tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360963612024-03-13T19:45:57.879-07:00"Reviews, Trends, Opinions and LOT'S of Fun Talk"We discuss everything from Restaurants, Global Trends, Retail, Product Reviews. We are always fair and provide only constructive criticism. (Fun Fruit Facts on Occasion)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-11563432234961240262013-06-10T19:30:00.001-07:002013-06-10T19:33:36.459-07:00Caseyville Cafe re Restaurant Impossible.This is a tough one to write about as I love to root for the underdog but I have to say, I am NOT surprised. Having been born and raised in the area it was kind of exciting to see a local restaurant being featured on Chef Irvine's show, Restaurant Impossible.
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As somewhat of an amateur chef who loves everything that is food with a devoted passion, I have always found it fun to visit restaurants featured on some of televisions great food programs. So today as I was passing through Caseyville I decided to pay the Caseyville Cafe a visit and try a few of the dishes that Chef Robert tried to improve in not only quality but cost as well.
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It didn't get off to a great start I must say, while the interior decor looks 150% better than prior, there was a disturbing odor that hit me right in the face as I entered. Okay, I decided to get around the smell and try a couple of dishes that Chef Robert added/changed to the menu. First thing I looked for on the soda and/or coffee stained menu was the Shrimp and Asparagus,Gone. Okay, despite how great it looked on the show, I was skeptical it would be a hit with the culinary tastes of Caseyville.
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Since there was no Shrimp I decided to move on and try the new version of Country Fried Steak ala Chef Robert. I was served a tough, dry tasteless piece of a low grade beef that most hospital cafeteria's wouldn't serve. The sides, "mashed potatoes" and fried corn on the cob. My first comment, someone owes my taste buds an apology for implying that mashed potatoes were on the way, they were highly offended by the soupy instant potatoes that arrived topped with a "just add water gravy".
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I could discuss the deep fried corn on the cob but it's simply not worth it.
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Disappointed to say the least.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-4510182662905275792013-05-28T19:28:00.001-07:002013-05-28T19:28:18.316-07:00Great Article<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-why-nobody-in-social-media-marketing-is-profitable-yet-2013-3">What a great article on Social Media advertising. Read Here
</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-57918549736781788592013-05-21T20:43:00.000-07:002013-05-21T20:43:30.818-07:00Is life like a box of chocolates?Today I was sitting in a restaurant and overheard someone use the old Forrest Gump quote about "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. I sort of agree with that and yet I strongly disagree.
For me life is like a winding highway, danger and excitement at every curve. How much you slow down at each curve decides a lot.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-88841032204087949132013-05-17T07:11:00.001-07:002013-05-17T07:11:12.572-07:00I love human beings.I love human beings, there I said it. With the evolution of Social Media it has been very interesting to see how your friends view the world. People hesitate for the most part to discuss a lot of political or religious topics when it comes up at a dinner party, office lunch, etc. But give someone a Facebook or Twitter account and they become instant masters of philosophy. The claws come out, long time friends trade insults, it's really quite funny when you think about it. The shyest person can be an internet extrovert with an opinion on everything.
I love human beings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-18461366346664895422013-05-16T23:23:00.001-07:002013-05-16T23:25:26.084-07:00Great young enteprenuer!<a href="http://www.peacelovemeow.com">Ladies can take a walk on the fun side of shopping. PeaceLoveMeow.com delivers great products and the shipping is always free. 3 test buys to check it out and they delivered.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-24893483782987265672013-05-16T23:00:00.001-07:002013-05-16T23:00:33.784-07:00PeopleHuman beings make mistakes. To forgive is very cool, hate is a waste.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-34366090757833558672013-05-16T22:55:00.000-07:002013-05-16T22:57:32.361-07:00It's not about me, REALLY?This world needs more "Pay it Forward" thinking. The concept of "it's not about me" needs to go. Like the old song goes, "Come on people now, smile on your brother, try to love one another right now". It works!
