Thursday, May 26th

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It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. I would posit that it takes a village to endure an idiot.

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Wednesday, May 25th

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I think that I should like to be a weatherman or a politician. Only in those two professions is it possible to make handsome amounts of money on the vaguest of statements.

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Our thoughts are with those in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri as they cope with the destruction of their homes and communities.

Tuesday, May 24th

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Artists should be as waves, consuming everything before themselves. The greatest kind of artists are those that, once passed, inspire others to greatness in their wake.

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Monday, May 23rd

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There is no difference between 'snacking' and 'having several small meals' throughout the day, -except perhaps that 'snacking' ought to be followed by 'napping.' Given those choices, I would be inclined to choose the former.

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Friday, May 20th

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It is curious to me that sleep should be such a rare and sought after commodity- it is free of charge, readily available and absolutely refreshing, if only one gives in to it.

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Thursday, May 19th

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When one has no idea where one's life is headed, then -and only then- is one headed in the right direction.

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A firm decision on either a course of action or a destination allows for the complete lack of the other.

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Wednesday, May 18th

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When in Rome, I shall do as the Romans do. When in Egypt, I shall walk like an Egyptian. One must, however, draw the line somewhere; and where I shall draw the line is Walmart.

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Tuesday, May 17th

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One should always keep the toilet tissue low in the rest room so as to discourage women and other guests from any prolonged engagements.

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Thursday, May 12th

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A good rain is so refreshing.
Unless, of course, said rain is occurring onto one's good leather furniture.

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Wednesday, May 11th

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If one's work is tireless, one deserves praise; if one's work is effortless, one deserves envy.

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The Personal Assistant

We are finding, on this day of preparation, as we pack and shop and run errands and do laundry and hem pants (_{and, pray, do not get us started on this particular issue- we know that there are tailors for such tasks, we are quite well aware of that, and if only others in our traveling troupe were aware of their existence as well, why then, perhaps we shouldn't have 'hemming seersucker trousers' on our to-do list}) and all the other myriad of tasks one invariably has to accomplish before a trip (_{most especially a trip to none other than The Kentucky Derby}), that the luxury of a personal assistant does not sound like such a frivolous expense at this particular point.
We should also point out that, like any idiot trying to get prepare for travel, we have accepted an invitation to be seen this evening. As a gracious and socially integrated individual,when we were offered a pair of tickets to Arcade Fire this evening, we accepted them (_{we should admit, it was less 'accepting' and more of an 'ecstatically jumping up and down in affirmation'- we realize, however, this does nothing to paint us as 'gracious' or 'socially integrated'}). Thus, what we could have accomplished in the hours between 5:30 and 10 must now be finished by the former, or picked up after the latter.
The next time we announce a trip of these proportions, we will be most grateful for any volunteers to help in the preparations. This time, we suppose, we will just have to keep today's post shorter than we would prefer, and get to the trousers.

The Kentucky Derby

My, how quickly the time passes and what a difference a day makes. Unless one have been entirely without technology since 6PM last night(_{and if one has, and this is one's first cyber-stop, we are more flattered than we have words for}), one is aware of the death of Osama bin Laden. We are gladdened to hear of it, and our thoughts are with those who continue to combat terrorism across the globe.


We are amazed that, little more than a week ago, we hinted about an upcoming event of some significance. It seems ages since then- having been to Wisconsin for a funeral, then to Dallas, then back to Austin to host a brunch party of semi-gigantic proportions (_{thanks to those who came- it was a wonderful time, and a treat to see one and all}). Today, we are terribly excited to announce that, for the very first time in history, we will be attending The Kentucky Derby in lovely Louisville later this week.

The preparation has been only slightly short of epic; the anticipation has been entirely so. We look forward to the days ahead- hopefully filled with bourbon, food and frivolity. We plan on documenting the event as the week progresses (_{featuring pictures of notable outfits, distilleries, and any other thing we Must Have}). We will also be tweeting along the way- follow @aaroncglover on Twitter. And now, on to The Derby!

Restaurants

Whilst here in the increasingly captivating Dallas (_{we are somewhat -and we stress here that we had good reason for our feelings- ashamed of our less than savory opinion of this city leading up to this current trip, and would like to clear the air- we find Dallas to be a rather agreeable place, but Houston will still always hold our heart}) we have had the pleasure of dining at two delightful restaurants- both of which happen to be within a mile of each other.
As we stated in our last post, Bolsa is a charming garage-cum-restaurant along Davis St in the Bishop Arts district of Oak Cliff. We know it will be a restaurant we continue to frequent because not only was the dining itself everything dining should be (_{the food was delicious, the ambiance was casual but well arranged, we sat on the patio and there were no flies -and this we offer as a suggestion to any dining establishment with outdoor dining: invest in mosquito netting!-, the clientele was diverse and well dressed}), but we find ourself remarking on how good it was the next day or, as is now the case, two days later.
We began with The Mad Hatter- a champagne cocktail involving muddled fresh berries and some other number of delicious spirits. It is a lovely fuchsia/magenta combination of colors, with garnish of orange peel clawing it's way over the lip of the glass. Equal parts messy, classy, and whimsical- if this is what mad tastes like, we have found something to aspire to. We fairly gulped it.
To eat, there was first the bruschetta sampler, and we recommend it to anyone dining here as well. The plate features 4 varieties of the stuff- and we are pleased to report that there is something for every palate. Our favorite was the first (_{the bites of bruschetta are arranged in such a way that they encourage you to work through them, as a wine or cheese tasting, from freshest and lightest to richest})- a tomato that was just brimming with flavor and Texas-made goat cheese (_{there were other, fancier combinations on the plate, but we are a sucker for good simple flavors done well- plus we love cheese}). We also must recognize the salmon on the last offering- for while we, as a general rule, are not wild for smoked salmon, we did enjoy the lightly smoky flavor of this particular bit of fish (_{we find, so often, fish -or anything one smokes, really- to be overly smoked- so that you taste the 'smoked' part over the 'fish' -or whatever- part. we find this, at best, annoying}).

_{Louisiana Redfish at Bolsa}
For the meal, we had Redfish from Louisiana, resting on a bed of collards and surrounded by a leek nage (_{do not be afraid to admit that you are unsure about what, exactly, a nage is, as we, foodie and denizen of the world, didn't know either}). Redfish, while not the prettiest fish we have ever eaten, certainly was flavorful, and the leek nage was absolutely wonderful- delicate but with enough body to stand up to the greens and fish (_{our waitress said it was one of her favorite sauces served at the restaurant- we can see why}). The collards provided just the right amount of fresh, ever-so-slightly bitter contrast- a break from the flaky, smooth texture and flavor of fish and sauce (_{delicious though they were}). In total, we found the dish well thought out, well presented, and extremely satisfying.
After such a delicious meal (_{and bottle of wine}), we were a little sad to leave Bolsa, and looking back, it was without question the highlight of the evening (_{we did so wish that there would have been more than one restaurant to impress us, but our ill-fated experience at Craft left a very bitter taste in our mouth, by comparison}).

