Forgive me. Life has gotten the better of me. I'm finding it harder and harder to chronicle the gay events in our city. In fact, I feel it was a bit egotistical for me to try. While I'm not abandoning this site altogether, I feel it's best I go back to writing what I write best, general reflections on life and other ephemera.
For now look for me on OpenSalon: http://open.salon.com/blog/disgruntledwhistlepig. I'm going to try and at least post weekly there.
Thanks for reading!
Les
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Missouri Wine Country Restaurant Review: Sybil's
Another of those recommendations from my bosses that I had to try. After growing up thinking McDonald's was a special treat, and that any restaurant that seated you before taking your order was "fancy", my tastes have evolved.
About a half mile north of I-44 in the little town of St. James is a HUGE house with a great menu. Sybil's looks like something taken straight out of a plantation picture, but is one of the best dining experiences I've had in mid-Missouri.
My boyfriend and I had decided to go for a drive and to visit a friend of mine who will be teaching in mid-MO this year. (Really, this is just a great excuse for me to go get wine. There's the moral of the story!) I had heard of Sybil's from my bosses, as mentioned, but figured I'd not likely have a reason to go anytime soon.
We drove to the restaurant, and had no problems finding parking, as the lot is completely paved. Tied to what I can only imagine is a decorator's store, Sybil's provides a very elegant outlet for those seeking both good food and a high-class environment.
Walking in to the main doors, I cringed only slightly inside, thinking that my ideas had finally gotten the better of me. Everything screamed "too good for you." Especially since most of the items on display came complete with a price tag. If you found something you wanted to learn more about purchasing, you simply ask the waitress, I guess.
The friend teaching in the area had heard of, but never been to, the restaurant. And all she heard was "kind of expensive." But she had apparently not heard the full story. While the menu was likely on the pricy side for dinner, lunch was incredibly reasonable. It was actually pretty comparable to the prices of many chain sit-down places for the lunch menu. And surprisingly, several of the patrons were in shorts and sandals through the lunch period. We all felt at home in jeans and polo shirts.
My friend took advantage of a new lunch item they were trying out, a steak quesadilla. My boy went for the french dip sandwich with buffalo fries, and I decided to have the pulled pork barbecue sandwich with steak fries.
The lunch was great, and the planning was smart; the dessert menu was printed seperately, and brought to the table after we had completed our dishes. We tried the tiramisu and the peanut butter pie. Both were decadent and flavorful.
If you are in the St. James area, you will undoubtedly enjoy Sybil's. Between the food, the service, and the ambiance, you'll feel like you're being spoiled--even if you aren't paying through the nose for it. I would recommend making a reservation for any typical dinner or lunch time.
About a half mile north of I-44 in the little town of St. James is a HUGE house with a great menu. Sybil's looks like something taken straight out of a plantation picture, but is one of the best dining experiences I've had in mid-Missouri.
My boyfriend and I had decided to go for a drive and to visit a friend of mine who will be teaching in mid-MO this year. (Really, this is just a great excuse for me to go get wine. There's the moral of the story!) I had heard of Sybil's from my bosses, as mentioned, but figured I'd not likely have a reason to go anytime soon.
We drove to the restaurant, and had no problems finding parking, as the lot is completely paved. Tied to what I can only imagine is a decorator's store, Sybil's provides a very elegant outlet for those seeking both good food and a high-class environment.
Walking in to the main doors, I cringed only slightly inside, thinking that my ideas had finally gotten the better of me. Everything screamed "too good for you." Especially since most of the items on display came complete with a price tag. If you found something you wanted to learn more about purchasing, you simply ask the waitress, I guess.
The friend teaching in the area had heard of, but never been to, the restaurant. And all she heard was "kind of expensive." But she had apparently not heard the full story. While the menu was likely on the pricy side for dinner, lunch was incredibly reasonable. It was actually pretty comparable to the prices of many chain sit-down places for the lunch menu. And surprisingly, several of the patrons were in shorts and sandals through the lunch period. We all felt at home in jeans and polo shirts.
