Charles Shaw Shiraz

Shiraz wine is made from Syrah grapes which are a dark grape used for just about nothing but making wine. That said, Charles Shaw Shiraz being a red wine needs to be aired properly before drinking or it will have a bitter flavor that will be off putting. Now Shaw in general is the best you can get for your money in terms of wine so if you want a good time without the price this New Years then I'd get a few bottles.

Also, keep in mind that wine snobs dislike Shaw because it cost so little even though it normally slays in taste tests. Some people dislike wine but if you like wine and dislike Shaw you may be a dork hole. 

Magic Hat #9

Now, Magic hat # 9 is a light beer and that is why I was so confused when my brother got some for us to try. Me, I think this 'not quite Pale Ale' is just fine. I wouldn't call it earth shaking, but I'd say this is a great beer for light beer drinkers. 

My brother didn't care for it because it was light beer but said it was otherwise okay. Moral of the story, by beer you like. 

Kirkland Signature Reduced Fat Milk

We do so much to milk to make it better for us and I think that whole idea is over rated. This milk was on the watery side and folks say you should try and get used to watery milk.

I say, stuff it, I don't drink that much milk to start with! We live in a fat-phobic world so we take the fat out of milk because we think that makes it better.
Do you know what makes milk better? Pasteurization! How about a better environment for the cow and eating nutrient rich grass, huh, not a question.

For those of you who hate fat and are not to keen on what healthy is this stuff is just fine. For me, I'm not a fan of this milk, but it's better than having my breakfast with soy-milk by a slim margin. 

The Old Ship Black Pudding

I have never seen black pudding before and this was not what I was expecting. Black pudding is blood sausage, and so it should just be called blood sausage but as I had it at an English Pub in Fullerton California I can't fault them for being traditional.

In any case, The Old Ship's Black Pudding was flavorful and soft for sausage with a strong herbal tone and a texture that reminds me of well cooked barley.

The Old Ship Scott's Spicy Meatloaf

Scott, you left out the spice on your Scott's Spicy Meatloaf. Now I do have to point out that this is the dinner portion of the meat loaf and that lunch would be only one serving of meat loaf. 

Now I do have to take points off for the name being misleading as I did not feel the spice was prevalent in the taste. In addition this meat loaf did not have the heft of what I would make at home. It was smooth in the mouth and low on features but the gravy did give it a savor that I liked. 

The Old Ship Garlic Mushrooms

Now we all know by now that I love mushrooms and The Old Ship Garlic Mushrooms do tickle my fancy, but I will grant you don't get enough bread to top with mushrooms. 

Monterey Mushrooms Whole Mushrooms

These are the mushrooms I buy almost every time I go to Costco and I love them.

They are great for me and take on the flavor of almost anything you cook with them but mostly I have them in sesame oil with a few almonds and pasta. 

Tootsie Roll

The Tootsie Roll has been around since 1896 making it one of the most legit candies in the world. It became Kosher, officially, in 2009.

It's hard for me to hate on a classic like this so I'm not going to. If you haven't had a Tootsie Roll you're just not American enough.

Maggie's Pub Henry the VIII-Pastrami

This is my first sandwich at Maggie's and I think the Henry the VIII is one of the best Pastrami sandwiches I've had. I have to admit I should have ordered a side but that's only because I got an appetizer that didn't suit me. 

If it wasn't for the fact that I get something new every time I go to Maggie's Pub I'd get this again. 

Maggie's Pub Seafood Cocktail

My brother ordered this because it was the most expensive thing on the appetizer menu and I was paying. Well, he normally pays for me so I guess that was fair. 

We didn't finish this in the store because it wasn't all that great and for the price I feel they should have had some better crackers.

I'd give this a pass unless it's something that jumps out at you.

California Grill Big Kahuna

California Grill's Big Kahuna is definitely big but not so Kahuna. I'm not sure what justifies calling a double burger a Kahuna, but this had nothing for it other than size. 

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

Where are the mushrooms in my Mushroom Chicken? I mean there should be a few of them and I don't see them. It should really be called squash chicken because that's what I see here. 

Panda Express Orange Chicken

The signature Panda Express dish is Orange Chicken and I can't figure why. It was okay, I mean, I didn't want to spit it out, but this didn't wow me.

Panda Express Fried Rice

Now, I'm no food expert, but I think fried rice involves some frying. This was not fried rice. This was rice with soy sauce and vegetables. I think it would have been better if it was fried but since it was not fried I feel cheated by the name.

