Today’s candidate for election into the Rum Guy’s Top Ten rums is  “Cayman’s Reef Barbados Rum”.  This is a mysterious rum, as the bottle indicates it is imported and bottled by the Cayman Reef Rum Company in that famous rum hotbed of Princeton, Minnesota just a few miles north of Minneapolis.  This town of less than 4,000 sits on the appropriately named Rum River.  However, web searches for the name of the company, and/or the name of the rum are fruitless.  It is evidently connected to World Spirits, LTD in Princeton, but there the search dies as World Spirits is privately owned and evidently doesn’t release much information about itself.

The clear-glass bottle is attractive with the name and two palm trees etched in gold offsetting the darker amber liquid within.  It states it is aged five years in oak casks.  Pulling out the cork, the rum aroma is quiet but flavorful.  Sipping straight, you can taste a hint of chocolate, and a brief kiss of blackberries.  This 80 proof rum mixes very well with both regular and diet colas with very little back-bite.   The finish is very smooth.  While it is not a perfect match for fruit juices it does not clash either.  It is good for frozen Boat Drinks.  This rum is soft and easy, like old comfortable house shoes, but like house shoes, you wouldn’t take them to a party.

At under $20 a bottle, this is a good rum for the price.  As a candidate for the Top Ten, however, it does not win the election.  It is not a great rum,  but I could see buying it again.

The Quest Continues……

The Rum Guy

Recently an opportunity arose to travel to Atlanta to watch an Elite 8 Regional basketball as part of the NCAA tourney.  I had traveled to Atlanta several times previous on business, but never for just pure pleasure. As this city regularly competes for convention business, it ends up being a destination many of us go to but rarely get a chance to spend significant personal time exploring.  Enter the regional.  With an opportunity to see my team in the Elite 8, I could not pass a chance to go.

Atlanta is a true southern city with the southern charm, if you are into that sort of thing. The city is serviced by a strong public transportation system which even feeds all the way to Hartsfield International Airport. Very convenient if you are not looking to rent or save on taxi fees.  Sure, the stations can get a little creepy at night, espeically the underground ones, but all in all, they seem fairly safe and for the most part, well used.  Atlanta has several distinct districts in the city. The older of these entertainment district is the Atlanta Underground, basically under central city.  This was developed as an entertainment district, but in the later years has lost a lot of its popularity to more trendy destinations like Mid Town.  Another district I had been previously was Buckhead.  This is further north of central Atlanta and severla years back had many nice restaurants and clubs.  Some of the clubs could be a bit wild as well.  While I did not get out to Buckhead this trip, I am told that the clubs are largely gone.  They had been run out with rents in an attempt to cater more the the higher end restaurants in the area.

The area we stayed was Mid Town. This is become a trendy part of Atlanta more recently.  Looking to avoid the standard hotel chain, we choose the independent Artmore Hotel. Upon first impression, I was a bit concerned with the clientele as it looked like it may turn into a hip hop party. Not the case.  The Artmore is well appointed and anchored by a great bar where the bartender knows how to mix a great martini. The Artmore also has a great court yard where you can take your drink and smoke a cigar. Rooms are well appointed, fairly spacious and for the most part quiet.

One of the noticeable things about Atlanta and it being in the deep south is the number of restaurants with grits on the menu. All kinds.  A normally bland dish, the Highland Bakery in mid Town dresses them up with various tastes offering them with several of the interesting breakfasts at the small establishment. Hard to find, it is a small walk up service eatery at the base of a professional building.  There are a few tables outside that make this pet friendly, if you are not in the middle of summer anyway.  Great unique breakfast offerings.

Another great eatery just down the street from Highland Bakery is South City Kitchen.  Also serving breakfast, but here, you will want to struggle through the waits for their fried chicken.  This is marinated in a buttermilk concoction for over 24 hours, then fried with a tasty crust, but leaving the chicken inside tender and moist. This eatery brands itself as new southern cuisines. Not sure what that means, but what I found off of the menu was very creative fare that I would like to come back again and again to try.  I had the crab cakes in hollandaise sauce.  Excellent.  Tender and tasty fresh crab served over cheese grits and hollandaise…….absolutely wonderful. This will be a must for a return trip to Atlanta (who hosts the final four next year)

As for the basketball……it was held in the Georgia Dome. A decent venue, again, served by the rail line.  I was not impressed with the facility or the surroundings due to lack of good places to eat immediate within walking distance.  It too is in a neighborhood that you must be careful after dark.

