Our day so far

Marc's Camry needed new tires. So we began our day here...



Tires are a safety issue, so Marc didn't skimp on the new ones. He got top-flight all-season Pirelli tires, and I'm glad he did. We left the car there, so they could mount and balance the tires, and then we headed off for other places.

We went to Borders Books...



We were there to buy more books for a trip we're planning to Europe next year. So we went right to the travel section...



After Borders, it was time for lunch. So we went to a place we'd heard a lot about. It's hard to find good barbecue in New York, and Marc, being a Midwestern boy, is very picky.

We went to Smokin' Al's Famous Barbecue Joint in Bay Shore...





Their approach to napkins made me think this could be good...



Marc looked over the menu...



And there was plenty to look over...



There was another good sign, as far as my beloved was concerned. They had suitable drinks...



The first thing we got was an appetizer called "Burnt Endz". Made from the crispy ends of brisket that has been cooked for several hours, it was DELICIOUS!


Burnt Endz

Marc definitely liked this, and so did I!



Then our main courses arrived. I'd say they offered generous portions, but that really wouldn't do justice to what showed up at our table. Marc put his hand into this picture of my meal to give you some perspective...



Now, generous portions are nice, but the real measure is how it tastes. This stuff was AMAZING! After trying barbecue places in the city and never really being thrilled, we finally found a great one, and it winds up being in Bay Shore, here on Long Island. Oh, and here's what Marc got. Another tiny meal...



We both ate about half of what we were served. We took the rest home in doggy bags (but the doggies won't be getting this!).

Then our server, Mike, gave us recommendations for dessert (we stopped early enough to have a little room left). We split a piece of pecan pie with ice cream. Marc commented that he never liked pecan pie at restaurants, because it couldn't measure up to homemade. So how was this? Good enough that most was gone before I thought to shoot a picture of it...



Marc said it was, "phenomenal...as good as my mother's, and I don't say that about anybody's pie."


Post-pie Bokey

We were quite full when we were done...



Even the service was good. Mike was charming, and he had pretty eyes--that never hurts! We left him a very generous tip, but he had earned it. It wasn't the tip I'd like to slip him, but I think he probably was content with the cash! ;)

As we finished, Marc's cell phone rang. The car was ready. So we headed over and got it back with its new tires...





After that, Marc drove home to begin preparing for guests we're having over tonight. An old friend of mine and his wife (yes, we have straight friends! *gasp*) are coming for dinner. After that lunch, I'll be eating light!

While Marc headed home, I had to gas up the truck. Both of the gas stations I normally frequent were out of gas and had their pumps blocked off. It's reminiscent of the 1970s...



As bad as the prices were there...



...they were even worse when I found another station that had some gas left...



The prices are obscene. There are a lot of people in the gas business, starting with the heads of the oil companies, who deserve to go to jail. The country is in crisis, and they're price-gouging. There's simply no way that the supply of gas in stations on Long Island can be feeling an impact from the hurricane yet. Also, with the oil companies recently seeing record profits, their patriotism is highly questionable. Bastards.

It was bad enough just recently when I paid $50 to fill the tank on my Explorer. Today, I paid $60. I realize that SUVs aren't exactly economical to run, but this is ridiculous!