High Ho! Your incredibly hungover blogger here! Ok shhhhh. My head is freaking killing me! I didn't even go out and get sloshed on Fat Tuesday! Being not-Catholic, I prefer to have a barbeque to really piss off everyone suffering under the arcane culinary laws of the Lentish season. Don't blame me, God made pork delicious for a reason.
So on to the Rogue! Sadly, on the food front, I've been running on liquor and hubris. So there haven't been any real culinary adventures, short of discovering how long a human can run on beer. The Egyptians seem to have known a thing or two, since I made it through the weekend.
Obviously I got to see two showings of Cap'n Scurvy's Ragnarok Hootenanny Jamboree! Lord, a matinee audience is a difficult one. And I'm proud to note that apparently a couple folks didn't read their programs, this ain't your Grandpappy's jamboree! Although all things told, I hear their respective Grandpappies were WAY cooler. And I'm told that they'll being showing up to the FINAL, FAREWELL, NEVER EVER EVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN, shows this weekend! Friday 7:00pm @ Million Club and Saturday 8:30pm
@ Diana's Dance Studio. Catch it before your girlfriend gives it to you!
On to Baba Brinkman, the thinking man's rapper with Rapconteur. Beyond that he's rhyming through a recently broken leg (who the hell goes snowboarding before Rogue??), he's also giving his audiences a primer in the epic sagas of yore. I know that my superlative use of suffixes may dazzle you, but you may be shocked to find out I have little foundation in the Classics. And even a slope browed yokel has to bray that Baba was able to make a couple semesters worth of English Lit goddamn entertaining and maintained a strong rhyme narrative throughout. If you're a fan of nerdcore hiphop or just enjoy books, this show will be right up your alley.
Next up on our evening was getting to see the updated version of a show we've already reviewed. Carolann Valentino's Burnt at the Steak-Prime Cuts. If you enjoyed the show last year, it's certainly worth a rewatch, just to enjoy the musical bits and keep an eye out for the added skits and characters. It's not totally reimagined, but she shows even more polish and comfort with her roles. For a fellow kitchen refugee, her show reminds me of every weeping server and belaguered front of house staffer I've ever worked with in some fashion. Though I find it fun trying to imagine my old head cook as a swaggering cat from New Jersey.
And last up for our still available Rogue performances and certainly the closest to my wicked heart. He's a Monk from the Motor City. Honorary Fresnan and frankly a bigger advocate for our town than the Chamber of Commerce, the only fan of Cooking With Pook, every week, Wendesdays 4-6pm on CentralValleyTalk.com, The Reverend Nuge!!! He's a huge Kid Rock fan, and we forgive him for that. Mostly because he chooses to emulate the rap-rocker in a most agreeable liquor-ish way that you must attend to show to see....hint hint. And there's also a pretty badass show to see. Well, badass is more the theme. He focuses on all the things that we look back on over time and wish we had the foresight to come up with that zinger or that deep comment, rather than whatever regretable comment escaped our jaws. It's a hellaciously fun show that can make you think some deep shit without hurting your brain too hard. The Jim Beam does alot to soften the blow. So go see all these fuckers!
The wrap up is circling about the most excellent night we got to have at the Iron Bird Cafe last night for the Beat Down vs Rogue Festival Poetry Slam. Again, missed out on food, but had a mocha that made me remember why I became a coffee snob. They do shit right there. But so apparently did the Slam, because the entire front of the place was wall to wall people. It's a good thing I was there to film, because I was shit outta luck for chair space. And that makes me feel a little more happy about Fresno. It's nice to see a good scene crowded with good people out to have some fun and rock some art.
And rock they did. DJ Smack Jilly was driving everyone fucking mad by picking some of the fattest grooves to intro the poets. They HAD to be good, because we all wanted more James Brown, Cypress Hill, LL Cool J (yeah, I said it) and every damn track! But throw down they did! On the Beatdown Team, Michael Domin'Q'ez layered out his hot saucy love for pizza, David Nixon got deep on bugs and growing up with adopted siblings, Rain owned her body and her mind, Christa Rose Unger sang soulfully of rhyme and Scurvy demanded that you kill your TV, overthrow your fatcat overlords and make a world where not reading books is a crime! Fresno brought some strength!
