My Favorite Restaurants in the World #8

My friend Jason Pogue is headed to London tomorrow...so this is for him.

THE PORTERHOUSE, Covent Garden, London. (There are other locations, but I can only speak for one).

When I visit London, it is easiest to round up all of my friends at once, at The Porterhouse. Not because it is so easy to find a large table (because it is definitely a challenge), but because it is great food, a wide selection of drinks, and a great atmosphere.

Now, I must remind you, smoking is huge in London and apparently everyone who smokes, smokes here. I'll also remind you that I enjoy the smell of cigarette smoke, so it only adds to my love for this pub.

On to the food. The best item on their menu (downloadable here) is a delicious Classic Burger, 100% Irish beef (that even Matt Jensen has difficulty finishing). It comes with chunky chips (steak fries) and is so much meat there is typically a bathroom run involved before leaving.

My vegetarian friends love this place too...so don't feel left out if you don't eat hamburgers. One buddy has ordered the large bowl of mussels, which was an adventure in itself.

What The Porterhouse is known for is its wide selection of beers. (Remember, this is Europe...drinking is part of their culture)...They carry a majority of the world's beers, sorted by country in the drink menu. Most of my friends order a pint of Oyster (brewed with Oysters). Myself: Diet Coke (the most expensive drink on the menu).

If you are ever in London...head to The Porterhouse. Honestly, it is an amazing location (surrounded by shops), and a great local pub (not too many tourists).

Here's a picture of my friend Ryan with his mussels (not muscles), chunky chips and Oyster:

ApologetiX

I am a part of the ApologetiX fan club. I became a member about a year-and-a-half ago. I joined primarily because that meant I could listen to the MP3s on the website.

Honestly, I think they are pretty clever. Ridiculously serious, their inability to realize that what they do is actually more funny than evangelistic breaks my heart a little bit.

Maybe they would be more popular if they were able to laugh at themselves.

Check out their discography. If you are in the mood for a laugh, join the fan club and listen to some MP3s.

A few of my favorites:

Bethelehemian Rhapsody (Parody of "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen)

Naomi Gonna Be with Ruth (Parody of "Only Wanna Be With You" by Hootie & the Blowfish)

The Real Sin Savior (Parody of "The Real Slim Shady" by Eminem)

Oh...and something that might be fun for you, but not for your surrounding company: google the lyrics to each song and try to sing their words to the tune of the original song. (This made Matt Jensen very angry after about 20 minutes, though it was still very funny to me.)

You're Welcome.

3 Catfish & a Trout (also called Fish and Fancy Clothes)

I purchased a red dress on Monday afternoon and decided to wear it to work today. I apparently did not have enough foresight to think about what my day entailed.

After a very fun breakfast/coffee with a friend, I headed over to Ralph's to complete the shopping list for this weekend's services. Shopping list: 4 trout.

I walked to the back of the store and rang the seafood section bell for assistance. A man, who seemed unhappy about being interrupted during his work in the back, came to my aide.

I am not in the fish-business...I don't know how it's run. I asked the man if the display held the total of their stock or if there were more fish in back. He, very quickly, told me this was all.

So I settled for 3 catfish and 1 trout. I stood as he wrapped the 4 fish in a plastic bag and paper. He handed me each fish as he finished this 2-step process.

But wait, here's the best part. He would pick up the nasty-gutted-seppuku-ed fish with his right hand (covering that glove with guts and blood), weigh it with the left, then wrap it and price it with that gut-covered right hand before handing it to me.

I was not pleased with this decision, and I think he could read that on my face. I thanked him several times, and then proceeded to the check-out counter holding the bloody wrapping of 3 catfish and a trout as far away from my red-dressed body as possible.

Note: Fish and Fancy Clothes do not mix.

Guilty Pleasures #5

I love the smell of wet pavement and cigarettes.

It reminds me of London.

For some reason the shopping center (centre) near my home has puddles in the parking lot and a few smokers on the sidewalk every morning around 9. Lately I have been strategically parking, during my morning bagel/coffee run, so I can enjoy a few extra steps of that smell.

I wish I could describe the feeling it gives me: this deep longing for something I can't have, mixed with these memories that I can't forget...and I can't help but smile.

If you ever see me walking out of Starbucks with a big grin on my face...you are in on my secret...it's the smell.

Third Place

Where do you feel the most comfortable? Where do you spend most of your time? Where do you go everyday, no matter what?

Most people would say (1) Home and (2) Work...

Starbucks has developed a THIRD PLACE principle. The hope is that in addition to home and work, a customer would feel most comfortable...spend free time...make a daily stop at...their local Starbucks.

Every morning on my way to work I stop at East Coast Bagels and Starbucks. At each stop they know my name, and my order. I am greeted with a smile and "How are you doing?" before going on with the order (which is typically a confirmation that I want "the usual").

I love that. It's a great start to my morning. The woman at the bagel store often tells me I look nice...or says I'm running a little behind schedule. Last week the credit card machine was down and I was out of cash (who even carries cash these days?) and she gave me my food and let me pay the next day. The woman at Starbucks told me she recognized me from the bagel store--when she was in there on her break. She's called me by name everyday since.

