Go With Your GUT!

Well it is that time year! No, not the holidays that’s for everyone else. I am talking about Fantasy Football! By now you have a pretty good idea of weither or not you are going to make the playoffs. I am not. This is always a given right after I draft my players. I usually look at my roster and think. WTF! What the hell happen what was I thinking. Like this year the only player that really worked out was my kicker. It is only my 3rd year  and I am still learning, spread sheets, and all.

Ladies I am sure you are wondering why should I keep reading from this point on. The answer is, from one patient listener to another you need to know the stress that us MEN face on a daily basis. It’s important that you are sensitive when we break down because Jamal Charles is out for the season or Plaxico Burress won’t be playing this season because he shot himself in the leg. ESPN is our TMZ, Aaron Rodgers is our Kim Kardashian. We have a lot more in common that you think. Sometimes we need you to be our bro and not our problem solver.

So now it is that other time of year. Like I said last week burger joints are popping up everywhere and on Sunset Blvd you now have the wonderful Burger Joint. I figured I would make this fun and do a sit down with my friend and rival Matt Fite. I knew somewhere inside this, 6 time champ and 12 team fantasy owner, where some solutions to how one might make it into the playoffs.

I pulled up and walked in and this place was looking fresh. It has the fun of a burger stand and the vibe of The Standard Hotel. Very! Very! Fun! It was a place you would take group or individuals to go eat some midday lunch or a meet up for dinner before a night of dancing. I grabbed a seat there was no need to wait or ask for seating. After I sat down and turned around an entire team of UPS drivers were dying to get their burger on!

Soon enough my nemesis walks through the door! I can tell he, like I, needed to eat. We get in line and I notice right away these employees are lovin’ their jobs. There were so excited and bubbly to greet us and get exactly what we need. I look up at the menu and all their beef burgers are made from grass feed beef, the buns are made with unbleached floor, and the cheese is white cheddar or American. The soda’s are also all their own. I decide to get the beef with cheddar, grilled onions and the half and half of fries and onion rings. Fite decided on the Turkey Burger (health nut) with the Mexicane Soda and of course got the diet soda. Anything else? Of course I need the chocolate shake. All of this food for just under $40 bucks. Now that is want I am talking about. Normal pricing. Take that Short Order!

We get our number and went right to our table. They have this little device that you put the number in and pull out. It lets them know what table your at and if you need anything you just press the service button. Brilliant! I need one of these in the bedroom! Just kidding, Love You Honey!

Once settled I got right to the Fantasy Football questions…

MEAT ME: "When did you first find out about Fantasy Football?"

Matt Fite: "Wow... you're taking me back. It was my first year in California 1994. I was invited by a roommate to join the California Dream League. A league I am now the commissioner of. There have been so many changes since then. I remember my first draft pick of any fantasy draft ever; it was WR Jerry Rice and it was the 6th overall pick."

MEAT ME: "What was it about Fantasy Football that sucked you in?"

Matt Fite: "I like the idea of managing a sports franchise; albeit a virtual one. All sports fans have thought at one point or another. If I were the GM of "that team" I could turn them around. Whether it be while watching Free Agency periods of the draft. In fantasy football you get the opportunity to be the power broker... It also gives you something to root for or against in virtually EVERY NFL game.. not just the one's your favorite team is involved in."

MEAT ME: "So with that said most people (i.e. me) have a hard time managing just one fantasy team. How does one get involved with 12 Fantasy Football Teams?"

Matt Fite: "Well it doesn't happen over night. For over 10 years I only managed 1. Then I did two. Then 3. Once I hit 4-- the transition to 12 wasn't all that difficult. Most of my leagues are CBS gold leagues with $30 buy ins and $200 winner take all payouts. You just check in once a day when you have time... watch the waiver wire etc. It helps when you can work from home and set your own hours. That's for darned sure."

*note: My chocolate shake came at this point and it was so delicious that this point I am mumming the questions to Matt. It was not super rich. Just Right! Nice and thick like a shake should be.

MEAT ME: "How much time would you say you put in per day/week doing research, setting line-ups, and trades for your fantasy leagues?"

