If you are wondering why I am sending this out it is because a week or so ago a good friend of mine ask me for the recipe. I figured, since I was giving it to him, I would go ahead and share it with you too. He hasn’t had it for a few years and still remembered it so that should tell you how good it is.

White Chili

If you are looking for a nice drive, some sanity and maybe some good breakfast, I have a suggestion for you.

250 Miles

Last Wednesday I set out down highway 61 along the Mississippi River to the play a gig up at School II in Chanhassen, MN.  At the gig, MJ, One of the artist that played that night, talked during her set about how beautiful it was driving along the same stretch a few days earlier. Man, I could not agree more.

That stretch of highway of is possibly the most beautiful stretches of any I’ve ever been on, especially in the fall with all the leaves turning brown, yellow, red and everything in between. Funny how I’ve been down that rode hundreds of times throughout my life but for some reason it never really hit me until this trip.

Anyway, if you live nearby and you get a chance, make sure you take the drive before all the leaves are gone.

The Perfect Breakfast

Also on the trip I decided stop for breakfast. A few years back some friends and I stopped at a place called “The Whistle Stop Cafe” which is in Frontenac just outside of Lake City on the a recommendation from my uncle Bruce. The home-cooked food and excellent service was was reeling me in again.

For the record, I am kind of pissed at myself for not having a camera along with me so I could've taken a few shot around Lake Pepin and then shared them with you. But, this pic should give you an idea. – Image by Jvstin via Flickr

This time was no exception. Everything tasted AWESOME. The hasbrowns, that filled almost the entire plate, where cooked perfectly and tasted like they where just shredded using potatoes from a nearby garden.

I went with eggs over medium because I was in a toast-dipping mood. They were cooked perfect!

And I even stepped out of my comfort zone a bit by choosing something outside of the usual ham-sausage-bacon medley by opting for kielbasa (my German and Polish heritage were begging me). Lots of times meat like this can be too spicy or extremely greasy but not this time. Again, very good.

As far as the service, I had my food in front of my quick and steaming hot despite a full parking lot and crowded dining room (at 10am on a weekday). The gal working was very nice and seemed to have a good spirit about her. She never let me see the bottom of my coffee cup (constantly stopping by to fill it up).

In The End

Overall, it was a pretty damn good 24 hours. I had a gorgeous drive, a great breakfast, heard some great music and had some great conversation with new and old friends the night a the gig. It was the kind of day that breaks up the monotony of the weekly grind and fills your soul with a breathe of fresh air.  How about you, had any days like that lately?

The Video

And here is some a video of me playing my tune “On My Way” that night. Looking back on it, the song really fits the whole experience.

P.S – A huge thanks to MJ for inviting me up, Jamie and AJ for letting me crash at their house, Rod for offering to let me crash at his, Stephanie for the video and to everyone who came out that night (even if you didn’t get to hear any music, Marta – lol).

P.S.S. – OH, and before I forget, be on the look out for some future posts on this very subject. You could just sign up to my fanlist when visit PlanetCorey.com.  I will deliver the article right to your email inbox and I’ll even give 3 free mp3 downloads right now just to say thanks.

I am constantly fascinated by the never ending creativity of people and this is why. Check out the turtle burger.

If you wanna whip one up, here is the recipe.

Handmade ground beef patties, topped with sharp cheddar cheese, wrapped in a bacon weave, then the next step, add hotdogs as the heads, legs with slits for toes and tail.

Next step. Place on an oven rack, covered loosely with foil and baked for 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees. A little crispy, not too crunchy…just how a turtle should be, no?
[I reckon the BBQ grill would work as well as the oven, don't you?]

Another entry for “who the hell thinks of this stuff?” category for sure.

Anyway, thought you might like that. Oh and if you decide to make some, give me a call. I’ll be right over.

P.S. This came in an email at work (thanks Bryan S.) so I am not sure who to give the proper credit too. My apologies if i piss anyone off.

I love food almost as much as I love writing and playing music, so I figured I would write about it every now and then. Today I wanted to talk to you about what could be my favorite meal of the day – breakfast.

It is something that I, along with a majority of my family and friends, take very seriously.  Why? Its simple. Having a crappy breakfast is about as annoying as the damn alarm clock buzzer that wakes your ass up.

The No Chain Rule

When we are in our home town and we feel like going out for breakfast, its easy to pick a place. After years of trial and error, we know a few restaurants to trust our morning appetites with, BUT when we are on the road it is difficult.

But, not any more.

Over the years we’ve come up with a simple rule; No Chain Restaurants. Sorry Perkins, Denny’s, iHOP, McDonalds, etc but my bet is with the locals.

6 Reasons

Here’s are 6 reasons why I think that your odds of getting a good breakfast are substantially increased by walking into a local cafe or restaurant:

1) Better Service And Friendlier - Not to say that the chain restaurants can’t be friendly, but there is something about the atmosphere that is present when all the locals are hanging out in a place that is owned and operated by one of their own rather than from some board room in a big city.

2) Cheaper – Maybe its because they don’t have to pay a franchise fee or maybe it is because they just want an honest days pay for and honest days work – I don’t know. But 9 times out of 10 your wallet will be “less” lighter when you walk out of one of these places.

3) Better Quality – I worked at a McDonald’s back in the earlier 90′s and everything came on a truck from some far away processing plant (hmmm…processing plant, makes the mouth water doesn’t it?). You are more likely to get something that is grown and/or raised nearby when you go local. Also, I think there is a pride factor that is more prevalent at a local restaurant. Typically it is an owner or family member cooking the food and their reputation and livelihood is on the line.

4) Local Flavor – I am not just talking about how the food taste here but the whole experience. I mean, if you’ve see one Perkins, you’ve seen them all right? Why not get a feel for the soul of the town you are in? Life is all about about moments and there is a greater chance you find one at a local joint.

5) More Food – 9 times out of 10 you are gonna get bigger portions at a smaller restaurant. Maybe its the pride factor at work or maybe it just that the place is more likely to think of you as a guest as opposed to a dollar sign.

6) Its Just Exciting – To me it is just exciting to break out of the same old, same old. You could meet new people, learn something new or just discover a new take on a ham and cheese omelet. Besides, I don’t jump out of airplanes so I have to get me excitement somewhere right?

What Do You Think?

So there you have it. Next time you are out of town and looking for a good solid breakfast, try the “No Chain Rule” – and then stop back and tell us about it.

Now, do you agree or disagree? Did I miss anything? Do you have any recommendations? If so, please jot down your thoughts in the comments below.

OH, and before I forget, be on the look out for some future posts on this very subject. I will try to blog about some of the places I come across and share them with you. You could just sign up to my fanlist (look to your right when you visit PlanetCorey.com now).  I will deliver the article right to your email inbox and I’ll even give 3 free mp3 downloads right now just to say thanks.