Sunday, August 28, 2011

Are you ready for some football?

Well, it's official! Fantasy football is here for 2011! I was at my first draft of the year tonight--for the Deli league. Of course, I did NOT get most of the players I was coveting. But then, last year, I wasn't particularly happy about my team either, and I won the title for the second year in a row. Do you think I can go for three? Odds are not in my favor, but I will have fun trying! And, crazy me, I have two more drafts to do for other leagues. Gary is trying to talk me into a fourth league. I am hoping he fuhgeddsaboudit! KWIM?

Last night we attended the Cardinals' first home game, albeit a preseason one. It was a really HOT walk from the parking lot to the stadium. I needed a shower after we got to our seats, which are in the upper, upper deck. :^) But we can see the whole field really well, and our seats are on the 35-yard line, so I am happy with the location. The game was fun to watch--saw some really exciting plays on both sides of the ball. And the walk back to the car was not as traumatic--it was dark, the air and pavement had cooled off, and a little breeze was blowing. All in all, a nice evening to share with Gary.

We had two eating adventures this weekend. We went to Tien Wong Hot Pot in Chandler on Friday night. Gary picked it out because it was in the Phoenix Magazine's 23 Best New Restaurants list. I wasn't particularly excited about it--after all, it is the Chinese version of fondue. And, for some reason, that didn't sound great in 100+ degree heat. Was I ever wrong, wrong, wrong. Yes, there is a first time for everything. Anyway, the food was incredibly delicious! We started with the spicy lemongrass broth, which they brought to the hot plate on our table. After it heated to boiling (in a flash!), we cooked lobster, clams, pork dumplings, pea tips, baby bok choy, oyster mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and somen noodles in it. There were also two dipping sauces to use if we wanted. OMG. Soooo good! If you live in the area, do stop by and try this little place; it's well worth the visit! But, be aware that you can get drips and drabs on your clothing. Pack a bib!

The other eating adventure was last night before the football game. Gary decided we should try the Arrogant Butcher in downtown Phoenix at CityScape, which is also listed as one of the 23 best new restaurants. Score! We had several appetizers: crescenza cheese with razz cherry marmalade and crusty bread, prosciutto and hot coppa served with house-made mustard and crusty bread, grilled asparagus, roasted peppers, and marinated olives. Oh. so. good. And light. We ended with a salted caramel pudding. Which Gary said he would taste. And then he ate over half of it, because it just melted in your mouth. Yum! If you live anywhere in the Valley of the Sun, take a trip downtown and try this unique place! I think you will love it.

I will mention two other things. I did not consume any alcohol with my meals this weekend. After my wine overload at the wine dinner on Wednesday, I just was not in the mood. Gee, I wonder why! And, secondly, I was able to get into my new crop pants for the game Saturday night! Yay! I think I will actually be OK on the upcoming trip wearing my new wardrobe. Hallelujah! I don't have to explain to Gary why I spent his hard-earned money on clothing I can't seem to get into! And, btw, I do feel better as a smaller size. I no longer get out of breath when I wipe down the shower! VBG!

OK, that's it for the update. Here's hoping everyone everywhere is safe and having a wonderful week!

5 comments:

  1. Yay about you getting into your new crop pants! Also, did you see Seftel was fairly negative about "Arrogant Butcher" in this week's review? Weird ... I'd heard nothing but good buzz about it.

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  2. Yes, I read Seftel's review yesterday. I was chagrined, since I had just given them a raving review. To be fair, I hadn't actually had a real meal there. And we hadn't tried the items Seftel mentioned, except the roasted peppers--which were great, although it was a small dish of them. Guess I should have waited for the pro to review them, huh? It is a really cool place, though, and I still think worth a visit if you are in downtown for any reason. :^)

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  3. I think it just goes to show that you can have wildly differing opinions on restaurants depending on what you eat there (and sometimes when you go, as restaurants can have off nights). You had a great experience and he didn't; his experience doesn't invalidate yours. :) It's like when we raved about China Magic Noodle House and Todd and Amy went there and thought it was horrific. They'll never go back again.

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  4. I didn't know that about Todd and Amy. :^(

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  5. Yup. They even had one of the same things we did that we loved, but hated it. Either it was an off night at the restaurant, or they just don't like how China Magic's food tastes.

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Hugs, Penny