The Case of the Screaming Monkey

We are an extreme bunch of coffee loving people at work.

In a limited kitchen space, we've managed to cram a high class coffee maker and grinder onto a tiny little shelf wedged in between the fridge, microwave and water cooler.

There's pretty much only four of us who are really into the coffee, but we're serious about it. So if it's your turn to be out and about for more coffee, you had better pay more attention than simply grabbing the first brand off the shelf.

To save time, I thought I would stop off at the local Fry's for all my groceries combined with work's coffee needs (Sugar in the Raw, cream and coffee).

Once reaching the coffee aisle, I remember that it can't be just any coffee:

1. Coffee must be Fair Trade
2. Coffee should be organic
3. Coffee should be whole bean

A wall 14 feet long of Starbuck's, Peet's, Tully's and Dunkin' offered no such option.

So, 10 minutes later pondering whether it would be worse to have organic, but ground or non organic and whole bean - I have a variety of packages laid out in front of me (bear in mind, I haven't even mentioned roast preferences yet). With a cramp in my back, I stretch around and THERE is the teeny, tiny shelf of chai and coffees.

Sadly, no whole bean. But fair trade, dark roast and organic!

Bearing the name "Screaming Monkey!"

It was the most expensive coffee in the store and I bought it anyways.

Happy Hour at the Yard House

So, a funny thing happened on the way to the Yard House.

I got hungry.

Really hungry.

Just realized that I ended up so busy today that I forgot to eat lunch hungry.

Poor, poor timing to go into Happy Hour.

My friend was in the same boat, so our carefully crafted plan to order a couple of half off appetizers plates went really wrong. We ended up with four. And due to our indecisiveness, one not on the half off deal (mmm...Asian short ribs).

The service was that really great blend of friendly, not intrusive and honestly seeming to want to help you out. The food was pretty good. Only so many interesting things can occur with calamari and hot wings, but the Thai chicken pizza and short ribs were really tasty.

And after our beers and plethora of appetizers (including the full price option)? Still under $40...

Where to go...

It's been a busy couple of months...enought that I've been neglecting this site hugely.

In terms of new discoveries - I'm a firm believer in Happy Hours now. Remember the $40 dinner for two challenge? The bemoanings of a date that this whole dining out thing was all too expensive? With restaurants such as Eddie V's, Sassi and Flemings aboard the Happy Hour bandwagon, no individual has any excuse for missing out on brilliantly prepared food and drinks.

Tonight, it will probably be a simple night at the YardHouse. I've been drawn in by the convenient location to a friend, large number of Happy Hour menu items and nearby large corporate bookstore.

I'll report back later...