Savannah Trip-- Part 3: A Confederate Fort, Low Country Boil, Church and a New House

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Ed and I were off to Richmond Hill, Georgia, to the south of Savannah to visit Confederate For McAllister, site of several battles between the fort and Union ironclads as well as the destruction of the CSS Nashville.

We then went by Julie's old house in Richmond Hill.

We feasted in a low country boil which was bought from Wood's Seafood near their house.  We had more than enough for just $25.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Went to church with them at a modernistic one near them, then had breakfast at Henry's.  Later took a ride north to Bluffton, South Carolina and did a walk-through of Julie's son's nearly-completed home which is quite a structure.

--RoadGa.

Around Here: Sad Sox Eliminated, No Civil War Round Table, Donovan's Reef and German Fest at Stucky's

TUESDAY. OCTOBER 12

I had two big things to do today.  Originally just one, but yesterday's Sox-Astros ALDS game was rained out and rescheduled for today.  I also already had a McHenry County Civil War Round Table meeting at Woodstock Public Library, the first in person one since the virus hit at 7 pm.  The Sox game was in the afternoon.

We went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg to watch the Sox game which was my big mistake.  The Sox got off to a 1-0 lead, but then the bats went silent and any mistake the Sox made, the Astros scored.  They were especially good at scoring with two outs which happened quite a few times.  That is the mark of a good team.

And, out pitching collapsed again as well.  The result was a 9-1 loss and elimination from the playoffs.  To say the least, I was in no shape to drive the 17 miles to Woodstock for the round table meeting.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13

We went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and played trivia with Uncle Jeffie.  Afterwards, I went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois, and had their Wednesday special, the German Fest 4-course dinner which included beef goulash, bratwurst balls & sauce, hunter's pork chops and Black Forest cake for $13.50.  As usual, Chef Deb put out a great spread.

--Eins, Zwei, Drei.  --RoadHund

Stucky's 5-Course Mardi Gras Dinner for February 26: $12.95

Stucky's is located in Johnsburg, Illinois.

Served from 5 to 8 pm Wednesday.  I already have my reservations for this meal.

And, it is all you can eat.  And, just $12.95!!!!

FIRST COURSE:  Bayou Crab Chowder

SECOND COURSE:  Jambalaya with red beans & rice

THIRD COURSE:  Catfish with hush puppies

FOURTH COURSE:  Po Boy with pulled pork, slaw and fried pickles

FIFTH COURSE:  Beignets with caramel sauce

Salivating Just Thinking About It.  --RoadHog

I'd Celebrate That!! November 5 to 11: Saturday Is the 243rd Birthday of the USMC!!!

**  I'd celebrate that.

NOVEMBER 5, MONDAY--  American Football Day**  Doughnut Day**  Especially those Britt Donuts at Carolina Beach, N.C.

NOVEMBER 6,  TUESDAY--  Election Day**  I'll sure be celebrating the end of it.  It's been a long year and a half.   Nachos Day**

NOVEMBER 7, WEDNESDAY--  Job Action Day   Not sure what this is.   Hug A Bear Day**  Well, not the ones out in the wild, but those lil' cuddly teddy bears.

NOVEMBER 8, THURSDAY--  Cappuccino Day**  Especially pumpkin spice cappuccino,  99 cents for a large at Thornton's.  (I'll probably never know how to spell it without looking it up.    Parents As Teachers Day**   Let's hope parents are doing some teaching.

NOVEMBER 9, FRIDAY--  Scrapple Day**  Never had any, but I hear it is really good.

NOVEMBER 10, SATURDAY--   U.S. Marine Corps 243rd Birthday**  The best.  

NOVEMBER 11, SUNDAY--   Veterans Day**  Fly Those Flags.

Happy 243rd, Marines!!   --RoadDog

Legendary and Landmark N.C. Pies-- Part 6: Lemon Milk and Atlantic Beach Pies

LEMON MILK PIE

Harkers Island

Also called "Down East Lemon Pie."  Ritz Crackers, lemony custard made with sweetend condensed milk.

ATLANTIC BEACH PIE

Crook's Corner, Chapel Hill

Developed bu accident but on menu for good now.  A lemon pie.  Instead of meringue, use whipped cream.  Use saltines instead of Ritz Crackers

Sure Gl;ad These Entries Are Over.  Getting Too Hungry.  --RoadDog

LOVEMAKING TIPS FOR SENIORS:  Write partner's name on your hand in case you can't remember their name.