Matt Fite: "It's tough to quantify that on a day to day basis... preseason draft prep is the most time consuming. During the regular season? Maybe an hour on average... but some days none at all. I mean I'm not a professional fantasy football player."

MEAT ME: "If you, a 12 team fantasy owner does not consider yourself a "professional" what would you consider yourself? What does it take to be a professional?"

Matt Fite: "I guess it isn't about how many leagues your in as much as how much is on the line to me. A "professional" in my eyes could make a living off of his winnings. My leagues are relatively low stakes. It's like playing poker to me. Playing a $20 a week even if you play it online doesn't make you a professional. But playing in big stakes tourneys is the determining factor to me."

MEAT ME: "So it’s Sunday morning it is 9:30 am and you have all 12 line ups set. How do you know you have made the right decisions?"

Matt Fite: "My friend Eric who is a number and stat obsessed money manager and fantasy football rival in two leagues and I always argue over player values.  I tell him routinely that while I prone to vote Democrat in elections that my approach to fantasy football is right out of George Bush's neocon playback.  I don’t need no stats or facts.  I go with my gut."

MEAT ME: "How many championships have you won with that GUT?"

Matt Fite: "Yikes... I dont know if I remember... 3 CDL, 1 XGL, 2 CBS Gold Leagues... so at least 6... and still in the running for 3 Gold line leagues next week."

MEAT ME: "So what are the most titles you have won in one season?"


Matt Fite: "I've won two leagues in a season before. Getting to the playoffs takes a lot of skill and a little luck. However winning the championship game takes a lot of luck and a little skill. It's all about winning two weeks in a row against two of the other best teams in two of the most unpredictable weeks of NFL action what with team having clinched playoff seeding in some cases and resting star players."

MEAT ME: "What is your most memorable Fantasy moment?"

Matt Fite: "Winning my first title for sure!"

MEAT ME: "Was it a close call or did you win by a mile?"

Matt Fite: "My first title? I believe it was a healthy margin without quantifying it as "a mile."


MEAT ME: "What advise would you give someone interested in getting into Fantasy Football?"

Matt Fite: "Oh that's easy. Try to pick players you like whenever possible, avoid chronically injured guys, and have fun. It's a game."

On that note the food came. Matt and I waste no time and dig right in. It's really, really good. Matt is very satisfied with his Turkery burger and I am just loving mine. This is what you can expect from cows that are grass feed. This is a fattier beef and that just tastes better. There is no need to over season, the beef will flavor itself plus the onions were just the right touch! Matt says his Turkey burger was just as tasty. It is nice when you don’t feel like you are suffering by not ordering beef. The onion rings and fries come in a paper cup. A little rings on top, fries in the middle, and more rings on the bottom. Love That. They are very nice and a little crispy. Not over or under crispy, just right. I hate places that leave these items sitting in the frier because they are busy doing other things. At this place they care.

The atmosphere is awesome. It smells of success and I wish Matt the best of luck in the rest of his leagues in the playoffs. I am being nice because he is in last place in my league (laughing inside). The experience was awesome and with all that shake left I am going to have to “Go with my GUT!” and finish it another time. Be merry and MEAT ME!

For more information on Burger Lounge go to:
http://burgerlounge.com/

Find our more about Matt Fite at:
http://www.marketinggigs.com
http://www.funeraldirectoryusa.com

No Guts, No Glory,
MEAT ME!
aka Sean Rice

Don’t get frustrated with your FOOD!

Yes don’t! You could ruin your experience. You might as well take your food, throw it on the floor, pick it back up and try and eat it. Good luck with that. I see burger joints popin’ up left and right. I mean they are everywhere. This trend definitely has Los Angeles by the balls. In LA restaurants open and close as often as your mouth. One day something is open the next it is closed. It is really hard to keep track of. Often it’s the same owner, they open up, get bored, close it, and open something else. Gotta be on trend I guess.

So last week I was driving on Sunset Blvd and I saw a place called the Burger Lounge. I went back the next day and found out it was not open yet. One of the construction guys said it would be open this Friday. I emailed the owner asking him when it would be open he said Monday, and he would love to get me some food on the house for my review. I politely declined and said no worries my reviews are not just about the food, they are about the experience. I got it, and if you don’t figure out its me with the camera I will leave you my card on the way out.

