Photo by Mike McCune (mccun934 on Flickr)

It has come to my attention that this blog is fast becoming a bastion for all things kittens and cupcakes. The past few months have been busy and my writing here and at my own site has all but fallen off a cliff. With the hope of reclaiming half this blog as my own, here a list of things that have nothing to do with fur and frosting:

1. The proper way to drink Patrón (or any premium tequila) is by chilling it in a shaker with some ice (much like a martini). If you’re in a bar, make sure they’re not just poring it straight and room temp.
2. Use dried chick peas instead of canned when making hummus and falafel and home. You have to soak them overnight, but the improved texture and freshness is worth it.
3. If you like Coke, but don’t like drinking sodas with high fructose corn syrup keep an eye out for imported Mexican Coke (it comes in a glass bottle). It’s made with cane sugar and you can usually find it in small Mexican restaurants and grocery stores. Your other option is Kosher Coke which usually goes into limited production around Passover. Look for a yellow cap and an ingredient list that mentions sucrose.
4. Try the following beers: Chimay, Goose Island 312, Hennepin, Gouden Carolus Triple
5. Buena Vista has some of the best Mexican food in Chicago.