See?  Look that cheeseburger pillow purchase is paying off already!  Lol anyway, hey what’s up everybody?  So earlier today, I was eating these sweet potato chips (if you’ve never tried them, give them a shot, they’re pretty good!) and hearing myself chew actually started to annoy me.  The crunching also made it harder to hear the tv so I had to keep adjusting the volume.  But then the volume of the tv started to annoy me too since it was so loud.  By the time that I finished my lunch I almost wanted to kick myself out of the house! 

Seeing as how I could barely make it through a full hour without annoying myself makes this next announcement even more impressive because today March 16, 2017 is my parents 49^th wedding anniversary!  Like I said, I can barely live with myself for 49 minutes so I couldn’t imagine being with someone else for 49 years!  Actually, I forgot to include the year or 2 they dated first so they’ve actually been together even longer! 

Wow numbers like that are rare, especially these days!  They met in college and have been inseparable ever since.  You know how you stare at the waiter as he brings out that plate of sizzling fajitas?  Well that’s how they still look at each other, even after all this time!  They seriously are a dream couple so I couldn’t be happier for them!  Their bond really is special.  They’re the very definition of soulmates. 

Seeing how perfectly matched they are is why I haven’t ruled out possibly getting married someday.  But whoever she is, I hope she can manage to keep her crunching down when she eats sweet potato chips too or I may have to kick us both out!  Anyway, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

 

Oh yeah, so while we’re on the subject of my family, my sister-in-law provided me with an update on my 5-year-old nephew Domonick who was grounded as of last post.  Apparently, his time-out sentence was reduced to a few days of “house arrest” but he’s doing okay!  Here he is playing with some nerd spy glasses so the little guy is doing just fine now.   

 

Speaking of spies, has anybody else been looking at their microwaves differently these past few days? Lol hmm…

And speaking of nerds, Happy Belated National Pi Day!  If you paid attention in math class, pi is 3.14 (well, it’s much longer than that but that’s how it starts…if you didn’t pay attention in math class, pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.  That’s the best description I can give you since I almost fell asleep just typing that so if you’re still lost just smile, nod and look pretty for a minute, this topic is almost over lol) so 3/14 is the date that geeks and foodies rejoice worldwide. 

Why foodies you ask?  Because “pi” is pronounced like “pie” so bakeries dish out free slices that day too!  One of my favorite local bakeries is Crave Pie Studio in Duluth, GA!  On the full-length Youtube episode of The Skinny with Fat Darrell, we visited Crave Pie Studio and the owner walked us through an incredible sweet potato pie recipe (after MC Hammer mentioned that as being one of his favorites when we interviewed him earlier in the show)!

Since we’re mostly focusing on burgers this post and I have a lot more to cover, instead of typing out the entire recipe here, you can click this link to the check it out on FatDarrell.com and if you click the video player at the top of the page, you can also watch the full episode including what led to me taking that pie to the face as shown in the photos!

Before we move on, here are a few funny photos that some friends who are dealing with the frigid temperatures and snow that we discussed last post shared. 

I thought these were pretty funny – I don’t drink though so maybe pints of ice cream would work better for me to hide instead?  Wow, did I really just go from talking about math to talking about the weather ha are you guys still awake? 

So last post I mentioned that I’d have a few photos from the Fitni 90 Day challenge event that I helped put together alongside Dr. Jackie Walters from the Bravo hit television series Married to Medicine (again, for more background and context, see the My Fitness Muse section of the last post).  I plan to interview her for an upcoming post since she has a lot of great knowledge and an inspirational story, but here are a few photos from the event (held at UFC Gym Perimeter in Dunwoody, GA) where we encouraged participants to get fit and live a healthy and active lifestyle! 

With Dr. Jackie, star of Married to Medicine and founder of Fitni 

Team Fitni!

DJ Nabs from Boom 102.9 Atlanta and founder of Jabs with Nabs provided live music for the event – we even broke out The Electric Slide to close things out!

Legendary boxing trainer Xavier Biggs was also on hand with one of his clients who put on a clinic – I would NOT want to take a punch from her!  

A few of the UFC coaches and crew that helped out as well (Savage Squad!).  You may recognize Troy from the self-defense demo we featured a few posts ago.  If you’re near the ATL he’s got a fight on March 24th – tickets are still available at the website on the flyer! Oh yeah, and speaking of fights… 

First here’s me declaring Summyr as the champ!  But as you’ll see in the next photos, Dr. Jackie took exception to that!

