If so, you probably also like food. And the combination of the two? Now that’s some Ratatouille-style magic, right?
I spent a few weeks getting to know many of the local brewers in Eugene, quizzing them about beer and food pairings, and what works best with their specific beers and the food on their specific menus.
The article ran today in the Register Guard, and I’m pretty pleased with the results. Definitely makes me want a pint, or two
When I moved to Eugene a little over a year ago I was immediately impressed with the plethora of specialty shops around. There were butchers galore, more than one fishmonger, and local bakers every where I looked. I grew up in Fargo, where if you wanted to get meat or fish, you went to the grocery store - and that’s it.
I started thinking about the days before grocery stores; when you actually had to go into each individual shop, and wait to be waited on. You formed relationships, socialized with other shoppers, and haggled on prices.
And even though I love grocery shopping (I find it so calming), I occasionally get annoyed when I have three or four stops to make to cross everything off my list.
However, I always make a point to visit the butcher shop. And the longer I lived here, the more shops and shopkeepers I got to know, and the more I appreciated the choices I had.
So what became of this realization and appreciation? A feature in the Guard, highlighting some of the great shops in my area. Read all about these friendly faces and their specialties here.
I was invited to a very special dinner in late January - it was a monthly meeting of the Gourmet Samplers. Nine women here in Eugene have been meeting for a dinner club, once a month about 10 months out of the year for 35 years.
They cook for themselves - no husbands or kids, and only get together for dinner. They were inspiring and funny. I hope to one day stay in a town long enough to cultivate this type of friendship and shared love of food with others.
The link is to my feature, about the Samplers, that ran in the RG earlier this week.
I totally have girl crush on Zoe Jakes - the amazing belly dancer for Beats Antique. I had the chance to see them again the last time they were in Eugene, and am still thinking about what a wonderful show it was.
Need that final push to convince you to buy tickets? Need a reminder of how amazing they are? Read my recent review, up at Ticket Files.
Oh - and let me know if you think David Sartori looks just a little like John Boy.
Last week I got the chance to interview Aaron Holstein - or as he’s better known to fans - VibeSquaD.
Unlike other electronic musicians I’ve spoken with, Aaron began his music career first as a piano player then as a guitarist, majoring in music in college. I’m not saying that there aren’t other electronic producers that have done this - just none I’ve talked with.
I loved how he described himself as a “recovering guitar player” and how his love for music (even after almost 2,000 shows and at the age of 40) was strong and emotional.
He plays the big Eug tonight….. I’m pretty excited.
And to round out the subject of mealtime traditions, I put together a piece for the Register Guard on what four local chefs make for their own holiday dinners.
The results were spread far and wide - from cioppino to a vegan potluck, whisky pecan pie and a Norwegian smorgasbord. Read the piece for more info and to get the recipe for both the cioppino and the pecan pie.
I am in Vermont awaiting the arrival of Jack Frost (it’s 45 degrees here, sheesh) and finishing wrapping presents. I hope everyone has an amazing holiday!
A few nights ago I had the chance to see the amazing Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. If you are a fan of ’60s style funk and soul, it is a show not to be missed. I swear I got tired just watching her.
Read my review up at Ticket Files
If you haven’t figured it out, I love food - and I love food carts. I think it is such a genius way to open a restaurant and test the waters of your product. Plus, the carts in Eugene are consistently wowing me with truly wonderful food at every turn. No roach coaches here, yo.
In celebration of my love for local food carts I wrote a piece for the Guard on a few local carts that have turned vintage campers into their own little restaurant. One called Betty Rockers uses that sweet vintage Ford truck above to pull their trailer - so cool!
Read the article here - and get out to support local food!
I put together another piece for the local daily - this time on the Seattle-based band The Head and the Heart. I’ll be reviewing their show for Ticket Files, but this was an opportunity for me to give a preview on the upcoming show. I spoke with Tyler Williams, who was totally adorable over the phone.
While their lyrics aren’t necessarily the most poignant (Pitchfork totally called them out on it and rated them below what I think the album was worth, meh) they are super fun.
One thing had me thinking, though - it was all the casual references to the Bible throughout their album… it reminded me of Bishop Allen and made me wonder why? guess I should have asked Tyler….
I passed my trial as a guest blogger for the daily paper!! My first piece for Ticket Files is up - a review of the recent Pretty Lights show. Feels good to be writing about music again!
Check it out here.
Because people at restaurants don't ever say "Hey, I bet our waitress has something interesting to say." And because I like to write about food, music, and random things in Oregon.
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