James Super Chikan Johnson @ Palmers Bar Mpls 3/16/10

James "Super Chikan" Johnson at Palmers Bar March 16 2010. Good friend and all around Mpls music guru Charlie Lawson finally got me to see one of his finds in the Mpls area. Palmers Bar on the West bank in Mpls MN was the site of a great Mississippi Blues concert. James "Super Chikan" Johnson played on his home made electric guitars It was the greatest. He writes most of his own songs , playing them with a homemade guitar and a gold toothed smile. "some buddy shoot that thang" Roosters on his jeans. if you ever get the chance to see him don't pass it up you will be sorry. for more go to www.superchikan.bandzoogle.com/home

St Brendan's Inn Green Bay WI

St Brendan's Inn Green Bay WI Found this gem buy fate. Booked a room at the quality Inn Green Bay on washington Ave. Wanted to get something to eat, the front desk guy was new and only heard that the 2 pubs across the street were good but had never been there. I walked out the door turned to the left then the right the St Brendan on the right is a great looking Irish pub from the out side and the inside is even better. It looked like the kitchen was closed and it was (closes after 9 pm) BUT "we do have Irish stew until midnight" OK am in. The best Irish stew ever. Brought in a giant bowl with a heap of real mashed potatoes in the center, huge chunks of beef and vegie's. I was glad i didn't have a choice because I would not have picked this off the great Irish menu. I didn't think there was any place but Curlys pub at Lambo field and a million small bars to go to in Green bay. This is the greatest. I had an Irish Coffee for desert it was near perfect only thing wrong was it was made with wiped cream from the can not fresh. I will be back to this Island of a pub along the river in Green bay

Zippy's BBQ Cedar Falls IA

Zippys small building but mighty good ribs and brisket. Cooked in a stone pit smoker just out side the door.

Stacks of smoking wood stand along side the small fast food looking building. They have a drive up window and setting for maybe 4. the ribs and the service is the best I have ever had. If your in the Waterloo Cedar Falls IA area you need to get to Zippy's you will enjoy every thing on the menu. Located just South of down town Cedar Falls on 2010 Main street just stick you head out the window and follow your nose. I ordered to go and had them in my hotel!

There web site is http://www.zippysbbq.com

Grandma Patty's Cafe Brandon MN

Brandon MN small town Cafe Grandma Patty's Best service with a Italian Sausage and Egg Breakfast special. All locals here, they have a very good thing going. I had the special and Carol had the eggs Benedict breakfast super fast and friendly. We will be back!

KC BBQ Des Moines IA

KC BBQ Des Moines IAThe nicest BBQ run buy all Latinos I have been to. Ribs looked Great full rack $16.00. They have a chopped Tip sandwich I tasted some of the tips was great. The special of the day was the Fat Boy Tenderloin. I couldn't pass it up. Fresh tenderloin Pounded flat and round, Lightly breaded like all good tenderloins the kicker is, it has lettuce, tomato, cheese and a big Slice of Ham, on a bun. Served with Fries and drink this was only $4.99. When I go back I will get a southern style sandwich with the coleslaw piled on BBQ Pork or Beef. Great place on 14th a few blocks from the Capital of IA

Battles Bar-B-Q Ames IA

The original owner George Battle passed away about 3 years ago. The new owners are trying to keep with his tradition I hear they are but I have nothing to compare to. Tried the 2 meats Dinner, Pork Ribs and Rib tips with 2 sides Beans and Potato salad. The ribs were smoked to perfection. The tips had a GREAT crust. The beans had some brisket in them and tasted like they had some of there signature sauce in them the potato salad (for my taste) could of used some mustered. All in all a great place in Ames IA. Also another location in Nevada IA. Open Mon-Sun 11am-9pm Other Items they have are Beef Pork Ham Turkey Chopped beef also sold by the pound. Didn't try the Homemade lemonade but others in the restaurant highly recommended

Bills BBQ Mason CIty IA

Bills BBQ 2 blocks behind the Comfort Inn On Madison in Mason City. Not open on Mondays! Open Tues - Sat 4:30PM Looks like a great local BBQ will need to try it. Had to settle for G store ribs heated in the Micro at hotel OK but not what I wanted in a Winter storm that shut down I 35 from Clear Lake to Ames IA Jan 25th 2010.