One too many? Hangover help(?).

As the weekend approaches and my shifts begin, I reminisce about having the weekends off. Then I remember nights out, some of which led to "overindulgence", in turn requiring sustenance to make me feel  better. I share with you some ways I attempted to alleviate the hangover.
One surefire way (I really believed this one, so it worked for me) is my parents tried and true fried egg sandwich before bed. I add to this plenty of hot sauce and a large side of water. I didnt always remember that one before plopping myself into bed though. In that case I woke up real dizzy, dehydrated, nauseous and just plain beaten. As I got older my body decided to add anxiety to the list, thanks.
You may find yourself in a similar situation before the weekend is up.
Places I had found myself sopping it up: 

    Voula's Offshore Cafe I thank you for the Greek Hobo: Greek sausage, onions, mushrooms, hash browns, and eggs. Waiting for a table? Grab a cup and self serve yourself some coffee. http://voulasoffshore.com/.

     Senor Moose Cafe's Chiaquiles; a rich mix of tortilla chips tossed with green salsa, 2 eggs, cotija and topped with cream.

http://senormoose.com/

    Kau Kau BBQ; A pound of their BBQ Pork to go.

http://kaukaubbq.com/

    Dick's; Deluxe, 2 orders of salty friesand a chocolate shake! Chocolate helps, keep reading.  

http://www.ddir.com/



My sister, Gabriele, introduced me to the chocolate helps theory, though she did so unintentionally. On several occasions when I was maybe 8 or 9 I tended my sister some mornings with her request for 1 spoonful of Chocolate Ovaltine to 1 cold glass of milk. Little did I know then that she needed it to revive her from a night out dancing. These nights out dancing required some loosening up, which included 7 & 7 with lots of lemon (Seagrams & 7UP), Sloe Gin, Boon's Farm Strawberry Hill wine, and to top the night off peppermint schnapps. Don't worry, she grew up and so did her tastes.

If chocolate milk doesn't help, try a Bloody Mary.

This recipe is for a fresh, intensly flavored Bloody Mary. My Dad loves it, and I first created it from fresh ingredients from my Mom's garden. I am giving you the simplier version, though if you want to juice up your own tomatoes and make your own hot sauce its a lot more layered with flavor. Prepare at least 2 hours before, better overnight.

V's Bloody Mary Mix:

3 C tomato juice

2 lemons, juice

4-5 leaves of Lovage, much like celery but stronger (can sub 2 stalks celery incl. leaves.)

1 T fresh grated horseradish

1 T minced garlic

1 T red wine vinegar (or sub 1 T Worchestire)

1 t fish sauce (none if subbing Worchestire)

1 t hot sauce (vinegar based e.g. Tabasco, Crystal) , then to taste

Note: Reserve the hollow Lovage stalk and use as a straw, delicious!

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Kosher Salt & fresh ground Pepper to taste. Refrigerate.

Ready for your Bloody Mary?
This one won't be with vodka. We'll be using Aquavit!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akvavit

1.5 ounces of Aquavit over ice, add the mix, stir well with your Lovage straw and enjoy. If you don't happen to have lovage growing in your yard, its ok, it'll still be yummy - and worth the work.

Also of help;

* Coconut water, with lime juice and a pinch of salt. (electrolytes and potassium)

* Ginger Tea w/ honey (helps nausea and breaks down toxins faster)

* Eggs contain taurine which helps break down toxins faster

* B Vitamin's

Enough about me, what works for you?

Forgive me.

For years I have been ranting and raving (mostly internalized) about patrons, co-workers, liquors, failed attempts, nights out, wasted days and even the occasional boastful pride. I have also been listening. I have a convenient spot, I am a bartender. I have been a cocktail waitress, barback, barkeep, mixologist, and sometimes friend to those in need of a quick therapy session. I listen. I am told ALOT, I join in on conversations, but never debate (afterall my income relies on tips) and I overhear even when I really don't want to. If you do end up following along on this 'Blog', I apologize now for any spelling errors, punctuation, run on sentences and occasional boredom (I do promise however to NEVER say All's, as in “all's I have to say is...”). I hope to improve at holding your attention, entertaining you and from time to time giving you valuable information. Today I consider this my 'pilot episode'. As with new series, they sometimes improve. Let's hope you too take this into consideration, and continue to not be able to change the chanel. It just may turn out to be your favorite Soap Opera and/or Infomercial. Thanks for tuning in , V.