My recent photos from Instagram

Follow me on Instagram: CDavisWI

Not thrilled with Red Robin this morning

Anyone else been to the Kenosha Red Robin lately and thought their quality is going downhill? I’ve felt that way the last couple of visits, but last night was the icing on the cake. Our server, while not mean, just wasn’t friendly. Then they messed up my sons order…TWICE, making the exact same mistake both times. The real kicker is this morning while checking my bank accounts, I see not only my meal charge, but another charge from Red Robins for $75.84. Other than visiting with a manager when they open today, it will be a while before I go back.

Update:
Just got back from my visit with the manager (assistant manager actually), He told me there were other issues with some staff last evening and he wished he didn’t leave when he did. Also, that the incorrect charge was noticed last night and reversed, and I should see it drop from my account in a day. And while I wasn’t there looking for anything free, he gave me a $25 gift card for my inconveniences. Though it will still be awhile before I’ll go back.

Saris Cycle-On Pro Bike Rack



Saris Cycle-On Pro Bike Rack, originally uploaded by CDavisWI.

With the purchase of my new vehicle, I was determined to get a new bike rack. I wanted a hitch mount rack as dealing with the trunk mount style that I did last year was just a pain. I ended up going with a platform style hitch mount, just because they work a lot better with mountain bikes. They are heavier and pricier than standard hitch mount racks, but I’m hoping works well for us. Plus I can purchase a 2 bike add-on next year when I buy my girls bigger bikes. Once I start using it, I will post some thoughts on how it is working for us.

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

This is a crock pot recipe I’ve been making for years, and love it. I don’t remember where I originally got it, but I believe a friend gave it to me. I’ve made plenty of adjustments to it over the years to get it pretty much perfect.

I usually get a 3lb roast, as that feeds 4 easily and gives me a couple of days of lunch left overs. It reheats great, and sometimes is even a little bit better.

Prepare time: 10 – 15 minutes
Cook time: Approximately 8 hours

Ingredients
2 1/2 – 3 1/2 lb beef roast
Olive Oil
3 cups Au Jus
2 cloves minced garlic
Salt and Pepper
1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper flakes
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1 tbsp Basil Leaves
1 tbsp Parsley Flakes
1 tbsp Oregano Leaves
2 Bay Leaves
1 jar (12 – 18oz) Pepperoncinis
Rolls (I prefer French style rolls)

Optional Ingredients
Cheese (I prefer chedder or pepper jack)
Hot Giardiniera
Mushrooms (sometimes I slice up mushrooms and add them to the crock pot. They’re pretty tasty on the sandwich)

Directions
Turn the crock pot on low
Coat the bottom of the crock pot with olive oil
Place the roast in to the crock pot
Cover the roast with all the dry ingredients (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, parsley, and oregano)
Pour the Au Jus around the roast (Usually a 1/3 to 1/2 of the roast will still be exposed and that is ok)
Add the garlic to the juice around the roast
Add the 2 bay leaves to the juice

Put the cover on the crock pot and just let it cook. In about an hour your house will start smelling awesome!
A couple of hours before it’s done (usually around the 6 hour mark) I then pour in the entire jar of pepperoncini’s, juice and all. Be sure to remove the stems of the peppers if you plan to eat them,
After around 8 hours the roast should be done and will just pull apart using some tongs.

Sandwiches
I love to split the rolls in half and butter the insides, then I throw them under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Then just load a bunch of beef on the roll and serve. Of course be sure to add some additional toppings. Cheeses that work well are cheddar or pepper jack. Don’t forget some hot giardiniera to get that authentic hot italian beef taste.

Photos

IMG_0030.jpg
The dry ingredients I use.

IMG_0029.jpg
This is the Au Jus I use. It is 1 cup, but gets mixed with 2 parts water (for a total of 3 cups)

IMG_0035.jpg
These were the pepperoncinis I used for the last beef I made.

IMG_0036.jpg
By far my favorite rolls for the beef sandwiches. They can take a good soak’n of Au Jus without falling apart.

IMG_0028.jpg
The raw roast covered in the dry seasonings.

IMG_0031.jpg
After 4-6 hours I add the jar of pepperoncinis.

IMG_0033.jpg
Beef on the toasted rolls. (Under the broiler just a tough too long)

IMG_0034.jpg
Finished sandwich with some pepper jack cheese.