New New Years Resolution

Going for breakfast after a night out is a great idea, if there's delicious options. I don't mind spending $20 on a nice brekky if I dont feel like a piece of shit afterwards. But how many times have you gone out for a meal with friends, only to realize that was actually the worst possible thing you could have put in your body, it tasted like garbage and robbed you of nearly $20? I have this problem almost every single time I go out to eat in this city filled with generic chain restaurants and only greasy spoon breakfast places to choose from.

The last straw was when I met two of my best friends for breakfast a few weeks ago. We were supposed to meet at Smitty's, and as I was approaching this gem situated in the Brandon Shoppers Mall, I got a text saying the only spot left was in the lounge. Ugh. So I walked past all of the families and young folks out for their unmemorable breakfast, through the swinging cowboy doors to the VLT lined lounge. It was pretty funny, we shared a laugh and agreed we were lucky that it was early enough that this place wasn't bumpin with VLT addicted weirdos drinking Budweiser's, eyes glued to the three screens they're playing because using just one VLT isn't enough.

When it came down to order, I chose a scrambler. Or skillet. Or whatever they're called. This was a gamble in itself, because I can never remember which place it is that blobs 7-11-esque "free cheese" all over the eggs. Anyway, when our food came out I was immediately disappointed. It was a "laughable meal." My sausage was cut in half length wise, but not all the way through so it was still just one sausage, and then sliced the other way, but again not all the way through so it was just a massacre of what once was a farmer sausage. The painfully shy and awkward 13 year old serving us wasn't able to get those mushrooms in there as I had politely asked for, and my toast was completely burnt. When I asked for new toast, it came out so soaked in butter that it was clear. I know I sound like a dick. But when I went to pay and it's close to $20 for literally the crappiest meal I've ever seen, I get a little cranky.

More than complaining about the shitty restaurants in Brandon, I want to talk about how nice it is to make meals at home with family or friends. It's one of my favorite things to do, and what's nicer than making delicious food for people that you love? Some of my favorite memories of hanging out with friends revolve around the meals we've made. Just throw on a nice morning album, make a huge pot of strong coffee, converse and laugh and talk about the previous night just like you would at a greasy spoon restaurant but be satisfied knowing that you made the food yourself, it was probably way more delicious, and was at least a third of the price. Maybe if you're not into Applebees or Boston Pizza you should grab a box of wine, get some groceries and collectively make a big dinner. Chances are with enough wine you'll even end up venturing out afterwards and potentially have a great night!

Homemade breakfast from one of the best cooks I know, Kat

Chicken Dinner bonding with family

BBQ's are the best.

Making sushi with a bunch of gals: delicious! fun!

I waste my money on enough useless crap that I don't need to add 'being dissatisfied' or '10lbs' to my list. My new New Years Resolution is to make most meals at home, or someone elses home, while having a great time with friends or fam. That way I can never complain again when I get this placed in front me: