BakerBites

When Noah (adorable grandson) was about 4 and learning about animals and plant life, he pointed out to me I had 2 pointy teeth which made me a carnivore. Sadly, it is the truth. My Dad was a butcher by profession, so meat (and lots of it) was generally on the table at every meal. Several journals back when I wrote about treating myself to a bologna sandwich made me think of Dad -- he would be most disappointed if he knew I was eating bologna. He never wanted us to eat hotdogs, bologna, or sausage unless he made it. I could live with that growing up -- what was more difficult growing up with a butcher for Dad was when a date would bring me home at midnight and Dad would open the back door and yell, "You wanna a steak?" Before my cute date could even get the motor turned off , he was out of that car and headed into the house. It was like I wasn't even there. Never knew a man that would choose me over steak.

Anyway, a long paragraph to get to the topic -- dinner last night. I met my cousin Sandy, who lives here in the Atlanta area, but like me is so busy we seldom get to see each other. We are both carnivores, so agreed to meet at Pampas, an Argentian steakhouse in Alpharetta, Georgia, with absolutely the best steaks I've had since Daddy cooked  for me. (He usually did his in a hot iron skillet with butter like Ruth's Chris.) Pampas is not a churrascaria (sp?) steakhouse -- you know, where they wear the gauchos and come around with about 25 pounds of meat on a big skewer and carve at the table. No, this is traditional cuts (Ribeye, Filets, Strip, etc) ordered off the menu. They do have fabulous starters. . .empanadas, what seems to be a provolone rind baked (or fried) and topped with tomato that's interesting, and devine little sausages that explode with flavor and none of that gristly fat stuff. We shared a bone in Ribeye (hey, we're more mature experienced women who know how to order a steak-- and we had tried all those appetizers I just talked about) that was perfect.  I was afraid it was going to be too rare when I cut into it, but it seemed to cook a little more at the table (I know that sounds crazy). So. . .if you're ever in Alpharetta, try Pampas.

Can't believe it's Thursday already. CJ has me wanting to get the Zoji back out, so I may try some bread recipes this weekend. Also, have to start planning the kid's Halloween party. Can't wait to see them in their costumes.