BIRTHDAY AT THE CHOP HOUSE

My daughter and her husband treated my wife and me to a May birthday dinner at The Chop House in Knoxville this afternoon. It was a wonderful meal and we enjoyed their and our granddaughter’s company very much. Just being with them would have been enough, but they insisted on paying.

Knowing their strong feelings before going, I ordered unsweetened tea instead of my usual Killian or Sierra Nevada! I do not like to order beer or liquor on someone else’s tab. It also reinforces to everyone that I am not an alcoholic! I just love my beer!

My wife and daughter ordered the small fillet (one with baked and one with sweet potato), while my son-in-law and I ordered the ribeye (one with traditional potato and I went with the sweet).

Katie Bug, trying to be completely different from us “older folk” went with the Lobster Alfredo - lobster, blue crab meat and shrimp smothered in a rich Alfredo sauce with green onions, snap peas, mushrooms, garlic and fresh tomatoes served over fettuccine. It looked delicious, but I would have made it with dried tomatoes instead of fresh for more flavors! But, I am a show off!

Of course, there were house salads around!

We are honored that at fifteen, Katie still does not mind being seen with us!

Happy Birthday Weekend to us!

I sometimes feel guilty about having birthdays, knowing that so many young men did not get to see many past their eighteenth! Let us remember them as well.

TAKING COMFORT FROM A DEAD LOBSTER

I know, I haven’t been cooking much lately, but it’s a little awkward with one wing in a sling. That’s why I’ve been seeking refuge and the easiest way out lately.

Tonight, we celebrated (early) my daughter’s 41st birthday at the Dead, I mean Red Lobster.

I usually stick to the usual Admirals Feast, all fried and such, but tonight I decided to spread my wings (so to speak) with something new from the menu:

- Margarita Lobster, Shrimp and Scallops - Skewered and fire-grilled with southwestern seasonings, then topped with tequila-lime sauce and pico de gallo. Served over wild rice pilaf.

My granddaughter chose:

- Crab Linguini Alfredo - Sweet crabmeat tossed in a Parmesan cream sauce on a bed of linguini. It was a hit with her, as you can see by the toothpick (at the table) she’s using.

My wife and daughter stuck to the traditional “have it your way” fried shrimp!

LOBSTER FEST

Our recent travels to New England to be a "leaf peeper" for 8 days was a wonderful food fest which culminated the last evening in Hyannis, MA with a lobster fit for a king or queen! The pictures say it all!