Moving to the music with Foy Vance

On September 30, 2016September 30, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Boise, Music, Nightlife, Seattle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Even with terrible jet lag and packed in like sardines with a standing room only sold out audience, I still managed to thoroughly enjoy Foy Vance’s performance on his Wild Swan Tour at Columbia City Theater this week. WOW. What a talent to play in this small venue. Foy pours his heart into his music, lifting your spirits so high you can’t help but smile and move to the beat. Whether banging it out on the piano or jamming on his guitar, Foy has passion and energy to spare. With a careful branding of his Irish roots, he has great style, sporting a handlebar mustache, traditional tweed cap and a cheeky glint in his eyes.

After just coming back from our Ireland vacation, it was a joy to hear that lilting Irish accent again. As the Irish would say, Feck it sure it’s grand. Yes, that’s what they say. He and his band decided that, like most musicians, Seattle is a grand fecking place to play. Of course it is.

Foy opened for Elton John’s tour in Europe and was the first artist to sign on with Ed Sheeran for his new label. When I heard he was going to play at Columbia City, I was thrilled. Boise friends, he is there this week so go see him! He is that good. wp_20160928_21_39_51_pro-2

With a full band and a large voice, Foy would have been better suited at The Moore or Paramount theaters so hopefully next time he makes the long trip from Ireland, he will move up to a much larger hall so we can enjoy his soaring vocals and excellent band with room to breathe. To say it was aromatic with all the sweating bodies after a long day would be putting it mildly. Ewwww….

After standing for over an hour in my heels, my feet were numb but I just couldn’t leave quite yet. I love all the songs on his new album and enjoyed seeing them performed live.

Foy’s opening act was a shrill Bob Dylan wannabe who I could have lived without seeing. Usually the opening acts I have seen in the last year or so have been truly excellent but that was definitely NOT the case here. Only a lovely whiskey and ginger cocktail got me through that crap that he was throwing all over the stage trying to be artistically crazy.

Finally, the jet lag won out though and, knowing I had to work the next day, we left Foy singing his heart out on the stage. Come back to Seattle soon, Mr. Vance. You are a true talent.

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3 Chicks in Chicago

On June 7, 2016June 7, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Boise, Chicago, Music, Nightlife, Seattle, Travel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Girl’s Weekend! My sister Becky along with our best friend since grade school, Patti aka Trish, and I took on Chicago this weekend for a glorious girl’s only experience which featured food, fun, music and, of course, wine. Oh. Yeah. WP_20160604_19_17_07_Rich (2)

We have been best friends for 45 years believe it or not. I know, how can that be??? We all look so young! From swimming at our neighbor’s pool every day in the summers to sneaking smokes in the field between our houses, we have been through life’s challenges and celebrations-divorce, death, weddings, births, businesses, etc. with lots of tears and laughter along the way. I truly don’t know what I would do without these great women in my life.

After meeting up in our amazing suite at the Warwick Hotel on the Magnificent Mile complete with complimentary champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, we headed out for a walk by the waterfront, enjoying the blue sky and warm temps and then through historic Astor Park where the multi-million $ brownstones are to-die-for gorgeous. Next on the agenda was a late dinner at Volare. Even with reservations, the place was packed and it took awhile to get our table and food. A HUGE appletini for Patti and wine for me eased the hunger pains but then the food arrived and LOTS of it–mushroom risotto, caprese salad, minestrone, pasta–all to share and sample. YUM.

Becky and I are the “walkers” with matching FitBits so we got up early leaving Patti to her beloved sleep and took off for a walk by the river from bridge to bridge. Satisfied that we were well on our way to 10,000 steps, we pried Patti out of bed with the temptation of a Saturday brunch at a neighborhood café where we sat outside until the rain began but not before a courteous street dude walked right up to us, declared, “Charlie’s Angels” and walked away. You betcha!

It proceeded to mist on us as we ventured out of the downtown core to the Hyde Park Art Fair. I have no artistic skill whatsoever so am in complete awe of the interesting creations that the artists were showing. I saw an interesting cross necklace made out of antique silverware (only $35!) and pounced on it to purchase. Patti and Becky also wanted one so they are going to order online at: Silverware Artistry. Later we hit the Magnificent Mile and shopped till we dropped at Nordstrom’s (and the Rack), Anthro, Victoria’s Secret and Banana Republic. All my favorite stores and the stars were aligned for us all to find stuff we loved to take home. New Kate Spade shoes. Check. New Anthro white jacket. Done. Ring at 50% off. On my finger.