We had an equally charming, if entirely different, dining experience last night at BEE: Best Enchiladas Ever, about a half mile to the east of Bolsa on Davis (_{as we were on our way home from Bolsa, we passed BEE and thought 'that looks curious;' when we found out there were enchiladas involved, we knew we had to go}). Billing itself as 'the world's first enchiladeria,' BEE has been open a scant 3 months (_{we know, we asked last night}), and judging by the quality of the food we had last night, we are confident that they will be around for quite some time.
As our love of Mexican food is well documented at this point, it should come as no surprise that we will not settle for mediocre enchiladas. BEE did not disappoint. For a spectacularly reasonable $35, we bought 2 plates of enchiladas, chips, salsa, queso and margaritas (_{yes, they do serve margaritas, and while they are not the best we've had, they certainly were serviceable}). The tomatillo salsa was flavorful and mild, the queso blanco was some of the better we've had- it was not blandly melted white cheese, as is so often the case.

^Enchiladas!
And what of the enchiladas themselves? They were fantastic: we had a cheese with mole and a spinach & mushroom with poblano crema. We should explain- at BEE, one essentially builds one's own enchilada, picking the tortilla, meat, and sauce, after which they make it, and then one gets to pick garnishes- a la a number of other lesser, fast food chains. The idea is a novel one, and we find it surprising this sort of thing hasn't popped up sooner, but in any event, we are quite glad we discovered it. The truly surprising thing about BEE's food is the quality for value- nothing we ate tasted cheap, nor did any of the portions feel skimpy (_{we were especially pleased with the cheese enchilada, because often, they are flat, flaccid, sad tortillas with the barest hint of cheddar trailing through them, and we find that depressing; not so at BEE}). If we were to offer one possible improvement, we would ask for a little bit more of the sauces, as they are so delicious, and we had to be very sparing with them as we ate.
We again ate outside at BEE, and while they did not have netting for bugs (_alas), they did have the a sublime playlist of mid-century vocal jazz and bossa nova. It was cool, it was swank, perfect for the spring evening. We cannot overstate how much it added to the experience- for the second night in a row, the meal was done, but we desperately wanted an excuse to linger on in what is now the memory of a most wonderful evening.

Lodging

After the long weekend in Wisconsin (_{made that much longer by the process by which we left- a bumped flight, then two delays, then an early departure, then an almost missed and very overcrowded second flight -and we didn't even get upgraded, the cads-}), we are most pleased to report that we are currently in residence at the impossibly hip W Dallas. We've stayed at this W before, and we liked it then, but that was a whirlwind trip, with nary a chance to delight in the amenities available.
The W Dallas Victory (_{as it is offically named}) is technically in Uptown, but really we sort of think of it as a small, attractive growth on the northwest side of downtown, barnicling off of the Woodall Rogers Freeway. For reference purposes, we will just stay we're staying downtown. This affords us a rather delicious view of our surroundings, especially at night (_{and we are tres excited to see the Perot Museum of Science & Nature under way})


_{Dallas by night, 11th floor of the W}

The room is stylish, as one would expect from the W brand (_{although would it really compromise the sexiness of the room to have a fan or vent in the shower area? after a long, luxurious hot shower, we would like to be able to see ourself in the mirror}). The beds are imminently plush, with a down mattress-topper, which is a texture we aren't used to beneath the majority of our body, but when it's time for bed, we have absolutely no complaints.
We also love the W for the pet policy- as in, they are not only allowed, but welcomed. The Creatures have a pillow bed that, we fear, they seem to be growing accustomed to, as well as water and food bowls, compliments of the hotel. (_{for those of you inclined, they have a number of other services available for your four legged friends- sitting services, walking, etc. we prefer to do these things ourself}) The staff is also very pet friendly, and desk and valet attendants are eager to give love each time we go by.
What else? The gym is fabulous (_{on the 16th floor, although the cardio machines aren't facing the windows- a minor complaint}), as is the downstairs bar. GhostBar and the infinity pool (_{also both on the 16th floor}) have truly stunning views of both downtown and the northwest of the city. The list of food and beverage available via room service is exhaustive (_{but really, would anyone pay $145USD for a bottle of Absolut? we are skeptical}), as are the treatments offered at Bliss Spa (_{much less outrageously priced than the room service}).
Our only complaint comes for Craft, the Tom Colicchio-owned restaurant in the lobby. Last night after dinner at the delicious and charming Bolsa(_{which we very heartily recommend- but they don't take reservations, so go early or be prepared to wait}) and a couple of cocktails at a few other local favorite establishments, we headed to Craft for desert. We expected excellent food and superior service. What we received was good food and service that was, unfortunately, disjointed, to say the very least. Perhaps it was an off night, perhaps they were ready to be closed (_{which is fine, but if that is the case, don't agree to seat}), we are unsure. Suffice to say, we were less than impressed.
The same cannot, thankfully, be said of the hotel. We are looking forward to more stays in the future, as well as experiencing some other properties in the brand (_{Boston is the newest- perhaps Houston will get one soon?}). We don't know where will be traveling in the near future, but we do know that we will definitely be looking for a W.

Wisconsin

Since Saturday afternoon, we have had the pleasure of being in central Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the trip was made to attend a funeral, but the climate is significantly cooler than recent days in Austin (not that we are complaining, mind you- we like the warmth of Texas, but a short deviance from the norm is always welcome). As said trip involved a death in the family, we find ourself absolutely immersed in the relations of that kind. And while we enjoy most of their company most of the time, we are thrilled to have this Monday afternoon and evening all to ourself. We plan on resting and catching up on some much needed sleep, and as a result, beg your patience. Full posting will resume tomorrow.

Technology, 2nd Edition

We are pleased to announce that, in addition to our very new (_{and very pretty}) MacBook, we have acquired another piece of technology of late. The story of the iPhone named Ian and his untimely demise is a sad and sordid one, and we are loathe to bring it up again, except to put this other new technology in context.

