Constructive Criticism

It was only a couple of months ago that I first noticed the construction of the building that is now Dunn Bros. Coffee #177. Being a regular coffee drinker, and someone who would much rather socialize and unwind in a calm, relaxed environment than a noisy, crowded bar, I couldn't help but be excited that a real coffee shop was opening in a relatively close location. I was completely unfamiliar, however, with Dunn Bros. Coffee so, as soon as I could, I checked the company's Wikipedia page. Upon reading, I'd learned that Dunn Bros. Coffee is a fairly reputable franchise which roasts all of it's coffee in-house. This really excited me. After checking out their website, I decided that I'd check this place out as soon as it opened. Those of you who follow my Twitter feed may have noticed that I expressed curiosity about the opening of this new location. Within seconds of tweeting my inquiry, I was mentioned by @dunnbroscoffees with a response informing me that the site had already opened. Impressed by this unexpected reply, I was further excited and made it a point to get in there at my earliest convenience. I must admit, though, that I got my hopes up in a major way.

Okay, it wasn't all bad. First off, the coffee: delicious. The overhead menu offered a coffee of the day, so I opted to try the Full City Rwanda. Honestly, I made it through two cups very quickly. The brew was rich and exhibited that natural, earthy sweetness we all crave in a great cup of coffee; no creamers, no sweeteners, just pure, black warmth. Despite the brilliance of the in-house roasted coffee (because of which, I most certainly will be returning,) let me walk you through my ordering experience.

There were only two people ahead of me at the counter, which is not at all something that bothered me. Here, I was given the opportunity to give the store a nice once-over, and visually browse the Starbucks-like assortment of desserts and chilled goods. For such a short line of customers, it did seem to be taking a while to move forward. After seven minutes or so, I made to the front of the line and was able to place my order. Of course I took my own 10oz mug to get filled, and there was no problem carrying on this tradition. I did expect some sort of personal-mug discount, though . If one was offered, I couldn't tell based on the price, and one certainly wasn't mentioned to me. This is when I noticed that the guy at the register dripped with inexperience. He seemed to be scattering about, and perhaps even a little nervous. Alarmed, I began to observe the rest of the staff scurrying around the seemingly spacious prep-area. I couldn't help but notice, at this point, that the average age of the staff back there had to be, like, 40. Am I saying there's a problem with middle-aged folks? Not at all. I do feel, though, that our friends at Dunn Bros. Coffee, with their modern, flat, solid-color decor, wall-mounted high-definition TVs, and massive outdoor seating area (complete with stage for live music,) have attempted to target an audience with a younger, more chilled-out state of being. The staff, on the other hand, just seemed like uppity, middle-aged ladies making coffee in an assembly line fashion. After analyzing the situation later, I was able to conclude that this is what it would be like if my parents got bored, decided to start-up a coffee shop, and then serve that coffee to me themselves. The employees didn't match the atmosphere I anticipated, or even the atmosphere I feel is trying to be created at this Dunn Bros. Location, then again; neither does the customer base.

After getting my mug filled, I moved to the a table against wall where I would have full visibility of the store. The interior was very visually appealing. I made myself comfortable in the booth, pulled out my laptop and began to sip. At 7:30a on a Friday, a steady flow of parents on the go made it's way through the doors. No smiles, no nods; just people expecting to be served. I had high hopes for a comfortable, warm, coffee shop experience, but I what I gathered was an overwhelming sense that this atmosphere was being forced; that this place was noticeably trying so hard to be a big deal. It felt very pretentious.

I realize that this is a new store location, and it will take a while for it establish it's own reputation and a regular customer base. Of course, I will revisit and possibly even become one of those regular customers. Perhaps I'm being too harsh. Perhaps my expectations were set too high for a franchise coffee shop. I'm not going to let my perceived first impression steer me away from a place that has incredible potential. According to the store's twitter feed, the management here is accepting applications for baristas. If you've got the stuff, please get in there and help this place become what it seems so desperate to become.

(Praise the Heavens) This place is NOT Starbucks; please keep it that way.

"Where Have You Been, Little Boy?"