Overall, Atlanta was pleasant.  It was March Madness, and spring.  It may be a little different visiting in the summer, as it is hot and humid in this southern city

On a recent trip to visit relatives I was able to spend a few days on the Mississippi Gulf coast.  This area had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina a number of years ago, but has really pulled itself together.   We are focusing on the Biloxi-Ocean Springs area specifically on this review.  On the way there, however, we made a short stop in Lake Charles La. at L’auberge Hotel and Casino.  I had seen numerous ads for it, so we ran by.  This is a beautiful property, fronted by an immaculate golf course.  The hotel has approx 700 rooms in 26 stories and dominates the landscape.  Inside, the floors and walls were dark wood and stone, some modern-art type decorations, several huge gas-log fireplaces inviting you to sit for a while on this chilly early spring day.  Early afternoon on a Saturday, the casino was packed—all table games were at least $10 min but the casino was large, a little smoky.  The staff were all friendly.  The hotel lobby was more of the same décor.  There were several restaurants, alas, all with Vegas food prices (that is NOT a compliment).  We loved the pool area, with wooden decks and a “lazy river” to float around on an inner tube.  It had a swim-up blackjack table and swim up bar.  Very nice place but a little pricy for the “Low Budget Review guy”.

Onward to Biloxi, et al.  The 11 hr drive was taxing, but no pain, no gain.  After a few days of family business, we were able to hit the beach in Biloxi.  That area has miles and miles of (man-made) white sand beach.  The beach was in great shape, clean, soft, relaxing.  The BP oil spill mess that had gotten so much press last year or so did not affect Biloxi beach—no oil , no tar balls. They were fortunate.   Although the beach was clean, the water is not pretty.  This is not Cozumel/Cancun or even the Florida Gulf coast.  There are numerous rivers within a 50 mile radius and that brings a lot of mud, wood debris, etc.  The water is usually a dusky brown and visibility is maybe 4-5 feet.  It was still pretty cold in mid-march, but just strolling up and down the beach in calf-deep water was actually very pleasant.  If you are looking for wave-action these beaches will disappoint.  There are a string of barrier islands a few miles off the coast and they absorb most of the incoming waves-by the time they get to Biloxi beach the waves are less than a foot.  However, that is one a several reasons why generations of people have brought their families to the Biloxi-Gulfport beaches.  It is a perfect beach for smaller children.

We found plenty of parking at the parking area at the historic Biloxi Lighthouse (predates the Civil War).  The long wooden fishing pier with several covered nooks for getting out of the sun or rain, had quite a few folks there trying their luck.  We had a great afternoon, soaking up rays, chatting with beach walkers, throwing a nerf football.  Living in land-locked central Texas, it is a true joy to listen to the waves gently brush the shore, smell the salt and sea-wrack, listen to the greedy gulls all shouting, “Mine. Mine!”  Later we just drove up the beach road, looking at the rebuilding slowly coming back along the shore.  The hundreds of mom-and-pop- motels that sheltered families for 60+ years were mostly wiped clean from Hurricane Katrina, along with the funky souvenir shops and local dives, bars, restaurants.  Dozens of houses, some over a century old survived, but many were lost along with massive oak trees that were hundreds of years older or older.  Still a beautiful drive though.

