Tag Archives: Finnigan’s Wake Irish Pub & Kitchen

Yawn or: All By Myself

04 Tuesday Sep 2018

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I are worn out! A long day of flying and waiting and walking and carrying bags and, and, and, and! We finally got home around 6pm this evening and I went on to trivia because I didn’t want Our Jim to be alone. Turns out, we had no representation other than me. The BCPF was catching up and getting ready for her week while Our Jim had a fantasy football draft to do.

It was the end of the season anyway and being the day after a holiday, no one really showed up for the trivia except for the season leaders and me. So there were six people on that team and me all by myself. Well, I took ’em! I won 27-22 including betting five on the “boneless” (bonus” question and getting one of the two “betwixt round” guesses right (worth 1 point). I sent The BCPF and Our Jim a text telling them that I won and that they were fired! Just kidding about the being fired part. They’re still on the team.

But, all that being said, I am done for today. I’ve had all the fun I can handle for the last 5 days. A lot of walking, a lot of eating, a lot of drinking, a lot of Ubering. A lot. A lot. A lot. So, I’m getting off of here and going to bed!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m a big tradition guy. If you love this country and study history, then you will love Boston.” – Marcus Luttrell

Long Time No See or: Reintroducing

07 Tuesday Aug 2018

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Salutations™!!

This is going to be short, Dear Reader. We just got in from trivia at Finnigan’s Wake. Our old friend Jordan (“Right Click” on The Less Desirables) came to be on our team. The first time since the beginning of the year. Finnigans_Wake_Logo_2

Plus, we had a friend of mine, that I knew in WV but who has lived here for a while, Shannon, come and play with us. I hope Jordan comes more often and I hope Shannon continues to come. Anywhat! It was good to sit and talk with them for a while.

But, it leads to late blog posting and I don’t have a lot more to talk about right this second. So…

Until tomorrow, may there be more…
Scorp out!

—
“Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Slow Week Piggyback or: Foodie Talkin’

20 Tuesday Mar 2018

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Salutations™!!

Today on The Man Who Ate the Town, Kelly and I talk about Joymongers (briefly), Finnigan’s Wake’s St. Patty’s Day and I talk a little about Krispy Kreme. There’s a lot about Finnigan’s Wake, for sure and some about Krispy Kreme. Good conversations.

 

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©Kelly Bone

 

You can hear the episode HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Nothing beats the original Krispy Kreme.” – Jason Behr

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 3/17/18

18 Sunday Mar 2018

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day so of course we had to get our Irish on and went to Finnigan’s Wake instead of Mary’s Gourmet Diner (we did that this morning) but we did get to Underdog Records on time. Here’s what we got:

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©Riverside

 

  • Yo La Tengo – There’s A Riot Going On  – The BCPF really loves this band, who have been around for a long time and when this Indie-Exclusive Orange Vinyl 2xLP set came out, well she had to have it. And she got it. New.
  • Chet Baker – Chet – From what I hear, Chet Baker was a sad story. Mostly drugs, I’d say, but man, this cat was fantastic on the horn. The label said “the lyrical trumpet of Chet Baker” and I think that’s exactly right. His trumpet was like a vocalists’ voice, smooth and dreamy. And, the cover is awesome. He looks like James Dean. New.
  • Various – Souled Out – Adding to my K-Tel Collection, this one is all about the “soul.” Found it for $3 in the “just in ‘Used'” bin. VG+.
  • Donovan – Cosmic Wheels – A very fun and hilarious listen. Not that it’s all comedy but there are moments. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend listening to the tune, “The Intergalactic Laxative.” You won’t be disappointed. VG.
  • Sheena Easton – Sheena Easton – Her debut album. I always liked her voice so why not have it? It was called Take My Time in the UK but just eponymous here in the US. VG++.
  • Sheena Easton – A Private Heaven – So, just three years later, this is her sixth album. That’s a lot of output, really. This is also VG++.
  • Hank Williams, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys – Original Sound Track – The Last Picture Show – Yep, the soundtrack for the Peter Bogdanovich featuring the legendary Hank Williams, et al. VG+.
  • Kim Carnes – Mistaken Identity – Yes, the “Bette Davis Eyes” album. VG+.
  • Bob Marley & The Wailers – Babylon By Bus – A 2xLP live album featuring the Wailers. I still don’t really care for reggae as a whole but, man, I love listening to Bob Marley. This is really, really beaten up and has scratches and gashes throughout. I can’t listen to it often because I don’t want my needle ruined but it was fun to listen through. Fair condition, only. “Curvy,” whose name is scrawled on the labels didn’t take very good care of this. $1 bin find.
  • Parliament – Mothership Connection – This. Is. Awesome! #276 on the RS list. I liked it then and I love it even more now. I think I got more out of it this time. I wasn’t trying to plow through the list. I think that was the issue. But, this whole album is phenomenal. A VG $1 bin find. There was a “skip” and it was a perfect skip, right on the beat because I thought they were just doing a repetitious passage and it turns out it was skipping for about two minutes. I didn’t really let it go on that long.
  • The New Birth– Comin’ From All Ends – Another New Birth LP. VG $1 bin find.
  • Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song – The BCPF’s favorite Christmas album and there it was, in pretty good condition, with a $1 sticker on it. After confirming that we don’t already have it, it was quickly added.
  • Nat King Cole / George Shearing – Nat King Cole Sings / George Shearing Plays – The BCPF can’t resist anything with Nat King Cole on it. VG. $1 bin find.
  • Billie Holiday – Billie Holiday – We’re fans of women jazz vocalists and try to collect what we can. The BCPF loves Ella. I love Etta. We both dig Billie. Good condition. $1 bin find.
  • Stevie Wonder – In Square Circle – The first Stevie I ever owned and it was on cassette. It was in the $1 bin yesterday and in pretty good shape, so yep!
  • Roberta Flack And Peabo Bryson – Live & More – More Roberta Flack and this time with Peabo Bryson. I can’t not say “why you trippin’ Peabo?!” every time I read his name. $1 bin find. VG.

