review: pinches tacos

There's something a little bit peculiar about an authentic taco chain that has four locations, three in Los Angeles County, and one here in Birmingham.

I couldn't not try it out.

Pinches Tacos has opened in Homewood, on the corner of Oxmoor and 19th Sreet, by a native of Homewood, who after spending twelve years in Los Angeles, returned home with a little taste of Hollywood to share.

I ate lunch there today -- three short days following its grand opening -- and I admit, that's about as cutting-edge as my life gets!

The design screams west coast (and is peppered with strange skeleton decor), the staff is friendly and chill (although very proud of their food), and guests will be scolded if they ask for queso or sour cream.

(Just setting the scene here, people.)

Jorge Anaya, one of the partners in from L.A. to help open the restaurant, was running the register today, and as any foodie would, I released control and asked him to order for me.

Without hesitation, he began entering my order, "You will have one fish taco ... and would you like chicken, pork, or beef?"  When I opted for chicken, the chicken mole taco was his easy recommendation.  He explained, "It is a chocolate-infused sauce that tastes nothing like chocolate."

(Interesting.)

I also squeezed in an order of chips and pico as well, but passed on the guacamole.

The tortillas are homemade -- and yes, taste very authentic -- and the fillings are, as promised, flavorful and fresh, and not greasy.  Regarding the two tacos I tried, the fish taco (Pescado) with Veracruz cole slaw, was the favorite without question.  The chicken mole taco (Pollo Mole) was also very tasty, with more than a little bit of spice.  (For the record, I did pick up on a distinct cocoa flavoring, although it was not sweet.)  And, the pico was clearly homemade and fresh.

It may have room to seat around thirty patrons, most tables being two- or four-tops, so be aware of seating limitations.

Generally speaking, I'll give a restaurant a thumbs up after a first-time visit, if I'd return for a second visit.  I plan to return to Pinches, because several menu items intrigue me.

And that's bold, considering the fact that much of their menu is listed in Spanish, and cheese dip is frowned upon.

Birmingham folks, try it out, and let me know what you think!

ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages

The Weirdest Greatest Show on Earth has officially passed through Birmingham ...



... and Little Sister Bailey and I were there in full force to take it all in.

It's been well over twenty years since I watched horses, tigers, and very limber people in spandex parade around an arena, sidestepping (big) presents left on the show floor by the elephants.

Here was Bailey's recap of the night (superlative categories reported in her own words, descriptions in mine):

funnest (not scariest or favorite, but "funnest")
These men in tights on the wheels of steel (photo required, because I can't explain this act in words):

 

scariest
The crazies on the tightrope.

boringest
Dimitri and his sibling (his name of which I obviously didn't catch), also known as, The Brothers of Brawn.  Although at first (incorrectly) identified by Bailey as sumo wrestlers, they essentially performed very random stunts to display their 647 pounds of combined weight.  They really struggled in the personality department.

felt most sorry for the animals
During the horse show.  This was the closest I'll ever feel to a PETA protest.

biggest surprise
The Ringmaster now sings?  Or has he always, and I just don't remember the musical numbers?

biggest disappointment
No trapeze.

favorite overall
The tigers.

And, two highlights of my own:

best $8 i've spent in a long time
For parking in the deck, strategically located right at the exit so as to avoid all egress traffic.  Success.

best $21 i've ever not spent
The pink plastic (or were they rubber?) pigtails that topped the cotton candy.  (Who does that?)

Anyone else out there hit up the circus lately?  What were your superlatives?

thankful thursday #11

This is the tale of how a Thankful Thursday can change at the drop of a ring.

When I was in Charleston a couple of weeks ago, I bought myself a little memento from the market, as a reminder of our trip: a thin, plain, silver band, to wear on my left pinky.

One kind of like this:



The only rings I wear are my grandmother's engagement and wedding rings, on my right hand, so it took some getting used to, but I was loving that ring!

For a whopping three days.

On the Monday after our trip, I was leaving work, and I realized that my delicate little pinky ring was so delicate, I seemed to have missed it falling off my finger.  Naturally, I searched in my car, in the parking lot, under my desk, and any other place I remembered visiting that day, but to no avail.