Let me start by apologizing. Lately, I've been eating and playing and loving so much.  It's been well over a month since my last post, and though I realize this blog does not have many "loyal" readers, I still feel as though I have abandoned this blog. So, sorry. I must advise you that, though the details of my food and music-related milestones haven't been verbally expressed here, thoughts of them have been swirling though my head; thronged, like a slippery, over-crowded orgy. Of course, I want to share these things with you. Of course, I want to have these events logged so I can, at any moment, revisit them and say, "Yeah, man, that was awesome!"

So.. does this mean I am prepared to begin posting on a regular basis? Probably not.
Does this mean Stuck-in-my-head Sunday will resume today? Maybe.


What I would like to do, though, is lay down some of the things I have experienced over the period of my impromptu absence. Let me categorize them and randomly list things.


EAT
I have eaten some great, great food. I've packed an already countless number of picnics with a new love. I've prepared some great meals and shared them with my family. I've become acquainted with new restaurants and a few incredible people who've become new friends. I've caught up with old friends and welcomed the Summer-season with an unforgettable crawfish boil. I've reunited with a Tex-Mex restaurant, trips to which were scattered throughout my childhood. I've topped everything from burgers to hummus with a bottled sauce from a popular wing joint. I've introduced my taste buds to one of the best beers they've had the pleasure of bathing in. I've enjoyed a ballpark hotdog at a baseball game with a pair awesome lesbian colleagues.

PLAY
I have soaked myself in musical goodness. I've watched and listened to Guster in concert. (Dude, Guster!) I've listened to long-anticipated, new music from Incubus, and Foo Fighters, bands I will always support. I've taken advantage of the opportunity to introduce one of my brothers to the art of musical instrumentation. I've taken my mandolin out of hiding and expressed emotion in one of the greatest ways. I've finally met a percussionist/guitarist with whom not only can I jam, but who is extremely accessible, shares my enthusiasm for the art of musical expression, and can play at a caliber which nestles gently on the bosom that is my musical ability. This has allowed me to (finally) find range in my guitar-playing style, and help me curiously and eagerly wander out of the commonly-folksy/bluesy acoustic nest I've built myself.

Trust, friends, that there has been so much going on; so much awesomeness that I want to share. I hope to explain each of these things in more detail, and if that happens later rather than sooner, please know that I am continuously eating, playing, and loving.

Eric

Stuck-in-my-head Sunday: Innocent Bones

Iron & Wine is the stage name of singer-songwriter, Samuel Beam. Iron & Wine has been quietly releasing music since 2002, but has gained quite the following only in the last few years. Released earlier this year, Kiss Each Other Clean is a pretty-sounding album that peaked at number two on the Billboard Top 200. It's the notable impression of 2007's The Shepherd's Dog that got Iron & Wine stuck in my head this week, though. I think that "patient" is the most suitable adjective for describing this album; particularly the track Innocent Bones.

I don't remember when it was that I actually heard of Iron & Wine, but after being turned on by a recent performance on Conan, I was motivated to dig deeper into the basket of audible goodies this guy was offering. Of course, on Conan the new album was being pushed, and, like I said, it sounds great but Innocent Bones from The Shepherd's Dog is lyrical genius. I live almost too close to my place of employment so I try to kick my American heritage to the side and walk to work. During my walks this week, I've been absorbing Innocent Bones in all of it's splendor.

Song: Innocent Bones
Artist: Iron & Wine
Album: The Shepherd's Dog
Genre: folk rock

You'll like this song if you dig:
Dave Matthews Band
The Decemberists
Horse Feathers

Stuck-in-my-head Sunday: Shake Me Down

Cage the Elephant is a fairly young band that has made quite the impact on the alternative music scene since the release of  it's self-titled debut album in 2006, and, whether you want to or not, you know who they are. The 'guys in Cage the Elephant are known for their creative style in both music and video, as well as their high-energy live shows. The group's first few singles caught my attention, but the rest of that first album didn't necessarily stick with me. Recently, though, new (Pixie-like) album, Thank You Happy Birthday, has been released, and it's first single, Shake Me Down has been stuck in my head.

