Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

This weekend, I used no restraint in what I ate. I ate out practically every night, the portions were large and the bills were high. Hitting the gym this week is necessary.

One regret I do not have is, going to Chima Brazilian Steakhouse for Restaurant Week. Many people in the area still haven’t heard about this place, but it’s very similar to the slightly more well known local rival, Fogo De Chao.

The concept is the same – each patron is given a little personal dining ‘sign’. When flipped on one side, your table is surrounded by a parade of waiters slicing and serving up 16 types of rotisserie meats. Flip the cap over again, and the circus stops. If you opt to mix in some veggies, salad, or rice with your meal, a hefty salad bar is offered.

I made the rookie mistake of loading up on the salad bar before sampling the rotisserie meats. After polishing off some superb roasted eggplant and traditional rice and black beans, I flipped my trust sign to signal the ‘meat parade’.

Out of all 16 meats, I tried the Leg of Lamb, Beef Ribs, Lamb Chops, Top Sirloin, Flank Steak and Ribeye - but the Filet Mignon was by far the best. All meats are very tender, and seasoned enough to skip any A1 steak sauce. Next time, I’ll be sure to try the salmon and swordfish, which I heard are superb. This is one advantage Chimas has over Fogo De Chao – seafood options.

This place is excellent for people that have a big appetite, or simply for those who’ve always wanted to compare/contrast various cuts of meat. Large group dining is encouraged, although the ambience is charming enough for a romantic dinner for two. Ultimately though, this place is a haven for gluttony. There should really be a disclaimer that says “Warning: Overeating at Chima’s may cause the “Meat Sweats”. I was quite swollen when I left.

It’s so easy to over-do-it since it’s basically an ‘all-you-can-eat’ steakhouse. Since it was Restaurant Week, we paid roughly $35.09 per person. Normally the price is about $50 per person – also the same as Fogo De Chao.

One of these days, I’ll try 'Fogo' just so I can compare the two venues. But until then, I think Chima’s will be another one of my local favorites. Especially since they also make a killer Amoretto Sour.

Monark Design Studio gets a Facelift

One of my goals this year was to revamp the corporate identity for my freelance business – Monark Design Studio. I’ve put it off for nearly two years. As a designer, I find it really hard to ‘design’ for myself. I’m more critical of my work, I can’t seem to narrow down my color scheme (because there are so many colors I love), and it’s hard for me to narrow down a final idea/concept. I don’t know why it’s so much easier designing for paying clients.

So far I’m on a roll! I’ve redesigned my logo, revised my main contract, contract addendum (for added projects to the same client), CD art (covers/labels), address labels, mailing labels, Proof Approval form, Production Agreement form, Thank you cards, Estimate request sheet, and Spec Sheet.

All I have left to design are my business cards (which I’m looking into some cool foil stamping options), a booklet of company ‘services’ and ‘samples’, and custom envelopes.

Also on my agenda is updating my resume, resume website, and portfolio book. In this day of economic instability, it is always best to stay prepared for the worst. Right now, I don’t think my job in jeopardy, but things can change instantly. So, I want to make sure I’m up and running in case I have to temporarily default to freelance work for income, but I also want to make sure my resume/portfolio are top notch for any potential job hunt or interview.

Take a look at my new logo. The top portion is a stylized “M”. I’m still trying to decide whether I want the stylized “M” to be a different color from the ornament base or not. I thought a logotype would work best, instead of reverting to the predictable “crown” or “butterfly” symbol for my company name. The curls in the lettering are inspired by my favorite art movement – Art Nouveau. No need to critique it – I’m keeping it whether you like it or not. =)

Mickey Mouse - Here I Come

Guess where I’m going this weekend?? Disney on Ice!My sister and I are taking my niece and nephew to Disney on Ice at Verizon Center. I don’t think I’m been to the icecapades since I was about 10 (I think it was a Gumby show, or perhaps Barbie...).
I’m really nonschelant about it now, but I bet I’ll get really excited once I see Ariel the Little Mermaid. lol.

I noticed that this show is organized by Feld Entertainment, one of the local coordinators/creators in ice shows and circus' in the DC area. Funny, I interviewed with them a few years ago. I was fresh out of college, and applied to their Mid-Level Designer position. I was quite suprised when I recieved a call to interview. This place was an Illustrator/Designer's heaven, especially if they love all things Disney or Pixar. One of my jobs would have been to draw Disney characters on various promotional items, like mugs, t-shirts, etc. It was key that I could draw majority of Disney's characters accurately. That was a synch, since that's what I had been drawing (in addition to X-Men stuff) since I was a kid. Perfect Job. And there were toys everywhere, and storyboards for ice shows all over the walls. This job was so ideal, I almost peed myself when they gave me the office tour.

