My 2015 Review - What a truly amazing year

Here's How 2015 Started

As somewhat of an annual tradition, 2015 began with an absolutely amazing meal featuring an Asian Continental menu from one of my most adored restaurants which also earned it's second Michelin star in 2015. Also an annual tradition: I donned a suit and favoured bow-tie. One more annual tradition: I pedaled my Dutch City Bike there despite the windchill being -5F. Another annual tradition: I felt a bit smug knowing I was not subjected to $100+ Uber fares like the rest of my dining companions. One final annual tradition: I always have a cocktail or wine from a planned travel adventure. For 2015, that was Africa. The Sommelier suggested a South African Single Malt which they happened to carry. I enjoyed a Three Ships 10 yr Single Malt from James Sedgwick which was sublime.

I biked home and poured a glass of Cava as midnight drew nigh. They say who you are with and what you do as the New Year starts will be very important to you throughout the year. I put on my Basset Hound sidekick extraordinaire Sweetpea's leash and 'allegedly' carried my glass of Cava down to the local Dog Park. Woof.

With my alma mater South Carolina already chalking up their bowl win, I enjoyed my traditional meal of Collard Greens, Black Eye Peas, Ham and Pot Likker Soup for a fortuitous 2015.

My 2015 Goals

I crafted a 3-5 year Life Plan a few years ago. I review my progress quarterly and update it annually. This is based on truly living life and going after what I really want in life. OK, you're probably curious as to what that is:

• I want to live and be present in a spirit of happiness - not from a point to always seeking it through things or some perceived unmet need. 
• I want acknowledgement, validation and appreciation. 
• I want to positively impact others.
• I want to minister to animals.

From the above, I defined goal dimensions, priorities and action steps.

The end result are these 2015 goals.

My 2015 Goals

How Did I Do?

Smashingly well. I attribute my success to taking the time for inward reflection and understanding what it really important to me. I spent my days doing such and so I spent a year of my life doing such. It truly is very fulfilling.  Here's some highlights.

Complete a Race on Every Continent

I finished all the World Major Marathons (Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York and Tokyo) in 2014 so I set a goal to run a race of any distance on all 7 continents. I chose the Victoria Falls Half Marathon  for 2015. That goal scared me a bit to be honest. I had never been to Africa before. I wasn't sure where the money would be sourced. But I set the goal. The money did come. I enjoyed a very life-enriching travel adventure which I am sure will appear one day when my life plays before my eyes. I also raised much needed funds for Paws Chicago as a charity runner. I was proud of myself for doing this.

Explore the World - Spiritual Pilgrimage

In December 2014, I felt called to hike the Kumano Kodo in Japan.  Like my African goal, I wasn't sure where the money would be sourced. I set the goal. The money did come. I went in February, 2015. It was a brilliant journey of tranquil mediation and personal growth. There was also excellent cuisine and housing with the locals. I was also featured in a press conference and celebrated by the Japanese for an accomplishment.

I also discovered and felt called to hike the newly launched Cape Camino in South Africa when I was there for my race on every continent adventure. It too was an absolutely amazing experience. The South African people I encountered were absolutely amazing. The food and wine. Wow.

Quantitative Software Development

I've honed in on my vocational passion. I am fascinated with exploring data and seeing what it can tell you. I completed heavily quantitative coursework in Data Science and Machine Learning from MIT, Johns Hopkins, Stanford and U of Washington. I traveled to NYU for a weeklong intensive and heavily quantitative seminar on Advanced Risk and Portfolio Management. I know so much more about many things than I did at the start of 2015. Yay me.

Be a Good Dog Dad

Last, but not least - my trusty sidekick for 2015 was Sweetpea was an important aspect of my life. I wanted to really make her a priority. I am happy to say I did. We walked a few miles most every day and went to a local dog park 1-3x most every day as well. She is good company and brings so much to my life.

My Favorite Things in 2015

Here is some highlights of my amazing year.