So I went back a 3rd time on Monday, I even twitted to them that I was going. I got there and they were still doing construction. Some one guy said to me that they are open tomorrow. Today is that day. I went down there for the 4th time around 1:13 pm and I still see them working on a few things, but they have servers now. Probably training but they told me they would be open tonight… Sorry I just can’t do it. Maybe Friday like the original guy told me. I don’t blame them completely but what are you going to do. Uggggggg! It is what it is. Nonetheless I am frustrated.

I did read a review from http://foodlatio.com/ (awesome blog by the way!) about Short Order that opened (When I did The Farm I was looking for it. Turns out it was on the other side of the Farmers Market, I know I am a tard!) at the Farmers Market.  So I decided to go there. It is Holiday Season so the parking lot is full to the brim so I have to park at The Grove and walk all the way back.

By this time my already hungry girlfriend is starving and is now in hunting mode. So I am sure you can guess my frustration level is like an 8 out of 10 now. I am even walking faster. We arrive and I of course need to take pictures of the outside. So I try to avoid the eager beaver from getting in my shots, well saying it in the nicest way possible of course!

So I snap a few off and we head in. Now they have an upstairs that we did not check out, or this little out side area. I figured I would pick the closest possible seat to avoid sharing any decision making.  Plus the lighting was very nice so that made it easy too.

We sit down and how nice the place matt is the menu and I notice right away that this is one of these fancy themed restaurants that likes every little thing to be trademarked to their brand. Also they are out the butt organic. This place is great so far just remember I am frustrated! So they have all their own organic sodas. Not the normal Diet Coke that I was hoping for (its like my crutch) so I stay positive and think of this as an opportunity to try something new so I get the Cream Soda and a water. It comes in one of their fancy jars… Lovely.

Now at this time it is cold (to the girlfriend) and the wind is picking up equaling more frustration because now we have to strap down whatever comes to the table.

One thing I did notice around me is that wither people were eating or waiting for food everyone was really happy. The people that worked there were very pleasant which is very nice to experience and easy on my frustration. It is time to order and I go strait for the “What is your most awesomest thing and they said… blah blah blah with bacon and I said I will have that! It is the Nancy’s Backyard Burger. A beef blend with artisan bacon, comté, avocado, tomato, onion, iceberg, spicy mayo. Laura got the Tuna Melt described as being flaked albacore, mayo, chives, cheddar, comté. At this point I need food. I don’t care what it is. I need to eat before I punch someone in the face! Sooooooo I also get the short order spuds, “old school” fries, and a chocolate flavored custard shake to help myself feel better.

In a mater of minutes that shake is on my table and in my mouth! That shit was heaven! It was an absolute spot hitter. It was a sexy, heavy, Strauss Dairy, SUPER SUPER rich chocolate custard shake. To be honest after a few sips I never got it back from the girlfriend (My fault I was taking pictures.).

It could have been a minute or two later and the food was here. Great service always makes me feel better. You would be proud of me for the second time in a row I had them leave the vegetables, but after Jim Gaffigan’s tweet of, “Lettuce on a cheeseburger is like a fat guy in shorts.” I think that trend with me is fading fast. Who knows we’ll see.

I made Laura wait so I could grab some shots of her tuna melt (which is fresh albacore poached in house) and lets just say that it was the equivalent of putting a raw t-bone in front of a lion and telling him to pose for a picture. It is a bad idea and someone is going to get hurt. Especially when they have not eaten all day.

We both took our bites and looked at each other and it was like we fell in love all over again. Tasty, juicy, flavors, after every bite, a real party in my mouth. Some crunch from the veggies but that’s ok. I tired Laura’s T-melt and it was, as she said, “Really light and fluffy!”

The tuna and the bread really complimented each other well, and it wasn’t pack full of vegetables like I hate. So this was probably one of the best I have ever had. The burger was everything I wanted it to be. Even though Laura was so cold she was almost wearing all of my clothes, with rising blood sugar, the outlook on life was looking a lot better.

