Week 8: 

Beer(s) and ABV: Gouden Carolus Ambrio (8%)

Blue Point Blueberry Ale (4.6%)

Lakefront Wisconsinite Summer Weiss (4.2%)

Lakefront Klisch Pilsner (5.42%)

Beers Already Tried From This Brewery: None from any of them

I know, I'm only supposed to try one beer a week and write about it but I can't help it lately, I just want to keep trying as many new brews as I can. 

This week, I managed to crack open four new ones. The first that I tried, I got at the Flying Saucer in Cordova, also known as my second home and it was the Gouden Carolus Ambrio. It poured a dark amber color and smelled of cherries. After first sip, I noticed the cherries but sadly, tasted more alcohol than flavor. Not a terrible beer but also not great, especially for the price. Still glad I tried it. 

The next three beers actually came from a buddy who recently went to Florida and brought them back. The first of those was the Lakefront Wisconsinite Summer Weiss. Pretty typical Weiss beer, solid and very refreshing. Definitely a session beer in my mind. 

The next beer was the Lakefront Klisch Pilsner. Again, like the first Lakefront, solid beer. Nothing that will wow you but could drink it all night. 

Lastly, we had the Blue Point Blueberry Ale. To me, this was a slightly weaker version of Saranac Blueberry Blonde Ale, which is not a bad thing. The blueberry flavor wasn't overwhelming like you'd get with a Sea Dog Blueberry or even Sweetwater Blue, which is something I like. Just like the last two, would drink plenty of this all night. 

Album: Yourself or Someone Like You by Matchbox 20 (1996)

Length: 46 Minutes, 43 Seconds

While maybe not a classic album in most top albums list, this is widely considered to be Matchbox 20's best album and certainly best selling album. With Matchbox 20 coming out with a new album called North in September and me loving their incredibly catchy first single off that album titled She's So Mean, I decided to go back in time and check out this album.

Matchbox 20 is very similiar to Fiona Apple in that despite being around since 1996, they've only released a handful of albums (M20 with 5; Fiona Apple with 4).

Yourself or Someone Like You has atleast 3 or 4 songs that I guarantee you've heard on the radio at someone point, including the first song on the album, Real World. Incredibly catchy song, hard to imagine someone that grew up during the 90s not knowing this one. Next song after this was Long Day, a song I hadn't heard before but was solid.

The next two songs are probably ones you've heard before as well in 3am and Push. Catchy as hell, typical 90s music in my mind.

After that, Girl Like That and Back 2 Good were the following two songs. Girl Like That was a new one to me, it was okay. Back 2 Good is a song that is slower but one that some would remember. I feel like this one had some airplay back in the day. From here, the remaining six songs are songs that I'd not heard going into this listen.

Next song is Damn and it certainly picked up the tempo from Back 2 Good. If I looked up the lyrics, I definitely would've sung along. The shortest song on the album, Argue, clocks in at 2 minutes and 57 seconds. Despite the shortness, it was another solid song. Much like the rest so far, a catchy tune that with a few more listens would be even more fun to sing along to.

After those two more upbeat songs, we slowed the tempo again with Kody. Paying more closely to the lyrics on this one, it's about dealing with depression after someone close to you commits suicide. Very good song.

With the next song, Busted, Thomas' vocals got much grittier than the rest of the album. Quite a nice change of pace even though I wouldn't consider this one of my favorites off the album.

The final two songs on the album are Shame and Hang. While Shame was nothing special, Hang was really really good. Probably my favorite song that I didn't know going into this album. It was a slower song and really good lyrics.

Overall, I'm thrilled I listened to this album. I guess I never realized how much I actually liked Rob Thomas' voice and how well it goes with the music of Matchbox 20. I would absolutely recommend this album if you like any of the songs you've previously heard (Real World, 3am, Push and Back 2 Good)

Movie: Napoleon Dynamite (2004) 

Length: 1 Hour, 35 Minutes

Main Cast: Jon Heder, Jon Gries, Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino

I think out of all the weeks that I've been doing this blog, I picked a movie that couldn't have been any more divisive. From some people, they loved this movie. For many others, they absolutely hated. It never seemed as if there was any middle ground with Napoleon Dynamite. 