My friend took advantage of a new lunch item they were trying out, a steak quesadilla. My boy went for the french dip sandwich with buffalo fries, and I decided to have the pulled pork barbecue sandwich with steak fries.
The lunch was great, and the planning was smart; the dessert menu was printed seperately, and brought to the table after we had completed our dishes. We tried the tiramisu and the peanut butter pie. Both were decadent and flavorful.
If you are in the St. James area, you will undoubtedly enjoy Sybil's. Between the food, the service, and the ambiance, you'll feel like you're being spoiled--even if you aren't paying through the nose for it. I would recommend making a reservation for any typical dinner or lunch time.
Restaurant Review: TONG'S
Hearing about this place a few weeks ago from my bosses, I finally was given the chance to try Tong's this weekend with my beau. We both enjoy Thai food, and so it made sense to try a new place out.
Honestly, if you weren't aware that the restaurant existed, you might not even know to look for it. But if you're reading this, you are in for a treat. This is a gem of a restaurant, hidden away in a shopping center in the southern part of the city off Campbell. If you are familiar with the South Campbell Starbucks, head 4 blocks north to find Tong's. They are on the same side of the road.
We arrived about 7 p.m. on a Saturday evening to a nearly-empty parking lot. Walking in, we were seated immediately at a quiet table for two near the back.
This restaurant is extremely accessible. We were seated in an upper section, and ramps were our only way to get there. If you tend to be clumsy (like I occasionally can be), you don't have to worry about stairs...or rumpled carpeting. Just your own feet!
While I can't say much for the waitress's knowledge of the menu itself, I will say that it turned out to be a really great dining experience. To whet our appetites, the man and I enjoyed Chinese beer, reasonably priced bottles for foreign lager, as we thumbed through the menu.
Clearly marked in the menu was something I was glad to see; the chef had gone to great lengths to explain his style of cooking, and his willingness to help those who are attempting to dine healthy. This had been one of the reasons I was interested in trying Tong's originally. My bosses are both on Weight Watchers, and spoke highly of the staff's willingness to alter the dishes to taste, as well as to fit one's dietary needs. (The example my boss offered was that she didn't want beef, but the rest of the dish sounded great; the waitress offered to change out the beef for shrimp.)
My boyfriend went with a basic beef, noodle, and broccoli dish. I decided to be the seafood eater this time, opting for Grouper with a Basil Garlic Sauce. My dish was served with seasonable steamed vegetables, as well as steamed rice. The fish was breaded, but it was light. Although I asked for mild, it was a little more spicy than I regularly desire. Still, it was delicious...and overly filling. I had to request a box.
While our particular waitress wasn't knowledgeable about specific menu items, I was impressed with the staff overall. Our plates were brought to us when ready by another member of the serving staff. Our water glasses were kept appropriately full (one of my pet peeves, especially when eating spicy foods). We were even asked if we wanted a second beer before our glasses reached the halfway mark.
The prices were reasonable, overall. For two to dine at dinner, we spent what I would consider a reasonable "date" price (i.e., under $50, including tip). Keeping in mind that I had seafood, and we each had beer, that was really more than reasonable. There were, however, much less expensive options available.
Please support this local restaurant! I want to be sure that we keep good, reasonably priced, and healthy options available to us in Springfield. I would feel comfortable bringing friends here, but be sure you create your own dish if you plan to bring children (yes, there's a menu option for that!), since even "mild" can be more than a little spicy.
Honestly, if you weren't aware that the restaurant existed, you might not even know to look for it. But if you're reading this, you are in for a treat. This is a gem of a restaurant, hidden away in a shopping center in the southern part of the city off Campbell. If you are familiar with the South Campbell Starbucks, head 4 blocks north to find Tong's. They are on the same side of the road.
We arrived about 7 p.m. on a Saturday evening to a nearly-empty parking lot. Walking in, we were seated immediately at a quiet table for two near the back.
This restaurant is extremely accessible. We were seated in an upper section, and ramps were our only way to get there. If you tend to be clumsy (like I occasionally can be), you don't have to worry about stairs...or rumpled carpeting. Just your own feet!
While I can't say much for the waitress's knowledge of the menu itself, I will say that it turned out to be a really great dining experience. To whet our appetites, the man and I enjoyed Chinese beer, reasonably priced bottles for foreign lager, as we thumbed through the menu.
Clearly marked in the menu was something I was glad to see; the chef had gone to great lengths to explain his style of cooking, and his willingness to help those who are attempting to dine healthy. This had been one of the reasons I was interested in trying Tong's originally. My bosses are both on Weight Watchers, and spoke highly of the staff's willingness to alter the dishes to taste, as well as to fit one's dietary needs. (The example my boss offered was that she didn't want beef, but the rest of the dish sounded great; the waitress offered to change out the beef for shrimp.)
My boyfriend went with a basic beef, noodle, and broccoli dish. I decided to be the seafood eater this time, opting for Grouper with a Basil Garlic Sauce. My dish was served with seasonable steamed vegetables, as well as steamed rice. The fish was breaded, but it was light. Although I asked for mild, it was a little more spicy than I regularly desire. Still, it was delicious...and overly filling. I had to request a box.
While our particular waitress wasn't knowledgeable about specific menu items, I was impressed with the staff overall. Our plates were brought to us when ready by another member of the serving staff. Our water glasses were kept appropriately full (one of my pet peeves, especially when eating spicy foods). We were even asked if we wanted a second beer before our glasses reached the halfway mark.
The prices were reasonable, overall. For two to dine at dinner, we spent what I would consider a reasonable "date" price (i.e., under $50, including tip). Keeping in mind that I had seafood, and we each had beer, that was really more than reasonable. There were, however, much less expensive options available.
Please support this local restaurant! I want to be sure that we keep good, reasonably priced, and healthy options available to us in Springfield. I would feel comfortable bringing friends here, but be sure you create your own dish if you plan to bring children (yes, there's a menu option for that!), since even "mild" can be more than a little spicy.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The joy of cooking...well, for me, anyway.
I haven't posted in a while on GLITQC, mostly because anything I'm normally interested in speaking about doesn't really fit with things here. But you can catch more of my antics on my other blog, wildelife: http://wildefanblog.blogspot.com/, you know, in case you're interested. You're probably not. But that's okay.
Anyway, I'm housesitting for a lovely gay couple this week. I like them. They're like my "fairy god-gays". (Is that redundant?)
They have respectively been in my world since my early college years. And as I got further along in my education, they became more involved. One was even my advisor in grad school.
There are four reasons I like housesitting for them.
1) They have a great shower...two of them, in fact. And I mean...FANTABULOUSLY FANTASTIC! They are the full massage shower heads...and they have great water pressure. All I'm saying is it's not a bad thing that I can't afford a regular massage--this'll do.
2) They're good guys. I like them. Simple as that.
3) They don't hide their porn collection. Seriously. The first time I housesat for them, it took less than 5 minutes to find it. Because it was in the DVD rack of the enterntainment center. I thought their tastes were a little odd--it was all super-cheesy, but one finally explained it to me that they used to host "brunch & porn" parties.
4) Their kitchen is serious. HUGE convection oven. 6-burner range, complete with grill plates. And for the last two evenings, a wonderful reason to cook.
I'm not a professional chef by any stretch of the imagination, but most of my friends who have been treated to my cooking have been glad to be near my culinary skills. I've been able to prepare enough meals for my parents and grandmother (a former head cook for a school district) that they willingly ask me to prepare the meals when I visit.
