It used to be the only place to have a drink in Podunkville was the Town Tavern. Now there's the American Legion. I guess the veterans can go there and get wasted to forget the war they fought. I don't know if there were any vets there last night. I can't believe I was there myself. Podunkville is about 20 miles miles from Kansas City. It bad enough to have to drive that far in good weather but the snow on the roads have barely been plowed. I could go to Justus Drugstore for a tasty concoction or a nice glass of wine but they are not cheap. Since I'm practically broke I can't be going there often.
Well, my mother invited me to go to the Drugstore with her. "But I'm only buying you tea." I wanted something stronger than that so I brought some cash. And I lucked out. My equally bored neighbor (unemployed/living with elderly parents) was there with her two sons who were visiting for the holidays. She asked if she could buy us a drink. Great! I got some yummy infused vodka drink and talked to her charming sons, mostly about Tony Bourdain, our idol.
I was also killing time until a couple of other old high school friends called me. Jeff, who lives in Sacramento, and Jamie, who lives in St. Louis were both back for the holidays. Jamie wanted to play pool at the American Legion. He said it's 'the place' to go in Podunkville. The place to go? So if I want to see other inebriated high school friends this where I would find them.
They pick me up at the Drugstore and off we go. I didn't think of music. If I had thought I probably would have been more hesitant about going. I can't stand country music. Before I got my drink I heard the Clash. "Wow! Thank you, Jamie" He knew I'd appreciate that. So at various times to keep my sanity, I had to shove some red neck aside to play some Ramones, Springsteen, Hendrix, and the Beastie Boys on the jute box.
Oh we played pool.Unfortunately for Jeff, I had to be his partner. But considering I haven't played in 15 years, I didn't think I did so badly. And as far as seeing anyone I knew, I only recognized one. The pounds and wrinkles made it difficult to figure out the others.
As you read in my Nuisance story there are corrupt cops in this area. I swear there must be one for every residence and they are bored. I will not let Jeff and Jamie drive back to Blue Springs, an hour away. "There's plenty of room at my mother's house." I don't want to go to jail again and I don't want them to either.
Will I go back to the American Legion? Although there was music I liked and I could refine my pool playing, unless Jamie or Jeff come back to town before I leave I doubt it.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Nuisance
Nuisance loves me. If it wasn't for me he'd have a different home - if one. There's a long story that goes with the day I got my family (my mother and father) to adopt him. I would have adopted him myself except I was living in San Francisco. A place I never thought I'd leave. I was just visiting Podunkville - something I didn't do even annually. I once went four years without coming to visit - I like it so much.
So on this day, July 24, 2004, I just ran six miles. I was getting ready to swim in my parent's pool when I saw what I thought was a rat. Not unusual. My parent live close to a woods. When I was growing up I found different animals in the pool I'd have to save or just retrieve, if they already drowned. In this case, it wasn't a rat but a baby bunny and still alive. I wrapped it in some towels and gave it some lettuce to eat. I kept an eye on it periodically and then suddenly it was gone. Just minutes later I saw a small scrawny cat hanging around. "Well, I have to feed that cat or he's going to eat my bunny." I said to myself. So I did.
As I swam my laps my father came out. His dog, Henry, had just died the previous week. "I guess we have a new pet," he says. "What should we name him ?" I asked. "Nuisance." And Nuisance became his name.
After swimming my laps I jumped on my nephew's bike, that was left here, and rode to Paradise eight miles away.
I felt fit after doing my little mini triathlon and ready to see my friend, Rodney, in the city. Rodney used to have a different girlfriend every time I saw him. I used to call him the Hugh Hefner of Kansas City. I have known him since I was four and as he would go through different women I remained his friend. As I've said before Rodney is the hippest person I know. I always have a great time with him and this time was no different. Except!
Except I had way too much to drink. Rodney suggested I stay at his house in the city. I didn't want to. I didn't want to because now I had the munchies and I wanted some ice cream that I knew was in my parents' freezer.
Although I didn't know Kansas City well, I had no problem getting out and on the highway back to Podunkville. I was a half mile from my parents' house when I got pulled over for not using my blinker. Why would I use my blinker? There was no one else on the road. That was the cop's excuse. A fight ensued and I manage to spit, kick and shove him. First I'm taken to the city jail, but because I assaulted the cop I was later taken to the county one.
