Building a Platform Bed

This project was done in July…and yes, I realize it’s mid November now.  I had to make sure the bed was going to “hold” before posting the information.  

The total of the project came to about $380 for the queen size bed (mattress and platform…oh, and screws).   This is a great site to start off with http://www.myfamilylovesit.com/blog/index.php/2008/01/21/how-to-build-a-platform-bed and it was used as the ”platform” of the project.  Adjustments were made for the queen size of course ( 60″ x 80″).  

Hopefully I can get some pictures and will repost the information

Peking Duck

Peking Gourmet Inn (Falls Church, VA) – http://www.pekinggourmet.com/
Recently I’ve been in the mood for duck and I’ve been eating them like there’s no tomorrow. That’s when I came across this place. I called ahead and made reservations for 7:45 pm. I finally found it in this little shopping center that’s packed with cars…if you drive a SUV consider taking a smaller car. Parking was a bit of a challenge so, I would suggest going earlier or much later (after 9 pm). My first impression of the place from the outside was “oh crap” this may be a bad idea and I hope I don’t get sick. When you first walk it you’re greeted by the hostess/host and the place seems small until you turn that corner to see the open space and the walls are covered with pictures of various people…. look like they’re in politics or the military. While reading the menu and waiting for service you won’t believe the amount of peking ducks that was being served….and they it looked GOOD! The servers wore a burgundy color jackets and the people that cut the duck for you wore white. Anyways, the duck was ordered ($38.00)…I didn’t go there to get anything else. Ask for the cucumber (if you like them) because it complements the duck, the sauce, and the spring onions. Don’t take my word for here are other reviews and post:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/peking-gourmet-inn-falls-church
http://thehill.com/asian/peking-gourmet-inn-2001-01-10.html
http://www.washingtonian.com/restaurantreviews/766.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/peking-gourmet-inn,1114205.html

  

 

I give it a 4 out of 5 cherries

It’s been a long time

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve been on here.  Let me see if I can give you all a quick summary of what’s been going on.
I’ve been “practicing” my cooking so, I haven’t really gone out for a meal in awhile. With that being said, I went to Pho Bistro a couple of weekend ago and they have new tables outside. Guess they are doing some remodeling but that doesn’t mean you have to jackup the price! A friend of mine friend just open a restaurant there (I will have to get the name and give proper props) and they as so have hot pot so watch out! I will tell you that the food there is really good but I’ve only tried a few things.

Thanks to MM for driving around DC and showing me around. Went down to Waterside and had some raw oysters and clams….yum! Went to Chinatown and wish I did get some duck. For those of you who know me….I went to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (one of the largest Roman Catholic church in the US) and did not burn…for those of you who don’t know me…I’m an angel. Last but not least to the National Zoo…..haha…didn’t get left there. I did see my boss in the kids farm (one of the donkey has the same name)….It’s amazing how much people complain to see something that’s free.

Made my first ceviche as well. I used Red Snapper which next time I will ask them to take the skin off as well. Turned out alright for the first try but there’s always room for improvement.

I think that sums up most of it.

Unicorn Winery

Unicorn Winery (Amissville, VA)-http://www.unicornwinery.com/ 
**Don’t take 211 to Leeds Manor to Jeffersonton Road to Old Bridge Road….it’s easier to take 211 to Old Bridge Road and you avoid having to go on the “old bridge”

The plan was to just to to Galloping Grape (retail) for the free wine tasting but why not go to a winery and get the tasting there as well……It just stormed out that way and didn’t expect the place to be busy which was fine with me since I don’t want to make a fool of myself  since it was my first wine tasting experience. Did I mention that it was only $5??? That’s how they suck you in…I guess but will worth it! Tried about 4 or 5 of the whites, a good bit of the reds, the blush and the dessert wine. It’s really interesting how much certain foods can bring out the taste of the wine.  There were some crackers at the wine bar (that’s where the tasting took place), they also had some simple cheddar (so good) with crackers, and chocolate. These items help with the taste of the wine. 
At the end of the tasting I ended up buying some of the cheese for a good friend in Edinburgh, VA and a bottle of Pinot Gris for my drinking pleasure….I asked them to open it a had a few glass at the winery. There’s plenty of places to sit in and out on the deck (overlooking the koi pond).  You may also get a little visit from a salt & pepper schnauzer name Frank or Frans…I couldn’t tell the name for sure.
So, this means I have plans to visits a few more winery in the area (why not, right)….so keep a look out!

Thoughts

A friend in Pitts that will be named “Crook” suggest that I get waffles at the various places that I visit……hmmmmm. This is part of his marketing/advertising idea….. Perhaps when I go up to the Penn State game.

Bombay Bistro

Bombay Bistro (Fairfax, VA)-http://www.bombaybistro.com/

I found this place on Washingtonian and thought I should give it a go.  After checking out the menu I wasn’t really sure if I wanted lamb or goat curry.  While I take a few more minutes to decide, I went ahead and order the Taj Mahal (Indian beer). I asked the waiter for his opion if the lamb or goat would be better. He suggested the lamb so, I went with Lamb Rogan Josh.  Eric ordered Rava Onion Masala Dosa (crepe filled with onion and potato masala). The lamb had really good flavor but it was smaller than I thought. I actually finished the whole thing and was still a bit peckish and from what I understand the Dosa was not the greatest (apprarently there’s some place in MI that has really good Dosa). Overall the price for the amount of food was not that impressive and certainly not enough for me (the Dosa was big and was cheaper).