I get music from many different sources, but it's not very typical for me to (repeatedly) jam a tune that's blowing up today's pop airwaves. Due to the recent ceasing of the free trial subscription to a particular satellite radio service in my truck, I've reluctantly and figuratively painfully reverted to the commercial-laden pit that is Houston FM radio. This transition hasn't been all bad, though. I've been able to sate a certain level of nostalgia in catching a few segments of the well-known and ever-popular Rod Ryan Show on 9.45 The Buzz, Houston's go-to alternative station. The Buzz is also where I first heard Shake Me Down. The tune was catchy, and after the first time, I made a point to pay more attention to it during subsequent listens. It was the subconscious persuasion of a certain someone, however, that resulted in Shake Me Down getting stuck in my head. I enjoyed the music video, and after reviewing Thank You Happy Birthday in it's entirety, this track is definitely one that says, "Hey, listen to me again!"

Song: Shake Me Down
Artist: Cage the Elephant
Album: Thank You Happy Birthday
Genre: alternative rock
Video: click here

You'll like this song if you dig:
Pixies
Crash Kings
Cold War Kids
Silversun Pickups

Stuck-in-my-head Sunday: Give Up the Ghost

Radiohead, though formed in the mid-eighties, released their first single in the early-nineties, gained momentum through the mid-nineties, and were internationally recognized group by the late-nineties. I'd imagine that 1997's album, OK Computer could top the 'landmark records list' of any lover of alternative rock. Being known for the noticeable evolution of their musical style throughout the early-2000s, Radiohead managed to build up quite a stir over their latest release, The King of Limbs.  Since it's release, The King of Limbs has endured reviews that exhibit excitement as well as heartbreak. Being just a moderate fan of Radiohead, I'll share this week's review of Give Up the Ghost without any evident level of bias toward the album itself.

I was able to obtain the album on the first day the digital download was made available on Radiohead's website. I was heavily anticipating the release of this record, so, like an overly excited child on Christmas morning, I gave The King of Limbs quick listen as soon as the download was complete. As previously mentioned, I had already been hooked by the bait that is Lotus Flower, so I enjoyed that track once more and let the others play while I distracted by whatever else was going on that evening. It wasn't until I got in bed that night that I began to really dissect The King of Limbs and compare it to previous Radiohead works. Upon doing so,  I was surrounded by comfort as the speakers of my bedside mp3 player gently exhaled track number four, Give Up the Ghost. Since, I've had iTunes create a Genius playlist based on the song, and it's been my go-to track for a majority of this week.

Song: Give Up the Ghost
Artist: Radiohead
Album: The King of Limbs
Genre: alternative rock, experimental rock

You'll like this song if you dig:
Radiohead

Patio Container Gardening

Here's a bit of what I've been up to.

Stuck-in-my-head...Monday?: an Apology

Dudes,

I realize I missed posting yesterday, and I apologize. I'm still eating, playing, and loving but, along with minor computer problems, my time (and thoughts, really) have been elsewhere. For the record, so much music has been stuck in my head this week. As mentioned before, I've been jamming like crazy to the harmonizing lulls of The Decemberists and, as you (should) know, Radiohead hooked our junk up with new album The King of Limbs late last week. Radiohead front man Thom Yorke can be seen busting a move in the video to the new album's first single Lotus Flower. You can expect to see SIMHS posts return this Sunday. I hope you enjoy the rest of this week.

Eric

Stuck-in-my-head Sunday: Next Girl

The Black Keys are a two-man band with a huge sound. They've been providing the world with their funky-ass, bluesy rock since 2001 and have done so with a very impressive might. The band's (self-produced!) first album, The Big Come Up, introduced the dudes to a noteworthy amount of success, despite them being a band so new. Over the next nine years, The Black Keys would continue to record albums whose contents would be featured in movies, on television, and in video games, but it's 2010's album, Brothers that holds the easily-relatable track, Next Girl.