I ended up getting a DUI and had to do a weekend in a motel taking alcohol related classes. This was actually fun. There were lots of games and I was very competitive. I considered the other 17 guys all idiots and red necks, but there were two other girls; one, an airline hostess and the other, an athletic club manager. We hung out together. At the end of the weekend everyone, except me, was told to never drink again. I was told I could have two classes of wine a days - seriously I'm not lying. I have my report.
Oh and the assault was dropped because the cop was fired for molesting another woman.
I'm writing about this now because at this moment Nuisance is sleeping next to me and he looks so sweet. My mother is threatening to get rid of him because he peed on her pillow. We both have our issues.
So on this day, July 24, 2004, I just ran six miles. I was getting ready to swim in my parent's pool when I saw what I thought was a rat. Not unusual. My parent live close to a woods. When I was growing up I found different animals in the pool I'd have to save or just retrieve, if they already drowned. In this case, it wasn't a rat but a baby bunny and still alive. I wrapped it in some towels and gave it some lettuce to eat. I kept an eye on it periodically and then suddenly it was gone. Just minutes later I saw a small scrawny cat hanging around. "Well, I have to feed that cat or he's going to eat my bunny." I said to myself. So I did.
As I swam my laps my father came out. His dog, Henry, had just died the previous week. "I guess we have a new pet," he says. "What should we name him ?" I asked. "Nuisance." And Nuisance became his name.
After swimming my laps I jumped on my nephew's bike, that was left here, and rode to Paradise eight miles away.
I felt fit after doing my little mini triathlon and ready to see my friend, Rodney, in the city. Rodney used to have a different girlfriend every time I saw him. I used to call him the Hugh Hefner of Kansas City. I have known him since I was four and as he would go through different women I remained his friend. As I've said before Rodney is the hippest person I know. I always have a great time with him and this time was no different. Except!
Except I had way too much to drink. Rodney suggested I stay at his house in the city. I didn't want to. I didn't want to because now I had the munchies and I wanted some ice cream that I knew was in my parents' freezer.
Although I didn't know Kansas City well, I had no problem getting out and on the highway back to Podunkville. I was a half mile from my parents' house when I got pulled over for not using my blinker. Why would I use my blinker? There was no one else on the road. That was the cop's excuse. A fight ensued and I manage to spit, kick and shove him. First I'm taken to the city jail, but because I assaulted the cop I was later taken to the county one.
I ended up getting a DUI and had to do a weekend in a motel taking alcohol related classes. This was actually fun. There were lots of games and I was very competitive. I considered the other 17 guys all idiots and red necks, but there were two other girls; one, an airline hostess and the other, an athletic club manager. We hung out together. At the end of the weekend everyone, except me, was told to never drink again. I was told I could have two classes of wine a days - seriously I'm not lying. I have my report.
Oh and the assault was dropped because the cop was fired for molesting another woman.
I'm writing about this now because at this moment Nuisance is sleeping next to me and he looks so sweet. My mother is threatening to get rid of him because he peed on her pillow. We both have our issues.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Dough
For those of you that think I only load up on fatty meats I want you to know that on Sunday I went out with my vegan friend, Diana. Actually, my excuse to come to San Francisco this time was to go to Diana's wedding. I really wanted to go because she was having it at 'Millenium' a very upscale vegan restaurant. Unfortunately, I thought it was the 13th but it's the 20th. I have to leave on the 16th. Just as well, she said because she'd be tide up with family.
So on Sunday we went to 'Herbivore' an inexpensive vegetarian/vegan cafe. I had some spicy lemongrass noodles with tofu. And hey, I loved every bite. So There!
Meanwhile back at the ranch and fatty meat. We went to 'Flour and Water' (www.flourandwater.com) last night. We started off with lamb tongue salad with a poached egg and salsa verde. Usually salsa verde is made with cilantro but this was made with mint. That was good but both Kathy and I thought the tongue had too much of a vinegar taste. We all loved the other appetizer: crispy pork and black truffle terrine with pickled red carrots.
Thank god I read 'Yelp' before we left or would have never thought to order the celery root tortelloni - melt in your mouth good. The beet chitarra (basically beet spaghetti) with braised octopus didn't fare as well. I make a fabulous beet gnocchi so I was pretty critical. There wasn't much of a beet taste and the octopus was too chewy.
The seared pheasant with the roasted pumpkin puree, quince and raisin- pine nut relish was the highlight of the meal. The pheasant was succulent. We fought over the last bites!