When it came out back in 2004, my preconceived notion was that it sucked, hands down. It got overhyped, overquoted and I naturally didn't like it, despite the fact that I hadn't seen it. 

I think that's the main reason why I went with this movie over Forrest Gump and Batman Begins is because I wanted to get even more out of my shell and pick a movie that not only I hadn't seen but actually had no plans of seeing and had judged without even having seen the movie. 

It didn't take long into this movie to see why some loved it and others hated it. The incredibly dry sense of humor had me chuckle at a few lines but I have to say that this movie did nothing for me in the slightest. 

The plot was pointless and many times I caught myself thinking "When it this going to end?"

The best part of the movie was near the end when Napolean was dancing on stage. Outside of that and a few lines, this movie was not a good movie in my opinion. 

I'd say if you're looking for a comedy to watch, stay clear of this one unless you absolutely love dry as a desert humor. However, if you haven't seen it, I'd suggest watching it just so you can have your own valid opinion as I know can have. Then you aren't like me circa 2004 and judge something blindly.

Food: World Famous Huey Burger with Black Bean Patty (Collierville)

With this week being a little hectic between my alternator catching on fire and just staying busy, my food choice for week 8 became one that was kind of on the fly so bare with me.

After hearing about how great Huey's burgers are, I decided to go with one. I've never actually had one so by-passing the standard beef patty for the black bean was a pretty huge step. I actually called in the order to-go because I was running short on time (hence not the best picture) and ended up eating in the Papa John's dine in.

What I ordered on the black bean burger was cheddar cheese, mayo and lettuce. Assuming the texture of the patty was similar to one of beef, I took a nice hearty bite into it. I immediately regretted that decision as I almost gagged on it. What I tasted was not what I expected in the slightest. The texture was very soft and clearly tasted of beans.

Honestly, I was only able to eat about half of the burger because of how much I disliked it. I know many people that love the black bean burger so I'm not going to tell you that it's awful. I think I just came to realize that unless it's baked beans, I'm just not a fan of beans. Atleast a big step for me was trying mayonaise from another restaurant. I've always been a strict "Hellmans only" kind of guy so I still feel like that was a small victory. 

Week 7: 

Beer(s): Saranac High Peaks Lemon Ginger Saison & Woodchuck Private Reserve Ginger

ABV: 8.5% - 6.9%

Beers Already Tried From This Brewery: Too many to mention from both

This is going to be a pretty simple week to write about these beers. Neither of them were very good. Plain and simple.

With the first beer, the Saranac High Peaks Lemon Ginger Saison, I had high hopes for. I was looking for a beer with alot of flavor and yet all I got was alot of alcohol. It just did not make for an enjoyable drinking experience. And as it got warmer, it just got worse. To be honest, I had to pour it out half way through (yes, I know) but I couldn't stomach this beer.

As for the other beer, Woodchuck Private Reserve Ginger, again I had high hopes for simply because it was from the Private Reserve collection. However, I was let down. Not because it was a foul tasting beer but because it was just another Woodchuck. There really wasn't much Ginger flavor to this one. Just typical Woodchuck Cider that people are used to.

Album: Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A. (1988)

Length: 60 Minutes, 27 Seconds

You're probably looking at this selection as the WTF moment of the blog so far and you'd be completely right. I have absolutely no idea why I decided to go for this album but I did. I guess I just wanted to really expand my horizons in a big way.

I've never listened to a full rap album before so I figured if there was any rap album worth listening to, it would be Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A.

From the moment I pressed play, I felt like I was in South Central LA in the late 80s. All I was missing was a flat billed hat and a Starter jacket.

To be completely honest, the music was pretty cool. It had some cool beats and even some light guitar in the background. Obviously, the lyrics from start to finish are everything you can imagine. The standout lyric for me came from Parental Discretion Iz Advised that made me double take...

