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Durham Bulls - Hotdogs and Beer in Durham, North Carolina
also the new downtown area is very cool. its called tobaco campus i think, and they turned the lucky strike tabaco co. into restuarants and office space.
Durham Bulls - Hotdogs and Beer in Durham, North Carolina
Over the years I have learned a few things from the City of Durham, North Carolina. Kevin Costner loves making movies about baseball, don't hire Durham strippers for a private party at Duke University and it is true that minor league baseball is thriving in this bad economy. Many people are feeling the pinch these days but families still want a way they can have a good time with the family and not take out a 2nd mortgage in the process.
A great time on the cheap is exactly what people are getting at minor league parks around the country. For nine dollars we had great seats 5 rows back from 3rd base and there didn't seem to be a bad seat in the 10,000 seat park. There was wide array of things to eat at the concessions stand and at reasonable prices. I have never been able to stomach the boredom of watching a baseball game on T.V. but I have always loved a day at the ballpark. The smells, sounds and taste to me are literally intoxicating, the smell of peanuts, funnel cakes and pretzels. The sound of the beer man shouting his song of beer "GETCHA BEER HERE....ICE COLD BEER HERE" or the sound a wooden bat makes when making contact with a 90mph fast ball. The taste of a good hot dog and that ice cold beer I spoke of.
To sweeten the pot the said hot dogs were foot long and I was pleasantly surprised to see they had Yuengling on tap. The dog was pretty standard but it just seems to taste better while watching a baseball game. Having a beer at a baseball game is as American as dirty politics. Not wanting to be un-American I had a beer. And wanting to be a true patriot I made it a few more.
I am glad I finally had a chance to watch the famous Durham Bulls hit the field. It was an All-American experience and the classic old-style ballpark(with 35ft left field wall called the blue monster), snorting bull and fun atmosphere added to the experience. The hot dog was great and I only wish I had more of an appetite to try more food because everything they had to offer looked great. I am not sure why it has taken me so long to see the Bulls play but I plan to catch a game whenever I am in town during the baseball season. Till then I will just have to hit Blockbuster and rent "Bull Durham"
Toriano Fredericks
http://thedish22.wordpress.com/
ZIA TAQUERIA - GREAT MEXICAN IN CHARLESTON, SC
1956A Maybank Highway
Charleston, SC 29412
PHONE & FAX:
843 406 8877
http://ziataco.com/
As a general rule I try to stay away from tequila before noon but I made an exception Wednesday at Zia Taqueria. I had already visited Zia last friday night and was impressed with the food and owner Kevin Grant that I knew I would have to come back to take some pictures....and eat more food. I arrived right at the 11am opening so I could take pictures with my bigger camera and not interrupt others people's meal. Zia is located at a small shopping center that is anchored by the Terrence Movie Theater on James Island.
Zia immediately stands out from the other shops in the Terrence shopping center due to the southwest flair of the facade, two palm trees flanking the entrance and the large Zia symbol above it all. You may recognize the Zia symbol if you have ever seen the New Mexico state flag. Besides meaning aunt in Italian, Zia is a symbol that is sacred to the Zia Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. Stepping across the threshold of Zia you are instantly transported to the southwest by the warm colours on the walls and how the space is garnished with southwestern style art and artifacts.
I took a seat at the bar and the friendly bartender didn't even have to ask me what I wanted. The memory of the Zia Rita I tasted Friday night was still clear in my mind and knew I would be throwing the "no tequila before noon rule" out the window. This isn't your run of the mill, syrup based margarita. One taste and you can tell everything was made fresh and that would be an ongoing theme throughout my lunch. I ordered the Chile con queso for an appetizer and Beef Barbacoa with a side of mexican rice. While sipping my Rita, Kevin emerged from the back and between dipping my chips in a excellent fresh salsa I had a chance to pick his brain about Zia.
As soon as Kevin opens his mouth you can sense the passion and love for what he does and you can taste it by what comes from the kitchen. Kevin spent time in Albuquerque, New Mexico and its apparent he picked up a few things along the way. Kevin started Taco Boy which is a Taqueria on the touristy Folly Beach and due to creative differences he branched out on his own to open Zia Taqueria. As Kevin put it "everything happens for a reason" and now he's putting out the food he wants out at Zia.
Soon my Beef Barbacoa and rice made it to the bar and it looked amazing. Friday night I had the Barbacoa on a taco and the nicely spiced, slow cooked beef that filled the taco had me thinking about it the next few days. Wednesday I went with the enchilada because the tacos are served on a warmed soft corn tortilla and I personally like my corn tortillas crunchy and fried (or baked). I went with the green salsa verde sauce over the red chile and it was excellent choice, but I don't recommend it to anyone that doesn't like a bit of heat because it did have a little kick. The mexican rice was another winner, it was light with a slight tomato flair and the taste of garlic, onion and carrots dancing in the background. The only thing at Zia that fell short of my expectations was the Pastor taco (had on friday night) which is explained as "Seared tender bits of pork marinated in achiote guajillo glaze with minced pineapple & onion–cilantro relish". I felt the pastor was lacking a bit in the flavor department and didn't quite live up to that glowing description. I almost forgot about the chili con queso which I felt was a pretty good rendition of the classic appetizer and made good dipping for my chips with little bits of red bell pepper.
Over all my 17 dollar lunch (without the tip and with a good size margarita) was well worth it. The food was fresh, full of flavor and enough to satisfy (left a little bit of chili con queso behind). The service was friendly and it was noticeable that Kevin's engaging demeanor is passed down to his employees. Kevin takes pride in the local following and a menu that is simple and fair priced. The menu is not long and overwhelming because Zia has decided to take a few things and do them well. I definitely plan to take another trip to the southwest via Jamestown, South Carolina at Zia Taqueria.
Toriano Fredericks
http://thedish22.wordpress.com/
MOZZAPEP SANDWICH
2 slices of rye bread
2 thin slices of tomato
1 tablespoon of butter
1 clove of garlic (chopped)
1 teaspoon of oregano
3 slices of fresh mozzarella (thinly sliced)
4 large slices of pepperoni
6 basil leaves (torn)
8 black olives (sliced)
cooking spray
salt
pepper
Put cast iron skillet in the oven and turn up to broil and let heat for 5 mins
Take 1 tablespoon of butter and set aside at room temperature. In a small bowl mix butter, garlic and oregano to make garlic butter. Sprinkle the butter mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread butter mixture over one side of each piece of bread. Top piece of bread with butter side down with pepperoni, cheese, olives, tomato and basil. Top sandwich with slice of rye bread, butter side up.
Remove cast iron skillet from oven and spray with cooking spray. Put sandwich on cast iron skillet and and return to oven on second to top shelf and cook until cheese is melted and bread slightly brown. You can also cook in a frying pan like a grilled cheese
TORIANO FREDERICKS
http://thedish22.wordpress.com
