Sunday, April 23, 2017
Croaker's Spot
1020 Hull St. Richmond, VA 23224. It was so good I went back for seconds. Mr. Croaker was born in Jackson Ward neighborhood of Richmond, VA. He was nicknamed for the cracking sound of his voice and laughter that permeated a room. It started in Harlem and people just did not go to Croaker's to satisfy hunger. They went to satisfy sensations and the experience of the down home kitchen and food.The restaurant opens at 12 noon and you better get there early. Within a blink of an eye the line extends out the door. But don't get discouraged. You do not want to leave this place without eating first. The Richmond restaurant isn't overly large, however it is quaint and large enough so you don't feel claustrophobic. The manager even stopped by out table and after we'd conversed and laughed because I drove all the way to Croaker's Spot in Richmond, VA versus going to the one in Norfolk which, mind you is only 25 minutes away from where I live he did the most gracious thing and comped our meals. So regardless of which Croaker's Spot you decide to visit, get there now and get the BBQ shrimp to start and finish anyway you want. Come hungry and leave stuffed. You don't have to say you'll be back. they know you will.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Hitsville, USA (Detroit, MI)
Motown, established in 1959, Hitsville and its array of houses became known as the epi-center of Berry Gordy's legacy. 
If you grew up during the time when Michael of the Jackson Five had a big nose, the Supremes had Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder had hair then you will remember house parties, Afros, tapping your feet and swaying your body to some of the best music of the 20th century. Berry Gordy built one house as the center of his music industry only to add another house and then another with each encompassing a different purpose. One house was nothing but business. Another etiquette. Yes, the final product of what we were familiar with was not what walked in the door. 
Another held the studio and so on. The museum is the original apartment of Gordy, the business office and the recording studio of Motown. Today thousands of people traipse through Hitsville only to warp back into the past when the drinks were smooth, emotions powerful, the community raised the children and the music was grand. Toss some 45s onto the turn table and head on over to Detroit, MI and Hitsville. 
If you grew up during the time when Michael of the Jackson Five had a big nose, the Supremes had Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder had hair then you will remember house parties, Afros, tapping your feet and swaying your body to some of the best music of the 20th century. Berry Gordy built one house as the center of his music industry only to add another house and then another with each encompassing a different purpose. One house was nothing but business. Another etiquette. Yes, the final product of what we were familiar with was not what walked in the door. 
Another held the studio and so on. The museum is the original apartment of Gordy, the business office and the recording studio of Motown. Today thousands of people traipse through Hitsville only to warp back into the past when the drinks were smooth, emotions powerful, the community raised the children and the music was grand. Toss some 45s onto the turn table and head on over to Detroit, MI and Hitsville. 
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Smuggler's Notch, Vermont
Mother Nature can be a very finicky being and she always does what she wants, when she wants. This is why if you are traveling to Vermont between the summer and winter season the best you can do if looking for fall foliage is keep your fingers crossed and have alternate plans on the agenda. It’s a good chance the leaves have changed and fallen, but don’t worry there are a boat load of other things to keep you busy. That is, if you like hiking, eating, sightseeing, and searching for moose.
Having never been to Vermont I was thrilled beyond wonder and couldn’t wait. Driving through the Adirondacks was exciting but once we crossed over into the mountainous countryside, my heart rate escalated, my fingers twitched wanting to take pictures and my nostrils flared as I inhaled the crisp cool clean air. After all there were covered bridges to find, cheese and ice cream to eat and any moose would do.
I had no idea there was also maple wine and apple cider donuts. First stop, Smuggler’s Notch, resort to unload and grab a bite to eat. 
The magic didn’t stop until I stepped back into my house in Virginia a week later. Smuggler’s Notch is surrounded by magnificent mountains and encased in history. It got its name sake in the early 19th century when the forest, caves and trails were used to smuggle, hide and transport illegal goods across the Canadian border. It was also used by bootleggers during prohibition. Is this why Vermont is known to distill some of the best vodka in the world? Hey, I’m only saying. This is what the vodka man said. I didn’t get a chance to try any. I was too busy drinking some of the best apple cider my tongue has ever tasted and eating apple cider donuts. I’m having a foodgasm just thinking about it.
Whether you love ice cream or not, the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory is a must. Don’t forget to visit the grave yard, were flavors go when they die. 
Cabot cheese and Lake Champlain Chocolate, yummy! Vermont is a foodie’s paradise. Even the local grocery where we shopped surprised us with the best homemade chicken pot pie a mouth could eat. However, nothing and I truly mean nothing was better than the apple cider and apple cider donuts… 5 star foodgasm!
And did I mention covered bridges! Covered bridges! Covered bridges! We took a day. You should take a day. And find the covered bridges. There were seven in our area and yes, we found them all. 
Gotta be careful though, some were not longer functioning and some were tucked away and we almost missed them. We had a map. If you add up the days with the sites with the food it would equate to ultimate vacation spot. I can’t wait until I return. Maybe next time for skiing. 
Having never been to Vermont I was thrilled beyond wonder and couldn’t wait. Driving through the Adirondacks was exciting but once we crossed over into the mountainous countryside, my heart rate escalated, my fingers twitched wanting to take pictures and my nostrils flared as I inhaled the crisp cool clean air. After all there were covered bridges to find, cheese and ice cream to eat and any moose would do.
I had no idea there was also maple wine and apple cider donuts. First stop, Smuggler’s Notch, resort to unload and grab a bite to eat. 
The magic didn’t stop until I stepped back into my house in Virginia a week later. Smuggler’s Notch is surrounded by magnificent mountains and encased in history. It got its name sake in the early 19th century when the forest, caves and trails were used to smuggle, hide and transport illegal goods across the Canadian border. It was also used by bootleggers during prohibition. Is this why Vermont is known to distill some of the best vodka in the world? Hey, I’m only saying. This is what the vodka man said. I didn’t get a chance to try any. I was too busy drinking some of the best apple cider my tongue has ever tasted and eating apple cider donuts. I’m having a foodgasm just thinking about it.
Whether you love ice cream or not, the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory is a must. Don’t forget to visit the grave yard, were flavors go when they die. 
Cabot cheese and Lake Champlain Chocolate, yummy! Vermont is a foodie’s paradise. Even the local grocery where we shopped surprised us with the best homemade chicken pot pie a mouth could eat. However, nothing and I truly mean nothing was better than the apple cider and apple cider donuts… 5 star foodgasm!
And did I mention covered bridges! Covered bridges! Covered bridges! We took a day. You should take a day. And find the covered bridges. There were seven in our area and yes, we found them all. 
Gotta be careful though, some were not longer functioning and some were tucked away and we almost missed them. We had a map. If you add up the days with the sites with the food it would equate to ultimate vacation spot. I can’t wait until I return. Maybe next time for skiing. 
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