Dear Oakley Wire 2.0,
I try to never love anything that can't love me back, but I think you can actually love me, so...
I love you. I really love you. You've benchmarked my life more than you will ever understand.
You've been with me through 26.2 miles, Emory Peak numerous times, Wheeler Peak, so many backpacking trips I can't remember and Estes Peak in the cold rain. We've been kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico; spent time, just you and me, on nude beaches. San Francisco, Sturgis, and the Caribbean, many drunken trips down the Guadalupe...and the following 6th street binges.
We've spent, probably, 10,000 miles running together and over 80,000 miles on a bike.
You've outlasted a fantastic marriage. Sorry about that overnight trip to Lew Sterrett.
Also I want to apologize for not remembering our first date. But pictures of us go as far back as the White Rock Marathon in 1996. So I'm going to call it 13+ years. Who in this world doesn't lose a pair of sunglasses in 13 years? I assure you, you were my only one during that time. And you should know that, because we've been together everyday of that 13+ years. EVERYDAY!
I never cheated, I never even LOOKED at another pair of sunglasses. I remember, twice, your earsocks and nose pieces were threadbare. I called Oakley and they sent new ones ($5.95 included shipping) on two-day delivery.
Then several months ago we had the same problem. I, as usual, called Oakley and they immediately responded. But this time with the wrong nosepieces. I called customer service and let them know the problem and they sent a "fix-it all-maintenance kit". They overnighted it. No charge.
But it still didn't work. It seems you're discontinued as well as your replacement parts.
I've done everything I can think of to patch this thing together including SuperGlu, but I don't think we'll be able to continue. So I'm moving on. Tonight I've ordered the Half Wire 2.0.
Just a reminder, I love you and always will.
Sincerely and with undying love,
Brent
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Garmin Forerunner 305 - Info Overload? The Display
As I mentioned in this post the 305 does everything but cook dinner (which I DON'T need a substitute to do, thank you very much). But I'm not too hip on punching buttons, changing fields, refreshing displays, etc on my watch during a run. Just give me some info, baby!
I'm okay with using the "lap" function and of course the "start/stop". But even for a pseudo-geeky guy like me having three buttons closely in a row, one button on the other side and a fake button similar to the Nike Triax (what's up with the fake button Nike?) is a bit confounding. It's also a distraction from my main purpose...ehhh...RUNNING!
With that being said, Garmin has made a cool move by putting the Lap and Start/Stop buttons on the face of the unit. Genius!
And it gets better...
Remember all of the info it records? The display allows up to 4 fields to be monitored at one time Like this:
Dang-it, that's pah-CON pie. (photo credit to D Magazine.)
This one:
As you can see (and very clearly even for us visually challenged) it's easy to read, I've set mine to display Elapsed Time, Heart Rate, Pace (minutes per mile) and Total Distance.
There's really no other immediate feedback I need during this part of my training; however, if I did, I could easily capture it once the data is imported to the accompanying software.
Software review to follow.
I'm okay with using the "lap" function and of course the "start/stop". But even for a pseudo-geeky guy like me having three buttons closely in a row, one button on the other side and a fake button similar to the Nike Triax (what's up with the fake button Nike?) is a bit confounding. It's also a distraction from my main purpose...ehhh...RUNNING!
With that being said, Garmin has made a cool move by putting the Lap and Start/Stop buttons on the face of the unit. Genius!
And it gets better...
Remember all of the info it records? The display allows up to 4 fields to be monitored at one time Like this:
Dang-it, that's pah-CON pie. (photo credit to D Magazine.)This one:
As you can see (and very clearly even for us visually challenged) it's easy to read, I've set mine to display Elapsed Time, Heart Rate, Pace (minutes per mile) and Total Distance.There's really no other immediate feedback I need during this part of my training; however, if I did, I could easily capture it once the data is imported to the accompanying software.
Software review to follow.
BBQ Sauce Taste-off: Bad Brad's vs. Head Country
I've loved Head Country BBQ sauce every since I first tasted it in 1981 or so. It is so perfect (to me) I measure all others against it. So let describe my perfect BBQ sauce...
