Welcome.

This is my first foray into blogging. I have posted on the comment sections of one or two in the past, but I am starting this one with very little direction, very little planning, and admittedly, very little talent.

The reasons for starting this blog are numerous and varied:

1. My cousin Dooders has a Pittsburgh foodie blog. It's really good. Like really good. However, I don't know where you find the time for your recipes, or how you've managed to sample so many restaurants, Dooders. My blog will be quite different than hers. It will be the life of a non-married but non-single guy who lives by himself, goes to nice dinners with his girlfriend, travels a lot for work, and considers a meal of grilled chicken with wild rice gourmet homemade fare.
(If you live in the City of Champyinz, check her blog out here: http://snickies.wordpress.com/ )

2. My aforementioned work travel. I travel a lot for work. Probably more in 2010 than I did in 2009 even. Most of the travel is to New England. And not like Boston, New England either. Some rather tucked away towns in NH, RI, ME, CT, etc. Places you wouldn't necessarily go by choice. HOWEVER, if you do find yourself there, some of my recommendations may come in handy. Keep in mind, too, that I usually creep around these restaurants solo, so I'm more into the food than the ambiance. But if you happen to be in Auburn, ME looking for a quick, filling bite, I just might be your guy. Or if you're my buddy Wahlberg and you work in an organic yogurt office in Manch Vegas, NH, you just might be my guy, as I visit restaurants based alot off of referrals.

3. My health. I have kidney disease. Whatever. That also puts me at risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, and other things. I was also recently told my cholesterol is a bit high. My girlfriend, let's call her Weiss Center (or just Center), also told me that the best way to improve your diet is to write down/ keep track of what you eat. This blog might offer a way to do that. Although out of sheer guilt and embarrassment, I probably won't include my Monday night Grilled Stuft Burritos and Crunchy Taco Supremes from the T Bell down the street...

4. Last, but not least, my mother. Mom, if you're reading this, I'm shocked. But, let's just say you are. I want to get you more in tune with the internet. Plus, I know I don't call enough now that I live 300 miles away. So when I'm up in the great white north for work, postings on here can let you keep better track of where I am and what I'm doing. So this is for you, mom. And it's also in loving memory of the Chicken Club Tacos, which have recently been removed from the menu at Chili's. You will be missed....

(Also, some quick background on the title. My nickname is Bear, at least with my college friends. The reason being I'm big, and I'm also hairy. Not much to it. So I'm hoping that when you read my restaurant reviews, recipe advice, commentary on the performance of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and other general commentary, it will feel like you are sitting right here with the bear.)