Legendary and Landmark N.C. Pies-- Part 5: Chocolate Chess and Vinegar Pies

CHOCOLATE CHESS PIE

Angus Barn, Raleigh

They make at least 100 of them a day and serves them warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

VINEGAR PIE

Jarrett House, Dillsboro

Most famous offering.  Using apple cider vinegar and lots of melted butter.  I don't know about this one.  The article has a recipe in case you want to try it.

Pie Me.  --RoadDog

LOVEMAKING TIPS FOR SENIORS:  Make sure you put 911 on your speed dial before you begin.

Legendary and Landmark Pies of N.C.-- Part 4: Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Pie

SWEET POTATO PIE--  Mama Dip's, Chapel Hill

A Chapel fixture for over 40 years.  The pie has a custardy filling made with milk, eggs, melted butter and, of course, you-know-what.

PUMPKIN PIE--  Aboard the USS North Carolina

On Thanksgiving 1943, sailors on board the battleship USS North Carolina, stationed off the Gilbert Islands in the Pacific had a feast.  Baked ham, giblet gravy, shipped potatoes, Waldorf salad, Grench peas, Parker House rolls, pumpkin pie and ice cream.

For the pumpkin pie crust, baker Donald Ayer's recipe required 200 pounds of flour, 96 pounds of shortening and 6 pounds of salt.  The custardy filling included evaporated milk, sugar and eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.

Pumpkin Pie For 2,339.  --RoadPie

LOVEMAKING TIPS FOR SENIORS:  Set the mood with lighting.  (Turn them ALL OFF!)

Legendary and Landmark Pies From N.C.-- Part 3: Blueberry, Tomato and Pecan Pies

BLUEBERRY PIE--  Olde Carolina Eatery, Burgaw

In a converted 100+ year-old drug store.  Pender County is home for the annual  N.C. Blueberry Festival, so, yep, they do grow famous blueberries.  And lots of them.

TOMATO PIE--  Smokey Shadows Lodge, Maggie Valley

A family-run lodge features a cheesy tomato pie.

PECAN PIE--  Creedmore

About the richest pie you'll ever eat.  But, for best, I'd have to go with Grandma Ebie's and Aunt Louise's pecan pies.

--RoadPie

LOVEMAKING TIPS FOR SENIORS (From Wassup Magazine):  Wear your glasses to make sure your partner is actually in the bed.

Legendary and Landmark Pies of N.C.-- Part 2: Applejacks and Grape Hull Pie

APPLEJACKS--  Wayne Couny Fair at fair time.  (Nope, not a cereal.)

Last year, a church folded, fried and sold more than 8,000 of 'em.  In case you're wondering, they are a crispy, just-fried apple hand pie, meaning you eat it without a fork... your hands.  I had one once at the Fremont Daffodil Festival.  Good eating anytime, anywhere.

GRAPE HULL PIE--  Duplin Winery, Rose Hill

N.C.'s oldest winery and largest by volume.  These are muscadine grapes and some don't become wine.  They become pies.

Pie Me.  --RoadPie

SOME OBSERVATIONS:  The word "swims" upside-down is still "swims."  try it.

Legendary and Landmark Pies of North Carolina-- Part 1: Peanut and Coconut Pies

From the March Our State Magazine by Emma Laperruque.

Since yesterday was National Cherry Pie Day (see the previous entry in this blog).  This seemed appropriate.

When it comes to desserts, pies are always at the top of my list.

Here are some legendary and landmark pies in N.C:

PEANUT PIE--  Lumberton  Originally at the long-closed Blanchard's Restaurant.

COCONUT PIE--  Blake's in Condor

Wait!!  There's More!!  --RoadPie

SOME OBSERVATIONS:    Every time you clean something, you just make something else dirty.

New TV Show to Watch: Eatin' Down the Road

Yesterday, I watched the "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives" marathon on the Food Channel. It is hosted by Gary Fieri who is quite a character.

He did one whole show featuring three places along Route 66. We've eaten at all three: Holland Burger in Victorville, Ca, Rock Cafe in Stroud, Ok, and Cafe on the Route in Baxter Springs, Ks.

The Rock Cafe's owner was the inspiration for Sally the Porsche on the movie "Cars."

For more on these places:
http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com

I will definitely start watching this show. In January or February, he will be doing another show featuring Charlie Parker's, one of our favorite places to eat in Springfield, Illinois.

I don't know if I'd rather cruise down the road, or eat down the road.

Very Jealous of Gary Fieri's Job. Wait, I'm Retired. What Am I Saying? --RoadDog

Chain is Open and No More No Wake

Yesterday, my buddy Frank came by and we went out boating as it was sunny, but humid.

Put gas in the boat. I buy from gas stations and container it out to the boat. As BAD as prices are at the land stations, on the water, it is at least 75 cents to a buck more.

