Tag Archives: Chef Travis Myers

Spinning (albeit not much) Sunday or: The Grab

20 Sunday Oct 2019

Posted by in Records, Spinning Sunday, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I didn’t go to Underdog Records last week because Jonathan was on vacation. We didn’t go this week because I was at Pride from 8a until 7p yesterday. And, we haven’t really gotten to listen to many albums because we’ve been slammed both weekends and during the week.

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©Columbia

But, we got lucky when Chef Travis Myers brought me a boot box full of records. Many of them I already had so I looked to see which version I wanted to keep and put the discarded one in the boot box. The albums that we didn’t have I cleaned up and added to my Discogs (which we use to keep up with our collection). Thanks, Chef! All of these are to be considered VG+ unless otherwise noted. Here’s what we got:

  • Julio Iglesias – 1100 Bel Air Place — A collection of love songs from Julio and considered the breakthrough English-speaking album. It has “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before.” VG++.
  • Starship  – No Protection — considered the “second” album from Starship, this is the follow up to Knee Deep in the Hoopla which had one of the most horrible songs ever, “We Built This City.” This had “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” from the film Mannequin. VG++.
  • The Platters – The Golden Sides of The Platters — 2xLP greatest hits album.
  • Barbra Streisand – Songbird — It has her solo version of “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” that she had done as a duet with the song’s co-writer, Neil Diamond.
  • Traveling Wilburys – Volume One — George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty all on one album. That is a “supergroup.” VG++.
  • M1ke + The Mechan1c5 – Living Years — The second album by Mike Rutherford’s side hustle. I loved the first album. I like the title track of this one okay. VG++.
  • Bruce Springsteen – Tunnel Of Love — #467 on the RS list, this is actually a decent album, especially with “Brilliant Disguise,” the title track and “One Step Up.” I was happy to get this even if I’m not a huge Springsteen fan. VG++.
  • Neil Diamond – Heartlight — The title track made it all the way to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in late 1982. It was Neil Diamond’s last top 10 pop hit and also his last #1 on the Easy Listening chart.
  • Melissa Manchester – Don’t Cry Out Loud — I don’t know much about this album, but I like a few of her tunes, so yeah.
  • Jonathan Butler – Jonathan Butler — I know absolutely nothing about Mr. Butler other than what’s on his Wikipedia page. He’s South African and he’s on Jive and it’s from 1987. That’s the label that Billy Ocean was on about the same time and the tune “Lies” from this album hit the Top 40 at #27. 2xLP VG++.
  • Barry Manilow – One Voice — I have no problem with Barry Manilow. This was his sixth studio album and came out in 1979. It only had one relevant tune, “Ships.”
  • Linda Ronstadt With Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra – Lush Life — I dig Linda Ronstadt and I dig Nelson Riddle. Standards with talent. I dig that, too!
  • Jane Olivor – Stay The Night — I’ve never heard of Jane Olivor before. Like Jonathan Butler, just what her Wikipedia page says. She had performance anxiety and dealt with her husband’s illness and passing. This album doesn’t have an entry on Wikipedia, either.
  • Julio Iglesias & Diana Ross – All Of You — 45RPM, 7″, Single, whatever you want to call it. It’s in its original sleeve and it’s in awesome condition.
  • Michael Bolton – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay — Same as above.

Thanks, Chef, for the additions to my collection. Hopefully, now that Pride is over, I’ll have some listening time. Underdog Records is back up and being awesome again. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special is.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Woke up this morning my house was cold. Checked out the furnace she wasn’t burnin’. Went out and hopped in my old Ford. Hit the engine but she ain’t turnin’. We’ve given each other some hard lessons lately but we ain’t learnin’. We’re the same sad story that’s a fact. One step up and two steps back.” – “One Step Up” (Springsteen)

The Proud Papa or: A First Big Step

01 Monday Apr 2019

Posted by in Food, Life as We Know It

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Salutations™!!

Last night, 3B and The BCPF and I went to Willows for an event with Chef Terrell Anistead and Ashley Hardesty (from Forsyth Seafood and Market) called The Table Experience.

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Chef Travis, 3B, Chef Terrell

Chef Terrell had 3B come back and help them in the kitchen. Chef Jesse got a chef’s jacket from his car and put it on 3B. He then gave him a black bandana which went on the head like a headband. All four of the kitchen folk back there, at least the guys, were part of the Bandana Gang (from Chef T-Money).

