Random Thoughts and Musings

So, most of you know that I went to the Boston area for a couple of weeks in December. I had a great time working with my friend and pseudo-boss. I got to kick his butt into gear and boss him around a little bit. WOOT! Talk about me being in my element!!

That is not what I want to talk about today, though. I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine, John Andrews. Some of you know him as @Oyunfound on social sites. He has some amazing photographs that he has posted, and is incredibly talented with the camera.

However, his photographic abilities are not what I want to talk about, either. What I really want to tell you about is the little cafe/bistro he runs in Peabody, Massachusetts. My pseudo-boss and I went there one day for lunch, and spent a little time talking to John and eating. The pseudo-boss, who’s wife is Iranian, got a falafel sandwich - The Ipswich. The thing was huge… and although it wasn’t traditional falafel, he said it was pretty good (and he had plenty to take home for another meal!).

I, on the other hand, couldn’t make up my mind. I looked to John for guidance (he has a little of everything, and I did not really want anything in particular that day, so I was very indecisive). He was making up some butternut ravs with maple-cream sauce, and suggested I try them. As it was a New England-style meal, and a hot meal, and ravioli (yum!), I readily agreed.

The butternut ravs were scrumptious, and the sauce was absolutely divine. I considered ordering more and taking them back to my lodgings with me, but I knew we had plans for pretty much ever remaining meal I would be in the Boston-area for, so I didn’t. I regretted it the very next day *laughs.* Shouldda listened to my stomach!

John, like so many business owners right now, is struggling to keep his dream alive during this economically-challenged time. As such, he has implemented a few new ideas. He has a new website,Simply Gourmet Bistro & Catering, an email newsletter (sign up for it here by entering your info and simply saying, “Sign me up!”), and a “hot buffet” three nights a week: Wed through Friday. You order meals by the pound, and take them home to your family (or to yourself, should you be lucky enough to keep the whole meal to you alone!). You don’t spend any time in the kitchen, but you still get a deliciously cooked meal to share while catching up on each other’s day.

Anyway … those of you that are in the Cambridge/Peabody/etc area … do yourselves (and me!) a favor and stop by for a meal (or ten!). When you do, tell John that Devyl Gyrl (Ok, you can use my real name if you know it!) says hello!

Oh - and report back to me with your findings. I keep seeing things on his menus that make my mouth water … almost makes me want to go back north. When it warms up, I know I will be anxious to make a trip!

Tomorrow, Tuesday the 20th, the specialty will be President Obama’s favorite chilli! Stop in and get some while it is hot and fresh (yanno … all day … just don’t miss it, darnit!).

If my word is not enough to get you out the door and on your way … check out Chris Brogan’s blog post on Simply Gourmet.

Thanks, John, for the delicious meal … my mouth STILL waters when I think of those butternut ravs! Can ya freeze some and ship them down? *grins*

Simply Gourmet’s Twitter page.

xoxo

John and I sometime in December 2008