Yes, we are finally (_{at long, long last}) in the possession of a new, functioning (_{it seems a touch superfluous to describe technologies as functioning -one would naturally assume an object to be capable of the task it is designed and marketed to perform- but, in fact, recent interaction with a variety of different technologies- in various states of functionality- proves otherwise}) smartphone device. After Ian's exit, (_{and following a very short, horrific period with no phone whatsoever- we assure you, it was as terrifying as it sounds}) we found our way to a phone that was intended to be ours for a few days, a week at best. The phone had been used very little, and appeared on first inspection, to be a sufficient, short-term stand in for the replacement smartphone to come. (_{we have connections with people with connections})

What was intended to be a few days ultimately stretched to almost three months. What first appeared to be a fully functioning (_{if unspectacular}) replacement revealed itself as highly eccentric, painfully outdated and could only be described as 'functioning' on the technicality that it had an on/off function. It was a debacle in the truest sense of the word.

Once our connection finally got the go-ahead on our replacement, we were faced with the challenge of picking a device. We were of course familiar with the iPhone 3GS, and were pleased with it's performance, but the Motorola Atrix and the HTC Inspire had both garnered a fair share of praise in recent weeks. And of course, the iPhone 4 was also available. We played with all of them, weighed the options, and are pleased to announce our newest device:


_{Meet Jackson.}

We decided that we were not quite ready to give up on the 3GS. Switching to a Droid phone would have required significantly more patience than we think appropriate, given the situation. The iPhone 4 has much the same user experience as the 3GS, and if something where to happen to this new device, we would feel particularly awful if it were a 4 (_{we would still feel bad if problems befell our Jackson, but we find this to be a matter of degrees}).

It is our fervent hope that this concludes the technological reports on Must Have This Blog. While we do like to have (_functioning) technologies, we prefer not to dwell on those things, spending the time instead on other topics we find more interesting. In that light, we are excited to announce an upcoming trip in the near future to a major American social event. More to come in the coming days...

Technology

Blogging, as with any activity, has a rather finite list of requirements. One must have some grasp on the English language (_{if, in any case, one is blogging in English}); one must have something to say; one must have at least a marginally interesting way of saying said thing (_{it could be argued that style, such as we will call it, is not an absolute requirement but that it is rather a benefit or enhancement; we are inclined to argue otherwise})

There is, however, one thing that one absolutely must have to blog and that one thing is: a computer.(_{we should clarify here- a working computer}) (_{it may also be worth noting that an internet connection is also imperative to blogging, but one can find internet signals practically everywhere- most cities are positively strewn with them}) And it was this most precious and most imperative item that we found ourselves- most suddenly, we offer- without almost two months ago.

Needless to say, we were distraught. Aside from the impossibility of blogging, we were without music, email, word processing, Sim City(_{this is what our life looked like sans computer}), et al. The list of functions we were not capable of performing was endless. We felt, perhaps, there was no use continuing to attempt to live amongst the rest of civilized society. We, technology-less and distraught, would do better taking up residence in a remote cave or under a bridge somewhere.

Fortunately, we did not resign ourselves to a cave or bridge. We did what any good and upstanding American would do- we filled our taxes and then immediately spent the return on a new computer.


_{Essential to blogging. And life.}

We decided on the eminently stylish MacBook. Our previous computer (_{may it rest in peace}) was also an Apple, and we were very happy with the seven years of use we managed out of it. We feel confident that not only will this one last even longer (_{especially since we plan to be extra careful with glasses of wine which may be in close proximity, as that proved to be the first in a series of blows that ultimately lead to old computer's demise}), but that it will allow us to continue this blog, which we hope will continue with a similar lifespan.

Must Have This: Happy Hour

Friday last, we were taken, as is fairly frequently the case, out for beverages. It had been quite a week, what with a light snow and rolling blackouts doting the Texas countryside. The days had been long, the nights had been cold, and we were absolutely ready for a drink. The time had come for Happy Hour.

Happy Hour, by it's very own self, deserves a Must Have This post. What's not to love? The work day is over (at last), the bright young things (and some a little less than young, but still bright) are out and about, the sky is lovely (that purple!) and the bartender has just set down an exquisite cocktail in front of us (and it's about time). And of course, what make this particular time so particularly happy is that it's done for markedly less coin than if one had engaged in the same scenario on a Saturday, or even later in the same evening perhaps.

So to downtown we were whisked, ready to enjoy a bite and a beverage (or two or five), parking be damned. Having moved to Austin only 5 months ago, there are still a plethora of restaurants we have not yet been to, although we are making a concerted effort to remedy this situation. (read about Trace, a restaurant we are terribly excited to try as told by the lovely Austin Eavesdropper)

Our destination was Malaga, the wine and tapas bar. (We find it distressing that we do not have pictures of our own to offer of the trip- our device woes are ongoing, but hopefully they will be remedied in the near future. The picture below is from their website) The idea of tapas is cosmopolitan and playful and a touch seductive, we think- eating from the same plate, the give and take of sharing, and also wine (of course). Malaga did not disappoint in fulfilling our expectations.



The space is quite big, but feels surprisingly intimate once a majority of the tables are full. The colors are rich and exotic and warm- evoking images of Morocco and spice merchants. We were surprised by the number of waitstaff, as well as their fluidity- while one specific waitress always took the order, plates were delivered by many different persons, and more than one stopped by the table to assure our comfort and enjoyment. In any event, we felt well taken care of, which is exactly our preference.

The stars of Happy Hour -aside your host- are the drink specials. Malaga has quite an array of them- and there's something for every taste. A wide variety of specialty cocktails are available for $5, as well as varying beers for varying discounts. We, however, drank wine- select glasses are quite a find at $4.50. The most seductive offering is the pairing of a glass of wine and a tapas plate for $8. The tapas available are hardly your average happy hour bar fare- not a single tapas on the list is fried, and everything we tried was incredibly delicious (the pincho moruno (pork bites) and albondigas en tomate (meatballs in tomato sauce) were our favorites). Our one complaint? Happy hour is only from 5 to 7PM, so we encourage you to make the most of it.

Malaga is located at 440 W 2nd St in Austin.

Must Have This: Concert

The highly-publicised relocation of Austin City Limits finds the live music show in the still-smelling-of-construction Moody Theater in the base of the still-blocking-traffic-due-to-construction W Hotel and Residences (which is also home to the expectantly-not-smelling-of-construction restaurant Trace, which we cannot wait to try) (also, we have to say, while we love that Austin has a W- and we would like to hear the explaination why Houston does not- and we do find the building moderately agreeable, we are curious as to the lack of advertising- how are we to recognize this particular building as a W property?) (this paragraph, we are finding, is terribly parenthetical) (we just felt it worth pointing out) (so there) (we digress)

Coming up in two weeks are two Must See tapings: Willie Nelson (on Sunday 2/13) and Robyn the following Thursday (2/17). While you may have heard of Mr. Nelson (and his recent extracuricular activities), you may not have heard of Robyn. This, we think, is a low down dirty shame.