Now it's down to the out of towners, burnt and crispy from their weekend openings, sleeping in cages and being fed gruel by their terribad Fresno hosts! (I totally kid, all the Rogue performers have raved about their billets...under pain of DEATH!) And so, Barry Smith (edit: I'm wrong it was Kurt Fizpatrick) gives us an insight into a first date...where she tells him that she has a yeast infection...and whom she got it from. Baking bread my friends, baking bread. Next up is Tommy Nugent (The Rev) and he riffs on his them of "Wish I hads" and leads us on a tale of her border guard brother talking shit about being a performance artist and Nuge's fantastic rebuttal that we all should take note of for use against asshole relatives. And Baba....dear Baba Brinkman, who seriously brough the BEAT DOWN to the Slam. He had a soft open, but wrote his second piece as a roast, while observing all of the performers on the other team and just ripped into some ass. Celebrity judge Chuck Leonard wasn't even exempt from Baba's razor wire rhymes, comparing the Mayor of the Tower District to Oprah in a rather unflattering light. That wicked so-and-so even took at few shots at the Ragnarok Hootenanny Jamboree!
And took third, even with a fat goose egg from a certain interweb celebrity that shall remain infamous. Second went to David Nixon and First place was a throwdown tie between Katherine Glover (of Burning Brothels) and the aforementioned Carolann Valentino! Both opened up with pieces I'm familiar with. Kat with Penthouse Letters Read After Being Put Through A Paper Shredder. And Carolann with a rendtion of Big Fat Daddy, an homage to fat people who love large steaks (right up Fresno's alley). Second off Katherine has a great tale of feeling bi- in the midst of a preacher giving a breakdown of homosexuality and describing lesbians as never having sex but having extremely successful relationships and her joy at the idea of a never ending slumber party. Carolann firing back with a rendition of a panty-less British lady singing her well chosen reasons to let the pussycat come out to play. And it was tie-o-rama!
And so the tie breaker was thrown down! And I ran out of tape! And I have a hard time remembering much more about something scant hours ago! Needless to say, Katherine had another great piece prepared and read, Carolann did an improv riff on how disgusting high rollers act in restaurants and they bloody tied again! So, kindly enough the owner of the Starline offered to match the top prize and both ladies got to walk away winners, technically making the Rogue Festival double winners of the First Annual Beat Down vs Rogue Festival Poetry Slam. But props should be given all around. Every poet brought some awesome and entertaining shit, the crowd was as lovely as anyone could hope for and goddamn that mocha went down good.
Ending the night up at Fulton 55 for a beer and a chance to check out the Licorice Pimps just topped off the night. The club is AWESOME! You get a nice cozy cafe sized atmosphere downstairs and upstairs you've got the ultrachill louge of doom! Plenty of space to sit for a small show and plenty of room for fans for big ones. And the Pimps were a hella fun band to boot. Anyone who can cover Gnarles Barkley's Crazy, live on instruments with no canned effects deserves some respect. They kept us out way past bed time, which I should probably observe at this point.
-Pook
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Eating Out Delicious Technical Failure
Who has two thumbs and just had their hard drive take a dump? THIS GUY!
And what a perfectly lovely time for it all too with the Rogue Festival kicking off tonight. But worry not, a sleek Western Digital Caviar Black is rapidly being beamed to me via the worldwide wonderful world of webs. So we'll still be on track for our undercover culinary plans. But in the meantime, there are some awesome shows out there to check out after you go straight to Cap'n Scurvy's Ragnarok Hootenanny Jamboree!
