Meet and Greet

[mec]

Hey Mec - the hotel should have transportation to Epcot. I LOVE Epcot! Normally we play a game I like to call "drink your way around the world." If you've been before you've probably played. For those who are reading this that have not partaken (sp?) in this ritual let me explain. You begin your bold adventure in front of a massive ball and contemplate which direction to go, left - which will take you to Mexico (Don X) or right - to England for a room temperature (blah) Bass Ale. (Most of crazy American's like our beer ice cold). Well I'm sure you can guess the rest. Whichever path you choose you just work your way to the opposite end without disrobing, scaring the tourists, or vomiting on Mickey Mouse.

That sounds like a rather dangerous game to me - two beers and I'm squiffy. Of course, if it's American beer - I could probably handle six before I start to wobble.

I will endeavor not to yack on the Mouse ... and to try to find my way back to the hotel without causing an international incident.

[RhB]

Hey Mec - the hotel should have transportation to Epcot. I LOVE Epcot! Normally we play a game I like to call "drink your way around the world." If you've been before you've probably played. For those who are reading this that have not partaken (sp?) in this ritual let me explain. You begin your bold adventure in front of a massive ball and contemplate which direction to go, left - which will take you to Mexico (Don X) or right - to England for a room temperature (blah) Bass Ale. (Most of crazy American's like our beer ice cold). Well I'm sure you can guess the rest. Whichever path you choose you just work your way to the opposite end without disrobing, scaring the tourists, or vomiting on Mickey Mouse.

You could always try cold cider on ice... Odd as the British are, they are not cruel enough to impose room temperature alcohol during the summer heat...

[subtextfan]

Hmmm...ice cold cider? Sounds like something I would drink if I was 5 yrs old. I'm sure it must be alcoholic, but it doesn't sound very appealing.

[RhB]

You must have had an interesting childhood...
Traditional English ciders have an alcohol content of 7% and above and pack quite a punch, similar to traditional ales. Even the very commercial, like Strongbow have 5%.
If you can find it, try a pear cider; it is delicious.
Certainly better than having room temp ale in the summer (I don't know who thought of that... It works in the UK cause it's chilly in the basements even in the summer and certainly in the winter you don't want to drink cold beer).

[Scotti]

Ice Cold Beer is necessary even in freezing temps. Warm beer is just awful IMO. Put out the Pizza, Wings, Well just about anything that's been fried and salted, Ice Cold Beer I'm good to go.. We Americans probably like our beer Ice cold because our Domestic Brews aren't exactly what I would call an Ale so the cold temps pretty much mask our palettes. But then again what do I know. Growing up it was all about the Most beer you could buy for what was in you school kid pocket. And of course how in the world are we going to get it. What was that cheap ass stuff we used to buy in the 80's hmmm ???? Kinda nice being a grown up these days. Have fun in the Parks ladies. Florida should be hot and humid. Stay out of the lakes and ponds tho they don't like it when beer makes us Swimmy. Its a good day to be free.

Scotti

[mec]

Hmmm...ice cold cider? Sounds like something I would drink if I was 5 yrs old. I'm sure it must be alcoholic, but it doesn't sound very appealing.

Actually, I think the cider sounds rather appealing - I'm a bit of a lightweight and I prefer my alcohol to be masked. I'm sorta partial to Southern Comfort and apple juice (don't knock it till you try it). 7% alcohol content would definitly lead me down the path of rowdy misbehaviour. Hmmm. Strongbow, you say ...

[vnud29]

hmmmmmm.....beer talk....since I am under 21 I'm not supposed to know what you guys are talking about..so I'll play stupid
But if one who is not me of course, would comment on beer discussions they would like to state that they don't like the taste of beer. It's just...nasty. blah...
Liquor is much more tasteful But of course...I'm just guessing that point....

Anywho, for the past week I've actually been visiting my gf who lives down by miami lol. And oh..my..jesus. It was really really hot. I stayed inside the whole time lol I don't know how she does it lol but then again...she's in the pool everyday so it makes it better. I've gotta force her to wear sunblock though. I'd rather her not get skin cancer later in life lol

Hey new people! hellow helsangel *waves* Welcome welcome.

Oh!!! just so everyone knows. I DID SEE ALLIGATORS! when we were driving on Alligator alley lol you see them on the side of the road in the little creek sunning or floating in the water. they look like floating pieces of rubber when you're going 75 mph. lol

[subtextfan]

Liquor is much more tasteful But of course...I'm just guessing that point....

Liquor is quicker!

Hey Yuri! Glad you're back! I'm really happy you only viewed the gators from the speeding car. Last thing we need is a report that you became a "gator bite." Although some may think it would be an ironic turn of events seeing that we can order alligator from many local grills!

So I take it finals went fine and the trip to see the gf was what the doctor ordered? I remember a time where I worshiped the sun everyday either at the pool or the ocean. Although when I was doing it you slathered on baby oil or Hawaiian Tropic. Sunblock was for wimps. I've got all kinds of sun spots (that's what I'm choosing to call sun damage) now and wish I would have used some protection! Talk about stupid - ah the folly of youth! I remember reading a quote once that "youth is wasted on the young." That is really the truth.

Okay enough preaching already!

Can you believe how many people have responded and viewed your post! WOW!

Take it easy,

Andy

[Helsangel]

Hi Subtextfan,

No worries about not replying sooner. I don't always check the posts. I hear you about the Swiss food. It takes some getting used to. Actually, I quite like it, but it helps if you don't try to translate the menu - you tend to be more adventurous that way.

