Tag: Atlanta

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Travelling Shoulders

Knoth's Barbecue

Knoth’s Amazing Barbecue Followed Me Around the South

It was always there. On the 4th of July, Memorial Day, family reunions—even Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had other food on those occasions, but a genuine hickory-smoked shoulder from Knoth’s was the prized chunk of goodness on the table. The one that made us go “ah.”

Pork Barbecue Sandwich
Pork Barbecue Sandwich

We eagerly gathered around when it was brought in—still wrapped in the white butcher’s paper—hot from the pit. We stood smiling with buns open on our plates. It’s no exaggeration to say we salivated as the paper was unwrapped, finally revealing the crusty brown skin and that Heavenly aroma.

Some wanted a fatty part, some wanted crispy crust, and some only lean. I wanted some of it all. I would grab the tongs and tear off a tender piece of moist pink, then stick some crispy skin and hot fatty parts on top. Drench it all over with half mild sauce and half hot. Mmm, unbeatable.

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A Truly Decadent Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pie

chocolate-macadamia-nut-pie

When I worked at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, one of the signature desserts–wildly popular with guests–was their chocolate macadamia nut pie. It is truly one of those “died and gone to Heaven” types of desserts. And though it may not be easy as pie to make, it’s well worth it. Continue reading “A Truly Decadent Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pie”

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Perfect vs. Good Enough

It is tough to be a perfectionist in an imperfect world.

Several years ago, when I was a pizza restaurant manager, I had a problem.  I wanted everything to be perfect. I wanted the restaurant to be spotless.  I wanted the pizzas to be made to spec.  I wanted the stock rotated so that the first in was the first out.  I wanted my employees to be on time, to be dressed according to the code, and to know their jobs.  I wanted smiles.

I wanted my customers to be happy, the bank deposit to be made on time, and the produce to arrive when it should. In short, I sweated the details because I was a perfectionist.  But that’s a good thing, right?  Maybe not so much.  That year my staff had a birthday surprise for me when they presented me with a gift.  I unwrapped the long slender package and inside was a riding crop. They were only half-kidding. Continue reading “Perfect vs. Good Enough”