Cincinnati Chili

So, if for some reason, you feel the need to update your friends about what you are doing, from wherever you are doing

it, check out Twitter.  Its a new social media site that allows you to write a short blurb about what you are doing at that moment through your computer, IM or cell phone.  Its kinda a guilty pleasure right now for me......My handle is eachnotesecure, so if you sign up, befriend me.....

Sorry all for the long hiatus

between posts, but Ive gotten the hunger of late to get back here and talk some more about what ive been consuming.  Its actually very ironic, because a friend recently turned me on to a new energy drink, Noni Juice, and its really kicking my butt in a good way.  And the ironic part is, this writeup is a paid one from Noni Juice, who I am positive had no idea I was already on the stuff.

Like I was saying, I got turned on to this by a friend who knew I was kinda dragging lately due to a new job where I worked nights.  The next day I was pounding Mountain Dew, coffee and other heavily caffeinated drinks in an attempt to stay ahead of things and not feel so tired.  As most know, and I did too, the downside is the crash you get a couple hours afterwards.  So, I started on Noni Juice about 3 weeks ago and its really made a difference.

More about the juice itself.  I had to do a little digging but I found out that Noni has been drunk for over 1500 years in The Cook Islands, Hawaii, Tahiti and other Pacific islands.  It was also a common drink for early Polynesians, (and still is) as well as being very popular in India.  Actually, in early India, it was used for its healing properties.  Here is a quote about it in regards to healing I found that is really interesting.....

"The root was a cathartic and febrifuge (for lowering fever) agent. Juice from Noni leaves, rubbed over affected parts in gout patients, relieved their pain, the doctors of India said. And Noni leaves were used as a tonic, febrifuge, and healer of wounds and ulcers for healing. Noni fruit and juice was eaten and drunk by patients with throat complaints, spongy gums, leucorrhea (unusual menstrual bleeding), dysentery and sapraemia (blood poisoning by bacterial putrefaction)."

So, even though I don't see myself using it for any of that, Im more than happy to benefit from it anyway.  The full rundown of all the nutritional stuff can be found here.  Also, some of the health benefits are highlighted on this page.  I think the biggest one for me has been the increased body energy.  Im finding that im dragging much less as the day wears on and drinking almost no caffiene.  Not only is that good for my body, but it is also a relief to my wallet.  All those soda purchases can really add up!

So, head on over to the Noni Website and try them out for yourself. 

I love Indian food, I mean, Ill even eat and enjoy the frozen, tv-dinner style Indian dishes you can get at the grocery.  But, of course, its always better fresh.  I had a really great portion of Chicken Saag, which for those you arent familiar, is Chicken with spinach and cooked with a touch of cream.

The spice level is the place where you really personalize it though.  The levels range from 1-5, and you can basically choose how hot you like it that way.  Ive chosen wrong before and ended up having a hard time finishing a really tasty but way too spicy dish before.  This weekend I hit the nail no the head by getting a spice level of 3 for the Chicken Saag though.  And since the portions are incredibly generous, I was also able to heat up the leftovers yesterday for lunch.  And man, it was just as good!  This is coming from someone who does not usually care for leftovers, especially from restaurants. 

And its also important to note, that although the best restaurants, especially Indian ones, can be found in the more urban areas of Cincinnati, Clifton is best, your local suburbs are starting to serve it up too.  This is a good spot all the way down in Florence, KY.

Last night we had quite a get together at Andys Mediterranean Grill here in Cincinnati.  Ive probably mentioned before that this is my favorite restaurant in the city, so I was very happy to make it my birthday dinner destination again this year.  A dozen or so friends came out to celebrate and it was a great time. 

Two or three in attendance were not quite sure what to order and knowing my appreciation for the spot, asked my opinion on what they should get.  I must say, this can be a difficult choice, but one thing to remember is that most of the dishes are heavy in garlic so its a commitment.  But, whenver I get the chance, I recommend the Shish Tawook, which is Andys signature dish. 

Its four skewers of his chicken cooked and topped with his amazing marinade, (which you can now buy and bring home).  You also get a nice heap of rice on the side to balance things out.  A half order can work also which is two skewers.  The full order is really alot of food and I actually had a tough time finishing it last night since we indulged in a Mediterranean sampler appetizer as well which is comprised of hummus, baba ghannouj, labneh, tabouli, and olives.

It should also be noted that the Shish Tawook was the winner of the Best Entree Award from Cincinnati Magazine.  And that alone should be enough to convince you to at least try it out.  Once the food was gone, the hookah pipes came out.  We needed two to satisfy our table and had a rose flavor and a mint flavor which I had not had before and was really great.  As my friend Chris said, its like smoking an after dinner mint.

And of course, the atmosphere was in full effect with roaring Lebanese music and bellydancing throughout, which is a Friday night staple at Andys.  Head over to Andys website and get over there for dinner if you can, its worth it.

