Mr. Weber, Meet Mr. Brinkmann

Since April of 2001, when I moved into my current house, I’ve been the proud owner of a Weber gas grill. It’s served me faithfully and I expect to be using it for years to come. But as good as a gas grill is in terms of convenience, it just doesn’t replicate the flavor of charcoal.

I’ve always wanted to do real, hardwood coal smoked barbecue at home, but never had the guts to try it. Oh sure, I have a huge appreciation for the art, I’ve eaten it in its native lands, I’ve attended seminars on it, I’ve talked to a good number of pros on their techniques and such, but Its always been a “someday when I get the chance” sort of thing. I experimented with it a little bit last year on the gas grill and with wood chips, and granted, the results were pretty decent, but no substitute for the real thing.

So last weekend, I took the plunge. I saw a Brinkmann box smoker onsale for $60 at Home Depot, spending another $15 on charcoal and lighter fluid, and dragged it home.

The Brinkmann box smoker in its element.

We’re finally going to have some real ‘Q at home. Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for more.

Goodbye Between the Lines, Hello Tech Broiler

Well, its been a nice, fulfilling but short run on Between the Lines. On Monday morning, I pack up my stuff and move to Tech Broiler. As you can see, it’s starting to look a little bit like Mount Rushmore in terms of editorial faces on ZDNet’s premier blog, and I need to move into my own digs to make room for the new talent.

I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to blog about when Larry Dignan asked me to join the motley crew at ZDNet.  I have been all over the map in terms of topics, and quite frankly, I think I like it that way.

Click here to read the rest of the story on ZDNet Between the Lines.

Columbia SC Dining: Baan Sawan

Baan Sawan Thai Bistro
2135 Devine Street, Columbia, SC
(803)252-8992

Web Site: http://baansawan.blogspot.com/

I’ve been backlogged for weeks on content — I haven’t even completed my posts on Raleigh and Cape Cod, but I wanted to share with you with what I think is one of the best Thai restaurants I have ever eaten at in my entire life. The crazy thing about it is that it seems to exist in a place where it clearly shouldn’t.

Let me start off again. For the past few weeks, I’ve been working on assignment in the town of Columbia, South Carolina. Suffice to say that Columbia, while it is the largest city in the state and the capital, isn’t exactly the most progressive town in the South from a culinary perspective — it boasts very few quality Asian restaurants — well, let me rephrase that — few quality restaurants, period, and is about as meat and potatoes as you can possibly get. However, it is also the host to the University of South Carolina (USC) which is considered one of the better research universities in the region, so some diamonds do thrive here. The college kids and academicians need good places to eat.

Against all odds, Baan Sawan thrives. Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for more.

The Governor Isn’t Calling

You’ve heard it all before — the bell tolls for Windows XP. The governor isn’t calling to give it a reprieve — Microsoft is officially declaring it end of life for system OEMs on June 30. On April 14, 2009, mainstream support dies. Enterprises with extended support contracts can keep trundling along until April of 2014.

Does that mean everyone should go straight to Vista right now? Hell no. I certainly am not.

Click here to read the rest of this story on ZDNet Between the Lines.

George Carlin, RIP: A Place for Our Stuff

This morning I learned of the news of George Carlin’s passing with much sadness, and with the realization that we have lost one of the great thinkers and comedic minds of the last century. More than any other comedian, he was the one who I identified with most. Someone who wasn’t afraid to tweak authority, who questioned everything. He wasn’t college educated, but he had a brilliant mind, and had views — albeit strange and wonderful — on practically every subject in existence.

Click here to read the rest of this story on ZDNet Between the Lines.

Arthur Avenue: Park When You See Jesus

My brother Brandon was in town this weekend staying with us, and made a request to visit Arthur Avenue in the Belmont section of the Bronx. I’ve waxed rhapsodical on Arthur Avenue on this blog a number of times. For those in the know, the “Real” Little Italy is in the Bronx, near Arthur Avenue and 187th street. It is the “go to” destination if you want to be able to shop for authentic Italian provisions and eat at the some of best Italian-American restaurants New York City and the surrounding area has to offer.

Arthur Avenue and Belmont isn’t just Italian though — the community is also home to Kosovans, Albanians, Montenegrans and a large Mexican population, with their own stores and representative restaurants as well. This mural memorializing Anton Nikci, a famous local Albanian/Montenegran is adjoining an alleyway off Arthur that has a large municipal parking lot. I always tell everyone to “Park when they see Jesus”.

When you see Jesus, you know you’re about to have a transcendental Italian-American experience. Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for more.

The Joy of New England Fried Clams

Nickerson Fish and Lobsters, Chatham, MA

Click for Original OTB Post

Nickerson is primarily known as a fish retailer, but they’ve got some of the best fried clams on all of Cape Cod. You can’t find anyone who is sourcing fresher fish and shellfish on the entire Cape, as they are 50 feet from the docks and have the most sophisticated seawater filtration and tank holding system of any seafood store in the area. The fried fish and clams are absolutely pristine, and you can’t beat the atmosphere of being able to eat your food right off the Chatham Fish Pier.

Ready for some more clams? Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for more.

Pondering a world without Steve Jobs

I’m not going to theorize on whether or not Jobs’ pancreatic cancer has returned, is having a prolonged recovery from his Whipple procedure, or whether Apple is hiding the real truth of the situation, as many have suggested. Rather, I think some consideration should be taken as to whether or not Apple has formed an effective transition strategy, and has adequately prepared for the worst case scenario. What does Apple look like without Jobs?

Read the rest of this story on ZDNet Between the Lines.

Who says Latinos only eat carbs?

My Brooklyn homegirl Daisy Martinez prepares some nice Latino salads on the CW11. Click on the photo to view the video.

Delta Airlines Pioneers Biometric Airport Screening Technology

(NEW YORK) – June 16, 2008 – In time for the busy summer travel season, Clear®, the fast pass for airport security, today announced a broad partnership with Delta Air Lines that includes the operation of fast lanes in Delta terminals at New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports, and Los Angeles International, starting this summer. Beginning today, new enrollment centers will open in select Delta Crown Room Clubs in Atlanta that provide a convenient way for customers to join Clear’s Fast Pass program.

The Clear-Delta Air Lines partnership will include a significant presence for Clear in Delta’s terminals, online at delta.com and through a direct marketing campaign to its SkyMiles® members. All Delta SkyMiles members will be offered bonus miles when they join Clear.

Read the entire CLEAR and Delta Airlines press release here.

Also See: CLEAR biometric technology gallery

Continental Airlines: WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE. YOU’RE ABOUT TO LOSE ALL YOUR CUSTOMERS TO DELTA.