The Gourmez

Would you look at that? My romance novella, Maya’s Vacation, is on sale for 99 cents until New Year’s day. This sale is only happening at Amazon, so click here to purchase it. Forgotten about this story? Well, listen to me read two excerpts from it here or here or read the synopsis: Twenty-year-old Maya knew, [...]

My Sister’s Kitchen 4716 NC Highway 55 Edge of Research Triangle Park, Durham Website Breakfast: $1.99–$6.99 Lunch/Dinner: $4.99–$10.99 My Sister’s Kitchen is located just past the intersection of highways 54 and 55. It’s in a bright red building now adorned with a mural of a tasty breakfast plate. Breakfast is a big draw for this [...]

Just for the week, I swear! I’m currently cameraless, and I’ve got editing projects (you know, the type that actually pay me $$) to get done, so the blog has fallen to the wayside this week. See you Monday with pictureless updates on Jujube’s latest wine dinner, and hopefully, picture-filled ones on frost brandy, “coy” [...]

Last night, I made my first batch of cold-brewed coffee based off of the first two links on a Google search of the term: Smitten Kitchen and I Need Coffee. This is seriously a simple procedure, though I’m already musing some variations to try, based mostly on time considerations. Here’s what you need: Glass/container for [...]

It’s kitten picture time! At least we’re still calling Mazu a kitten, even though she’s up to 10 months now and has enough fur to convince us she’s much larger than she is. It’s pretty impossible to deny that she’s a Maine Coon anymore—heck, I’m not sure if she’s got any of her calico mother [...]

Pomegranate Lychee Martini Revolution (Downtown Durham) Website $10 This attractive drink is made with vodka, pomegranate molasses, and lychee juice. The whole lychee garnish is a great touch. The flavor is very light but nice, with the lychee taking the lead role. Other than a flash of pomegranate, the molasses mainly adds texture to the [...]

All is Fair Revolution, Downtown Durham Website Now this cocktail isn’t one you are going to see again. Of course, it’s pretty to look at, and it sounds great: Jim Beam bourbon, lemon bitters, muddled strawberries, and basil are shaken together and poured over ice.  I liked the foam on top when it was served [...]

A couple of weekends ago, I went to my first ever cat show, run by Coastal Paws Cat Club. It was held at the Raleigh fairgrounds, inside a smaller building that really could have used better ventilation, though the initial wham of litter box smell did fade pretty quickly. That was really the only unpleasant [...]

Just a quick blog with photos of the flowers up and blooming, and of Loki taking his proper place as lord of the manor. His throne, of course, is the top of the car. Mazu, of the pretty, pretty coat. Verdandi, checking out the mulch I put beneath the Bradford Pear. The flower garden waiting [...]

Les Caves Joseph Bordeaux Rouge 2007 France This Bordeaux smells peppery and tingles my nose. It is dry and tart, with a berry flavor of deep, dark cherries. There’s an extra layer to it that’s like molasses but not sweet  . . . rum notes? The wine is very drinkable, especially the more you drink [...]