ANOTHER BBQ JOINT BITES THE DUST

 This was the final weekend of Black Star Pirate BBQ to be in operation. They have lost their lease and will shutter at their present location. Tony Carriacci owner of BSPB is a member of our Galileo Club. He has been a member and a good friend to our Italian club. We decided to go as a group to bid him farewell at his restaurant.

We had an impromptu cocktail station set up in the parking lot an hour before the 11:00 am opening. We chatted and imbibed. Eleven o’clock rolled around pretty quick and we did not even notice the huge line that had already formed. We were not the only ones that had come to say goodbye. We got in line.

{ I have included this photo of my two friends Tony & Donna to show you the Myron Mixer commercial smoker in the background. You do not see that very often)

It was a festive crowd entertained by live music. The weather was perfect. The food was fantastic. We all scratched our heads wondering why all good things must come to an end. We all hope the best success for Tony in the future.

FIGGY PUDDING SPAM

 

There is no need to adjust your television set. Yes, you read correctly; Figgy Pudding Spam. I had to to do it. I am not sure what I was thinking. I thought this was actual figgy pudding. It is not. It is figgy pudding flavored Spam. I have to say it was not terrible. It had a sweetness with a Christmassy spice blend of cinnamon and nutmeg (?). I fried some in a pan because I was too chicken to sample it raw. To sum it all up; It is still Spam.

TRIBUNE

Inflation, gas prices and high food costs, when will it all end? Through our lifetime we have always dealt with rising prices. In my fathers later years, he and his friend would go out to lunch. They would pride themselves with how cheaply they could have lunch. They would search out senior discounts and sometimes get free coffee with their meals. A Wendy's burger for under a dollar and a free coffee was a successful day for my father and friend. My father and friend have long passed and I am glad he would not be able to read what I am about to print.

Downtown Oakland is across the bay from the "City" San Francisco but always in its shadow. Oakland has their skyscrapers and fine restaurants. We went to "Tribune", a restaurant located in the iconic Tribune tower. This used to be the headquarters of the local newspaper. It is a fairly fancy restaurant decorated with modern urban art. I dined with two other friends. We all had burgers with two orders of fries and we all drank water. We enjoyed our burgers. The service was more than fantastic. What is not to like about Tribune? Eighty dollars for 3 burgers, 2 fries and no drinks not including tip was our price tag for dining today. What is one to do? We paid of course but I am glad my father did not see the bill.

 

FROZEN HOMEMADE APPLE PIE

 

I did not make this pie but I did buy it. We were at the Calico Christmas Faire in Crockett California this weekend. Hey wait a minute. Thanksgiving has not even passed and people are putting up Christmas decorations. Santa Clause visited the local Bass Pro Shop this Saturday. What is it with the marketing department. I am expecting Valentines advertisements to drop any day now. Whoops I am sorry about this little rant but it never ends.

  I did buy a frozen pie. It was wonderful.