"To you it may be funny, but
there's no service of beef, without money
So slip the C-note, and you can choke
on a wing-ding-ding-a-ling down your throat
Foreplay; to me ain't shit
When you spread 'em I'm ready, then you can get the dick
of the Eaze, if you can deal with the size
But if you can't, parental discretion's advised!"

Seriously, ding-a-ling? Once I heard that, I couldn't help but laugh outloud.

It's crazy to think Ice Cube has gone from this to Friday movies to Coors Light commercials.

I don't know if I'd ever listen to this album again but I'm certainly glad that I did.

Movie: A Bug's Life (1998)

Length: 1 Hour, 35 Minutes

Main Cast: Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere, Denis Leary

I have to say, going 14 years without seeing a Pixar film is simply unacceptable.

I don't know if it was the idea of bugs and not thinking it would be good or entertaining but nothing ever motivated me to go out of my way to see this film, despite it being from Pixar and I absolutely love everything they do.

Shockingly enough, not one time did I say "Damn you Pixar" which I so often do because of their ability to tug at your heart strings. However, this was a very well done movie. I don't think I've laughed as hard as a Pixar film as this. Just a lot of funny moments to me.

While she was no Boo from Monsters Inc, Pixar created an adorable young bug in Dot. One of my favorites as well as Denis Leary playing the male Ladybug.

I'm really glad I watched this. Is it my favorite Pixar film? Nope. It wouldn't be at my bottom either. Just another good plot from a company with a flawless record. Now all I have to do is see Cars 2 and I'll have seen them all.

Food: Old Fashioned Monte Cristo and The Fat Boy from Half Shell (Memphis)

Another week, another great food selection. Either I'm getting lucky picking out good food or my taste buds have stopped being so damn picky.

With another Monday night to try and find food, my buddies and I have decided to start looking at two lists, one from The Commercial Appeal and the other from the I Love Memphis Blog, of the Top 100 Foods to Try in Memphis and go from there.

With this week, we all decided we would go to Half Shell at Poplar and Mendenhall to try their Old Fashioned Monte Cristo since it was on the list. I decided to split that with one of my friends while getting another meal to split as well, that way we could both try two items.

After having not eaten all day, I was incredibly hungry. I got my order, split it up and dug in.

Holy cow, was the Monte Cristo something great. It is an egg battered sandwich with pit smoked ham, hickory smoked turkey, provolone cheese and dusted with powdered sugar that was all sorts of heaven. I've never really tried honey mustard before so I had to dip it and again, just fantastic. I can't wait to go back and try this again.

As for the other part of my dinner, I got to have The Fat Boy. This Po Boy included Blackened Shrimp, Fried Crawfish Tails and Fried Oysters. Having never had either of the last two, I was slightly nervous as to how this would taste. Just like everything else I have been missing in my life, this was phenomenal. To me, I liked this even more than the Monte Cristo, which I thought very highly of.

It came with a remoulade sauce (pictured top left) that was to die for. I slathered that on The Fat Boy and went to town.

Seriously, this may have been my favorite week for trying a new food that I've had so far. I seriously can't wait to go back. 

Week 6: 

Beers (ABV): Goose Island Matilda (7%)
Bells Oberon (5.8%)
Dark Horse Raspberry (5.5%)
Half Acre Daisy Cutter Pale Ale (5.2%)
Houblon Chouffe Dobbelin IPA Tripel (9%)
Ommegang Rare Vos (6.5%)
Timmermans Framboise (4.5%)
Lucky Bucket Heartland Wheat (4.8%)
Michelob Ultra 19th Hole Tea & Lemonade (4%)
Saranac Single Malt (5.5%)

Beers Already Tried From This Brewery: 
Goose Island (312 Urban Wheat, Nut Brown Ale, Honkers Ale)
Bells (none)
Dark Horse (none)
Half Acre (none)
La Chouffe (none)

Ommegang (Abbey Ale, Hennepin Farmhouse Saison)
Timmermans (none)
Lucky Bucket (IPA, Lager)
Michelob (Ultra, Dragon Fruit Peach, Lime Cactus, Pomegranate Raspberry)
Saranac (too many to mention)

Who doesn't love to go on vacation? Some go for a much needed getaway, to see old friends, to meet new ones, whatever. For me, it was all of the above plus the idea of trying many new beers that I simply can't get here at home.

