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.

Week 4: 

Beer: Goose Island Nut Brown Ale

ABV: 5.30%
Beers Already Tried From This Brewery: 312 Urban Wheat, Honkers Ale, and India Pale Ale

After making a trip to the West Memphis Walgreens in hopes to find different beers than we get on the East side of the Mississippi, I really didn't find much that I hadn't had before. The Goose Island Nut Brown Ale was going to be the most adventuresome that I'd run across on my trip.

After cracking this brew open, this beer poured incredibly smooth and very brown. First thing I noticed with I smelled it was the chocolate nodes, much more than a normal nut brown ale.

I went into this beer trying to compare it to my favorite brown ale, Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan but I simply can't. This beer is nothing like it. I'm not going to sit here and say that's incredibly unique because my knowledge of other nut brown ales isn't that expansive but this is a very good beer. I'm glad that I had five more sitting in my fridge waiting on me.

Album: Moontan by Golden Earring (1973)
Length: 40 Minutes, 19 Seconds

Yes, another week where most of you are going, WHO/WHAT?

After listening to Rock 103 on the way home from work last week, The Twilight Zone, which most of you, came on the radio and they said that it was from Golden Earring. I was stunned because Radar Love was by Golden Earring and I never once connected the two songs to be by the same band.

Shockingly, this band has been around since 1961 and actually just released a new album last month called Tits N Ass. Something to be said for creating music for over half a century. Apparently they have a thing for tits though as you can tell by the Moontan album cover.

After looking up information on both songs and the albums they are on, I decided to go with their most well known album called Moontan which was released 39 years ago. Despite only 6 songs, this album runs just a shade over 40 minutes.

First song is Candy's Going Bad and my first thought was, this songs pretty similar to The Rolling Stones and the good Stones at that. Something about the vocals seemed to resemble Jaggers. This song seemed like something you'd hear when you walked into a local record store. Very good song.

The second song on the album is Are You Receiving Me, which is the longest song on the album at 9 minutes and 37 seconds. I'll be honest, I got lost in this song. As you can imagine, a good chunk of this song ended up being instrumental but was pretty cool.

The third song, Suzy Lunacy, was alright. Nothing special really.

The fourth song is their first hit and their biggest as well with Radar Love. You can hear this on any local classic rock station. According to AOLRadioBlog, this was considered to be the 85th best classic rock song of all time and I'd tend to agree. Just a great, great song.

The second to last song on the album is Just Like Vince Taylor. Not bad, not great. Just kind of filler.

The last song on the album is called The Vanilla Queen and is the second longest song on the album at 9 minutes and 21 seconds. Again, not bad but nothing that drew me in.

Overall, this album had it's moments but I wouldn't recommend listening to the whole thing. Other than Radar Love, I would say to atleast check out Candy's Going Bad, which is below for your listening pleasure.

 

Movie: Requiem For A Dream (2000)
Length: 1 Hour, 42 Minutes
Main Cast: Jared Leto, Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans

Honestly, I don't even know where to begin with this film. I knew I was going into this film with the knowledge that it was about addictions but I had no idea that it was going to be so depressingly well done. 

I personally have never had any addictions, certainly not with cocaine, heroine, or pills and don't know anyone that has either so it's hard for me to truly understand what they go through but I can't imagine a movie that could portray that as well as Requiem For A Dream did.

For me, Ellen Burstyn stole this movie. Her portrayal of Susan Goldfarb was simply phenomenal. In fact, she was nominated for an Academy Award. To see where she was at the beginning of the movie as an old widow, depressed and lonely, and her pursuit to find happiness through something that wasn't even real and how tragically it all ended for her. Every time that refrigerator moved, it gave me chills. I can't imagine how an addiction could take such a stronghold over you.

From Harry's arm to the acts Marion performed, truly a movie I could never forget. Probably my favorite part outside the acting was the cinematography. The up-close shots of the actors as well as fast cutting scenes of the addictions made this movie even better.

I would recommend this movie to anyone who hasn't seen it yet but like a few said on Facebook, I can't imagine putting myself through it a second time. It's that heavy. 

Food: Shrimp Fettuccine with Lemon Caper Sauce from Tsunami (Midtown Memphis)

Going into this restaurant, I didn't really know what it was about other than it had seafood and was located in the Cooper/Young area of Midtown Memphis. After looking online at the menu a few days prior to going, I saw something that I really wanted to try in the Lemongrass Blackened Shrimp Pasta with Applewood Smoked Bacon & Sun Dried Tomatoes but sadly, it wasn't on the menu when we got to the restaurant. 

