That Time We Bought a Tuna (Via Kickstarter)

Well, a large piece of one.

Tuna is, by far, Bill’s favorite kind of fish. It’s also generally a problematic fish to eat. For example, it can be incorrectly identified, sometimes intentionally. Sometimes it’s a species that is woefully endangered. While we usually consult the Seafood Watch app for various fish dishes, tuna is just such a pain, we’ve about given up.

So, when a few folks I trust started tweeting about this kickstarter, I did what anyone would do: I forwarded it to the Ethical Tuna Lover in the house. And told him to feel free to back it.

And so, he did. While I didn’t initially expect him to go gangbusters, when that’s what he wanted, I was 100% on board with the plan.… Continue reading →

Why, Yes. That is an Apple Sandwich.

A week ago, I made apple sandwiches for dinner.

I mean, I made apple and caramelized onion sandwiches for dinner.

I mean, I made sandwiches containing apples, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and smoked tomato jam for dinner.

Man, those sound really different, don’t they?

While making the sandwiches, all I could focus on was finding some way to save dinner. See, my original plan sounded dreamy to me. And simple. And oh, how I need simple after work these days. And the plan was chicken sandwiches.

Unfortunately, I got home, started getting things ready for sandwiches, and discovered that the leftover roast chicken looked bad. And I was bummed. And freaked out, because I had to figure some substitution fast. Because while chicken sandwiches with caramelized onion, goat cheese, and tomato jam sounded good, without the chicken it somehow no longer sounded good.… Continue reading →

SNAC! (Station North Art Cafe)

We found this gem via Yelp! For all the hatred Yelp! gets, much of it quite deserved, it generally serves us well when we’re lost in the wilds of another town and hungry.

Here’s what happened:

I needed waffles. We were staying in a part of Baltimore neither of us knows and I NEEDED waffles. So, we searched what we call “the Yelp machine” for waffles. And this place showed up. Lot of good reviews, several mentioning waffles…

Well, didn’t have to tell us twice! It took us a bit longer than we’d have wanted to get there, but when we got there, we found the best place. Art. Friendly customers. Incredibly friendly owners. Overheard intelligent conversations about the intersections of personal and political…

And fucking yummy, cheap food.… Continue reading →

Science, Beer, Food, and Blathering Gift Suggestions

Well, after blogging for four and a half years, I guess I’ve started to get the hang of things. Like, in December, a blogger should consider having a “gift guide” or something. Or a good cookie recipe. Or both.

Well, I have several cookie recipes, but nothing new for you, so I guess we’ll have to settle on a gift ideas. I tried to come up with a few things that I have liked, used, or given as potential gifts from each “section” of the blog (food, beer, science, blather).

Mostly, I think these things are neat, fun, or wonderful and I hope to help you find something spectacular for someone awesome in your life. Or, if not find, give you some a springboard for other ideas.… Continue reading →

The Groom’s Cookie: Brandon

My cousin Ashley got married a little over a month ago to a really lovely man, Brandon. I was lucky enough to be in attendance and to get to do all the happy crying that entailed. Which, for the record, was a lot.

I love weddings. I unabashedly, unironically, utterly, and wholeheartedly love weddings. There’s so much joy and celebration, so much happy expectation, so much community…

Being able to witness people as they look at each other and say, “You’re my chosen family” is such an honor.

And, let’s be honest, the party that inevitably follows a wedding is fabulous too. Food, beverages, camaraderie; what’s not to love? I was also lucky enough to be invited to this part of Ashley and Brandon’s big day.… Continue reading →