H

[subtextfan]

Hey Helsangel,

Depending on what language the menu is printed in, I might not know what is in the dish anyway! Sadly, I can only read and write in English. I do recognize some French words and phrases (yes, I know what your minds are thinking...some song perhaps?) I can curse in Spanish and Italian. Gee I guess I'm more diversified than I first thought! LOL

Speaking of food - what is everyone's favorite guilty pleasure? Mine is Fillet Mignon with Bernaise sauce (obviously NOT a vegan) I order it about once a year from a great local Steakhouse.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Andy

[vnud29]

Hey andy sorry this took a while to reply. I had some issues about me forgeting my password, and email freezing. Anyways it was ugly.lol

Yes, my trip was what the doctor ordered. I think I was floating on clouds for a week there I was extremely happy.
*smacks forehead* oh hell....Andy! I just realized I was about an hour or so south of you when I was down there! I was in coral springs. Has anyone even tried eating gator? I heard it really does taste like chicken, but I've never tried it. Hmmmmm.....guilty pleasure food...well. I'd say any kind of steak. It's my weakness lol I absolutely love steak. Tbones, fillet mignons, ect. I love it all. But there is this one dish from carrabbas that I get every single time that I love. It's called pollo rosa maria. It's to die for. Two chicken breasts stuffed with cheese, covered in a mushroom sauce. If you haven't tried it, then you should lol

So how are things with you? I hope its all good. And I really can't believe how many people have replied and viewed. It's incredible, and I'm very happy my idea didn't die. In a site like this, it's quite easy to find other people with similar interests and perhaps make a friend or two. You never know what may happen. I'm still surprised anyone replied at all! lol

[Bardeyes]

Not to bring back the weather topic, but....

At 1:32 PM, the temperature here is 99.3 (37C)
And with some absurd goddess-awful humidity, the Heat Index is 116 (46C)

I'm melted... I'm melting!!!!

I'm dreaming of cool weather...like we had, oh...last WEEK.
Ah...summer in mid-America...instant sauna after a pleasant spring. *sigh* Makes me nostalgic for Miami. At least we had a beach there, and luscious tropical flora. What do we have here? Umm...dirt...one hell of a lot of corn, and...cows. Lots of cows.

Hope you all are keep cool.
Bardeyes

[heinerway]

Well... Hello everybody... Hi Yuri (aka vnud29)...

Greetings from Valencia, Spain.

Here was pretty hot today, 30 ºC (86 ºF). But this is normal, it's already summer!

[subtextfan]

Has anyone even tried eating gator? I heard it really does taste like chicken, but I've never tried it.

It's like chewy chicken - only had it once and wasn't impressed. I don't get to Carrabas much, even though one is right down the street from me. When I do I order the shrimp scampi appetizer as a main course. Ummm, ummm, good! LOL Your chicken favorite sounded good until you mentioned mushrooms. I am probably the only Italian that doesn't like mushrooms. (sigh)

Coral Springs - that's pretty close - maybe next time?

Bardeyes - Here we go with the "hot" talk again! When I climbed in my car, at lunch yesterday, the temperature gauge read 99 degrees. Not only that, but a really hot wind was blowing to top it off. It felt like the 3rd level of Hades! Since you have all those cows I'm guessing you like a good steak as well???? Pass the A1 sauce.

Hello Heinerway - welcome! I would love to be experiencing 86 degree weather (without a hot wind). Sounds like heaven right about now! I've never been to Madrid, but it's on my bucket list (things to do before I die). I will have to arrange a translator though...don't want to miss one thing on that trip.

Well, I'm still jazzed about the conference and have met a few folks via this forum and Facebook who are going. I'm not nearly as nervous as when I first decided to go. I should mention that I'm now officially a MAJOR Facebook junky! I may need an intervention!

Ciao for now,

Andy

[Bardeyes]

Bardeyes .... Since you have all those cows I'm guessing you like a good steak as well????

Mmm...perfectly aged, about 1 3/4" thick, grilled rare to perfection, seasoned to taste... I'm getting in touch with my inner carnivore here!

Pass the A1 sauce.

To douse a piece of bovine ambrosia like that with...with....I can''t even say it... You just ruined my fantasy. Hmph...I hope you're happy.

[scottigrl]

I agree with Bardeyes,

A marvelously aged Spencer cut Rare seasoned well, Salt, pepper,garlic.dried parsley. Here we call this seasoning Suzy Q. Use it on all our Oak Pit BBQ
delights.. To put *gasp* A-1 is is is I don't have the words. QMBG actually puts Ketchup on her steak. WTF is that like an eastcoast thing. I am going to NY to straighten out the Q's culinary faux pas. I'll post the results when I return. Keep up the great meet and greets. I enjoy your posts very much. I love the idea of all the folks connecting.

I am off to pack for the Big City.

Scotti

[RhB]

Stupid question alert! What is A-1 sauce?
At first I thought it was ketchup but after reading Scotti's post, I realised it was not. So what is it? Pepper sause? BBQ? What...?

Have fun on your trip, Scotti.

[George]

Take a look...

..and skip the intro, it's annoying..

[chatham23]

I can't help jumping in with the weather! It's a balmy 86 degrees here in Southwestern Ontario, but with the humidex, it actually feels like 104 degrees!! And a thunderstorm is on the horizon!!

Later kids,

Laurel

[subtextfan]

To put *gasp* A-1 is is is I don't have the words. QMBG actually puts Ketchup on her steak. WTF is that like an eastcoast thing. Scotti

My apologizes to Bardeyes and Scotti...I'm in So Fla so, aside from going to restaurants I can't afford, I have to make do with the level of beef offered. I would actually love to have a steak seasoned to perfection without having to douse it with a commercially bought product. I've had friends that suggest I go online and order from Omaha Steak, but I'd still be the cook. What's the point???? That is of course the reason I only get a small fillet and use Bernaise. I haven't actually used A1 in a long time.

Damn, now I'm craving steak again....

Hope everyone enjoys the hot weather!

Later,

Andy