Wednesday, July 4, 2012

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.

1 comment:

  1. I have been curious about the Fiona cd. Im pretty sure im going to look into it now... Im still not sold on beer haha

    ReplyDelete