Sadly though, I didnt get the job. I didnt have enough previous design/illustrating experience for the position, despite the fact that I had a great portfolio. I didnt blame them though, that position was for a seasoned professional - which I wasnt at the time.

Hm, maybe now I should give it a try and see if they have openings. Who wouldn't love to draw Mickey Mouse all day long AND get paid for it!

Using Restraint

This is the hardest time of year for me to use restraint from shopping. I love shopping for spring/summer stuff. As you probably remember, I'm on financial lockdown right now, because I'm still in saving mode for my trip to Greece/Germany in July.

I'm totally coveting some items from Banana Republic, JCrew, ShopBop, and Michael Kors. Here are a few of the items I'm drooling over. It's so hard to not add these items to my online shopping cart - especially the blue Michael Kors bag.

Feel free to 'surprise' me with any of these items. I also accept cash or money orders if you want donate to the 'StephHasAShoppingAddiction' Fund. Or heck, just buy the items for yourself. I'll live vicariously through you.

:::99 things:::

Saw this post on Melissa's blog, and thought I'd play along.
Here are the rules: Bold the things you’ve done and post on your blog! Here goes:

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain (It was tiny, but still counts)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (Grew some lima-beans @ summer camp, 92’)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (does being an extra in an Indie movie count?)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (will do in July)
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

One in the Same

I bet you think these are two photos of the same person, right? Wrong!

These two actresses look eerily similar. I have heard the saying that 'everyone has a clone' - but what are the odds that these two look alike, are both actresses, and are both named Jennifer?

On the left is Jennifer Morrison from House MD
On the right is Gennifer Goodwin of Big Love

Personally, I've run into at least 4 people that look like me. I guess I just have one of 'those' faces.

Persepolis

*(Be warned, this post is LONG)*

I’ve been dying to see this film since its 2007 release. Persepolis won plenty of awards, and even had an Oscar nomination. I’m always a sucker for independent films, and bonus – this one was animated! I watched this film with no pretense, as I had never read a synopsis of the plot. All I knew is that this film had to do with politics, and that is was based on an autobiographical graphic novel.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the film was in French, and subtitled in English. In my opinion, subtitled films always stay a little more true to the original story vs. English dubbed. I think Persepolis is offered in both formats, but I recommend the subtitled version.

In short, Persepolis is based on the life of an Iranian woman named Marjane Satrapi. The ‘present day’ scenes are in color, but Marjane’s memories (which is 90% of the film) is in black and white. At the age of 10, Marjane is a very precautious child with an appetite for learning about politics, and sharing her political views. During this time, there is an uprising in her area of Tehran against the Shah of Iran. Her family supports the uprising in hopes of a more just society in Iran as a whole.

Unfortunately, Islamic Fundamentalists win the political elections in Iran, and society is forced into repression. Many of Marjane’s freedoms are slowly taken away. Now she is forced to wear a mandatory head-covering, and adhere to the Fundamentalists new rules about female modesty. Eventually Marjane and her friends and family are horrifically shaken when the start of the Iran-Iraq war ensues.

At this time, Marjane is a typical pre-teen who loves western culture, adores Bruce Lee, and listens to Iron Maden. She is extremely outspoken, and is constantly in trouble because of her non-conformity. Fearing for her safety, Marjane’s parents send her to Vienna Austria to live with a family member.

From this point on, Marjane battles with the isolation of living as an Iranian woman abroad. Her likes, dislikes, values, and ideals are berated by the superficial people she meets, and eventually, Marjane heads on a down-ward spiral of disappointments and disillusionment, in love and life.

Her one constant stronghold through all of this, and also her ‘travelling conscience’, is her grandmother. Overall, this is a really touching story about, not only survival, but contentment. Trying to conform to a world where you are really the ‘odd-ball-out’. It’s about being nostalgic for the ‘good-ol-days’, while realizing that everything you know is crumbling around you. I know the story sounds a bit tragic, but it’s worth watching. There is quite a bit of humor sprinkled throughout the story as well.

I must admit that after watching Persepolis, I’m now even more aware of my ignorance of international affairs – especially those that went on (and are going on) in Iraq and Iran. This is the first film, let alone animated film, that really made me think, and made me more inquisitive about Middle Eastern affairs. Even though we hear about the Middle East all the time on the news, that area of the world is still so foreign to me. I also find myself more interested not only in Iran, but in Marjane Satrapi’s story. Her graphic novel is now on my ‘to read’ list.