   Later in the visit we took lunch at “Mary Mahoney’s Old French House”. The brick building, while expanded over the years, still has most of the original house built in 1757.  Amazing.  A huge squat oak tree shelters the entryway where a sign states the tree is over 2000 years old.  Hard to believe.  Mary Mahoney’s was for many years THE upscale dining spot between Mobile and New Orleans.  Now that the many Casinos have arrived, there are a number of other highly-reviewed dining options, but Mary’s is still near the top.  The female greeting staff were all in dresses, the wait staff in professional waistcoats and long sleeves.  The staff is attentive without being intrusive.  My impression is that to apply for a wait staff position, many years of experience is required.  The food was wonderful.  The menu tilts towards seafood, as it should being literally about 4 blocks from the gulf.  I had a wonderfully lightly fried chicken breast with hint of spice and pepper, delicious.  Other dishes ordered were crab cakes, shrimp pasta Alfredo, and fried shrimp.  All were beautifully presented and exquisite.  Bread pudding or sorbet was the desert of choice and is one of their “claims to fame”.  I highly recommend this restaurant.  Lunch prices were quite reasonable for this upscale restaurant.

     Later that night we made a visit to The Palace Resort and Casino.  This Casino has recently completed a major upgrading and it shows.  The decorations, carpet and design are all first class.  They are also the only smoke-free Casino on the coast. The difference is palpable and very much appreciated.  We hunkered down at the sports bar, playing video poker and drinking the free booze.  My companion had much better luck, but it was very fun.  I can heartily endorse the Palace.   The menu at the sports bar is not vast but offers several enticing options.  I hear the Shrimp Po’Boy is the best on the Coast.  Several other Casinos were visited during this trip as well. Most were bigger but certainly not better.  The exception was The Beau Rivage.  This upscale casino is reminiscent of The Wynn in Vegas, and as well it should, as it was originally designed, built and owned by Steve Wynn.  The decorations, the restaurants, the location on the water, all make this a true destination resort.   However, the prices also reflect that in food, rooms, and table minimums.  Expensive, but worth a visit even if just to walk around.

The next day I decided to “walk the bridge”.  The original bridge having been destroyed by Katrina, a new beautiful soaring bridge has been constructed across Biloxi Bay from the small art community of Ocean Springs to Biloxi.  This bridge strongly reminded me of the bridge to Coronado Island in San Diego, though not as tall or as long.  The distance is just under 2 miles, and along with two lanes of traffic each way, they have a pedestrian/bike walkway.  It is quite popular to “walk the bridge” at all hours of the day or night.  So, being dropped at the Biloxi end, we headed towards Ocean Springs.  About every 1/10 of a mile, a beautifully crafted 3-D bronze art piece is embedded into the bridge side.  These pieces depict coastal animals, such as crabs, gulls, shrimp, dolphins, and includes scenes of fishing, etc.   While walking, one can easily see the shrimp boats, oyster boats, fishing charters, and pleasure craft coming in and out of the Bay.  Just a mile or so away lies Deer Island, which has always mysteriously called to me to come explore.  It beaches are pure white, the pine trees rise tall, and the lure of “Buried Treasure” calls.   Alas, it would require a boat, kayak, or a swim to visit.  One day perhaps.  Our hike to Ocean Springs came to an end too soon.  On that side is a new fishing pier, and wonderfully creative tile murals decorated the side.  Well done.  I would walk it again, but slower perhaps to enjoy the gulf view and cooling breezes.

Our time was rapidly coming to a close so we elected to not try our golf skills at any of the several dozen challenging (and expensive) courses in the area.   We did have one more experience not to be missed:  The Shed.  The Shed is a BBQ “joint” in the best sense of the word.  It is deliciously obvious that the owners take their ‘cue seriously, having won numerous awards, regionally and nationally over the past few years.  Unfortunately, a fire destroyed most of the dining room/shack.  The pits were not harmed (thank goodness) and they quickly reorganized by bringing in some food trailers, set up about 20 picnic tables, some with shade and some not, and are smoking away.  They offer live blues music several nights a week, and if you aint there by 5 on those nights, you aint getting in.  Many different varieties of cold beer are available.  Cold beer and BBQ—does it get any better?  I don’t think so.

On this visit, we were picking up to-go.  Their brisket wasn’t ready yet, so we settled for other offerings.  This being east of the Mississippi River, most BBQ is pork.  And I am OK with that, though being a Texas BBQ aficionado, I prefer beef.   Getting a sampler plate, I had outstanding pulled pork and wonderful, meaty, smoky, Pork Ribs slathered in sauce.  Previous visits have brought me the best BBQ chicken I have ever had.    The coleslaw was fresh, tender but crunchy, sweet with a tang.  Well done.  The potato salad may be the best I have ever had anywhere.  It is harder to describe, with flavor-bursting texture. A true classic.   I would love their recipe.  They are located right off I-10 on exit 57 (Hwy 57),-The Shed should be a “ must-do” experience for anyone who loves BBQ.

In summary, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is a different destination, but well worth the visit.  Lots to do, lots to see, lots to experience.  I will be back soon….

From the BBQ Guy of Low Budget Reviews…..

While reviewing BBQ places far and wide along the BBQ Road, it is always interesting to hit a local spot to see if they have changed over the years.  So I was looking forward to the recent visit to “Pok-E-Jo’s BBQ” in Round Rock. This 5-store local chain has been serving the Austin area since 1979, when several guys, after an evening of beer and not-so-good BBQ at a local joint decided they could do better.   The Round Rock location is their second-oldest, opened in 1992 and is the hub of their catering business.  They have the sign from the original store.

Walking through the heavy wooden doors, the smell of smoking meats washes over you like high tide on the beach.  There are 3 actual BBQ pits in the restaurant and they are going 24-7.  The décor is standard Texas BBQ with mounted deer heads, license plates, old metal logos from gas stations and soda pop.  Even an post office sign from somewhere in New Mexico.  The serving line is close to the carving stations where a large, but difficult to read sign posts the offerings, and specials of the day.  The staff is young, competent, very friendly and quick.  Instead of the usual 2-meat plate, I opt for the 3-meat plate instead, adding ribs to the brisket and sausage and 2 sides with Texas Toast on my plate.  The sides offered are extensive, unusual for a BBQ place, including baked spuds, jalapeno corn bread casserole, fried okra, and others along with the usual suspects.  My companion opted for the coleslaw and green bean casserole while I stayed with coleslaw and potato salad.

So how was it?  Well the sides had a mixed response.  The coleslaw was obviously freshly prepared, unusual in that the cabbage was sliced in large strips.  It made for an appealing dish, but was very bland.  The potato salad had a little kick, extra dill pickle perhaps, and was very chunky, but could have used additional mustard.  I won’t say bland, but perhaps just OK-not-quite great.  The green bean casserole was delicious, hot, smooth, crispy.  Very well done.

The sweet tea tasted commercial brand and was a disappointment.

The brisket was thoroughly cooked, but was not particularly tender. There was no evidence of a smoke ring.  The sausage was cut into thin slices and looked prepared on-site.  It was very coarse ground, not greasy at all, with what appeared to be black pepper and some other seasonings not often tasted elsewhere.  The ribs were small, not tender, average in meat content, but good smoky taste.  You are given the option of sauce or no sauce and there is a table in the middle of the place for more sauce if’n ya need it.   There are two types of sauce, once is spicier than the other.

Grade?  The sides get a solid “B” for wide selection, but need some work.  The Brisket gets a “C”, just average.  The sausage gets an “A” and the ribs a “C”.  Overall, I give a “B-“ (B-minus).  I believe that when restaurants get into the catering business, they learn to deal with economies of scale, finding ways of preparing foods economically, quickly, and intentionally bland food tastes downward so they can be all things to all customers.  While this may make for good restaurant business, it doesn’t make for great BBQ.    Pok-E-Jo’s—you could do better!  The portions are large, especially the sides.  The prices are average-to-above-average. The 3-meat plate and sides were $10.79.

We will see you down the Barbecue Road!

For many years running Kansas City MO. has hosted the Big 12 Tournament. This year was no exception.  However, this year proved a bit more interesting in the Big 12 as the University of Missouri leaves for the SEC conference next season. Take away one of the primary schools in this region, couple it with the fact that Kansas City is in the state of Missouri, and no Missouri team will be in the Big 12 next year…..well, put on your political hat, and I think you know the answer as to the future of the Big 12 Tourney in Kansas City. Actually, the Big 12 Men’s Tourney is under contract to return next year. But that will be all she wrote for KC.  Too bad. This sleepy midwestern city, come to find out is anything but.

In reality, this city is bustling with entertainment, clubs, bars and restaurants. Quite contrary to the branding most outsiders place on this city. The center piece of this entertainment is the Power and Light District, pictured to the left. (thanks to whoever I stole this pic from). This district is adjacent to the Sprint Center where the Men’s Tourney takes place.  Here there are numerous bars and restaurants.  Many surround an inner courtyard which is anchored by a stage, a main level on the ground with balconies surrounding the main area. Eateries such as McFaddens and Maker’s Mark restaurant turn into terrific places to hang pre and post game to get you drink on. It gets quite crowded during events, so one must be prepared. But the vibe is unmistakable.  Music fills the center court. Many nights there is live music on stage. Parking can be difficult and so can navigation.  For events like the Big 12 tourney, they block off many streets around the sprint center….you will pay $30 to park adjacent to all the action.  But there is really no need to park that close.  While the Men’s tourney was held in the Sprint Center, the women’s Bit 12 Tourney was held in Memorial Auditorium, about 6 blocks away and an easy walk. Parking at Memorial was $10 for garage and safe parking.  The walk was nothing.  But for those who may have an issue walking this way without a break, there are many bars and eateries in between the two venues to take your break at. Around the Sprint Center, there were the restaurants I mention, 801 Chop House to get your steak on and lighten your wallet a bit, a Gordon Beirsch brewery restaurant……too many to remember or discuss here. Whatever your taste, it is offered in this area.

Most of the lodging in this area is high end and high priced. We stayed in the Plaza area.  I was previously familiar with this area from days of a career in telecom sales selling to Sprint. This is a separate entertainment district with a distinct upscale fell to it.  It is due west down Main Street about 4-5 miles.  Once again here is a collection of great restaurants, anchored by Plaza III…..one of my favorite upscale steak houses in the nation. A return to Plaza III did not disappoint.  But there are many other good choices. There are a few chain eateries, such as PF Chang’s and Cheesecake Factory, but one thing I was most impress with in Kansas City was the lack of chain restaurants.  Most are individual or limited, local chains. We tried to support these as much as possible.  Further, between the plaza area and central KC, along Main Street and several adjacent streets, are different neighborhoods that each have a feel of its own and a bevy of restaurants and bars with personalities to match the area.  Many of these were in transition type neighborhoods, mixing together various economies and people. Also in these neighborhood were the corner bars…the kind we have written about here on redd. Places like Danny’s, or Partners…..you get the picture.  A great place for nothing other than a good ole Old Style or the like.

Power and Light District

Various eateries that we tried were in these type of neighborhoods. WE will provide reviews of the restaurants in the coming posts.  But for now, lets just say that our down time at the tourney was spent at the Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen.  This was about 4 blocks from the Sprint Center…..far enough to get away from the crowds, close enough to get there quickly without getting into a car.  The restaurants we will review in future posts are the above, Extra Virgin, PizzaBella, and Oklahoma Joe’s…….(its KC, had to try the BBQ, since we reguraly review BBQ joints on this site).

WE are quite bummed that the Big 12 Tourney will not be in KC in the future…..all due to the decision of a state school to chase TV revenues and become an also ran in the SEC conference. Good riddens.  But to KC, this is big business that is lost in their future. They have an incredible amount of public facilities that have been erected with their 10.35% sales tax (yes you heard that right….I did not calculate, but this was told to me by a manager at Plaza III).  The revenue contributes to keep a clean city, and largely a safe city.  I will miss going to KC for the Big 12 Tourney. Unfortunately, I have no real other reason to go there given its locale to Texas.  So I say farewell, and if you ever travel in the central US, stop at KC. There is so much unique entertainment (yes, you gambling addicts….they have casinos)

The experience at KC is top notch, the food top notch, the watering holes top notch.  Look for reviews in coming posts on Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ, Extra Virgin, Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen, Plaza III, and Pizza Bella. These post will drive our content for the near future…..its generally that good.

Peace

Currently, reddgranite.com is at the Big 12 Tourney in Kansas City. A yearly event that we have not yet captured on redd.  We are here for both men’s andwomen’s tourney…currently watching a close game between lady Kansas Jayhawks and lady Aggies, last years national champions. We are not intending to capture all right now, there is basketball to watch.  However, we will be posting restaurant reviews in the coming days….to capture this great environment.  Stay tuned and come back in a day or so.  Peace

On the never-ending road to seek out the world’s best Rum and best Rum values, today’s entry is Pecan Street Rum, from that noted Rum hotbed that is Pflugerville, Texas.   Produced by Spirit Of Texas Distillery, this company began in 2010 as the result of three friends in the high-tech industry were looking to stretch their wings and try something new.  Rumor has it the basic business plan was hatched in a sauna.   The first product released was Pecan Street Rum and they have now added Spirit of Texas, a white dry rum.

 

The Pecan Street Rum bottle is a pleasingly squat, clear bottle that amply shows the golden-brown  mixture within.  The cream colored label is simple with filigree in each corner and the name written across a bronze metallic pecan nut, with a five-pointed Texas star underneath.  Upon opening slowly to allow the bottle to breathe, the cork pulls gently.  The aroma is quite impressive, pecans, molasses, hint of orange.   You can tell it was aged in oak barrels.  This rum is made from scratch from molasses and pecans are added for flavor.  And what flavor.  Pouring it into a glass the color promises a new adventure.  The initial flavor is quite surprising, as the pecans are out in front but not overpowering.  Surprisingly, this is a good sipping rum.   Mixing it with cola or Coke Zero, it keeps a consistently good flavor and texture.  However, mixing it with fruit juices or Boat Drinks the pecan flavor does not play well with others.

 

I am not a huge fan of most “flavored” rums, indeed I have to be in a particular mood for them, but this rum is an exception to the rule.  This is a good rum.  At approximately $20 a bottle, this is a great value and a truly unique product.  It may not be a rum for the weekend party, but definitely a rum for a sunset watching from the porch.

 

 

As I have not listed my Top Ten rums in a while, I thought I would list them below.  They are almost all dark or golden rums as that is my preference these days.  Of course, as with most Top 10 lists, it may vary from week-to-week depending on mood, money, madness, and cosmic debris…..

 

1)      Pyrate

2)      Plantation Grande Reserve

3)      Old Monk

4)      Mount Gay Extra Old

5)      Flor De Cano 7 yr

6)      Railean

7)      Pecan Street Rum

8)      Gosling’s Black Seal

9)      Tropic Isle Spiced Cask

10)   Bacardi Gold (Yeah, I know—I am slumming)

 

 

The Quest Continues!

 

—The Rum Guy

WE go to great lengths to try new Vodkas. At the end of the day, many on the market are very similar. They are made largely from the same ingredients, differentiated by distilling processes which most distillers try to sell the client that their method is truly different from the others. Ocean Vodka (click on link for website) also differentiates itself……but, they truly do have a different approach than most we have seen.

Ocean Vodka, A Unique Change From Others

Distilled on Maui, Hawaii, this vodka is made out of sugar cane. Most vodkas are distilled from grain or potatoes. Given this, I was greatly interested to try this vodka when offered by a local sales rep in Wisconsin who represents the distributor of the vodka for the local region selling restaurants and bars in the southern Wisconsin area (thank you Ashley).  I was a bit skeptical given this made from sugar cane.  This is not a rum, after all. But I tasted the offering several times to make sure that it was consistent in its taste, no matter what I thought of it. True to form, it was very consistent, and very smooth. The effects of the sugar cane stood up upon first taste. On first sip, it proved to be very smooth and a comforting taste, if not a bit tropical.  I understand that sounds a bit cliche, but in the end, this product is made out of sugar cane. And that ends up being its differentiation from other vodkas.  The taste begins very smooth and even. After swishing in the mouth a bit, a very stealthy sweetness presents itself.  Hence the sugar cane. This may take some getting used to for those of you used to grain or potato based vodka offerings. But this works. It really does. The drinking experience is very consistent throughout. The main criticism one could levy on this product is that it does not taste quite like vodka.  Perhaps, pure vodka drinkers who adore the grain or potato based products may not enjoy this vodka as much. I tend to be in this category, but I went in with an open mind.  The vodka is definitely refreshing. If anything, the fact that I was in Wisconsin in the winter time tasting and reviewing this product was a draw back.  I see this product as a great refreshing vodka for outdoor gatherings in the south, even when maybe it is a bit too hot to be outside.  Cool off with Ocean, and you will nearly, (I said nearly) forget that it is really too warm to be outside.