Quince is in season and like everything in season I eat as much as possible. I said the pheasant was the highlight, but the goat cheese torte with poached quince and candied Meyer lemon made this a memorable night. Oh the Italian wines were fairly priced and we each had a different glass to end the night, but Nick had brought a delicious Story Winery 2003 Picnic Hill old vines Zinfandel, which we started with.
Now I'm so depressed. I hate leaving San Francisco. If you don't hear from me it's because I've slit my throat.
So on Sunday we went to 'Herbivore' an inexpensive vegetarian/vegan cafe. I had some spicy lemongrass noodles with tofu. And hey, I loved every bite. So There!
Meanwhile back at the ranch and fatty meat. We went to 'Flour and Water' (www.flourandwater.com) last night. We started off with lamb tongue salad with a poached egg and salsa verde. Usually salsa verde is made with cilantro but this was made with mint. That was good but both Kathy and I thought the tongue had too much of a vinegar taste. We all loved the other appetizer: crispy pork and black truffle terrine with pickled red carrots.
Thank god I read 'Yelp' before we left or would have never thought to order the celery root tortelloni - melt in your mouth good. The beet chitarra (basically beet spaghetti) with braised octopus didn't fare as well. I make a fabulous beet gnocchi so I was pretty critical. There wasn't much of a beet taste and the octopus was too chewy.
The seared pheasant with the roasted pumpkin puree, quince and raisin- pine nut relish was the highlight of the meal. The pheasant was succulent. We fought over the last bites!
Quince is in season and like everything in season I eat as much as possible. I said the pheasant was the highlight, but the goat cheese torte with poached quince and candied Meyer lemon made this a memorable night. Oh the Italian wines were fairly priced and we each had a different glass to end the night, but Nick had brought a delicious Story Winery 2003 Picnic Hill old vines Zinfandel, which we started with.
Now I'm so depressed. I hate leaving San Francisco. If you don't hear from me it's because I've slit my throat.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Hiatus but Not From Food
As soon as Nick and Kathy picked me up in San Francisco (in their brand new Lexus hybrid BTW) we went to buy Dungeness crab. They wanted to buy already cooked crab. I have never bought cooked crab and convinced them to buy live ones. It was the first time for them. This surprised me and it's not the first time I've been surprised by people I know are foodies but afraid to kill the food they eat. Hey someone has to kill it and if you are going to eat meat or fish I think it's better if you do it. The fresher the better.
They bought four big crabs and I put them their bathtub filled with water and salt. They were so happy. Nick fed them bonito flakes and they played around while we did other things. Then I got the pots of boiling water ready and stuffed them in. I didn't cooked them all the way. Half way through I pulled them out, cracked them, and marinated them for a couple of hours in thyme, toasted fennel seed, parsley, red pepper flakes, garlic and olive oil. Then I roasted them for ten minutes - yummy! With the left overs I made crab cakes - equally delicious.
Later in the week I went to 'Range' (www.rangesf.com) My friend Elizabeth's adorable boyfriend, Jeff, is a bartender there. He made us a gin drink with lemon verbena and egg whites called 'The Fizz'. We had a smoked trout appetizer with pea tendrils, satsuma oranges, and roasted golden beets. We also had pumpkin sage raviolis. For my entree I had duck breast with Brussels sprouts and a wild mushroom crepe - oh yeah! I didn't need dessert but it came anyway: a quince tart with creame fraiche - to die for.
The next night I went out with the girls to 'Nopalitos'. Nopa means north of the panhandle. Nopalitos is their baby Latin restaurant. Unfortunately, I didn't eat all my duck the night before and made a duck and avocado sandwich. The sauce that came with it was better than mayonnaise. It spoiled my appetite for dinner. I wanted to have the pork enchilado appetizer with two types of chiles and queso fresco, but my tummy only had room for the goat in the mole sauce. It was beyond my expectations with their delicious organic corn tortillas. I couldn't even manage a bite of the pozole or the carnitas my friends were having. Everyone else said I was missing out since it was so wonderful.
Last night I went to one of my favorite restaurants, 'Beretta', (www.berettasf.com). Last time I was here I went there three times and each time I had lardo. Lardo (like it sounds) and foie gras are what I would eat every day if I was skinny and rich. I manage to get someone else to treat me every time I go here. Last night my cousin, Catha and her husband, Ron, took me. I had lardo to myself since they were both concerned about their cholesterol levels. We also had: fava bean crostini (I told you before that I make a better one but if you didn't have mine you'd think this was the best), chicken liver pate, carbonato, mixed beet salad, gnocchi, rocket with parmesan cheese, wintergreens with persimmons and pomegranates.
