This blog is resisting my attempts to upload pictures and I can not have that !  I am only interesting if I have pictures !


     Consequently, I have started a new blog at www.nicksagenius.wordpress.com .  I will try here again but I think there's something seriously wrong.

Brooklyn Roots

 

      My dad, 1957 or 1958.  In front of our apartment in Brooklyn, New York.  I went to Google Street View and saw that the street looked pretty much the same.  I became determined to get there.

    
     I am in NYC for my nephew's college graduation.  I snuck over to the old neighborhood in the rain and snapped a half-dozen pictures.  This one is the closest to the original.  I hoped for a trustworthy local to walk by so the picture could include ME, but I was disappointed.  We'll see if I can get back here with reinforcements on Wednesday before I head back home to Boston.

     

Typical Sunday at the 99

     No matter what I do, I cannot keep up with this guy ( Scott ).  My glass in the foreground; his in the background.

     At least I read the paper faster. 

 

Phantom Gourmet Safari

     I went to Suffolk Downs for the former "Hot Dog" Safari, now being run by the Andelman sons of Phantom Gourmet fame.  There were far fewer hot dog vendors and a lot more variety.

     Every time we turned around, we saw Eddie Andelman.  After the fourth time, I said to my friend "I should've had you take a picture of me with Eddie".  Now we couldn't find the guy anywhere.

     As we were leaving after searching high and low for him, we found him at the last spot by the exit.  So I got my picture. 

     On my way to breakfast.  Only one in this car as it left Braintree at 6:25.

 

 

     At My Diner, A Street, South Boston.  Corned beef hash, three eggs over easy, home fires, wheat toast, coffee.  Very good hash.

     After breakfast, a short ride to Harvard Square.  I hit Out-Of-Town News for, well, something from out of town.  The latest copy of Paris Match and last Sunday's Daily Mail.  The T platform was deserted.
     The train showed up after a short wait and I made my way back to Quincy.

Breakfast . . . and Lunch !

          After breakfast at Mul's in Southie, I waited on a deserted platform for the Braintree train.

          Later on, this was the scene at the 99.  Scott is ahead of me, but I'll catch up. 

Baza Market Again

          When I really like something, I stick with it.  This is zlany, which is mashed potatoes, egg, and ground chicken, stuffed chicken breast, lamb meatloaf, and cabbage with sausages.  I think I included every form of meat that there is.

          Waiting for the bus, Quincy Center T station.  It was only 15 minutes, but it felt longer.  Don't drink and drive !

Breakfast !

          Breakfast this morning at OB's Cafe in North Quincy.  Scrambled eggs, hash, home fries, toast ( sourdough bread toast ! ).  It's really good.

Grilled Chicken ( indoors )

          I put 3 chicken breast halves in a bag with oil and seasonings and let them marinate and then tossed them into my expensive Calphalon grill pan ( it was a gift - I don't think I would spend that kind of money ).

          They were  .  .  .  okay.  I still haven't hit on the right combination of seasonings. 

Baza For Lunch Again !

          I decided to go to Baza Market again for lunch today.  I got sauerkraut and sausages, stuffed cabbage, lamb meatloaf, and potatoes and mushrooms.  It is wonderful.

          I can have all of this meat because for Lent I gave up  .  .  .  .  observing Lent !  

Breakfast !

          Breakfast is my favorite meal and I treat myself sometimes on the weekend.  This is scrambled eggs, corned beef hash, home fries and toast at OB's Cafe in North Quincy.  I heard of the place on the Quincy Daily Photo site and thought I'd give it a try.  I actually went back on Sunday and had their traditional Irish breakfast ( sorry no picture ! ).

Salad !

          I cannot remember the last time I had a salad for lunch.  It's been too long, and I could use some healthy ingredients for a change.  This came from Sudbury Farms and it's very good.

Mystery Ingredient

          I enjoyed yesterday's lunch so much that I went back today.  We have stuffed cabbage, rice pilaf, chicken and cabbage ( sauerkraut ) and . . . the mystery item.  There was no label at the hot food bar so I took a chance.

          It seems to be chicken and pork wrapped in . . .something.  It's actually pretty good, whatever it is. 

Eastern European Lunch

           

          I had read some blog reviews of this place and decided to try it.  It's called Baza Market and it's close by in Newton.

          This is stuffed cabbage ( rice and ground pork ), lamb raviolis, and potatoes with mushrooms.  It's pretty good.

          I will definitely go there again.  It was a little intimidating not being able to read the labels on some items, but, what's the worst that can happen ?  I end up eating something I never had before ?  Sounds like a bonus.

           

Deli Sandwich

     Today in the balmy 65 degree Northeast we have a  *special*  lunchtime treat . . . tongue !  I went to Barry's Village Deli in Waban ( Newton ).  It is wonderful, although my co-workers are giving me funny looks.  The half-sour pickle that comes with it is delicious, too. 

Gators !

          I just spent a week in Orlando at Gaylord Palms.  What a place!  They have small Alligators living there.  It's pretty cool.

          
          There is also a lagoon with a boat in it ( indoors ! ).  It is a bar and restaurant and is a great place to have a tropical drink.
          The lagoon is stocked with some of the biggest fish I have ever seen.  I did not find out what they were, but some of the other pools were full of Koi, which are Japanese carp.

 

Marina Bay, Quincy, MA in Winter

     Marina Bay, vibrant in the nice weather, is almost deserted at the beginning of March.  The restaurants and bars are still open, but, without the outdoor seating, the place is so 

much quieter. 

Chili ( again )

 First, we have ground beef ( also known as "hamburger" ).  Browned and then the fat and grease is spooned off and dumped into an old coffee can.

 Meanwhile ( in my Martha Stewart dutch oven ) I saute bacon, scallions, and 5 jalapenos ( diced ).

The finished product.  I have been sprinkling in shredded cheese and it really tastes good.