Robyn is a Swedish pop singer who we have loved since 1997's "Show Me Love". The time between that particular song and this particular taping is certainly an interesting story, and she has put out some delectable music in that time, but we will let you google those things should you choose. (We will say that 2008's Robyn is an incredibly solid album and very much worth a listen or a few)

We will, however, strongly encourage you to attend her performance (and for those of you located otherwheres, this is the schedule of dates- we do know she plays Dallas 2/18 and Houston (!!!) 2/19) for the taping of ACL. Her recent Body Talk EPs and subsequent LP have caused quite a stir amongst critics, and were certainly in heavy rotation on our devices in 2010 (the LP is great, but both the EPs are equally excellent in their own rights).

And if our endorsement of the quality of her music wasn't enough, the tickets are only $15USD. We'll repeat that: fifteen dollars for an amazing live show. Great music, a true live performer and an inexpensive ticket? We cannot put it any plainer: GO SEE ROBYN.

For samples of her music, go here or here.


Post Script:We are infinitely excited to see that there is a W hotel opening in Taipei, one of our favorite international cities.

Must Have This: Restaurant

Note: We appreciate the patience of our readers during this trying time of unstable electricity. During a particularly frigid yesterday, the power supply in Austin fluctuated between simply Not Working and Almost Possibly Working. Apologies.


We have stated time and time again our fondness for Mexican food. We hold it in very high regard, and consequently take the evaluation of it very seriously. We would go so far as to say that Ninfa's on Navigation may, in fact, be our very favorite Mexican restaurant.

Few cities are as primed for excellent Mexican food as Houston. San Antonio is also one (we have a favorite here, too, which we will no doubt reveal on Must Have This at a later date), Los Angeles is another (we have not been here in ages, so we don't have a favorite to speak of). Houston, being the fourth largest city in the US, and not at all far from the Mexican border, seems quite the obvious location.


There are many good, even great Mexican joints in Houston, and we would encourage anyone visiting (and you really should visit, don't let anyone tell you otherwise) to seek out a handful. They range in size and style, price and location. More than one of them rightfully belongs on Must Have This. Ninfa's on Navigation (alias Mama Ninfas and The Original Ninfa's) is however, in our well-versed opinion, the best in the city. It's combination of ambiance, service, price and taste earn it our top marks.

Where to start? Obviously, a margarita. We think the only real way to get them is frozen with no salt, but we begrudgingly understand those who prefer them on the rocks (and we will let the salt slide- although we do think it truly ruins the tart sweetness of the drink). Ninfa's are the perfect balance of potent and flavorful- incredibly fruity without tasting the least bit fake. And as with any Mexican restaurant worth anything, chips and salsa will appear on your table. One of our favorite things about the restaurant is that there is not just one salsa, but two, and neither of them is too spicy. Don't be afraid to try both- each is fantastic in it's own way.

As for the main event, there really is no bad choice. We have never had anything less than 'great.' The chicken mole, fajitas, tacos al pastor, and tacos al carbon are all excellent dishes, all of which we have devoured in a perhaps less-than-tactful way. Our personal favorite, however, is the Tejas combo. On one plate, fajitas, cheese enchilada, taco (we order ours soft instead of crispy, as an excuse to have one more house-made tortilla) and rice and beans (get the black beans, trust us) all combine to form possibly the most perfect Mexican meal of all time. You may think we jest; we do not.

The building has been slowly expanded as the restaurant has grown, and we find it charming to see the modest beginnings of what eventually became an empire. We can remember before the current new dining furniture arrived- the main room was an amusing mish-mash of old vinyl covered dining room chairs. The enclosed back patio is a fabulous place to sit and sip margaritas. The new patio bar is getting a lot of attention, and we thought it looked spectacular when we stopped by last weekend (we sat inside, with our long-standing favorite waitress, Kady).

Truly, we cannot find a reason you shouldn't go. Be warned, however, while reservations aren't required, they certainly are recommended, as the place fills up quickly, and the wait for a table can stretch well past an hour on busy nights.

The Original Ninfa's is located at 2704 Navigation Blvd in Houston.

Must Have This: Cocktail

As a general rule, we do not consume rum with much frequency. Very early in our young life, we had a number of unfortunate encounters with a particular coconut-flavored variety of the liquor (mixed with a highly caffeinated red beverage, anticipating recent alcohol/caffeine combinations by at least half a decade- oh, the pangs of youth) and as a result, have enjoyed but a smattering of pina coladas in the subsequent years.

So it was with a trepiditious heart that, last Sunday, we accepted a Rum Runner at a party we happened to be co-hosting. (Our infinitely charming co-host had concocted some Cuban porcine magic he informed us was Lechon Asado, salsa emanated from the stereo, and a selection of our favorite persons were in attendance- it was, in short, the makings of a smashing afternoon) We were, however, happily surprised with the delicious and terribly potent beverage placed in our hands.

A Rum Runner, we are told, is made with silver and gold (aged, not spiced) rums, banana and blackberry liqueurs and pineapple and orange juices. The variation we enjoyed was only altered by using black-raspberry liqueur instead of blackberry liqueur (we did make a concerted effort to find blackberry liqueur- and we did- but it was significantly more expensive than we cared to pay for a flavor we planned to mix with three other alcohols), and let us tell you, it was fabulous. Sweet and very strong, the runner was a big hit at the party, and each of us enjoyed five? six? We find the numbers begin to blur once we reached the fifth refill.



We find this recipe to be a good one. We strongly encourage you drink one, or two, but if you do enjoy the rum runner, please employ a driver for the evening.

Post Script: We also found the glasses from which we sipped the runner to be sassy, mischievous and, in a word, a hoot. They are available from Fish & Eddy's here.

Must Have This: Television

We confess that our relationship with television is a somewhat precarious, if currently improving, one. Having always preferred live performances to those filmed, we were sans television for a number of years (quite happily, we might add, thank you very much) and became deeply uninformed about the generals goings-on of the small screen, save one or two shows.

At a point, however, our life changed (as it does), and we found ourself forced to reacquaint with the medium. Pleasantly surprised to find that it had matured (for while there is a vast amount programing that we find so trashy, so vulgar, so incredibly worthless, we, in the end, vex ourself at having wasted time even rejecting it- for all of that, there are more than a few shows that are witty, captivating and highly enjoyable, and for this, we are grateful), we reluctantly set our prejudices aside and took on a small, if varied, schedule of shows. We are pleased to announce this was not a mistake, and currently are more than entertained by an increasing list of programs.


Last Friday night, the Independent Film Channel premiered the first of six episodes of an extended sketch called Portlandia. We had no idea what to expect, and after the first three minutes of the show, we were equal parts amused, confused, incredulous- in short, we were entirely compelled.

