The 2017 Golden Globe Awards were full of eye-catching and heart-stopping celebrity fashion. They were worn by tastemakers such as Carrie Underwood, Miranda Kerr, Tracee Ellis Ross, Zuri Hall, Kristin Cavallari, Caitriona Balfe and Halston Sage
There is a town in California located in the Delta region between San Francisco and Sacramento that used to be famous for its crayfish, or as some call them, crawdads, crawfish, or even mudbugs.
Recently we took a trip to this town to visit its most well-known restaurant for crayfish. This establishment served crayfish in buckets with beer and other accoutrements. But upon arriving, we found it closed and deserted, with the atmosphere of a ghost town permeating the entire street. The only thing missing was tumbleweeds.
Having made this trek, we decided to search out any establishment nearby that might have the legendary crayfish. We fortunately found one, and ventured inside. The hostess was friendly, and the ambience, although not fancy or trendy, was clean and comfortable. The menu promised a crayfish melt. That is what we ordered, with great anticipation.
What arrived was beyond expectations. It was beyond words. What lie between the slices was the color and texture of crispy hash browns. There was little indication it was what some call a delicacy. It was lifeless. It was utterly devoid of any appeal. The crayfish on the sandwich was basically mush, topped with a slice of greasy cheese. The bread was toasted, and there was no condiment of any sort. It was in sum, a horror story.
When we asked where the crayfish came from locally, we were told they were from China. Considering this town was known for its local crayfish, importing them from China was like going to Napa Valley and only ordering wine from Antarctica.
When we took our first bites, the flavor of soggy cardboard was overwhelming. After a few more experimental chews, the entire venture was abandoned. This was in fact, the absolute worst sandwich we have had in years. It was also probably the worst crayfish melt in history.
Fortunately for those involved in this heinous use of shellfish, our goal is not to embarrass the restaurant. It is just to share with you how utterly horrible a Chef can make comfort food taste.
If you wander into a small California town and see crayfish melt on the menu, and the crayfish is not locally sourced, we can only suggest that you avoid it.
Avoid it.
Last July, Switchfoot released their 10th studio album Where The Light Shines Through, an energetic and passionate record self-produced with the help of John Fields. They recently wrapped up the “Looking For America Tour” with Relient K and have announced that they’ll be extending it with additional dates in 2017 as the “Looking For America 2our“!
Here’s a sample from the tour
Says their publicist, Becky Kovach of Big Picture Media:
“The name Switchfoot probably recalls memories of “Meant To Live” and “Dare You To Move,” or maybe even “Only Hope,” but there is so much more to this band than just a few fleeting moments. Their live show is one of the most passionate and uplifting experiences I’ve ever had at a concert. There is love and hope in every song, and for a few hours each night there is no distinction between band and fans. The crowd carries each melody as surely as lead singer Jon Foreman does and he can often be found dancing his way across the floor, hugging fans like old friends as he goes.”
Switchfoot is no flash-in-the-pan or one-hit wonder. The band has grown and endured for 20 years, churning out album after album of alternative radio hits, selling over 5.7 million copies worldwide of their first nine studio albums (including their 2003 double-platinum breakthrough The Beautiful Letdown and 2009’s Grammy Award-winning Hello Hurricane), and performing sold-out world tours with over 4 million concert tickets worldwide.
Because it was great fun both times, a grand adventure, and sold out, we will be going on a third Chocolate & Wine Cruise on the Bay on February 11th.
Getting a new item for the kitchen or a gift for the home cook often seems to center around finding the latest cookbook, or wrapping the newest spatula. Fortunately there are ways to add both style and functionality to a kitchen in a way that says, “I want to give you the best, and here it is.”