Uh oh lol…RUN Summyr Run!  (*No supermodels were harmed in the shooting of these photos lol)

Uh oh…now Run Darrell RUN!  lol…a new Champ was crowned…

Everybody worked hard and had a great time!

We’re working on organizing another event in the Atlanta area and to bring this movement to other cities throughout the country as well so stay tuned for future announcements! 

Also check out that Skinny with Fat Darrell episode that I mentioned earlier because there’s a healthy protein ice cream recipe there as well!

Have a fitness question that you’d like answered?  Post it in the comments below!

And now on the other end of the health spectrum (you know I believe in balance and moderation) – it’s burger time!  Ha, every time that I type that I think of the old video game with the same name.  Many of you may have no clue what I’m talking about but there used to be this arcade game where the main character had to climb to navigate through a platform maze as he was chased by ingredients like a hot dog, a fried egg and a hamburger patty.  Haha, true story!  The 80’s were strange man…

Anyway, I hadn’t originally intended to write about this topic but the universe seemed to be steering me in this direction.  I mean, first I spotted the cheeseburger pillow a few weeks ago.  Then the other day, I ran into 4 women in a row with foodie last names.  The first was Burger, then Mustard, then Bacon, then Redwine.  True story!  I was really hoping to run into someone with bread or cheese as their last name to complete the meal but no such luck… although the cashier who rang me out at the grocery store later that day was named Patty which was still pretty close!  

Anyway, yesterday I received a Facebook alert that there’s an event called Burgers + Brews that runs the entire week from March 19-March 25 in Gwinnett County, Georgia!  During the event, a dozen local restaurants offer specialty burgers for the low cost of $7 along with a suggested beer (not required) to pair it with.  After clicking on the information page, I spotted photos and descriptions of the various burgers and spent the next 20 minutes daydreaming about eating all of them!  Most men have to worry about getting caught staring at women online but the only delicious buns I was staring at were filled with beef, cheese and condiments!  I thought you might want to check some of these out as well and if you’re not local, possibly replicate them at home so without further ado, here’s a little #foodporn for you.  It’s Burger Time!  (ps, someone find me that mask – ASAP!)

 

The “I Do Declare”

 

Courtesy of 1910 Public House in Lilburn, GA

Scarlett O’Hara herself would approve this divine dish.  It’s two thin patties with 1910’s famous homemade pimento cheese in between, topped with fried pickles, chipotle ranch, lettuce, tomato and onion.

Beer Pairing: Monday Night Slap Fight

 

Ba Bellies KB

 

Courtesy of Ba Bellies in Peachtree Corners, GA

A Korean twist on an American favorite. A patty with Korean BBQ marinade, served with slaw and kimchee mayo on a brioche bun.

Beer Pairing: Reformation Brewery Jude Belgian-Style Tripel

 

The El Chapo

 

Courtesy of Local Republic in Lawrenceville, GA

This burger’s got a little kick to it. You’ll want to try it before it escapes… In-house ground chorizo seasoned pork patty, avocado, pico and cotija cheese on a jalapeño bun.

Beer Pairing: New Belgium Dayblazer Easygoing Ale

 

Sweet Heat Cravin’ Burger

 

Courtesy of McCray’s Tavern on the Square in Lawrenceville, GA

If you can stand a little heat, stay in the kitchen, and give this burger a try.  A half pound chipotle spiced angus patty with melted pepper jack cheese topped with candied jalapenos, peppered bacon and arugula, finished with a tabasco aioli.

Beer Pairing:  Southern Brewing Cravin’ Cray IPA

 

7 Poppin’ Bottles Burger

 

Courtesy of Parma Tavern in Buford, GA

Bust out the champagne (dressing) and give this burger a try.  A quarter pound of fresh black Angus topped with a goat cheese croquette, arugula, champagne dressing and mayonnaise on an egg bun.

Beer Pairing:  Blue Moon Belgian White

The California Burger

 

Courtesy of Pub 10 in Peachtree Corners, GA

You’ll be California dreamin’ after you eat this burger.  A beef patty topped with Gruyere cheese, avocado, fried mushroom and an avocado lime aioli, served with lettuce and tomato.

Beer Pairing:  Golden Road Brewery’s Wolf Pup Session IPA

 

All-American Burger

 

Courtesy of Rico’s World Kitchen in Buford, GA

This burger may seem typical at first glance, but take a look at the patty (wide-eye emoji). A patty made of pork belly, brisket, chuck and sirloin topped with Rico’s house mustard sauce and white american cheese, served with lettuce, tomato and onion.

Beer Pairing:  Pabst Blue Ribbon (Because what’s more American than that?)