The last two evenings have been filled with fish: baked Chilean Sea Bass (last night) and baked Grouper (tonight). I'm trying the healthy thing. Except for pasta. And bread. I have no qualms with gorging myself on that fantastic stuff!
All of the interest in seafood is rooted in one great idea...I want to thoroughly impress my man this weekend. He's a seafood fan, especially white fish. I am getting there, certainly. Not perfection, but closer to it than a year ago.
Les has asked me to write a couple of blogs on food before--and I'll certainly try to get some new ones in before long. Both Branson and Queen City places. But I figured for tonight, it'd be good to share a little bit of cooking.
Happy dining, all!
Anyway, I'm housesitting for a lovely gay couple this week. I like them. They're like my "fairy god-gays". (Is that redundant?)
They have respectively been in my world since my early college years. And as I got further along in my education, they became more involved. One was even my advisor in grad school.
There are four reasons I like housesitting for them.
1) They have a great shower...two of them, in fact. And I mean...FANTABULOUSLY FANTASTIC! They are the full massage shower heads...and they have great water pressure. All I'm saying is it's not a bad thing that I can't afford a regular massage--this'll do.
2) They're good guys. I like them. Simple as that.
3) They don't hide their porn collection. Seriously. The first time I housesat for them, it took less than 5 minutes to find it. Because it was in the DVD rack of the enterntainment center. I thought their tastes were a little odd--it was all super-cheesy, but one finally explained it to me that they used to host "brunch & porn" parties.
4) Their kitchen is serious. HUGE convection oven. 6-burner range, complete with grill plates. And for the last two evenings, a wonderful reason to cook.
I'm not a professional chef by any stretch of the imagination, but most of my friends who have been treated to my cooking have been glad to be near my culinary skills. I've been able to prepare enough meals for my parents and grandmother (a former head cook for a school district) that they willingly ask me to prepare the meals when I visit.
The last two evenings have been filled with fish: baked Chilean Sea Bass (last night) and baked Grouper (tonight). I'm trying the healthy thing. Except for pasta. And bread. I have no qualms with gorging myself on that fantastic stuff!
All of the interest in seafood is rooted in one great idea...I want to thoroughly impress my man this weekend. He's a seafood fan, especially white fish. I am getting there, certainly. Not perfection, but closer to it than a year ago.
Les has asked me to write a couple of blogs on food before--and I'll certainly try to get some new ones in before long. Both Branson and Queen City places. But I figured for tonight, it'd be good to share a little bit of cooking.
Happy dining, all!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The critter count
So for weeks now the wife and I have been chuckling about all the wild life she sees on her way to work in the wee hours of the morning. We finally decided that if someone could throw up a site where people posted their indiscretions via text than there was nothing wrong with posting the nightly critter count.
You'll also note a new links addition at right. I added in some of the fun places on the web I visit routinely. Hillbillie Gourmet is my creation and it's a work in progress. I don't have much posted there but I'm working on it. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to send me an email.
You'll also note a new links addition at right. I added in some of the fun places on the web I visit routinely. Hillbillie Gourmet is my creation and it's a work in progress. I don't have much posted there but I'm working on it. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to send me an email.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Dragtastic
“We’re three numbers into the drag show and the Lady GaGa songs are all gone!” – Post on Texts from Last NightGrab your disco stick kids (oh YES I DID go there) and come out to the Edge this Saturday night. Marnie Rae Holiday is kicking off her new show cast. Each month the fabulous Marnie Rae will appear with Jennifer Holiday, Doc Holiday, Portia D’Lish and Gunner Holiday.
That’s a whole lotta Holiday comin’ atcha.
I’m certain the famous Marnie Rae Hotbox will make an appearance, and I’ve heard rumblings that Doc Holiday may pull something out of his kit bag.
Show starts at 10:45 pm. My advice: Get there by 9:45,grab a beer (bottled) and kick back and watch a really great show. The Wife and I will likely be in the house, so drop on by and say hello.
And when it's all over, just dance.
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