Top of the list of course would have to be the American Badass Gone Rogue, where you'll hear the most wonderful stories of true Fresno moments through the eyes of a Motor City maniac. Next up would be a show close to my foodly heart, Burnt at the Steak. We reviewed her show last year, but she has assured us that this is an entirely updated show with new characters and stories to tickle the funny bone of any ex-kitchen refugee and restaurant goer as well. And for the pervert in me, there's Burning Brothels. Catherine Glover's one woman show about theft, arson, murder and all the exciting wherewithal that comes with prostitution. Of course, The Godling, the only NC-17 rated show in the entire festival. And Lies My Father Told Me, the Rogue founder Marcel Nunis is Roguing his own creation! And it's a brilliant show.
And there's a whole list of great other shows that I'll be doing my best to squeeze in. Rambo: The Missing Years, Classic Suicide Lounge, Horse Pills and Holy Water, Magical Mystical Fun, Magician Brian Patrick, Songs 4 Pints, Hot Club Surf and of course, Rogue producer Airplayne Jayne's one woman show that we all hope that she has had the time to finish and memorize before tomorrow.
To the participants all, BREAK A LEG! And to all of the lovely patrons I say, SEE ONE MORE SHOW! Have a great festival everybody!
-Pook
And what a perfectly lovely time for it all too with the Rogue Festival kicking off tonight. But worry not, a sleek Western Digital Caviar Black is rapidly being beamed to me via the worldwide wonderful world of webs. So we'll still be on track for our undercover culinary plans. But in the meantime, there are some awesome shows out there to check out after you go straight to Cap'n Scurvy's Ragnarok Hootenanny Jamboree!
Top of the list of course would have to be the American Badass Gone Rogue, where you'll hear the most wonderful stories of true Fresno moments through the eyes of a Motor City maniac. Next up would be a show close to my foodly heart, Burnt at the Steak. We reviewed her show last year, but she has assured us that this is an entirely updated show with new characters and stories to tickle the funny bone of any ex-kitchen refugee and restaurant goer as well. And for the pervert in me, there's Burning Brothels. Catherine Glover's one woman show about theft, arson, murder and all the exciting wherewithal that comes with prostitution. Of course, The Godling, the only NC-17 rated show in the entire festival. And Lies My Father Told Me, the Rogue founder Marcel Nunis is Roguing his own creation! And it's a brilliant show.
And there's a whole list of great other shows that I'll be doing my best to squeeze in. Rambo: The Missing Years, Classic Suicide Lounge, Horse Pills and Holy Water, Magical Mystical Fun, Magician Brian Patrick, Songs 4 Pints, Hot Club Surf and of course, Rogue producer Airplayne Jayne's one woman show that we all hope that she has had the time to finish and memorize before tomorrow.
To the participants all, BREAK A LEG! And to all of the lovely patrons I say, SEE ONE MORE SHOW! Have a great festival everybody!
-Pook
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Eating Out Another Rogue for d6 Damage
What time is it, you say? It's Rogue Festival time says I!
Yup, time again for the (once) largest non-juried arts festival west of the ole muddy Miss'i'sip! And of course that means that I'll be running all over hell and breakfast working on Cap'n Scurvy's Ragnarok Hootenanny Jamboree.
But in those few quiet breaths, I'm going to be looking for new and interesting places to eat. We all know how I love the Landmark and Livingstone's. And despite what Ms. Heather says about them in the Beehive, I have had some very pleasant meals there. More on that later.
So where to go? Charlotte's bakery is a must, as will be Cafe Corazon. And I've heard rumbling about the old Daily Planet having some new life breathed into it. And of course, there are a couple spots that have been generating some serious negative press due to general rudeness and in one case trying to screw over Rogue performers and the festival in general. So it should be interesting to see how well they handle themselves in the midst of a festival rush.
And speaking of negative press. There has been some serious vitriol coming from a certain Beehive blogger being cast at poor ole Livingstone's. Now, I'm all for negative reviews. Besides the lie that you hope the feedback will help them to rectify the problems that ruined your evening, you really just feel good about venting your spleen about spending money on a bad night. I get that. But there has been a double barrel blast to 'Stone's stately dignity. Harsh blasts. So, it fell to me, your loyal arbiter of service and taste, to see if Livingstone's really was going the way of the Revue.