 

Woodstock Burger

 

Courtesy of Sugar Hill Bakery & Café in Sugar Hill, GA

If you’re one of those people who can eat breakfast all day, this burger’s got your name on it. A burger topped with a crispy nest of hash browns with French Béchamel sauce.

Beer Pairing:  Red Hare Cotton Tail Pale Ale

 

Smokehouse Burger

 

Courtesy of Tannery Row Ale House in Buford, GA

Y’all, this burger is smokin’. A ground chuck and short rib burger topped with BBQ sauce, onion rings, Gouda cheese and hickory smoked bacon.

Beer Pairing:  Wicked Weed Napoleon Complex

 

50/50 Burger

 

Courtesy of Ten Bistro in Peachtree Corners, GA

There’s not a 50/50 chance you’ll love this burger. There’s a 100% chance you will.  A burger patty made of filet mignon and ground brisket, seasoned with a red chili dry rub topped with applewood smoked bacon and a sweet jalapeño cucumber and red onion relish on a brioche bun.

Beer Pairing:  Monday Night Brewing’s Drafty Kilt Scotch Ale

 

The Pretzel Burger

 

Courtesy of Three Blind Mice in Lilburn, GA

Grab some extra napkins. Or, don’t… If you’re a pretzel person, this burger will blow your mind.  A patty topped with beer cheese (made with Creature Comforts Bibo, American, cheddar and white cheddar cheeses) and a honey mustard mayonnaise on a pretzel style bun.

Beer Pairing:  Creature Comforts Bibo

 

Anniversary Burger (ha, I’m guessing my father got my mom something a little more romantic…but I’ll take this!)

 

Courtesy of Universal Joint in Lawrenceville, GA

This burger will definitely give you something to celebrate.  A patty topped with tomato jam, cheddar cheese, tobasco fried onions and a fried egg.

Beer Pairing:  Blue Point Toasted Lager

Wow, those look INCREDIBLE!  If you’re in the Atlanta area, here’s the website for more information https://www.exploregwinnett.org/burgers-and-brews but also check your local area as many cities run similar events throughout the nation.  Oh and I just learned that Burgerhead guy is going to be at some of the locations next week so I may have to throw my beefcake t-shirt back on and take a selfie with him!  He’d just better hope that I’m not too hungry or that mask may have a bite missing the next time you see it!

And yeah, sorry if you’re a vegan or a vegetarian – this one is running long so I’ll have to forgo additional recipes this time but share in the comments if you have a great one!  Also post if you think that you have a better beer recommendation than the ones listed above!

Today’s Soundtrack

Marry You – Bruno Mars (Happy Anniversary to my Parents!)

Cheeseburger in Paradise – Jimmy Buffett (seems fitting that his name is close to buffet…)

What’s Beef – Notorious B.I.G (um yeah, sorry once more to my vegan friends but again, post meatless recipes below!)

Big Cheese – Nirvana (ooh, hopefully Swiss…)

Bacon – Nick Jonas ft. Ty Dolla $ign  (I think you see where this is headed lol oh yeah, this is happening…)

HAM – Kanye West ft. Jay-Z (lol another great topping for a burger)

Salt Shaker – Ying Yang Twins ft. Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz  (lol still one of my favorite songs)

The Ketchup Song (Asereje) – Las Ketchup (they take their condiments very seriously lol)

The Mustard Song – London Elektricity (do you do mustard on your burgers?  I use it all, the more the merrier.  Hmm, is there a mayo song?)

Mayo – DJ Speedsta ft Shane Eagle, Young Swiss, Tellaman and Frank Casino (lol yep there is…ha and there’s the Swiss…)

Pickle – Chumbawamba (lol I had no idea this song existed either but there ya go…)

Have another song that fits todays themes?  Tell us about it in the comments below!  The musical burger I just assembled is still technically missing bread so feel free to complete the mission lol.

Okay well as usual, I’ve made myself hungry with all this food talk so it’s seriously about to be burger time for real!  If you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this weekend, please don’t be a “Burgerhead” and drive while intoxicated.  Your punishment will probably be a lot worse than my nephew’s was so call an Uber or something!  Whatever you get into this weekend, have a great time though and I’ll be back with another post on Monday.  In the meantime, you know what to do people!  Like, comment, share this page and follow me on social media by following the links on the side panel.  Once again Happy Anniversary to my parents, that really is an amazing accomplishment!  Thanks again for dropping by and May the Fork be With you…

-Darrell   

“Don’t be sad, because sad backwards is das, and das not good…” 🙂