Best Meals

Casual and Local

Jibek Jolu is one of the few restaurants in the country serving authentic cuisine from Kyrgyzstan in the country. This is a family owned BYOB place. They care about the food they serve. My very good friend Tatiana took me there. She speaks the language. Suffice it to say, we had outstanding service and the best food on the menu. It truly deserves favored meal status. I rode my bike there.

Michelin Star Experience Local

The restaurant earned 2 Michelin Stars in its first 10 months. Food and Wine awarded Best New Chef to Jake Bickelhaupt. Was there anywhere else that was worthy of my birthday celebration other than 42 grams? Not only a top 2015 meal but also makes my "Top 10 Meals of My Life" list. I also rode my bike there.

Casual and International

Sarashina Horii (3-11-4 Motoazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046 Tokyo, Japan). Masaharu Morimoto took Anthony Bourdain here during the Tokyo episode of No Reservations. Sarashina Horii first opened in 1789 with its claim to fame being its soba. It's clearly stood the test of time. Locals love it today. It did not disappoint.

Fine Dining International

Inside Zimbabwe's grandest hotel is one of the world's most distinguished restaurants: The Livingston Room which was honored as a Top 10 Hotel Restaurant in the World. It is a distinct nod to Zimbabwe's colonial days with tuxedo clad servers who know your name before you arrive. The service was impeccable and the food even better.

Best Sports Moments

Most of my sports teams have experienced life-long futility. There did not disappoint.

The Chicago Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup

The Blackhawks were expected to be good but they entered the Stanley Cup as arguably the 5th best team in the Western Conference. They won it all. Sweetpea got to attend her 3rd Stanley Cup Parade. The Cup made it to a bar below my place. It was spectacular to be a fan.

Phenomenal Seasons by Chicago Cubs and Carolina Panthers

Honorable mention definitely goes to the Chicago Cubs who definitely exceeded expectations to make the playoffs and then beat the hated St Louis Cardinals in the NLDS. They'll be even stronger in 2016. All the Carolina Panthers did was string together a ridiculous 18 game winning streak which is 3rd longest in NFL history. They went 56 weeks between losing a game. Can't wait for the NFL Playoffs.

My 2016 Goals

So what does 2016 have in store for me? My 2016 Goals look almost exactly like my 2015 Goals. I have just changed the Importance and Urgency of them.

My 2016 Goals

Complete a Race on Every Continent

I am planning on running the Gold Coast Marathon for my Oceania race. I also plan to run the Hamburg Marathon as a Chicago Sister City Ambassador to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of my first marathon. I also am going to run the Chicago Marathon.

Quantitative Software Development

I plan to complete my Data Science and Machine Learning certifications in 2016.

Move Daily - More Yoga, Less Running

I am going to make a higher priority of integrating yoga into my life in 2016.

It's Going to Be An Amazing Year

Long story short, I intend to become more loving. I intend to become more learned. I intend to explore more of this great planet. I open my heart completely to all of these experiences.

I am going to enjoy this ride.

A Feast of Seven Fishes Makes for a Joyous Christmas Eve

A Christmas Eve Tradition 

The Feast of Seven Fishes is an Italian tradition that is believed to have originated in Southern Italy. It is typically celebrated with a large gathering in accordance with the Catholic feast known simply as The Vigil (La Vigilia). This celebration commemorates the wait, the Vigilia di Natale, for the midnight birth of the baby Jesus.

I am not Italian. I am not Catholic. I am single so my large gathering usually consists of my beloved Basset Hound and a friend or two. So why do I love it? It is rather complicated. Actually, it isn't. I have a passion for cooking. I love good food and wine. It's festive and fun!

My Basset Hound does not appreciate the nuances of a roast Blue Point oyster. My friend doesn't like seafood. I am many things and flexible is one of them. 

I have the Feast of One Petite Filet Mignon for my friend and the Feast of One Bowl of Mixed Grill and Vegetables for my Basset Hound.

For me, I am a staunch believer in a long celebration. I usually start the festivities around 4pm with the first course and finish around midnight. 