Record store day is coming, April 21. Visit the RSD website for more information. There are no holds, no pre-orders, no prepays, and there will be a line early (some people even camp out overnight) but it’s fun and there’s a lot of unique things coming out. Underdog is ready and will have all but like four things. But, supplies are limited, when he’s out, he’s out. Everything is limited edition, too. Check out The Less Desirables to hear what this week’s TLD/UR special is. And use Discogs to catalog your collection!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Oh, the intergalactic laxative will get you from here to there. Relieve you and believe me, without a worry or care. If sh*tting is your problem when you’re out there in the stars, oh, the intergalactic laxative will get you from here to Mars.” – “The Intergalactic Laxative” (Leitch)

Silver Alert! or: Crowning

16 Friday Mar 2018

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Salutations™!!

If you happen to find yourself in Greensboro tonight or feel like a leisurely drive to Greensboro, then consider stopping by the Carolina Theatre and coming up to the Crown to see Abigail Dowd, new band Gasket Hawkins and The Silver Alerts.

The festivities start at 7pm and shouldn’t run too awfully late, that way everyone is home and sound so you can get up and do your St. Patty’s thing in the morning. May I suggest Finnigan’s Wake? They’ll be open from 7am until 2am, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, beverages, and entertainment all day long. I believe they will be doing “the wake” twice during the course of the day.

But, I digress.

The Silver Alerts is Clay Howard (of course), Corkey McClellan, Aaron Burkey, Doug Davis (yes that Doug Davis) and some fat guy with a big silver beard. We’ll be doing a bit of Clay Howard music, which is never a bad thing.

Gasket Hawkins is Doug Davis’ new musical project.

Abigail Dowd is a young singer=songwriter who along with Jason Duff play some beautiful music. You’ll want to see this.

So, again, come on out to Carolina Theatre tonight. It’s located at 310 S Greene Street in Greensboro. And, if you’re wondering, Finnigan’s Wake is located at 620 N. Trade Street in WSNC. Hopefully, I’ll see you at one of the places.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Want to be at the best St. Patrick’s Day party in Winston Salem? Join us Saturday, March 17 from 7am – 2am. The breakfast buffet starts at 7am, and the main tent opens in our parking lot at 12:15pm with a bar and stage for live music.” – Finnigan’s Wake (the Official Emerald Isle of The Less Desirables)

It Happened or: the Party That Was

12 Monday Feb 2018

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

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Salutations™!!

This past Saturday, after we did our “Saturday Thang,” we had a little party, a get together if you will, at The Less Desirables Official Emerald Isle, Finnigan’s Wake. There was a decent crowd. I would have liked it to be bigger, but there were several factors involved.

