Food Meme Time! Awww, Beary and His Omelette Blanket.

Thanks to Liam Carleton Photography for pointing this meme out!

https://www.facebook.com/liam.carleton

Yum Time with Mr. Fox! - My Maine Adventure

Over the weekend I found myself to be an inadvertent stowaway on a long adventure. It started off a little scary, but ended up actually being fun. It all started when I accidentally packed myself into the wrong backpack and wound up on the train to Maine. Mix-ups like these can happen with wee, wee bears, so you must be on your guard and pay close attention to what you’re doing, and where you’re going. Unfortunately, I didn’t do either; oh my mama would be so very disappointed in me. But I made the most of things.
Upon making my way out of my travel bag, I was greeted by the face of someone I did not know. We both gave a startled jump and I apologized profusely for my carelessness but the man was very nice and told me he understood. He must have met another wee bear before. After a brief talk he informed that I was on my way to Maine. It worried me at first, as mix-ups always do, but I quickly remembered that I had been there before. The man asked me if I needed any help. I said no, I had inconvenienced him enough. I thanked him and found myself a seat.

When the conductor came around to collect tickets I told her my situation, and that I did not have a ticket right now, but would gladly purchase one from her. Luckily this was not a problem. She listed all the stops the train was to make, and once I heard Wells, Maine I told her that would do. I’ve been there before, and while I’m there I’ll go to the Fisherman’s Catch and get my favorite fried clams. Things were looking up on my mistaken journey, and the ticket was only $19. This seemed very reasonable indeed. I paid my fare and settled in for a nice ride.

Once I got there I immediately had to find someplace to stay for the time being, so I found a nice big bush to stay in. It was oh so green and full, and in case any dangers came about, it provided ample ways to stay hidden. After getting settled in my new temporary homestead I took a little nap and woke up starving. It was time for the Fisherman’s Catch. I couldn’t wait to get some fried clams. I checked around before popping out of my bush and decided it was safe enough to walk. It took a little longer than I expected, what with my short legs and all, but just thinking of those golden fried clams made me hurry as fast as I could. I rounded a corner, and there it was, the Fisherman’s Catch, just waiting for me. Looking back, I should have realized what the story was when there were no cars in the parking lot, but I did not pay attention. I was too excited.

I ran up to the door, grabbed the handle and pulled as hard as I could. Nothing. Maybe it was a “push” door I thought? Nope. I could not understand what was happening until I looked up and read the sign: “Thank you for a great season!! The Catch will be reopening on May 3rd, see you all then!” I was heartbroken. After all that journeying my only salvation was the thought of those tasty fried clams, but it was not to be. For a little bit I sat on the rocks outside, just trying to think of what to do, or where to eat. I wandered around looking for places, but they all said the same thing, “See you next season.” But this was of no help to me. A little defeated, I scurried back to my bush to think of things to eat. What I ended up doing was just as fun though.

There is a supermarket nearby so I went in and looked around. What caught my eye was some Bison hotdogs. They’re just so tasty. So I bought some and the ingredients to make a good barbeque sauce with grilled onions. My first thought when I got home was on how to cook them, but then I remembered that we bears are outdoorsy folk, so I built a fire and ate out under the stars. It was so nice. I spent the rest of the weekend cooking out and sharing tales with passersby. One nice lady even stayed and had a drink and hot dog with me. She was grateful for my hospitality and thanked me before she got on her way.

Sometimes it’s nice to have a little alone time. I thought about a lot of things, and feel a lot better for doing so. My train ride home was also good, and guess who was there? The man whose backpack I was in! We sat and talked and he told me he had been worried about me all alone like that, but I assured him that I was okay, and I couldn’t have been happier about things. He liked that. The main thing I will always remember about the trip is that, even though you don’t plan for something, you can still have a good time. I must remember to take more of these spontaneous adventures; they are good for the soul.

