First, have you figured out what the numbers mean? This is the last time I’ll ask that question. That, I promise. At least about this situation. I also promise that all will be revealed tomorrow. The long confusing wait will be over-ish. So, now on with the regularly scheduled made-up blog post.
Jonathan closed up Underdog Records yesterday because he was heading south. His favorite sports team, bar none, is the Atlanta Braves and he had an opportunity to go to the World Series game last night. Unfortunately for me (I hate the Braves), they won, but I’m glad my pal got to experience that. That meant that The BCPF’s and my day opened up. So, after breakfast at Grandma Ruby’s… What to do? What to do?
We went rummaging and “antiquing.” I didn’t think to look for yard sales or anything like that, but we went to Eclectibles, a used book store, and bought a good bit of books (her just regular books; me musical things and one recipe book).
We then went to a place called V’s Treasures and bought two “windows” that we will convert into something else. I say that. We will have Beth and Jay from Honu Global (I produce their Nailing It with Blue Jean and the Brewer podcast) “reimagine” them.
We then went to the new Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County’s ReStore that opened just a mile or so from our house. The BCPF bought a reading chair for her “StephCave” as she’s calling it. We spent a lot of money. That’s scary. But, we have some stuff to help us with the rejuvenation of this house we live in.
With that, I guess I’m heading off for today. OH! You can still purchase records from Underdog Records by visiting their website. And use Discogs to track your collection!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations.” – Habitat ReStore
Today, I learned some very sad news. Finnigan’s Wake will be closing its doors permanently on October 30. Finnigan’s Wake is THE reason the Arts District in Downtown Winston-Salem exploded in to ’00s. Yes, there were other now-staples such as Sweet Potatoes and 6th & Vine, but none had the impact that Fins did. But, for me, the impact was even more than reinvigorating an area of town.
Practically nothing in my life right now would be like it is if it weren’t for Fins. How, you ask?
Me and My Best Girl
I was able to realize what others may say is ridiculous but something I’m very proud of. I was the second-ever person to join the 90-Day Club. Not only did I do 90 days, I did 1099 days. That got me some recognition and status.
I was “Trivia Tim.” I didn’t start the pub trivia at Fins but I took it over after the first three weeks and I did it for six years after. Again, people got to know me, spend time with me, and my network was greatly and largely expanded because of that.
The Less Desirables was conceived, hatched, and born sitting at the high-top table right next to the hallway. Without that, I probably wouldn’t have started other podcasts after it. No Fan Interference. No Camel City Dispatch/Electric Camel Pod. No Tart & Tangy Triad. No The Beer Dads. No The Man Who Ate the Town. No Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking. No Apartment 5B. No Beeswax Vinyl. No Beeswax Vinyl Daily. No Asylum – Tales from the Devereaux Diaries. No Wheelers Dog. No The Less Desirables Network. No podcast clients. Heck without Fins, there may not be a podcasting community here in WSNC to speak of, at least as it is. I know two or three podcasts in town that are thriving because they were inspired by me doing The Less Desirables (or one of the others) and they’ve told me that. No podcasting would mean no “Podfather.” All that I am and do wouldn’t be if there was no Finnigan’s Wake. In fact, the first place I ever met Brian Attridge who started The Less Desirables with me, was at Finnigan’s Wake.
The revitalization of downtown, in general, may still have happened but it wouldn’t be what it is if Philip “Opie” Kirby and John Cahoon hadn’t opened THE Irish pub in October of 2006.
Me, Brian and Eug, TLD…
The first place I met Jon Lowder, one of the Beer Dads and a partner/friend that I have come to thank for many of my accomplishments was at Fins.
Several of my friends who are in relationships met at Finnigan’s Wake. Which brings me to the BIGGEST link that Fins has for me: I met my wife, The BCPF, Stephanie, at Finnigan’s Wake. If she hadn’t come with her friends to play trivia and get away from her toxic, dead-end marriage, and we hadn’t started having small talk conversations, I would never have had the opportunity to ask her, “Are you married, Steph?” That conversation and the fact that she had a birthday soon around that time and I did a special trivia category for her, led to us having our 11:10p nightly computer conversations, which led to us being great friends, which led to us being more than friends, which led to us being affianced, which led to us being life partners and husband and wife.
Me and My Eug
Finnigan’s Wake is the portal to my survival, to my life, to my being, to my loves. I so appreciate that Opie has kept the pub going for so long. The pandemic was hard for everyone. It led to changes within the business. But, he says it’s not about the pandemic. He said the restaurant was kept alive by the community and patrons. He says this is about him and wanting to start something new. Move in a new direction. Pursue new ideas and thoughts. He has been all over the world. As far as I know, he’s touched every continent. If he’s missing one, I think it’s Australia. He’s bought houses. He’s raised money for charities. He’s made himself better. He’s made the community better. I am glad for my friend that he’s okay and just starting a new chapter.
