The best summer drink you've never had....

A good friend of mine introduced this awesome drink to me yesterday.

Where I live, the average daytime temperature is about 105 degrees this time of year.
If you're like me, there's only one way to close out a miserably hot summer day. An ice cold cocktail!
This one is my new favorite.

Sweet Tea Vodka and Soda.


Rocks Glass and Ice.
2 parts Sweet Tea Vodka. (Seagram's)
1 part Soda water.
Squeeze of lemon, and one to garnish.

It tastes just like iced tea, more so than a Long Island Iced Tea. This drink is dangerous!...
Mostly because Segrams Sweet Tea Vodka is 70 proof.

There are lots of other brands of Sweet Tea Vodka. I like Seagram's (Voted #1 sweet tea vodka for 2009).
Everything in the above picture, cost less than $15.00
Great for summer, and even better for your wallet. Give it a try.

B.Y.O.B ? No! B.Y.O.S Party (Bring Your Own Steak).

If you're like me, you have friends over for dinner every now and then. But throwing a dinner party can be expensive for the host. My friends and I usually trade off home hosting duties. During our last party, the money issue came up. The best solution we came up with, was to have everyone bring their own individual main dish. IE: steaks for this round. Steaks work out great for a dinner party like this. Not everyone likes the same cut of beef, or the same kind of seasonings as everyone else. Don't even get me started on how everybody likes them cooked.

Just look at all the different cuts that showed up...

For the sides, we went traditional. Grilled squash, zuchini and baked potatoes.

The squash and zuchini were super simple.
Sliced on the diagonal. Seasoned with kosher salt and pepper, then drizzled with olive oil.
Throw it on the grill untill they get good grill marks, and are a bit limp. Done!

Finally the potatoes.
Simply brushed with olive oil, and dusted with kosher salt.

Baked at 385 until fork soft. About an hour and a half. Obviously you want to get the potatoes started early on.

The best part of having a bring your own steak party?

Everybody helps to prep something. When the steaks are ready to hit the fire, we all grab a beer, and stand around the grill, tending to our own cuts, trading grilling techniques, and bonding over sizzling meat.

After all was said and done. Here is what I spent on my contribution to the party.

Two 2.5 pound ribeye steaks. $13.96

One 10 pound bag of potatoes. $3.99

One large container of sour cream. $2.49

After tax, I spent just over $22.00

On some nights, when I paid for the whole party. I would spend well over $100.

Over all. I think this was one of the best dinner partys I've ever hosted. This is a party format I will deffinatley do again.

The Thursday Three #5!

Welcome back to another installment of the Thursday Three. I came across these three items over the last week. Please be sure to check out everything in their shops. They have lots of great things to offer.

Number One.

The Yellow Robot. 8x11 Print

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24298605

Not all robots are programed to mame, kill, and destroy.
Some just want to stop and smell the flowers...

Number Two.

Nautical Cotton Bar Towels Set of Two.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25709425

Sometimes when you set sail with the Captain (Morgan), the seas get choppy.
Clean up the deck bar with these awesome nautical themed towels.

Number Three.

Made for Each Other Pillow Set- Customizable.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23925128

Who doesn't like PB and J sandwiches? I  know I do. Just looking at these makes me hungry.
This would make a great anniversary gift.


So thats three more down this week . See you next Thursday for three more!

The fourth Installment of the Thursday Three

Welcome back for another Thursday Three. This weeks three has a theme. Every summer I go camping in San Diego at San Elijo State Beach. There is also a tattoo shop I go to just down the street. While I'm down there I'll be getting some tattoo work done. So this week, the items I post will have something to do with my trip.

Here we go!


1.
Miniature watercolor framed Swallow,
Limited edition. Tattoo inspired.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25304768
Old School tattoos are my favorite. Put this on your desk at work, and add a little rebeliousness to your dreary little cubical.


2.
Vintage Lantern from IndustryLA

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24579707
When the batteries run out on your big green Coleman Lantern. Bust out this great looking classic.
I promise, the oil for this is way cheaper than those Duracells...


3.
ORANGE OCTOPUS Metal
PENDANT NECKLACE TROPICAL OCEAN THEME

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25697603
Octopi are fun to watch at the aquarium, and taste great in sushi. I really like the colors of this pendant.
It looks like it belongs on a 18th century map of the seven seas.