I give it a 3 out of 5 cherries

The last night in Chicago

Bubba Gump (Chicago, IL)-http://www.bubbagump.com/
I went here the same day as Ja Grill. After the long walk looking for Kingston Mines I needed the whirlpool more than ever. After some relaxing time, it was time to go and check out the Navy Pier.  Here’s a picture of it when I was standing at one end of the pier. 

I’m a bit surprise that everything shuts down so early around there…on the pier. Anyways, Bubba Gump was still open and willing to serve food and beer (Thanks, guys!). I had one of “tall” Summer Goose Ale, ordered Hush Pups and Bubba’s far out dip (spinach, roasted red peppers, artichokes, and jack cheese). The hush pups surprised me since I wasn’t expecting it to be fish or some sort of seafood….it also had corn as well…hhhmmmm. Anyways, the food was good…..I didn’t even looked at the menu…I just wanted some beer.  It’s one of those nights that I wish I was in the mood to enjoy the place. The staff seemed really cool for that time of night and were good laughs. Oh, let mention the sign…that’s on the table…that says “Run Forrest Run” and “Stop Forrest Stop”…for the waiter/waitress to stop or go if you need them.   Well, that pretty much wraps up my trip to Chicago. I look forward to going there again but next time, I will be hanging out at some local pubs.

Ja Grill

Ja Grill (Chicago, IL)-http://www.jagrill.com/ 
After a few days downtown Chicago I’ve decide to head near Sheffield/Lincoln Park area for some food. I came across this Jamaican place. It’s a small little place and if I’m corrent they have a lounge downstairs. After reviewing the menu, my officemate decided on Jerked Catfish as a starter and I went for Curry Goat as my meal ( this came with rice/beans, cabbage/carrots, plantains and some bread) and a couple of Red Stripes (Jamacian beer).
The jerked catfish was nothing special. It was two pieces of fish…I couldn’t really tell the spices on there and it came with some dipping sauce (which was good). The dipping sauce should of been the marinate for the catfish. When the entree came everything was on one plate….I don’t usually mind my food touching each other but I wasn’t keen on having my curry mixed with cabbage, rice and plantains…if you know what I mean. Anyways, the curry was good and the goat meat (I hope it was goat meat) was tender. They also dropped some sliced pepper to make it extra spicy and man those peppers were SO HOT….Overall it was a good meal.

I give it a 2 1/2 out of 5 cherries

 

 

 

 

 

Tizi Melloul

Tizi Melloul Mediterranean Restaurant (Chicago, IL)- http://www.tizimelloul.com/
The decor is gorgeous…..reds, golds, browns.  Here’s a picture of it:

This place is a bit pricey…average about $35 per person for dinner but will worth it. To be honest I wasn’t really hungry even after walking all over Chicago (had a really late lunch…one of those 5 meats subs from Quizznos). Anyways, I ended up ordering a couple of appetizers. Fire-roasted Prince Edwards Island Mussels and Grilled Lamb Tenderlion….and Stella Artois (I would normally order the type of beer of the base on the restaurant but I really fancy stella since I haven’t had one in awhile). The mussels were so yummy and spicy. It had a light and clean taste to it. It’s served on a hot flat iron pan with harissa butter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harissa). The mussels portion were generous as well. Next came the lamb….cooked medium (per ordered) with a special version of moussaka..it was made with potatoes and some sort of cheese…..I don’t think I have to tell you that I was “snack your mama’s mama good”. 
Now, my friend had ordered Pear Salad and the Mussels. When her salad came the pear was poached (she had this salad when she came here in Jan and it was just the regular pear. They poach it for the summer time). She was very surprise and didn’t like the taste of it. Anyways, the manager/owner (Mike) was there and he replaced with another salad that she ordered.  Our waitress (Alexis) even came over and said that we can call ahead next time and let them know when we were coming in and they would make sure to have fresh pear to make that salad for her. Mike came back over to make sure everything was okay and check on his other customer regularly. He even served them food. Not to mention that he turned the AC down when he notice that some of the us were a little cold (didn’t think we catch it, did you?).

Thanks, Tizi Melloul for the great experience….now bring out the belly dancers!

BTW-On Sunday’s for $25/person unlimitted glass of house red and white wines, an assortment of specially prepared hors d’oeuvres and belly dance performances at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

I give it a 5 out of 5 cherries

Swissotel-Chicago, IL

Swissotel (Chicago, IL)-http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/USA/Swissotel%20Chicago/Hotel%20Home/Hotel%20Home.htm

After a few hours at the office I finally made it to the hotel.  The hotel is near the Navy Pier and very close to Michigan Ave.  I had the corner room (Primere Room) which was a decent size. It’s sort of L shaped with windows all around. The bathroom and entrance was at one end and the bed/desk/chair/TV was at the other. King size bed (which was really big considering it was just a little’ole me (everything was so soft and they use down comforter and pillow not just some crappy comforter and pillow), 30″ something LCD or Plasma tv (really cool to hook your laptop to and watch movies), iHome radio (you can hook your iPod to), mini fridge etc….everything will cost you.  The bottle of FIJI water was$6. If you move anything in the fridge it will cost you….I was afraid to lay on the bed just in case it cost extra…..haha. I think they also charge you for using the toilet paper as well….just kidding….There’s also a separate shower and tub. I would recommend this type of room since I think it’s roomier. It’s what you can expect from a Luxury hotel.  If you like to know more detail of the room then just leave me a comment and I can tell you.

BTW-Don’t open the mini fridge…they will charge your room.

Here’s some pictures. Sorry it’s kindda crappy…I took it with a camera phone.