The fries and spuds were delish and super duper crunchy too. They really did a nice job with the spuds. Crispy outside and soft squishy inside, just like me. It was kind of the perfect meal.

Yep except for a few fries the entire table was demolished and soon was my wallet. I got the bill it was $47.03 with tip $55.03 total. Ouch. I was not expecting that at all… May be high $30’s but I guess I ordered a lot of stuff, and I am paying for organic.

Trust me I love organic. Fatten those cows up I want that juicy beef, but it hurts me to have to pay for it. So until I can make some more money to afford more food you can go and MEAT ME!






You can find out more about Short Order at:
http://www.shortorderla.com/
They wanted me to share with you that they are now offering an Adult milk shake called "Charlie Brown"
Vanilla Custard Peanut infused 114 proof Old Grand Dad, house made chocolate ganache & salted peanut sauce, finished with toasted peanuts.

Shut up and EAT,
Sean Rice aka MEAT ME!

Are you up for THE FITE?

I sure am. It’s time to do lunch with Mr. Fite! Probably one of the coolest guys I know, but also one of the most opinionated motherfuckers I know. It’s a blessing for all of us that this guy doesn’t have a Podcast or he’d run all of our ears into the ground.

Not only is this guy a political opinionator, he is a fantasy football workhorse. He is currently a member of 12 fantasy football leagues. To top it all of he has a system to all of his madness and plenty of passion to tell you what your doing wrong. How he has time to do anything is besides me.

If I were to check my Facebook every 20 minutes I could almost guarantee a new post him. Each one more important than the last. Almost always they are politically related with the comments section going for days. If it wasn’t for the fact that it was easy to ruffle his feathers I don't think he'd be that much fun to hang with. He just takes everything so damn serious (sorry, love you dude).

Despite all of that I figured it was time for lunch with THE FITE. Lately I have been struggling with reader interaction. I never get any feed back from you people so it was time to come up with a new strategy. I figured the best way to meet with Matt was over food. At least with his mouth half full we could keep the subject matter focused (sorry dude! Still love you).

We decide to meet at The Counter. I was in the mood for a good tasty burger and knew they would not disappoint. I show up and after the first round of fist bumps the first thing out of his mouth is, “How much did you regret giving up Sproles for Meachem?” At that point I knew what I was in for and I could not wait to order.

The Counter has a multi-option style of menu, you get to check-off a list of what you would like on your burger. Having the option to get a 1-pound burger was something I was not going to pass up. The only problem is that it takes a little over 20 minutes to make, and with all the talking Matt could do I knew we needed an appetizer.

I ordered the 1 pounder with chili, cheese, jalapeños and mayo. Matt got the ½ pounder with grilled onions, peppers, coleslaw, jack cheese, and pickles.  With those options you'd think he'd closed his eyes and randomly pencil dropped the options on his burger. To start we got the chili cheese fries just as they come. Here you have to order the fries separately because they do not come with the burger.

The appetizer came and it is solid. Bite after bite of home made chili goodness. Normally I don’t like onions on anything, unless it is added as minimal flavor (it is a texture thing or me). Luckily these were chopped up nice and small. As you can see as we each took turns digging until we got to that uncomfortable food bridge when neither person wants to touch the other persons food. Personally I don’t care, more for me.

The server brought our food as if she was herding the cattle all by herself. Big meat requires lots of work. She must get very tired. As a bonus... It didn’t take too long and the burgers were cooked to perfection. In the past I have had issues with how they cook their meat. Normally I like it medium rare on a half pound or smaller, and medium on anything larger. Instead I have gotten rare to almost not cooked in the middle but it looks like that issue has been taken care of.

I was a little surprised after first bites Matt did not have much to say. I guess that means the food did it's job. Normally I yell about where are my jalapeños but they are hiding under the massive cow sitting on my bun. You would think a place that serves a massive 1-pounder would have chili pouring off the top of the burger. Not this place they give you a tiny little (Mexican salsa) cup of chili. That is all! And Yes! You are actually paying extra for that tiny ass side of chili.

