Return of the Queen

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My Jams

I find it more satisfying to post things about music, so instead of more liquor recipes and car porn, I’m going to tell you about some of my favorite songs. Hopefully you’ll check them out if you’re unfamiliar…

Big Country – “In a Big Country”

I honestly have no memory of hearing this song before hearing Moe. perform it at numerous festivals. I loved how it’s bright guitar sounds and guarded optimism complimented the sun and mud and rain at outdoor venues, so it stuck with me, and always evokes those memories. It also features one of my all-time favorite lines:

“I’m not expecting to grow flowers in the desert,

but I can live and breathe and see the sun in wintertime”

Pretty darn close to my own outlook on life, which is why I ultimately love this song.

Dream Academy – “Life in a Northern Town”

This is another song that I love because of a specific images it reminds me of, mainly of one of my favorite meteorological phenomenons: sunshine through the clouds during an afternoon shower. Although far from life in a Northern town, this song to me  is memories of playing in backyard mud puddles with my brothers as children.  Funny how art can mean things to people that were so different from how they were intended.

Enough of 80s one-hit wonders

My Morning Jacket – “Hopefully/Bermuda Highway”

Two of the best songs by one of the best bands of the last decade. Appearing back-to-back on their 2001 masterpiece At Dawn, these simple, quite gems compliment each other so much that they’re like two sides of the same coin. Clearly addressed to the same person, Jim James’ otherworldy voice communicates longing, hope and sexual desire so well that lyrics are almost unnecessary.  This band has had a big impact on me in recent years – as a friend of mine so eloquently stated: “I got laid a lot more because of MMJ”

Time for another tearjerker…

Gillian Welch – “Annabelle”

The song that contains the words I’ve requested to be inscribed on my tombstone, Gillian’s heartbreaking story of poverty and the loss of a child is one of the most memorable and poignant songs of its kind ever written. I’d like to name a daughter after the song if I’m ever blessed with one, but I’ll probably end up getting vetoed…

Radiohead – “True Love Waits”

The definitive love song from our generation’s greatest band. What makes it so special is how different it is from everything else they’ve done. Memories…

Charlie Robison – “Photograph”

Pretty sentimental, but it really speaks to exactly how I feel about my family…

Bob Dylan – “The Times They are A-Changin’”

Maybe the best song ever written – take it away Bob…

The Knife – “Heartbeats”

Probably didn’t expect to see this one here. Jose Gonzalez does a great acoustic reworking.

CSNY – “Southern Cross”

My favorite classic rock song, nothing reminds me more of how much I miss the ocean. Also released right around the time I was born.

Bright Eyes – “First Day of My Life”

The song that will be played at my wedding, also one of my favorite music videos. The lyrical genius of Conor Oberst in a rare tender moment…

I liked writing this, so I may make this a recurring topic for future posts. Hope y’all enjoyed…

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A Family Jewel Indeed

For JBID’s first restaurant review, I have chosen a new, off-the-beaten path choice rather than a landmark or personal fav. Having heard a minor buzz on the internets the last few weeks – and fighting a week’s worth of diet hunger – I decided to try Atlanta’s new Heirloom  BBQ Market, located right outside the Perimeter towards Smyrna.  Before I even arrived, I realized something this joint has working against it: it’s a bitch to find.  Situated on an oddly-sloped access road off I-285, I passed by it not once but twice before I realized it was in the same building as a raggedy beer-and-cigarettes convenience  store. Upon entering the tiny parking lot, however, there was little doubt what I was in for…

From the looks of the unpretentious exterior, one would think they were entering one of the thousands of hometown-crowd ‘cue shacks that dot the southeast like the aforementioned convenience stores, and offer about as much variety. That is, if one hasn’t already heard about what makes this particular shack not only unique in Atlanta, but in the country and possibly the world.

You see, Heirloom BBQ is a shockingly fresh concept in the barbecue sphere: a combination (fusion, even) of Asian and American styles, neatly packaged in lovingly familiar trappings. When you enter it’s one shoebox-sized dining room, you immediately notice the familiar sites: a chalkboard with the day’s specials, big jugs of lemonade and tea, and a middle-aged black woman with a diamond smile at the counter like you were just transported to South Texas. It’s not long, however, before you start to notice what’s different about this joint: for starters, mason jars filled with kimchi and bright-red Korean barbecue sauce gaze at you from beneath the menu counter. Next, you notice the mostly Asian cooking staff, possibly joined by former Korean pop star and current co-head chef Jiyeon Lee. Jiyeon’s influence is patent on the menu and daily specials: sweet Korean BBQ short ribs, a spicy pulled pork sandwich topped with Kimchi, and tempura fried sweet potatoes.  I was sold before I got in line.