Nothing says “Girls Weekend” like a concert by awesome artists so, lucky us, got to go see Sean McConnell and Kris Allen at City Winery on Saturday night. I’ve seen Sean play in Seattle, opening for Griffin House at Columbia City Theater and, believe me, he is destined for greatness. His new album comes out July 2nd and he is touring as the headliner in the fall, coming to Columbia City in Seattle on August 19th and Neurolox in Boise on 9/3. Go see him before he blows up and is playing at huge arenas. Seriously, if you like rich lyrics and soulful tones, you will enjoy Sean’s music. Plus, I modeled my new hairstyle after his-seriously. I told him that story after his performance when Becky and I talked with him so she could buy his CD. He laughed.

Next up was Kris Allen and his band who got the crowd engaged, singing and clapping. Thom and I saw him just last week in Seattle at The Triple Door and he was equally entertaining. Singing by himself or with the group, Kris is a true talent that I have enjoyed since he was on American Idol. He is a hard worker with a brilliant voice. I hope he gains a wider audience and enjoys great success. WP_20160604_22_04_53_Pro (2)

After a lovely evening with wine, great food and wonderful music, we once again got a quick Uber (I’ve even made Becky an Uber lover!) and off to the hotel for some rest. The next morning Becky and I again wandered the neighborhood, walking to the lakeshore to get in our 10,000 steps. Then, it was off to the train to South Bend to see Mom. These 3 chicks had quite the time in Chicago and we vowed to make this a yearly event! Cheers! IMG_8119 (2)

Booze and smoky butter!

On February 2, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Cocktails, Nightlife, Seattle, Seattle NightlifeLeave a comment

Canon, a self-described whiskey and bitters emporium, is definitely deserving of all the buzz and accolades it has earned, including being named one of the best bars in the world by Drinks International in 2014. Even at 5 p.m. on a Monday night, within minutes after opening, the intimate charming bar was packed with booze lovers. Count me in! Perched at the corner of the bar to closely watch the bartenders in action, they did not disappoint and treated us to a show indeed. Boasting the largest spirit collection in the western hemisphere at 3,500 labels and counting, I just had to ask Hailey, our bartender, how on earth they kept track of where each bottle went. Out came the iPad with a library of all their spirits by shelf. Spirit search time!

Canon's wall of booze — Canon’s wall of booze

I was overwhelmed with the huge “lavish libations” menu and had to take some time to choose what to try. My friends had been to Canon before so went right after some favorites-the “Campfire in Georgia” and the Truffle Old Fashioned. After lighting up some cinnamon French oak on the plate with a mini-blow torch, Hailey dropped the glass cover over the drink concoction of mescal, peach-habanero shrub and fresh oj to infuse the cocktail with smokiness galore. Quite the production:

The smokiness theme continued with the Khaleesi Cocktail that features “dragon’s blood smoke” (not kidding!) which is blown into a glass skull and then transferred into a mix of canon high west rye, bourbon, punt e mes, strawberry, and tonka bean. WTF! Exotic ingredients that added up to a tasty cocktail for my friend that I got to taste. Thanks K!

Now, for my cocktail selection, I decided on a slut theme, starting first with the aged cocktail list offering of the “Hanky Panky” made up of gin, sweet vermouth, fernet branca, orange zest and aged in the cutest little bottle for three years. Yes, you swig the Hanky straight from the bottle! That went down just fine and I followed it with The Tramp consisting of Plymouth sloe gin, giffard apricot, fresh lime juice and dry sparking wine. Less serious but highly entertaining sipping out of a glass this time. Classy.

With all that alcohol, either load up on some carbs before you go or, better yet, order a basket of bread with smoked butter. DAMN. The booze was awesome but the smoked butter was heaven on a baguette. They have other nibbles including smoked salmon, squash, beef, etc. Needing something other than bread, I ordered the bourbon nuts. With one bite of warm caramel corn/pretzel/bourbon smoky nuts, my taste buds swooned again. I loved their warning on the food menu:

“Alcohol, eggs, sex, undercooked foods and most enjoyable things in life can and will kill you if you give them enough time. Live life to the fullest until then.” Amen, Canon. I’ll be back.

Open 5 p.m.-2 a.m. daily, visit Canon, 928 12th Avenue on Capitol Hill in Seattle. Be prepared to pay $25 in advance to get a reservation. Don’t worry-it’s pricey so that $25 will go towards the many cocktails and nibbles you will enjoy. Life is short. Cheers!

Classic Cocktails-The Sidecar goes down smooth!