With me having to scramble to find a different option, I came across the Shrimp Fettuccine with Lemon Caper Sauce which sounded good despite the fact that I've never had Fettuccine. By the way, for those that don't know (which included me before tonight), capers are cooked and pickled flower buds of a spiny southern European shrub, used to flavor food. To me, they looked like peas.

After having a few slices of wheat with butter, the meal arrived surprisingly quick. I took my first bite and loved it, which didn't include any shrimp. The pasta alone was wonderful. Adding the shrimp, capers, and diced tomatoes to the fettuccine is really what made this meal shine. Great flavor! 

Besides this meal, I tried both of my friends different dishes. The first I tried was Asian Nachos. It might have been the first item that I tried since I started the blog that I simply didn't enjoy. It was incredibly dry and bland. 

After the nachos, I tried bacon wrapped dates. I had never tried a date and hell, I still couldn't even tell you what a date was but I know this...it was phenomenal! Superb flavor. 

Next was jalepeno hush puppies with a maple soy aioli sauce. I'm not huge on hush puppies and I don't handle the heat of a jalepeno very well but this was very good. The aioli sauce that it came with really made it in my mind. Also, despite the fact that it was jalepeno, there was little to no heat with it. 

Lastly, I tried Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna with a Wasabi Cream sauce. It was probably the most difficult of all the items I tried. I feel like I could like tuna but this tuna was too soft and I'm not big on Wasabi. It wasn't terrible, I just don't think it was my style. Someone that likes tuna already and enjoys Wasabi would probably love this dish. 

Overall, Tsunami was an excellent experience with great service and would be a great date place for anyone. Highly recommend! 

Other Food Tried This Week For First Time:

Panera Bread - Turkey Sandwich on Country Bread with Lettuce and Mayo 

Belmont Grill - BBQ Shrimp/Catfish Po Boy

Raisinettes

Week 3: 

Beer: Sam Adams Porch Rocker
ABV: 4.5%
Beers Already Tried From This Brewery: You name it, I've had it


Even though I had a few beers in my fridge that would've been new to me, none of them seemed to hit the spot as they were a stout and a single malt so I headed up to Kroger to see what they had in their Build Your Own Six Pack section. After seeing numerous beers I haven't tried, which I did get, I came across Sam Adams Porch Rocker.

Insantly, my mouth watered. A new Sam Adams I haven't tried was awesome enough but add to the fact that it had lemon flavor and would be the perfect beer sent me over the top. Sadly, I only saw one in the Build Your Own section but luckily, I came across the two remaining six packs that they had. Of course, I had to snag both of them.

Going into this beer, my one and only thought was "How will this compare to Leinenkugel Summer Shandy?" since that is the beer I generally line other summer beers against when comparing.

As you could imagine, even without looking at the picture, this beer pours incredibly light. The aroma didn't hit me like Summer Shandy did as the lemon smell isn't as strong. On first taste, I was disappointed. Not because it wasn't a solid beer but because I truly expected ultimate greatness out of it.

I won't sit here and say I'm disappointed that I got two six packs of this because I will thoroughly enjoy this while grilling out or just sitting around the apartment but it doesn't hold its own versus Leinie Summer Shandy.

Album: The Stone Roses by The Stone Roses (1989)
Length: 49 Minutes, 2 Seconds

After reading the album that I chose, your first thought that came to mind was "Who?" Don't worry, after talking to people that were in their teens and early twenties when this album was released, no one else knew either. Apparently, the The Stone Roses self-titled debut album made many a list for greatest album ever, whether it was top 5, top 10, top British album of all time, or just cracking in the Top 500 of Rolling Stones Greatest Albums of All Time.

With high accolades as that, I knew that I had to give it a listen despite the fact I'd never heard a song off the album or the band for that matter.

To be honest, I feel it's hard to write a review for this album because I'm not one that listens to British music very often, outside of Oasis, but I really enjoyed it. There wasn't that one song that jumped off the page as amazing but nothing I heard that made me want to skip to the next song.

I will say that for the time, I can see why this would be considered in Britain to be one of the best albums. It's a shame that this didn't take off more here in the States, but alas.

Song I would suggest listening to (video below): "Made of Stone"

Movie:  Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Length: 1 Hour, 43 Minutes

After going to Facebook for opinions on what my comedy would be, the overwhelming favorite was Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It seemed whether or not you thought it was the funniest movie ever, it was one everyone agreed that I needed to see and boy was everyone right. 

