Perpetual Carouse http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/ Eat it! en Copyright 2009 Tue, 13 May 2008 15:18:38 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Robots Awesome]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/05/robots.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/05/robots.html Drinking Reading cocktail robot San Francisco weird Tue, 13 May 2008 15:18:38 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Nopa Nopa earlier this week. It was easily the best meal I've had this year. The food was excellent, service was perfect (even while the restaurant was packed to the gills) and the company was great. My buddy Travis was in town from Portland, so we were celebrating his new baby, and my new job. Cheers all around. Highlights? Anything with the house-cured bacon. The warm goat cheese with crostini and pickled beets was pretty awesome too... and theoretically I hate beets. Bauer gave 'em three stars, but in my book, four definitely. I think Nopa is my new favorite. ]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/04/nopa.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/04/nopa.html Eating Michael Bauer Nopa restaurant San Francisco Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:06:50 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Don't EVER Make This friend of a friend, and I'd have to agree with his advice. Don't ever make this drink. Ever. Mint Juleps are awesome... one of my favorite drinks, but what the hell this crime against humanity and good bourbon is, I do not know. This bartender ought to be ashamed of herself. ]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/04/dont_ever_make_this.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/04/dont_ever_make_this.html Drinking Watching bad recipe bourbon cocktail mint julep video Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:12:11 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Thoughts on Top Chef 1. Ming Tsai is getting fat... but he's still a bad ass. 2. I get the idea of this challenge... being able to identify quality product is crucial for a chef. But... price is not the same as quality. Why are they showing the price of the respective items as an indicator of quality? http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/04/thoughts_on_top_chef.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/04/thoughts_on_top_chef.html Shopping Watching ingredients quality Top Chef TV Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:59:52 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Coffee Fetish $20,000 coffee machines are the new food fetish objects. I have a hard time wrapping my brain around spending that much on a coffee machine, even if intellectually I can understand how they might be really, really fantastic. Maybe. I have to think that the point of diminishing returns has to kick in somewhere well south of both these machines' price points, though. My $20 press pot brews up a pretty good cup, after all. The $20,000 Japanese machine has touched down in SF, so I'll post a full report when I get a chance to check it out. With any luck, I can convince some comrades in Portland to send us a report of the more modestly priced $11,000 miracle machine in use at Stumptown. Stay tuned. ]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/03/coffee_fetish.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/03/coffee_fetish.html Drinking coffee Portland really expensive food San Francisco Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:14:57 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Well, It's True Bacon Salt: Everything should taste like bacon. I can't say I disagree. ]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/02/well_its_true.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/02/well_its_true.html Eating Shopping bacon salt weird Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:01:32 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Trader Vic's Warehouse Sale! Via BoingBoing: Trader Vic's is having a warehouse sale to get rid of some of their surplus tiki stuff. If you've ever had fantasies of converting your basement into a tiki bar (and really, who hasn't?) get yourself over to Richmond, CA.
Trader Vic's Warehouse Sale
623 S. 32nd St.
Richmond, CA
Feb. 23-29
10a-7p
]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/02/trader_vics_warehouse_sale_1.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/02/trader_vics_warehouse_sale_1.html Drinking cocktail restaurant sale stuff tiki Trader Vic's Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:15:38 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Starbucks Competing For Your Couch Change Faced with growing competition from cheaper rivals, Starbucks Corp. is selling small cups of drip coffee for $1 with free refills as part of a test in its hometown. - AP, Via the Chron It's no secret that I hate the 'Bucks. Mostly, it's that whole thing with the coffee sucking and all, but I'm not into the pretentious faux-Italian either, nor the fact that every Starbucks everywhere looks like every Starbucks everywhere else. But seriously, does Starbucks need even longer lines than they already have? Really? ]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/01/starbucks_competing_for_your_c.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2008/01/starbucks_competing_for_your_c.html Drinking Reading chains coffee Starbucks Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:34:00 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Man Risks Death To Save Vodka chugged a liter of vodka rather than throw it out or pay to have the bottle checked as cargo. He was later admitted to the hospital for alcohol poisoning. In not-really-related news, I watched the airplane episode of Mythbusters last night, and unfortunately they did not address the myth of being able to hijack an airplane with a three ounce bottle of liquid that only has an ounce of liquid actually in it. So we're still stuck throwing out nearly everything before getting on a plane. Sigh. ]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/12/man_risks_death_to_save_vodka.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/12/man_risks_death_to_save_vodka.html Drinking Reading Watching vodka weird Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:48:08 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Gingerbread House: Disney Edition ]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/12/gingerbread_house_disney_editi.