Fire

I just posted a couple of ill-advised Instagram videos, popping off about the genocide in Gaza — this is not a relaxing Saturday. A visit to the surplus grocer earlier set the tone: As soon as I walked in it was clear the vibes were off. So much yelling.

A very big man, sweat pouring down his face, was yelling at the workers. They were yelling back: "Just go! Leave the store! You have to go!" He wasn't being violent, per se, just thrashing around unpredictably while three workers circled him from a safe distance. It was chaotic energy, made weirder when Mala pleasantly said "Hey Jesse how's it going?" like we weren't both witnessing a meltdown.

~ I need a reset ~

This edition is a quickie, as I have to take Abby for birthday Sichuan and cocktails in about 45 minutes. Gotta channel a new mood.

xo,

Jesse

While waiting at the cash registers, the man behind me tapped my shoulder. "Do you want to rest your basket on my shopping cart? It looks heavy." Very Jesus-like, but I was okay, and I told him so.

"At least put it on the counter," he replied. "It's bad for you to carry that much weight!"

I assured him, with a gentle chuckle, that I am quite strong, to which he replied, "It's not about strong. You could have all the muscles in the world and it won't save your hands." He then showed me his own gnarled, busted-up fingers, and implied it was the result of holding shopping baskets. Lots to think about.

I didn't want to alarm you last week, but we endured a weeks-long seltzer drought at the store. I started buying surplus Kirkland bottled water, to satisfy my need for single-serving hydration, truly odd behavior. I mean, we have a Brita pitcher, and I could always buy seltzer from a different store. But nah.

Anyway, grumpy door guy was excited to tell me they finally had new seltzer! Except it wasn't a brand I, or anyone, has ever heard of. Stellar, which I figured out was the house seltz for an online grocery startup that is now bankrupt. Their loss something something.

Anyway, it comes in four flavors: lime, lemon, tangerine and a truly exceptional grapefruit. I feel so much chiller, now that the seltzer hose is on blast again. Pictured above is the crisper in my work fridge, because I like to share the wealth.

I feel the same way about stir-fry sauces as I do about bottled salad dressing. Seems lazy! And I like making sauce from scratch. That's why this bottle sat in the cupboard for months before I dusted 'er off last week. Now I'm sheepish I waited so long - it was quite good, and saved a bunch of prep time. Sometimes I resist convenience as a point of pride.

Posting this because A) Johnny Seafood is a brilliant brand name and B) when I brought these home, Abby pointed out we already had three types of breaded shrimp in the freezer. Oopsie daisy.

Sorry to Nolan Ryan, but I've been eating two of these gas station sliders almost every day. They cost 0.75/package, which means this is a 32-cent slider. I like to top them with chopped cornichon pickles, which probably cost more than the sliders themselves. Downside: I've gotten hard pieces in a couple of these, either pebbles or bone. I cope.

Not much to say about this one, except I'm excited! Big sausagehead here.

These are pretty good, and I appreciate how virtuous it is to get some bonus broccoli (lol look at the big NO POTATO label). Dipping them in ranch is the move, though Abby accidentally dipped them in Caesar dressing one night after cocktails. The authentic kind of Caesar's, with anchovies and everything. Boy was she startled!