Feast of Seven Fishes

Some simply do a seven course meal with a few fishes intermixed with a few non-fish dishes. Heresy, I say. I do seven fishes or none at all. Remember though, you are aiming for seven courses so be prepared to reduce these recipes, invite more friends or have plenty of storage containers.

Course One - Gravlax with Lemony Dill Mustard Sauce

This is an exceptionally nice starter. I prepare the sauce a day in advance so allow additional time for the flavors to meld but you do not have to do so. I also use the gravlax for my Christmas Brunch. Here's a recipe you can use for inspiration. As with everything, the key is to use fresh, organic ingredients.

Course Two - Roast Oysters

I have the oven set to Roast before I prepare the first course so that I can roast the oysters while I enjoy my first course. I typically pair the first few courses with a nice sparkling wine or perhaps a Spanish Albarino. Here's a recipe you can use for inspiration. You'll need a shucker and gloves to keep from making this your final course before a visit to your local Urgent Care!

Course Three - Pan-Seared Squid with Lemony Aioli and Greens

Note the theme for the first few courses - very quick to prepare and with sauces that can be prepared a day in advance and fish that also requires minimal cook time. This is a stunning salad. Squid is wonderful when seared. You can use any greens you choose. I prefer some that I don't tend to eat regularly to make this a special course. I accent with edible flowers. Here's a recipe for you.

Course Four - Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Chile, Cilantro and Lime

Here's where I usually take it up a notch. This is an opportunity for an Instagram-worthy plate photo as well as a chance to impress your guests or in my case, myself! Note that you can use any center-cut filet such as cod or salmon. You can also use a crustacean if you wish. Here is a recipe to inspire you. I usually pair this and remaining courses with a top notch Pinot Noir however a hearty, full-bodied white will do. 

Course Five - Tagliatelle with Diver Scallops and Clams over Shaved Parma

It's Christmas Eve, not some random Tuesday in April. Use homemade or fresh pasta if at all possible. Also bring out the best shaved parmesan. Here is a recipe to inspire you. You may find yourself hitting the culinary wall here, but do press on.

Course Six - The Most Amazing Cioppino 

You will wow yourself with this one. Trust me. I have found that it is best to make the broth 24-48 hours ahead to really give the flavors a chance to meld. The remainder of the fish stew is then prepared rather quickly which is good considering you've probably had a good bit of wine and it is well into the evening hour. I make this recipe in large enough quantity to have leftovers. It does get better the next day. Here is a recipe to get you started. I typically use Bay Scallops, Cod, Clams and Shrimp but you can use any fish you wish!

Course Seven - Eel With Olives, Chiles, and Capers

I admit eel can be a tough sell, but you will be sold once you have had it. Also, get your fishmonger to skin and gut it as this is by far the most difficult task in preparation I think. It will be worth your effort though as this, my friends, is the most traditional dish of all. Here is a recipe for you.

If you are unsure about the eel or don't live near a trusted fishmonger, I have been known to substitute a nice lobster tail for this course.

There you have it. You've made it to the finish line. It's probably pushing midnight and you are absolutely stuffed to the gills. (Pun definitely intended). Lastly, just remember that this is what Italians eat when they are fasting.

Feast of One Bowl of Mixed Grill and Vegetables

We should not forget that animals welcomed Christ our Savior into our world. For that reason, I always include my beloved Basset Hound in the celebration. This is a simple, delicious and nutritious dog-friendly meal you can share with your beloved hound. Disclaimer - Check with your vet or trusted nutritional advisor as to whether these foods are safe for your canine.

1/3 pound Ground Beef, (Buffalo or Wagyu Beef if you wish)

1 carrot chopped

1 cup broccoli

1 medium sweet potato chopped

1/3 cup Basmati or Brown Rice

1 cup of water

You can simply put all ingredients in a slow cooker. Set on Low for 6 hours to overnight. Let cool. Serve in a festive bowl. Optionally add a tablespoon of yogurt, teaspoon of coconut oil and a little chopped fresh parsley.