Tag: minute in

A Minute In Troy with Sean Rowe

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Welcome to “A Minute In …” — a BGS feature that turns our favorite artists into hometown reporters. In our latest column, Troy, New York’s Sean Rowe takes us on a tour of his favorite parks, restaurants, and beer bars. The songwriter just released New Lore.

I’m a Troy Boy, through and through. I was born and raised in and around these streets and have watched Troy, New York, go from being a rundown, forgotten city to the new “upstate Williamsburg.”  The streets I roamed as a kid, and my uncle’s restaurant where I washed dishes as a teenager, are now pretty damn hip — places with names like Peck’s Arcade and Superior Merchandise. And while I love to get a good whiskey on the rocks at Peck’s and a fancy cortado at Superior, my old favorites still stick with me, just like the old blues records I listened to while daydreaming of my rock and roll career as a kid on 15th Street. Here are a few of my old and current haunts.

Peebles Island State Park: Now, while this place is not in Troy proper, it’s close enough and so magical that I couldn’t leave it out. The three-mile island overlooks the place where the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers meet, and it’s an incredibly beautiful and historic place in the Mohawk creation story. The deer are everywhere here. It is my place of peace — where I go when I am road-weary and I need a way to reconnect. In early March of 2007, I found a young, lifeless buck lying in the walking trail. At the time, I was attending a wilderness survival school and I was eager to use my newfound skills to process the deer for food, tools, and clothing. Still got the deer hide with me to this day. This place, it’s unparalleled for me.  ​

Louis Rubin Approach (a.k.a. “The Steps”): Now this … this is classic Troy. It’s the view from the top of the “steps” at RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) which were built in 1907. Over the years, the huge staircase has gotten several makeovers, and now it’s where I go to run, Rocky-style. I still dream that Mick will be waiting for me at the top with some sides of beef to punch, but … hasn’t happened yet.  

The Ale House: If you are a Trojan, as you would be called, then you’ve frequented the Ale House. It’s a classic, and it’s my Cheers bar … Ya know, everyone knows my name. The place is tiny — I’ve graduated from playing here to playing at their venue across the street called the Hangar — but it’s just that coziness that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. That might also be the amazing wings … or the beers … or the Hembold’s hot dogs … or the Mexican night menu on Wednesdays …

Muza: You know when you’re super hungry and you don’t want to risk going somewhere you might be disappointed, so you have your standby restaurant that you know is going to hit the spot every single time? That’s Muza. Every. Single. Time. This place is a Polish feast that I would eat at every night if not for pesky things like heart disease. The food is incredible — kielbasa, pierogis, and crepes. Oh my. They’ve recently opened up a Biergarten called the Hill that is for the fancy folks. And while I love grabbing a Zywiec porter and a mushroom toastie up there, it’s the original Muza that has my heart.

A Minute in Santa Barbara with Glen Phillips

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Welcome to "A Minute In …" — a BGS feature that turns our favorite artists into hometown reporters. In our latest column, Glen Phillips takes us to the parks and trails of Santa Barbara, California.

I was born in Santa Barbara, so I had to travel a bit to understand that most of the world isn’t 72 degrees and sunny with a little morning fog on occasion, a year-round bustling farmers' market, and instant access to mountains and ocean. I moved to Nashville in October of 2016, but still go back to Santa Barbara one week a month. I have 45 years of friends and family there. It’s a deep, beautiful, and varied community.

This is the East Beach bike trail. One of my favorite runs in town is to park at the bird refuge and go along the bike trails to the end of Shoreline Park. The view is great, the sea air is cooling, and there’s almost no stopping for street traffic. Perfect running route.

Backyard Bowls makes whole-fruit smoothies and acai bowls. Delicious and simple. I prefer the green bowl with peanut butter added. I try to go there any time I’m in town. 

There are so many trails in Santa Barbara that it’s hard to choose one. This picture is from the top of the Cold Springs Loop. It’s my go-to quick hike. I also love heading up Romero Canyon all the way to the top of the mountain where you can see the valleys on one side and the ocean on the other. It’s about a four-hour loop with fire roads heading up and single-track on the way down. That one has become a New Year’s ritual for me.

The Santa Barbara Farmers' Market is open 52 weeks a year, with a variety of organic and unsprayed fruits and vegetables I have never seen the equal of in all my travels. I love to cook, and I love to know the people who grow my food. My favorites are Shepherd Farms, Roots (best carrots on earth), Fairview Gardens, Tutti Frutti (heirloom tomatoes!), and BD and Earthtrine Farms (greens and herbs). Santa Barbara is food heaven. 

Soho is my hometown gig in Santa Barbara. Family-run by serious music fans and a staff with a ton of heart. Also a great kale salad. 

Lede photo by Ashtin Paige. All other photos by Glen Phillips.