Tomorrow Nick and Kathy are taking me to 'Flour and Water' - tune in for that because it is the hip spot to go. I'll let you know if it is worth it.
They bought four big crabs and I put them their bathtub filled with water and salt. They were so happy. Nick fed them bonito flakes and they played around while we did other things. Then I got the pots of boiling water ready and stuffed them in. I didn't cooked them all the way. Half way through I pulled them out, cracked them, and marinated them for a couple of hours in thyme, toasted fennel seed, parsley, red pepper flakes, garlic and olive oil. Then I roasted them for ten minutes - yummy! With the left overs I made crab cakes - equally delicious.
Later in the week I went to 'Range' (www.rangesf.com) My friend Elizabeth's adorable boyfriend, Jeff, is a bartender there. He made us a gin drink with lemon verbena and egg whites called 'The Fizz'. We had a smoked trout appetizer with pea tendrils, satsuma oranges, and roasted golden beets. We also had pumpkin sage raviolis. For my entree I had duck breast with Brussels sprouts and a wild mushroom crepe - oh yeah! I didn't need dessert but it came anyway: a quince tart with creame fraiche - to die for.
The next night I went out with the girls to 'Nopalitos'. Nopa means north of the panhandle. Nopalitos is their baby Latin restaurant. Unfortunately, I didn't eat all my duck the night before and made a duck and avocado sandwich. The sauce that came with it was better than mayonnaise. It spoiled my appetite for dinner. I wanted to have the pork enchilado appetizer with two types of chiles and queso fresco, but my tummy only had room for the goat in the mole sauce. It was beyond my expectations with their delicious organic corn tortillas. I couldn't even manage a bite of the pozole or the carnitas my friends were having. Everyone else said I was missing out since it was so wonderful.
Last night I went to one of my favorite restaurants, 'Beretta', (www.berettasf.com). Last time I was here I went there three times and each time I had lardo. Lardo (like it sounds) and foie gras are what I would eat every day if I was skinny and rich. I manage to get someone else to treat me every time I go here. Last night my cousin, Catha and her husband, Ron, took me. I had lardo to myself since they were both concerned about their cholesterol levels. We also had: fava bean crostini (I told you before that I make a better one but if you didn't have mine you'd think this was the best), chicken liver pate, carbonato, mixed beet salad, gnocchi, rocket with parmesan cheese, wintergreens with persimmons and pomegranates.
Tomorrow Nick and Kathy are taking me to 'Flour and Water' - tune in for that because it is the hip spot to go. I'll let you know if it is worth it.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Hiatus
I'm sure you figured out that I'm back in the States. I'm in my beloved city, San Francisco but not for long. I'm broke so I have to live with my mother in Podunkville, the place I've been trying to escape since I was five.
For the next five months I will write about Podunkville whether you are interested or not. It's full of bible thumping racists so you might want to tune in for a different perspective or hear about yourself.
I will always consider San Francisco my home. I am a left wing socialist so being in Podunkville will be like being in prison. The only saving grace is my brother's restaurant 'Justus Drugstore'. Stepping into his and his wife's restaurant is like stepping back into San Francisco.
For the next five months I will write about Podunkville whether you are interested or not. It's full of bible thumping racists so you might want to tune in for a different perspective or hear about yourself.
I will always consider San Francisco my home. I am a left wing socialist so being in Podunkville will be like being in prison. The only saving grace is my brother's restaurant 'Justus Drugstore'. Stepping into his and his wife's restaurant is like stepping back into San Francisco.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Who's Crazy?
Emino says I'm crazy. Did he start this rumour? While I was in Kusadasi he had his spies out watching my every move.
"Your crazy girlfriend is at the tea shop." Emino owns this tea shop and it is next to where he works at the carpet shop. I get free apple or regular tea here and half off the juices. The pomegranate juice is my favorite and I have a glass daily.
"She came to the hotel (his cousin's) looking for you." This was when his conservative cousin was in town. Emino had gone there and I got tired of waiting so I thought I would just walk by. Since his conservative cousin was there I was not to be seen. Emino is suppose to be pure until he gets married to an equally pure Kurdish girl. Anyway, Emino had already gone home and was mad when I return to his house. His spy had already called him.
Then one of his spies says he sees me walk to Ladies Beach every day. "Why is she walking there?" To me Ladies' Beach is not far, sometimes I walk there twice, making this loop that's takes an hour and a half. But I also walk there to swim. This is after the season. Emino tells his spy that I go there to swim. "She is crazy," his spy says and probably Emino too.
