Chicken Parm

As most of you know, my favorite food in the world is chicken parm. Hands down. No question. Last meal on death row.

Put it on a plate or in between some sort of bread, it doesn't matter. Eat it at home or at a bar, doesn't matter. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, who cares. If my wife asks what I want for dinner, it's chicken parm. If it's on the menu, I'm going to order it.

Believe it or not, I'm sitting here enjoying one from Cafe Rustico as I blog this.

Well, due to this extreme passion for one particular food, many people often ask me "where is your favorite"? Sadly, I've never really had an answer. Thus, I have decided to start compiling images of each chicken parm sub that I eat and sharing them with you all. We will start with subs and then maybe move on to actual meals (with pasta, salad, whatever) - we'll see how it goes.

So, over the past year ... ok months ... ok maybe weeks ... I've taken two pictures of each chicken parm sub that I've eaten. Initially, I started to rate them on overall taste, quality of chicken, ease of eating, sauce, and lastly, how I felt afterwards (like can I work or do I sleep?), but I decided to leave that out for now.

The main reason being, I love chicken parm no matter where it's from or what it looks like, so I'll let you be the judge. Feel free to ask about questions along the way.

That being said, I definitely have some favorites (Mulligans, Shorty's NYC), as well as some that I'd never order again in a million years (Sal's Lunch, Sbarro).

When I created the blog, I figured I'd concentrate on Boston as that's where I work, live, and play; however, as I've been traveling a lot recently, found myself ordering chicken parms all over the world, so felt it was only right to include them.

Today, I've decided to publish all of the ones I have enjoyed to date (since this idea came to fruition), but there are many many more to come. I look forward to going back to all the places not yet included and giving them the respect they deserve -- for the world's greatest sandwich.

If you think there is one that I must have, I want to hear about it. If you have an opinion on any that I've posted, leave a comment.

Without further ado, here is Marshy's Chicken Parm Blog: http://bostonchickenparm.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer: if you are hungry, I guarantee you go out and eat a chicken parm after reading.

Happy Monday,
Marshy

My Godfather

This week we lost one of the best. A devoted husband to Carol of 55 years, a father of 3 great men, a grandfather of 6 incredible grandchildren, a man who dedicated his entire life to one construction company in order to support his family. He was the life of every party and lived in a house where there were many. He and Carol hosted every holiday, communion, graduation, and Chinese food Sunday, since I can remember. His house was where we gathered ... and where we will continue to gather ... for a special reason or for no reason at all. His door was always open and no matter what the day or time, we were coming in. 

Since my childhood, any time the Marshes and Wilders got together, it was at Kenny and Carols. Personally, and what I thanked him for every visit over the last few moths, it is where they took care of my mother on every trip since she's been diagnosed. If she wasn't with us, she was with them and that's where she wanted to be. Kenny, her uncle, was like her 2nd father, she'll always say, and he had this amazing ability to make her laugh no matter how bad she was feeling. He did that for everyone. Whether parked in his recliner at home, shirtless in a beach chair at Winnipesaukee, or meeting the staff at Sebasco to sneak golf cart rides during our wedding weekend, his words, often inappropriate and out of left field (that's why we love him), drew people in and there wasn't a single person who doesn't remember meeting Kenny. It was at his house in the blur of my father's death, where I found comfort. From allowing family to gather after the burial to just letting me sleep on a couch when I didn't know where else to go, they were there.

He was my godfather and although it may not have been through hugs and kisses, I felt his love every time we spoke - which thankfully was a lot these past few years. He made me laugh every time I saw him and could talk about anything, and would do anything for anyone that was lucky enough to be a part of his inner circle. He had his hilarious Christmas gifts for the family which didn't change year in and year out no matter what age. That was him - consistent and solid. You knew what you were getting from Kenny and you knew it was all out of love. He showed love to me by dropping off a used recliner to my dorm room each year (which my roommates still talk about) and through offering me a beer every time I walked through his door  (no matter what time and I could never say no). It won't be the same walking in to "hey Ry, want a beer?" ... often even before "hello". I'll never forget the last beer I had with him a few weeks ago, at 9am, after having shared our news. Struggling to speak, he had Kourtnie get me a Bud Light and he an O'Douls to cheers one last time from his recliner and the words "you hit a homerun, Ry." :) 