I'm a fan of Kansas City style BBQ sauce - tomato based, gentle smokiness, slightly sweet, vinegar twang and a short spicy kick to finish. Head Country has this nailed, although maybe a bit of a thin consistency for most folks, it's perfect for me.
My method: I tasted both sauces (Head Country Original and Bad Brad's Hot) straight-up and with smoked sausage.
FYI - both bottle's ingredient list were identical (ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, liquid smoke, seasonings and salt) and in the same order, if that matters.
Bad Brad's is mighty tasty; deep smokey flavor, thick consistency, deep brick color and spicy. I like spicy foods, but I can't imagine a whole plate of ribs(pork) with this sauce. The lack of sweetness only intensified the heat and there was no acidic palate cleansing from the vinegar. In fact, I couldn't identify a vinegar component to the sauce. All-in-all a two note sauce that clung to the taste buds.
Does that mean I don't like it? Heck, no! I love this stuff, it's what I think of when I think of Texas Style BBQ. It'll be awesome on BBQ brisket or beef ribs. And I bet it'd make a lively chopped BBQ sandwich. But for sausage, which has it's own complexities going on, or for pork ribs ( I imagine) it's a bit overpowering.
Bad Brad's - 1 pt. BBQ sauce = $4.50
Head Country - 1 pt. BBQ sauce = $3.50
Another BTW...both pint bottles are 18 oz. When did that rule change?
I'm a fan of Kansas City style BBQ sauce - tomato based, gentle smokiness, slightly sweet, vinegar twang and a short spicy kick to finish. Head Country has this nailed, although maybe a bit of a thin consistency for most folks, it's perfect for me.
My method: I tasted both sauces (Head Country Original and Bad Brad's Hot) straight-up and with smoked sausage.
FYI - both bottle's ingredient list were identical (ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, liquid smoke, seasonings and salt) and in the same order, if that matters.
Bad Brad's is mighty tasty; deep smokey flavor, thick consistency, deep brick color and spicy. I like spicy foods, but I can't imagine a whole plate of ribs(pork) with this sauce. The lack of sweetness only intensified the heat and there was no acidic palate cleansing from the vinegar. In fact, I couldn't identify a vinegar component to the sauce. All-in-all a two note sauce that clung to the taste buds.
Does that mean I don't like it? Heck, no! I love this stuff, it's what I think of when I think of Texas Style BBQ. It'll be awesome on BBQ brisket or beef ribs. And I bet it'd make a lively chopped BBQ sandwich. But for sausage, which has it's own complexities going on, or for pork ribs ( I imagine) it's a bit overpowering.
Bad Brad's - 1 pt. BBQ sauce = $4.50
Head Country - 1 pt. BBQ sauce = $3.50
Another BTW...both pint bottles are 18 oz. When did that rule change?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
My Favorites - Marinara
Here's a scaled down recipe for my marinara that was popular for "comida y familia" or Family Meal in restaurant speak.
2 tbsp olive oil
1 carrot, chopped smallish
2 stalks celery, chopped smallish
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 heaping tablespoon dried basil
2 tsp red chili flakes
S&P as needed
3 cloves garlic, smashed and rough chopped
28 or so oz. can of diced tomatoes with juices
2 chicken bouillon cubes or 1 tbsp chicken base
2 oz unsalted butter
1/4 C loosely packed fresh basil
Heat oil to medium high in small stockpot, add carrot, celery, onion, bay leaf chili flakes, basil and a bit of salt and pepper; saute gently until veg is tender and slightly caramelized. Add garlic and saute 1 minute longer. Reduce heat and add tomatoes and bouillon/base; simmer on low until tomatoes start to breakdown. Remove bay leaves (both) and puree until smooth with a stick blender. With blender still running slowly add butter in small pats then add basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
This is great served as is over the pasta of your choice with a generous grating of parm, or amend as you wish with: sauteed mushrooms, cooked chopped beef, roasted garlic, etc.