Chef Travis came from a PCG board meeting in Charlotte to check in with the crew and he noticed they had it covered. Throughout the night, Chef Travis, Ryan Oberle (the main-most-bar-dude at Willows) and others came out to tell me “your boy is killing it!”

I purposefully sat where I could look into the kitchen because I wanted to see what was going on. Every time I looked in there, he was right in the middle of everything, prepping, plating, expediting. He really was on it and Chef T-Money (that’s Terrell, by the way) agreed. Also working in the kitchen was Chef Niki F who is the EC of Silo Bistro & Bar and who also owns Niki’s Pickles and Lele who is the GM for the Good Vibes Hospitality folks. Everyone was impressed in his abilities and his hard work.

This morning, I got a call from Lele and she asked if he would be interested in working under Niki at Silo. I said I’d ask him and he was all over it. We don’t know what he’ll be doing. It could be washing dishes. It could be prepping. It could be serving. Who knows. But, the point is, the kitchen is a little more laid back than in Willows and this will be a good way for him to get his feet wet. And, he starts tomorrow. I’m proud of him, excited for him, scared for him, all the things a parent should be for him.

He cooks circles around me and I know he’s top-notch in his culinary class so this is a perfect stepping stone for him. He shouldn’t have trouble and he will listen to Niki’s direction and do what he needs to do. That’s my boy. I love him.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” – Aristotle

Piggyback or: Competing in the Showdown

16 Monday Jul 2018

Posted by in Food, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!NC RLA

Today on The Man Who Ate the Town podcast, it was a slow food week, really, but I did talk about my pal Chef Travis Myers becoming a finalist in the NCRLA Chef Showdown. I also wrote a blog post about that over on the TMWATT site. Also, in news that Ma Mère will be disappointed in, ChefSmart is closing next month.

Hear the episode HERE. Read the blog post HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Working to protect and advance the North Carolina hospitality industry.” – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association

The Space Within or: Mad Lab?

28 Thursday Jun 2018

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

Last night, Danielle, Bethany and I recorded the first ever episode of The Less Desirables from our new digs. I have used that term a lot in the last bit but I feel it’s appropriate for this location. Anywhat! Now that we have all the ducks in place, I am in a position to tell you guys of the new space and give you a (virtual) tour.

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Main Office Area

First, the location itself. You know, Dear Reader, that we were in the Test Pattern Studios that were in the back of, you guessed it, the Test Pattern bar; right across from The Garage on 7th Street. Well, we are now about 4 blocks north, almost exactly, from that location. We are now on N Chestnut Street. The area is called Industry Hill (or at least we’re trying to make it so). It’s between 7th Street and Northwest Blvd. It’s where the Warehouse District is/was and whilst some are saying there’s no industry here, I say poppycock. Warehousing is an industry. Textiles is an industry. Furniture is an industry. There is plenty of industry here.

But, my plan to expand Such-N-Such Media into a real media company that goes beyond just podcast production and voice-overs. My new location is more than just a podcast studio. Here’s how it works out.

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The NC Libations Collection

First, there’s the main area. It sits about 300 square feet. I plan on getting a TV and streaming programming on it, including offering some advertising space to sponsors. Yes, the traffic is limited but we do get a good bit of guests coming through for the various podcasts (and other future things) so it’s just another incentive. That’s where the beer fridge is and out great friends over at Machine Gun Graphics are going to make me a huge TLD logo like we used to have in the Chatham Bldg studio. It leads to all the other rooms and studios. It also has all the bottles and libations from the guests on Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking podcast.

 

Then there’s the podcast/VO/production room. This is where all the magic happens. The six-foot round table that we have had for the last several years is too big. It fits but it makes it hard for people to sit around the table. So, our pals at Sunnyside Mill Works is going to custom make us a four-foot round table. So then we have something special; something no one else has.

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The Podcast Studio

Next, the video room. It’s awfully plain right now but I’m going to hang a green screen, a black muslin sheet and a white muslin sheet so I can create nearly any background I need to for video and photography. That opens up my service availability and scope of operations.

Something that I’ve never had before? An actual office for Such-N-Such Media, Such-N-Such Limited (the company that owns the media company) or any of the podcasts. Now, I do. Odd blue walls and all. I don’t know how much I’ll be in there as of right now but I do plan on using it in the future.