It was a sad day, not because the ring was extravagant or pricey, but because that little ring was a big reminder for a spectacular trip!

Fast forward nine days, to yesterday.  I came in to the office, and here was what greeted me:



My old-fashioned planner, with my to-do list for the day, and the ring!  Glory!

I was so thankful it was found, and that our cleaning crew was honest enough to leave it for me (never mind the fact that they apparently only clean under my desk every nine days).  Today's Thankful Thursday entry was going to be cake!

Until last night, when, after one whole day of wearing my ring, and being so grateful, I was having dessert with friends and realized it wasn't on my hand.

Really?  Unfunny!

I could identify a thirty-minute window where it could've come off, and again, I searched everywhere.  I had waiters move booth benches, and I left them with my name and number.  I retraced my steps.  I checked the restroom.  I hoped my ring wasn't being swept into the dust pan, and tossed into the garbage bags.

Sigh.

Needless to say, my Thankful Thursday is no longer highlighting the chance discovery of my missing ring, or the honesty of an office custodial crew.

Not gonna lie, I'm feelin' kind of bummed (for the second time, mind you!), but it's Thankful Thursday.  Must.  Appreciate.  Something.

I'm just grateful I only spent $10 on that sweet little ring.

Please tell me someone has a more inspiring thankfulness than me today.  Go on, be grateful!

(small-town) american pie

"We must have a pie.  Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie." 

-- David Mamet, American Pulitzer Prize-winning playright

Alabama -- or for that matter, the South in general -- can get some pretty awful press.  And, when you drive through the small towns of our region, you may have wondered, "Seriously, how do people live in a place like this?"  I admit, I have.

As a public relations professional, my good friend Lori (and fellow foodie) keeps me informed on all things newsworthy, and for once, a tiny little town in Alabama made big (positive) news with the opening of Pie Lab.

To celebrate her birthday, we drove the hour-and-a-half to Greensboro, Alabama, to check out Pie Lab, and to embrace a different side of local culture.

the eats

Pie Lab serves up both sweet and savory pies, the variety of which depends on the day, and probably the mood of the staff.  Today's savories were Spinach & Feta, and Ham & Cheddar.  Both were outstanding, with a delicate quiche crust, and fluffy, rich fillings.

The sweets included Lemon Icebox, Sweet Potato, Oreo, Key Lime, Mixed Berry, and Apple.  Lori indulged in what was, by far, the best lemon icebox pie I've ever tasted, outside the home of someone's grandmother.  I was served the first piece of apple pie, piping hot, right out of the oven.

the drinks

Iced and hot teas, homemade lemonade, coffee, and water are available self-served, and in mason jars.  Could not be more charming!

the special touches



Although the menu is simple, the dish patterns are ecclectic and random, and the coffee mugs rival a collection of hand-me-downs from your past three garage sales (in a charming sort of way).  The space on Main Street is a gem, boasting exposed brick walls, hardwood floors to die for, and shabby-chic design elements that make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

the community



Long, farm-style tables with mismatched chairs invite folks to visit casually and leisurely.  In fact, Pie Lab was initally opened to foster the sharing of ideas, and in turn, lead to optimism and positive change within the community.

the people



The staff is no-frills and shy, but friendly and open to any and all questions.  Lori and I pulled up chairs to their work table, and chatted the afternoon away.  We quizzed them on their own favorite pies, their backgrounds, what it's like baking forty pies a day, and how they get that crust so flaky.  We experienced the Pie Lab community in the flesh.

what makes pie lab a diamond in the rough



The initial business plan from two years ago didn't catch on as the first owner had hoped.  But today, Pie Lab is a non-profit organization, providing one of Alabama's poorest towns a place where people can connect, and where struggling members of their community are given a unique chance for a little bit of hope.

Today, two gentlemen were volunteering -- from clearing tables to washing dishes -- one while taking online college classes, and one while working hard to obtain his GED.  Shay, the number two pie baker extraordinaire, was hired out of a program where she'd previously made $8 a day (yes, a day) to support her two babies.  At Pie Lab, she's given the chance to work a real job, and to make a better life for her family.

what made today red-letter

Small-town Americana gets a bad rap, but today I was reminded of good things about communities where populations might be small, but generosity flows in abundance.  People share a table together, and they share lives with each other.  

And in a little pie shop on Main Street in Greensboro, Alabama, where guests pay by the honor system, and birthday girls get a free piece of pie, even though the store isn't making any money, their town gets to taste togetherness, with a slice of pie on the side.

thankful thursday #10

I've been running pretty regularly as of late.  It's been good to feel the rubber (literally) meet the road again.

Sometimes I'll run on the treadmill, particularly lately, as it's been dark after work.  Saturdays I'm back on the trails at Oak Mountain.

This week, I've been up three mornings in the 5:15ish range to run before work.  I'm never shocked to get the "sure you are" look, considering that one of my long-time personal mantras is that any time prior to 6:00 a.m. is practically the middle of the night.

Mornings just aren't my bag, and I'm not ashamed about that.

(All of you overachievers who get up in the 4:00 - 5:00 a.m. range to be productive, or even you folks who have no choice but to rise before the sun, I admire you.  I really do.  I wish I could be like you, but alas, I am not.)

Anyway, on this Thankful Thursday, I'm super grateful that tomorrow morning is an off day, and I'll sleep peacefully past 5:30, and probably even past 6:30 (gasp)!

How about you?  What's making your heart full today?  Go on, be grateful!

charming charleston

Spending the weekend with Emily and Molly was fabulous.

More fabulous was doing so with Charleston's historic, low country backdrop right outside our window.

Just lovely.  It’s the best way I can describe it.

On some of our trips, the itinerary is king, where the more we can do and see the better.

On this trip, friendship ruled.

(Although the iPhone did play an important role in research and navigation.)

As for sight-seeing ventures, Ready and Clint Eastwood ...

plus our tour guide Jackie ...

... took us on a very nice carriage tour of downtown.

And we visited Drayton Hall, a preserved plantation a few miles out from town. 

Otherwise, we were perfectly content walking and poking around in the alleyways south of Broad ...

... people-watching and chatting on a bench at Waterfront Park (this photo is actually at the Battery, but you get the idea) ...

... snapping some photos of Rainbow Row ...

... shopping at the open-air market ...

... or strolling on King Street! 

And the food.  Oh, the food.  (You knew it was coming.)

For Emily's birthday dinner, we ate at Hyman's Seafood Company, which offered some of the best scallops I've ever had the pleasure of tasting.

Cru Cafe is tucked away over near East Bay Street, on Pinckney, and was divine.  I ordered a special they were offering: a pork tenderloin, stuffed with salami and some other deliciousness, and cooked to the perfect medium.  It was served with roasted veggies and a sweet potato mash.  Yummo.

We also delighted in D’Allesandro’s caprese salad and a pizza for lunch one day.  Against our insider's recommendation that delivery was safer, we opted to get the full experience and dine in. 

(Don't worry, parents, it was light outside.  It was fine.)

And Saffron was the perfect location for Emily's birthday dessert (probably tied for the best carrot cake I've ever eaten), and for brunch on Sunday morning. 

You know how some trips are great for the cultural experience?  And some trips are great for the company you keep along the way?

Sometimes, once in a blue moon, you take a trip that offers the perfect balance of both.

And that, friends, is charming.

thankful thursday #9

You’ve probably heard that old adage (or maybe it’s just a trendy quote?), “Friends are the family you choose.”  And you might also agree, it's a rarity to have people in your life who qualify as both.

As I write this, I’m in Charleston, South Carolina, spending the long weekend with two favorite friends (and no, Neil Diamond isn't one of them) ...  

... who happen to be my family, too.  And I’m thankful!

Emily and Molly and I are cousins, and although we lived six hours apart throughout childhood, our parents were faithful to give us opportunities along the way to spend time together, and ultimately, develop friendships with each other.

These days, even living in three different states, and navigating our way well into adulthood, we still manage to reunite and live new experiences together.  Our moms also travel with us sometimes, and those are cherished memories we make together, too. 

This particular trip is in celebration of Emily’s 33^rd birthday (it’s today!), so it’s only fitting that this Thankful Thursday is in honor of her!  We’re only six months apart, so growing up, we had such fun.