With that in mind, this week for beer will be slightly different. It's got a list of nine different beers I tried, four of which I got while I got in Chicago. The write up will be shorter but you'll still get my opinion. Here goes.

When I first arrived, we stopped off at Miller's Pub. Rissa had been wanting me to try the Half Acre Daisy Cutter and so I did. It was okay, nothing terrible but nothing great either. Had some hops to it, which I'm not generally a huge fan of anyways.

Next, we went to Rock's in Wrigleyville. I got to try the Dark Horse Raspberry out on the patio and it was very refreshing. A typical fruit ale and would definitely have it as a session beer. Then inside, I got to try Bell's Oberon and Goose Island Matilda, both on tap. These were two fantastic beers! Goose Island had never wowed me before but the Maltida might be one of my all time favorites now. From everything I've heard, Bell's is a solid brewery all around so I'm looking forward to trying some other ones at some point.

The next night, we went back to Miller's Pub and I got to try the Houblon Chouffe Dobbelin IPA Tripel. Despite that I said earlier than I'm not a huge fan of hops, this beer was incredibly well done. You know it's a highly thought of when the BeerAdvocate Bros. rate this one a 98. An absolute must try if you get around to it. Thanks to Angus from Eastern Canada for getting this one for me while chatting it up at the bar! 

After getting back home, I had a few other new brews. First the good with Michelob Ultra Light Tea and Lemonade. Basically this was Nestea with Lemon with zero alcohol flavor. You could sit back and drink 20 of these without even thinking.

Now the bad with Lucky Bucket Heartland Wheat. Seriously, I think these assholes use piss for water in their beer. I've tried two other styles and they are both some of the worst tasting beers I've ever tried. If you ever come across the IPA, run away. I don't care if someone at the bar is buying a round of that, do not drink it. While the wheat isn't as bad, it just isn't pleasant. And that's saying alot for wheat beer.

The last of the night ended up being Saranac Single Malt. Honestly, I don't really have much of an opinion on this one. Kinda meh.

The last two new brews that I tried this week happened on my birthday during my Flying Saucer plate party ($150 free bar tab). I tried the Timmerman's Framboise seeing as how much I love Lindeman's Framboise. The Timmerman's was pretty good, just not as good as Lindeman's. Of course, drinking out of the slender fancy glass at a bar is always fun too.

Lastly, I got to try the Ommegang Rare Vos, another beer that got a 98 from the Brothers of BeerAdvocate. The rating definitely matches the beer. Very, very good beer. 

Album: The Lateness of the Hour by Alex Clare (2011)

Length: 46 Minutes, 19 Seconds

After going up to Chicago and listening to the radio, I've decided that I really really love the song Too Close by Alex Clare. Some of you may have heard it on the radio, some perhaps on the newest Internet Explorer 9 commercial, but it's wonderful. I sing it constantly in my car when it comes on.

I decided to pick this album because odds are that we may not hear another song of his on the radio so I figured I'd dig a little deeper to find out if he's a one-hit wonder kind of guy or if he's got some real talent.

Looking at a few reviews first to see what I was going to expect, I saw mixed reviews. The different styles on this album included dub step, soul, alternative rock, and R&B.

After going through this album, clearly he's got tons of talent. The real question involved is whether or not all the styles on this album really fit well. As in Too Close, you hear light dub step where others on this album it's just oddly placed. Some songs, there isn't any crazy bassline.

The 5th song on the album is actually a cover of Prince's "When Doves Cry" with some insane bassline, especially for that song. I had mixed feelings about that one. One song that stuck out with me is Hands Are Clever (video below), a song with a ton of soul. If that song doesn't make you want to get up and dance, I don't know what would.