I feel that places that get super duper fancy with all the sides, toppings and add-ons really suffer when it comes to the main objective a really “Tasty Fuckin’ Burger!” They get so caught up in having tons of options that they end up lacking in the most perfect possible out come.

As much as I believe in customization and making everything your own, the customer shouldn’t have to be the cook. I am sure most people get over whelmed when they see all these options and more often than not come up with combinations that don’t work together. I think it helps to have a starting point, like they do, and offer ready to order burgers on the menu. The customers will always change things to work in their favor.

His burger and mine turned out to be pretty delightful. I got ¾ of the way though mine and the MOUTH only finished ½ of his. For some odd reason I felt the need to get dessert. I have a soft spot in my stomach for a giant cookie under a scoop of ice cream. This thing was perfect. It touched me in places I haven’t been touched in a long time… And it was good.

So it turns out Mr. Fite’s strategy for multiple feedback isn't really my style. He believes in being controversial and overly opinionated about absolutely everything. My fantasy league can vouch for that. Fortunately for me there are certain things I just do not care about... Kind of how he feels about foodies.

So just keep in mind that the jack-of-all-trades can also be the jack-ass of none. “Mr. Fantasy Football owner who is 3 and 6 in my fantasy league.” So MEAT ME!

You can check out The Counter locations @
http://www.thecounterburger.com/

Despite the fact that he is extremely opinionated he is actually pretty good at what he does.

You can check out Matt Fite @
http://www.marketinggigs.com/  a FREE job site for Marketing Professionals
http://www.FuneralDirectoryUSA.com/ for all your post death needs

Stay Focused,
Sean Rice aka MEAT ME!

Cocktoberfest!

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How often can you find  place that has exactly what you want, is fast, and offers healthy options. Not many places do, but Poquito Mas does. Right after my write up about Carls Jr. I had been getting a lot of shit over reviewing a fast food place expecting good results. I was told, “What can you expect from fast food? It will always be horrible!” I felt challenged! Thank you Tyler, for getting in my head. I could not stop thinking about this. I am very impatient, and if I have to wait longer than 5 minutes for food (even at a nice restaurant) I tend to get a little pissy!

Last Friday I was tired, the girlfriend was tired. I didn’t know how I was going to survive one more crap-infested meal. She was very insistent on having tortilla soup. I thought and thought and remembered the Poquito Mas on Sunset Blvd. Perfect. We headed out, drove up, and parked. Luckily with all the action on sunset there was barley anyone there. More guys started to filer in almost to the point that it was getting a little sausage festy. Not being able to make up my mind these days I ask the typical “What’s your best seller?” question and of course I get the usual lets point to the most expensive seafood thing on the menu. I said, “No, what are guys known for?” he said, “Ohh… the burritos!” “Chicken burrito Please!” The girlfriend got the chicken tacos and the sought after  tortilla soup.

Many of these “Made to Order” Mexican places that have their lovely salsa cart. It is screaming at you when you walk in the door. Like… “Look at what we've got… and its FREE!” Well at least that’s what they make you think. You have to work for it. Now before I completely go off. This is not the only place that has one of these carts, Baja Freash, El Pollo Loco, etc. Some how they have all gotten together and decided:

“Hey lets fuck with our American customers. We will offer free salsa but we will give them a one inch deep cup to put it in." "We will let them have as many as they want, but by the 3rd one they will probably be to tired to get anymore.” Is this starting to sound familiar? “If they ask for a big bowl to put it in we’ll charge them for it.” “After all why would American’s pay for something that they can get for free (Think bottled water, its genius)?” And here is the best part “If we are not laughing by the time they have filled 20 little cups, we will be on the floor when they try to dip the three inch chip in to the one inch cup.”

Seriously by the 3rd fucking chip I wanted to push over the salsa cart! Come on people I know I am not the only one who feels this way. This needs to change. If we can evolve to checking email on iPads, then we can evolve in to 3 inch cups. I am tired of being laughed at! Always being that stupid white guy who sits in the corner trying to eat out of the Mexican laughing cups.  This if my final warning to you companies…

If you don’t make these cups bigger you’ll find my ass double dipping right at your super awesome salsa carts! I urge every single one of you to do this and send me a photo. These corporation’s need to know that their unsustainable way of saving money isn’t just bad for our planet its an insult to their customers.

