Sunday, May 31, 2015

The Young Man From Atlanta

We just got back from the Beck Center.   We saw The Young Man From Atlanta.  It's all about grief and loss in the 1950's, societal expectations, and communication.

The family featured in this play has lost their only son, Bill.   A job loss for Will, the breadwinner and the ensuing monetary trouble brings their lack of communication to the surface.  The title character was Bill's roommate (and implied lover).   Lily Dale, the wife, is often alone.


The play is extremely well acted. however I just left the theater feeling sad.  I felt really bad for all the characters and their inability to express what they really thought and feel to whoever needed it most.   I guess you could think of it as grieving people who need comfort, but then are denied it or allowed it at lesser level than required.


Saturday, May 30, 2015

Try The World: Argentina

It's no secret that Steve and I are quite adventurous when it comes to food.   That's why we subscribed to Try The World as soon as we saw the advertisement.   It's similar to Loot Crate, but instead of nerdy nick knacks, they send you a bi-monthly box of delicacies along with cultural information about the country of origin.   Our first box arrived on Tuesday and we finally got to enjoy more of it today at breakfast.

The Argentina box came in an unassuming brown box.   I was really surprised at the print on the inside of the packaging.
The first thing you see upon opening is the cultural leaflet on Argentina.  It suggests a playlist to listen to and a few recipes to try with the items shipped.

Then you have description of the foods:
The first thing we tried were the cookies.   No real effort on our part.   Instant gratification and mild coconut flavor.


For breakfast this morning, we put on the playlist and made pancakes.   We then topped them with the Dulce de Leche jam and quince spread.


We also tried the tea.  I was pleasantly surprised to find three different types in the packaging.

Steve had the mango and I had the dulce de leche with red fruit.   Both are nice.

The last three bottles in box are savory items that will require more meal planning.   A marinade, an olive paste, and some wine sauce.   I'll post again once I've done something with them.


I'm looking forward to the next box already!  This is so fun!

The Oak Barrel

Steve and I went to the Oak Barrel the other day for dinner with friends.   I had a rather filling lunch earlier and wasn't sure what I was going to order.   I decided to go with the Amish Chicken and Waffles pictured above.   That's blackberry maple syrup in the cup and cayenne butter on the chicken.  It was yummy.   The cayenne butter was more spicy than what I am used to though.

Steve ordered the Duck Confit Mac n Cheese.   It was really savory.   In hindsight, we should have switched dishes.  I really enjoyed this pasta and Steve was more into my chicken and waffles.

The Oak Barrel has normal sized portions.  We were even able to bring  little bit of Mac n Cheese home.    I'd visit again.