Tennessean chef Cody Taylor (right, obviously) brings the American half of this BBQ chimera with unpredictable flair. Tennessee, like Georgia, lacks a barbecue tradition that is wholly its own, which made Taylor a fan of all forms of barbecuing growing up. Lucky us. Furthering Heirloom’s inclusive charm, Texas beef briskets smokes sits alongside mustard-basted Carolina pork on Taylor’s hearty smokers, and can be savored next to a smoked sampler of boudin and andouille sausage straight from the Mississippi Delta.  The ‘cue from the good ‘ole USA shines just as bright next to its exotic cousins…

As excited as I was at this point, I had no inkling what I was in store for…

Although I was tempted to go for the short ribs (which I quickly learned were sold out), I ordered what I usually order when trying a new ‘cue shack: pulled pork and/or chopped brisket.  I believe these are the currency of good barbecue, the measuring stick by which establishments are measured. Saying this, Heirloom’s may be the best I’ve ever had. Granted, this is not traditional BBQ – the beef and pork are treated with a hint of soy which creates a electric flavor – so I can’t really compare it to the traditional greats. The first thing I noticed was how tender the brisket was – a fork slid right through it.

Heirloom boasts four unique sauces, and I went straight for the sweet and tangy “KB” variety, which complimented the pulled pork like magic, despite hailing from opposite sides of the globe.  The tempura-fried sweet potato slices with soy sauce were one of the most interesting things I’ve ever tried, and almost stole the show from the meat.  The only part of my meal that wasn’t eye-poppingly spectacular was the baked beans, which, honestly, what can you do to make baked beans interesting?

Before I was finished, I was already dreaming about future visits. The Texas Trinity (brisket, ribs and sausage), Louisiana sampler and Korean short ribs were dancing in my head. When I pushed away from the table, Jiyeon must have seen the look on my face, because she quickly asked, “how was it?”

“I could hug you,” I replied.

“You’re the second person today to say that!” She beamed, like a mother watching her child take its first steps.

If you live anywhere near Atlanta, you owe it to yourself to try this jewel of restaurant. You will be truly grateful you did…

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That’s what I’m talking about

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Bullseye

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“See me walkin’ up the FDR, a-shakin’ and a-clappin’ my hands. Tell my mother I love her, tell my father I tried, give my money to my baby to spend.”

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Good Jeans

I love jeans: they’re comfortable, versatile, long-lasting and uniquely American.  Although I’ve succumbed to my fair share of trends over the years (distressed-as-hell stovepipes in the ’90s, overpriced Sevens and Citizens last decade), the one constant is that jeans remain a staple in my “freedom uniform” (what I wear when I’m not at work), almost to the point of being a second skin. I love how jeans evolve–part of the joy of owning jeans that aren’t pre-distrested is how how they eventually become something uniquely yours through the natural wear and tear process.  Wallet marks, creases, rips and stains are much more interesting than those gaudy holes and cheap, tattered fabrics woven by machines in a Nicaraguan sweatshop.  It’s also just so much fun to see them go from this:

To this:

While I’m saving up for some premium denim – I’ve narrowed my search down to Imogene + Willie or Raleigh Denim, both hand-made by husband wife teams in the South – I’m currently wearing in some J.Crew for Levis 501s and a pair of Gap selvedge Authentic fits.

Imogene + Willie straight fit – $350 well spent

Raleigh Denim – a little more affordable but not quite as unique

The caveat with jeans is that you need to put a little thought into what you wear with them to avoid looking like a TAJ – Typical American Jackass. You know the type: saggy, ill-fitting jeans, cheap square-toed shoes or Crocs and some insipid message-T like “Federal Booty Inspector.”  Don’t be that guy.  While not as worse as the TEHD (Typical Ed Hardy Douche), this look telegraphs that you are immature, uncaring and oblivious.  I’m not saying you should always look like you work at Sid Mashburn, just that you should at least dress like grown ass man when you leave the house.

Don’t do it

How to avoid this is 1. don’t wear stupid shit like this 2. wear jeans that fit (not saggy, not too long with minimal break) and 3. pay attention to what you wear with them.  Almost any shirt is fine (as long as it doesn’t have golden dragon raping a lion on it), but class it up with a trim corduroy blazer or a Barbour jacket in the winter.