So there it is. Be sure to come back next Thursday for another go-round.

Hot and Spicy Tomatillo Sauce

Mexican food is one of my favorite things in the world. A few times a year, I throw Mexican style, backyard BBQs. When I do, I make a Hot and Spicy Tomatillo Sauce. Everybody always asks me what goes into it. So, I'm posting the recipe here.

What you will need:

Grill (or oven broiler)
Sharp Knife
Blender (or food processor)

Ingredients:

5 or 6 medium size Tomatillos
1 half large Yellow Onion
7 or 8 Serrano Chillies (if you can't find Serrano. You can substitute with 4 or 5 large Jalapenos)
5 cloves of Garlic
3 Limes
1 small bunch Cilantro (coriander leaves)
1/2 Tbl. Spoon Kosher Salt
1/2 Tbl. Spoon Ground Pepper
1/4 Cup Olive Oil


Preparation:

Start by removing the leaves on the Tomatillos.


Give the Tomatillos, Serrano Chillies, Limes, and Cilantro a good wash.

Cut Tomatillos into even halves.
Cut limes into halves.
Take 1 half of the yellow onion and give it 2 or 3 rough chops.
Prep your garlic. (Give each clove a firm smash with the edge of your knife to remove the skins)


Remove the stems of the Cilantro.


Heat your grill on high for about 15 minutes. Place your Tomatillos cut side down on the grill along with the Serrano Chillies.

Cook on each side for about 5 minutes, or until you have good, dark grill marks.




(If you don't have an outdoor grill. Place Tomatillos and Serrano Chillies on a cookie sheet and roast under your ovens broiler, on high for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until Tomatillos and Chillies are seared and slightly crispy).

Once off the grill. Cut off the top 1/4 inch, stemmed end of the Serrano Chillies

Depending on how hot you want your sauce. You may want to remove the seeds and membrane from the chilies. Do so by cutting each chili lengthwise. Remove all the seeds and as much of the membrane as you can. The more you leave in there, the hotter the chili is going to be.
WARNING! Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling Chillies. If you rub your nose or eyes, trust me. You'll be sorry.

I usually de-seed 2/3 of the chilies I use. You don't want to kill your taste buds.

In your blender, put in your Tomatillos, Yellow Onions, Serrano Chillies, Garlic, Cilantro, Salt, and Pepper. Squeeze in the juice of 3 Limes. Start your blender on medium/high.

Once the ingredients are in a liquid state, drizzle in the olive oil while the blender is still running. Let everything blend for another 20 to 25 seconds.


Give it a sample, and adjust salt and pepper to taste, if need be.


Serving Suggestions:

With tortilla chips, on carne asada tacos, over scrambled eggs. Anything you like to put hot sauce on. If you make enough of it. It can be used as a chicken marinade

ENJOY!
Recipe by: Ronnie Mozingo

The 3rd Thursday Three

Another round of three of my Etsy favorites...

1st.
Meat Chart Decorative Pillow

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25139210
If you read my last post, then you know I'm a Beef fan. You can also get these pillows with a Pig chart.
Toss it on your couch, and let everybody know what your favorite animal is. (to eat, that is).

2nd.
Koi Wood burned Jewelry Box

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25339475
I really like Koi fish . There is a japanese resturaunt here in Palm Springs. They have a big koi pond out front, with a koi food dispenser. Every time I go there, I can't help myself. I have to feed them.
This little jewlery box would make a great gift for one of the special ladies in your life.


3rd.
Bombs Away - Vinyl Decals - Toilet - Wall - Car - Glass

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25125973
Ok, I know some of you probably aren't to keen on toilet humor. But I can't help it. This is hilarious!


Well, thats it for this week. Be sure to come back next Thursday for another round of The Thursday Three.

Back from my weekend Road Trip

If you came by on Monday, May 18. You'll remember I talked about my upcoming road trip. If you didn't, here is a short recap.

"I'll be going to SLO Beer Fest. I'll also be going on a wine tasting tour of four wineries, and dining at Jocko's steak house. I'm going to be doing alot of Vintage hunting and visit my Aunt on her Almond Orchard in Atascadero."