Great news for bloggers was announced today as a new company hit the blogosphere.  Review Me intends to connect bloggers and advertisers together to make a win win situation for both.  The advertisers get the skinny from the bloggers on thei

r products or events, while bloggers get paid to write their little hearts out.

While some folks could be sour on this issue, I think that should subside due to the fact that bloggers are required to disclose that they are being paid for the review.  Like right now for example, this is a paid sponsor post.  In the future, if you see that here at Cincinnati Chilli, be aware that Im being paid a small fee for my writing, good, bad, or otherwise.  That way you know if Im being paid, and also that Im being honest, because, as far as I know, you arent penalized for a negative review. 

Cant argue with that.  I already like it better than other similar ideas ive seen out there like Pay Per Post.  You never know what the deal is with those using that service.  I think the advertisers make out ok, but the bloggers lose trust from their readers when sponsorship is not disclosed.

So, when you get a chance, you should really head over to Review Me and sign up as a blogger or advertiser.  Id highly recommend at least jumping into the interface and giving it a chance, who knows, maybe you can make enough to afford a great meal out (back talking food again).

Well, I hit the old 29 today.  Ive been saying that I narrowly avoided 30 yet again.  The truth is I could care less if I am 30 or not, age is truly nothing but a number.  I think I just quoted a bad r and b song....  Got some nice clothing to celebrate the birthday that was much needed, and a new Bengals cap as well, Ill wear that thing out Im sure.

A gift card to Borders will be used, and soon, I cant get enough of media items, books, music and more.  I also scored a gift card to one of my favorite restaurants in town, (yes, im talking food again), Andys Mediteranean Grill here in Cincy. 

Andy serves up some of the best chicken in town and all in a great atmosphere, complete with bellydancers and hookah smoking.  Ill be feasting there tomorrow night with friends and family.

So, some friends at Asthmatic Kitty Records (Sufjan Stevens, My Brightest Diamond) asked if I would do a quick write up about Cincinnati, something in the top 5 mode.  Of course, i chose food, as Cincy as some great and unique foods that others may or may not know about.  Here is a link to the article.

And, here is the text, if you are the too lazy to click a link type.....

Top 5 foods you have to eat when in Cincinnati

1) Skyline Chilli - There are actually a couple competitors to the best chilli in Cincinnati throne, but Skyline is king.  Cincinnati Chilli is different in that its got no beans and is actually a bit sweet, Three Ways (Chilli, Spagetti, Cheese) are a delicacy here in town, truly legendary.

2) Graeters Ice Cream - I used to have a boss that had this stuff shipped out to him in California a few times a year he loved it so much.  In addition to tons of great seasonal flavors, the Black Raspberry Chip is amazing.

3) Montgomery Inn Ribs - While the south is famous for BBQ ribs, Montgomery Inn is a local legend.  The ribs are great but its the sauce that caused Bob Hope to be a lifetime fan and endorser.

4) Gliers Goetta - Goetta is a breakfast meat, as if we dont already have enough here in "Porkopolis."  Goetta is a german recipe made of pork, oats, onions, herbs and spices.  Given the German roots here in the Nati, Goetta is big enough for two annual weekend festivals here in town.

5) Izzy's Corned Beef - The best reuben sandwich outside of New York can be found at any Izzys location in Cincinnati.  A piled up Reuben with a potato pancake is a great lunch and they have been dishing them out here for over 100 years.

Windows, Mac, Linux - What's your preference and why?
Submitted by ramblingsbymark.

Well, until about a year ago, I had only been a PC guy.  I was a bit timid to take the plunge into the Mac world even though I had many friends that would swear by them.  However, a job I had almost required that I get one and purchased one as part of my employment.  I now am fully a Mac guy and have since converted a few others as well.

To me, Apple is much more user friendly than I expected.  The transition was a very easy one and although I still have a PC here at home, I find it clumsy and lacking now that I have my IBook G4 on my lap most of the time.  I really love the fact that I have zero spyware issues, and even little things like not needing to log in and reboot constantly to keep things moving at a decent speed.  I was always having to do that crap on my PC.

My next home computer purchase will be a Mac as well, I guess Im another disciple......

Hows that for a title!  Well, its true, I gave Mr. Frank Black, of Pixies fame a ride in my car on Halloween.  Mr. Black was in town to do a show over in Newport at the Southgate House and also to do a Lounge Act at WOXY.  My buddies over at WOXY needed a little help, so I turned into the wheelman.

I have to say that Frank is one of the nicest and most genuine guys around too, which was a little surprising.  I mean, he seems kinda dark and aloof from the distance that stands between myself and a rock star.  A huge thrill to give him passage to and from the WOXY studios, and the session was really amazing as well.

And are bored, or just like rock music, head on over to Alchemize Bar in Northside for an amazing show.....