I had intermittently heard (but not necessarily listened to) The Black Keys over the past few years. I knew who they were, and I'd noticed a few tracks on the radio every now and again, but I failed to ever lend their sounds a fully-engaged ear. After hearing @mlejanderson speak enthusiastically of The Black Keys upon multiple occasions, I made the decision to set time aside to actually pay attention to their music. I first studied (and quite enojyed) Attack & Release. I loved feel of the album and upon listening to the others, I found that that feeling carried over from one album to the next. When I landed on Brothers, though, I couldn't get off. I actually anticpated dedicating this post to the entire Brothers album, but, in order to stay consistent with the theme of SIMHS, I deemed Next Girl the dominating track.

Song: Next Girl

Artist: The Black Keys

Album: Brothers

Genre: blues rock

Video: click here

You'll like this song if you dig:

The White Stripes (RIP)

Junior Kimbrough

The Decemberists

I'm a longtime fan of the band, Nickel Creek and, for a little while now, I've been following its fiddle-player, @sarawatkins, on Twitter. In a fair amount of Sara's tweets, she's mentioned The Decemberists, a band she's touring with for the first half of this year. For whatever reason, I've been reluctant to look into these guys, despite the relatively large appreciation I have for Sara's work.

A few hours ago, as a result of the very atypical circumstance that is me not being able to sleep, and the late-night twittering that ensued, I finally decided to check out The Decemberists on YouTube and I am hooked. I know it's not Sunday, but this stuff is stuck in my head!

Click here for a look/listen and check out The Decemberists' latest album The King Is Dead.

Italian Food Makes Me Sad

Italian food. I love the way it looks, the way it smells, and the way it tastes. I love the seemingly endless list of options Italian food presents the world with; meats and vegetables and soups and salads and pastas and breads and deserts, etcetera. I won't claim to dislike any food, but, sadly,  Italian is a cuisine that I rarely prefer to eat. I'm sorry. I totally respect everything about the food itself but, after I eat it, I feel so ridiculously stuffed. It's a different kind of full though, a miserable full. 

Because of this, I indulge in Italian food far less often than I'd like to. For example, it's been two days since I prepared delicious meal of homemade gnocchi with tomato and basil and I still feel full. This is starting to sound like a problem with my digestive system, which I assure you it isn't. Italian food is the only food that does this to me.

Stuck-in-my-head Sunday: Cornflake Girl

Tori Amos sprinkled 1990s radio with hits that were intensly quirky and incomparable to anything else of their time. Not only did Tori almost singlehandedly pave the way for female singer-songwriters in the early 90s, she came on with all orignial material, played multiple instruments, and self-produced the majority of her studio albums. Each of her releases contained tracks that would eventually add to her success, but it is 1994's Under the Pink that shares with us the splendor that is Cornflake Girl.

As I think back to childhood, I'm able to visualize clips of music videos in which Tori would display her sensual piano-playing technique and exhibit a faceful of passion. I can see the 90s version of my parents jamming Tori's music throughout the house and in the car. It wasn't until years later that I heard  Cornflake Girl grace the airwaves of Lithium, Sirius satellite radio's homestead for 90s alternative. Upon hearing the perfectly rhythmic acoustic intro, I immediately cranked it in my truck and quickly made sure to add it to playlists on my portable media devices for listening on the go. And, for some reason, I've not been able to stop listening to it this week.

Song: Cornflake Girl
Artist: Tori Amos
Album: Under the Pink (1994)
Genre: Baroque rock, piano rock
Video: click here

You'll like this song if you dig:
Alanis Morissette
Regina Spektor
Fiona Apple
Charlotte Martin

Drawing for Food

Drawing for Food is another blog mine wishes it could be. Visit it.





Stuck-in-my-head Sunday: 3rd Planet

Modest Mouse is an indie rock band that blossomed in 1993 at the crowning point of alternative music. The band cycled through members and released several EPs before finally reaching mainstream success in 2004 with the platinum-selling album Good News for People Who Love Bad News. It's one of the group's earlier tracks, however, that caught my ear this week. 3rd Planet is the first track on Modest Mouse's 2000 album, The Moon & Antarctica.

Modest Mouse has always been able to tickle the taste buds of my ears with it's clever use of instrumental and vocal sound in it's music and the presence of dense subject matter strewn throughout it's lyrics. It wasn't until very recently, though, that I was presented with the audible deliciousness that is 3rd Planet, thanks to the musical tastes of  pal and fellow awesomeness-lover, @stephtastic.