The trip was only four days, and we may have tried to squeeze to much in. We didn't get to do everything we planned. When you travel with five other people, concessions have to be made.

We did however do some really cool stuff.


We started off in Palm Springs, CA. and drove up the 101. Hands down, some of the best scenery in the whole country.














Day one:

It was a long drive and we didn't get into town until late. I was the driver, so I didn't get a chance to take to many pictures. After we checked into our hotel, we headed out to a few down town San Luis Obispo bars. Nothing really exciting. Moving on...


Day two:

This is the view from our hotel we woke up to.















Then... Beer Fest!

23rd Annual California Festival of Beers and Golf Tournament!
@ Avila Beach Golf Resort.

Live bands and about 100 beers to choose from. Here a just a few pics...






















There were constant lines at the Porta-Pottys.
















My Brother trying to get in one last beer before last call.

















After beer fest, it was back to the hotel to chill out and hit the pool for a while before heading out to eat.


For dinner we went to Jocko's in Nipomo, CA.

From the outside, this unassuming building has not a single sign that even mentions the food you can get inside. The Sign on the side of the building simply reads "Jocko's Cocktails".

Once inside you can sit in one of the dinning rooms, or go straight ahead to the bar. I love the bar. It's dark, full of locals, and the drinks will put hair on your chest.

We opted for the dining room. And I'm glad we did. Through a window in the dinning room, you can look back at the open pit coal grill. You could also go around the side of the building, and actually go back to the pit. Which of course I did.

I ended up deciding on the "Small" Spencer Steak. When my steak came it didn't disappoint.
It was huge, at least 2" thick. Seasoned perfectly, rare and tender. I've been to alot of steak houses, small and high end. And I can honestly say, this was the best steak I've ever had, period. Jocko's prices can't be beat. For $20.99, I had the aforementioned steak, salad, baked beans, a baked potato, garlic bread, coffee, and ice cream. If you know of a better deal anywhere, I want to know about it.

I wish I could post a web page for for Jocko's. But alas, they don't have one. So, if you ever find yourself driving up the 101 in California. Be sure to check this place out.

125 N Thompson Ave (just off Highway 101)

Nipomo, CA 93444
805-929-3686

Day 3:

We were supposed to do a tour of four wineries. We ended up doing just one. But it was fun. I've never gone wine tasting before. I'm more of a beer and Bourbon kind of guy.

We went to the Tobin James Winery. they don't mess around at this place. We must have sampled at least 14 different wines. They even let us taste the expensive top shelf labels. Most were pretty good, the reds were especially tasty.

After all the wine, we kind of forgot to take pictures.

If you would like to check out Tobin James Winery, click the link below.

http://www.tobinjames.com/

8950 Union Road
Paso Robles, California 93446
(805) 239-2204

Here is one of the guys and I, just before we left.

After that we headed to my Aunt's house in Atascadero (20 minutes north of SLO). By the time we got there, we were losing daylight fast. But here are a couple of the pictures that came out.

My Aunt made us an awesome dinner. Which was good, because we were still full of wine at that point.

After dinner we headed back to Downtown SLO to hit more bars. Once again, no pictures of that.








Day 4:

Last day of our trip. After hitting the bars the night before, we needed a good breakfast before we got on the road. Every time we're in SLO we hit Splash Cafe & Artisan Bakery. They have some of the best Clam Chowder in California. If you ever make it to Splash, here is my suggestion. Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl with Sea Food Topping. Amazing! and only about $9 with a small drink.

You can also purchase their soup through mail order. Follow the link below.

http://www.splashbakery.com/index.html

1491 Monterey St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805-544-7567

On the way home we stopped off in Santa Barbara for an art festival at Mission Santa Barbara.
All the artwork was chalk, and oil pastels on the ground. There were some incredible artists there. Some of these pieces looked like photographs.

































From there we made one last stop in Ventura to check out the Ventura Pier.



















I know I said I was going to post pics of all the vintage stuff I found while on my trip. But, I just ran out of time. I'll be back up in SLO in about three weeks. I'll deffinatley get in plenty of vintage hunting then.
All in all it was a great trip. There's nothing better than an early summer road trip....