Simply put, a classic. No doubt it was straight out of the 80's. 

One of my favorite characters happened to be the principals secretary, Grace. The line "Oh, he's very popular Ed. The sportos, the motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, dickheads - they all adore him. They think he's a righteous dude." had me rolling. 

The scene where Ferris is at the parade singing Twist and Shout was awesome, especially at the end when everyone else was singing too. 

Seeing Cameron come to grips at the end of the movie with the car and not caring how his dad was going to react was really cool. Too bad you didn't get to see his fathers reaction. However, seeing Charlie Sheen in this movie was a complete surprise. He looked like he was the lead singing of My Chemical Romance. Of course, talking about drugs seemed incredibly fitting.

Of course, the ending scene where Ferris is running home through the yards seemed familar as Family Guy had mocked the scene when Stewie is trying to make it to the swimming pool. 

Overall, this may not be the funniest move I've ever seen but it's certainly one of the most fun. I'm sure anyone who will read this has seen the movie already but if not, go watch it soon! And by soon, I mean now! 

Food: Fish and Chips, Shepperd's Pie and Turkey and Ham sandwich from Brass Door Tavern (Downtown Memphis) 

Just like last week, I entered a Monday night very uncertain of what would be my next item of food to try. Generally, sitting around and discussing options with my friends at the Flying Saucer is where I determine what my next great idea will be. 

After reading the I Love Memphis blog by Kerry (must read by the way), she had a list of top 100 foods you must try in Memphis. A couple came to mind, including going to Castle near Getwell and Park Ave which has, according to her, one of the best gyros in town but we decided to go downtown to Brass Door Tavern off of Madison, near 2nd. According to Kerry, the fries (chips) were worth the trip alone. 

We all sat down and looked at the menu, me unsure exactly what I was wanting to get. My safe, comfort side of me wanted to order something I was familiar with, because I had only eaten watermelon that day and was extremely hungry. However, I knew I really wanted to branch out and knock this out of the part. After many many minutes of looking at the menu and discussing with my friends, I decided to order the Irish stew. 

After ten or so minutes, our waitress came back to the table letting me know that the chef said that it was not up to par and would not be serving the Irish stew that evening. While bummed, I didn't let that ruin my evening as I already planned a backup course, which was the Fish and Chips. Because of the chefs decision, I knew my meal would be a little longer than my friends. 

As their meals arrived, I immediately took interest in what they had. One friend had ordered the Shepperd's Pie, a traditional dish in an Irish pub, which consisted of chessy whipped potatoes, beef, lamb, and carrots. I was incredibly hesistant to try it but oh so glad I did. The one bite I had was incredible and can't wait to have again. 

Next, I tried my other friends sandwich which consisted of turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tangy aioli sauce on a soft toasted sofa bread. Holy mother of God, this may have been one of the best bites of a sandwich I have ever tasted. The sheer amount of flavors that hit my taste buds were amazing, simply something I had never experienced before in my life. Luckily, I was blessed by the Brass Door gods and my friend to having a second bite, which was better than the first. No question I will be taking other friends back to this place and ordering my own sandwich for myself. 

Finally, after trying multiple fantastic dishes, my fish and chips arrived. It consisted of cod and delicious fries/chips. The cod came as an order of four and really good. According to my friends who tried a bite, claimed that it was the least greasy fish and chips they'd ever tried, which I will take their word for. Great flavor and the fries were excellent as well. It came with a curry dipping sauce that seemed to belong more in an Indian restaurant than an Irish pub. While not bad, was not something I wanted to continually dip my meal into. 

Overall, this was easily the best food week of the blog to date and makes me even more excited for future weeks. I truly felt that I made huge strides in trying new food items this week and with the success, really makes me sad to think what I've missed out so far. 

Whether you're into Irish beers, Irish foods, English Premier Soccer (which they show) or just into great atmosphere, Brass Door Tavern is the place for you. I can certainly vouch that you will not be disappointed. 

**Forgot to take pictures but found chips, sandwich and Shepperd's pie online (no Fish pictured)**

Week 2: 

Beer: O'Fallon Smoked Porter
ABV: 6.0%
Beers Tried From This Brewery Already: 5-Day IPA, Wheach, Hemp Hop Rye Amber Ale, Gold

Another solid beer from O'Fallon, out of Missouri. While the name is Smoked Porter, I never really gathered much smokiness or porter from it. It was a nice mix of the two, done very well. Definitely wouldn't consider this a session beer but not something that's tough to get down either. For being 6%, you really don't get a ton of alchol flavor from it. Would recommend atleast trying once.

