Mas pics ....

This is day Three of the "storm" - and yes, that is Simon outside with PJs - he was helping unload the van this morning - he had boots on - and it wasn't as cold as it looked - for a few minutes anyway.

(Oh yeah, this is not my favorite sign - one you should most likely heed)

Opened up the hill in front of The Elks, they've actually done a great job of keeping the roads pretty clear - don't wanna know what that might have cost.

Looking forward to a Saturday with a little less weather, and more customers - hopefully the "I wanna see snow" crowd from Phoenix will fill the place - we all know that true Preskitonians stay home in any sort of weather.

If you are at home, I'm posting a great old fashioned brownie recipe I found the other day in just a little bit. I drizzled mine with White and Dark Chocolate - called 'em Messy Brownies ...

If you have any pics -send 'em to me and I'll post 'em here.

Weather pics - but not the worst of it!

Missed the ones of the creek near cresting - but just a few shots - more on the way tomorrow.

Storm Results - The Flood ... almost

What a mess, but we got through it so far! Gato survived the impending Granite Creek. The creek crested sometime over night and is now back a near normal levels. This, after we took all the patio furniture in etc.

Lots of excitement yesterday. Spent most of the day bailing out Monk's, climbing on the roof to clear gutters (not ours), and knee deep in freezing water - I have some pics which I'll post later.

The day started really great - I got up at 4am to fill the pastry case at Monk's and make desserts for 129 1/2 and Gato - only to have very few diners - then the rain startedin earnest ... then the roof started leaking, then the courtyard filled up and began to come in the back doors at Monk's - not a pretty sight! Took all day and night to get it under control.

With the weather cooling the water has stopped, but now at least we are prepped and ready for the deluge once it decides to start melting again.

Hope all are safe, warm and dry! By the way ... we're open if you wanna stop on in for a warm cup O' Joe and vittles!

Pasta Phundraiser

Great turn out last night for our Pasta Phundraiser for Haiti! Thanks to everyone who came out! Be sure to Join us nextg week - $5.00 for every entree goes to the American Red Cross for Haiti assistance. 129 1/2 An American Jazz Grille - 443-9292

Wednesday Night Pasta Night Phundraiser

Join us, Wednesday, January 20th & 27th for our Wednesday Night Pasta Night - with a twist.

We're donating $5.00 from every pasta dinner sold to the American Red Cross to help the people of Haiti.

You can also make additional donations to the American Red Cross by writing a personal check, which we will be delivering to the ARC.

So ... Wednesday, 1/20 & 27 - 5 - close.

Great food, and an easy way to make a difference.

Six (6) pasta dishes at jstu $9.95, plus a few more for a little bit more, and our full dinner menu!

129 1/2 An American Jazz Grille - 443-9292

Great Weekend!

Thanks to all for coming in and making the weekend hop!

Lots of stuff going on as always - more recipes on the way and some great new menu options.

Tonight, I'm sittin' in with Ramon and I'm buyin' the first round when you tell your server you read my blog!

Have a great day, and week!

- Barry

Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

Ready to start the week fresh! Got some cool stuff planned for this week. New dishes at 129 1/2 - Cowboy Surf & Turf, Cornmeal Catfish, and a great Spinach Fettucine and Smoked Salmon Dish - sounds comfy no?

Gato - Soup Sunday was a hit - all Vegan Soups this week - here is a great simple recipe that was by all means my favorite:

Butternut Squash & Carrot Bisque
1 medium sized Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded and rough chopped
6 nice size carrots - peeled and rough chopped

- Saute in Olive Oil for about 6 - 8 minutes until the begin to soften with a dash fo Salt & Pepper

- Once Softened, dust with 1/4 C Flour and create a roux

Season with 1T Chinese Five Spice (I actually rarely use this, but it worked great here)

Add 1 qrt Vegetable Stock, and 1 can Coconut Milk

Simmer for about 15 mintues, and puree, or leave it nice and chunky - kind of a hearty winter soup

You can also sub the Chinese Five Spice with Curry, or Nutmeg, Cumin and a dash of Cloves

- Enjoy!