Politics

Politics is absurd, and therefore has a place in this journal. Anyone in his right mind would have nothing to do with politics. And any politician should be completely ignored, or even mildly derided.

Valeriana

Also called mâche or lamb's lettuce, or field salad, as in German Feldsalat. Like a splendid-cool soft-nut burst in the bouche. Eaten best with a little honey vinegar dressing and walnuts. I was out bear-hunting the other day, aiming for a sighting, when I happened in a meadow to march upon mâche. In layman's terms, I treaded on lettuce. I try to keep a few bushels handy for guests. If you'd like to try it, you'll need to sow a few seeds, it seems, since sellers don't shelve it this side of the Atlantic. Get your seeds from the lovely Fedco seed growers who offer two varieties: one and two. I would opt for number one, which probably approximates the variety seen in the picture above. JamieRevolution

Best Chicago Bites!

I just got back from Chicago and relived an epicurean adventure of years bygone. Some might say smells can most powerfully evoke forgotten memories, but in my case it is the palate that serves this function. So returning to Chicago after years of being away was not only a lovely chance to see old friends, but also a luscious way to foam at the mouth. Let me recommend the absolute best places to eat in Chicago.

In chronological order of my re-visit:
1. Ras Dashen This is one of the best Ethiopian restaurants in the world, outside of Ethiopia, of course. The food is exquisite; it comes served on traditional tables on top of a carpet of sour spongy injera bread - better than any pancake. The waitstaff is warm and welcoming. I am led to believe that Ethiopians may be the most hospitable people in the world. The dishes vary from mild to refreshingly spicy. And if you burn at the pinch of piquant, the bread will do a wonderful job of cooling off the tongue. Naturally this place is brimming with vegetarian options. The side beet salad is particularly good, so is the vegetable stew and everything else on the menu. Don't forget to enjoy an ethiopian chai after the meal.

2. Handlebar This is an ok lunch place. Presumably it becomes a bar at night, serving bar-style food, including a lot of vegan options. The bike-riding hipster atmosphere is not quite my thing, but it provides a nice little oasis for vegans who live south of the north side of Chicago. I had a tofu sandwich or some such thing, but I was more pleased with the side of vegetables in a tamarind curry that came with it. In any case it is a good stop on the way to the Garfield Park Conservatory, if you're by car. At least that was my post-mensal destination.

3. Annapurna This place has no website, and its owners probably don't know what the Internet is, but the food is the best Indian food on Devon. It is probably the cheapest as well. All dishes are posted only with the South Indian names on the wall above the counter, so you have to know your way around or just guess at something. Samosa Chaat is great though. And the Masala Dosa is unparalleled in Chicago. It's called a snack place, but order a few and it's soon a meal. The place is all vegetarian, which scores plenty of points.

4. The Pita Inn This is a classic. It's the one place I didn't make it to on my return visit to Chicago, namely because its Skokie location was not quite on my way anywhere. But that should be no deterrent. And next time I make it out to the Windy City I will definitely go out of my way for a falafel at the Pita Inn.

Note that all my recommendations are cheap eats and have excellent vegetarian options. Yours sincerely, JamieRevolution

Drizzle Dazzle

It's been drizzling out and still drizzles
But soon it's predicted to mizzle.
Then I'll mizzle.
I'll be in the Greater Antizzles
Till the sunny star sizzles.
I'll leave you chizzled, you drizzle, and mizzled.
I'll twizzle my pizzle
Till the precipitation fizzles.

The best laugh

The best laugh is a loud screeching cackle. It can instantaneously silence an entire room and if you can avoid laughing after that momentary lapse, you are truly made of stone. I heard a new one today. Watched a terribly long movie about absolutely nothing. Ostensibly espionage. That's what the title should have been. But it was just a shaggy dog story. It's not my expression, but you must admit it's a great one!

And who would have expected to find such an entertaining blog when doing a google search for "cheese galore"? It took me a moment to realize that it didn't take place in Bogota or Buenos Aires or any other place in Latin America.

Nel Mezzo Del Cammin...

This is the first day of my blogging, and it has already started out prevaricatively. It is night. Night is upon me and my hemisphere. There are all kinds of absurdities which make my reality so pleasant. I hope to share them with you, if there are any such yous as to read further. Also, I am making a collection of proverbs, aphorisms, adages, and apothegms. Although what I really seek are established metaphors you use to pepper your prattle. Drop me a line if you know of any. Going on would be gilding the lily. So that's enough for tonight. Good night.

JamieRevolution