Album: Thriller by Michael Jackson
Length: 42 Minutes, 19 Seconds

For my week 2 album, I decided on the King of Pop's Thriller. While knowing some of the classics, I really wanted to find out what really made this Michael Jackson's best album. Not only that, but I was truly interested to see if there would be MJ's now famous testicle squeezing wails in every song.

With the album starting off with Wanna Be Startin' Something, it's repetitiveness instantly had me thinking if I actually wanted to be ending somethin'. This song repeated itself so much, I felt like MJ had gone to Sting's "School of Repetitive Lyrics.

The next two songs on the album slowed things down considerably with Baby Be Mine and The Girl Is Mine. Maybe I'm just weird but it bothered me that he went such similar song titles, much less them being back to back on the album. Aside from that and the cheesy line "The dog gone girl is mine" in The Girl Is Mine, these two songs were really good.

The next three songs are ones that everyone knows with Thriller, Beat It and Billy Jean. Not really any opinion needed as I love all three of these songs. I would love to learn the dance moves to Thriller at some point as embarassing as that may be. The best part of this group of songs to me no doubt is Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo in Beat It.

To wrap up Thriller, we have Human Nature, PYT (Pretty Young Thing) and The Lady In My Life. These songs definitely had a slower feel like Baby Be Mine and The Girl Is Mine, which I enjoy. Human Nature was good, nothing really stood out to me though.


The beginning of PYT made me feel slightly uncomfortable with the way he whispers "pretty young thing". After that though, it was smooth sailing. Great song with a nice groove that hit me just right. Same with the album ending The Lady In My Life.

Overall, this was a great album. Once you get to know the lyrics, these songs would be great to belt driving down the highway. Another week, another definite recommend.

*Side Note: While getting gas after work on 6/12, I went into the gas station and low and behold, Human Nature was playing. Incredibly weird since I had just listened to it for just the 2nd time ever on the way home*

Movie: Goodfellas (1990)
Length: 2 Hours, 26 Minutes

I've never been into, or atleast introduced to mob/mafia/gangster type movies so pardon my ignorance when talking about this movie but I thoroughly enjoyed this one straight from the get go.

I loved how Scorsese started the movie with a scene from 1970 and then backtracked to 1955, where Henry Hill is a boy in his teens. He was naturally fascinated by the lifestyle. After seeing his dad beat him with the belt then proceed to have the mailman get the shit kicked out of him for delivering the letter from school was definitely an "Oh shit!" moment.

To most that frequently watch these types of movies, I'd imagine that this was classic DeNiro and Peschi. The line from Peschi's character Tommy DeVito when he says "You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little fucked up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to fuckin' amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?" was easily the best line in the movie.

Of course, seeing Tommy get so easily angered was frustrating for me as a viewer but slightly entertaining. Shooting that kid in the foot, then proceeding to shoot in him the chest just made me shake my head thinking about the overeaction. But I guess he's just a gangster I suppose.


Towards the end of the movie, I felt slightly lost with the Pittsburgh idea but not enough for it to ruin the movie for me. I truly did enjoy this movie and based on all top movie lists, this one ranks just behind The Godfather, which I also haven't seen in it's entirity, so I'm excited to watch that one.

Food: Shrimp Flavored Chips

Orion Cuttlefish and Peanuts

Malta Goya Clasica
Malta Goya Light
Jumex Tamarind Nectar
Grass Jelly Drink
Jufran Banana Sauce
Passion Fruit 

Going into week 2, I knew that I needed to shake things up after simply going with a Papa John's thin crust in Week 1. What I tried went beyond even my wildest imagination.

A simple Monday night in which I knew I was to try something new, but didn't know what, turned into a very interesting night. After many thoughtful hours at the Flying Saucer trying to figure out what, my buddies convinved me into trying a Gyro at the local Farmers Market. It sounded delicious and after 24 hours without eating, I was incredibly hungry.

After shopping for a little while, we went to try and grab a Gyro and to my disappointment, it was closed. I guess they closed 30 minutes to an hour earlier than when the Famers Market actually closes. With no gyro and no other ideas, we agreed we'd take some of the items from the Farmer's Market back to my place after grabbing some actual food, which mine was shockingly, McDonald's.

First thing I tried was a Shrimp Flavored Chip. Very weird texture, but not terrible. One of my friends compared it to hot fries, which is something I haven't had either but I'll take his word for it. Also wanting to try the Jufran Banana sauce, which was invented back in World War II when there was a heavy tomato shortage, I dipped one of the shrimp flavored chips in it. I didn't really get much hint of banana and only had very minimal kick behind it. Worth trying once but never would use it again.