So, I and the intrepid Mrs. EOF wandered into 'Stone's around 8pm for Sunday dinnera. They were what I like to call "lightly slammed". Which for 'Stone's means that the dining room had 2 open tables, the bar was full and the patio was lightly populated. We were seated immediately without reservations and had our drink order promptly taken and water appeared immediately.
Our drinks arrived within 5 minutes at which point we put in our order. Being overly picky (since this is a counter review), the waitress seemed a little suprised that we were already ready to go. But she was prepared and able to answer my annoying nitpicky questions about my entree and was pleasant enough for business. Not exactly the killing herself to please me type of waitress, but she was efficient, which is WAY more important to me.
We started off with their calamari sticks. Which are ok. They're made from strips of calamari steak, rather than the usual squid rings, so it's a very different bite. Ultimately it's squid, so there isn't much of a flavor explosion. They tend to be fairly darkly fried, to ensure doneness, but it does tend to dry them out a bit. Still, they're popular. I'd suggest adding some kind of aioli as an additional dipping sauce, just to switch it up a bit.
One of the evening's entree specials was a halibut steak with a tropical salsa (re: mango) and choice of sides. So that was my choice and the Mrs. went for her usual black and bleu pasta. The beginner salads were the usual salad mix, couple crutons and dressing. Standard but properly prepared. The entrees came out promptly but properly spaced after the salad. The black and bleu pasta was (I'm told) fairly tasty, but I was all about my halibut steak.
It came out at a good temperature and it was BIG! I'd guess that it was around a half a pound or more of fish. Nice sear on the top and it had a really great taste. It was a little bit dry, but given the size of the filet, I can be forgiving. The tropical salsa was nice. Not too sweet, not swimming in onions. However with my recent pepper obsession, nothing is hot enough anymore.
Well, wouldn't you know it? A kind, local pepperhead had just given me a whole baggy of dried fatali peppers. So I conspicuously dragged a huge baggie out of my pants and crumbled about half a pepper into my salsa and gave it a mighty stir. Now THAT was some tropical salsa! So, pickin' on the entree, I'd say slice that big sexy hunk of fish in half and gimme two giant hunks of fish. And kick up the salsa with some fatalis for the Fresnans who can handle some spice, baby! The baked potato was a mighty fine tater to boot. But who goes to a place for their baked potatoes?
Now that wasn't so painful, was it? And we were there to be critical, rather than just an incidental meal. Service was overall on time, pleasant and out of our hair. We enjoyed both our meals and the entree and considered them to be worth what we paid. And the service was easily worth a 15% tip.
So, I dunno whats wrong with Heather over at the Beehive. Maybe it's her perfume or theres some kinda pheromonal clash going on, unseen betwixt her and her kitchen liason. While some criticism is certainly warranted in any establishment, I think 'Stone's has taken enough lumps. There are plenty of spots in Fresno that deserve a good lambasting before revisiting an old dislike for a fresh coating of acerbic wit.
Needless to say, the Eating Out Fresno opinion is: homegirl be trippin'! Livingstone's is as good today as it has always been in my lengthy Fresnishian experience. Good servers, good food and one of the only places in Tower you can take a party of 10 without getting dirty looks and suspiciously slow service. So party on during the Rogue Festival and don't be afraid to drag a buttload of people over to 'Stone's and put them through your own review!
-Pook
Yup, time again for the (once) largest non-juried arts festival west of the ole muddy Miss'i'sip! And of course that means that I'll be running all over hell and breakfast working on Cap'n Scurvy's Ragnarok Hootenanny Jamboree.
But in those few quiet breaths, I'm going to be looking for new and interesting places to eat. We all know how I love the Landmark and Livingstone's. And despite what Ms. Heather says about them in the Beehive, I have had some very pleasant meals there. More on that later.