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-61698952934508236312013-05-16T22:33:00.001-07:002013-05-16T22:33:39.046-07:00Back in the saddle again and ready to ride!I have been out of the game for awhile due to a little thing called a coma. The good news is I am back and sharper than ever! Ready to get my hands dirty so watch out, here I come.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-22156108392271174712012-06-13T17:43:00.001-07:002012-06-13T17:43:06.961-07:00Intel CFO eyes more connected living rooms<a href="http://tinyurl.com/cqz7h9l">Intel
</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-15825153372128005492012-06-13T17:29:00.002-07:002012-06-13T17:32:31.654-07:00Leaked shots of Windows Phone 8Dan Van Hoose @DigiTrue
<a href="http://www.wpcentral.com/supposed-leaked-screenshots-windows-phone-8-apollo-appear-show-skype-and-lenses">Here are the leaked Windows Phone 8 screenshots</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-60275532400517459962012-06-13T17:07:00.001-07:002012-06-13T17:20:23.899-07:00A music break that is close to my heart.<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/34CXcgJURbg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-22703183119615500372012-06-10T13:46:00.000-07:002012-06-10T14:28:47.964-07:00Review -Bricks Family Sports Grill<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I decided to take my time when it came to reviewing Bricks as this building has not seen a lot of success for the 3 previous tenants (all bar and grill types). Well, this is no typical Bar and Grill. Yes it has a bar, yes it has a grill, but what takes place behind those kitchen doors is not what you might expect. The cross cultural cuisine that Chef Jim has created is by far the most diverse and creative menu in the Superstition Springs area and beyond. <br />
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Without question they offer the finest steak in the area. Filet Mignon served with sauteed' spinach, a perfect twice baked potato and topped with french fried onion strings. Superstition Springs residents, this is the best steak dinner within a 20 mile radius at least.<br />
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Nachos? If you are looking for a little Happy Hour nosh with a Mexican Flavor? Forget about On the Border and the other guys! These nacho's will blow away everybody with their fresh ingredients, not to mention the amazing portion.<br />
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Burgers you ask? Pick a burger, ANY burger.<br />
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I think Jim must have known me from a previous life when he created his Salmon Sliders as they seem to be custom made for me. Thank You Jim! <br />
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Now let's talk comfort food. Jim has truly re-defined Mac n Cheese with his version. 4 cheeses and mild but flavorful green chile's, unbelievable! Get the grilled chicken add-on, you can thank me later.<br />
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The Cobb Salad has no East Valley competition, it's simply the best! <br />
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Time to stop as I believe it's time for you to stop in yourself.<br />
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Tell Jim and Joy that Dan sent you!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/22/1559852/restaurant/Phoenix/Bricks-Family-Sports-Grill-Mesa"><img alt="Bricks Family Sports Grill on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1559852/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> <br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-30318411618593100742012-06-07T16:05:00.002-07:002012-06-07T16:06:34.243-07:00Better late than never I guess.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://tiny.cc/ii1jfw"> Before you read, Kudos/Congrats/Way To Go/Job Well Done to Office Depot for doing it right!</a><br />
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For anyone who has purchased a PC or Laptop from Best Buy in the last 2 years you will notice it came with a "Best Buy App Store" pre-installed. When they asked me to submit my clients software titles I was very excited about the possibilities this could bring as Best Buy was taking the lead before any of the other Big Box stores. I was wrong.<br />
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2 weeks before the projected App Store roll out I called to get a status as communications had seemed to cease. Turns out, that very morning my contact and the project manager had been escorted out of the building for simply NOT DOING HIS JOB. It seems all the paperwork was landing on his desk and just collecting dust.<br />
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With several hundred hours of labor into this project, myself and a few amazing colleagues stepped up and helped Best Buy get this program LIVE and we succeeded. However their marketing and promotions have failed to yield an ROI worth discussing.<br />
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Office Depot on the other hand are doing a fantastic job. ENDORSED!<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-89107894832429590962012-06-07T11:33:00.001-07:002012-06-07T11:33:33.540-07:00SMS Text Message Advertising<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
No question that SMS Text Message advertising can be effective, especially among the younger crowd, but studies are pretty clear it's all about how it's presented and when dealing with a younger tech savvy demographic, it has to be on their terms, or you have to at least give them that illusion.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-33168040833274527712012-06-06T23:22:00.002-07:002012-06-06T23:22:11.193-07:00New Wii specs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
New Wii dimensions? Does it matter?