Next, I tried the Cuttlefish and Peanuts, which taste exactly like a Crackerjack. I think most people would honestly enjoy this.

After that, we poured some of the Grass Jelly Drink and holy shit was this an experience in and of itself. The flavor was good but the texture was really weird. Often times, the jelly from the drink would get stuck to the side of the glass. Even at one point, I had it dribble out of my mouth because the jelly shifted some of the liquid away from my throat unexpectedly.

Next was Tamarind Nectar drink which was surpringly good. The color looked odd and had me assuming it'd be a thick drink but wasn't in fact. Something I'd recommend getting for anyone if looking to try something new.

I also tried a passion fruit, which might have been the highlight of the night. A flavor, a texture my mouth had never come close to experiencing, it was fantastic. After cutting open what looked to be an enlarged lemon, showed a gooey gross center with an odor that was not pleasing. But once scooping a bite, it was delicious. A must receommend to anyone!

Lastly, we cracked open an Malta Goya, Clasica and Light. Yes, this technically shouldn't count because I had the original out of a can back in 2006 and it was awful then, but I will because I'd never had the Light or the other out of a bottle. Simply put, one of the worst things you can ever imagine going into your mouth. Straight motor oil. It's thick, foul smelling, and foul tasting. The fact that anyone truly enjoys this gives me less hope for the world. I'm pretty sure I'll be smelling this in my farts for weeks.

Week 1: 

Beer: Flying Dog Underdog Atlantic Lager

ABV: 4.7%

Beers Tried From This Brewery Already: Doggie Style, In-Heat Wheat, Old Scratch Amber Lager, Tire Bite Golden Ale

Going into a Flying Dog beer, I never really have high expectations, not because they brew bad beers but nothing that has ever really wowed me. Once again, I was not taken aback by this beer but definitely a solid session beer. It pours very light, slight hop aroma and is refreshing. I could sit around and drink multiple of these in one sitting. 

Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John (1973) 

Length: 76 minutes, 20 seconds

One hour and sixteen minutes later, I feel as though I'm a better person for listening to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. While everyone knows the four classics from this album in Candle in the Wind, Bennie and the Jets, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting, there is so much more to this. It starts out with an instrumental in Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding and while I got lost in thought, it quickly changed gears with the second half of that song and the rest of the album.

One of my favorites that I hadn't heard was I've Seen That Movie Too. A great tune, no doubt. Absolutely the surprise of the album.

When I got to second disc, side two is when I should've gotten the dancing shoes out. With Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock N Roll) followed by Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting, I actually broke a sweat dancing in my living room. Both of those songs are high energy and easily makes you want to get up and move.

I now understand why this album is considered to be Elton John's greatest. While diverse, it somehow works. If you haven't checked this album in full, I suggest that do. 

Movie: Die Hard (1988)

Length: 2 Hours, 11 Minutes

If you like action, this is one movie you have to see (assuming you're like me and have been hiding under a rock for 2+ decades) and haven't seen it yet.  

 Seriously, could there be a more badass character than John McClane? From ripping the bottom of your feet open from broken glass, jumping in and out of elevator shafts to tying yourself with a fire hydrant hose and shooting down the side of a building, he covered it all and didn't flinch once. 

To me, the best part was seeing Carl Winslow as only I've seen him, a cop. Not only was seeing the Family Matters star amusing, but the rapport him and Willis had was great. To see him get the final shot after not being able to for so many years, was gratifying as well. 

Overall, I was very glad I watched this movie and sometime in the future, I'll be checking out the sequels.

Food: Thin Crust Meats from Papa John's (Collierville)

I just want to apologize up front for the first food entry being quite a lame one. I know it's an item from the store that I work at and isn't some crazy food like squid but to be fair, I've never had this so it counts.

On Saturday night, my manager made a thin crust Meats pizza for the crew and of course, I naturally cringe because I know I only love hand tossed pizza. After taking two slices and picking off the toppings, I finally decided to take the plunge.

My preconceived notion of thin crust was that it was too crunchy, too crispy and the texture wouldn't not be pleasing. After taking my first bite, I realized that it wasn't what I thought it'd be. Sure, it was no hand tossed pizza but for me to go all these years snubbing the thin crust was just silly of me.

Will it be my go to? Nope, but if I it's there, I'll gladly take another bite.

And I promise going forward that the food will be much more entertaining.