Matchbook Memento

Matchbooks used to be a nice memento from restaurants and bars or weddings and other events. These days, I imagine, they are no longer the keepsakes they once were. Fewer people smoking and no real need for matches has taken away this micro-design memory jogger. Nonetheless, while cleaning out a drawer, I found this little book from Chumley’s, the old speak-easy on Barrow Street in New York City:

Chumley's Matchbook, circa mid-1990's.

Chumley’s Matchbook, circa mid-1990’s.

Had many great times at that little place: food, drink, laughs, and more. It was located behind an unmarked door, maintaining its speakeasy charm at 86 Barrow Street as the number on the reverse of the matchbook implies:

An "86" for the street number of Chumley's.

An “86” for the street number of Chumley’s.

As far as I know, the place is closed at this time. Ah, well, still have the memories and this little memento as a reminder. Cheers!

Airline Food (a nice meal!)

Enjoyed a very nice meal during a flight from MIA to PHL yesterday. What I liked most was the simplicity, which is a requirement (in my humble opinion) if your’e going to serve a meal from a closet, as most airline galleys are. This was courtesy of American Airlines, my preferred carrier.

Chicken wrap with couscous from American Airlines.

Chicken wrap with couscous from American Airlines.

The chicken wrap was tasty with a mustard-type dressing that kept things moist. The couscous was rather interesting and very difficult for me to describe. Suffice it to say, it was a nice touch. Portions are small but are probably the size we should all eat instead of the grand feasts. I’d like to give a thumbs-up to American Airlines for this combination. It’s a big improvement over some of the other meals I’ve had.

Coffee 4U, Aruba

On L.G. Smith Blvd, the main drag connecting Oranjestaad to the hotel area in Aruba, you’ll find Coffee4U.

Coffee 4U, Aruba.

Coffee 4U, Aruba.

This is a great place for a quick jolt, a pastry, or some gelato as seen below.

Gelato at Coffee 4U, Aruba.

Gelato at Coffee 4U, Aruba.

That stuff is pure kryptonite and mighty tasty. Especially if you double down and go with something like a cappuccino as seen next.

Cappuccino at Coffee 4U, Aruba.

Cappuccino at Coffee 4U, Aruba.

Plus, the airco in this joint will cool you down. Stop in and check it out while roaming the island or looking for a place to meet. It’s all good.

Baby Back Grill, Aruba

Baby Back Grill is one of those local joints in Aruba that will fill the hole in your gut. Here’s the grill all fired up.

The fire's hot at Baby Back Grill, Aruba.

The fire’s hot at Baby Back Grill, Aruba.

There are ribs and chicken on there, among other things. These are grilled meats, not low and slow roasted like you might expect. Bring your teeth and plan on chewing. So, here’s the ribs and chicken platter that includes corn on the cob, dinner roll, macaroni salad, and baked beans.

Ribs and Chicken mixed platter.

Ribs and Chicken mixed platter.

And here’s the fish platter (grouper) that came with salad and french fries.

Grouper platter.

Grouper platter.

And finally, here’s the menu, which as you can see, has plenty of selections.

Menu at Baby Back Grill

Menu at Baby Back Grill

Note those prices are in Aruban florins, meaning you get a good value. This place is on the end of the main shopping street in Oranjestaad. It’ll take a little creativity to find parking, but if you’re into this kind of food at low prices, go for it! Enjoy ever meal!