<a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="http://tinyurl.com/7ysevvu" data-ultimate-url="http://t.co/dKgCjTLB" href="http://t.co/dKgCjTLB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://tinyurl.com/7ysevvu">http://tinyurl.com/7ysevvu</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-79102585269517306212012-06-06T22:59:00.001-07:002012-06-10T14:30:11.367-07:00Time for a food review of R.T. O'Sullivan's<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I want to make it perfectly clear that I love the Irish menu! From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Shepards Pie with a side venture to Lamb Stew! Rula Bula in Tempe knocks it out of the park everytime! R.T. O'Sullivans is a true "Irish Poser"!!!<br />
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I gave them 3 shots at getting it right and they failed miserably! You NEVER slice corned beef WITH the grain and you NEVER serve end cuts that are so full of fat they could be considered "Corned Beef Bubble Gum"!<br />
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When I returned the dish the manager confronted me in a very unprofessional manner and accused me of "not knowing brisket" He better do his homework next time.<br />
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For the record I will say the daytime bartenders do a fine job, but come in the evening or weekend and be prepared for old fashioned "watered down drinks" in my humble opinion. Low Rent/Bush League, etc. you pick the term, I won't be back. <br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/22/1526325/restaurant/Phoenix/R-T-OSullivans-Mesa"><img alt="R.T. O'Sullivan's on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1526325/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-49840291459867472632012-06-06T16:24:00.001-07:002012-06-06T16:30:30.363-07:00The State of Big Box Retail.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
With the high's and lows' that come with the U.S. Retail industry it does not take a super analyst to see where most of the fault and blame lies for their failures. Having had the privilege of working directly with some amazing retail rep's and buyers, I can tell you they are just as frustrated. <br />
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I will explain in more detail later, but between the MDF costs and the inability to cross market products between departments is a "company crippler" and a real "sales prevention philosophy". How much sense would it make to mingle products together that may not technically be in the same category, but are an ideal match for one another? Crazy talk? Amazon is doing it, they are charging a premium to cross market, but it is working. <br />
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A few years back when the former Circuit City stores were still in business, I repped a software product for the PSP, Circuit City put it in the PSP accessories dept and it started selling almost 5k units a week! Then some genius said, "Hey, this is software". It was a great decision as sales instantly dropped to less than 50 a week. What a surprise that Circuit City went under. Hmmmmm.<br />
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The real problem is that this same mentality and business philosophy continues to exist. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-81923654656145643012009-07-23T10:18:00.001-07:002012-06-10T14:31:10.949-07:00The "Sushi Verdict" is in!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What can I say, it was a dirty job with some very "fishy" characters, but I have reached a decision and let there be no doubt that "pound for pound and roll for roll", <a href="http://www.sushicreek.com/">Sushi Creek</a> is the Valleys best overall sushi restaurant! I give it 2 thumbs up, 5 stars, 2 snaps up in a circle, etc. Make no mistake, <a href="http://www.sushicreek.com/">Sushi Creek</a> delivers!!<br />
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Does it have the glitz and glam of a Pure in Scottsdale or the trendiness of a Mill Ave Ra? No it does not. What it does offer is great service, great sushi, and great prices.<br />
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I am reminded of the old adage, "you get what you pay for" and how it has bit me in the toosh on more than one occasion. However, with Sushi Creek, you get MORE than what you paid for.<br />
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The Sashimi and Sushi items both offer a very generous cut, the Softshell Crab is without question the best in the area. In my opinion the key to the Softshell Crab is to keep it fairly simple, dredge it in a lightly seasoned flower, toss it on the grill and serve when ready. It always irritates me when a restaurant tries to glam up the entree's and apps too much. Enhance, don't change the flavor and always let a quality fish or shellfish stand on it's own.<br />
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The various signature and traditional rolls did not disappoint as the creativity of the Sushi Creek team really shines through. The French Kiss and Dynamite are just 2 of the very wonderful offerings, I would mention more, but feel you need to get out there and find out for yourself.<br />
