Caroling

For all the gentile neighborhoods I've lived in, I've never been visited by carolers. I've seen it on television but never in person.

Not sure how I feel about this... I certainly get enough Christmas music on TV, radio, in stores, etc. but that lacks the personal touch and the pleasure (we hope) of a live performance. I've been part of singing groups that sang Christmas music but didn't go caroling, per se. Hm. Maybe I'm missing something.

Perhaps in the spirit of making up for anything my neighborhood might lack in Christmas spirit, one of my neighbors has decided to decorate with every possible Christmas decoration/inflatable/light/etc. he can lay his hands on. I thought it was tacky last year but he has surpassed that by far this year.

The Thanksgiving Miracle (Disaronno follow up)

I'd like to express my gratitude.

I never expected to see change so quickly after my last post.

I have heard a report that the Disaronno people are once again showing the commercial in full. At least that's the rumor. *sniff* I'm so proud of each and every one of you that got out there *sniff**dab* on the picket line *sniff**honk**sniff* in front of your neighborhood liquor store and in front of Disaronno headquarters and brought about this change. *raises fist in air* It is truly a testament to the power of the people. *pumps fist* You *point* have brought back the sexy bartender money shot! Bless you, each and every one!

Boycott Disaronno

So you're familiar with the long running Amaretto Disaronno "Pass the Pleasure Around" ad campaign? You know the one with the ice-sucking skinny white woman and the hot bartender? Well, this year, they're running the ads again but they've cut the final shot of the bartender--you know, the money shot--where his pupils dilate and his face breaks into this fantastic smile? It's gone. Now they close with her without his reaction. Who needs that? I say boycott the company until they get the message and reinstate the sexy reaction shot. After all, if we don't speak out about what's important, what's the point of being in this country?

Niche Marketing at IHOP

So, most restaurants are responding to the obesity epidemic by developing small plates/tapas menus, weight watchers compatible options, heart healthy options, etc. Remember Krispy Kreme with the whole wheat donut?

Not IHOP. There latest brainstorm is to introduce pumpkin, carrot cake and cheesecake pancakes! Pancakes aren't sweet enough. We need carrot cake pancakes! Jeez, what's the calorie and fat count on these? And do people throw on the syrup, too?

The mind, she boggles.

Restaurant Review: Jaipur

We had the pleasure of Saturday lunch at Jaipur in Fairfax. If you weren't looking for the restaurant, you might easily drive by it. It is located on the ground floor of an apartment building and the facade is very simple and unassuming. But step inside and be transported!

Ambiance: There's plenty of space in this multi-room, very popular restaurant. The decoration is intentionally in pink tones in honor of "the pink city" and connotes a level of comfort that is very pleasant--layered tablecloths, comfortable seating, wall decorations that take you to Jaipur and make you feel welcome. The only exception to the decor was the freakish marionettes in the lobby/bar area that I couldn't resist getting a photo of. Distinctive--I'll give 'em that. The dress code? None that I could see. 25/30.

Service: Although this was a buffet, the service was very attentive and without flaw. The hot naan came immediately. The drinks came promptly and correctly. The plates were cleared quickly. The food on the buffet was always fresh, plentiful and presented attractively. 27/30.

Food: Jaipur had the largest variety I've ever seen on an Indian buffet and everything we had was tasty. Salad, desserts, fruit, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, classics and some things that were new to me. They aren't afraid to use spices here and the result is wonderful. I particularly liked what I would refer to as barbecue shrimp but it was all good and the different flavors worked well together. The only weak element was the samosas which were flavored adequately but grew tough from sitting out. 27/30.

Vegetarian: Good options including a spinach dish, a potato dish, a very spicy cabbage dish, dal, etc. 27/30.

Cost: Incredibly reasonable. $11.95 per person for unlimited buffet! This has got to be the best deal in town! 30/30.

Bonus: Plenty of free parking. +2

Overall: If you are looking for many Indian options for not a lot of money, Jaipur is an inviting place to go. 27/30.