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The Original The Less Desirables (l-r) Brian, Tim, Eugene

 

One, it was the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, which is this Wednesday. So, I figure there were a lot of folks that went out to eat at that time; that was their date time.

Two, the weather was atrocious. It was snotty and wet. Some people just don’t go out in that. If we didn’t have this party, we’d have gone to dinner and gone home. I get it.

Third, I was a little late getting the invites out. However, I really enjoyed the folk that came out.

Let’s throw this down first. The BCPF was with me. She is so supportive of me and TLD. She has always been. I love when she’s by my side.

Superfan Damien made his way out here from Durham. He was the first in and the last one out. That’s awesome. My new pal, Tim and his wife, Amy (whom I have known since she was 14), were there. Past TLD guest, Tracy Bush, the Nutrimom, was there and she had an entourage. Friends Michael and Karen Hoch were there. Also, a past guest, Jordan Googe, was there. A childhood friend, Shonna came and brought her friend Misty. Bethany from The Less Desirables was there for her first TLD party. My new friend Jeff (whom I’ll be doing a podcast with soon) brought a pal of his.

I loved having all those folks there with me. But, I was in for a very unexpected surprise. Two very special guests showed up, surprising me. Eugene was across the street doing work at the local radio station. He came over and sat with us for a bit.

But, the big one was Brian. Brian, the ORIGINAL co-host of TLD. He what started the show with me over eight years ago. He came down from Virginia to celebrate with us. I had chills and was so excited. Both him and Eug being there was amazing.

I thank each and every one of the attendees for being there and their support. Thank you, too, to Opie and the folks at Finnigan’s Wake for their support of us over the years. Thank you to Laura and Brittany for taking care of all of us.

Thank you, Dear Reader, for your support of us over the years, as well.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“So don’t do it…” – Brian Attridge

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 2/10/18

11 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

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Salutations™!!

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©A&M

Last night there was a shindig at Finnigans for the anniversary of The Less Desirables. However, that’s a post for tomorrow. Yesterday, before the “gala,” we did our usual “Saturday Thang” which included, of course, Underdog Records. It was a rainy and miserable day (much of like today’s forecast), but we got some good records. Like…

  • George Harrison – The Best Of George Harrison – Side 1 is his Beatles greatest hits and Side 2 is his solo stuff. VG+.
  • Stan Getz / Eddie Sauter – Focus – Original mono pressing in VG condition. I love Stan Getz.
  • Rush – Exit…Stage Left – 2xLP live album, mostly recorded during their Moving Pictures tour (some of it was on the tour prior), in which I love the track listing but I thought some of the Side 1 was muddy. It seemed to clear up, or I just got used to it. VG+.
  • The Alan Parsons Project – Pyramid – I have really loved getting into the Alan Parsons Project. Everything is a little ethereal, a little rocking and a little pop. It’s difficult to explain but I dig it. Great album. VG/VG+.
  • Stray Cats – Built For Speed – This album rocked. Two of their biggest hits, “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town,” are on here. The whole album is pretty cool. I have to say that I get tired of the “rockabilly” thing after a bit but what I liked, I really liked. VG+.
  • Isaac Hayes – Truck Turner (Original Soundtrack) – The copy of this once belonged to WFDD here in WSNC. There’s a big orange sticker that says so and I can’t get that off, I don’t think. Even with Goo Gone. I’m not going to try. It adds to its charm. Wh doesn’t dig some Isaac Hayes, right Chef? VG+.
  • Tim Curry – Fearless – So, I saw this and I know that I love Tim Curry. I figured I have to have it, right? So, we got it. VG+ condition. It is not bad… but it is some weird stuff. Not weird in the songs. Some are ballads and some are heavy rockers. But, if you can imagine Frank-N-Furter standing in the studio recording an album. This is that.
  • The Beatles – The Beatles’ Second Album – So, this is technically their third US album because Capital released some after Vee-Jay Records did which coincided with the EMI stuff in the UK and… if you could see me right now, I’d be waving my hand and saying, you know what, that’s not important. It’s in Fair condition but it is The Beatles and it is an amalgamation of several of their UK albums, which, to me, is the better discography. But, this is mono and yadda yadda yadda.
  • Emmylou Harris – Pieces Of The Sky – VG+ copy of this Emmylou classic. The BCPF is really getting into her and I’ll admit, I don’t mind it.
  • The Moravian Festival Chorus And Orchestra, Thor Johnson – Music Of The American Moravians – The BCPF worked at Old Salem for eight years. She loves her some Moravian history and culture and all that mess. I don’t know what this will be but she certainly wanted it and well, that means she gets it. VG+.
  • Simon & Garfunkel – Sounds Of Silence – As far as I can tell, this is an original pressing. It’s in VG shape and we have to have anything that says S&G on it, or just Simon or just Garfunkel.
  • Frank Loesser – Guys & Dolls: A Musical Fable Of Broadway – I love musicals and I loved the film version of this, so let’s hear the original cast do it. This was an NM copy.
  • Various – 50 Years Of Film – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Recordings Of The Great Scenes And Stars From The Warner Bros. Classics, 1923 To 1973 – I love soundtracks and film scores. This is 50 years of it from the Warner Bros classics. It’s 3xLP in VG/VG+ condition.
  • Various – Music Machine – Another K-Tel compilation. It’s pretty beat up but from 1977/78 or so. G? I dunno.
  • Santana – Abraxas – #207 on the RS list. This is pretty beat up. I’m going to give it a listen and see if it’s worth keeping. If not, I’ll look for a better copy. It was in the $1 bin and is in F+/G shape, at least before I play it.
  • Luciano Pavarotti – Pavarotti On Pavarotti – Tony DiLisio calls me Pavarotti because I’m fat and I sing to him. Also, I love his voice, so when I come across stuff by him, especially the $1 bin stuff. I grab it. VG.
  • Loggins And Messina – The Best Of Friends – I have this on CD and it has the songs I care about from them. I’m not a huge fan, but I do love the two or three songs that I bought both the CD and this for. $1 bin find. VG.
  • Herb Alpert – Wild Romance – $1 bin find and it’s Herb Alpert. His 80s stuff may not be the same classics as his earlier stuff, but it’s Herb Alpert. ‘Nuff said! VG.