A Minute in Houston with Robert Ellis

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Welcome to "A Minute In …" — a BGS feature that turns our favorite artists into hometown reporters. In our latest column, Houston's Robert Ellis takes us on a tour of his favorite haunts for tasty queso, heavy pours, and incredible art.

I have heard a lot of people say a lot of bad things about Houston. Mostly, it's from friends who are in bands and spent one night there five years ago while on tour. When you are running around and playing a new city every day, there just isn't a lot of time. Most of what you know of a city is directly related to what places are near the venue or the hotel. Maybe, if you get lucky, you can Yelp a good coffee shop before leaving in the morning and it won't be too far out of the way. 

Houston is huge and sprawling. People visit once and, because they aren't in the right part of town, they remember the city by what the area around their airport hotel was like. This is not a complete picture. I want to try and help. If you happen to pop into Houston for a day, here are some things I would recommend doing. 


Photo credit: drewtarvin via Foter.com / CC BY

Eat at El Tiempo. This is my absolute favorite restaurant on the planet. Order the beef fajitas and a margarita. Queso, too, if you have time to take a nap. I prefer the Washington location, but you really can't go wrong. 

Bars. Warren's Inn and La Carafe downtown are great hangs, across the street from one another. Both are very old. Warren's Inn has heavy pours and a good jukebox. 

Photo courtesy of Captain Foxheart's

Captain Foxheart's Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge is a place to get a really great cocktail, as well as tons of different kinds of fancy or hard to find liquor. Let the bartenders just make you something they think is good. Be careful: I've gotten very sloppy on these drinks accidentally. Double Trouble also has a great scene and Tacos a Go-Go has some great tacos right across the street. 

Photo courtesy of Mai's

Go dancing at Barbarella or Arlos, once you are good and liquified. Dance all night. Make friends. Try and find a pool at someone's house to go swimming in or end up at Mai's for more food. Get the salt-toasted tofu. They are open pretty late and it's quite a scene when the bars close. 

Wake up hungover and go to Catalina Coffee. The taco truck outside has really good tacos. Down the road is Laredo Taqueria, as well, or bahn mi at Les Givral's. If you go there, get a fried egg on whatever you order. 


Photo credit: dr vaxon via Foter.com / CC BY

Visit the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel before you leave town. I used to live right behind this place. The park outside of the museum is where some members of my band and I first met playing guitars in the park. It's a free, private collection full of some of my favorite stuff in the world. Mark Rothko also built an incredible meditation room adjacent to the museum with some of his big black canvasses. If you have time, take some drugs (or not) and walk around the whole place. Make sure not to miss the Cy Twombly building and the Dan Flavin light installation on Richmond.

This is just one path of many you could take in a city as large as H-town. There are lots of great places I didn't mention, so please come back … and let me know when you do. 

Lede photo courtesy of the artist

A Minute in Portland with Chris Pureka

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Welcome to "A Minute In …" — a BGS feature that turns our favorite artists into hometown reporters. In our latest column, Portland's Chris Pureka takes us on a tour of her favorite haunts, from a dog-friendly Mexican joint to the best spot to get your hair trimmed.

Grindhouse Coffee

Start your day getting caffeinated … This place is a local, woman-/queer-owned coffee shop that I love to support, which is convenient because it is right in my neighborhood. They use beans from a local roaster, Extracto, and they have a really good breakfast sandwich. The best selling point for me is — because it is a coffee stand and not a shop — I can walk my dog there and she can sit with me while I read the paper. (But there is still a roof for those rainy Portland days.) Plus their motto is "Sexy Coffee."

Tin Shed

I used to visit here long before I moved to Portland. It has been a brunch staple for at least 10 years and it still has a super-long wait on the weekends. There are now a bunch of trendier spots around, but the Tin Shed continues to be a solid staple with all kinds of brunch goodness and large bloody marys and mimosas. Plenty of veggie and gluten-free options. Again, added bonus, you can bring your dog — and they even offer a doggie meal, if your canine friend is hungry. 

Tiger Tiger

Maybe you are in need of a little pampering or just a trim … Tiger Tiger has become my spot to get my hairs clipped. Photo evidence of my latest cut. There are a lot of really great stylists there, but I go to Jenny Lewis (no relation to Rilo Kiley). Tell her I sent ya! 

Communion

You might want a new outfit to go with your stylin' new hairdo. My favorite place for new threads is called Communion, and it's located in the vibrant part of the Hawthorne neighborhood strip. The shop has men's and women's clothes, and I almost always find something I love. (You've been warned!) Plus, while you are there, you can visit Jackpot Records down the street or check out some of the many local vintage shops. 

