What A Difference A Few Days Make?

If you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes and it will change. The weather just a few days ago was cold and snowy while today, low sixties. As I always do anytime I am afforded such a beautiful day I enjoy a cigar. Today is no different I am sitting here writing and smoking. Today’s cigar of choice is a, Montecristo Classic Collection corona. This is one of three I bought in a sampler selection at Liquor Barn in Lexington, Kentucky back before Christmas. I have been aging them and waiting for an excuse to fire one up. The construction and overall appearance of the cigar was excellent. I immediately notice that nice cedar smell and flavor from an aged cigar. It is the same aroma that you find in every great smoke shop. The first few draws, money, nice full body but not overpowering. I can see why this cigar is so highly revered. The taste has stayed balanced throughout the cigar. This one is definitely a knuckle burner.

I talked to my sister yesterday and she is doing much better. She still has some work to do to get back to normal, but her attitude was great. My nephew is stilling doing great, eating, sleeping and being spoiled. If only I could have that deal. The Lovely Wife has been finding success at her new agency and has been really working hard. The Boy and I have tried to make ourselves useful and keep the home front in shape. I have embarked on my latest endeavor, and hopefully will soon be back out in the game. Until then I am enjoying being Dad. Change, not my best friend, but I am starting to like the idea. I did want to say Thank You, again for all the prayers and support for my sister, it is definitely has helped.

A Cigar In The Morning: The Breakfast of Champions

I have started a lot of my post with this opening; the weather was unseasonably warm for a Kentucky winter. Well Monday definitely fell into this category. I awoke to the temperature already in the fifties and climbing. The only thing I could think of was it was going to be a great day to smoke a cigar, or two.

I got pulled together rather quickly and began to map out my smoking strategy for the day. I went to the humidor and decided that my preferred theme for the day would be robusto. I grabbed a Cohiba and Padron Maduro for my cigar breakfast and possible lunch. I walked out to the garage and decided rather quickly that today was a topless day. No before you get the wrong idea I am referring to my Jeep Wrangler. I could not let this opportunity pass me by, the sun, the drive, and the smokes. It was shaping up to be the perfect storm.

I dropped the top down on the Jeep and lit my Cohiba, ready to roll. I took a quick look at the time, and I was off. At first the ride was a bit chilly but I soon got used to it. I’m lucky to live by Lake Cumberland so there is always scenic driving opportunites. This is definitely a great way to spend a morning gathering your thoughts. The Cohiba was a nice choice for breakfast; the cigar had a perfect balance of taste. I drove for what seemed like hours enjoying the warm March sun and my stogie. I did get a few glances from the other motorists, I just not sure if the looks were disbelief or jealousy. I soon noticed it was time to pick up the boy, and unfortunately the dark clouds were rolling in, so I had to call it a day. I can’t wait for warm weather. I did manage to have that Padron for lunch. The cigar was great but the view from the garage just didn’t compare.

The Hot Brown: A Louisville Legend

I was sitting here contemplating my next topic to write a few words about when my stomach reminded me of an idea I had while on our trip to Louisville. One thing that probably rivals my love of the leaf is my love of food. If you ask me or the lovely wife about any trip we take we always describe our dining experiences first. Our itinerary is usually geared around where we want to eat. The Louisville trip was really no different; we stopped at one of our favorite chain restaurants P.F. Changs for dinner on Friday night. P.F. Chang’s serves some of the best Chinese food I have ever had. We have eaten at their Knoxville, Lexington, and Louisville locations. All were very good but we preferred the Louisville location. The meal was excellent just as expected.

As I mentioned in an earlier post we stayed at historic Brown Hotel, which is home to a dish called The Hot Brown. The Hot Brown is a legendary dish created at the Brown Hotel in the 1920’s. I have to admit, that I had already eaten a number of hot browns at other restaurants and was not really expecting a profound amount of difference in the quality of style. However I do value the historic significance of this being the birthplace of the dish, so I ordered one. I wish I ordered ten, the dish was unbelievably good. Like I said I already had a predetermine idea of what made a great hot brown, and this one blew them all away. The cheese sauce was to die for, the turkey was freshly roasted, and the bacon was perfectly crisp. I quickly decided that I could never eat a Hot Brown from anywhere else ever again. (Unless the lovely wife makes it, she is the best cook in the world.) Louisville has many things to offer a visitor, but I feel that if you are going to be in The Derby City, you owe it to yourself to spend an evening at The Brown Hotel and enjoy a legendary dish, The Hot Brown.

Here is a link to check out for more information on The Hot Brown and the recipe.

http://www.brownhotel.com/dining/hot-brown.html