We, Joseph, Shannon and I, had bought tickets a while back to see the Alton Brown Edible Inevitable Tour.  I'm a fan of the mixture of science and humor.  We had pretty good seats (orchestra area), and really enjoyed the show.  At the time of one of the volunteer portions, Joseph made it abundantly clear that he wanted to be chosen, and was.  The show overall was very entertaining for all of us (me, food lover (cooker and eater); Joseph, food professional; and Shannon, food lover (eater)).  So if it is coming to your town, give it a go.  Video screens are available even for the not so close seats.  Alton Brown did go to a number of the places I suggested during a semi-drunken (ok mostly drunken) state (not that he followed my list, but apparently I'm not the only one who suggested the items).

Last night, I went off on a man-date with JZ and a number of other dudes where the plan was to play a bunch of Munchkin, but we ended up playing mostly Dominion (super fun, super variable), then a bit of Munchkin.  Let it be recorded for history that this was the first time that Drew has seen me not win at Munchkin (I've not won a bunch of times).  While we were doing that Shannon was off having a lady-date seeing St. Vincent with the elusive Courtney at the Fleur.  Pretty good week, over all.  Though there were some food failures this week.

The BA Patty Melt

So while I think I had heard using mayonnaise for grilled cheese or things like that was good and I Know I've used mayo to crisp up and keep my turkey moist (as opposed to pork fat, which I've also done).  Maybe I'm just kidding myself though.

These right here, were amazing.  Crisp crust on the bread, good meat mixture.  Good mixture of cheeses (Prairie Breeze and Prairie Rose).  Cooked down onions.

So damn good.  I'll be making this again, for sure.

Chili (today)

Seared in the pan, transferred to the crock-pot, fond from the pan gotten up and added to crock-pot...er slow cooker (I have no idea what the brand of my slow cooker is).  Then I slowly simmered it over the next while.  Pretty good, less spicy (on purpose).  Its not that I don't want it spicy, it's that I don't think I can so much take it anymore.  Anyways generally happy with the results.  Maybe vinegar should be a late add to it.  it brightened it up when you add a few dashes of Frank's Red Hot to the dish...  I'll have to think on that.

Wok-Fried Black Pepper Beef and Celery

I couldn't find gia vi...ok I didn't even bother looking for gia vi.  I was going to make my own, but was once again limited by time (I needed to head off to my man-date).  So basically this recipe is only represented by the fact that I used the ingredients to some extent.  I cut the beef, then marinated it for a little bit in a combination of the spices, soy sauce, sugar, fish sauce and some Sriracha.  I chopped up the celery, used the onions I had leftover and it just came together.  Served over some heated up leftover rice, a quick dinner, used some leftovers and still quite good.

Chorizo Tacos

Om nom nom

Rice and Beans with Fried Eggs (Modified)

This counted as a double failure this week.  So the thought was, hey, I've got some extra beans because the Slow cooker isn't as big as my Chantal pot, add some more liquids bam, use the beans and avoid buying (a cheap) can of beans.  This didn't work out because of timing.  One night I got home late from work, the other time the time was limited by going out to the Alton Brown show.  Either way it just kept being frustrating, and we just had eggs and toast instead.  So I'm going to actually follow the damn recipe...

Pork Burgers

Om Nom nom