With my mixed feelings on this, I'll certainly be giving this album a second listen to see how I feel. As for you, I'd give this album a shot if you like Too Close at all. 

Movie: The Notebook (2004)

Length: 2 Hours, 3 Minutes

Main Cast: Ryan Gossling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner, Gena Rowlands


I knew for week 6 that I wanted a movie that would tug on the heart strings. What I got with The Notebook was way beyond that. This hit me at my very core.

This was a movie that was simply beautiful. A story of love that is pure and unconditional. Love isn't easy but no matter what you make it work. Not because you have to but because you want to. You sacrifice, you hurt, you laugh, you feel, you cry, and in the end it's all worth it. With a love like that, you can do anything. In the end, it's you and them. Nothing else in the world matters.

You can even be apart for days, weeks, months or years but your heart forever beats for them. Others may come and go but you still breathe for them. That's hard to find and when you do, you want to do your damnedest not to let them go. You see that so clearly between Noah and Allie.

The idea that there can be love so strong that it can last to the very end should give the world hope.

To me, this was the greatest love story that I've ever seen to date. Seeing the paralells of a young Noah and Allie lying in the street to them at the end lying next to each other in the bed was wonderfully done. The last thing Noah said was "I'll be seeing you." couldn't have been more perfect. From that moment, I had tears rolling down my cheek.

The acting was top notch and the plot was absolutely perfect. For those that haven't seen this movie, please do so. Don't be like me and shrug it off as some lame chick flick or love story.  Don't be afraid to let this movie touch you.

Food: Big Al's Italian Beef with Provolone and Giadiniera

I don't know if it was the fact that it was 1am, the alcohol or just the idea of trying something new, all of the above but whatever the case, this sandwich had me giddy and laughing while eating it (as Amanda can attest to).

After trying to find places to eat via Urbanspoon, we decided upon Portillos Hotdogs. However, the ended up being closed so we came across Big Al's Italian Beef. I've never had anything like this before so it was a perfect time to try something for the blog.

What happened next might be the first time I've ever done this in my life. I asked the guy what his favorite sandwich was and without caring what it had on it, I was going to try it.

What he told me ended up being Italian beef with provolone cheese and homemade hot giadiniera. As someone who has never had provolone cheese and certainly doesn't handle hot very well (as Amanda can also attest too), I was slightly nervous. However, thanks to the liquid courage, I got over that in a hurry.

After taking my first bite, I loved it. Despite the very hot giadiniera, it had great flavor. The beef was tender and juicy. It was quite a mess to eat but wonderful. If you're ever in the Chicago area, I would certainly advise trying this sandwich atleast once. 

Week 5: 

Beer: Rogue MoM Hefeweizen with Rose Petals

ABV: 4.8%

Beers Already Tried From This Brewery: American Amber, Dead Guy, etc

After making a trip last week to Raffe's Deli, a wonderful place that sells gyros as well as a great selection of craft beers, me and my buddies came across this beer. To this point, Rogue hadn't really disappointed and a beer with Rose Petals seemed like a must try. Not to mention, the bottle is beautiful.

Needless to say, I was wrong. This hefeweizen was about as bland as they come. Almost zero flavor and in no way did I taste anything that remotely resembled "rose petals". I honestly don't think I went into this beer with great expectations, it simply just fell flat on its face.

Was it a beer that I struggled to drink? No. However, I would not recommend this beer to anyone.

Album: The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do by Fiona Apple (2012)

Length: 42 Minutes, 35 Seconds

After suggestions of wanting something more recent with my music selection and with me leaning towards a female artist for the week, I felt pretty unsure of what I was going to decide on. That's when I took to Facebook and for the first time, asked for opinions instead of comments on a list of music/movies. 

After many wonderful suggestions, I decided I would give the new Fiona Apple a listen thanks to three peoples opinions, who I value. To be honest, it was quite a big step because the only Fiona Apple song I have ever heard was Criminal, which was on her first album Tidal, released back in 1996. This is first album released since in 7 years and only the second to be released since the turn of the century. 