2 tbsp olive oil
1 carrot, chopped smallish
2 stalks celery, chopped smallish
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 heaping tablespoon dried basil
2 tsp red chili flakes
S&P as needed
3 cloves garlic, smashed and rough chopped
28 or so oz. can of diced tomatoes with juices
2 chicken bouillon cubes or 1 tbsp chicken base
2 oz unsalted butter
1/4 C loosely packed fresh basil
Heat oil to medium high in small stockpot, add carrot, celery, onion, bay leaf chili flakes, basil and a bit of salt and pepper; saute gently until veg is tender and slightly caramelized. Add garlic and saute 1 minute longer. Reduce heat and add tomatoes and bouillon/base; simmer on low until tomatoes start to breakdown. Remove bay leaves (both) and puree until smooth with a stick blender. With blender still running slowly add butter in small pats then add basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
This is great served as is over the pasta of your choice with a generous grating of parm, or amend as you wish with: sauteed mushrooms, cooked chopped beef, roasted garlic, etc.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A City of Dallas Parks and Recreation End Run
Why can't the City of Dallas be more transparent?
I applaud the City of Dallas for finally enforcing parking ordinances at one the the City's "crown jewels", White Rock Lake. It's expensive and labor intensive to establish and maintain green space. But then let cars park on it? Guess what happens to the temporary grassy parking lot when a sudden rain storm or worse, a show-off driver come into the picture? It's usually at least a season, perhaps longer, for the damage to be fully repaired.
Anyone with minimal involvement in special events should be well aware that adequate parking and port-a-potties are number one and number two (rimshot) on the "must have" list. The options are ug-ly. But for years event organizers, due to lack of appropriate parking, have been authorized to allow parking on grassy areas. Bad idea to begin with, but the P & R department is making a bad situation worse by citing "safety" as the primary reason for the sudden change.
Maybe its just me, but it seems the further away a mass influx of (usually excited) participants have to travel by foot, and often across busy highways, the bigger the safety issue.
Mark my words, this is a green space issue. For that I commend the City. For the City to indicate safety, which everyone supposes won't be questioned, I not only award shame, but also a "cry wolf" honorable mention.
Why can't the City just call it what it is...it's a green space issue? I think green space is a much more powerful persuader for runners and bicyclists than personal safety.
But surely this whole debacle is also focused on moving special events away from WRL and to less "busy" venues, such as Fair Park and (soon-to-be?) Trinity Park. Perhaps another great idea.
Another example of Dallas' great ideas just poor execution.
I applaud the City of Dallas for finally enforcing parking ordinances at one the the City's "crown jewels", White Rock Lake. It's expensive and labor intensive to establish and maintain green space. But then let cars park on it? Guess what happens to the temporary grassy parking lot when a sudden rain storm or worse, a show-off driver come into the picture? It's usually at least a season, perhaps longer, for the damage to be fully repaired.
Anyone with minimal involvement in special events should be well aware that adequate parking and port-a-potties are number one and number two (rimshot) on the "must have" list. The options are ug-ly. But for years event organizers, due to lack of appropriate parking, have been authorized to allow parking on grassy areas. Bad idea to begin with, but the P & R department is making a bad situation worse by citing "safety" as the primary reason for the sudden change.
Maybe its just me, but it seems the further away a mass influx of (usually excited) participants have to travel by foot, and often across busy highways, the bigger the safety issue.
Mark my words, this is a green space issue. For that I commend the City. For the City to indicate safety, which everyone supposes won't be questioned, I not only award shame, but also a "cry wolf" honorable mention.
Why can't the City just call it what it is...it's a green space issue? I think green space is a much more powerful persuader for runners and bicyclists than personal safety.
But surely this whole debacle is also focused on moving special events away from WRL and to less "busy" venues, such as Fair Park and (soon-to-be?) Trinity Park. Perhaps another great idea.
Another example of Dallas' great ideas just poor execution.
Garmin Forerunner 305 - Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?
The 305 has so many capabilities...so does a 5th grader. I think it's time to do a comparison...
