Mexican Gazpacho

Oooh boy, summer in a bowl. I made this last year, and as soon as it FINALLY started to warm up here, I jumped at the chance to make it again. I go heavier on the poblano chiles, add an extra piece of bread to the crumbs mixture and usually fry up more bread cubes to sprinkle on top as croutons. My favorite part is the mango chunks and crispy bits of radish. I brought this to a potluck party once and my friend who claimed to never really get into chilled soups said it was delicious. But to be fair, it's not really even like a soup, more like an excuse to pile a bunch of fresh stuff into an amazing salsa.

Recipe from The Spiced Life, found here.

Espresso and chamomile

Ok, first things first: OMSI After Dark is awesome. They (Oregon Science Museum peoples) stay open late for the 21 and over, with microbreweries set up in booths all over the place. There are special activities and presentations geared towards adults (think: Taiko drumming and the science behind beer tricks, not XXX) and music, and you get a pint glass and there was a sausage truck and and and...PROS: Awesome! Beer! Science! No kids!
CONS: Really crowded and long lines.

Just had to throw that in there because for some reason I really like it when reviews sum it all up in a "Pros" vs "Cons" sorta way.

I was at first determined to sample all the brews available at the event, but I abandoned that quest after a short while when I found myself gravitating towards two repeatedly.

Beer #1: Oakshire Espresso Stout by Oakshire Brewing
This stout was so crazy good I think Tara had two pints. Oakshire Brewing is in Eugene. While James immediately recognized it, I had never heard of it. This stout was heavenly, creamy, coffee, thick and smooth. I just purchased two bottles as a hard week's reward. And because I couldn't get it out of my mind.
PROS: Delicious. Stout. Tastes like coffee.
CONS: Filling! And I think it may have got me drunkish but who's to know?

Beer #2: Chamomellow by Buckman Brewery
This was the first sample that I tried and kept going back for, and then they ran out and I cried for two seconds before running over to the Oakshire stand again.
Chamomile beer. Two of the most comforting things in this world, beer and chamomile tea, got together and had a beautiful baby, that when imbibed, will immediately transport you to a state of relaxation and unicorns. For some reason, it just works. Looks like Buckman Brewery is right here in P-town; I will soon be hunting it down...
PROS: Beer was never more soothing. Herbal and light.
CONS: Beer was never more soothing.

Delicious Delicious Meat

Meat and charcuterie seem to be running themes while Noel, James and Tara were in San Francisco. It was Tara's birthday week, we had lots of fun and ate lots and lots of delicious meats!


Tara's reese's peanut butter cup birthday cake!


I made breakfast one morning while the guys were still sleeping, the weather was beautiful and I was awake at 8 in the morning, so I decided to take a walk and get ingredients at Whole Foods, where I recently discovered their deli (meat) counter! Meat and cheese, yum!


North Beach meat!




We took home some meat! Yummy yummy meat, that we ate at three in the morning, with Lee's baguette after a few drinks.


Tommy's Joint on Geary and VanNess, lunch line style, bring cash, you will find strong drinks, meat and mashed potatoes, and delicious pastrami sandwiches.


Noel's first trip to In and Out. It's not your typical fast-food joint.


And it's burgers instead!


Mandatory trip to get salt water taffy after In and Out.