I'm 43 today and while I say this with neither joy nor sadness, more just a general sigh at the nature of time, or rather of the way we perceive it--an acceleration, a rush, like falling, rather than a metronomic procession of days--the day occasioned an unexpected delivery from Hudson Valley Foie Gras. Not a fresh foie gras, but rather two excellent cuts from the bird that gives us the foie gras and are every bit as excellent. Wonderful duck legs and duck breasts, called magret, from the moulard duck--it's not just about the foie gras. The card inside read happy birthday, from my mom. Is that a great mom, or what? I'll confit the legs and save them for fall; I'll dry cure two of the duck breasts with salt and thyme for duck prosciutto, and grill the other two (they're as fat and rich as strip steak and even more flavorful).
--In another package, also from my saintly mum, a can of Whitely's Peanuts. These peanuts I tell anyone who will listen are arguably the best in the United States. They're large, very crunchy, and the driest fried peanuts I've encountered. One of the company's owners told me why: they soak the peanuts in water before cooking them; when they're fried by hand in 130 pound batches, the steam they release apparently prevents them from absorbing tons of oil. They're fantastic.
--A final more somber note. Bourdain has written a complete account of his Lebanon trip at salon.com. You may have to watch a quick ad for the travel channel for the whole story, but the commercial is brief. I emailed Tony to ask if writing it had been cathartic. He replied "I wish that were true." And this is a guy who is not easily rattled.
Happy Birthday, Michael! And yes, that is a great mom you have there!
Posted by: Kathy | July 28, 2006 at 03:21 PM
And where are you going for dinner to night? Always looking for a new place to each when we're in Cleveland.
Posted by: Kelly Mueller | July 28, 2006 at 05:57 PM
Each? I meant eat! It's been a long week --
Posted by: Kelly Mueller | July 28, 2006 at 05:58 PM
Happy Birthday to Cleveland's Favorite Son;
My birthday present--a lifesize statue of Ruhlman-- in the social realist style, depicted in heroic combat with the Chicago city Council, is unfortunately not yet complete. I've been slowly, painstakingly crafting it from collected nail-trimmings and tin foil. A lot of work, believe me. But it's worth it. It's almost done.....
Posted by: bourdain | July 29, 2006 at 09:08 AM
Happy Birthday Michael! What a great mom.
Posted by: rockandroller | July 29, 2006 at 11:09 AM
You should be using nail trimmings, tin foil, and foie gras fat. Cleveland is pretty cold. It ought not to attract flies.
Posted by: Annie | July 29, 2006 at 01:42 PM
Happy birthday! And the peanut resource is helpful too. Sorrowfully, the Bourdain dispatch reveals in words the site of so much tension and sadness in the midst of a city's ongoing rebirth.
Posted by: Melissa Sutherland Amado | July 29, 2006 at 03:59 PM
Happy B-Day, Michael ...
Hope to see you keep up the blogging.
Posted by: Captain Marvel | July 30, 2006 at 10:58 AM
Happy Birthday Michael.
Posted by: Dana | July 30, 2006 at 01:14 PM
I have to challenge a taste off here... have you ever tried Hubbs Peanuts? (http://www.hubspeanuts.com). I would argue they are the best peanuts... crunchy and fresh tasting even though they are fried, most excellent sprinkled on vanilla ice cream.
BTW happy birthday. I just met Meg at Blogher 06 so I decided to check out her site. Fun stuff Meg!
Posted by: Jenn | July 30, 2006 at 01:40 PM
haven't tried hubbs, but will!
and many thanks for all the kind wishes. it helps ease the annoyances of failing eyesight and incontinence...
Posted by: ruhlman | July 30, 2006 at 03:58 PM
Now now, Bourdain is still seven years older than you.
Posted by: Annie | July 30, 2006 at 07:42 PM
Happy Belated! Hope it was grand.
Posted by: Marcy | July 31, 2006 at 02:56 PM