Garmin - keeps time; 5th grader - tells time = push
Garmin - GPS included; 5th grader - knows geography = push
Garmin - monitors HR; 5th grader - knows heart anatomy = advantage 5th grader
Garmin - monitors pace; 5th grader - wants Pace® salsa on Doritos® chips = advantage Garmin
Garmin - tracks distance; 5th grader - mind wanders = advantage Garmin
Garmin - not for swimming; 5th grader - washes dishes = advantage 5th grader
Garmin - doesn't talk back; 5th grader - asks too many questions = advantage and winner, Garmin
Seriously, the 305 does much more than I expected. Here's a fairly solid list of training info; however much more info can be mined such as max HR, grade, etc from the software graphs:
1. Time
a. lap
b. lap average
c. last lap
d. paused time
e. time of day
2. Cadence (cadence sensor and bicycle not included)
a. average cadence
b. lap cadence
3. Calories (est on user input data, weight and age)
4. Date
5. Distance
a. lap distance
b. last lap distance
c. paused distance
6. Elevation
7. GPS accuracy
a. GPS tracking
b. GPS waypoints
c. GPS - help me get home
8. Heading (real time compass)
9. Heart Rate
a. average HR
b. lap HR
c. HR zone (user determined)
10. Laps
11. Pace
a. average pace
b. best pace
c. lap pace
d. last lap
e. pace zone
12. Sunrise
13. Sunset
I'm not sure it's actually SMARTER than a 5th grader, but certainly a better training partner.
Garmin - keeps time; 5th grader - tells time = push
Garmin - GPS included; 5th grader - knows geography = push
Garmin - monitors HR; 5th grader - knows heart anatomy = advantage 5th grader
Garmin - monitors pace; 5th grader - wants Pace® salsa on Doritos® chips = advantage Garmin
Garmin - tracks distance; 5th grader - mind wanders = advantage Garmin
Garmin - not for swimming; 5th grader - washes dishes = advantage 5th grader
Garmin - doesn't talk back; 5th grader - asks too many questions = advantage and winner, Garmin
Seriously, the 305 does much more than I expected. Here's a fairly solid list of training info; however much more info can be mined such as max HR, grade, etc from the software graphs:
1. Time
a. lap
b. lap average
c. last lap
d. paused time
e. time of day
2. Cadence (cadence sensor and bicycle not included)
a. average cadence
b. lap cadence
3. Calories (est on user input data, weight and age)
4. Date
5. Distance
a. lap distance
b. last lap distance
c. paused distance
6. Elevation
7. GPS accuracy
a. GPS tracking
b. GPS waypoints
c. GPS - help me get home
8. Heading (real time compass)
9. Heart Rate
a. average HR
b. lap HR
c. HR zone (user determined)
10. Laps
11. Pace
a. average pace
b. best pace
c. lap pace
d. last lap
e. pace zone
12. Sunrise
13. Sunset
I'm not sure it's actually SMARTER than a 5th grader, but certainly a better training partner.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Garmin Forerunner 305 - Way Cool!
This is a piece of training equipment I'm so "on-board" with I could be called the conductor.
Geez...my HR is elevating just thinking about writing this, so....deep breath...let me start with the wrist unit.
As I previously stated the unit is no where near as big/bulky as I had imagined so that's a big plus.
Let me also add a "full disclosure" note: I'm kind of odd in the way I wear my watch, especially while running. I prefer the watch face on the inside of my wrist. I developed the habit early in my running/triathlon practice, feeling as if it were a more economical movement to check time. Later I found it a more discrete way to check time while enduring a boring meeting. The habit stuck.
An interesting aside: I also thought it would be a beneficial invention for the watch face to be "cocked" to about 2 o'clock for a greater ease of reading. Nike stole the idea with their Triax series which I've worn for the past many years. Hopefully Garmin will take note for the future (505?) model.
Full disclosure = full digression
Being aware of the funky way I prefer to wear my wrist watch I was concerned the antenna might have trouble receiving signals. Not a problem. So far I've even been able to pick up signals indoors, including deep into the wine section of Central Market.
The band is comfortable, easy to adjust and a bonus "extension" is included, with an installation tool.
Next up - the display, function buttons, HR monitoring, Garmin Training Center software, and other available software.