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Video Studio

I have my own bathroom that I don’t have to share with the rest of the building. The rest of the building has to use the communal restrooms. One of the coolest things in there is an old Wachovia bank vault. Well, it’s night drop safe with a Night Depository “slot” that is made of die-cast iron and what appears to be brass. It’s still pretty cool.

The building we’re in used to be the EG Forrest main offices. EG Forrest was a food distribution company that sold their company a few years back. Being as they were a food distributor, their breakroom actually had a hood system like in restaurants, although there is no stove or grill under it. I am sure there used to be. There is also a commercial grade dishwasher that was left behind and it powers on. Chef Travis said they use the same one at Willows Bistro and is getting me in touch with their technician so I can have him check it out and see if we can get it to work. That would mean I can get clean glasses without having to hand wash them. I hate doing that. So, keep your fingers crossed.

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The Office

Ideas for the name of the building has been floating around among the landlord and me. We have had a few other names which I think are cool but, for now, we are going with The Lab at Industry Hill. It’s sleek and classy. Odd-kind of something of a name for a podcast called The Less Desirables, huh?

So, there’s the big secret. I did a sweep today of Test Pattern Studios to make sure that I had everything out as it was my deadline. It’s clear. Onto bigger and better things in the Lab at Industry Hill!

Check out the first podcast recorded there, last night, HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I find podcasting an enticing space.” – Jason Calacanis

Back to Piggybackin’ or: Spirit Squad

29 Tuesday May 2018

Posted by in Food, Podcasting

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Salutations™!!

Kelly Bone and I recorded The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast today and it felt good to be back. We talked about several things with  Jay Pierce becoming the new EC for Mozelle’s, Zesto Burgers and Ice Cream opening in East Winston and the Texas Pete Spirits of Summer Festival coming this weekend, as well as other stories. 30688635_162162754448338_8223325916009332736_n

I’ll be hosting the Lowe’s Foods Demo Tent from 3:30-5:30pm. I hope to see you all out there. Come up and say hey to me.

You can hear this week’s episode of the podcast by visiting HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Essentially, we took a restaurant brand started in the ‘40s and modernized it.” – Algenon Cash, on opening Zesto Burgers & Ice Cream

Piggybackin’ Chef or: Velveteen Dream

08 Tuesday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

Kelly and I were joined by one of my man crushes, Chef Travis Myers. He talked about things happening at Willows Bistro, his life, his family, his history. We had a grand ol’ time with Chef today. 20180508_193455

We talked about some closings, some relocating and a brand new name for Triad Community Kitchen. You can listen to it all right HERE. It was a great conversation. He had fun.

But, my day wasn’t done there. The BCPF got home early and we went to get her latest piece of body art. Of course, that can only mean that Byron Weeks, owner of Earth’s Edge, was doing a tattoo for her.

This one is from one of her favorite childhood stories, The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. It’s a sad, yet happy little tale and she has tried to read it to me before but she always cries through it. Let’s just say that she really, really loves it and it means a lot more to her than “just a story.” That must be true because she just had it permanently put on her body. It’s on her right upper arm. She was a trooper, not really even wincing much at all. Byron said he was using a gun that had less pressure on it, too so the pain was significantly less than previous. Also, that location is easier to take than some of the other places she’s had them.

It looks really good, too. She has two of the most beautiful and three of the most unique tats I’ve ever seen. No, she doesn’t have five, only two. The “Mary Poppins” around her ankle isn’t what I’d call beautiful but it’s beautifully unique and I love it on her. The heron on her calf and this newest one, though, those are some amazing work and we have to give a ton of props to Byron for his vision, willingness to work with us and just a joy to be around.

I have to say if you’re in want or “need” of a tattoo, and you don’t have a personal artist for that, check Byron out. He does amazing work, really. Earth’s Edge can be found at 1800 Silas Creek Pkwy, in WSNC. Byron says he’s the “best prick in town” and I agree with him. I know The BCPF does, too.

Thanks for reading and listening.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Real isn’t how you are made. It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” – The Skin Horse (The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams)

Silent Sunday or: The Return

25 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by in Beer

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Salutations™!!

So, The BCPF and I didn’t go to Underdog Records this weekend because we were up in the mountains with The Beer Dads crew, at least most of them. We were missing one couple that has become part of the family. That was a shame but we had a fantastic time up in Asheville. Keep an eye out for The Man Who Ate the Town blog and podcast this week because I’ll be talking about one restaurant, in particular, Cúrate (pronounced coo-rah-tay).

