Don't Back Down

Towards the end of August, I wrote about our experience with Blockbuster Rewards. I'm sad to say that this has not improved much. But I do have some interesting news to report. I can't yet say if I've cracked the code, but during the month of September, I was able to make some progress, and we came home with the coupon that allows us to get a free rental during the month of October. Now we just need to see if we can keep track of the thing and remember to take it back next month. So without further ado, a quick refresher, and then how you can try and get yours.

Read "The Elusive Blockbuster Rewards Certificate" »

While it's true that the Fried Twinkie originated at the Park Slope Chip Shop in Brooklyn, which is most definitely not in the South, most would have to agree that the denizens of the Southern part of the US are more likely than those in any other part of the world to drop about anything in the hot oil and make it even tastier. Last year, for instance, we saw the North Carolina State Fair add fruit to the menu of items dunked in batter and fried to a golden brown. This time around, they've truly taken a monstrous step, and gone beyond solid food entirely.

Read "Southerners Will Fry Anything" »

Lexington isn't a large town, so there aren't a ton of options when it comes to eating - and there are even fewer when you remove the barbecue places. When you want pizza, you do have a couple of non-chain places to go, but the best of the choices is probably going to be Christo's. The original location offers a buffet if you're eating in, and this is a good choice, as it has quite a spread.

Read "Christo's Original" »

This funky little eatery in the South End has grown quite a bit (not in size, but in appeal) over the last few years. What started as not much more than a rather ugly yellow cinder block building on an oddly-shaped lot is now that and more - they've added some landscaping, a paved lot instead of the gravel parking and a nice outdoor eating area too. Inside the food is the same great, simple combinations you're used to getting.

Read "Phat Burrito" »

While this isn't the fanciest of places by any means (two hand-written signs on the wall proclaim "no cigar smoking in restaurant"), the food is quite decent. Also be forewarned, this is certainly a local hangout, and as such you won't find niceties such as a hostess (you have to seat yourself) and they don't have a non-smoking section (all tables are smoking). That's the way that the clientele likes it, and if you can get past those things, the prices are decent, the service quick, if not exactly stellar, and the food hot.

Read "Liberty East Restaurant" »