So, a decent haul. We also purchased a new album that we totally didn’t know we already had. We’ll have to turn that back in, trade it for something else. Jonathan is usually good with that. You need to follow the Underdog Records social media pages because Jonathan is always posting what’s just arrived in the store, both new and used. Sometimes that is several times a day. Usually, though, it’s maybe once a day, twice a day. Not too inundating. But, trust me, it’s worth it if you’re into vinyl (or just want to be into it).

Also, use Discogs to catalog your collection. They have a great marketplace, too. I have been really happy with my buying experiences on there.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Hello, darkness, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again. Because a vision softly creeping left its seeds while I was sleeping, and the vision that was planted in my brain still remains, within the sound of silence.” – “The Sound of Silence” (Simon)

The Reminder or: Party On!

09 Friday Feb 2018

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Salutations™!!

I am keeping this one brief today. I just wanted to remind you all that tomorrow is The Less Desirables Post-Holiday/Anniversary Party at Finnigan’s Wake.TLDNetwork

The reason it’s at Finnigan’s is a few folds deep. First, it’s the birthplace of The Less Desirables. It was at the first high top table next to the long hall that I pitched this idea to Brian, and he fell for it. And, now, eight years later, it’s still one of my favorite places.

Second, Finnigan’s is where I met my lovely bride, The BCPF. Right about the same time I was launching this craziness, she came into my life. The podcast and The BCPF both been big in my life and in my being, and the ride has been pretty much parallel.

Third, Finnigan’s is an official sponsor of ours, even unofficially, they’ve been with me the longest. I have been going there for about two months after they opened and I’m still there at least once a week, sometimes more. I did the 90-Day Club (many times over) and feel it’s “home” to me.

Fourth, Finnigan’s has what we need. Space, food, beverages, ambiance. It’s all there. There are 40 taps and 33 Scotch whiskeys (or whiskys). There are fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, Scotch eggs, salads, sandwiches, burgers and wraps. Plus, the dining room handles all of our needs. Fantastic place.

So, there. You are now reminded. If this is the first time you’re seeing this, then you are definitely invited! From 7pm until 10pm, tomorrow, Saturday, February 10, Finnigan’s Wake. Be there! We look forward to seeing you!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“We’re open seven days a week 11:00 am to 2:00 am the following morning.
Come in anytime for food. If our door is open, our kitchen is too.
Join us for brunch every Sunday!” – Finnigan’s Wake

Piggybackin’ or: Celebration Time

06 Tuesday Feb 2018

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

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Salutations™!!