I have great first and second places...but I love my third and fourth, too.

Memories...

I went to Elementary School with "The Bee Girl". You know, from the Blind Melon video. Her name was Heather and she was my friend. I saw her about a year ago and we talked for a bit. She's super nice...and I think she was applying to volunteer in Children's ministry last time I saw her.

That is just the precursor to my memory.

In 1st grade each student is assigned a 6th grade "buddy". The buddy will visit once a week, for an hour, and read to you or draw or tell stories. My 6th grade buddy: the Bee Girl's sister. She was very nice. I do remember that she was always friendly and semi-helpful with my studies. But the thing that stands out most in my mind was her smell.

She smelled exactly like sausage. Every Friday morning when our buddies came around there it was; it was as if their Friday tradition was McDonald's breakfast sandwiches.

This is the kind of thing that fill my mind...this, and every birthday of every friend I've ever had...oh, and a lot of old phone numbers.

2001 Pulitzer Prize Finalist and Winner

One of the best books I have ever read is A Heart-Breaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers.

Last night, I was searching Amazon.co.uk to see if I could purchase a few British versions of the book for some friends. As I was looking, I saw the "Pulitzer Prize Finalist" sticker on the cover. I remember having seen this before, but I had never taken the time to check to see what book received the prize in 2001.

Turns out it was The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon. My friend Alan gave me this book about 2 months ago, I took it to London, but have yet to finish reading it.

I called Alan right away. What a coincidence. His favorite book beat out mine for the Pulitzer Prize.
Not bad taste in literature, Alan.

Two great reads if you are looking...

Crossword Puzzle #4

In case you have missed out, or are interested in tracking my crossword-composing progress: #1, #2, #3

This week's:



(NOTE: You may click on the puzzle to enlarge it. At full-size it is usable)

Across
2. John Krasinski's role on The Office
5. Fast food, golden arches
9. American Idol winner 2006
10. Number of Musketeers
11. Airline of LOST fame
12. NBC weight loss show
13. Jenna Fischer's role on The Office
16. Radio DJ, "Disco Duck"
17. Actress killed off The O.C.


Down
1. Robots in Disguise: 7/4/07
3. Island off West Africa
4. Writer/Director of Match Point
6. George Michael, pre-solo career
7. Survivor network
8. Singer: "Bad", "Thriller"
14. Instrument that allows you to see the stars
15. Mary-Kate & Ashley
17. Author of Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn

**Let me know if you are actually completing these!**

My Favorite Restaurants in the World #7

#7 (Remember these are in no order):

Garibaldi's in Chicago.

About a week ago, I went (with 5 others) to visit the Willow Student Ministries Department. On Friday afternoon, they took us to lunch at Garibaldi's. The food was delicious.

Now, keep in mind that this place was Zagat's Rating B at best. It was slightly dirty and very greasy, but 100% tasty. The prices were pretty reasonable as well.

They have everything a typical pizza place should have: pizza (very important), cheesy sandwiches (my choice, and I was very pleased), spaghetti and meatballs, greek salads.

Unfortunately, for most of you this restaurant may be a little too far out of reach...but, if you are ever in the area, stop in for a taste test...you won't be sorry.

Annie Smith disagrees

FYI, from the last post, I have heard Annie's opinion and she does not think this out-of-focus woman looks like her.

If you think about it, check out the actual poster when you are in Starbucks next time...and tell me what you think.

I think this looks like Annie Smith

I took this picture while I was waiting for my frappuccino.

I think the barista in the drawing looks like Annie Smith.

See for yourself:

Chicago Photos...

1) At the "Married With Children" fountain




2) At Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs...also in Sleepless in Seattle ("Somewhere where everytime I go around the corner I don't think of Maggie."--Sam Baldwin)

I hit 100 last night

Not in bowling (though I wish my scores were that high)...or in golf (though I wish my scores were that low).

In posts. This is actually #102.

In TV, the 100th episode is a big deal. It certifies your show as "Good TV" otherwise it wouldn't have lasted this long.

Does this mean my blog could be considered "Good Posting"? Probably not, even if people didn't read it, I'm pretty sure I'd keep posting.

Can you name some TV shows that have hit 100 episodes?
I'll start: FRIENDS (And, FYI: The 100th episode of FRIENDS is called THE ONE HUNDREDTH and is the one where Phoebe gives birth to her brothers triplets.) Now if that isn't "Good TV" I don't know what is!

Guilty Pleasures #4

I love to talk to myself. Out loud.

I love to process things aloud in my car, in the shower, in my room, in my office (when Mariah's not around).

I really love to speak in a British accent. Or in a "speech impediment" voice (like Amy Poehler's character on SNL).

Today I stood in the bathroom, looking at myself in the mirror, practicing my speech impediment with fake JH announcement so that I can film a video next week...for about 10 minutes.

I love to pray aloud in a British accent.

Maybe it's blasphemous...but I like to think that God knows everything about me and loves it...why wouldn't He love the part of me that likes to pray out loud in a British accent?

P.S. I'm becoming quite good.

Allison Does Not Work Well With Others

Over the last few days I have had a few truly honest conversations with friends: they have been honest about me, to me.

