Mike's Corner

There are a few differences in Georgia and Alabama. In Alabama, to obtain a liquor license for a restaurant, you get the appropriate forms, fill them out, and poof!... you've got a liquor license. Not quite the same story here in the great state of Georgia. I have already filled out the 30+ page package that I was sent (requiring such information as mom's address, dad's address, my brother's address, etc). I then had to go to the local Police Department and get fingerprinted, which I haven't done (I promise) since I earned my Fingerprinting Merit Badge in the Boy Scouts. Times have changed since then. I remember having 10 ink-coated digits after the process, but now everything is high tech. It was done through an inkless computer system in about 2 minutes. Now I'm just waiting for Georgia to ask me for a urine, blood, and stool sample! ME

Cheeseburger finally opened up this Tuesday, so Shannon and I invited our best friends, Jimmy and Tracy, to join us for the grand event. Jimmy and I stuck with our old standby: beer. The girls decided to go out on a limb and get crazy. Shannon had a Pina Colada. I know, I know... it doesn't sound crazy, but nothing at Cheeseburger is traditional. This thing was huge, and had great big hunks of pineapple mixed in with it, and had Myer's Dark Rum floating on top. I'm not a huge Pina fan, but this was awesome. Tracy ordered their signature drink, the Cheeseburger in Paradise. This was a layered drink that was out of this world. It contained a mix of Parrot Bay Rum Pina Colada, Myer's Rum Runner, Margaritaville Margarita and Strawberry Daiquiri, topped with Blue Curacao. It might sound like a sissy drink, but I almost wished that I had ordered one. Cheeseburger had a very cool atmosphere, and I can definitely see us going back, especially in the summer. One entire side of the restaurant has glass garage doors that open up to a beautiful patio (notice the doors in the photo above). They offer live music every night (although I would steer away from Thursdays as the live entertainment is karoke). I hope you all have a chance to check it out. ME

After months of anticipation, I finally got to taste the Turducken. It was certainly worth the wait! There was some Cajun influence in there, of course. Nice and spicy. Sandi did a great job preparing it. It was more tender and juicy than any fried turkey that I've ever had. Jill made one of the best Sweet Potato Casseroles that I have ever put in my mouth. Mom was in town and finally got to meet everyone, and it was comforting to me that they all got along so well (not that I had any doubts). I also had the chance to meet Chris (Shannon's other brother). He was exactly as Shannon had described: funny. So I survived the first big Holiday unscathed! Whew!