BEANS on TOAST!

December 26, 2007 Breakfast at Phil's place in Pleasanton is quite an experience. Phil is known for the new and upcoming delicacy called Beans on Toast. It was made popular in Europe several hundred years ago, but has made it's way to America when the Zablocki's travelled from Poland to Indiana. (yea, I'm making this up as I go)
I had the pleasure of Phil creating a deluxe version of Beans on Toast that included potatoes, meatballs, ketsup, and horseradish along with the two basics, beans and toast. The palate did not know what hit it. BAM! Words are hard to describe this culinary delight.
During the early morning feast, Phil and I came up with the name of a new restaurant, Beans on Toast! Brilliant we both exclaimed, how about a second helping? We immediately commenced on writing down the recipe. 1 can of beans, and some toast. Didn't take long before we had several versions including the soon-to-be-popular More Beans on Toast. (double helping) After looking at the required profit margins, we decided that $1.50 might be too much to charge.
If you have never tried this dish, you soon will. Our mail order division is about to be rolled out.
This dish is not just for breakfast anymore. For dinner we are working on pairing the right wine with this dish. Stay tuned. A 2008 White Zinfandel is high on the list.
Enjoy! Thanks Phil.

Christmas Day, 2007

Yes, Jamie and David were both home (Manteca) for Christmas. It was great celebrating the day, weekend, and week with them. Thanks to Lori & Chris for hosting everybody and keeping the fireplace going. Hey, it's cold in California.

The animals might need an explanation so here it is: instead of the more traditional Christmas gifts of cash, clothing, electronic wonders, and music, I decided to give Jamie & David a goat. An organization called World Vision, allows a person to donate a variety of items, including animals, to countries, villages, and families in need of food. The early-morning bleating of a dairy goat is a happy sound for children in countries like Haiti and Malawi. They know it's ready to be milked! A goat nourishes a family with fresh milk, cheese, and yogurt, and can offer a much-needed income boost by providing offspring and extra dairy products.

A person could also donate a cow, goose, alpaca, fishing gear, pig and similar items. Jamie and David decided that a goat and monies to help the sexually exploited girls would be their choice.

If interested, simply Google Word Vision Online. It's simple, rewarding, and can make a difference.

December 22, 2007

Before anyone gets the wrong idea that Mike is reading the new medicare/medicaid plan for 2008, whilst he holds a hammer behind mom, stop! Mom, who is now home from the nursing home after suffering a stroke in October, is enjoying a very chocolate based gift from Sam & Hilda. A rather large box was received this day filled with a nice assortment of chocolates and a Packer hammer. (of course) I had the pleasure of being able to spend 4 days in Puyallup Washington, visiting mom, Mike, Bec, Joe, Sonva, Pete, Sharon, and Kali.

Pub Crawl #24

Jonathan’s BistroFond du Lac, WI

Coral, Lindsey, Sabra, Nathan, Phillip, Kelly are just 6 of the great crew that make Jonathan’s Bistro a great place to visit.

They used to have two really nice microbrews called Caber Tossing Scottish Ale and Buzzin’ Honey Ale from Fox River Brewing Co. located in Oshkosh and Appelton.

Recently they replaced these two with Peroni, an Italian brew, and a Leinenkugel Cider tasting brew.

Happy Hour from 3-6pm, Mon-Fri, they have their 2 for 1 special. Sweet!

Jonathan’s is known for its Italian food, and last night I finally got to dine on their mushroom penne, salad, and Tiramisu. Fantastic! They also have pecan crusted walleye, Thai Pasta, Duck with squash risotto, stuffed tenderloin gorgonzola, and bucatini on their menu.

One special worth mentioning is the endless wine or sangria they offer for $7.79. Everyday, all times.

Wireless Internet, for homework, and a nice selection of wine, half priced on Tuesday, make this an even nicer place.