Oct 26, 2008
It’s true — Mike Hall, of The Pines, is truly the best barbecuer in the nation. The food was better than good. But you know what? It’s not about the food.
My good friend, Alisa, and her son, Patrick, were planning on going with me to eat today — but Patrick was under the weather and they weren’t able to go. I asked Perry to accompany me at the last minute and, of course, we rolled in long after the lunch crowd had come and gone. Not seeing Mike when we first arrived, we had our first plate of food almost finished when he walked over and had a seat with us. We talked a little business; we talked about the great food he serves; and we talked about a bunch of ‘hometown’ nothing-at-all stuff too.
As we enjoyed the conversation, I noticed that more than a few of his patrons came over to personally tell him that ‘he had outdone himself’ on the food on that day, or that they enjoyed their meal. He even got a neck massage and kudos from one customer! Hey — why hasn’t that ever happened to me??
So even though I had the best Texas-style beef brisket in the whole world …more importantly, I also had a fabulous experience at The Pines. And so did everyone else there! It’s not like going to Outback and the manager strolling around to ask if everything is ok — it takes about 2 seconds to figure out that Mike and Katie genuinely care about those they graciously serve. So thanks to Mike and everyone at the Pines for a great afternoon!
Stop back tomorrow and check out photos of Mike’s dog (which could be a distant relative of Libby)…
Oct 25, 2008
I’m headed to the Pines Restaurant for a backyard barbecue tomorrow and I’m already getting excited. Mike has invited me to the Pines; invited me with the bribe of free food; and now he has publicly invited me through a post on his BLOG. It’s much like a challenge!
Now I’ve eaten at the Pines many times in the past — and I’ve never been disappointed. The food is absolutely fabulous. It’s so different than any ole’ chain restaurant! The Pines rates higher on my “good places to eat” list than other establishments that are much more expensive and much farther away. But still — I’ve yet to try the barbeque that Mike brags (and brags, and boasts, and…) about. He claims he’s the best darned backyard barbecuer in the nation! So stay tuned, those of you playing along at home — I’m sure to post tomorrow and give you the skinny on Mike’s barbecuing abilities.
I don’t have the heart to tell him that I can eat my weight in their persimmon pudding or that moist, fruity cake they are famous for…
Oct 23, 2008
As a member of the Top Floor Team, I write an article for my brother’s ezine two times per month. There are times when I can think of tons of things to write about, and there are other times I can’t think of anything to say that’s worthwhile. This was one of those times that nothing brilliant popped in my head. I was already late sending it out, and I had space to fill. If you aren’t a subscriber, feel free to check it out anyway. Funny, but sometimes a short, to-the-point ‘nothing‘ is thought of by some readers as a ‘great new idea’.
The whole writing thing today reminds me of BLOG posting. Some days I could fill up the server, and other days, I simply don’t have anything in my head other than the daily things that I need to accomplish. Raise your hand if you’re a BLOGGER with a like experience.
Oct 21, 2008
The long road traveled toward the 2008 election is nothing more than a narrow trail now — and I’m sure I’m not the only one that will be glad when November 4th is a day to look back on (even though it marks the birthday of my favorite brother in the whole world). I’m sick to death of the negative campaigns and the commercials and ads that are so biased that they are hard to watch…no matter which side of the fence you’re on.
I’m also amazed how some people can let another’s political candidate (I didn’t say political VIEW — most of the people I’ve talked to don’t have a clue what their candidate’s VIEWS are on anything!) change their personal feelings about another. Perry will cast his vote for Obama and I will cast mine for McCain. We absolutely disagree (on everything except that we both figure Obama will pull it off), but we don’t treat one another with disrespect simply because we want a different candidate to be victorious and lead our country. It’s just my personal opinion that Perry’s been paying too much attention to Libby, and just isn’t as informed as he should be. 😉
Oct 18, 2008
If you live in NYC, what do you take pictures of in October?
Fall is beautiful in the burg! Farmers have already harvested this field of beans and the air smells fresh — pretty much like when someone’s mowing (not me!). I’m ok with fall, but I really dread winter’s dull skies and cold temps day after day. I even like the first snow! But after that, take me back to summer. I’ll even skip spring if you don’t mind.