Geez...my HR is elevating just thinking about writing this, so....deep breath...let me start with the wrist unit.
As I previously stated the unit is no where near as big/bulky as I had imagined so that's a big plus.
Let me also add a "full disclosure" note: I'm kind of odd in the way I wear my watch, especially while running. I prefer the watch face on the inside of my wrist. I developed the habit early in my running/triathlon practice, feeling as if it were a more economical movement to check time. Later I found it a more discrete way to check time while enduring a boring meeting. The habit stuck.
An interesting aside: I also thought it would be a beneficial invention for the watch face to be "cocked" to about 2 o'clock for a greater ease of reading. Nike stole the idea with their Triax series which I've worn for the past many years. Hopefully Garmin will take note for the future (505?) model.
Full disclosure = full digression
Being aware of the funky way I prefer to wear my wrist watch I was concerned the antenna might have trouble receiving signals. Not a problem. So far I've even been able to pick up signals indoors, including deep into the wine section of Central Market.
The band is comfortable, easy to adjust and a bonus "extension" is included, with an installation tool.
Next up - the display, function buttons, HR monitoring, Garmin Training Center software, and other available software.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Garmin Forerunner 305 - Out of the Box Impressions
First of all, Amazon.com and FedEx teamed up to send the Forerunner 540 miles over 6 days. Can anyone say Pony Express? At the end of the 6th day the Forerunner was handed off to USPS, who needed exactly 8 hours to move it 170 miles.
Amazon and FedEx team up for one of the most ungreen deliveries I've ever witnessed. And Amazon, is it really necessary to pack a 6"x6"x6" box in a 12"x8"x6" box with all that synthetic packing material?
I'm so finished with Amazon I won't even link to it's website, but a reminder.
But on to better business...the Garmin Forerunner 305, just out of the box:
Amazon and FedEx team up for one of the most ungreen deliveries I've ever witnessed. And Amazon, is it really necessary to pack a 6"x6"x6" box in a 12"x8"x6" box with all that synthetic packing material?
I'm so finished with Amazon I won't even link to it's website, but a reminder.
But on to better business...the Garmin Forerunner 305, just out of the box:
- This thing isn't so big, and it looks kinda cool
- The shade of red is one of my favs
- I've never seen a USB plug straight into a wall socket, but I'm up for trying new stuff
- Everything snaps together, no need to read the instructions
- Software and driver download = smooth
- And an unexpected bonus, the 305 uses the same USB connector as my digital camera
Thursday, May 7, 2009
All Good Things Must Come to an End - Amazon, I'm Lookin' at You
Dear Amazon.com,
You've been such a good friend, comforting me when I feel down. You've suggested things that improved my life. And when I've been far, far away you've brought me joy via my computer screen. Alas, as with all good things, complacency has become woven into your manner and is now expressed as indifference with a lack of dependability.
First it was small things, forgetfulness and lack of attention, I supposed, and being tardy with your promised expectations. Then it grew to rerouted promises and missed delivery dates. And now the Kiss of Death, the lack of honest communication.
For four days now you've been promising a package was shipped, but a few moments ago I received a message from your good friend and ally, USPS , stating you had just now informed them of your INTENTION to ship a package to me.
And now...not even acknowledging simple emails.
These hidden mysteries are less than I deserve and more than I care to endure.
Yes, Amazon, it was nice while it lasted, but I only care to associate you with fond memories of mirth, anticipation and joy. I will no longer facilitate your self-destruction.
I want to not only thank you for the wonderful interaction, but also for allowing me to fully understand my lack of need for e-commerce and embrace my sincere need for brick-and-mortar.
Sincerely with many oh-so-sweet memories,
Brent
You've been such a good friend, comforting me when I feel down. You've suggested things that improved my life. And when I've been far, far away you've brought me joy via my computer screen. Alas, as with all good things, complacency has become woven into your manner and is now expressed as indifference with a lack of dependability.
First it was small things, forgetfulness and lack of attention, I supposed, and being tardy with your promised expectations. Then it grew to rerouted promises and missed delivery dates. And now the Kiss of Death, the lack of honest communication.