I find it perfect that the producers/directors counted it beneficial to stay true to the graphic novel, and create this film as an animated feature vs. live action. The black and white portions of the film, as well as the simplicity of the drawings really add to the charm of this tale.

By the way, no one in the film or novel is named Persepolis. It is simply a reference to the Greek interpretation of the word Pārsa, which means "The City of Persians". “Persepolis” is located in modern day Iran.

Food Review: Pret A Manger

Have you heard of this place? I'm not even sure how to pronounce the name, but this new venue has been getting rave reviews. And bonus, they are from the UK. And we know only good stuff comes out of the UK, right? (Daniel Craig, Fish n' Chips, Sherlock Holmes, Flight of the Concords, Cadbury's Chocolates, etc.) You get the picture.

Located on 18th and I St. - at first glance, PAM (what I'm calling it for short) looks a little like a ultra-trendy, minimalist French bakery, especially since authentic baguettes are the bread of choice. This place pride's itself on fresh, natural ingredients, with no fillers and no preservatives. That seems to be the trend these days in DC, but it’s still refreshing to have places like PAM in the midst of all the Subway Sub shops and PotBelly's. Fresh croissants are offered in the mornings, and range from simple croissants to Pain au Chocolat - which in my opinion, is the best you're going to get outside of Paris.

All sandwiches are lined up perfectly on display, and they, as well as the soups, are made fresh daily from PAM's full-service kitchen. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any item on their menu, The 'Just Made Cubano' sandwich, and the 'Moroccan Lentil' soup are on my list for next visit. Fresh fruit, bagels, desserts, and Various smoothies are also offered.

Today I tried the Jalapeno Chicken wrap – which includes Bell & Evans chicken, melted Swiss cheese, red peppers, red onions, Pret seasoning and Jalapeno tomato sauce. This warm wrap was pure heaven – I’m officially addicted to this item.

Might I add, as a designer, I love the corporate identity of this place. Very modern, and avant-garde - with all the exposed metal, minimalist packaging, and large typefaces. I think I've found my new favorite lunch spot downtown. Tomorrow morning, I'll sample some of their fresh specialty coffees, as everyone knows I'm a major caffeine addict. I should probably give my money to someone else other than Starbucks.

Pret A Manger - Official Site

When I Was Five…

I love this tee from Threadless.com:

What it says is so true. As I was growing up, my mom had me keep this little journal for each year of school. I had to write down the names of my school friends, my likes, dislikes, and what I wanted to be when I grew up. I filled out this notebook from Kindergarten to 12th Grade.

When I was 5, I wanted to grow up to be: a mommy, a princess, Malibu barbie, and a Bee Farmer.

Those are much better career choices than the one I chose as an adult!
Who wouldn’t want to be a princess?!

Wash Your Hands

Someone forwarded this video to me. Please watch it! This video is from Fox News, and is safe for work.

http://media2.foxnews.com/112008/worm_tumor_700.wmv

This should be a wake-up call for all those adults who go to bathroom without washing their hands – especially if they work in the food industry. I can't tell you how many times I’ve gone to the bathroom and seen grown women leave without washing their hands. So gross!

In my opinion, a person should wash their hands throughout the day regardless if they use the bathroom or not! Bacteria can get on your hands from day to day activities – like using your cell phone, computer, opening doors, shaking hands, etc.

I’m a total ‘germaphobe’ – I regularly take tissue with me to for touching door knobs, I always sneeze or cough into tissue, and I use anti-bacterial sanitizer after shaking people’s hands. It’s a little compulsive, but in the grand scheme of things, most ‘people’ are dirty. And I do what I can to reduce the chances of catching a disease or spreading something to my family or friends.

Now I guess I will also be avoiding an intake of pork as well.

The Virus from Hell

I'm stuck at home again today - still suffering from this stupid virus. I started feeling sick last Wednesday, and it has continued through the weekend as well. I even had to miss a Superbowl party! I guess this virus makes up for me not getting sick at all in 2008.

Well, it's official, we got rid of our dog. Poor Ash. She has gone to another wonderful family. One of Aaron's co-workers took her on Saturday. But in the end, she went to a good home. We are confident they will take great care of her. Here at our house, she was too 'cooped up'. Since she was so hyper, we were afraid to let her roam the house during the day while we were at work, because we were sure we'd find a shredded couch or poop on the table. But the family she went to has a a nice home and lots of land, so she's free to roam all day. Plus the family has 4 small kids to tire her out, and burn some of that sheltie energy.

Aaron's a little sad though. Ash was his friend, and he took great care of her. To ease his pain, he's moved on to researching motorcycles. I really protested the motorcycle thing a couple years ago, but at this point, I'm not arguing anymore. At least now we have great insurance policies. =)