                           Source:  www.rhapsody.com/modest-mouse

Song: 3rd Planet

Artist: Modest Mouse

Album: The Moon & Antarctica (2000)

Genre: Alternative rock
Video: click here

You'll like this song if you dig:

Pixies

Beck

Radiohead

MGMT

It's Cool to be Cool

It seems that, today, we will do anything we can to earn a token of acceptance. I imagine most of us share a common subconscious expression that's, "If someone else is doing it, I think I will too."
Face it: it's cool to be cool.

Coffee is something that seems to be progressively getting cooler in the eyes (and mugs) of my generation. Pun aside, society's coffee-boner is a real deal. Coffee has become more than just a morning-starter or a workplace pick-me-up; coffee has become a hobby. And, with entrepreneurship evolving into a trend as well, coffeehouses have sprouted out of endless nooks and crannies with hopes of capturing the hearts of passersby and becoming the next go-to place and, well, one got me. Agora.

Smack-dab in the middle of Houston's Westheimer Road is a collection of antique shops, eateries, and dives that share a singular similarity; their strive for uniqueness. Smack-dab in the middle of that collection lies a coffee shop that succeeds in standing out. And though it greets you with a sense modesty,  there is plenty of evidence supporting the idea that Agora knows exactly how brilliant it truly is.

As you push through the front door, you'll be greeted with the sound of a fully-stocked jukebox that looks as if it could've been whacked by The Fonz once or twice. The perfectly lit room offers seating at a plethora of antique tables and chairs scattered along the walls and across the spacious bottom floor. To the right, a lonesome sofa provides a comfortable area for larger groups to chill out. A bar stretches across the left side of the house for a more personalized seating experience. Upon climbing one of the steepest set of stairs I've ever seen, one will find an indoor balcony lined with tables for two and areas perfect for studying students, witty writers, and relaxing readers alike. And if watching TV at home isn't good enough, the staff at Agora welcomes you to sprawl out in front of one of theirs.

Agora boasts an onslaught of fresh-brewed coffee. Their house blend, robust but never overpowering, is available for self-service, along with a selection of flavored brews that is sure to suit any taste. $3.50 will get you unlimited refills on any of these liquid treasures.

Nesteled against the bar is a self-serve showcase which houses fresh pasteries. The selection here ranges from simplistic to decadent, so one could snack lightly, or indulge if desired.

To the right of the of the checkout counter is a cooler filled from top to bottom with an impressive collection of bottled brews that will easily please a beer-drinker of any caliber. Atop the bar, and ripe for the picking, a baracade of winebottles makes it's presence known as you take your seat.  I feel that Agora doesn't see alcohol as a focal point, but rather, as an element spiked with the capabilty to enhance the already-abundant sense of relaxation one will find there. So, if you're looking to comfortably and responsibily unwind, it's almost as if you're encouraged to do so, but, if you're looking to "party down" or "get your drink on," may your search continue.

When you're looking for the perfect cup of coffee, alone or with friends, and you've decided you're at peace with the fact that your ruthless desire for social in-ness is acceptable, why not make yourself seen and get your cozy on at Agora? The door stays swinging from 9:00a to 2:00a everyday.

Burgers

If you know me on any personal level whatsoever, you know that I could spend hours talking about my love for burgers. Today, I'm keeping it simple. Someone shared a link with me that leads to what could easily be the best food-blog ever:

Peepmeat!


Thank you, Emily.

Stuck-in-my-head Sunday: Ape Dos Mil

Glassjaw hails from Long Island, New York; a city that boasts a laundry list of artists and musicians who are known for throwing themselves into their work completely. This band is no exception. The post-hardcore, alternative rock sounds of Glassjaw may not be for everyone, but the group won me over this week with thier track Ape Dos Mil from 2002 album, Worship and Tribute.

Glassjaw was indirectly recommended to me by a friend who had assumed I already knew of the band. He'd said, "Glassjaw is coming to Houston in.. March I think. Wanna go?" He was surprised when I asked, "Who's that?" The conversation ended there, but the thought lingered on and I decided to run a quick YouTube search on Glassjaw. Ape Dos Mil was the first song I heard and I've since been hooked.