For four days now you've been promising a package was shipped, but a few moments ago I received a message from your good friend and ally, USPS , stating you had just now informed them of your INTENTION to ship a package to me.
And now...not even acknowledging simple emails.
These hidden mysteries are less than I deserve and more than I care to endure.
Yes, Amazon, it was nice while it lasted, but I only care to associate you with fond memories of mirth, anticipation and joy. I will no longer facilitate your self-destruction.
I want to not only thank you for the wonderful interaction, but also for allowing me to fully understand my lack of need for e-commerce and embrace my sincere need for brick-and-mortar.
Sincerely with many oh-so-sweet memories,
Brent
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
My Favorites - Margarita
Well, it's 5:00 on the fifth day of the fifth month...time to round-off the Cinco de Mayo meal with a margarita. Not long ago I asked a few friends where they thought the best margarita in Dallas was served. The answers ranged from Gloria's to Vera Cruz, from Ojedas to La Calle Doce. All of which I've tested at one time or the other, and all are well above passable...except Ojeda's, which I can't remember...so strong.
The major drawback for most restaurant margaritas is the use of the bar mixer Sweet-n-Sour instead of fresh squeezed lime juice, the use of Triple Sec instead of Cointreau, and, of course, cheap tequila.
Here's a perfect margarita (in my mind).
Coarse salt for rimming the glass
1 1/2 oz tequila, I prefer Sauza Hornitos Plata
1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
1/2 oz Cointreau
Rub the glass rim with lime (top and outside only, never the inside of the rim)
dip in salt, fill with ice (always served on-the-rocks)
add tequila, lime juice and Contreau
stir, sip responsibily, don't drive
The major drawback for most restaurant margaritas is the use of the bar mixer Sweet-n-Sour instead of fresh squeezed lime juice, the use of Triple Sec instead of Cointreau, and, of course, cheap tequila.
Here's a perfect margarita (in my mind).
Coarse salt for rimming the glass
1 1/2 oz tequila, I prefer Sauza Hornitos Plata
1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
1/2 oz Cointreau
Rub the glass rim with lime (top and outside only, never the inside of the rim)
dip in salt, fill with ice (always served on-the-rocks)
add tequila, lime juice and Contreau
stir, sip responsibily, don't drive
My Favorites - Guacamole
While we're at it, May 5th, let's get the guac right. I used to go through a case of avocados everyday, so I know a little something-something about guacamole production. Just like most Mexican influenced dishes, use the KISS principle. Keep it Simple and Spicy.
Here are the ingredients:
6 medium avocados, ripe (completely dark skin with only a slight give to pressure)
Juice from 2 small limes
Juice from 1 small lemon
2 large jalapenos, seeded and finely diced (taste each pepper for degree of spiciness, adjust quantity accordingly)
1 C. red onion, diced
4 medium cloves garlic, smashed to a paste (sprinkle with a little coarse salt to facilitate the mashing)
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves, minced (take time to pick the stems)
sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Rough mash the avocados with the citrus juice; fold in the onions, japs, garlic, cumin and cilantro; season and adjust the balance with additional lemon juice.
Do not mash to a smooth consistency, handle gently and make sure to leave it slightly chunky. Using a molcajete earns extra points.
Use a sturdy chip for dipping. I recommend these.
Here are the ingredients:
6 medium avocados, ripe (completely dark skin with only a slight give to pressure)
Juice from 2 small limes
Juice from 1 small lemon
2 large jalapenos, seeded and finely diced (taste each pepper for degree of spiciness, adjust quantity accordingly)
1 C. red onion, diced
4 medium cloves garlic, smashed to a paste (sprinkle with a little coarse salt to facilitate the mashing)
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves, minced (take time to pick the stems)
sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Rough mash the avocados with the citrus juice; fold in the onions, japs, garlic, cumin and cilantro; season and adjust the balance with additional lemon juice.
Do not mash to a smooth consistency, handle gently and make sure to leave it slightly chunky. Using a molcajete earns extra points.
Use a sturdy chip for dipping. I recommend these.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
My Favorites - Taco
In honor of Cinco de Mayo...