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If you are looking for fresh sushi with great service, hop on the 202 or head south on Ellsworth.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sushicreek.com/chefs.php">Meet the team.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/22/1346771/restaurant/Phoenix/Sushi-Creek-Queen-Creek"><img alt="Sushi Creek on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1346771/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-33387332133436403982009-07-14T10:47:00.000-07:002009-07-14T10:50:50.691-07:00A few questions.Is it really so hard to be nice to someone for no other reason than to simply be nice?<br /><br />Why is it so important to be the center of attention? What are you seeking? What are you lacking?<br /><br />Does it make you feel good to point out someone elses failure or imperfection?<br /><br />For me, I prefer to be nice. It feels really good.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-10115864986551043132009-07-14T10:36:00.000-07:002009-07-14T10:39:56.001-07:00USACares and the Home Sweet Home Campaign<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.oursoldiers.org"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH3nuF9W6iILqgCFEXfwasjr_s_zS_Yq_jk7Xk99E-_Lm0CBFX9RuEElKWMKg7TE7ZT4PbFdwQnWvt39tgrmvCJDHt6eMuTkdG1OOhIeuos5K4nvrr41SgIB05_-ULl1_oF2I2g/s320/120x240.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358371759091678786" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-72099656841436691672009-05-20T08:45:00.000-07:002009-05-20T09:04:13.293-07:00The Home Sweet Home Campaign is rocking along.Kudos to Beth Van Hoose and the <a href="https://www.oursoldiers.org/">Home Sweet Home Campaign</a> on the tremendous success of their Schools That Care T-Shirt Design contest. Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Buffalo Bills took a red eye flight from New York to present the winners.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/05/18/20090518gr-home0520.html">Pictures here</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-7749464706322472952009-04-21T20:07:00.000-07:002009-04-21T20:08:28.952-07:00USA Cares, 50 States in 50 Days.<div> <object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="300" height="250" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab"> <param name="movie" value="http://facebook.mgive.com/mg.swf?statfile=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.mgive.com%2Fdata%2Fcf147.xml" /> <param name="quality" value="high" /> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff" /> <embed src="http://facebook.mgive.com/mg.swf?statfile=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.mgive.com%2Fdata%2Fcf147.xml" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="300" height="250" name="mGive" align="middle" play="true" loop="false" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"> </embed> </object> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-41513109109226071322009-03-09T09:43:00.000-07:002009-03-09T09:45:20.372-07:00Please visit OurSoldiers.orgI would like to introduce a brand new site that is just a huge breath of fresh air. The Home Sweet Home campaign and <a href="http://www.oursoldiers.org">OurSoldiers.org</a> was inspired by our dear friends whom recently returned home after 2 combat tours in the Middle East. Please take a few minutes and browse the site.<br /><br />Call Me Dan and take a look.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-71421773976655735132009-02-27T16:03:00.000-08:002009-02-27T16:23:37.847-08:00I am a real FAN, NOT a Fanatic, but you can't deny Tanya Rocks.Dan has declared this weekend, "Tanya Weekend", what exactly does that mean you ask? I am only listening to Tanya's music. I have been a fan since I saw her on Hee Haw in 1970 something. Then through mutual friends at time I was very sick, laid up in a less than perfect military hospital, I got a card from Tanya. Talk about a pick me up. <br /><br />What brought on "Tanya Weekend" you ask? Well, I was simply toiling away, got on a conf call and as I was on hold for the host to login, the background music was Tanya singing "What's your mama's name", so I took that as a sign. Only Tanya Tucker music the entire weekend.<br /><br />Call Me Dan, I would appreciate it.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y3SfcANH-9A&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y3SfcANH-9A&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vJUseZ5SnTE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vJUseZ5SnTE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P-197v5Ioow&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P-197v5Ioow&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hqXoV-_BqRU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hqXoV-_BqRU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A3C-PO8FmoY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A3C-PO8FmoY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sNi4x80lRPI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sNi4x80lRPI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36096361.post-14294789398851140732009-02-27T08:29:00.001-08:002009-02-27T08:41:15.981-08:00Great simple recipe for the grillHey everybody, just wanted to drop a very simple and easy to prepare new Dancipe.<br /><br />1 Port tenderloin<br />2 jars or cans of Black Cherries in JUICE, not glaze or pie filling. ( I prefer Trader Joes Marano Cherries)<br /><br />Marinate the tenderloin overnight in a dish or bowl so the loin is completely covered.<br /><br />Remove Tenderloin from the dish and toss on the grill leaving the cherries in the dish. (I prefer to cook on charcoal or wood)<br /><br />Heat skillet or saute pan and toss the cherries in with a dash of your favorite seasoning salt until the juice begins to thicken. (I prefer Nicks seasoning made in Madison, IL at Hamilos Bros)<br /><br />When the tenderloin is done (and don't overcook and dry it out), remove and let it sit for about 3 min, then slice. Place on your favorite serving dish and and drizzle the cherry sauce over the pork.<br /><br /><br /><br />Call Me Dan and enjoy, it's a party in your mouth!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0