Pro Tip – size down one size from your normal jacket size

Now that you’ve got that down, let’s move on to shoes. This seems like a no-brainer, but a lot of guys make really bad shoes choices with their jeans.  First off, think about what you’re doing and where you’re going.  If it’s wet out, Bean boots are de rigur.  If you’re going to be walking a lot, classic boat shoes (not those ugly sneaker-style boat shoes) or loafers are in order.  I almost never wear tennis shoes with jeans, but if you must, stick with New Balances or something similarly low-pro.  Trainers are for the gym and running shoes are for running, both activities in which you do not wear jeans.  If you’re wearing jeans with a nicer getup, such as a blazer and dress shirt, I cannot think of a better option than wingtips, or brogues as they call them across the pond.

These babies almost single-handedly distinguish a man as stylish gentleman, and are perfect year-round.  Allen Edmonds and Alden makes beautiful wingtips that will last a lifetime, but the $300+ price tag is often prohibitive.  Instead, look on eBay (or eBay.uk) and find a gently used pair and make them new again: polish them up, resole them, or have them completely reconditioned. You will get an amazing pair of shoes for a fraction of the cost.

Belts with jeans can also be tricky, but the right belt can pull together your entire kit.  First rule is that belts do NOT have to match your shoes, but do pair dark with dark and light with light.  Second, never wear dress belts with jeans.  Third, good jeans belts can be expensive, but they, like good jeans themselves, are worth it if you wear them enough.  My absolute favorites are made by a company called Cause and Effect, which is really just one mountain man up in Tennessee who cuts and tans the leather himself – no two belts are alike.

Handmade leather goods are truly amazing

Like good jeans, these unique belts evolve over time into a true work of art – totally worth the $125-$150 price tag.

So there you have it: how to construct your Freedom Uni without looking like a TAJ.  If they handed this guide out with high school diplomas, American men wouldn’t get such a bad rap…

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Piping Hot Food Porn

Literally.  These pups are still warm sitting in my kitchen.

 

 

 

When I decide to cash in the chips and/or fry my law license, I’m going to become a chef.  I’ve always loved cooking, but I only started to get true satisfaction from it when learned to make things that actually tasted good. Really good, sometimes.  Here is one of my best to date: Sweetwater 420 Onion Rings.  Every chef needs a signature dish, and since just about everything in my culinary wheelhouse of barbecue and seafood has been done before, I had to branch out some.  Inspired by the amazing talents of the guys down at Sweetwater(and by the 2 surviving bottles of 420 I had in the fridge), I whipped up a batter, chopped up some sweet Vidalias and fired up the deep fryer.

 

 

 

 

Since almost nobody reads this thing (for now), I’m going to post my secret recipe: in a large bowl, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup Panko Japanese breadcrumbs, 2 teaspoon Clabber Girl baking powder, and 2 eggs to start the dredging.  From there, throw in a 1/2 cup sea salt, 1/4 cup pepper, 2 heaping tablespoons of paprika, 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon each of white pepper, garlic and onion powder.  Whisk it all together, and slowly add the brew until you’ve dumped a whole bottle in.  Next up – and this is crucial – let the mixture sit in the fridge for an hour (also great for hush puppies and chicken fingers).  I cannot overestimate how important the chilling period is: the hot oil will strip this magical mixture right off the rings if you don’t let it chill first.

While you’re waiting, slice 4 Vidalia sweet onions into rings, just like you see at the county fair.  Once you’ve heated your oil (peanut or canola – no olive) to 375, remove the rings from the batter and lightly dust them again with flour.  This prevents the precious batter from straying in the deep fryer.  After a good 3-6 minutes or until they turn golden brown all over, remove the rings from the fryer onto a baking sweet.  While they’re cooling, finish them off with another sprinkling of sea salt.

 

 

 

 

Booyah  - the perfect appetizer/side/late night drunk snack.  Pair this with a fat boneless ribeye or a pan-seared porterhouse, and of course, a delicious Sweetwater 420.  Eat up!

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Auto-Erotica Vol.1 – Land Rover Defender 90

After a few posts, I noticed something this blog was sorely missing: sex appeal. Since my girlfriend probably wouldn’t like me dumping pics of Katy Perry’s ubiquitous cleavage, I’ll go with something event hotter: car porn.

