Subj : Greasy Spoons was: Chill [1]
To : Dave Drum
From : Ruth Haffly
Date : Fri Feb 28 2025 14:07:54
Hi Dave,
DD> Having tried bowls of "chilli" all over te US I know better than to
DD> order a bowl of red anywhere near the Northeastern US. It's most
DD> likely gonna be a bland hamburger/tomato soup.
RH> When we were stationed at Fort Devens, MA, we joined a small church in
RH> Ayer, just outside the post. We were only there for 6 months, before
RH> moving on to AZ but they had a chili cook off in that time frame. One
RH> of the chilis tasted like a burning cigarette had been mixed into it;
RH> both of us tasted it and had the same opinion. That was probably the
RH> worst chili we've ever had.
DD> I wonder what cpuld have caused that sort of off-taste? I'll assume
DD> you've not researched it. Bv)=
No, and have forgotten about it except as a reminder of how bad chili
can be. Some years ago, a family in our church won the chili cook off
with a sausage and pineapple abomination--don't know what the judges
were thinking on that one! I did place in it, but heard a number of
comments about the unusual "chili".
RH> Greasy spoon chili in a not so greasy spoon eatery.
DD> We' don't gots no greasy spoons around here. Our health department is
DD> "on the ball" and the local daily publishes their results on those who
DD> fail the test(s).
The Raleigh paper publishes them on a weekly basis also. I see a number
of B grades but usually nothing lower. The listing usually lists some of
the violations that were noted.
RH> This area brines the roads first, then when the stuff (in whatever
RH> form) starts coming down, they go out with sand and salt. Car washes do
RH> a booming business after the storms pass.
DD> Illinois goes bridge decks with the brine. The trucks have signs
DD> warning to stay back 100 feet. But, you're going to be closer than
DD> that before you can read the warning. Go figger. I know what the
DD> trucks look like and I keep waaaaaay further back than 100 feet.
We've seen the tracks but rarely see the trucks in action.
DD> As they do in this area. I keep a monthly subscription at one between
DD> home and work. Hit it often for thew undercar wash to get ride of any
DD> salt build-up. Not to mentions the salty coating on the bodywork.
RH> We can't use a lot of the commercial washes because of the high cap on
RH> the back of the truck. So, it's usually a DIY project, awaiting a nice
RH> day without rain in the foreseeable forecast.
DD> Best "rain dance" I know is to freshly wash your ride. Bv)=
Of course! Had some rain last night but I think it is supposed to be
clear (and cooling off again) for a few days.
DD> OK (really) recipe for beans to add to chilli.
DD> If I'm not using my chilli beans I'll do Bush's or Brooks Hot
DD> Chili Beans.
RH> I usually use kidney beans; I know, not your favorite bean, but it's
RH> what we both grew up with in our mom's chili.
DD> You and 99% of the East Coast of 'Murrica
It's the way we were indoctrinated. I've had the sense to break away
from doing it all the time tho.
RH> ... Books are better than TV; they exercise your imagination.
DD> That's been a tenet of mine forever. Movies and boob tube show you the
DD> writer's or director's vision of what's happening. A book lets your
DD> mind build its own screenplay. I note that Gene Hackman died
DD> yesterday. Many of his movie roles inspired me to get the source
DD> material - if only to
DD> see what was left out. Bv)=
I don't think I've seen any of his movies. My dad's old newspaper boss
(editor/owner) also owned the theater as part of the same building. He
let employees and families in for free. When he passed away, the theater
part was sold to an outsider, no more free movies so I think I saw maybe
half a dozen (if that) more before leaving home. Steve and I haven't
gone to a lot of movies either, just never got into it. I did talk him
into seeing "Gone With the Wind" a couple of months after we got
married. (G)
DD> Since the only "French Connection" recipe I could find is for a
DD> cocktail and neither of us ....... I picked this to "Burtonise" the
DD> post.