Breakside Brewery 

If you're getting thirsty and want a happy hour beer, Breakside is my favorite brewery in Portland.  In a town that is pretty famous for beer, there are a lot of options and this one is my spot. Their beers are consistently great quality, so I'm game even when it's a style that I don't typically go for. They usually have 6-10 seasonal beers, plus their standard four flagship beers — all of which are excellent. Plus they have outdoor seating and great food. Located in the super-cute Dekum Triangle of Woodlawn.

Tamale Boy 

I have a lot of old favorites from many years of visiting Portland before I moved here, but this one is new to me. I just went there recently and loved it. Portland is definitely not known for it's Mexican food, so this is a gem. The food is traditional and what I would call comfort food but with great flavors. The cocktails are superb — try the El Diablo (roasted habanero-infused tequila, mango purée, lemon and lime juices, and a salty, spicy rim), or their excellent classic Micheladas and Palomas. Also, it's dog-friendly with outdoor seating and right next door to a gelato place. 

The Doug Fir

Portland is an amazing town for live music. The Doug Fir is not only my favorite venue in Portland, but one of my favorite venues in the country — both to be in the audience and to be on stage. The sound is generally excellent, and the room is vibey and offers different options depending on what mood you are in (seating/standing/bar). It also has a swanky bar/restaurant upstairs and a connecting hotel. It's got it all. I recently played there as my homecoming show to wrap up my album release tour and it's always such a pleasure.

The Kennedy School

If you want to catch a movie or need a place to rest your bones, the Kennedy School grounds include a hotel, a movie theater (pub style with pizza, beer, and second-run flicks), several restaurants and bars, and a soaking pool. There is a lot you can do without leaving the premises, which can be kind of nice if you are looking for a restful vacay without a lot of traveling about. This is one of the "McMennimans" properties which is a local chain of sorts — quirky, re-purposed buildings and unique boutique-type lodgings. Another one, Al's Den downtown, has free music every night — it's a great spot to just pop in and see who's playing.

My home

When I am not touring, I spend most of my time at home in either the garden or the music room: my total happy places. It's great to come home from tour and get my hands in the dirt and get back to writing. 

Chris Pureka is a Portland resident and musician. Her new album, Back in the Ring, is available now. 

Lede photo courtesy of the artist. All other photos by Chris Pureka.

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A Minute in Ojai with Perla Batalla

Posted on by Editor

Welcome to "A Minute In …", a BGS feature that turns our favorite artists into hometown reporters. In our latest column, Ojai's Perla Batalla takes us on a tour of her favorite haunts, from the post office to the public radio station.

The Coffee Connection

I live in the Ojai Valley and, much like my friend Kevin Ruf (pictured here), I am not a morning person. I love the coffee at the Coffee Connection — and much like Kevin — I need at least two double espressos to get me going. The owner, Jon Furness, and his well-trained staff make impeccable cappuccino with organic milk and coffee that is locally roasted, organic, and fair trade.

Ojai Post Office

Most days, when I am not on the road, I start my day by going to collect my mail at the Ojai post office. I love the Post Office tower. It is an iconic landmark located right in the center of town. Downtown Ojai is only about a block long, so keep your eyes peeled or you’ll miss it.

Libbey Park

Next to the Post Office is Libbey Park — home of the famous Ojai Music Festival. Most importantly, it is also home of the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation’s annual Martin Luther King Celebration, produced entirely by students. I am pictured here with Marty Van Loan on guitar and Claud Mann on cajon.

KPFK

Whenever our local public radio station, KPFK, does a fund drive, I head down the highway and join in the fun. More and more, it seems that public radio is the only real support independent artists have. I jump at the chance to sing their praises and support them back.

Knead Baking Company

Afternoon coffee and pastry breaks are an essential part of my week, especially if I can kibbitz with my best pal and wonderful photographer Heather Benton. Knead Baking Company is a glorious setting on a sunny day. Try their home-made bagels.

The Ojai Vineyard

I have a very warm spot in my heart (and my stomach) for great wines, and some of the very best are made right here in Ojai. Winemakers Adam Tolmach, of the Ojai Vineyard, and Bob Levin, at End of the Road Winery, are both masters of their craft.

End of the Road Winery

End of the Road Winery is magical place. I feel so lucky to get to be involved in the process of picking, bottling, and, most importantly, tasting!

My home

Nothing beats the evening view just outside my window. There are magical sunset skies in the early evening no matter which direction you look.

People always ask me where to find the best food in Ojai. The secret is … it’s at my house. My husband is celebrated chef Claud Mann (host of TBS’s Dinner & a Movie). I always know when he gets that certain look of deep concentration in his eye that he is plotting something scrumptious and the end result will mean perfect happiness for me and our invited guests.

The Thacher School

As a member of this community, I am lucky enough to be invited to concerts that are presented by the Thacher School, and the most recent was a mind-blower. Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed a glorious a cappella concert of South African song.

Perla Batalla is an Ojai-based singer/songwriter who tours and records internationally. 

All photos by Perla Batalla.