Tonight a friend told me that I don't work well with others. At first I was caught off guard, but he went on to explain that since I want everything to be done well, I do everything myself. And in that way, I don't work well with others. Totally fair, and honest.

And true. I am aware that my standards are too high at times. But I don't want to cross off "team player" because of my high standards. Most of the time I define "team player" as one who is willing to help whomever, whenever. And I think, in that respect, I could be considered a team player...I want to help get things done...and I want them to be done well.

But, when is excellence a ridiculous thing to expect? Is there anything that is too small to necessitate excellence?

If we are serving the Lord, why would we not put our all in to it?

At what point does pouring our everything in to ministry turn in to being too dry to truly serve the Lord?

I don't want to be difficult to work with. I don't.
But I don't want to sacrifice our excellence level either.

Chicago...

It was so great. I love going on a trip and hanging out. I also love going on a trip and running around, seeing everything.
I guess I just love going on trips.

We spent most of our time with the JH team from Willow Creek. We had a great time. They had planned so much for us: they took us to lunch, let us peek over their shoulders as they put the finishing touches on their weekend, took us out on a boat, with jet skis, wakeboards, etc. (I had jeans on, so I played observer). They ordered Chicago deep dish pizza...which was so delicious that I was sad when I got full, I wanted to eat more...We watched 2 JH services and 1 HS service...We hung out at the JH pastor's house and played darts, watched football and laughed a lot. We went to see Gridiron Gang, we drove through downtown Chicago...It was honestly a blast.

I made pages of notes on things that we could do to improve our ministry. Not even anything super dramatic, just small pieces that they are doing well that I think we could do well as well. (that was meant to be funny, but I think it came across as awkward).

Some Highlights:
* Testing the "Diet Coke & Mentos" phenomenon.
Kurt, Shaun and some of the Willow staff put a bunch (6-10) Mentos in their mouth and poured Diet Coke in too. It shot everywhere. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard with a crowd of people I'd known for 12 hours.

* Driving in the Gay District of Chicago
On the way from Sears Tower to Wrigley Field we took a wrong turn and ended up in Gaysville. No joke: Cocktail, Parrot Bar, Ram, ManHole, GayMart...these are not fictitious names...

* Talking and laughing with Katie until 2:30am
We were in such fun conversation that we didn't even realize what time it was. It was really nice to have someone to relax and hang with.

Okay, now it sounds like I'm writing in a yearbook.
Suffice to say, it was a productive trip.
I'll keep you posted on upcoming changes to our ministry per this trip.

My Favorite Restaurants in the World #6

I know these are supposed to appear on Saturdays, but I figured since I missed it, you probably did too.
Thus, I will post it on Tuesday.

The featured restaurant for today is: Lucille's BBQ, located in Brea, CA...quite near to the Brea Mall (and "The Hat"-the original).

Though I have not been to the South, I like to think that Lucille's is as close to authentic Southern food as you can get in CA.

Let me explain: the beverages are served in little jars...alongside the drinks they serve hot biscuits with apple butter...Then comes the main course. Typically, I order a few side dishes in lieu of a main course...that way I get a small portion of everything I wanted to order. So, with Matt Jensen's full rack of ribs (only about $30, not too bad) comes my sides: macaroni & cheese (which is mouth wateringly delicious), garlic mashed potatoes (also high class), and an appetizer of chicken fingers, or something to make me feel less stupid for ordering 2 side dishes.

Now, I never said this place was low-carb...looking at my order you might wonder if there is anything healthy. I think there are some salads on the menu, but who wants lettuce when you could be eating homemade mac & cheese? Not I.

Honestly. If you have the means, I highly recommend checking it out.

I told Matt Jensen that I would buy him a full rack of ribs for each Harry Potter book he finished. Needless to say, we have not been back since. (That was a year ago!)

Actual Google Searches That Lead Here: Vol. 2

a) Chicago rules...or at least the Willow JH staff.
b) I don't have much more time, so I just decided to post

Actual Google Searches That Lead Here:
world's ugliest dog
fair Sept OR September "Brian Litrell" -video -welcome -healthy
"kidnapped", nbc, song lyrics
matt hibbard

It's my kind of town...

So, in 31 minutes we're leaving for Chicago.
I've never been before, so I'm really excited.

I'm traveling with my friend Katie, so I'm excited about that, too.

We're heading out to Willow Creek to check out their Student Ministries programs. My main focus is to watch how they incorporate and empower their weekend leaders.

With our JH ministry at the largest its ever been (at least weekend attendance-wise), we're going to have to step-up the relational side of our weekends.

I'm not sure if I'll get to blog while I'm gone...I'll try...otherwise, be prepared for a boat-load when I return!

Fall Season--Survivor

Today in the office we started what, I hope, will be a small tradition for the Junior High team.

We sent around the CBS website for Survivor.

Everyone had to choose the winner. Based solely on picture and biography. It was a 'first respond/first choice'.

I chose Sundra.

Matt Hall chose Cao Boi (and then wrote "Giddy Up"). I laughed pretty loud about that...

More to come as the season progresses...