The show is about, to put it simply, Portland, and things that happen there. (Having never visited that particular city, we are forced to surmise what life must be like there, and if the show does nothing else, it is curing us of our original impression of the place) There are characters, to be sure- the farm-to-table sensitive couple at a restaurant, a pair of women's bookstore clerks, an adult hide-and-seek team- but the stars of the show are the stereotypes that Fred Armisen (of SNL fame) and his co-conspirator Carrie Brownstein gleefully traipse about in. Each skit takes an otherwise entirely real and possibly 'normal' character or set of characters-the diners, for example- and completely heightens and distorts them, as the best kind of comedy should.

We are not quite sure what else we should or even can say about the show. We think the best option is for you to watch for yourself. Portlandia airs Fridays on IFC at 10:30PM.

Must Have This: Poll

We must, first and foremost, apologize for our less than regular attention to this blog in the past few days. A number of large, schedule-altering changes occurred in very short order and, combined, presented us with very little time and energy to do much other than those particular obligations and sleep. We express our gratitude with your patience.

Another major event of the last few days (aside from, say, President Obama's State of the Union address (go here for the complete speech with some marvelous graphics to illustrate the President's points) on Tuesday) was the unfortunate demise of our device, a mostly-reliable but occasionally belligerent iPhone by the name of Ian.

Whilst watching the State of the Union, we set Ian on the arm of the sofa upon which we were sitting (and eating pizza and drinking beer, we'll have you know- we do appreciate the simple pleasures). Unfortunately for Ian, we tend to fidgit on occasion, and on such an occasion, our hand brushed against said arm of said sofa. Or rather, the device sitting on the arm of said sofa. Down, down went Ian where it crashed into the very cold, very hard tile floor.

Now at this point, we should mention that, while we do generally avoid throwing them, phones in our possession are, shall we say, well used. We take our phone everywhere- gym, work, bars, concerts, markets, you name it- and as a natural result, they occasionally get dropped. Occasionally. As in, not frequently.

So when Ian quite veritably leapt off the sofa, we were irritated, but unconcerned. Until we picked it up and flipped it over. Spidering across the touch-screen surface was a huge crack. Splinters of the surface had come out and the technologic guts of the thing were visible beneath. The device still had power, but when a button was pressed, the screen went white. Ian was, essentially, in a coma after it's swan dive. (We would love to offer a picture of the damage- something sensational that we would encourage you to shield from children and those faint of heart- but unfortunately, Ian was our sole picture taking device)

And now, we are left sans technology. When we first were faced with this fact, we felt more shock than anything else. We were having a very hard time comprehending life without a smartphone.. But as the time passed and we began to realize all of the functions Ian had fulfilled, we became quite depressed.

Shaking ourself out of the depression was difficult (requiring a good dose of the Scissor Sisters and a cardio machine) but we managed some how. And now, our attention has turned to the future. More specifically, to Ian's replacement.

We must find a new device. We were pleased enough with the iphone, but the new models are so expensive, and we have no need/desire to extend our contract for another 2 years, putting it's termination sometime in the 2020's.

What should we get? What should we try? We look to you, our readers, for inspiration and guidance. We have limited knowledge of matters technological, and would love input from as many as have opinions.

We thank you in advance, and will return to our regularly-semi-scheduled posts of fantastic Must Haves shortly.

Must Have This: Civics

We realize that to discuss something as esoteric as civics on a blog that is almost entirely focused on commerce is perhaps to tread on ice we would otherwise wish to avoid. While we certainly think highly of ourself and those who pay us their attention -and, let us state explicitly that we value their intelligence-, we do not intend this blog to be one focused on ideas. There are many others who have said and continue to say many brilliant things, many of which we find fascinating. These things are important, first because they stimulate our brains, and second because it is important to have things to discuss at meals.

One will not, however, find those things in this blog. Our intent is to make others aware of things, places, and events that are in some way extraordinary, and deserve recognition. We are, as they say, living in a material world- we intend to enjoy it, and would like to surround ourself with others who will, as well.

All of that said, we are also of the opinion that, as this is our blog, and we are at liberty to say mostly what so ever we please, we would be remiss not to say something about civics, which we find to be absolutely essential to modern American (or, for that matter, terrestrial) life.

Living in America, we find it unfortunate that many shirk being civically active. They neglect not only the priviledge of being able to comment directly on those who make choices that supposedly directly reflect us, the masses, but they also neglect the fact that it is indeed a duty to be informed and engage in civic activity. In fact, we would go so far as to say that modern Americans are generally unconcerned with 'duty' as it relates to almost anything- to the preservation of the planet, to civic awareness, to those less fortunate than ourselves.

We pause, as to not jump up and down on the ice we are hesitant to be on in the first place. We will suffice to say- whether one's beliefs are liberal or conservative or something else entirely, we encourage everyone to actively have a belief, and moreover, to constantly evaluate it, and those representing it.

President Barack Obama's State of the Union address is tonight at 8PM CST. We will be watching, and regardless of how you feel about his first two years or the man himself, we encourage you to watch as well.

Must Have This: Film

We are extremely excited that the sun has returned to it's regularly scheduled daily appearance in the Austin sky. More influential minds than ours agree that sunlight is, quite frankly, good for humans in the right amount. And while an occasional grey day can feel pleasantly, if indulgently, melancholic, we will take the warm sunshine, thank you very much.

Something else that lifts our mood quite unlike any other thing is wit. (We attempted to find a study showing that wit also improves one's outlook on life a la sunlight, but alas, our search only pulled up any number of posts with colloquial misspellings of "with" and we perhaps wept a bit for the future of language) A good witticism pulled off with panache instantly reminds us that we (humanity) are possessing that miraculous capacity to think and communicate and, this is the important part, we can do it with humor and intelligence.

It must, then, come as no surprise that we thought it fitting today's Must Have This features one of the best living wits we are familiar with. HBO has released a documentary about the remarkable Fran Lebowitz called Public Speaking and, quite simply, you must see it.



In lieu of previews, we provide you with trailers of this particular film- first a shorter one and then a longer one. Cherish and enjoy.

If you watched, as you should have, the trailers, you will instantly understand why we are so enamored with Ms. Lebowitz. Her matter-of-fact I-can't-believe-you-even-considered-the-possibility-of-my-not-having-a-reply self assurance is as sparkling as it is bracing. We find her remarks about director Martin Scorsese ("Marty") to be of particular bombast/amusement/charm. (And if that particular director's name will encourage you to see this film, so much the better- really, we don't care why you watch it, just so long as you do) Structured more as a rambling dialogue with most of the other partner removed (with some few small exceptions- particularly the exceptional Maya Angelou, a thoughtful tortoise to Ms. Lebowitz's impulsive hare) than a documentary, Public Speaking primes us, the public, on the life of Fran Lebowitz as told by Fran Lebowitz, touching as much on cultural milestones (the AIDS crisis and it's effects we found to be especially revelatory) as she does on personal events. In fact, as we think on it, the film spends less time on Fran then it does on Ms. Lebowitz, public speaker, and the few bits about Fran (her driving habits, her history, her refusal to own a microwave) seem to be there merely as well placed and chosen springboards, launching her into another fascinating opinion or analysis. If we have any criticism with the film, it is that we find it surprisingly short, wishing for just another 5 minutes (and another 5 minutes... and another...) of this fascinating woman.

Public Speaking is currently playing On Demand. We highly encourage, if you do not have On Demand, an interrogation of friends to find some one who does have it.

Must Have This: Liquor

Drinking is definitely one of our favorite activities. As we have stated before we attempt to engage in drinking as often as we can, in as many varied places as we can, with as many different sorts of drinks as we can. (We encourage you reserve your judgement, and if you must, to err on the side of kindness- to call us an 'alcoholic' would be unspeakably rude; to call us a 'lush' would, we think, be a compliment)

We would say, however, that we are more frequently than not drawn to beverages containing one of a select few ingredients- all of which could (and, we are pleased to think upon, will) receive the attention of Must Have This. These ingredients vary wildly in proof and flavor, from delicate and floral to sharp and extremely potent. Chief on the list is the liquor by the name of gin, an essential spirit in a well-stocked bar (especially the ones we tend to frequent) and the variety named Hendrick's gin, in particular, we find to be the gin of our choice.

Gin (from the Dutch jenever) is a clear spirit that is flavored with a number of botanicals (herbs and berries and such). The most notable flavor in gin is the juniper berry (and here is where jenever comes in) giving the alcohol it's sharp, some would say 'piney,' taste.

There is an ever-increasing assortment of gins on the market, several of which we find very satisfactory. The reason Hendrick's is a Must Have, however, is that, aside from the juniper (common to all gins), Hendrick's has a remarkable cucumber note that is quite unlike any other variety of the spirit. Still with a sharp edge, the cucumber lends a softness that allows the liquor to be more than just a one-dimensional flavor.

Because of the uniqueness of it's flavor, we do not recommend attempting to make a martini with Hendrick's. It is served best with soda or tonic, garnished with cucumber. If you were to muddle a cucumber up in the bottom of your glass before pouring the liquor and mixer in OR throw a dash of Creme de Violette in your drink, so much the better. In any event, do not waste the deliciousness of this gin on a drink that will be overpowered by what you mix it with.

Hendrick's is available at most fine liquor stores. We've had a bit of trouble finding it in smaller, less urban markets, but we encourage you to make the search.

Post Script: Hendrick's marketing is delightfully odd and playful. Go here to experience the Curiositorium.

Must Have This: Event

We, like everyone else, love a good party. In addition to that rather obvious statement, we also, again like everyone else (or at least everyone else worth knowing and associating with), like to eat out. A good party just isn't good unless there are refreshments- eatables and drinkables befitting the occasion.

We are not quite sure what, exactly, the occasion is for Austin's Sip and Savor, but with over 35 restaurants and bars participating, we have decided said occasion is irrelevant. Similar to a "restaurant week," Sip and Savor encourages participating organizations to offer specialty drinks, chef's menus, or prix fixe meals. Where Sip and Savor differs is the list of participating organizations- they encourage everyone to participate- not only the more refined dining establishments (the general contenders of most "restaurant weeks"), but trailers, bars, casual spots, even Whole Foods.

So which bars and restaurants are participating? Go here for the complete list, as well as information about what the participant is offering.

And which are we the most excited about? We thought you'd never ask:


Judges' Hill Chef Rob Snow has created a 3 course prix fixe for $25/person that looks delicious. We can't decide which sounds better- the pecan-crusted trout or the Puerco Pibil (habenero and citrus braised pork).





Sagra This restaurant has been on our list for a minute now, and Sip and Savor is the perfect reason to go. A 3 course offering for $35/person that includes too many delicious options to choose from- among them butternut squash ravioli, scallops, filet mignon, gnocchi.






The Melting Pot We find fondue to be a curious, if captivating, method of dining. As a result, we were excited to see The Melting Pot listed as a participant. We were even more excited by the menu- 3 courses for $30/person- including the choice of goat cheese and ratatouille raviolis, peppercorn crusted New York strip, or chicken Provencal.



There are, of course, others that we are already familiar with on the list (Frank and Kerbey Lane for example) that we encourage supporting. In any event, do not idle in choosing- Sip and Savor only lasts through the 30th of January.

Must Have This: Ingredient

When cooking, we find that olive oil makes it's way into a large number of the dishes prepared in our kitchen. For centuries, men and women have used it on vegetables, game and fowl. Countless of our favorite dishes begin with onions, garlic and a drizzle of oil. We love to dip bread in it, especially in restaurants. (We find those restaurants where the waiters write their name on our table in crayon to be a most guilty and most pleasurable experience) A good oil and balsamic vinegar can turn a drab bed of greens into a satisfying salad.

There are an inordinate number of varieties on the market- ranging from Extra Virgins to any number of exotic infusions to plain old Olive Oil. As many a chef will tell you, not all oils are right for all situations. Finding the right oil for each particular dish or occasion is a task we do not pretend to know anything about- we recommend seeking out the nearest specialty grocery or kitchen supply store, such as Williams Sonoma or Sur La Table (having been employed at one of these companies, and a frequent shopper at both, we can assure you that they carry an assortment of options, and if they can't help you- and they should be able to- but if they can't, they can direct you to someone who can).

Perhaps the best option, however, would be to put yourself in touch with Oil Town Oil based in Chicago. They have a plethora of choices, among which is a mushroom and sage infused offering, which we recently acquired and are currently quite enamored with. (They also have a white peach balsamic vinegar that we were pleased to gift over the holiday season. We have just discovered it is currently 15% off. A bottle for yourself and a bottle as a gift would be a wise decision)

We have only begun to scratch the surface of possible applications of the oil. We have drizzled it over steak to dazzling results. We have dressed hummus with it. Due to the incredible mellowness of the flavor, we find it's flavor less assertive than other oils might be, and as a consequence, it compliments almost anything. Our favorite use so far has been in the process of making popcorn. Instead of butter or some inferior butter substitute poured over the kernels like syrup, simply popping the corn in the mushroom and sage olive oil endows it with a delicate but delicious flavor that makes it light, healthy, and irresistible. Simply sprinkle with salt (or for a special treat, use just a bit of truffle salt- trust us, your life will change) and enjoy!

To order Old Town Oil's Mushroom and Sage Extra Virgin Olive Oil, go here.

Old Town Oil is located at 1520 N. Wells St in Chicago, IL.

Must Have This: Film

We are finding this particular Friday afternoon to be a rather cheerless affair, we must confess. Being here in Austin beneath what feels to be a Beckett-ish (we are curious, are any of his works happy in tone? We remain skeptical) grey sky, we are only moderately enthused about the coming weekend, as we have no particular plans of note, with the possible semi-bright spot that hovers around the possibility of brunch on Sunday. So let us all say a collective prayer to our collective gods/energies/laws of nature to bring back the sunshine.

We did, however, perk up at the prospect of today's Must Have This post. And we are elated to announce that we have not one Thing that one Must Have, but a few. Things to make the day seem a little less belligerent. We have found these things useful in rising above the particular woe of this day, which may or may not be against us.

First, as with any good movie-going experience -and if it has not been clear yet what this post contains, we are discussing a film (a documentary, in fact) that has come to our attention as excessively entertaining- there must be a Preview. We find the joining of two classic novels a terribly clever and amusing idea. We confess, it's not entirely new, but it does certainly excite, and should this movie ever happen, we will champion it all the way.

And now, on to our full length feature.



We have nothing but praise to lavish on the fabulous Joan Rivers. She is brash, she is blunt, she loves expensive things, and she is hilarious. If we were to say that we see a bit of ourself in her, it would not be going too far. She has, besides winning a reality TV show and booking quite a calendar (follow the 'Click here to see Joan's full calendar' link), recently released a documentary. And we find it, as we find her, simply fabulous. Joan Rivers- A Piece of Work is indeed just that. As the audience follows Joan through a year or so of her life, we are privy to the highs and lows of life according to Joan- from debuting her play in Edinburgh to somewhere in Wisconsin, from growing old to the relentless need to work, and perhaps most fascinatingly, what it is to be at once a legendary comedienne and still just scrambling for the laughs. We found, however, as we watched, the film to be more than just a plea for laughs- the glimpse we are given of Joan is just enough to affirm her absolutely fascinating, which, in the end, is what she wants in the first place.

Joan Rivers- A Piece of Work is available through Netflix, from Amazon, and can be found through many other online retailers.


Post Script: Two other movies we would truly love to see: a thrillingly educational story and also a definite Oscar contender.

Must Have This: Restaurant

When one finds oneself in the midst of an absolutely frigid downtown Chicago, as we found ourselves recently, Mexican food is not exactly the first thing on one's mind. For most people, that honored spot usually belongs to any number of expletives at the curious ability of the weather to continually feel as if the sun has lost all heat and will never never ever warm the poor wretched bodies scurrying idiotically about in the gusty trenches between buildings. Or, perhaps it is occupied by thoughts of the destination- somewhere warm and comfortable, no doubt, and probably full of laughter and chipper conversation. Or it might even just be grasping desperately at how much is on one's CTA card, and will it need a refill before this trip, and can said refill occur in time to make the next train, and... Mexican food, needless to say, may be fifth or sixth in queue. Or, heaven forbid, even lower.

And to this, we say, shame.

Mexican food, we blissfully confess, may in fact be our one sole reason for living. There are many fine things about our life- this blog intends to cover them- but truly, when the lines are drawn, we fully believe Mexican cuisine to be The Reason. (In fact, we may or may not have made a rather infallible argument -if we do say so ourself- in an entirely separate blog that offers proof of God's existence based on Mexican food) One's total happiness (or lack thereof) can be directly measured by how near (or far) one is from a Mexican restaurant.

Now we certainly understand that schedules must be kept and other tasks tended to, but we would like to stress that those things can be accomplished and Mexican food can still happen. In fact, Xoco, one of three Mexican restaurants owned and operated by the celebrity chef Rick Bayless, is made for on-the-go. And, more importantly, it is outrageously good.

Looking for something scrumptious for lunch? Try the choriqueso torta (pictured). Homemade chorizo (a sort of Mexican sausage) is layered with mild peppers and sharp jack cheese on a bun. The sandwich is fantastic on it's own, but what really sent us over the edge was the tomatillo salsa. We have been hesitant to try most tomatillo salsas, as it seems to inspire chefs everywhere to turn up the heat index (and while we do enjoy a good strong spicy flavor, we do not enjoy heat for heat's sake), but this. This particular salsa is so fresh, so flavorful, so entirely palatable, well, suffice to say, we made several trips back to the counter to procure more. (It has also encouraged a rather spirited campaign to re-create -or at least match in level of flavor- here at home)

Or, if an earlier meal is more one's speed, Xoco serves breakfast until 10AM. We had the Wood-Oven Chilaquiles (below). Unfortunately a dine-in only option, the Chilaquiles is a sort of mess of lots of delicious things- cheese, chicken, peppers, tortillas. We aren't sure exactly how to describe it other than filling and very warm (temperature, not spice, although there was no shortage of flavor). Our only real complaint about it was the fact that it came with none of the tomatillo salsa.



If one needs but a single reason to stop at Xoco, that reason is the hot chocolate. The cocao beans are roasted on-site, which we were delighted to discover, and the proof is definitely in the pudding, or hot chocolate, as it were. We had multiple varieties- our personal favorite was Mexico City Thick (but perhaps has been re-named Barcelona?). Almost a pudding consistency, this chocolate is more dessert than drink. We found it easier to savor that way- as opposed to the Aztec, which, in addition to the chocolate, is spiced with chilies. That particular drink we finished in minutes- entirely too drinkable for it's own good. And then there is the Almendrado... There are five varieties. We suggest you try them all.

Xoco is located at 449 North Clark (and Illinois St) in Chicago, IL.

Must Have This: Fragrance

We find it difficult to express our obsession with all things fig. Suffice to say, we are excessively obsessed with the stuff- how they smell, how they taste, art featuring them, frankly anything, we are slightly embarrassed to admit, having to do with them. A book or movie that contains 'fig' in the title is infinitely more likely to be considered for our taking in, never mind if said book or movie has anything to do with these fabulous little fruits (and that, we caution, is a double-edged sword- to associate figs with a thing will draw our attention to be sure, but woe to that which hearkens our focus upon them and has no content relating to them- this we will go out of our way to scorn).