Yum Time with Mr. Fox! - Easter Week

I had a long week of adventures. It all started with Easter. I woke up and found that the giant bunny had indeed snuck into my house again, but as always, he left a big bag of treats for me! A nice blue bag with all my favorite spring time candies nestled on a bed of golden straw grass. It's a good thing this only happens once a year, otherwise I would be a much plumper Mr. Fox. Thank you giant bunny for my bag of goodies, and I can't wait to see what you bring next time.

During the week I was all about the city, and my travels brought me to some interesting places. One place in particular struck my fancy, The South End Buttery. It was here that I found my bacon and cheddar quiche. Originally, I had intended the quiche to be lunch, but upon talking to the very nice woman behind the counter, I ended up saving it for dinner. She asked me when I planned on eating it, and I told her my plan.

"Do you have an oven?" she asked.
"I do. But, I am not going to be near it for a little bit."
"Well, it is perfectly good cold but, it is much better in the oven."
"I believe you, but I am so very hungry," I replied, " I am not sure I can wait any longer."
"It will only take 12 minutes at 350 degrees and the crust will be soft, and the cheese will be all soft..."
"Oh that does sound good." I was coming around.
"Then you can come back next week and tell me I was right."
"I think I'll save it." I was sold.

She smiled as she boxed up my lunch-turned-dinner and reminded me of her heating instructions. I didn't forget. I could barely wait to get home to eat it. I almost didn't make it, but in the end, I was very glad I held out! The good lady at The South End Buttery can count on me returning.

The rest of the weekend is a blur of visits, travels, and new things. During one of my visits I was given a Fun-Fetti cupcake with homemade butter cream frosting. Rich, soft, and fluffy all in one. I am gonna have to work extra hard to lose the weight from this week, but it was worth it.


ABOUT THE SOUTH END BUTTERY:
 http://www.southendbuttery.com/

South End Buttery is committed to superior quality food and beverages with an emphasis on the diverse interests and personality of our community. Through quality and consistency and the personal attention of an informed staff, the Buttery strives to cultivate a pleasurable and welcoming experience, akin to enjoying a home cooked meal. Our cuisine is driven by an eclectic combination of fresh ingredients and infusions that draw out the natural flavors of contemporary twists on classic American and English fare.

Because quality products speak for themselves, South End Buttery is committed to using organic, all natural, locally raised and grown ingredients as much as possible. The Buttery also supports and has implemented environmentally conscious efforts in the workplace, such as using Dyson airblade hand dryers in all of our kitchens and bathrooms and recycling.  We also have eco-powered lavatory facilities and use biodegradable disposable packaging and recycled paper products as much as possible.

As important as respecting and protecting the environment, one of South End Buttery’s principal core values is to treat everyone with respect, courtesy and dignity. Customers, fellow staff and community members at large all deserve the same regard, kindness and attention. We even make sure your four-legged buddies are taken care of every day with fresh biscuits from Polka Dog Bakery down the block from us! Dog lovers (we have three), we also donate a portion of our cupcake sales to local animal rescue causes.

A knowledgeable customer is an enthusiastic one and that energy is contagious.  Isn’t it time for a fresh cup?

Richard Gordon, Owner

Before opening the Buttery, Richard worked as a criminal prosecutor in Boston handling hate crime, elder abuse and school violence cases and worked as a clerk in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. While growing up in New York with parents who loved to eat, Richard was exposed to a wide-ranging culinary experience and developed a penchant for cooking (and eating!) at an early age.

He wanted something different after fifteen years of practicing law when he learned that the local coffee shop was for sale in 2005. After much soul-searching, he and his partner decided to open South End Buttery and offer the kind of foods they liked to eat – healthy, hearty, simple dishes, the kinds of foods a buttery in English universities might serve.  For Richard, the move was ironic: while in law school, he had worked in the Buttery space 20 years earlier as a waiter and event manager when the space was a thriving catering business.

Richard received his undergraduate degree in political science and english at Tufts University and his J.D. from Boston University School of Law. He lives in the South End with his three dogs, Madison, Harriet and Dexter.

Website: http://www.southendbuttery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/butteryse