I’m going to piggyback The Man Who Ate the Town as I always do, but I’m also going to talk about what I said I was going to talk about, yesterday. Kelly and I talk about Camino’s new co-owners, Super Bowl and our food for the big game, Wise Man, Willows and a brand new Asian place called Dynasty. You can hear about that HERE.TLD

Now, on to the other thing. This past Saturday, February 3rd, was the EIGHTH anniversary of the very first recording of The Less Desirables podcast. I tell this story every year and I know you get tired of reading about it but here goes anyway…

Brian and I sat in what is now my son’s bedroom and labored over what we were going to talk about for twenty minutes. This after we spent an hour running around getting all the right cables and such together from where the bands I was in practiced. We pulled it off and the next week we did it again. And the next. And so on. Our first outside guest was Brian’s brother Sean who played the part of the Least Desirable. I feel I can tell that, now.

Then, our first “official” guest was our buddy Jay Platt who was our Beer Guru for the first three years. That date was March 17, in which we went to Finnigan’s afterward to get some holiday time in and started really promoting the show. Jay was a quarterly regular and then moved monthly until circumstances led to him having to stop. I miss old Jay.

We started having guests regularly after a while and one of those was my buddy Eugene, whom other than The BCPF, I probably write the most about on this blog after myself. He became a fixture and co-host as the Official Third Wheel and TV Guru.

Brian eventually bettered himself and moved to Virginia leaving Eugene and me to tend the garden. We then added Caitlin to our fold and she became the Third Wheel. Eugene left and we brought Bruce in to replace him. Bruce was fun, but life took him back to Chi-town. Caitlin took the co-pilot chair and eventually another guest became a permanent fixture, that being Danielle.

With Caitlin, we always knew we were on a limited-time basis with her, because she was going to be moving once her degree was finished. We did get to milk her time for about a year longer than we thought and that was great

When Caitlin had to move, yet another past guest came in to take the Third Wheel seat, or as we call it now, the “Abuse Tim” chair. That would be Bethany and that’s where we are now. Danielle, Bethany and me, with a bevy of guests.

Tomorrow, we will record show #417. That’s more than and longer than any other podcast in this area and as far as I can tell, this state. Without that first one eight years ago, I wouldn’t produce Fan Interference, The Camel City Dispatch/Electric Camel Pod, Tart and Tangy Triad, The Beer Dads, Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking or The Man Who Ate the Town podcasts. With the exception of the CCD and T&TT podcasts, I still do the others as part of The Less Desirables Network.

There are more TLD podcasts and shows coming, whether as part of the TLD Network, a whole new podcast network or for individuals’ use. The future is bright, but I have to get busy, there’s a lot of podcasting to do, yet.

We would have never gotten where we are without our sponsors: City Beverage, Finnigan’s Wake, King’s Crab Shack, Washington Perk, Bull’s Tavern, Underdog Records, Test Pattern. Also, we thank a/perture cinema, The Garage, Bob’s Big Gas Subs and Pub, Cafe Rochè for their support early on and up until the last little bit. A few of those are no longer in existence but we do appreciate them being with us when they were.

This Saturday, we are celebrating our eight-year fun, along with the rest of the network, our guests, our listeners and our people. We are doing that where the whole thing was conceived: Finnigan’s Wake. That’s where I pitched the idea to Brian and we planned its course. I am now inviting all of you to Finnigan’s to celebrate with us. The party is from 7-10, February 10. I really hope to see a lot of you there!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Voted the best pop culture podcast within a four-block radius in downtown Winston-Salem, this is The Less Desirables.” – TLD Announcer

Piggybackin’ Wisely or: Wake the Menu

30 Tuesday Jan 2018

Posted by in Beer, Food, Uncategorized

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Salutations™!!

Today on The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast, Kelly and I talked about Wise Man 1wmbBrewing’s one year anniversary and the new menu that Finnigan’s Wake rolled out yesterday. Kelly and I want to be more than just a little podcast about menus and “on this day.” We want to talk about food issues and topics, not only in WSNC but all around. We will concentrate on WSNC but we aren’t opposed to venturing out.

What would you like to hear us talk about? We have some topics “on the stove,” if you will, but we want to be a podcast that you feel like you’re part of. So, again, I ask… What would you like to hear us talk about?

You can get the skinny on what we talked about today by visiting HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger