Got Time for a Drink?

For the past several months, I've done quite a bit of traveling and not enough writing or sharing of my food and  drink experiences.  For shame, I know!  Since my last post a few years ago, this blog has been like the ex that you parted ways with because you weren't ready for the serious commitment and just can't seem to forget. 

So, here my comeback posts.

My motto for the past few years has been "Good food and a damn good drink!"  Sometimes, you have to start closest to home before all else.

Lansing has been my home for the last dozen years and the drink scene outside of the college area is definitely more prevalent than I think the locals seem to give it credit for.  In the recent years, the breweries and distilleries have found their way to the area and has not disappointed anyone yet.  

Zoobies in Old Town has stood the test of time and with their recent re-branding in the past few years, they have become a place to go to for a great drink with a unique pizza, thanks to their pizza counterpart, Cosmos.  Due to these changes, they have won area awards and are a go to spot for all ages.  Now, I brought this place up for a reason.

Zoobies is known for their Trust Us drinks and I promise, they aren't as terrifying as they sound.  Keeping in mind any dietary restrictions you may have or absolutely nots, the bartender will make a drink from a list of drinks that only they know.  The first time, I ordered this, the waitress brought back the most refreshing drink that reminded of a hot summer day, despite the March temperature outside.  It was a vodka, soda water, lemon and couple other ingredients.  Another one made me rethink how I felt about bourbon because of how smooth it was.

Another Old Town gem is called The Creole, which is exactly what you'd expect.  A cozy New Orleans style restaurant and bar.  I have only been there for a drink and appetizers, but I have yet to be disappointed.  Their Hurricanes are not to be taken lightly (or on an empty stomach) and worth every penny.

This beautiful drink, I have found, is the perfect way to end a week and start a night out with the crew.  

One last stop for Lansing?

Well, American Fifth is Lansing's first distillery and thanks to a friend of mine, I am hooked on this place.  A5, we call it, changes their menu each month with drinks that the bartenders create and the owner chooses.  As a regular, I would recommend sitting at the bar because watching them create your drink is an experience all by itself.  Since they don't have a full liquor license, they have to make their own spirits and a lot of the ingredients for their creations.  Plus, most of the ingredients that they buy are from local vendors.  A crowd favorite is the Walking Dead and understandably so!

Walking Dead

What I like about A5 is the fact that the bartenders get excited about their monthly creations and that excitement seems to be contagious, making you want to see what they release next month.  I stopped by last weekend to catch up with a friend and we were able to see what they had for their November menu, just in time for Thanksgiving.  

Turkey Feast

Until next time...

Weekend in the Windy City

What do you think of when someone says vacation while visiting friends in a large city?

Food?

Drinks?

Entertainment?

I would say all of the above.

I got a chance to visit a friend in Chicago over the weekend as a break from my normal day to day and to catch up with her despite the fact that we talk almost everyday.  There's a difference when you can look at the person while you're talking to them.

The first night I was there, we went to the local dive bar called Gamblers.  I had been there before, so going back while in town was a must for me.  After we had been sitting there for a while, the bartender walked over with four pineapple upside down cake shots and had a shot with us, while catching up with our table.

That's just how he is and who wouldn't love this place?

Saturday, while we were in Elmherst, we stopped at Nu Crepes, a place that my friend talked about endlessly, so I knew that I had to go the next time I was in town.  It's a family business started by three brothers.  I ended up getting the Inside Out Boy, one  of their savory crepes, and this thing was something epic, I've gotta tell you!

Inside there is mozzarella and provolone cheeses, chicken, chorizo, spinach and chipotle mayo.  

What I really like about this place is that they are big on supporting local businesses, before going outside of the area of supplies, such as meat, eggs, veggies and coffee.  I had never eaten a meal with wood like utensils, but the idea of it was kinda cool. 

Thumbs up for sure and I would definitely go back the next time I'm in the area!

That afternoon, we got a chance to check out the Chicago Bluesfest, something I have wanted to check out for years and feel that any music lover should go to at least once in their life.  People from all over the world are said to flock to the city to see these artists perform and I see why. 

The one performer that caught my ear was Dexter Allen, who mixed a southern blues with a sound that captured the attention of young and old alike.  His songs told stories that the common listener could often relate to before rocking out on the guitar.  Three quarters of the way in, my friend and I decided to buy his latest album, which he later signed after the show was over.  Allen was such a hit that when his set was supposed to be over, the crowd begged for him to come back for one more song, which he did.  What I like about him was his almost need to please the crowd.  Near the end of his show, he made his way into the audience to play and had a little girl play his guitar with him, which by the way was adorable and normal if that makes sense.

Given another chance to check him out in concert, I would definitely take it and be okay with spending a few bucks to do so.  

As to the Experience side of things, on Sunday, we got a chance to check out the Chicago Crime Tour, which fulfilled the nerd side of me.  During this bus tour, we went by different spots known historically for crimes that helped shape the city to what it is today, such as the St. Valentines Day Massacre, the El Train Wreck of 1977 and SS Eastland Disaster of 1915.  We went to the Biograph Theater where John Dillinger, the famous bank robber, murderer and original Public Enemy #1, was caught and killed.  This location marked the creation of what the world now knows as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Call me a little twisted, but tours like this fascinate me.

No matter how many times you visit a city like Chicago, no two visits will ever be the same and this weekend reminded me of that.  

See you in a few months, Chicago!

Lansing's Famous Hole in the Wall

Over the past few years, I would hear my friends rave about this breakfast spot called Golden Harvest, but never got the chance to go since they had this knack of only going on Sunday's while I was usually with the fam. 

Finally, I decided to go with a few friends and mother for breakfast one morning to celebrate a birthday.  

When I pulled up, I realized that this place is maybe 1000 square feet, with no parking lot and in a building that looks like it had been an abandoned shack at one time.  Before the place opens, people hoping to be the first in, are standing in a line in the cold.  When I walked in, the walls were covered in concert and movie memorabilia with the sounds of a mixed cd blaring through the speakers.  From the front door, you could easily see out the back door just beyond the kitchen prep area.  

The menu itself is small but overwhelming because it all sounds so good.  I settled on the S&M omelet, which consisted of a massive amount homemade sausage, mushrooms and cheese, with four pieces of toast.  I will admit that I hate that I didn't get a chance to take a picture of it, fearing the idea of looking like an obsessed foodie.

Will I go back again?  Yes...even if I have to stand in line again, as long as its above 55*.

A Need For Change

Over the past several months, the thought of not updating my blog has never escaped me, but there was nothing that I could think of that I thought could warrant a post.  Had I become too boring even to myself or had I just gotten bored with the whole idea of a blog that used to be so exciting?  Had I lost that spark for my own written word or is just that maybe its time to consider the idea of possibly trying something new?

I'm leaning toward the latter.

Before the beginning of 2014, I vowed that this year would be different, that I would be different.  I would be open to the possibility of trying something new and stepping out of my comfort zone.  Show people that yes, I am human, that I want to change this perception that people have of me while striving to be a person that I am proud of and not giving a damn about who hates the change.

So far this year, I have: 

• cut my hair and absolutely love it
• said the word no more than I ever have
• Taken a step back and rested when my body has demanded a break 
• Started updating my wardrobe
• Started spending more time with my sister and showing her that despite our age difference and our rocky past, that I am here for her and that she can call me whenever she needs me 

As I made changes in other aspects of my life, I kept thinking that if I can buy a pair of skinny jeans without someone shoving them in my hands and pointing toward the cash register without a choice, I can rethink this blog thing.  I can get excited about writing about me and the world around me if I change my approach.

So, here is my idea: Food…

And drinks, of course!

Most people who don't know me ask what do I know about it?  According to some, I barely look like I could finish a salad and that is where they’re wrong.  
I absolutely love to eat...and drink (let's be honest), so why not write about my experiences? Whether its a new dish that I try at an old favorite, restaurant or bar, it deserves to be talked about.  

So, as far as the blog goes, I'm trying something new and writing about my food and drink endeavors in my hometown and away.  

Let me know what you think...

Never Judge A Book By It's Cover

This past fall, my sister and I unofficially made Friday’s our night to visit City Limits in East Lansing, when they had their long islands on special for $3.99.  Even though we have slowly branched off from their infamous long islands and decent bar food and have drifted off to other restaurants in the area, we always end our night sitting at the bar, waiting for the bartender to bring us our drink of the night.  You have to know that a year and half ago, this type of outing would not have happened.  

Before my sister and I made this our Friday stop, I was there with a friend of mine on an off night and the bartender, who knows us there, made us an Infiniti Martini to see what we thought of it since we didn't like what was on special that night.  (Getting to know the regular bartender is always a good thing!) Since he knew that we usually opted for something sweet, he told us to trust him and that if we didn't like the drink, he would make us something else. Being that we trusted his expertise, neither of us objected and we were not disappointed.

I am usually not a fan of martinis, but there was something about this drink that I absolutely love.  Every time I hesitate to order another drink, the bartender often reminds me that I haven’t ordered it in a while and minutes later, it’s being set in front of me.

And tonight was no different.

Could this look any more perfect?

I forgot to say this at the beginning…

This is made in a bar located in a bowling alley close to the middle of nowhere in East Lansing...

And I am rarely disappointed with what the bartender makes here...

It's always the places that you least expect...

I'm just saying...