History at My Fingertips- Arlyn Studios

Music history and nostalgia is almost as important to me as the music itself.  Fortunately, Austin has such a rich and diverse music history, the city pulsates with it.  One of my tasks to accomplish over my stay, given to me by Time Out New York Magazine and Booking.com, was to find a spot where something notable in music history occurred.  After doing some research, I discovered there was no better place for me to experience than Arlyn Studios.

Here's a small list of some of my favorite musicians who have recorded at Arlyn...Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Nettles, The Toadies, Snoop Dogg, Ray Charles, Phish, and Sublime.  Some other biggies include:  Wilco, Eli Young Band, Lorde, Merle Haggard, Les Paul, Gary Clark Jr., Coldplay, and Buddy Guy. Not a shabby line up.  

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Recognize this bad boy??

Arlyn Studios also boasts a one-of-a-kind vintage Neve console.  If you've ever seen Dave Grohl's documentary, Sound City, you would know that the Neve console is the holy grail of all mixing/recording consoles.  They are rare and have been out of production for decades.  Records from some of the world's most acclaimed artists such as, Nirvana (Nevermind), Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac (Rumors), and Tom Petty, were recorded on a similar console.  Arlyn's is actually a Neve and API hybrid... the only one like it in the world.  

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Neve/API hybrid boards at Arlyn Studios

I was fortunate enough to get a tour from the current owner, Lisa Fletcher, whose husband/co-owner is also Willie Nelson's nephew.  Her graciousness was only exceeded by her music knowledge.  After she poured me a Sunday-Funday cocktail, we began our tour.  First stop was the control room... and the Neve console.

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Touching history

Seeing this board was surreal; as I was looking at a piece of equipment that some of my favorite artists of all time, recorded their masterpieces on.  Sublime's entire 1996 self titled album was recorded on this board.  Unreal.  Not to mention some of Waylon's later works, Willie's current works, and dozens of others, many of whom are mentioned above.  

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I got a full history of the studio, as it has been transformed over the years from an opera house, to a recording studio, to a restaurant (part of it was), and finally was re-launched in 2012 to get back to its authentic heart and soul.  I absolutely cannot wait to come back and visit and see Arlyn Studios in action... see some tracks being laid down.  Hmmmm Austin City Limits is right around the corner... time to plan my next trip!!

A Traveler's Dream Come True

Traveling is my lifeblood.  It makes my world go 'round and 'round.  Sometimes the only thing sweeter than travel is...spontaneous travel.  Sometimes packing your bag on a whim and not even knowing where your journey will take you, is the most exciting adventure of all.

 I was fortunate enough to be chosen by Time Out New York Magazine and Booking.com to be one of their travel bloggers who will Wing It and jet out the door on a moment's notice to a destination that was unknown until about 12 hours before my departure.  All I had to arm myself with was my Booking.com app and my Booking Now app.  The excitement of it all thrilled me, and once I saw how incredibly easy it was to book a luxury hotel for a great price the day before my trip, any tiny feelings of uncertainty were immediately gone.  

Using the Booking Now app (for travel within 48 hrs) was a piece of cake.  Here I am, less than 24 hours later, in my gorgeous hotel room at the JW Mariott in downtown Austin.  I chose this location because it's very close to all of the neighborhoods that make up Austin's hot and bustling music scene.  I'm here to find the best, the quirkiest, the most historic, and the most authentic parts of Austin's lifeblood... music.  

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On the plane just a few hours after I found out I was going to Austin

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The view of the Colorado River from my JW Mariott room I booked with Booking Now

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So impressed with my spontaneous hotel room!

Immediately after checking in, I walked on down Congress to South Congress... or SoCo as the locals call it.  I found a tiny little record shop off the main drag, called Friends Of Sound, that was only accessible by the alley and then it was even tucked around behind a building.  I was mesmerized by all the vintage and used vinyl... I immediately went to the country section to see if they had any of the good stuff... did they ever?!  I picked up The Best of Johnny Cash, some pre-outlaw Waylon Jennings, and some Boston for good rock n' roll measure.  I starting talking to the manager and a local musician who happened to be shopping for some Miles Davis, and they gave me some great recs for some local live music.  Some of it is definitely outside of my comfort zone ( which is rock, alternative, country) but I figured... when in Austin, do as the locals do.  

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Luckily I was able to find it!!

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Inside the awesome Friends Of Sound Vinyl Shop

I'm about to head out on the town in search of some unique live music in the Live Music Capital of the World.  Check back tomorrow, because I can't wait to share the vibes and rhythms of Austin with you.  