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/12/gingerbread_house_disney_editi.html Watching Disney gingerbread holiday sweets Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:09:25 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. The Martini Machine Via The Food Whore, I just discovered what is quite possibly the most useless appliance ever: an electric cocktail shaker. No, really. I about died when I saw a Boston shaker (ie, a pint glass + a big metal cup) for sale for $47 at my local Williams Sonoma a while back, but this electric shaker takes the cake for stupid overpriced crap. It's even worse than the bafflingly-popular margarita machines that are nothing more than a cheap blender with a spigot. Why do people buy this stuff? Is it really that hard to shake a cocktail, or to blend and pour a margarita? Nevermind that good margaritas are served on the rocks anyway. My Boston shaker cost about $5 at a restaurant supply store, and has outlasted at least four "fancier" (though non-electric) mutli-piece metal shakers (all of which leaked), and provided probably thousands of cocktails over the years. It goes in the dishwasher, doesn't leak, and the glass is just a standard pint glass, which means it can be replaced if I ever manage to break it. The best part is that the electric shaker is called the "Waring Pro Professional Electric Martini Maker." If you ever go into a bar, and the bartender uses one of these, find yourself another bar. And if your friend buys one? Point, laugh, and mock relentlessly.]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/12/the_martini_machine.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/12/the_martini_machine.html Drinking cocktail gear useless crap Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:21:54 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Drink (And Read) Local! Oakland Art Murmur, and I'll be there pouring local wines from Lost Canyon. Details here. absinthe.jpgAnd speaking of local booze, Alameda's Hangar One/St. George Spirits have just announced the upcoming release of their new Absinthe Verte on December 21. This is the first domestically-produced absinthe since it was banned in 1912. At $75 a pop, it's certainly not cheap, but it's sure to be delish, if you're into that whole black licorice thing. Helpfully, Hangar One is offering a free shuttle to their tasting room from West Oakland BART every weekend in December. From noon until six on Saturdays, or noon to five on Sundays, give them a call at 510-864-0635 for a pick-up. ]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/12/drink_and_read_local.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/12/drink_and_read_local.html Drinking absinthe Art Murmur Hangar One Lost Canyon Oakland St. George Spirits wine Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:26:17 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. ...I Also Want This Goat Cheese I can't leave this William Maxwell novel on the street, and yet I also want this goat cheese.

- Daniel Handler, on the ultra-portability of the new Amazon Kindle e-book reader The Kindle is getting mediocre reviews at best, and it's riddled with DRM and other usability issues, but I was amused by modern dilemmas it apparently solves, namely fitting your book and your cheese into your backpack at the same time.]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/11/i_also_want_this_goat_cheese.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/11/i_also_want_this_goat_cheese.html Shopping Amazon cheese Daniel Handler Kindle Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:34:16 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Anthony Bourdain in Oakland Anthony Bourdain," says my better half in between bites. "He does, sort of," I say through a mouthful of al pastor. I go back to my burrito. Then I notice that there's a guy with a tiny DV camera roaming around the parking lot. And he's filming the guy that looks like Anthony Bourdain. Wait a minute. Can it be? I finish off my burrito and wonder aloud, "Do you think that's really him?" We get up, wiping grease and sour cream off our chins and head over for a closer look. I walk toward "Anthony Bourdain" laughing at myself for even thinking I'd bump into Anthony Bourdain at a random taco truck in Oakland. I come around his right side, and as I turn to face him, I say the only thing I can think of at the time. "Holy shit, it's Anthony Bourdain." I know... smooth like butter, right? I can't believe that's what jumped out of my mouth. The thing is, I didn't really think it was going to be him. And I had taco grease on my shirt. He looks over at me, and gives me that half smile that celebs are so good at giving. I'm guessing it means "Don't bug me." I extend my hand, and he reaches out to shake it. Meanwhile, he's talking to a woman who's scribbling in a notebook. He gives me a little nod. "Enjoy your tacos," I say. Anthony Bourdain has freezing-cold hands. And he wears a gold thumb ring. The carnitas tacos and al pastor burritos at Mi Grullense are delicious. [Some Googling reveals that Bourdain is in town to do a book signing at Stacey's today. Book info via Amazon.] This post was mentioned in the 11/20/07 edition of Tablehopper, an excellent Bay Area food & wine newsletter. ]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/11/anthony_bourdain_in_oakland.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/11/anthony_bourdain_in_oakland.html Eating Anthony Bourdain burrito chef Oakland restaurant Tablehopper taco taco truck Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:19:08 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal. Lost Canyon Releasing New Pinot Saturday Lost Canyon are celebrating their newest wine with a release party this weekend. The 2006 Widdoes Vineyard pinot is Lost Canyon's first from this Russian River Valley vineyard, and the winemakers are calling it their Goldilocks wine... as in "just right." Lost Canyon turns out vineyard-designate pinots and syrahs, as well a viognier, and the new Widdoes may well be my favorite out of all their stellar wines. The harvest was low, and there are only about 300 cases of Widdoes to go around. My advice? Get it while you can. Taste the '06 Widdoes, and the rest of Lost Canyon's lineup at the release party on Saturday, November 17 from 1pm to 5pm. Lost Canyon Winery [map] 2102 Dennison Street Oakland, CA 94606 [Full Disclosure: I have a business relationship with Lost Canyon, but my appreciation of their wine predates that relationship. I am not receiving any compensation of any sort for mentioning their wines here. I just like the stuff, and gladly buy and drink it.] ]]> http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/11/lost_canyon_releasing_new_pino.html http://www.perpetualcarouse.com/2007/11/lost_canyon_releasing_new_pino.html Drinking Lost Canyon wine Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:13:59 -0800 If you're reading this somewhere other than in an RSS reader, then some jerk has stolen my content. Visit PerpetualCarouse.com to see the real deal.