We had checked the local waterway agency and saw that the no wake (where you can't make waves while moving) was still on. While cruising across Fox Lake to Electric Harbor, we saw quite a few boats going at high speeds and making wakes of course.

Once at the Harbor, we found out that the no wake had been lifted at noon. Good news!!!

The special at the Electric Harbor on Wednesdays is $1 Johnsonville brats. Now how can you beat that? Then, there's the fantastic view as we were sitting out at the gazebo and could see right down the whole of the lake.

We boated along, happy now that we could go fast, a great help when the wind dies down. Next stop was Baja Benny's with their great Caribbean decor. Baja's is at the old Costello's, a favorite watering hole for many years.

It Was a Good Day to be Out and About on the Chain. --RoadDog

Where Are the Nearest Places to Chicago for That Great Food?

The Tribune had a graphic and of the US and a table showing 8 different food places, closest location, miles, what they're known for, and if they are planning on coming to Chicago. I added my comments at the end.

CHICK-FIL-A- Racine, Wis.- 75 miles- chicken sandwiches, nuggets, waffle fries- around Christmas 2008.
I have eaten at a Chick-fil-A in Goldsboro, NC. They are good, but I like Popeye's better.

MAID-RITE- Rockford, Ill.- 80 miles- loose meat sandwiches (like sloppy joes, but less sloppy)- by Christmas.
I've had one at the Amana Colony in Iowa. This is a great sandwich. There is also one in
Springfield, Ill, that I plan to visit the next time we're there. A great Midwest tradition.

SONIC- Champaign, Ill- 136 miles- slushees drinks and Toasters (burgers using Texas toast)- within two years.
I've eaten at the one in Clinton, Oklahoma on a Route 66 cruise. Great food and slushes-very retro.

JACK IN THE BOX- Litchfield, Ill- 245 miles- Sourdough Jack sandwich, tacos, curly fries- no plans at this  point. We've been to this one many times. Both Liz and I are big fans of the Monster
Taco. We had Jack in the Boxes in the Chicagoland area at one time, but they've
all since pulled out. We got hooked at the one in Palatine, Ill, at the corner of Pala-
tine Road and Northwest Highway (US-14).

I remember a Jack in the Box opening at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb my
sophomore year. George, my roommate at the Delta Sig house, got a job there. It
was great excitement at the house when he got home after his night shift, as he
would bring home any leftovers. I, as first roommate, always got first choice. It
was a sad day when he quit.

We've eaten at the Litchfield one, even if we were full from eating at the Cozy Dog in
Springfield, about 50 miles away.

FATBURGER- Southfield, Mi.- 277 miles- the Fatburger, a one-third pound burger with all the fixins- fall
of 2007. Never had one of these.

WHATABURGER- Ridgeland, Ms.- Whataburger with cheese, Whatachick'n with bacon- no plans beyond
ten Southern states. I think we had one along Route 66, but can't remember for sure.

CHAROCHICKEN- Las Vegas- 1,760 miles- Fire-grilled chicken with lemon garlic butter--not for a long
time. Haven't heard of this one, but sounds like a place to check out next time
we're there.

IN-N-OUT BURGER- Las Vegas- 1,747 miles- the double-double- no time in the near future.
This chain has been around since the 50s, but only has stores in California,
Arizona, and Nevada. I'd never heard of them until I came across an obituary
on the co-founder and found it of interest. We ate at one in California on last
fall's Route 66 trip. Then, we ate at one of three located in Las Vegas. Well
worth a stop!!!

Gettin' Hungry Just Typing This. --RoadDog

When is It Alright to Stop at a Restaurant Chain While on the Road?

If you're really, really hungry. Or if it's 10 PM and nothing else is around. But especially if you can't eat at that place around home or you've never seen the place before (which means it is not around your area).

When we're on the road, it's mom and pop joints for us, or any place featuring regional cuisine. Quite often we will have a meal in a place that has NTN/Buzztime. We always stop at new NTN sites while traveling and have been to almost 600 places across this country from Hawaii, California, Texas, New York, North Carolina, and Florida, but that is another story.

The July 5th Chicago Tribune ran an article titled, "Would you like some nostalgia with that?" by Kevin Pang. Most of the article was taken up talking about the Brown family of West Chicago who drove 75 miles to Racine, WI, to get Chick-fil-A sandwiches. They were living in Virginia when they got hooked on them, often eating at Chic-fil-A two to three times a week.

