Really good corn July 27, 2008
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Every once on a while, conditions conspire and come together to bring really good corn into this world. You know the type: sweet, easily shucked, juice kernals. Corn like this is manna from heaven. I have never found corn this good in a restaurant. Only at a farm can someone get food this tasty. The closest I’ve ever seen otherwise was at Moto. But given the science experiments that go on there, I’m not sure that it ought to count!
And this weekend, we ate excellent corn. The only way to cook it is to lightly steam it. With okay corn, you may be best to put it on a grill-get the extra flavor through the carbon and extreme heat. But this corn? Never.
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I found that a light dusting with pink rock salt brought out the corn’s sweetness. Anyway, the corn, excellent weather, and good friends made for a wonderful beach weekend.
Prophets, both great and low. . . July 25, 2008
Posted by tedbrassfield in Uncategorized.Tags: Campaigning, Humor, Obama
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So, I was hit up by a cute young volunteer to give money to the Obama campaign. Well, not directly to the campaign, but to the DNC, so it would go further and also help out the Democrats he will need elected in order to govern effectively. I pointed out that we already had a majority in both the House & the Senate and yet Obama had voted for telecom immunity. “Yes but, look at the alternative. . .” Yeah, honey, I know, this isn’t a perfect world. . . still, I would have preferred to force this administration to pardon those involved with illegal wiretaps, rather than retroactively granting immunity for breaking the law.
On a related note, I just read some very amusing commentary on the messianic aspects of the Obama campaign in The Times:
And it came to pass, in the eighth year of the reign of the evil Bush the Younger (The Ignorant), when the whole land from the Arabian desert to the shores of the Great Lakes had been laid barren, that a Child appeared in the wilderness.
Wow, if that doesn’t describe the faith of the Obama true believers, I don’t know what would. I mean, I clearly support the campaign. I am a firm believer that Obama is the best option that we have been presented with for president. Indeed, I think that he will make a GOOD president. But some of the true believers make me want to laugh. . . As did this article. Highly recommended.
Dinner at Tabard Inn July 24, 2008
Posted by tedbrassfield in Uncategorized.Tags: dinner, review
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For Her birthday dinner, I decided to take her back to Tabard Inn. Just down the street from our place, this Dupont Circle establishment has become a bit of a cherished standby for us. The food is always good, atmosphere understated and pleasant, and cocktails well-made.
We were not disappointed.
Had a gin rickey varient… Gin with elderflower liquor, absenthe, lemon, and sparkling white.
I had the duck confit with peaches, and She went for Tasmanian salmon. Okay, okay, I know–half eaten food is not nearly as appealing to look at as the original, untouched dish. But, I am new to this, okay?
Perhaps the most surprising find of the evening?
Pimms. A southern England herb liquor-according to our server, I still need to look it up-quite refreshing.
She finished with a peach, Ginger upside down cake with wonderful blackberry ice cream. Without the smooth contrast, the Ginger would have overwhelmed the dish. She loved it.
Dreaming of prosecutions July 24, 2008
Posted by tedbrassfield in Uncategorized.Tags: bush, rule of law
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I have spent the past seven years in various states of shock. The Administration seemed to have adopted a strategy of distracting the press and public from the scandal of the moment with a new and better scandal. It became rather difficult to keep track of the conspirators-excuse me-strategy architects.
I needn’t worry any more! Slate has made everything easy with a paint by numbers venn diagram, tracking the relevant officials behind several of the Bush administration’s biggest hits. Find it here: http//www.slate.com/id/2195892/
Gastrosexual? July 24, 2008
Posted by tedbrassfield in Uncategorized.Tags: gastrosexual, popular culture, seduction
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So, Mars is launching an Asian non-confectionery brand, PurAsia. To build some publicity before the launch, the company conducted a survey of British adults and found that some men use culinary prowess to woo women.
Indeed, half of the men surveyed spend 41 minutes per day cooking–quite a change from the post-WW II days, when a mere 27.5 percent of British men cooked. . .
Is there something sexy and seductive about preparing food? I certainly think so, but is it really necessary to create a new male subtype? Still, interesting food for thought, no?
Dishes suck July 22, 2008
Posted by tedbrassfield in Uncategorized.Tags: dishes, hate
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I need children, or a dishwasher, or money to hire a pro. Why? Because I love to cook, but get frustrated with some of the side effects. Here, for example, is some of the catastrophic effect of seitan fajitas.
She really enjoys these fajitas and has learned how to make a mean accompanying guacamole. All in all, it makes for a tasty dinner!
The problem with the seitan, as far as I am concerned, is entirely related to moisture. How can I cook wheat gluten in a liquid such that it does not absorb too much of the liquid and become soggy itself?
And thoughts? I’ve thought about trying a high height pan searing after main cooking is complete, but…
Weirdness at the start July 21, 2008
Posted by tedbrassfield in Uncategorized.1 comment so far
So,I can’t seem to enter visual text through the mobile interface and my iPhone. As such, I am stuck trying to relearn HTML. Because the lphone recognizes this field as text. Let’s hope the app comes out soon!
I wanted to write about the lovely guacamole and veggie fajitas I made tonight. Followed by a great dessert by She. But, without an easy picture interface and screwy text, I am not sure if now is the time.
Random dc notes: car repair is expensive, and I hope notice is required for no parking signs, as I am contesting a ticket.
Catching up with the 00’s. . . July 19, 2008
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My new iphone is beautiful and it has inspired me to start a blog. . . I intend to use this forum to record beautiful meals, ugly jurisprudence, and anything else that I want to save for posterity. Of course, the best laid plans, etc. etc. etc. Welcome!