When I read that this was happening, it felt as if I had lost a friend, or at the very least, been kicked in the teeth or the crotch. The memories and recollections of the last 14 years of my life (with the exception of the last one) have relied heavily on my time in the wooden doors under the green sign with the huge Claddagh, the hallowed halls of Finnigan’s Wake. Slàinte mhath, Finnigan’s Wake. Slàinte mhath.
Until tomorrow, Erin go Bragh… Scorp out!
— “The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.” – Brendan Behan
You know something, Dear Reader? You wouldn’t know it from looking at me but I love to eat. I love to have a little dessert with my meal. That may or may not actually be true, but I do love me some B&G Pies. B&G Pies have been staples in WSNC for 72 years. They are made right here and like snowflakes or fingerprints, no two are alike.
L-R: Shannon, Scorp, Bethany, Tracy
This week on The Less Desirables, we had Shannon Faircloth who is the owner of B&G Pies. Those little handmade treasures get me excited just thinking about eating them, and we talked about that, the history of the company, her history at that, the pies, how they’re made, and more. Shannon was a blast. Before the show, she didn’t know that she could stay long. She stayed for the whole show. The convo was good. The only thing missing? Pies!
We mentioned, a few times, that we were expecting pies and she totally spaced on us about the pies. But, you can listen to the episode if you visit here. Go have some pies!!! Lemon, peach, cherry, apple and chocolate! Check them out on social media!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Lots of love and planning go into each and every handmade fried pie at B&G Pies” – B&G Pies
Today on The Man Who Ate the Town, Michael and I talked about the former Dixie Classic Fair, now known as Carolina Classic Fair, how they have a beer garden, now, and Providence’s Farm 2 Fourth event. You can listen to the episode here.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “The big news was, for the first time, the fair has beer!” – Michael
Today was a very laid back Monday. Not on purpose, but it just “was.” Michael and I recorded The Man Who Ate the Town, talked about the Carolina Classic Fair, Farm 2 Fourth, Eat Drink Burger Week, and more. I also had a great conversation with Chef Brian DePaulis from Providence when I visited them last week. You should give it a listen. You can do that here. I’d really appreciate a “subscribe,” a like, a review, and a rating. It would help me tremendously!
This week on The Less Desirables, I was without my work-wives Tracy (illness) and Bethany (vacay) and brought in the fantastic Jax who brought five Scotch Whisky brands for us to taste and try. I love Scotch and these were fantastic. Monkey Shoulder, Jura, Dalmore, Glenfiddich, and Balvenie. Mmmm, listen to Jax and me discuss Scotch, life and more, here.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “The Balvenie DoubleWood is a 12 year old single malt whisky which gains it’s distinctive character from being matured in two wood types.” – The Balvenie
Today, we had Shannon Faircloth, the owner of B&G Pies on the podcast to talk with her about, well, B&G Pies. Shannon tells us the history of the company, the flavors, how she came to be the owner and more. She was a great guest. We also went over the latest food news and views. You can listen to this episode here.
Underdog Records was closed because Jonathan was on a much needed vacation. Here’s what The BCPF and I did instead.
Pork Intestine with Chili Pepper – New Sichuan
Orange Chicken – New Sichuan
Chive, pork, shrimp dumplings – New Sichuan
Pork Soup Dumplings
Big Winston Breakfast – Sir Winston
My first taste of Absenthe
Shrimp Po’Boy – Sir Winston
Tomato Bisque – Sir Winston
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “The bar has since closed, and the world over will mourn this no-holds-barred gem of a dive, with absinthe on tap and rock ‘n’ roll karaoke on deck.” – Anthony Bourdain
Today on The Man Who Ate the Town, I introduced Michael Hastings, my friend and food editor for the Winston-Salem Journal. Michael is my new co-host and will be with me as he can. Understandably, he is a busy dude in the Winston-Salem/Triad area food scene. So, I understand he may not be there every week, but I hope that he will be there most weeks. We talked about the future of restaurants, the industry, struggles, comings, goings, and more. You can listen here.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “The restaurant has been a staple in Winston-Salem, offering affordable, family-friendly American food in a casual atmosphere at 299 Jonestown Road for 12 years.” – Michael Hastings, Winston-Salem Journal
This week on The Man Who Ate the Town, I go on a rant about anti-vaxxers. Yeah, I don’t do a lot of political things and this rant isn’t about politics. I know people on both sides of the aisle that are refusing to get it. I’m sure they have their reasons but, still… I’m not going into it here, as it’s not the forum. I will direct you to the podcast episode so you can hear it. Go here for that.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Clemmons Kitchen is closed on Mondays until further notice.” – Me.
Useless Things Need Love Too 