Dank Summer Cocktails – Moscow Mule

August 2, 2013

Maybe it’s because of the weather, but the Gourmand household has been mixing up more cocktails than normal this summer. We’re typically a beer and wine family. If liquor is involved, we trend simple with a vodka tonic or scotch on the rocks. But with all the downtime of “Gee it’s raining for the third f-ing time today” this summer, we’ve found ourselves becoming a bit more creative with our liquor cabinet…

Eating, Europe, Food, Travel

A Romance with Bavarian Food

March 15, 2013

It was a brisk early spring evening in Munich. So early that the trees were yet bare. Still, Munchens flung to the streets to celebrate this first break in weather. The beer gardens and sidewalk cafes teamed with life and laughter. We commandeered a table for two on the sidewalk in front of Paulaner Im Tal. The waiter noticed us from across the sidewalk and asked if we wanted two beers. We…

Eating, Food, Travel

Eating My Way Through My Hometown

January 11, 2013

WARNING!!! If your New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight, then you probably don’t want to read this post. But, if you have the will-power of a vegan at a Brazilian steakhouse, or don’t mind gaining a few pounds from the words alone, then you should be alright. I swear, every time I visit my hometown of Niles, Ohio (smack dab between Youngstown and Warren) I gain at least five pounds. This…

Eating, Food, Travel, United States

Tastes from Home – Festival Cheese Puffs!

November 15, 2012

I was fortunate to grow up in a community that was predominantly Italian. The influences were everywhere. The Italian flag waved in most shops and restaurants. Pizza parlors sat on almost every corner. Five star restaurants served only Italian food (as they should). Even the bars had better Italian food than I have found in the best Italian restaurants here in Charlotte. Then there were the summer festivals. Whether it was a…

My First Blog Date and Midwood Smokehouse

August 6, 2012

My blogging neighbors over at Dee’s Adventures and Looks Like LuLu have both been on blog dates, but to be honest, I thought that was weird. A little background information here – my wife and I met and dated before online dating became as popular as it is now. It is existed back then, but most of the people who used it reeked of desperation (I know I pissed off some friends…

Charlotte, Eating, Food, Travel

A Charlotte Classic – McNinch House Restaurant

June 27, 2012

New to Charlotte and a little unsophisticated on the dining palette, I asked colleagues and friends where to go for our first anniversary dinner six years ago. The unanimous answer was the McNinch House in Charlotte’s Historic Fourth Ward. “Very romantic!” Everyone raved. “Perfect for a night out to celebrate your first year of marriage!” I was intrigued. “Tell me more?” I asked. I learned that the restaurant was located in a…

Charlotte, Eating, Food, Travel

Ilios Noche Family and Friends Preview Night

June 24, 2012

From our very first visit, we thought that Ilios Noche was ill. Not ill in a sick way, but ill in a Beastie Boy’s Ill Communication sic kinda way (that means good). Many bloggers start out any restaurant, wine, beer, food, or product review with a disclaimer. The product was sent to me as a free sample by the manufacturer… The restaurant invited me to dinner to review their new menu… They…

Eating, Food, Latin America, Travel

Fanesca – An Ecuadorian Easter Tradition

April 8, 2012

Growing up my family didn’t have an Easter tradition. Instead, we either found ourselves in Mexico or the Caribbean or maybe even in Florida for Holy Week. When we didn’t have a Spring Break vacation planned, we drove to visit my father’s family 2 hours away and went out to dinner for a meal that was less than desirable. The kitchen staff obviously resented the fact that they had to work on…

Eating, Food, Travel, United States

Road Food – Neato Burrito

February 3, 2012

I am big on these new fast, casual burrito joints. They’re quick, tasty (better than fast food), and somewhat healthy. I’ve tried all the mainstays – Chipotle, Moe’s, Salsarita’s, Qudoba, and Baja Fresh. Each is a great option when on the road and looking for alternatives to fast food restaurants. I have even tried a few regional joints where you get a little more local flair like Phat Burrito in Charlotte (simple…

Asia, Eating, Food, Travel

Thai Food – We Don’t Need No Stinking Chop Sticks

January 24, 2012

I am going to start by dispelling the myth – Thai people don’t use chop sticks. They have realized that better tools exist for getting food from your plate to your mouth than two splintery sticks. So the next time a Thai restaurant tries to be gimmicky and gives you chop sticks instead of silverware, tell them no thanks. You’ll go native and eat like the Thai people do – with a…

Eating

Dank Summer Cocktails – Moscow Mule

A Romance with Bavarian Food

Eating My Way Through My Hometown

Tastes from Home – Festival Cheese Puffs!

A Charlotte Classic – McNinch House Restaurant

Ilios Noche Family and Friends Preview Night

Fanesca – An Ecuadorian Easter Tradition

Road Food – Neato Burrito

Thai Food – We Don’t Need No Stinking Chop Sticks

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