It went on to discuss that, as children, your brain translates anything that is high caloric as delicious. Plus, food leaves indelible imprints on your brain that will stay with you throughout your life. That cream pie that Aunt Mary made, Uncle Buck's steaks. Those will take you right back.

When Krispy Kreme finally got to the Chicago area in 2000, this was the "Big Thing". Lines formed of people who had fallen under its spell while visiting other parts of the country. Two years later, when one opened in the Loop (Chicago's downtown), "college-age students camped out literally- with lawn chairs, portable TVs and grills."

Eatin' on the Road, Ah, There's the Rub. --RoadDog

Bringing the Record Home!!! The Hot Dog-Eating Record, That Is!!

Date: July 4, 2007; Place: Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, Coney Island, New York City; Event: 92nd Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest; Winner: Joey Chestnut.

In a stunning upset this past Wednesday, Californian Joey "Jaws" Chestnut upset six-time defending champion Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi of Japan by eating 66 dogs in 12 minutes to Kobayashi's 63. Tsunami even broke his old record of 53.75, but to no avail. It just wasn't his day in the face of that gastronomical onslaught.

This was an IFOCE (International Federation of Competitive Eating)-sanctioned contest. I guess there has to be an official organization for everything these days.

However, Jaws, is no johnny-come-lately upstart. Some of his world records:

18.5 eight ounce waffles in 10 minutes at Waffle House
47 grilled cheese sandwiches in ten minutes
8.4 pounds of pork rib meat in 12 minutes
6.5 pounds of horseshoes (a great Central Illinois treat) at the Illinois State Fair in 2006
9.6 pounds of pulled pork ( a NC treat, Wilber's anyone?) in ten minutes
182 chicken wings
7.05 pounds of chicken wings in 12 minutes
and now, 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes

This boy can sure eat!!!!!

Nathan's Famous has been in business at Coney Island since 1916, and that is a LOT of hot dogs, even those not eaten by competitive folks. What began as a small nickle a dog stand has now become a much-beloved New York institution and you can get them nationwide. Now, 1,400 businesses are able to sell the products without the upfront franchise fees. There are also restaurants in many states.

Some important dates in Nathan's Famous history (more on the website):

1892- Nathan Handwerker, founder, born in Poland

1912- He immigrates to the US and finds work at Feltman's Restaurant on Coney Island

1916- according to legend, four European immigrants have a hot dog eating contest at Nathan's to determine who was the most patriotic. The one who ate the most would be the most American. Irish immigrant James Mullen wins by eating 13 in 12 minutes. Thus began the annual tradition. That Joey must be SOME American!!! I wonder what James would have thought about this one, and ESPN covered it.

You can go to Nathan's website at http://www.nathansfamous.com/

Takeru Kobayashi also has a website at http://www.takerukobayashi.com/

The first Nathan's I ever had were at Topsail Beach a few years ago when Mom bought a big pack of 'em while we were at Hatch Haven, the condo by the beach. I'd always heard how great they were, and I'd have to say that was no lie.

I also had them at a tourist trap in the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, but was not impressed with these. A month ago, I had them again at buddy Phil's 50 plus 1 birthday, and these were great. He claims that you have to grill them to be proper, and I'd have to agree.

If I ever get to New York City, a trip out to Coney Island and Nathan's is a must.

Forget the Statue!!! Gimme a Nathan's Famous!!! --RoadDog

Andy'll Be Sorry to Hear This

We have a brat-eater Down South in Tennessee and his name is Andy. He had never heard of a bratwurst before he came for visits during the summer (and I like to worked the poor little guy to death on the yard out here in Spring Grove). I took him out for them several times and he developed a taste for them, although I can't remember if he likes the VERY necessary condiment called sauerkraut on it.

I like mine with sauerkraut, mustard, and onions, either grilled or raw. Now that is a perfect brat. I'm always amazed how many places I go to that serve brats and DON'T have sauerkraut. That kind of defeats the purpose. It's like having Carolina bbq without coleslaw, hushpuppies, and tea.

Andy especially was impressed with the brats from Sheboygan, Wi. He had a very funny way of saying She-boy-gan brats. Ask him to say it sometime.

He also became quite fond of Johnsonville brats, widely considered the best you can get. He was quite happy when he found they had started selling them in Tennessee grocery stores.

Sad to report, that the founder of Johnsonville Sausage Co., Ralph F. Stayer, died yesterday at age 92. He took a butcher shop that was struggling in 1945 and turned it into a multimillion dollar company. You have to admire a person who sees a need, and through hard work, makes a success of himself.

For more info, see www.roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com

I'll Have a Brat for Mr. Stayer, What Do You Mean You Don't Have ANY Sauerkraut!!!!! --RoadDog