Here are some of my favorite memories with Emily that I’m thankful for today:

• Laughing and talking late into the night, and our parents knocking on the door to tell us we needed to go to sleep.
• Matching jackets.
• The dance routine in her front yard, accompanied by a cassette tape of “Jump (For My Love)” by the Pointer Sisters (you only wish you could’ve seen the costumes).
• The Georgia-Florida game every year in Jacksonville.
• Summer swaps.
• Puff paint t-shirts.
• $7 manicures at Irene’s with Barbara Ann (true story).
• Synchronized swimming routines in the pool.
• The surrey rental on Jekyll Island.  (Di-sas-ter, by the way.)
• Playing Kick-the-Can in the neighborhood.
• Arranging vocal and piano duets.  Our top performances were “Silver Bells” at Christmas, and anything by the Carpenters.  (We were children of the 80s, people.  Don’t judge.)
• Visiting each other’s college campuses.
• A shared understanding of our family’s propensity to break into song at any given moment.
• Celebrating our 30^th birthdays in Puerto Rico.
• The tragic photography skills of passersby at Rockefeller Center.

Oh, I could go on forever!  This just tips the iceberg!  I’m thankful today for many more stories yet to come.  And for these friends who, no matter the circumstances, will always share with me the lasting bond of family.

Happy birthday to you, Emily. J  And cheers to Charleston!

What're you appreciating today?  Go on, be grateful!

eating (and iced) in

Today was the second day home from work, due to the snow (more accurately, the ice) that has paralyzed the city of Birmingham.

In preparation for my time at home, I looked forward to the opportunity to do some cooking, which I haven't done much of lately.  And I miss it.

So I selected a couple of recipes in my latest issue of Cooking Light and hit the grocery store.  (And, thank goodness, the recipes did not require milk, bread, or eggs.)

Of the two I prepared, here's my favorite one.  It's super flavorful, and more importantly, super easy.

Sautéed Chicken with Sage Browned Butter

Slightly ironic disclaimer: Apparently, prior to winter storms, the city of Birmingham clears out the grocery stores of the traditional necessities, plus sage.  I couldn't find any sage.  So, the Sage Browned Butter actually turned into Garlic Browned Butter.  Oh well.

4 chicken cutlets
salt and pepper for seasoning
olive oil or cooking spray for the pan
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. butter
2 sage sprigs (or, in my case, 2 garlic cloves, crushed)
1 shallot, minced
1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped
2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.  Dredge in flour.
 
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; coat with cooking spray or EVOO.  Add chicken to pan; sauté for about 4 minutes on each side, or until done.  Remove chicken from pan and place on serving platter.
 
3. Add butter and sage sprigs (or garlic cloves) until butter browns.  Discard sage or garlic.  Add shallots and thyme; cook for 30 seconds.
 
4. Add lemon juice; cook for 30 seconds.
 
5. Pour butter over chicken.

So yummy.  I served it up with a little whole-weat couscous, and sautéed spinach.

I've seriously enjoyed the two days of nothing, but it's back to the real world tomorrow.

I can always cling to the leftovers.

quack job

Warning:  In case you've been under a rock (or better, are simply spared from the craziness that is college football in the state of Alabama), you will probably not want to read any further.  This post is really just an exercise in wasting time, while I watch the National Championship Game, conflicted and relatively neutral.

So, at the risk of losing what little credibility I may have, here is a top ten list, to commemorate the game:

Top Ten Puns (or Just Weird Observations) Used By Commentators and/or Fans Whilst Watching the Oregon Ducks

10. "Whack the Quacks!"

09.  "It's a quack sack."

08.  "The Ducks are just going to explode when they run out on this field."  (Thanks, Brent Musburger.)

07.  "What the quack?!" (Another, albeit more risque, variation: "What the duck?!")

06.  "That is one lucky duck."

05.  "Too many ducks on the field."

04.  "Shut the quack up."

03.  "There's a sock on the play." (Referencing the highlighter-yellow socks worn by the Ducks.)

02.  "The Ducks are down."  (Get it?!  Down?!  Love that one.)