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The Beer Dads group in front of Sierra Nevada’s Asheville facility. “Malt” Disney World.

 

We were in Asheville and that really means one thing: Beer! We visited Sierra Nevada and DANG! that was as someone called “Malt” Disney World. Once you get past the regular pale ale, you get some fantastic brews. Man… That was amazing and it was so beautiful a location, spot, and facility. Unless you go there, you’ll never understand the attraction. I wouldn’t have either. We also visited French Broad Brewery. That was more “our speed.” A little hole in the wall that was like Hoots but with less “class.” The brews were good, there.

We also made our way to Wedge Brewing down around the River Arts District. And after eating a decent meal at Twisted Laurel, we walked down to Wicked Weed‘s brewpub and tap room. We wanted to go to the Funkatorium but we were done. Not a single beer that I had yesterday was under 8%. So, I was tapping out. And, we were back in the room and in bed by 10pm (even before).

Tonight, we’re having more homegrown flavors. The Beer Dads are going to Willows for the Willows/Wise Man Beer Dinner. I think I’ll be off beer except for Wednesday until next week. Tonight, though, is guaranteed to be awesome. I mean, Wise Man and Chefs Travis and Brent. C’mon. We’ve won and we’ve not even gotten there, yet. I’ll be writing/talking about that, this week, as well. Stay tuned!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Cúrate is a celebration of traditional Spanish cuisine. If you have ever visited Spain, Cúrate’s menu will transport you back to the country of flamenco, olives, almonds, and sherry. If you’ve never been to Spain, Cúrate will introduce you to the country’s lively tapas bar tradition of small plate dining on foods flavored with a touch of sherry, or perhaps smoky paprika, and always the choicest olive oil.” – Cúrate

It Was a Wise Man or: Beer!

23 Friday Feb 2018

Posted by in Beer, Food, Life as We Know It

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Salutations™!!

As The Beer Dads embark on our first actual “mini-vacation” with each other to the nether regions of Asheville, NC, this weekend, I wonder if that will be enough beer for us? I mean, Asheville is the beer capital of the east. Several major breweries from the mid-west and west coast have built their “eastern headquarters” there.

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There are many reasons why, but it has boomed and we are all lucky to have them.

So, yeah, we’re going up there. We’re going to have a lot of beer and food and fun hanging with each other. I said I wonder if there will be enough beer. The good news is, we don’t have to worry because when we get back on Sunday, we will have even more beer to imbibe. Good beer at that!

Sunday, Willows Bistro and Wise Man Brewing from here in WSNC are teaming up to have a fantastical beer pairing dinner. This TEN-course meal will pair the culinary wizardry of Chefs Travis Myers and Brent Andruzzi with the liquid gold (and sometimes black gold) of Wise Man Brewing. Ten courses. Willows. Wise Man.

Man, that’s a lot of awesome at one time. And, The Beer Dads will be doing their return podcast from there and hosting the event. We can’t recommend it enough.

I know what you’re asking. Isn’t The Beer Dads presented by Hoots Beer Company? Why, yes. Yes, we are, but I’ve cleared it with the Hoots folk and they say it’s cool. We’re all good, here. Plus, those breweries are pals, too. I love our beer community here.

So, here’s the thing. Willows has some spaces left open. That’s where you come in. You and your pals/significant others/family (of drinking age of course), should all be there. You should experience this, too.

The cost of the event is $75 per person. But, it’s TEN courses with beer! The food will be amazing, the beer will be amazing, the fun will be amazing. Trust me. You’ll have a wonderful time.

If you’re interested in attending this dinner, contact Willows and make your rezzie now because the event is Sunday. You can call 336-293-4601. Willows is located at 300 S Liberty Street if you didn’t already know. I want to see your smiling and thirsty faces there. Come say hi and come hungry!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Great Food!! Great Beer!! Great Company!!” – Willows/Wise Man Beer Dinner

That’s a Rap or: With the Boy

28 Thursday Dec 2017

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Records

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Salutations™!!

1compton

I didn’t post them because we were cooking and watching movies, but while we were doing the cooking we listened to something completely different than what I had been all day. For one, we got 3B Straight Outta Compton from N.W.A. for Christmas. It was a double cause, really. I needed it for my Rolling Stone list and he asked for it every time we went in Underdog Records. When that was over, we listened to The Chronic from Dr. Dre. I’ve had that one for a while and since we were listening to one, why not the other since Dre was part of N.W.A. at one time.

