I have always been a pretty damned good cook. Have great skills in the kitchen... thanks in part to my mother and being single into my 30s and not your typical "carry out and pizza" kind of guy. I always loved great food.

I was "hobbled" while in Thailand in February. After hiking around the Railay Beach area in 90+ degree heat, Kachanaburi, Earawan National Park, and the streets of Bangkok -- my feet were destroyed. I ventured out one evening heading towards the Artbox Night Market just to listen to some music and get some Mango and Sticky Rice and I couldn't get past the lobby of the Conrad Bangkok. I resigned myself to the hotel bar and a hefty tab. The next morning, I decided to give myself a break and sat by the lovely pool... and by noon I was a bit stir crazy.

So I called Silom Cooking School and got into an afternoon Intro to Thai Cuisine class and hopped a cab for the 1.5 mile trip. It was a few Baht very well spent. At Silom, it's a required class before you can take any other classes. I learned a bit and realized why I love cooking... <Cut To Covid-19 Lockdown>

If I don't come out of this lock down 200 lbs. heavier with a destroyed liver... it will be a miracle.

As I am no longer commuting... I am sleeping a bit better and later and my commute from my master to my workspace takes 20 seconds. I have standing conference calls where I am not a primary participant. Although I have a home office space, I prefer to work at my kitchen table because when I don't have to look at my screen or pay too much attention, I am prepping.. chopping, dicing, chilling, washing, seasoning...

I have smoked a 6 lb. brisket, rotisserie'd chickens, made Tom Yum Goong, Tom Yum Gai, home made dumplings (pork, chicken, and vegetarian), home made spring rolls, fried rices, mangos and sticky rice, hand made pastas, a variety of American Chinese dishes, Chicken Curry Coconut soups, salads of a variety offerings, eggs a dozen ways... too many cocktails to mention. Was supposed to be in Dublin at the end of March so since that was canceled by the Irish authorities... every afternoon was Irish Coffees (ala Buena Vista in SFO) and Guiness. Then Hydroxychloroquine was all the rage so Vodka and Tonics were a medical necessity. Then there's bourbon... and being a Manhattanite relocated to Wisconsin you must drink Bourbon and Rye Manhattans (one for each region) and Bourbon Old Fashioned's and good beer.

This has to end soon because my gas and electric bills along with my booze bill is going to destroy my savings... (and please note -- this last line was a bit of levity. I do know that there are millions who are under serious fiscal duress. My wife and I are doing our part to help by buying local carryout to help our community businesses and contributing cash and items to our local food bank and Second Harvest).

AGE