And the number one best duck pun of the night ...

01.  "We have a lame duck."  (Alternately, "There's an injured duck on the play.")

For a neutral fan, it was a fun(ny) game to watch.  Thanks, Ducks.

boundaries

In Christian circles, there are some clichés that are like punches to my gut.

“Let go and let God!” is at the top of my Please Don’t Say That List.  I’d rather hear you quote the worry verses (Matthew 6:27) before “Let go and let God” crosses your lips.

Another tired expression that is borderline annoying, but probably more biblically grounded, is “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”  People who say that usually don’t know what else to say, and I’d bet their intentions are generally good.  So although not my favorite, I can stomach this one far better than “Let go…”  (I can’t even bring myself to put it in black and white again).

So does God operate within boundaries, keeping a pile of she-can’t-handle-that scenarios over in the corner?

The Bible is clear that our God has the right to govern our universe as He pleases (Psalm 115:3).  He stirs hearts and moves people to action (Ezra 1:1).  He institutes our earthly authorities (Romans 13:1-2).  He makes possible what humans consider impossible (Matthew 19:26).

That doesn’t seem like a God of boundaries.

But over in the book of Job, God is approached by Satan after he’s been roaming the earth (scary, isn’t he?), and gives him permission to test Job.  God is very clear, however, on what the adversary is allowed to do, and what he may not do, in his approach.  “Everything he has is in your hands,” God says, “but on the man himself don’t lay a finger” (Job 1:12).

Restrictions.  God is giving Satan his limitations on how he can deal with Job.  He sees the opportunity for Job to have his faith strengthened, but He will authorize the test only under the condition of protection.  His boundaries are protective of His children.

God expects us to operate within boundaries, too.  Unfortunately to a lot of people, those limitations are perceived as a never-ending list of “do nots” that make a believer’s life boring, and well, restricted.

I don’t know about you, but I’m willing to embrace God’s boundaries for me, knowing He’s simultaneously confining the devil for my protection.

Let’s be glad that the devil is operating within God’s boundaries, and not the other way around!

thankful thursday #8

Christmas decorations are put away.  The new Christmas gifts have found their new homes (almost).  Routines are being re-established.

Ends of seasons and good-byes make me melancholic.  Reflection and nostalgia wrap themselves around me when I'm standing on the brink of new beginnings, and remembering with fondness the people and the places that have become a part of my story.

Despite the bittersweetness (that word can be a noun, right?) of the season's end, I'm feeling thankful today for order restored.

I'm ready to reclaim my weekends (praise you, sweet Jesus!), look forward to Thursdays again for what they mean to me, and savor the ordinary moments!

What makes your heart thankful today?  Go on, be grateful!

happy and new

January Firsts can be a smidge overwhelming for me.  Calendars to update (yes, I’m a little bit old school and keep a written calendar).  Decorations to pack away (no, I do not do that the day after Christmas, or even by New Year’s Day).  Fun new gifts that have not previously had a place in my home, but need one now.

Routines to re-enter (with no choice).  Resolutions to consider (but may or may not adopt).  The insatiable urge to purge.

But January Firsts have such promise, too!  They are natural clean slates.  Second (or third or fourth) chances.  Invitations to look ahead, with hope and anticipation of what’s to come.

Here’s what I’m looking forward to in 2011:

1.      My new Butler Bag (ahem, Bags).  What was I thinking, ever cheating on you?!

2.      Reading through the Bible chronologically with great girlfriends.  (Please note my convenient omission of any mention of Leviticus.)

3.      Traveling to Charleston with two of my favorite people on the planet next weekend.

4.      Running the Krispy Kreme Challenge in February.  (You know you want to know what that is.)

5.      Coming off the TV fast.  AT&T U-Verse installation is happening tomorrow.

6.      Wireless internet at my residence, for the first time EVER.  (I know, I know!)

7.      Running trails on Saturday mornings again!

8.      Other fun opportunities that pop up that I don’t have any idea of now (otherwise known as, the little piece of my life that remains slightly spontaneous).

What’s got your new year looking happy?

Welcome, 2011.  It’s nice to see you.

Now, please be nice. J