On October 17, 2015October 17, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Cocktails, Europe, expat, Nightlife, Seattle, Travel, vacationLeave a comment

Cocktail research continues! Next up-The Sidecar. A classic cocktail that my mom fondly remembers from her wild days out on the town in Indy with my dad. At Café Navarre in South Bend, Indiana, Michael shook me up a sidecar and shared his secrets to a fine drink indeed. BTW, no, I don’t travel around the world just to drink cocktails but as I’m writing this I’m thinking that would be a cool idea. Hmmm…..how can I make that happen? A few weeks ago I was testing out appletinis in Vancouver on a vacation weekend but now I’m in South Bend to see mom and also to attend the ND/USC football game with my sis who somehow was able to score us tickets to this “game of the century”. Well done, Beck. With Coach Steve S. fired last week, I’m hoping the Irish roll. But enough about football and now back to the REALLY important stuff… cocktails.

My handy dandy cocktail book tells me that the sidecar originated in Paris at Harry’s Bar and was invented as an elegant cocktail for American expats living there. After Prohibition ended, there were cocktail drinkers who declared it almost made the long, dry years worth the wait. Harry’s Bar has dubbed itself “the oldest cocktail bar in Europe” so I MUST add that to the travel list for next year. Would I travel to Paris just to enjoy a classic sidecar at the bar that birthed it-oui!

Michael at Café Navarro makes a mean sidecar!

My cocktail book back home lists the ingredients for a sidecar as: brandy, orange liqueur and lemon juice. Michael had, of course, another plan as I’m finding out that no cocktail is ever made the same. He shook up 2 ounces of Hennessey cognac (fancy!), 3/4 ounce each of freshly squeezed (of course!) lime juice and Cointreau liqueur and poured into my sugar-rimmed martini glass. Smooth and slightly sweet, it was the perfect balance of liquor to warm me up on a cold pre-game evening. DAMN that was good! Is it proper bar etiquette to lick the glass clean?

Michael was kind enough to share his vast knowledge with us on other cocktails as well. His fav on the cocktail menu at Café Navarre is “Final Word” featuring a complex list of ingredients: Rye whiskey, lemon juice, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, green Chartreaus, spanked mint and lavender bitters. “Spanked” mint? How do you spank a mint you might ask??? Well, Michael gave us a quick spanking demo–lighter than a muddling, just place the fresh mint in your palm and gently bruise it. Gotcha-can’t wait to spank some mint myself.

Handcrafted cocktails at Café Navarro feature a complex array of ingredients

Lavender bitters--who knew? — Lavender bitters–who knew?

Michael also introduced us to the complex world of bitters. His bar houses a wide array of medicinal looking bottles that add another layer of complexity to cocktails and are a staple ingredient for the handcrafted cocktails featured on his menu-orange bitters, lavender bitters, #2 bitters, etc. Michael even suggested that you can add a dash of bitters mid-drinking a cocktail to create a whole different experience within just one glass. A whole “bitter” world to explore in future blog posts-the research MUST continue!

Now, I’m off to throw on multiple layers to keep warm at a chilly 30ish degree evening ND game tonight-GO IRISH!

Savoring the Manhattan Experience One More Time

On July 30, 2015July 30, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, hotels, New York City, Nightlife, Shopping, Travel, Uncategorized, walkingLeave a comment

Back in NYC after a business trip to Orlando (in July…HELLO, event planner, what were you thinking???–so hot and humid I was always moist) I couldn’t help but immediately take to the streets. It’s what I do and makes my FitBit so happy. On the way to work on Sunday morning, yes I work 24/7, I managed to walk by Rockefeller Center, the LOVE sculpture, Central Park and St. Pat’s Cathedral. Only in Manhattan is that all in a morning’s walk.

FishEddy's is my go-to store every time I am in NYC — Fishes Eddy is my go-to store every time I am in NYC

St. Pat's Io's always awe-inspiring and iconic — St. Pat’s Io’s always awe-inspiring and iconic

Waiting for Thom to join me later in the week so we can celebrate out 27th Wedding Anniversary, I wanted to save the fun stuff so we could do it together but I did manage a walk to my favorite store, Fishs Eddy, on Sunday. The lure of kitschy hand towels, Hillary mugs, and fun stuff always has me leaving with a bag of goodies to bring home. Putting in 17,000+ steps = 7+ miles on Sunday left the feet hot and tired for sure but, fueled by my beloved $1 cheese pizza, I just kept on walking, walking, walking….