Before that, we went to Willows for lunch and hung out for a while.Willows is closing on January 1st for about a month and I’ve been there Tuesday, Wednesday and today. And, we went to Chef Travis’ house for Christmas Day, which was Monday. That’s a lot of Willows. Guess what? I’ll be there tomorrow night, too.

That’s my day. It’s late. I’m on vacation. ‘Night…

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“It’s like this and like that and like this and a–
It’s like that and like this and like that and a–
It’s like this and like that and like this and a–
Dre, creep to the mic like a phantom” – “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” (Snoop Dogg/D.O.C./Dr. Dre)

Happy Solar Circumnavi- or: You Get It

20 Monday Nov 2017

Posted by in Life as We Know It

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Salutations™!!

So, yeah, today is my birthday. Usually, I talk about my birth and how lucky everyone is to have me in this world and all that… I kid, of course. But this year, I want to talk about my friends.23659703_10215470499381961_4147229112142808799_n

First, I want to thank my good friends, Chef Travis Myers, Chef Brent Andruzzi, Chef Terrell Anistead, Kelly Bone, Ryan Oberle and Erica (I don’t know Erica’s last name, sorry, dear). They all had a place for me to have a wonderful get together with such fantastic friends and such fantastic food and beverages. I also want to thank Will Kingery for having a restaurant the quality of Willows Bistro. So, thanks to everyone at Willows.

Next, I want to thank Paden and Stacy Verner, JD and Bethany Miller, Clay and Nicole Howard, Danielle Bull, Brittany McGee, my sister Leah and her hubs, Cory Skidmore, my Beer Dads partners Jon and Celeste Lowder, Paul and Susan Jones for being there with me at Willows. I am so lucky to have such great friends.

Thanks to my parents for teaching me the right way to live and how to treat people the way that I’d want to be treated. We don’t always agree but we always love each other.

Thanks to my awesome son, 3B for keeping me somewhat young. He’s also my sous chef and probably will take over the “family” kitchen before too long. He’s rapidly becoming a man and it scares me. I hope I do a good job raising him.

But, who do I have to thank the most? That’s right, you saw this coming, I’m sure, but The BCPF. Without her, I’d probably not even be here to celebrate this my 47th year and embark on the 48th. She has both taught me how and allowed me to love her to the moon, unlike any I’ve ever known. She is my everything. Without her, I’m lost and nothing. Stephanie, I love you!

But, also, I have those that I share a birthday with. My personal or Facebook pals, Patrick Ferguson, whom I’ve shared many a moment on stage, Jerry Cooper, Diana Westrick, Jennifer Paxton, Leigh Griffith, Alex Collins (wife of TC from Fan Interference), Julie Boehm, Lisa Baker, Stuart Hill, whom I’ve known since he was a kid (his mother was my 4th Grade teacher), Sherry Underwood – one my best friends in high school, Kelley Schroth and Stacy Jones.

I have “birthday twins,” too. The celebrifolk that I share it with. Maximinus II (Roman Emperor), Pope Pius VIII, Chester Gould (created Dick Tracy), Alistair Cooke (hosted Masterpiece Theatre), Senator Robert Byrd, Bobby Kennedy, Estelle Parsons (actress, played Roseann’s mother), Jim Garrison (played by Kevin Costner in JFK), country singer Curly Putman, Richard Dawson, Dick Smothers, Joe Biden, Super Dave Osborne (Bob Einstein), Norman Greenbaum, Duane Allman, Judy Woodruff, Joe Walsh, Richard Masur, Rodger Bumpass (Squidward on Spongebob), Frank Marino, Bo Derek, Mark Gasteneau, James McGovern, Sean Young, Jim Brickman, Mike D (Beastie Boys), Jimmy Vasser, Phife Dawg (A Tribe Called Quest, born the exact same day), Joey Galloway (WR in NFL), Joel McHale, Dierks Bentley, Dominique Dawes, Future (Rapper), Jeremy Jordan (CW’s Supergirl). That’s just a drop in the bucket. There are more, but these are the ones that stood out to me.

Happy birthday to me and all these folks. So glad I’m here to celebrate with all of them and you, Dear Reader. Thank you!! Don’t forget to come to Hoots Beer Co tonight for The Beer Dads recording!!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“One of the things I’ve never been accused of is not caring about people.” – Joe Biden