January 22, 2012: Taco-Off! Continuing our preview of Dark Matter #2!

Today, we gathered at my place (the only home in our circle of friends with a functional theater room since Rob's gave up the ghost last weekend) for a final weekend of football prior to my departure for Tokyo.  Fortunately, the Patriot's win (or, more appropriately, the Ravens' loss) ensured I won't have to go through the trouble of trying to track down somewhere to watch the Superbowl while I'm in Japan.  I'll just read about the Giants victory instead.

While both games were exciting, the biggest match-up of the afternoon pitted Ivon's Beef and Chorizo vs. Lawren's Pulled Pork in our first annual Taco-Off.  Rob served up some delicious corn tamales (I can eat them for dinner AND dessert) while Patrick demonstrated his domestic flair by making his own peppermint patties.  As for me – I just picked up some pastries.

Lulu awaits her boyfriend's (aka Ivon's) arrival.

Lawren shows off his goods.

His goods = slow-cooked pulled pork with a little secret Kansas City rub imported from Seattle where, apparently, the best Kansas City rub is sourced.

Hey, check out Alfie! With a knife!

Rob comes bearing gifts.

The gifts = corn tamales!

Ivon finally arrives.

And he brought slow-cooked marinated beef and chorizo with paprika, chili, olive oil, white vinegar, lime juice and love!

Patrick surprises everyone with home made peppermint patties. HOME MADE!

Tasty decisions...Tasty decisions...

Ivon's tacos on display.

Chocolate and vanilla-filled zeppole.

Chocolate, pistachio, and gianduja macarons.

And the winner?  Well, I'm going to have to call it a tie.  Really, they were both great and neither deserve to lose.  Also, declaring it a tie opens the door for a rematch when I get back from Tokyo.

Another sneak preview of the second issue of my comic book series, Dark Matter.  Below, you'll find the first two pages of issue #2.  Call up your local comic store and reserve your copy to find out how it all turns out!

Cookie Monster would like to remind everyone to finish up viewing Superman (1979) for this blog's SuperMovie of the Week Club!  Discussion begins tomorrow!

Maybe.