 

 

The D-90 is my favorite vehicle ever made, hands down.  Being neither sports car nor pickup man, I’ve always loved classic SUVs, those made when the “S” stood for “Sport” instead of “Soccer”.  The appeal of the Defender is patent: it’s elegant, spartan, and a stark contrast to the Range Rovers which have become an international symbol of gaudiness.   Oh yeah, and it actually performs offroad.  The short, boxy frame evokes classic safari wagons from the ’50s and ’60s, while the iconic horizontal bar grill and triple-bulb headlights provide a modern touch.   Sadly, Land Rover ceased exporting these beauties to the US in the late ’90s, almost certainly because fickle Americans found them too stiff-handling and militaristic. In other words: too badass…

 

 

I think about these things a lot – whenever I see one, I annoying point it out to my girlfriend and immediately snap a phone pic – and will own one when I have the coin.  Although some stout tires (Yokohama Geolanders, preferably) and possibly a roofrack would be in order, these are one of the few vehicles that look perfect just the way they are, a true classic that should not me muddled with aftermarket trinkets.  My biggest decision would be color:  Land Rover green is too common, too iconic.  White is blah, although it has it’s charms.  Surprisingly, I lean towards two colors I despise in most other vehicles: yellow and red.  Though loud, these colors work well with the D-90 for some strange reason – maybe it’s the contrast, I guess…

 

 

Such a sexy ride – if I won the lotto, this would be my first purchase for myself, and I would treat her like a queen.  A queen that likes mudbaths, that is…

 

 

Doesn’t get your pulse racing?  You’re either tasteless, a homosexual, or a hipster.  The first two I can’t do anything for, but if you’re Answer C then we can at least find some common ground over this:

 

 

Now that’s hot…

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“There’s a lake of stew and of whiskey too, you can paddle all around ‘em in a big canoe”

Now that we’re firmly entrenched in fall, the falling temperatures and changing leaves begin to be taken for granted. As the face of winter approaches like a freight train’s headlight, the novelty of this greatest of seasons wears off and becomes yet another backdrop to our monotonous lives.  True as this may be, I try to take time to enjoy the little things that make this time of year so enjoyable: walks in the woods, campfires, and glasses, flasks, tumblers and canteens filled with glorious bourbon whiskey from the hills of Kentucky.  As with other important things, my drink of choice is seasonal: spring is for full-flavored craft brews that remind you of the world coming to life again.  Summer in the Southland is hot, so lighter choices like Pabst Blue Ribbon are in order, especially during the daytime.  Winter I’m less picky, because I’m usually too damned depressed to care.   But fall is for bourbon: something about it just goes right with SEC football, smoke off campfires and barbecue pits, and half-moons rising over the Southeast skies.   To celebrate this magical but fleeting time of year, I’ll share my favorite bourbons,  a few drink recipes and some bourbon related tidbits…

 

 

 

My current go-to spirit, Bulleit Bourbon is a straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey characterized by its high rye content (28% – thanks Wikipedia!)  Maybe it was just the old-timey medicine bottle look to it, but this brand instantly caught my eye, and after my first bottle I have been drinking nothing but for almost two years now.  Pour this elixir in your favorite glass or tumbler over some ice cubes and top it off with a splash of Red Rocks golden ginger ale for the best bourbon + ginger of your life…

 

Fun Fact: Bourbon is the Official Spirit of the United States per Act of Congress, 1964

 

 

Maker’s 46 is probably the smoothest bourbon I’ve ever had…

 

 

Good ol’ Knob – another blind choice I made on cool bottle alone.  Fueled many college bull sessions…

 

 

Ok ok – it’s not bourbon, I know.  However, Leopold Bros. Apple Whiskey is good shit.  Serve it up with two ice cubes, taking your first sip as you see the ice begin to melt.  It’s the closest thing to a “fruity drink” you’ll ever see in my hand…

 

What’s the next best think to do with bourbon besides drink it?  Put it on steak.

 

 

If this doesn’t make you feel manly, you need to get checked for low T.   Mix a shot glass or two of your favorite Kentucky gentleman into a mixing bowl with some soy sauce, brown sugar, mustard (yellow or spicy), and a sliced Vidalia sweet onion, then pour it on the cow.  After 2-3 hours,  throw that beast on the grill or a seasoned cast iron skillet and feel like an instant badass…

 

If you’re wondering what the title of this post is from, it’s a little ditty by Harry McClintock called “Big Rock Candy Mountain”, about a bum’s Shangri-La…

 

 

As with changing leaves and autumn breezes, bourbon goes hand in hand with life’s more solemn moments.  So if you’re reading this and your dog died, your woman left you, or if you just miss grannie’s chicken and cornbread, fill up glass and check out Nashville’s the Civil Wars – they’ll do for your bourbon what Hank Sr. did for beer…

 

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