I grew up expecting a taco to have a crisp u-shaped corn tortilla (store bought) for a shell, filled with ground beef seasoned from a packet, topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese and chopped tomatoes. As my culinary horizons expanded, our family explored “soft” tacos…the same fillings only rolled in a flour tortilla that had been lightly buttered, stacked and wrapped in foil and heated in the oven. Technically the soft tacos are burritos; however, one of my well respected true-Mexican friends simply calls them an effin’ Gringo wrap.
Both dishes...delicious, baby, delicious!
But…since then I’ve eaten a wide variety of “authentic” tacos and have decided the simpler, the better.
Lately I'd been craving a street taco and decided two would be for lunch last Thursday. A drive through East Dallas and I spotted a quick stop with a “Mexican Tacos” sign in the window. Ahhh, Nirvana. As I entered I noticed I was the only Gringo in the place (a good sign). The menu was handwritten in Spanish with subtitles in broken, misspelled English (another good sign). The short, chubby Mexican woman greeted me in Spanish (awesome sign). I ordered a carnita and a barbacoa taco. She asked if I wanted cilantro, onion and jalapeno. ¡Sì, gracias! By now I’m hypersalivating, but then…she asked if I wanted corn or flour tortillas. What! (not a good sign), but I replied “corn”.
She then pulled four thin, packaged corn tortillas and tossed them on the flat-top. My heart sank. Not to say one must make tortillas from scratch, but to have to use TWO packaged tortillas for one taco is an unacceptable shortcut. As she piled on the meat then added the cilantro and onions I thought she may have redeemed herself.
Exactly 29.5 seconds later, in the parking lot, I massaged one of the tacos with my teeth. Juice dripped on my shoes (a must), but where’s the flavor? The meat was perfectly tender, but no seasoning what-so-ever. Ahhh…squeeze of lime…better but can one seriously save underseasoned overcooked meat? Nope.
All in all a disappointing meal. I ate both, but still was disappointed.
So here’s how to do a simple, yet tasty taco.
I start with the meat, a rib-eye steak, cut as thin as possible with a sharp chefs knife, about 3/8 inch thick. Seasoned aggressively, I use Julio’s, then let it rest and warm to room temperature while doing the simple prep. Dice equal parts red onion with minced cilantro and a small clove of garlic smashed and minced and a few paper thin slices of radish. Mix together with course sea salt and just enough XVOO to moisten. Cover and let set at room temp. Cut a room temp lime into wedges.
Heat a cast iron skillet to rip-roaring hot, add a small pat of butter and the steak. Flash fry on one side for about 90 seconds (until lightly carmelized), then flip over for another 90 or so seconds. Remove to a cutting board and rest it under foil.
For the tortillas, they should be thick enough to remain soft when slightly toasted on the outside. I use La Tortilla Factory’s organic white corn.
While the steak is resting wipe the cast iron skillet and add the tortillas. Make sure to let the torts start toasting before removing.
Slice meat thinly, lay across tort, add a spoonful, or two, of the cilantro/onion salsa, squeeze of lime and chew. Slowly. Chew.
Make sure you’re sitting down because these tacos are so good you'll be dizzy.
Pulling the Trigger - Garmin Forerunner 305
Guilty, I finally did it. After months of contemplating, researching and pondering I ordered the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Heart Rate monitor and all around training buddy.
A fitness-y friend recommended one several months ago and was such a proponent of the device it spurred my techno-geek-fitness-enthusiast within. But…just wasn’t worth the 300 clam price tag. Yesterday, on a whim, I found one for a bill-sixty-eight on Amazon. Sold!
Now for the challenge…put this thing through its paces and determine its worth. Just wrist candy or worth the extra weight and bulk? Questions I’ll answer.
Starting the review I must fully disclose. I'm cynical.
The thing only comes in RED. Come on Garmin, can't you at least offer it in blue without making me step down a model? Shades of silver/greyscale/black would work, too. Geez...I have to buy all new outfits to match the 305! (kidding)
It appears to be HUGE. Could it be confused with a law enforcement wrist monitoring unit?
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