I’ll just keep eating my way across the country…
You know, one of our favorite shows on Netflix (or anywhere) is Somebody Feed Phil. It’s a not-really-funny look at one sad, once-relevant television personality who attempts to showcase cities around the world by eating lots of carbs and somehow keep his sinking lifeboat of a career from seeing the bottom of the icy ravine. NOW THAT I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PHIL – I LOVE YOU AND YOUR SHOW. I was totally kidding with that opening bit. Phil is a mighty force, a kind and warm human being, and has opened the collective eyes of the world on the places I love to dine when I am out and about – we call them ‘The Spots’.
Food is truly the epicenter of culture; we as people gravitate toward the table, whether it be a 3 hour Italian sit-down or a 5 minute taco scarf before getting back to work. It is typically around the table that we are relaxed (save for Thanksgiving), and open, and sincere. Eating together we hear the best stories and get the best confessions; it satisfies our stomach and our soul. Win/Win.
If any of you know the aforementioned Phil Rosenthal, please direct him my way so I may bug him to tag along on season 7. Or I can show him around Nashville, and we’ll eat our way into the next sized pants.
I guess my life echoes Phil’s in a very small way in that I am attempting to eat my way across America. I don’t have anyone lining up my places to eat, so in that respect I just may have more fun in the process (and eat a LOT) more. And, of course, the journey is as important as the destination.
First stop on this run was in Grand Haven, MI. Now, many many moons ago, we visited Grand Haven for one of our last shows as King Konga. I don’t remember much of the place, just faint images burned in my mind of the venue, maybe the lake? So the bus parks, and I get out my trusty steed: The Pedego Latch. It’s exploration time.
Grand Haven is called Coast Guard city because it has a coast. There are probably other reasons as well, however before we get to the beach, we need to get from the hotel to the water. That meant a beautiful greenway, a quaint little downtown and a SCREEEEECH. Guitar shop.
I stopped in to Guitar Haven and struck up a conversation with the owner. First, they had a shop dog. Big plus. Second, I met his Dad who became a widower earlier this year. I also saw something amazing happening. This little shop was a community in itself, with ages in the store from 6-80 playing music. It’s how a music store should be. I loved it and could have stayed there all day.
But there were other things to get into – like the water! OK, not really, but after a few loops around downtown and up the canal, I found the large body of water known as Lake Michigan (the city is on the Eastern shore for those of you scoring at home) and immediately I felt like I was back home on the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches were beautiful, and there were lots of old food stands dotting the sidewalks, serving soft serve and corndogs as they have done for 60 years. I went to the end of the pier at the 1839 lighthouse, and managed to stay somewhat dry from the lake spray. Lake Spray will be the name of my next band. Enjoy the obligatory food pics. They were both beyond amazing.
That night I had off and we went to the dedication of the new Folds of Honor Golf Course which was humbling and eye-opening on many fronts. Jack Nicholas was there to help dedicate the course, and I look forward to getting up there again to donate balls to their water hazards. (BONUS POINTS – The bar is themed after ‘Pardo’s Push’ in Vietnam. Write me a 100 word synopsis on the event and you’ll get a ticket to a show).
Next stop = Cadott, Wisconsin, which, as I learned, is halfway between the North Pole and the Equator. Who knew? We were playing a kickoff party for a 3 day festival, and I have been coming to Cadott as long as I have been touring out of Nashville and have NEVER seen the town of Cadott or the surrounding areas. Until now.
I have a great travel app called Clio, which is where I find my history gems around the country, and today there was a pin nearby on a fort that was used in the French-Indian War. Don’t threaten me with a lost fort! We searched, however, we came up short. It turns out the land was sold and fenced in, and in the words of my very smart 7 year old “Why would they close down history? That doesn’t make any sense at all.” Well, you are right, son. We did manage to find a lake in the middle of nowhere, which was worth the trip.
We were then off to Chicago for a day off. I spent a lot of the day taking care of myself; exercise, writing, practicing, etc. Until 6PM rolled around, then we had a family field trip to see the Chicago Dogs of the Independent League. I love me some minor league baseball. And although the home team didn’t pull it out, we all ate too much and had a blast.
The next day we woke up in Milwaukee, which is like a second home to us. Within hours of landing, 4 of us were on a boat. Our tour took us all over downtown where we saw this really cool town from a different perspective. And then we were dropped not far from the best Italian restaurant anywhere, which is our absolute must-visit restaurant in town. The Calderone Club serves up authentic Italian fare in an upbeat yet casual dining room, which typically leads to Steve wandering in the kitchen with a glass of really nice wine ready to scoop the tomato mixture on the bread for brochette. More food. More food comas.
Day 2. Load in. 7AM. It’s true, it’s true. On some days we actually work. The morning is pretty on the lake, and this morning was no exception. After a few songs and a snack, I was off for my day of culture. Of course, I had no idea where the day would really go until it was over, but here it is.
I met up with a friend and he and I visited the Milwaukee Museum of Art, where they are showcasing an extensive collection of Jules Chéret. Jules’ style is instantly recognizable. You’ve probably seen his reprints in home furnishing stores. As fate would have it, my friend’s business partner happened to donate this collection to the museum, and he had more information than was being told on the placards. After some art deco, Warhol, and some older masterpieces, it was time for lunch.
As fate would have it, I ended up at lunch with the same man who donated the collection to the museum. We sat outside on a shady street watching the world go by and NOT solving any of the world’s problems. I like lunches like that. Then we had a crazy idea (mind you it was only 2PM).
We took a 15 minute ride into the Polish section of Milwaukee where we found Holler House. The oldest officially sanctioned bowling alley in the country. Yes, I find these things.
It’s really an incredible little hole in the wall. It’s built into a house, the bar is all kinda mismatched and funky and awesome, and the alleys downstairs (Built in 1908) still use pinboys to set up the pins between frames. It REALLY doesn’t get any better.
After the tour, I said ‘How much for me to roll one?’ The owner told me to go ahead, so I rolled…a gutter. He said ‘Roll another’. Strike. We all had a great laugh. Of course, I should ONLY post the strike, right?
And then, you know it was back to the venue, where I was able to run down and see The Smithereens and pretend I was in 1986 again. It was great to hear that guitar sound. Soon it was our showtime, and we had an exceptional crowd, especially for an earlier time slot. It was so good to see so many friends backstage. Plus our friend from the restaurant brought cannoli. C’MON.
It was a long run, for sure, but I think I did just about everything I could in the waking/non-working moments out there. It’s summer – IT’S HOT -but nothing a good homemade ice cream won’t fix. Get out and look around a little bit.
My friend in Milwaukee remarked that he’s lived in town for over 30 years and had never heard of Holler House. I KNOW there are places in Nashville I haven’t seen yet, but that’s only because I’m never home. So I’ll find something locally if you do, OK? Enjoy your days.
See you on the road!
Steve, love reading these. Man of many talents…your writing is very enjoyable. Thanks for sharing. Living vicariously through your travels. Glad you guys love Milwaukee. Been my home all my life.