The one area I did not like is the packaging. Please let me explain. While the packaging itself is OK and it definitely represents the branding they are trying to achieve, the fact that this vodka competes directly in price and placement with the Belvedere’s and Grey Gooses of life makes it more of a tough sell.  And while they are branded appropriately for thier product, I question that their packaging can compete in the premium market. Now I know most of you do not drink vodka based upon the packaging. Hell, if that were the case, none of us would drink Kettle One. But I do pay attention to packaging and product placement.  And Ocean, in my opinion does not do well here.  They could so carry the brand and its uniqueness with so much more.

Another area which Ocean will try to sell you is the fact that their product is made naturally and gluten free. OK. Fair enough. I must admit that I do not suffer from whatever ails those who flock to Gluten Free, but the people at Ocean evidently believe there is a market for this accordingly.  Again, setting aside all of the marketing, this product does well in the taste test.  I am unconcerned with the other market hooks.  I believe those of you who try this with an open mind will appreciate this vodka.

At retail, Ocean Vodka falls a bit below other premium brands. I personally believe it is worth the $45-50 you will spend on a 1.75 liter bottle.  Try some, and let us know what you thin

Gordy's Prairie Pub, Kenosha Wisconsin

Years ago the television show Cheers brought us laughter and antics surrounding a cast of characters that frequented a local bar in Boston. For most of us, that was just good Hollywood writing and a world many do not know, especially if you live in the south. But as is the case with most art, it captures the world around it.  The inspiration for Cheers seemingly came from the Boston bar on Charles Street of the same name, or it could have come literally from the thousands of establishments littering the northern states.  I have been to Cheers in Boston. It is small, and it is full of tourists.  But just go to anyone of the largely family owned corner bars across the ex-industrial northern U.S. You will find a cast of characters on any given night. You will find that each bar has it’s own unique personality that drives the clientele. Generally speaking, drinks are cheap, at least from the standards of what we in the south are used to paying where drinking largely comes from restaurant bars and/or meat markets.

These bars, as well, being mostly family owned, are far from the corporate greed and mentality that drives most of the alcohol consumption in the south.  Truly, if you look around at the hundreds of offerings in this city of 100K people that is pictured above, you cannot imagine these bar owners clearing much more than $25-30K a year after expenses. The above pictured bar, Gordy’s Prairie Pub offers nothing spectacular. It is about 500 square feet in retail space, has a single pool table, juke box, and well, that’s it. Now this particular bar staffs the bar  with bartenders that are  vibrant looking women.  Kind of a Hooter’s for the corner bar.

This is never a bad thing for business, and this likely drives the owners bottom line. Like most bars, it is filled with regular patrons.  Most of the older patrons spend their money, drink the entire evening, and await the good bye hug from one of the young bartenders. But on this journey, they have probably dropped $20-30 on the drink of their choice (and at these inexpensive drink prices, that is a lot of drinks) , got lit along the way, and stayed long enough to risk the drive back (Wisconsin blood alcohol level has just been ratcheted down to .08).

The operation is sparse. Even though Gordy’s, like most corner bars up here offer food, the sole bartender must prepare the bar while still tending to slinging the drinks. Much of it is pre-prepped food offerings.  The usually  half in the bag customers rarely know the difference, but if a bar does not offer food, it is less likely to be as popular.  Truly, one way to be able to drink over longer periods of time is to have food available to sop up the alcohol.

