying thing about Costco-they don't carry some items all the time.

Oh, I guess I was going to post some of the pics Michael took of me, wasn't I? Ok, let me go work on that.

I feel kinda boring tonight. Not really happy about this post, but oh well. I'm just not witty tonight.