'Special Crackers'

It all started last night at 5:30. I was talking to Darby, my former roommate at Michigan State. It's not everyday that your alma mater gets the chance to play for the National Championship - in your home state, nonetheless. I had been trying all day to work out a way to get to Detroit for the big game, going back and forth on whether or not to make the nearly 2.5 hour trip.

After I figured out I wouldn't be able to make the drive in time to meet up with friends at the bar, I officially decided it was a no-go. Darb and I started discussing other crucially important life events (ha.) until I cut her off, saying, "Darb, I'm going to let you go. I'm getting in my car and I'm on my way there."

So, there you go. A split-second decision (the best kind). I grabbed a pair of pajama pants, toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant and was out the door and on the road within five minutes. I figured if I couldn't get into the bar, I would figure something out. Regardless, it would be worth the risk.

I made it to the east side in very good time and joined a sea of green and white to celebrate the Spartans amazing run in the tournament. It was so great to catch up with my friends that I do not get to see nearly enough.

If you watched the game, you know that it didn't end well (or even begin well) for my team. But I'm no fair weather fan - I'm a true fan. And I'm so proud to be a Spartan!

On our way home from the bar, Darb, her husband Kevin and I decided we just had to stop to get some late night, post-bar food. This is typical. So we hit up a super-swanky, gourmet (<--total lie) restaurant known as Ram's Horn. (BTW, I think these places are just the best after a night out. Nothing beats a restaurant that serves everything from breakfast to dinner all day, every day.) This was our experience:

Hostess: "Hi. 3?"
Me: "Yes."
Hostess: "Smoking or non-smoking?"
Me: "Non, please."

Just as Darb and Kevin had warned me, we were seated in the 'non-smoking' section, separated from the smoking section by ... well, nothing. Translation: There is no such thing as a non-smoking section at Ram's Horn.

Menus now in hand, we started to go through our options for greasy, delicious food. Let me tell you, there were some incredibly interesting items on the menu, including but not limited to the following:

• Sandwiches featuring 'melted brick cheese'
• Liver & Onions. When is this a good option? Personally, I'd say never. But especially not here.
• Fish & Chips: Two pieces of choice fish fillet and golden fries. It's usually not a good sign when they don't mention what kind of fish it is.

While all of these options looked mouth-watering scrumptious, it was a meal under the salad - yes, salad - section that caught my eye and had us rolling in laughter for a good five minutes. Here is the description:

Low Calorie Platter: Sauteed turkey burger patty with cottage cheese, peaches and pineapples, cherry for garnish and special crackers.

Just keep in mind, this was under the salad section. What?! Basically the strangest combination of any low-calorie food item they could find is featured in this dish. Plus a cherry. But the yet unsolved question remains: What are 'special crackers?'

Their name alone begged several additional questions: What exactly makes them special? Are they safe to eat? Is it legal to drive home after consuming said crackers?

Looking back, I really really wish I would have ordered this meal just to see it in person. Instead, I ordered a chicken pita, complete with the infamous 'brick cheese.' And low and behold, it was quite tasty. I love these places! I will so be going back in the future if only to solve the special cracker mystery.

Unfortunately, my body hated me this morning and I fully blame Ram's Horn. It's just a price you pay.

After leaving Darb's house, I was off to meet up with Kristi (aka, former coworker and friend for life) for lunch. We also successfully pulled off surprising one of my other former coworkers who did not know I would be joining them for lunch. It was good times with good food and even better company.

All in all, it was well worth the trip. :)