With Thom finally here, we set off for the TKTS booth in Times Square to get a deal on Broadway tickets. Having scoped out the Tony Awards and the NYTimes reviews, I knew exactly what shows I wanted to see and, sure enough, at 7:00 p.m. last night we scored 50% off 4th row seats to see Taye Diggs in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. AMAZING. GO. He’s only been the lead for 7 shows yet I can’t imagine anyone else pulling off that story with the grit and sassy bravado he showed off in this explosive drama musical. We were just shy of the water spout he shot out into the crowd and three rows away from him grinding on me like he did the lucky gal in the first row who really was into it. That’s cool–little too up close and personal for me anyway.

Despite some microphone miscues, Taye just rolled with it and shook his fist at the so-called ghost who haunts the Belasco Theater and cussed him out. Leaping out into the audience, he picked on the preppy guy in the second row, licking his glasses and then politely handing them back. Sharing spit is caring! This is the type of show I could go to again and enjoy it even more. If you’re in NYC, go to TKTS, get your tickets at 50% off and enjoy it–may want to avoid that third row middle seat, however, unless you wear a raincoat.

Classic theater and explosive drama musical

Adding to my Broadway sippy cup collection makes me so happy!

Today, we celebrate our 27th anniversary. Seems like yesterday that I was in NYC at the Cadillac Bar picking up the cute guy with the long hair, earring and fur-lined leather jacket. We went dancing the night away at the trendy Limelight Bar in an old church and have never stopped the adventure of enjoying our lives together. While I had to work today, Thom braved the rain and got to see his Mets play (and lose-pity!) but enjoyed the experience thoroughly. Tonight we will go to Toshi’s, our favorite bar in the Flatiron District with Hello Brooklyn singing on stage and will thoroughly enjoy the Presidential Suite the lovely Grand Hyatt just upgraded us to.

Using my many Diamond status perks, we had been promised last night to be moved but there were Secret Service here who took priority, watching over somebody far more important than us. Hmmm… wonder who?? Could Thom be wearing the very hotel robe that a foreign President just wore??? Yes, we are not only blessed with ridiculous adventures but, more importantly, we have each other. I don’t have to worry about anything because, no matter what, I know Thom has my back and will be there to support me and love me and, really, what else matters?? Best friends and soulmates for the last 27 years. How lucky I am.

Presidential Suite at the Grand Hyatt is amazing!

The adventure continues... — The adventure continues…

Good Karma in NYC!

On July 14, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, New York City, Nightlife, Parks, walkingLeave a comment

WP_20150712_20_55_22_Pro — Shake Shack Madison Square Park-packed on a Sunday night

Tonight, a NYC deli dude gave me some milk for free. So what you might say? No, this is epic, I say. I feel surrounded by good karma on this business trip. I went in to the deli next to the Westin at 10 p.m. wanting nothing more than a little milk to go with the Trader’s Joe cookies I brought with me for my nighttime snack. They had strawberry and chocolate milk but no white milk in sight. Disappointed! Asking the counter guy, he immediately got me a cup of milk and refused to take my money for it. WOW. I even had an amazing driver on my ride in from the airport and had a lively discussion with him about world soccer, regaling him with tales of seeing Messi score 5 goals in Camp Nou in Barcelona a few years ago. He wanted me to meet his kids after that story and tell them since they are huge fans. I was a rock star!

Being in Manhattan without Thom is strange but I’m forcing myself to get out and enjoy what could be my next to the last trip to my home away from home, what with work budget cuts and all. Walking down 3rd Avenue the first night here, it just felt like I belonged. Families were out getting ice cream, the young crowd was just getting back from the beaches and pouring into the bars. Shopping for snacks for training, the folks at the grocery were pleasant and talkative–yes, in NYC! My second night I put on the miles and walked to Central Park, my center of beauty in the city, and people watched at Rockefeller Center too. All my favorite haunts were experienced within 24 hours–Madison Square Park (dog park!), Bryant Park, Central Park, Rockefeller Center! My FitBit was so happy with my walking performance but my feet… not so much! Glad I brought band aids!

Central Park at dusk...beautiful — Central Park at dusk…beautiful

Tonight I went to City Winery, our most favorite music venue in lower Manhattan, to see Boise’s own Eilen Jewell enchant the crowd with her indie country tones and her oh so cool band. I’m sure she is struggling to make ends meet but she had the audience eating out of her hand as she played her guitar and harmonica and sang her butt off. I hope she makes it big soon if that is what she wants for her music career. If you haven’t seen her in action, go. Now. She played the Tractor in Seattle last month and the crowd was far more lively, dancing and rowdy vs. the more sedate NYC crowd. I’m looking forward to seeing her in her hometown once we get to settle there in the future. Probably distant future but one can dream, right? Living in our house in Boise vs. renting it to strangers would be super cool.