Living it up in Hell's Kitchen

Hell's Kitchen was not a New York neighborhood I was too familiar with.  I'm sure I've driven through it from the Upper West Side to downtown, but I never paid too much attention to it.  Maybe because I thought it was too close to Times Square, or maybe because the name sounded scary...nevertheless, I finally got to know this little "hood" and I likey.  

I'm now partial, mainly because my new favorite hotel is in Hell's Kitchen.  Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants  has prestigious boutique hotels all over the country, including several right here in Chicago (Palomar, Allegro, etc.) but Ink 48, right in Hell's Kitchen is outstanding.  From the second I arrived to the second I departed, the service was on point.  My room was GORGEOUS and unique.  The jacuzzi tub was in the living area and the enclosed stone shower was tucked away around the corner... very cool layout.  I had a great view of the city and other room amenities included a granite vanity (perfect for doing my pre-TV makeup) and a yoga mat (perfect for a very early AM stretch before heading to VH1).  They also have one of the city's most killer rooftop bars called The Press Lounge.

The location of Ink 48 and Hell's Kitchen is great.  It was an easy walk to Times Square, where I film.  But it's also a short cab ride down town or up-town... close to subways too (I usually take subways everywhere in NYC).  There are also some great dining options.  Ink 48 has their own upscale and trendy dining spot, Print, and you're only two blocks away from the badass Gotham West Market which is the coolest "food court" I've ever seen.  It also has a quick serve version of the famous Ivan Ramen.  

Cannot WAIT to go back soon and stay with them during my next visit.  Never thought I'd say this, but hope to see you all in HELL's Kitchen ;)

Is There ANY Good Airport Food??

Eating and Traveling are 2 of my 3 favorite things. And they occur simultaneously, often.  Eating food at an airport is usually either a hassle, or a quick necessity...and rarely delicious.  What if airport dining could be a pleasure?  Crazy concept?....maybe.  

So I'm kind of weird.  I actually enjoy spending time at airports.  I'm fascinated with air travel in general and just like being around it... watching the planes land and take off,  seeing the pilots hustle about the terminal.  Air travel definitely isn't as prestigious and romantic as it was several decades ago, but I still like finding ways to enjoy it.  I like to get there as early as possible prior to my flight, of course for logistical reasons, but I also like to have a good meal before I board.  Unfortunately, options can be limited, especially at my home bases, O'Hare and Midway.  

Yes, Chicago airport food has definitely improved, but it is far from haute cuisine and chic dining.  No, we don't need 3 star Michelin restaurants at our airports, but how about things other than soggy or overly dry and processed genetically modified turkey sandwiches?  Even the "Wolfgang Puck" restaurants still offer the same boring dry turkey sammies.  Yes, Rick Bayless makes an appearance with Tortas Frontera, and there is a sushi spot called Wicker Park Seafood (I haven't tried it, reviews seem positive).  But for the most part, you're stuck with all Chili's-esque options.  Processed and microwaved "bar" food.  Is it THAT hard to bring in some fresh and organic options?

I'm spending a lot of time in New York lately.  Laguardia is a cesspool of nastiness.  Zero options for a good meal.  JFK on the other hand is like the Garden of Eden of airport dining.  High end steak and sushi options, healthier fast casual options, and streamlined bars at every other gate.  I had a delicious sushi dinner last night in the Jet Blue Terminal at Deep Blue. It was sexy and sleek and the food was actually great.  

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I do have one way to ensure that you can at least get the best meal possible at ANY airport you go to.   There are a few great apps out there can be very helpful.  Gate Guru is my favorite.  Not only will it give you the updated arrival and departure boards at every airport but it also has a complete list of all food, shops, and amenities and what terminal and gate they're at.  It also features reviews of other travelers so you know which to hit up, and which to steer clear of.  Happy travels all, and please share with me which airports YOU feel have the best food! 

Le Pain Quotidien... in Chicago!

FYI- I did NOT get paid to write this.... Moving on, nothing makes me happier than when Chicago is only a quick step behind NYC.  My FAVORITE spot for a delicious cafe au lait, croissant, healthy salad, or yummy omelet in NYC has always been Le Pain.  I love how it feels like a rustic French cafe/bakery or like a cozy neighborhood spot.  I love how they have the calorie count printed on the menu for EVERY dish.  I love how they use fresh local and organic ingredients for all of their delicious creations. Basically, I just love it.  I've been known to sit at the one in Chelsea or Upper East Side for hours, reading, eating, working, and getting my caffeine on.  The only problem was that there weren't any in Chicago...my homeland.  Well, now that ain't the case.  They've opened in Lincoln Park (Armitage and Sheffield) and West Loop (Clinton St) and soon they'll be open at 10 E. Delaware in the Gold Coast.  So excited that I now have a place to be a "regular" and where I can indulge in healthy items (don't be shocked- I can eat healthy) that are also planet friendly and most of all delicious.  Bon Appetit!! 