It's hard to put in to words what he meant to me and to the rest of our family, but I think yesterday said it all. As the line flowed continuously out the door at his wake with friends and family from near and far; as his 6 incredible grandchildren shared their memories of their "biggest fan"; as his 3 sons stood strong with their wives talking of their father with stories of unforgettable devotion; as my mom spoke of the good times with he and her parents as we drove through Framingham; as my wife remembered one of her favorite parts of our wedding being dancing in his arms; and as his wife, stood in single degree temperatures, surrounded by family, with her hand glued to his casket sending him off to a better place. 

We will all miss you, Kenny. It won't be the same walking into the house on Craig Rd every holiday without your commentary and cheer. It won't be the same without your voicemails about skunks in the rubbish to invitations to the club. It won't be the same hearing you speak so highly of your last meal and specifically, our wedding. It won't be the same, but your memory will live strong in all of us and we will never forget a single day we spent with you. The easiest part about that is having countless "Kenny stories" that we can share in the company of everyone you loved and held dear.

After one of our latest visits, Natalie left saying "if you're ever feeling down or are having a bad day, go to kenny and carols, because you will leave there feeling great."

Rest in peace, good man. There are plenty of people up there waiting to hear your stories and I know you will find a recliner to sit in.

Love you, Godfather and thank you for being you.

Cat or dog person?

Still consider myself a dog guy, but it's close. Don't understand why people hate cats so much and why it has to be a big debate. As you all know, my moms cat, Remy, is the man. That being said he's basically a dog / human. Sure they don't do as much as dogs, can't walk them around or go on cat dates, but they still are awesome animals.

Anyway, saw this on the news this am. Cat goes all Anne Hathaway on this dog to save little Bruce Wayne. 

http://goo.gl/ZV2TFE

Hacks with Haggs has lost his mind

What the hell is this guy talking about? I mean how do you explain some of these words besides I was hammered in Montreal and wrote this piece from my phone while in the champagne room of Downtown on St Catherine St. Is that how reporting works? Just write a bunch of nonsense and hope the editors pick up on it before it's posted? Whoever was supposed to edit this must have been sitting right next to him snorting the same stuff. Just as much blame on the guy that said "Yep. This looks good. Publish it." Crazy.

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2014/05/07/toucher-rich-joe-haggerty-calls-in-and-explains-his-weird-column/

Might be a peak opportunity in my news career ...

so I have to take the chance to promote our engagement and wedding video, right? Michael Justin would be very upset with me if I didn't. Really capitalize on this Newport Beach Daily Pilot publicity.

For those that don't know ... Michael and I went to college together and not even biased due to our friendship, he is the best cinematographer going. His eye for the spectacular and overall professionalism is like no other. Trust me, just see his work and you can judge for yourself.

The first is titled "Journey" and took place on August 25, 2012. Clearly, one of the best days of my life where I sent Natalie on a little tour of NYC before being delivered to myself, our best friends, and families for the big question:

http://vimeo.com/55583994

and the second almost a year later, August 24, 2013, answers all anticipation you may have had about how she answered my question from video #1:

http://vimeo.com/79643870

#shamelessselfpromotion

Morning coffee in Newport Beach

Not your everyday coffee stroll to the beach ...

Started filming a school of dolphins going back and forth which turned into a little free whale watching.

Mom and her calf just grabbing breakfast about 20 yards from shore. Were in close for 20-30 minutes then headed back to the deep sea.

Talked to the old guy who was fishing there (clearly was in the right spot) and he said he's been going every morning for the last 20+ years and never seen anything like it. I said it was my first time ...

Pretty awesome way to start a Sunday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P43G3un1-g4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvTUG2Eyqto

Kentucky Derby Pick

Win - Wicked Strong

Place - Dance with Fate

Show - Ride On Curlin

Lock it up.