Another spy says he saw me at Mr. Moon's with all the other crazies. The other crazies are ex-pats that I grown to love. All sorts of nationalities are represented: Irish, British, Dutch, German, Scottish, Belgium, Danish and me, the American. This is where I have my one obligatory beer - usually. Actually I can never finish two.
Mr. Moon's is next to Fetih hair salon. I go there to see him, too. Emine is his pedicurist. Seda used to be but she moved to Istanbul. You can see both of their pictures in my blog. Now you see of all the other crazies, except Eric, the Danish artist who covered his face. Efren, who is wearing a San Francisco sweatshirt, is the proprietor of this hang out.
But as far as I'm concerned it's Emino who is crazy and anyone who agrees to an arranged marriage. Emino left to Van to see his family the same day I went to Istanbul. He told me he would call. When he says he will call it's not long before I hear from him. But I waited a long time. I knew something was wrong. I knew he was having a hard time getting away from his family to call me in private. I was right. When he did call he told me his family was pressuring him to marry immediately. His family thought he should have married years ago. They want to know why he is refusing. Emino would benefit from marriage. He'll receive money. But I know Emino has been corrupted. but he can't put it off much longer. He wants to see me again. Of course, I want to see him again. I also know we would never be. The age difference and the culture is far to great. Oh such is my life.
This is the end of Turkey - this year. I would like to see Lisa and the crazy expats again. But I don't know what I'll do next spring. I wasn't detained or fined when I left, so if I do come back there shouldn't be a problem.
I also got through passport control in London. The officer said, "Was there a problem before?" For a second I thought, "Oh no!" but this time I kept my mouth shut. "No, I'm just seeing my niece for a couple of days then I'm going back to the States."
"Your crazy girlfriend is at the tea shop." Emino owns this tea shop and it is next to where he works at the carpet shop. I get free apple or regular tea here and half off the juices. The pomegranate juice is my favorite and I have a glass daily.
"She came to the hotel (his cousin's) looking for you." This was when his conservative cousin was in town. Emino had gone there and I got tired of waiting so I thought I would just walk by. Since his conservative cousin was there I was not to be seen. Emino is suppose to be pure until he gets married to an equally pure Kurdish girl. Anyway, Emino had already gone home and was mad when I return to his house. His spy had already called him.
Then one of his spies says he sees me walk to Ladies Beach every day. "Why is she walking there?" To me Ladies' Beach is not far, sometimes I walk there twice, making this loop that's takes an hour and a half. But I also walk there to swim. This is after the season. Emino tells his spy that I go there to swim. "She is crazy," his spy says and probably Emino too.
Another spy says he saw me at Mr. Moon's with all the other crazies. The other crazies are ex-pats that I grown to love. All sorts of nationalities are represented: Irish, British, Dutch, German, Scottish, Belgium, Danish and me, the American. This is where I have my one obligatory beer - usually. Actually I can never finish two.
Mr. Moon's is next to Fetih hair salon. I go there to see him, too. Emine is his pedicurist. Seda used to be but she moved to Istanbul. You can see both of their pictures in my blog. Now you see of all the other crazies, except Eric, the Danish artist who covered his face. Efren, who is wearing a San Francisco sweatshirt, is the proprietor of this hang out.
But as far as I'm concerned it's Emino who is crazy and anyone who agrees to an arranged marriage. Emino left to Van to see his family the same day I went to Istanbul. He told me he would call. When he says he will call it's not long before I hear from him. But I waited a long time. I knew something was wrong. I knew he was having a hard time getting away from his family to call me in private. I was right. When he did call he told me his family was pressuring him to marry immediately. His family thought he should have married years ago. They want to know why he is refusing. Emino would benefit from marriage. He'll receive money. But I know Emino has been corrupted. but he can't put it off much longer. He wants to see me again. Of course, I want to see him again. I also know we would never be. The age difference and the culture is far to great. Oh such is my life.
This is the end of Turkey - this year. I would like to see Lisa and the crazy expats again. But I don't know what I'll do next spring. I wasn't detained or fined when I left, so if I do come back there shouldn't be a problem.
I also got through passport control in London. The officer said, "Was there a problem before?" For a second I thought, "Oh no!" but this time I kept my mouth shut. "No, I'm just seeing my niece for a couple of days then I'm going back to the States."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