Neta NYC: Divinity in Dining (2013)

I know I can be quite enthusiastic about my dining experiences and I tend to ooze a multitude of superlatives, yet sometimes; gushing is appropriate. Sometimes even the loudest of applause doesn't properly commend an experience. Dining at Neta in NYC is one of these occasions. I implore you not to dub me "the boy who cried wolf" , but Neta was truly my favorite dining experience...EVER.

I should have known I was in for a culinary adventure when Nick Kokonas (owner: Alinea, The Aviary, Next), explicitly advised me, "If you're going to New York, go to Neta. Get the Omakase. Period. Do not ask questions." Yessir!!! .... and I didn't ask questions. When Nick gives restaurant advice... you take it.

My best friend of 22 years, Jamie, was my partner in crime and (over)indulgence this evening. Even though she is a long time NYC resident... she knows that when I am in town, I will schlep her to about 5 dining establishments each day... usually ending with pizza at 3am. She has just recently learned to go with my flow, and especially after Neta, she'll continue to.

Neta is located in the West Village and was so inconspicuous that Jamie and I walked up and down 8th street about 6 times because we failed to notice the 12pt Times New Roman font sign on one small window. Finally, once we walked in, the minimalist decor was surprisingly inviting. We were thankfully seated at the bar as we couldn't bear to not watch the master sushi craftsmen at work.

After ordering our Omakase (chef's choice, multi-course, prix fixe menu) and a bottle of dry unfiltered sake, Jamie and I became mesmerized by the energy in the kitchen. We have never seen anything like it. It was a hurried harmony... no one spoke, or rushed or moved out of place. It was like a choreographed dance of the white aprons. The service mirrored this dance. I have only seen service this impeccable and attentive at the finest of fine dining establishments. Yet this wasn't stuffy! The staff was so cool and laid back. Our Japanese server, Hiro, was hilarious and sarcastic. When he'd make us laugh and we'd tell him how funny he was he just said, "I'm not funny, I'm Japanese." Hmmmm....

Oh! There was food too! First course, Kani (crab) and cucumber with a smokey ginger vinaigrette, The fresh lump crab was so sweet and fresh and the smooth smokey finish was a perfect compliment. Great way to prepare our palette. Second course, Cobia crudo with daikon radish and a ginger bonita sauce. The Cobia literally melted in my mouth. The third course was my favorite: Scallops, uni (sea urchin) maitaki mushrooms with fresh lime. It was so buttery and rich, smooth and complex... but the acid of the lime cut through it all and balanced it perfectly. We ate this course while the sounds of Notorious B.I.G. "Juicy" boomed in the background.... how appropriate.

Have you ever had fresh corn and truffle formed in a ball and tempura-ed?? Yea, me either.... but Neta thought this was the perfect accompaniment to the Fugu (blowfish) tempura. Damn, they were spot on. I can't help but recollect a Simpson's episode where Homer eats poisonous Fugu and was informed of his imminent demise. Fortunately, Jamie and I survived our run-in with the notorious fish. Deliciously survived. Mmmmmm Fugu.

The piece de resistance was the best shot of tequila i've had to date. The stereotypical looking mixologist came from behind the sushi bar, where he was strategically stationed, and over to our seats. He had a little platter with 2 sake glasses filled with yuzu and ginger granita and a glass filled with smoked salt. He poured the Tequila Ocho over the savory slushy and added the salt with a squeeze of fresh lime. It was like a tequila slurpee, and it was refreshingly perfect. What made it even more perfect, was that these shots (2 rounds of them) were guzzled to "Satisfy My Soul" by Bob Marley. Neta really had the tunes down. It's as if they knew I was comin' in and they made a playlist just for me. It got a bit silly after multiple shots and a huge bottle of sake, as Jamie and I were dancing in our seats and singing (and rapping) along to the music. Sorry not sorry, Neta.

The sushi platter was a rainbow of variety and flavors and textures. It was it's simplicity that was the most impressive. Every bite was savored, and enjoyed.

Drink for drink, and fish for fish, not only was this the best and most thorough sushi experience I've had, but because of the service, music, decor, and creativity, it was the best overall meal i've had. I cannot WAIT to go back...fortunately, NYC, beckons to me about 3 times each year... in the mean time i'll get a bottle of Tequila Ocho to keep me company :)