As you can tell, she has a ridiculously long album title that is 23 words. However, that isn't remotely close to her longest album title, which consist of 90 words. When it was released, it was the longest album title in the world. It currently sits 3rd all time now, behind Soulwax (103 words) and Chumbawamba (158 words)

The album starts off with Every Single Night, a song that if I hadn't known, would've assumed it came off Florence and the Machine's "Lungs" album. First listen was good, but not great. However, I listened to it multiple times after and it hit me better. 

The rest of the album, I only listened to one time but immediately loved it. Something about her voice and the keys made this album phenomenal. Sitting on my couch while listening, all I could think was having a drink in a dimly lit cocktail lounge as she plays the piano and sings. This album would be perfect for that setting. 

Since I went into this album only knowing Criminal, I can safely say that this album is nothing like that. I can't comment on any of her other previous work but I certainly want to check out her other albums. She certainly didn't let those seven years since her last album go to waste. 

Simply put, a must recommend for anyone that loves piano driven songs with beautiful vocals behind it. 

Song to check out: Jonathan (video below)

Movie: Hoosiers (1986)

Length: 1 Hour, 55 Minutes

Main Cast: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper


Only one question came to mind once I finished Hoosiers. That question was "Why in the hell did it take me til a week before I turned 27 to see this fantastic film?"

Seriously, from start to finish, one of the best sports films I've ever seen, if not the best. Gene Hackman was simply phenomenal. He was the kind of coach that I admire. One that doesn't take crap from anyone and does it his way. He cares about his players and wants the absolute best for them.

At times, this movie (as with many sports movies) can take a pretty predictable route when it comes to game winning shots, worst player being the hero, and the underdog being victorious but that to me is a not a negative thing. It's what made this movie great.

Most of the people that will end up reading this have probably seen the movie already but if you haven't and you have an interest in sports movies or just a feel good movie, please watch this. I regret waiting as long as I did, hopefully you won't do the same.

Food: Memphis Po Boy from Soul Fish Cafe (Germantown)

Unlike the last few Mondays, where I went out with my friends to try something new, I decided to wait until Tuesday and go alone. The result ended up with me trying Soul Fish Cafe at the Germantown location at Poplar Ave and Forrest Hill Irene Rd on my way into work.

I had looked at the menu online prior to going so I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted. Even though the blackened Talipia sounded pretty tasty, I decided to go with the Memphis Po Boy. While even though I tried a bite of a Catfish Po Boy, this would be the first one that I'd actually order and attempt to eat in full.

What the Memphis Po Boy consists of is smoked pork tenderloin, bacon, cole slaw and BBQ sauce all on a New Orleans style roll. I'm not a huge fan of cole slaw so I had that taken off and with a Po Boy, you get one side. Of course, when I saw they had Fried Okra, I knew I had to get it. That's probably one thing that would surprise people is how much I enjoy Fried Okra.

After placing my order, I received my meal fairly quickly. I guess that's what happens when you go at 4pm and there are only two other tables being served.

What I saw on my plate was damn near overwhelming. The New Orleans style roll was huge and they certainly didn't skimp on the smoked pork tenderloin. Even though I had trouble fitting it in my mouth (TWSS), I managed to and I have to say that it was delicious. The tenderloin was incredibly juicy, the bacon was not too crispy and not too fatty, and the BBQ sauce was the proper amount. I'm glad that they didn't drown the sandwich in it.

As big as the Po Boy was, I still had Fried Okra to enjoy and that is exactly what I did. They filled the bowl to the brim with delicious Fried Okra.

By the end of the meal, I was to the point of being uncomfortably full. That goes to show you just how much food I had on my plate. It was wonderful and I can't wait to go back. My waitress said the Memphis Po Boy was the 2nd most popular Po Boy, just behind the Cuban Po Boy, which has Smoked pork tenderloin, ham, pickles, mustard, Cuban mayo, and Swiss cheese.

Absolutely, no question a must recommend and personally, the next time I go, I'm going to check out the Midtown location in Cooper-Young area.