By this point it seemed like the amount of sausage inside tripled, it had now grown into Cocktoberfest!

So… our food… Was here in 3 minutes. So at least they have this working for them. Everything looks ready for consumption. I take a bite, its great. All of the flavors melting together nicely in my mouth. 4 to 5 bites in and oil or butter is pouring out of my burrito. Just like I stabbed it with a knife. It went from thoughts of being healthy sounds of myself getting fatter. My lady friends tacos were a delight and the tortilla soup a perfect blend of seasoning and vegetables… Yucky, but it was good.

I don’t understand the point of putting so much oil or grease on food. It always ruins a good meal and happens more often then I would like. Aside from this experience I can usually say that Poquito Mas generally has great food, but if it is not fast food and it is not a restaurant, than what is it?

The food is completely consumed and at this point I am totally over whelmed by Cocktoberfest 2011.On the way out a female finally entered deferring some of the “eyeball man hunting” raining down on my girlfriend (she’s pretty hot and I’m very proud).

In the 3 minutes it took to get our food I was brought back to Tyler’s comments. The food was quick, for the most part good, and they had healthy options on the menu. To me this was fast food. When I shared my little triumph with my neighbor Katie she explained that what I ordered was not fast food merely food “Made to Order”. She was right and had a very valid point.

So in my half win, half fail. I felt I had addressed both issues. Unfortunately I did not truly take on Tylers challenge. I am realizing that like them, I too have my own opinion. Fast food to me is anything under 5 minutes, starting the second I walk in the door or pull up to the drive thru.

Poquito Mas was under 5 minutes, had healthy options on the menu, and no waiting. In the end it is a hybrid of food styles and from this day forward it shall be called a HYBRO! So MEAT ME… or say something in the comments section???

You can find out more about Poquito Mas @
http://www.poquitomas.com/

Get Heard!
Sean Rice aka MEAT ME

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reMEAT - the Waffle

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Being up till late hours of the morning I rarely get the chance to enjoy a breakfast.  So the other day the stars just happen to align and I was given that chance. I couldn’t really thing of anything that was really striking my fancy so I went with the Waffle. I didn’t really feel I like I gave it much justice since it was my first blog write up. I new I ultimately had to get what I got before but some how make it better.

I showed up everything was almost exactly where I left it. I went back to the same counter seat and settled up for what I was hoping was going to be an awesome ride.  All the possible combinations running through my head, but what sticks out is the bacon. Then it clicks. Biscuits and gravy sub the biscuits for waffles and add bacon on top. That was it… the cosmos was now aligned.

The server came, I told her word for word what I wanted, and again got that same look. You know kind of like when a dog tilts its head after you have told it to get you a beer. I said, “Yep that is exactly what I want!”, and to save her time, “Yea not on the side, put it right on top!”.

Perfect! I had no idea what to do while I waited so I ordered the chocolate shake. it too was just as impressive as seeing Mount Everest itself. Super chocolately chocolateness with whip cream fluffed on top, drizzled with chocolate syrup. I was pretty hungry so I knew it wouldn’t be a problem of consumption

So in a matter of minutes I had the mountain of glory. It’s impressiveness what enough to quiet the entire room as the server brought it towards me. After the first bite, I was not only was it just as glorious as last time it had the sound of a choirs singing praise after every bite. The formula was the same except for one more thing, the bacon. The emotions went from salty, to sweet, and then back to salty. That was it! Finally my infinite circle of happiness was all mine.

Once again I could not finish, but marvel rather at it's ingenious existence.

Oh the waffle how you always deliver each time more than the last. So it there is anything I could add to this experience or any for that matter. Just when you think it is perfect, push it a little bit further,  and you might just surprise yourself at how clever you can MEAT ME.

You can read about my previous visit @
http://meatmeblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/yea-sub-biscuits-for-waffles-and-add.html

You can find out more about The Waffle @
http://www.thewaffle.us/Site/Home.html

Think outside the biscuits,
Sean Rice aka MEAT ME

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