It’s off to sleep now as the three hour time change is kicking my butt seriously. I look forward to another $1 bagel from my street cart tomorrow morning and $1 pizza for dinner. Crabs galore! That’s healthy, isn’t it? It’s surely budget friendly and tasty. Three nights in a row I’ve had $1 pizza for my dinner… yum and super yum! Good night all!

Soaking Up A Month of Music from Seattle to Manhattan

On May 4, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Music, New York City, Nightlife, Seattle, Travel, Uncategorized1 Comment

Oh what a month it has been to enjoy live music from coast to coast and I’ve enjoyed every moment with every artist. From Elvis Costello to Allen Stone to Griffin House to Hello Brooklyn to the Beatles cover band in the subway, we have been lucky enough to partake of their musical stylings.

Allen Stone and his band rocked the Paramount

Allen Stone was first on our feast of music and he served a buffet of soul in spades. If you haven’t heard of him or listened to his music, DO. IT. NOW. He led the best concert I have ever seen with his deep connection to the crowd, who clearly knew his music and sang along, swaying to the tunes. His energetic trumpet and trombone artists danced as well as they played and the rest of his entourage created a powerful support for Allen’s amazing voice. If I had to pick a similar artist to Allen, it would probably be a cross between “good karma” Jason Miraz and an energetic gospel preacher. After sitting through his rapper warm-up act who encouraged everyone to “light up” and they enthusiastically obeyed, sending up a cloud of weed that enveloped us like a smokey blanket in the balcony to the point my eyes were watering. Got to love Seattleites! After the smoke cleared, we enjoyed this hometown boy’s performance and I predict Allen Stone will be a HUGE artist soon.

Then, same classic and gorgeous venue-the Paramount-but a week later and with a very different tone set by the legendary Elvis Costello performing solo with a few guitars, a piano and a playbook filled with forty years of music to share. Thom is a huge fan but I’m not that familiar with his tunes but was impressed with his artistry. He played all the hits that Thom expected and more with three encores to delight the sold out crowd. Along the way, he shared personal stories of his family and how his music evolved. Quite the entertaining evening.

Lost count of the multiple Elvis guitars he used to serenade us — Lost count of the multiple guitars Elvis C. used to serenade us

Moving on to NYC, we landed and immediately after checking in to our hotel, we set off on foot to walk a few miles to the City Winery to see Griffin House, an artist that I’m sure you have never heard of but might enjoy. We like this venue so much that we wanted to go while in NYC and Tuesday was our free night so Griffin House happened to be playing that night and off we went. I had checked out his indie/slightly country music but enjoyed his live performance even more. Slightly shy and awkward at first, he gradually got into it and finished very strong with the crowd calling out their favorite songs for him to play, which he gladly performed. He is one of the many struggling artists out there just looking for their big break and working hard, living in Nashville and hitting the road to tour the small clubs. He’s coming to The Tractor in Seattle and then to Boise so check him out later this summer/fall.

Griffin House sharing his bluesy tones with us at City Winery

Finally, walking home from a gallery opening after a short hike on the Highline, we were in our old neighborhood near the Flatiron and decided to check out who was playing at Toshi’s, our favorite local music bar. Lucky for us, Hello Brooklyn was playing great cover tunes so we sat back with some refreshments and enjoyed their set. Toshi’s dog is the bouncer outside the club and Toshi himself is a charming host. If you are ever in NYC, you must go to Toshi’s and enjoy whatever music offering they have that evening. It’s sure to be a good time. Guaranteed.

Toshio's bouncer is a cutie — Toshio’s bouncer is a cutie

Finally, taking the subway to one of Thom’s old college buddies for dinner, we were serenaded by a Beatles cover band in the subway. I love this trend of officially sanctioned music in airports (Seattle) and subways (NYC) to entertain the commuters. They were quite good and having a rocking time both times we saw them-coming and going. I hope their tips were plentiful and the people appreciated their artistry. I did. Who knows what music we will enjoy next but I’m sure we’ll be spinning the tunes on Thom’s new turntable when we return to Seattle. Let the music and the good times roll…..

Rocking out with a healthy pour and Hello Brooklyn at Toshi's — Rocking out with Hello Brooklyn at Toshi’s

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