In many of these family run bars, the owners themselves are the largest customers. Other bars I have been to locally here have the owners either working the bar, or close by, throwing back a bevy of drinks to last them the entire night. Well, I guess it is a cost of doing business.

Personalities at these establishments vary from the truly funny to the morose. But in the end, everyone has a story to tell, a place they have been, and ex-wife that drives them bat shit crazy (still), a amazing event or fish story, or just overall conversation on how the family is and what kind of trouble junior as gotten himself into.  It is truly refreshing to be in an environment like this.  Now once in a while, the massive alchol takes over and disagreements pop up, but that is just part of the roadmap. Hell, go to any homeboy club and count the fights…..these folks have thier shit together comparatively.

In the end, it is understandable the attraction to these places in a northern city such as this. On this night where the pic was snapped, it was 26 degrees out. You are either inside drinking cognac in front of your fireplace, bowling, or here.  I choose here.

If you ever get a chance to visit a northern city (by this I mean far above the Mason-Dixon line for you southern jerks who do not know the difference), visit a local bar.  Northerners are not that friendly on the street as southerners are. But walk into a place like this with even a semi-friendly face, and you will be greeted, talked with, and find yourself pouring out your life stories as much as the drinks are being poured into your glass. Enjoy.

Peace

Tony Di’Marie’s BBQ in Waco Texas is the business I would love to operate when I grow up. Further explanation is required.  This is a BBQ joint in NE Waco that has operated as a family business since the mid 40′s.  Like the other BBQ  joint reviewed on this site a while back (Jasper’s), this BBQ joint shares a long history of family operation. It is one of those businesses that would never make it, especially  in this neighborhood, if you were just starting out.  Its long standing establishmnet has it firmly entrenched in this not so well to do part of town. Now the reason I want to have a business like this when I grow up is its simplicity.  It sells meat.  Meat and more meat. It started as a grocery store.  Today you can still see remenants of this with a simplistic meat counter where you can buy a variety of meats for BBQ and other.  But the BBQ, well, it is very simplistic. Brisket, and links,and the standard fare. But what everyone buys here is brisket.   When it comes to sides, the website (above) shows beans and slaw, but I sure did not see any when I was in. I saw chips and such for sides. As is the seeming tradition of BBQ joints this side of town, the meat is served on butcher paper. It is served with white bread (however much you desire), and a “gravy” which is the meat drippings as it has been slow cooked. With its simplicity, the menu is limited. Better order Brisket. The result is a well prepared brisket, cut in slices and served on your butcher paper.

I Stole This From Their Website,,,I Am Sure They Do Not Mind

The brisket had a nice smoke ring to it, and the taste matched.  This was a brisket so well done that you really do it injustice by putting sauce on it.  But the sauce was a tangy vinegar tasting thin concoction that went well enough with the meat, but again, the brisket did not need this.  Nor would you want to mix the fine brisket with the bread and gravy.  Make sure you keep the two separate in your indulgence. The brisket was very tender, and a mid level cut of meat, meaning, it had a bit of marbling and fat.  One small part of the brisket was set aside because of the fat. That was, however, the only drawback that I witness on this midday visit. The gravy comes with the order. They ask how may slices of white bread you wish upon order, but fear not, there is a person working the room serving additional slices of bread.  As with the other BBQ joint nearby, be aware, the gravy and bread make this a very rich, artery clogging meal.  You will feel stuffed and somewhat nauseous if you are not used to eating such fare. Its OK.  Nut up, its worth it.

The ambiance is sparse.  If you are shy, you may be a bit uncomfortable as the tables are all long family style seating.  So at busy lunch time, you have to work your way in to get a seat, likely next to some construction worker who is probably a really nice guy, but looks like he can kick your ass sideways.  Di’Marie’s is only open at lunch, and, when they sell out, they sell out. They place a sign in the window that indicates such.  So for you late lunchers, there is a slight chance you can show up and be turned away.

Again, what a simple and great concept.  Operating a restaurant takes long hours and dedication.  They way this family owned operation is, they cheat the system and apparently make a good living doing so