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tommyauphoto/4473440167/

Song: Ape Dos Mil

Artist: Glassjaw

Album: Worship and Tribute (2002)

Genre: Post-hardcore, alternative
Video: click here

You'll like this song if you dig: 

Brand New

Deftones 

Incubus 

Taking Back Sunday

Butter it, don't Burn it: My Beef with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

It's no secret that things such as culture, geography, monetary income, and ingredient-availability effect the food people eat. Aside from these concrete factors, every type of food is subject to opinionated differences. The world of sandwiches is no exception, and introduces a spectrum of variety that other foods would have trouble surpassing. With all of the different grains that can be harvested for bread-making, the different milks that can be used for cheeses, the meats we base them on, the crops that can be used to dress, the endless array of herbs and spices and fats that can be combined to create condiments.. I don't know that another type of food could get me as riled up as sandwiches do.

I apologize. The purpose of this post is simple, really. A sandwich upset me. That's right, a sandwich. Not just any sandwich, either; a plain, old grilled cheese. You're probably thinking, "Dude, it's just a grilled cheese." And that's a statement to which I'd most certainly reply, "That's where you're wrong, friend!"

You see, when I think about a grilled cheese, I think back to my youth. I think back to the arousal of my senses of sight, sound, and smell when my grandmother would gently dip a knife into a tub of Country Crock, slather up a couple slices of Mrs. Baird's, slowly unwrap a Kraft American single, and construct the ideal sandwich just before laying that little bastard into the most trusty of her skillets and bringing each side to mouthwatering, golden-brown perfection. I've no doubt that you'd be able to paint a similar picture with a description of your childhood grilled cheese experiences.

Am I saying I feel that a grilled cheese must be limited to the aforementioned brilliance? Of course not. I've seen gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with select breads, the finest cheeses, and even dressed with certain add-ons such as condiments or produce. What I am saying, though, is that a grilled cheese sandwich should never be less than that memory of our childhood.

Unfortunately, I once experienced the tragedy of being served a "grilled cheese" that was nothing more than two (unbuttered!) pieces of toast between which a slice of cheese had sloppily been lain, and it pissed me off.

We all know the difference between the verbs, "grill" and a "toast," right? Just in case, let's see what our friends at Merriam-Webster have to say:


¹grill   verb \ˈgril\
 1 : to broil on a grill; also : to fry or toast on a griddle


¹toast verb \ˈtōst\
2 : to make (as bread) crisp, hot, and brown by heat

The apparatuses used to complete these (semi-)similar tasks are two completely different devices, and are designed for two completely different methods of heat distribution.

To you, the grilled cheese may be a simple sandwich, and I'll give you that, it is. That's no excuse to let this happen to you. A slice of cheese that's been lazily slapped between two pieces of toast is never an acceptable substitute for a grilled cheese sandwich.

Much More than a Musical Fruit

I am huge on spreads, dips, sauces, gravies, etc. Hummus has always been a favorite of mine. Hummus is simple, straight-forward; it's just plain good.

A disappointment I've run into on more than one occasion is meeting people who have never tried hummus. Heck, I've met people who've not even heard of the stuff!  We've got to get this taken care of.

Now, at your local supermarket, a couple bucks will get you  a few ounces of prepackaged, processed hummus. For those of you who prefer convenience or instant gratification, go for it. However, if your able to lend your kitchen ten or fifteen minutes, why not whip up a batch of your own?

Hummus of the Gods
Gather:
-1 19oz can chick peas - drained and rinsed
-1 tbsp tahini  (optional, but you'll be glad you added it)
-1 tbsp good olive oil
-2 small cloves of garlic (or one large clove)
-Juice from half of a lemon
-Water to adjust consistency as needed
Then:
Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Scrape sides and add water as needed. Once loaded into the serving vessel of your choice, your hummus can be dressed with red pepper flakes, olives, pine nuts, or left as is.

Trust me, this recipe is so quick and easy that, after making it once, you'll not want to revert to purchasing store-bought hummus.

Do me a favor. Do hummus a favor. Spread the word!