Panda Express Broccoli Beef

Broccoli Beef is my favorite not Chinese food. I say not Chinese food because I'm rather sure it is an American thing. Now this Broccoli Beef tasted like the broccoli was just added after the whole thing was cooked. Some would call that good and some would call that bad. Me, I don't care for how this was made. 

Panera Bread Roasted Turkey Cranberry Flatbread

Panera Bread's Roasted Turkey Cranberry Flatbread can use more cranberry. Why you would get this if the cranberry wasn't a big draw I can't figure but there just wasn't much cranberry to go round. 

Panera Bread Ancient Grain, Arugula & Chicken Salad

Ancient Grain, Arugula & Chicken Salad looks nothing like the picture that shows no goo and has more Arugula.It was also missing the grain and the chicken was old. I can't figure how this thing ran me 420 Calories and I would not get it again. 

Wild Turkey Rye

I have to figure that Wild Turkey Rye has got to be more of a strait drinkers thing because I notice very little about it on the way down. To be honest I tend to use it when I need to add body to a drink. Still, it was worth trying but I'll keep with my good old 101.

First Street Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

I'm not sure there was any chicken under all the salt these came in. They were so salty that I could taste them the next morning in my mouth after brushing. If I wanted salt I could get that for less and not have to freeze it.

Charleston Chew

What the trout is a Charleston Chew? Where did these things come from and why are they in my candy dish? Well, this are okay but not worth the calories if your fat like me. 

Kellogg's Apple Jacks

Kellogg's Apple Jacks originally ripped off Cheerios with the name Apple O's before becoming Apple Jacks and becoming another flavor of breakfast candy.

They are almost all taste with very little to redeem there diabetes causing formula. 

Trader Joe's Meatballs

At two balls to a serving Trader Joe's Meatballs are on the large side and there appeal over other offerings end about there. I can't say I disliked them but can't say they jumped out at me. I mean, these are meat balls and plopping two of them in my pasta makes me feel a bit funny.  

I mean, I have two balls, my pasta has two balls, and the similarities are kind of off putting. 

Columbus Foods Sliced Herb Turkey Breast

The big thing about Columbus Foods Sliced Herb Turkey Breast was that I couldn't get it out of the package without ripping the slices. I did not note the taste of herbs. All and all it did the job but I wouldn't get it again. 

Equal Exchange Organic Nicaraguan Medium

Now I found this coffee to be very medium and no so Nicaraguan, but it was a solid coffee that will get you through the morning.

Just remember that it is not strong so you have to be sure to get as much in that brewer as you can get to make it flavorful. 

Kirkland Signature Traditional Holiday Egg Nog Liqueur

This egg nog is on the mild side which I'm okay with but I would add some normal egg nog to give it flavor over the kick. This is cheap and it shows. 

Panera Bread Cinnamon Roll

I think I would have passed on this if not for the coffee I dunked it in. It was okay, but I've had better.

Angry Orchard Hard Cider Crisp Apple

The only point I can honestly say bugs me about Angry Orchard Crisp Apple is that it is not Crisp. After that it is a solid cider welcome at any fall party. I chose it over smith and forge but I don't think I could pick one out over the other in a blind taste test.

Aloe H2O Pure Aloe Water

Aloe H2O Pure Aloe Water is an unpleasant thing to drink but I think you drink it in the name of health.

Aloe is good for the skin and you have skin down your throat so aloe should be as good on the inside as the out I suppose. Still, this is not fun drinking and why the call it 'water' is a mystery to me. Then, this stuff is American made so take one for the country. 

Kellogg's Froot Loops

Teaching kids how not to spell fruit since 1962 'Froot Loops' are a knock off of cheerios if ever I saw one. Cheerios have been around since 1941.

Truth be told, these things are candy and as candy you should not eat them to start your day. The first ingredient is sugar but they do have some fiber in them.

All in all I would avoid these but they do taste good which is why I got the small box so I wouldn't over eat when I reviewed them. 

Eat at your own risk!

Kirkland Signature Pork Loin Rib Chops

Pork in general is one of the worst meats you can get because if it can live in a pig it can live in a human. I was more in line to buy beef but I hadn't gotten anything but chicken and fish for so long I wasn't thinking.

Anyway, these come out on the dry side if you bake them uncovered and are normal meat so they need to be flavored more than any meat you would by frozen.  They also fit well in quart freezer bags for storage and survive the freezing well.

Fat Weasel Ale

Fat Weasel Ale has been a favorite of mine for some time now. I used to make a point of giving them to new guards at my work back in the day. People who be a little less interested in me doing that now.

I think the beer has gone down hill in the last few years and doesn't have the fresh flavor I remember. Still is a good buy and brewed in my home California.