If you've never encountered a fig, we strongly suggest you make this a priority. They, unfortunately, keep a very short seasonal life, which we find particularly distressing (and as a matter of course, make us love them all the more for their elusiveness), but during summer months, you should be able to find them available at a nearby grocery. They have a delicate purple-ish form, that oozes slightly when they are ripe. What makes them absolutely captivating to us is how they smell. A touch dirty, green and crisp, and then sweet- only the smell of coconut makes us more giddy.

A number of fragrances have attempted to replicate the aroma of fig, most of them to rather disappointing conclusions. Some start alright, but then finish powdery. Some smell as if a fig and a flower are prize-fighting the entire time, wrestling for the title. Some are pleasant enough- fresh, not overly-floral, but the fig feels like an afterthought. Some, and these we particularly detest, smell of small children coated in graham cracker and then bespeckled with figs. In our obsessive quest for fig, we find only one fragrance that rises to the challenge of this exacting task.

Philosykos by Diptyque is easily our favorite of the fig fragrances, if not our overall favorite fragrance in general. Earthy and a touch sweet (and with an exquisitely elusive hint of coconut- how mad! how genius! we love it), Philosykos is marketed as unisex, and indeed, we find it equally appealing on ourselves as we find it on our lady friends. It does not overwhelm with 'masculine' notes, nor does it disappear into sappy, perfumey oblivion. It is superb because, simply, it actually smells like fig.

Finding Philosykos can be a bit of a challenge. You can, of course, order from the Diptyque website, or stop by one of their boutiques (New York, San Fransisco, London, and of course, Paris). We have discovered, however, a rather engaging online supplier of fragrances et cetera called Luscious Cargo. When last we ordered, Luscious Cargo sent us not only the fragrance we purchased, but also sample sizes of two or three others they suggested we might find pleasurable. We were, needless to say, charmed. To order Philosykos (at the same cost as one will find it on Diptyque's website) from them, go here.

Must Have This: Cocktail

We should confess that, when all is said and done, we must be counted amongst the drinkers of history. We have never shied away from any alcohol, weak or strong, sticky sweet or tragically bitter. Give us your booze, your wine, your exotic spirits yearning to be drunk.

It must come then as no surprise to find that we search out those particular beverages that are, shall we say, Of Note. Beverages Of Note are usually not easy to come-by -either by way of rare and wonderful ingredients, or rare and wonderful bartenders who develop them- nor do they happen with frequency (in our years of conspicuous alcoholic consumption, we can think of but a handful). Needless to say, when one does happen upon our palate, it is a treat and we find it worth touting.

We were delighted to indulge in such a beverage on a recent trip to Houston, that most vibrant and slept-on of Texas cities. If you have never been, or only through one of the airports: we encourage you not to believe the hype. Houston is a fantastic city with a dynamic and incredibly multicultural population, a thrilling food and drink culture, and a climate that, while disagreeable for 3 months in the summer, is sublimely balmy the rest of the year. If you haven't been, we simply insist on a visit.

During that particular jaunt, we found ourselves (as so often is the case) at The Anvil "bar & refuge" as they claim themselves, and we find said claim to be substantiated. Easily a Must Have This topic all of it's own, The Anvil has been a favorite of ours for some time now, with an impressive list of ever-changing beers on tap and a truly staggering selection of liquors and liqueurs. We will save the story (and accolades) about the bar itself for another time, and truly, it is a story and does deserve ever accolade it has received, and concentrate on the particular beverage we found irresistible most recently: the Maharaja Buck.

We find the name itself to be exciting. Exotic and powerful, the Maharaja Buck sounds like a variety of Indian wildlife we would very much want to see and very much not want to vex. Similarly, the drink is spicy, warm, and strong. Cardamom, tamarind, turmeric and ginger flavors are blended to create an energetic cocktail that we would imagine to be as satisfying on a hot summer afternoon as we found it on a rare cool winter evening. Served in a Collins glass (with cubed ice, something else we absolutely love about the Anvil and other craft cocktail bars) and garnished with a lime, the drink presents a striking, mysterious silhouette. (We attempted to take a picture, but the lighting was uncooperative). Make your trip and order one soon, because (yet another reason to love this particular establishment) the menu changes semi-regularly, and after waiting too long, you might find that the exotic Maharaja Buck has eluded you.

The Anvil is located at 1424 Westheimer Rd in Houston, Texas.

Must Have This: Lip Protection

We find, as a general rule, cold weather to be somewhat of a bother. It delays travel, it causes hypothermia and any number of other inconvenient conditions. In fact, the only reasons we can find for even a mild tolerance of the cold are: firstly, cold weather does afford the opportunity to display one's sartorial flair (sandals are infinitely comfortable and we do love to wear them, but how many variations on the men's sandal are there? boots, on the other hand...); secondly, cold allows for snow, and while we certainly don't want to deal with it often, an occasional encounter is charming and pleasant; and lastly, while one can technically drink any thing at any time, wassail is only really appropriate to drink when it is cold out (and if you are uninitiated to wassail, we suggest you acquaint yourself)

On a recent trip to Chicago, we were inconvenienced as such. The city had recently seen the first major blizzard of the season (in fact, we find ourselves fortunate to have timed the trip just right so as to follow in the first storm's wake and leave before the second storm struck), and, because of it's unfortunate positioning north of 31 degrees latitude, was enjoying high temperatures of 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Never the less, we had quite a splendid trip and do thoroughly enjoy That City.

In any event, whilst trekking about the frozen streets, procuring gifts for friends and beverages for one's self, one often finds one's lips have become unpleasantly un-supple. There is a scientific reason for this, to be sure, but in life, as is often the case, we find ourselves not giving a damn why something is happening, and wishing only to make it stop. Luckily, preparation saved the day, and out came the tube of chap stick in our pocket.

We are all familiar with chap stick, alias lip balm, alias salve. There are dozens of varieties and flavors, but chief among them, as we have come to discover, is Blistex Complete Moisture. Comparatively inexpensive (as opposed to certain insect-related varieties, and outrageously over-priced -and not particularly effective, may we add- bath and body store incarnations), one can readily find these lovely little blue tubes for around $2USD. But truly, the main reason we recommend this particular lip protectant is very simple- it tastes delicious. Aside from doing a fantastic job keep our lips crack-free (and with SPF 15 for you snow-sporting types), it tastes a bit like a margarita. Now, while we could argue that the margarita is the one drink that you really can drink any time, we will suffice to ask- which of us does not want a margarita right now? Exactly.

Blistex Complete Moisture is available at many major pharmacies and grocery stores. To find the nearest location, go here.


Post Script:As a current added bonus, if you purchase Blistex Complete Moisture, one will find most come with an additional 'trial-size' stick that we find too adorable to resist. We currently may or may not have two of those trial sizes, and they may or may not have been purchased simply because we find them absolutely irresistible.