I got nothin'

I got nothin' going on. Well, I really got a lot going on. We went to Sake' hibatchi table to celebrate my birthday. It's not really my birthday but we needed an excuse to spend that much money. I am still in a euphoric state from the Sake' special. Filet, lobster, shrimp, scallops, fried rice and veggies for two. Yes, I split it with my wife. She got lucky on that one.
I also have a new job offer on the table. It is not a lot of money and it is more hours, but it is back in the Restaurant bidness. I love the push & pull, the give & take of money vs time in my world. I am also contemplating cancelling my gym membership. I love going there. I hate getting up early in the morning to go there.
So, the Memphis trip is definately on and I could not be more excited. I am tempted to just quit my job and leave right now, but I have a chance to make a little money before I quit. IF I quit. The new job will pay a lot less than my last restaurant job and will take up alot of my time in the winter. It is a great time to start because restaurants usually do not begin hiring again until late winter/mid spring.
I am taking some music equipment to Memphis because my nephews have guitars and drums now and are pretty good. I just need a band name for us. I am going to record us either on 4 track tape, or 8 track digital. We are going to my cousins house on weds, Mom's house on Thurs, Shopping on Fri and a cookout on saturday. I hope I can meet up with one of my best friends I've know since kindergarten somewhere in between.
Sorry for the dry post but I am as full as a tick.

I cannot wait to see my Dad.
SF

Travel plans, Thanksgiving, restaurants

Well, we have decided to go to Memphis for Thanksgiving. I know, I know, stop the presses. But you might not understand. For one, I am missing my Father's side of the family's Thanksgiving which is this weekend. I miss that side alot. I have not seen any of them in about 2 years. I miss my other side of my family just as much. They are both different but similar. Both like to cut up and both like to eat but my Fathers side of the family likes to make plans and stick to them. Kinda like a schedule. I'm good with that, you know what you getting and when. My Mom's side is more of a seat of your pants kinda group. You never really know who will show up and when they will leave. I get a nice balance of spontaneity, goofiness, practicality and timeliness from them both. I hope I get to see everyone that is in town that 5 days.
That being said, I will be busier that a one legged waitress at the I-HOP. (sorry) I always get to town with a grand plan of getting to do exactly what I wanna do, when I wanna do it and nothing will stand in my way. Then reality sets in. I realize that the reason I am there is to reconnect with the people I love and the people that love me. No matter what. Sooooo...I decided to make a list of the things I would do after everyone was back to their work week and were sick of me mooching off of them. Deep down, well, you don't have to go too deep, I am a restaurant guy. I love the food and the atmosphere and people watching. I like checking out the customers, the staff and to see how the managers interact with guests. I also like seeing food that is on the cutting edge or eating food I haven't had since grade school. This is if I had no limits/time/money/obligation restrictions.
Here we go!
1)Run in either the Turkey Trot at Shelby farms or the Jingle Bell Run at Audubon park.
2)Go to the Enchanted Forrest with the girlies
3)Go to these restaurants that I have never been to:
a)Lolo's table
b)Gus's fried chicken
c)Sekisui-Midtown
d)Bigfoot Lodge
e)Tsunami--I worked for Chef Ben
f)McEwans on Monroe
g)Pearl's--love me some Oysters
h)Itta Bena
A long list but I have heard great things about these places.
4)Go to places I have been to:
a)The Pier-best I can do
b)Pete & Sam's=old school
c)Rendezvous-John Hiatt said it best
d)Jim's Place East
e)Owen Brennan's-Sunday Brunch
5)Go to these restaurants that I am more familiar with
a)Jarrett's-Rick and Barb are the best
b)Bosco's---MMmmm...Pizza
c)Cafe' Ole'
d)Young Ave. Deli

Of course I will not make it to all of those places. I will probably not make it to any of those places. it's nice to have dreams. Family comes first and that is the reason I go back to Memphis and if I can just spend some good time with my family on my vacation, it will be all worth it, especially since I am going for a good reason('cause I wanna) instead of a bad reason ('cause I have to).
I'll post more of what I would like to take the time to do when I get time and when I am not craving spinach and mushroom quesadillas & bacon wrapped BBQ shrimp from Cafe' Ole'
Don't forget the Pancho's cheese dip,
SF