So where to go? Charlotte's bakery is a must, as will be Cafe Corazon. And I've heard rumbling about the old Daily Planet having some new life breathed into it. And of course, there are a couple spots that have been generating some serious negative press due to general rudeness and in one case trying to screw over Rogue performers and the festival in general. So it should be interesting to see how well they handle themselves in the midst of a festival rush.
And speaking of negative press. There has been some serious vitriol coming from a certain Beehive blogger being cast at poor ole Livingstone's. Now, I'm all for negative reviews. Besides the lie that you hope the feedback will help them to rectify the problems that ruined your evening, you really just feel good about venting your spleen about spending money on a bad night. I get that. But there has been a double barrel blast to 'Stone's stately dignity. Harsh blasts. So, it fell to me, your loyal arbiter of service and taste, to see if Livingstone's really was going the way of the Revue.
So, I and the intrepid Mrs. EOF wandered into 'Stone's around 8pm for Sunday dinnera. They were what I like to call "lightly slammed". Which for 'Stone's means that the dining room had 2 open tables, the bar was full and the patio was lightly populated. We were seated immediately without reservations and had our drink order promptly taken and water appeared immediately.
Our drinks arrived within 5 minutes at which point we put in our order. Being overly picky (since this is a counter review), the waitress seemed a little suprised that we were already ready to go. But she was prepared and able to answer my annoying nitpicky questions about my entree and was pleasant enough for business. Not exactly the killing herself to please me type of waitress, but she was efficient, which is WAY more important to me.
We started off with their calamari sticks. Which are ok. They're made from strips of calamari steak, rather than the usual squid rings, so it's a very different bite. Ultimately it's squid, so there isn't much of a flavor explosion. They tend to be fairly darkly fried, to ensure doneness, but it does tend to dry them out a bit. Still, they're popular. I'd suggest adding some kind of aioli as an additional dipping sauce, just to switch it up a bit.
One of the evening's entree specials was a halibut steak with a tropical salsa (re: mango) and choice of sides. So that was my choice and the Mrs. went for her usual black and bleu pasta. The beginner salads were the usual salad mix, couple crutons and dressing. Standard but properly prepared. The entrees came out promptly but properly spaced after the salad. The black and bleu pasta was (I'm told) fairly tasty, but I was all about my halibut steak.
It came out at a good temperature and it was BIG! I'd guess that it was around a half a pound or more of fish. Nice sear on the top and it had a really great taste. It was a little bit dry, but given the size of the filet, I can be forgiving. The tropical salsa was nice. Not too sweet, not swimming in onions. However with my recent pepper obsession, nothing is hot enough anymore.
Well, wouldn't you know it? A kind, local pepperhead had just given me a whole baggy of dried fatali peppers. So I conspicuously dragged a huge baggie out of my pants and crumbled about half a pepper into my salsa and gave it a mighty stir. Now THAT was some tropical salsa! So, pickin' on the entree, I'd say slice that big sexy hunk of fish in half and gimme two giant hunks of fish. And kick up the salsa with some fatalis for the Fresnans who can handle some spice, baby! The baked potato was a mighty fine tater to boot. But who goes to a place for their baked potatoes?
Now that wasn't so painful, was it? And we were there to be critical, rather than just an incidental meal. Service was overall on time, pleasant and out of our hair. We enjoyed both our meals and the entree and considered them to be worth what we paid. And the service was easily worth a 15% tip.
So, I dunno whats wrong with Heather over at the Beehive. Maybe it's her perfume or theres some kinda pheromonal clash going on, unseen betwixt her and her kitchen liason. While some criticism is certainly warranted in any establishment, I think 'Stone's has taken enough lumps. There are plenty of spots in Fresno that deserve a good lambasting before revisiting an old dislike for a fresh coating of acerbic wit.
Needless to say, the Eating Out Fresno opinion is: homegirl be trippin'! Livingstone's is as good today as it has always been in my lengthy Fresnishian experience. Good servers, good food and one of the only places in Tower you can take a party of 10 without getting dirty looks and suspiciously slow service. So party on during the Rogue Festival and don't be afraid to drag a buttload of people over to 'Stone's and put them through your own review!
-Pook
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)