I have been away for far too long. What started out as an idea to blog about books, restaurants, writing as therapy so I can shut my mind off at night, ended up having a bit of a hiatus. No reason really, I suppose our December has been very busy and I have found myself thinking of bed as the hours would get closer to 10:00. The semester is almost done, one next week left! I am ready for this break as much as the students. This week has had a "holiday theme" for each day. Monday was ugly sweater day. Tuesday Christmas on the Beach, Wednesday- Night Before Christmas (pjs). Thursday- Santa's Workshop and helpers, and Friday is Red and Green day. Those of you that know me know I love to dress up and always take part in anything that calls for costuming. So, I have partaken in each day's dress and I am not ashamed to admit I may have had the ugliest sweater on Monday. I don't think I've ever had so many compliments "Wow, that is really UGLY!" It makes the days merry.
I meant to write a restaurant review earlier, but I suppose I can do it now.
Thad and I recently (with 2 friends) went to try out the new restaurant Honest Abes, a burger place. It is located in Meadow lane Plaza at 70th and Vine in Lincoln. The restaurant itself is a small hole in the wall, seating for about 25, as long as you don't mind sharing a table with others. You are able to see what to order to the large chalkboard covered in choices. It seems there are a few standard burgers they always have, as well as several interesting choices that rotate. I ordered the "Aphrodite" which was an excellent burger with feta, spinach, tomato chutney, pickled red onions and cucumber yogurt sauce. While this sounds like an "interesting" concoction, it was very flavorful and worth trying. The ingredients were all very fresh, and the burger patty itself was perfectly seasoned. Thad had a burger that rotates into the menu and I admit I've already forgotten what it was called. It was topped with a Cajun coleslaw, a firey dressing, jalapenos, and spinach, and based on the lack of food left over I can assume it was quite delicious also. For the vegetarians out there, you can substitute a portabella mushroom cap for any burger. One member of our group did that and seemed pleased. There are side options such as fries, onion rings, soup, and even a few salads. All in all, it was a very good meal. Great portions and prices. We will definitely make a trip back.
And the BOOK REVIEW
I just finished The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow. This is a historical fiction that takes place in Germany as the Nazis begin to take over and threaten the livelihoods of the Jews. The main character, Karl, is of Jewish descent, but his family doesn't practice the religion nor have much familiarity with the traditions. As the Nazis begin to gain control over school and students begin joining Hitler Youth groups, he is targeted by boys at school as they know he has Jewish heritage. After being beaten up by a group of boys at school, Karl has to work as a server for his fathers art show at the family's gallery. He tries to pass off his injuries as "falling down the stairs" but one of his parents client's, famed boxer Max Schmeling, notices an injury from a fight when he sees it. His father trades him a painting for boxing lessons from Max for Karl. Karl slowly learns to fight and is able to gain muscle and strength as well. Max is in and out from teaching him as he travels to America often to set up fights, and he is trying to get one with Joe Louis, a famed American boxer. We see the lives of Karl's family get worse as restrictions cause them to close their gallery and the treatment of Jews gets worse and worse.
I that the writing was very well done, the story kept me interested. It is still so tough to hear how people were treated and how so many others didn't agree with what was going on and yet just let it happen. If you are a fan of historical fiction or even like hearing some history on boxing, this is a great choice to read.
