Anaheim

In and Out burger for lunch after filming for The Daily Habit on Fuel TV. Dinner was at La Palma Chicken Pie Shop, known as the area's best kept secret. Chicken pot Pie, was killer. Good salad, baked potato and homemade apple pie for desert. All for $10 including tip. An experience for sure.

San Diego

Sushi Deli was today's place to eat, great menu, very creative rolls and KILLER prices. It was very cheap and the grade of sushi was pretty high. I had avocado, crab and cream cheese egg rolls aka. CA Egg Rolls and another roll that the name escapes me (I'm a few days behind and forgot to log the food!)
Anyway...this is a great place for sure and don't let the long ass line discourage you.

LA DAY OFF PART 2

Kogi is worth every bit of hype created by any single person, group or any form of media.
Yes, it's that good and I would go as much as I can every time I am in the area. What is Kogi you ask? Kogi is a Mexican Korean style food truck that specializes in Tacos and Burritos. They also have incredible sliders & kimchi quesadillas. It's some the tastiest food I've ever eaten, so much flavor. I had the sliders, and three tacos (one chicken, one pork rib and one spicy pork) and I was instantly addicted. Seriously, I would go back again right now if I could. Seek this place out via website or twitter. They post where the truck will be parked and then you have to go find it.

LA DAY OFF

I woke up to hear "Dolly Parton is right there!!...We'll her bus is anyway" when we arrived at the hotel in North Hollywood.
I meet Tony at an Indian Buffet he spied and gorge myself on the best Sagh Paneer I've ever eaten (homemade cheese, spinach, onions) and Chicken Tikka Masala quicker than I can catch it on film. Visit Lal Mirch, amazing food.

Tempe

After a volley of text messages over "the best" mac & cheese ever, with Rob Leecock (who is an exceptionally talented artist and a big musical influence/supporter of mine for years) during sound check, Moe and I went over to Green: New American Vegetarian with some help from friends. The staff was super friendly, very helpful with suggestions and obviously cared a great deal about where they were working. I had "thee argentine po-boy" which was strips of seitan mock steak sauteed with caramelized peppers and onions, vegan mayo and a spicy chimichuri sauce. It ate like meat and totally satisfied me. This is a definite destination for all veggie/vegans and open minded eaters.

El Paso DAY OFF 2

AC/DC is in town tonight and sold out, what a bummer!! Would love to see them!!
Had some amazing Huevos Benedictos (two poached eggs and canadian bacon on pain rustique with chipotle hollandaise, hash-brown potatoes, fresh fruit and muffin) and walked round the mall. I scored the Zappa Plays Zappa 5 DVD box set for $24, what a steal.
At night we headed out to catch The Men Who Stare at Goats at the local cinema. I wish I could say I enjoyed it, but my eyeballs enjoyed seeing my eyelids a little more. zzzzz.
A night run to Wallmart for some supplies and back to the bus where I ended my night with the Stone Vertical Epic 9.9.9.
Great beer, seek it out!

Denton

The Iron Maiden detailed truck that pulled into the parking lot was really impressive, and had nearly every cover image of the bands career. The real stars of our show and the night though were Lina and Dustin Dykes who showed up early and stayed all night BBQing for all the bands. Country style boneless pork ribs, corn, green beans, potato salad, chips, dips and beer...they brought it all and it was all delicious. People like Lina and Dustin are what sometimes makes a touring musicians day during hard times on the road, their hospitality goes above and beyond what anyone could ever ask for as they do it for their passion of metal music.

Oklahoma Shitty

There is nothing to do here, every time. Even by bike things were bleak so....I pedaled off on my usual beer hunt, looking for beer sellers with good selections. I'm part of a group searching for Stouts currently and I get email updates on what to try and find. So that keeps me entertained. I came across Boulevard Brewings' Dry Stout and picked up a six pack after a chat with the owner. I have yet to try it, I'll save it for the day off.
I need to back pedal a bit and mention that Billy Milano (S.O.D./M.O.D.) sang with us on stage in Austin while we played our version of S.O.D.'s United Forces. It was quite the honor and a perfect way for us to retire our cover song. S.O.D.'s Speak English or Die is essential for any fan or metal, hardcore and punk.

Austin

El Sol y La Luna's Migas (two scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, ranchero sauce, beans and chorizo) was incredible and fueled my bike trip for the day. I pedaled over to Waterloo Records and bought Iron Maiden's Flight 666 and Russian Circle's new album called Geneva. Time for sound check...more later.

Houston

Arrived early and had plenty of time to kill. The weather was perfect for biking. Whole Foods was today's destination. I had a spinach salad, lemon herb turkey and finished with a chocolate chip cannoli.
The day started well, did a complete 180 when some kid climbed into the pipes on the ceiling and broke the sprinkler system (flooded the place out and temporarily stopped the show), and then 180'd again when we played.
Quick run down: Show canceled, show moved to bigger room, twice the people showed up and we played a longer set than usual. Over all great day. Oh, drank a De Dolle Oerbier Special Reserva and (it was super great) followed up with a vietnamese shrimp and sprout pancake. My tummy went to bed happy.

Bar Cat

Wu the cat and I bonding

New Orleans Day Off!

The RV resort where the bus was parked was perfect, it had laundry, showers, a pool and most importantly, directly across the street from the French Quarter. While the laundry was happening, Sean schooled me on some bike polo (which I wasn't very good at) before the exodus into the Quarter. First things first, food. We ate at Acme Oyster House and I had the Fried Peace Maker Bo' Boy. Shrimp, oysters, lettuce, tomato and a Tabasco infused mayo made my heart sing. Full, we marched onto Cafe Du Mond for Beignets & Coffee (when in rome), before heading over the Molly's at the Market to meet some friends and Wu the bar cat. Wu hangs out on the tables and belly's up to the bar for shots of milk.
A few hours of conversation, a couple of Arrogant Bastards and some tattoo admiration whizzed by before we knew it and we headed out to catch Melt Banana a few miles away.
Before I get into Banana, let's talk tattoo's for a bit. It was like a mini convention at Molly's as everyone was heavily tattooed from traditional to tribal to just plain fun and travel souvenirs. The cake taker by far was Darren's Mr. E.T. Great times!
Melt Banana is most unique underrated best band in the world in my eyes and I was thrilled to be able to sync up with their schedule and witness greatness. They are like an audio flash with all the knobs turned up to 11. Do yourself a favor and see them live if you have the chance too.

Tampa

On my quest for a standout item. The guy with a cowboy hat, no shirt and a fur coat proclaimed "What do you got?....I just got this coat today like new, it's worth $180.00. I can sell it to ya" No thanks bud and I continued to find The Cupcake Spot. The Cupcake is quite the specialty item these days, as shops are popping up all over the place. I had their signature cake called The Better Thans: deluxe chocolate chip cupcake with cream cheese icing AND I also had The Chocolate Elvis, which was a banana cupcake with peanut buttercream and a dollop of fudgy chocolate on top. Well done but Sugar Sweet Sunshine in NYC still reigns supreme.

Orlando

Seafood Nachos: Tri Colored Tortilla Chips, Cajun Fish, Shrimp & Scallops, Corn & Black Bean Salsa, White Cheddar, Jalapenos, Pico de Gallo, Black Olives, Sour Cream and plain delicious! Gator bites were the follow up. "Tasted like chicken", sorry.
Cityfish

Atlanta by night

Dinner was Flip Burger Boutique and it was very hip, trendy, hipster, place to be seen, fashionable, etc...but most importantly, the food was incredible. Putting the gourmet in the burger it does, I had a simple bacon and cheese and it was superb. Seasoned great and the roll was on point (the roll is a crucial part of the burger for sure). House made pickles, tomatoes, onions, ketchup and Flip sauce filled out the burger. I also had deep fried pickles, vodka battered onion rings (which were very light and not very greasy at all) and a spicy chocolate mole milkshake that made me grin from ear to ear. I highly suggest a visit here. You won't be disappointed.

Atlanta by day

The first overnite ride placed us in Atlanta early. The bikes came out and sooner than we thought, we were off. Destination one was Chomp and Stomp. Five bucks got me a spoon and access to stands as far as eye can see full of chili from amateurs to professionals. Fox Brothers took the prize last year. I tried theirs and it was cool, but my personal taste thought it was a bit to hot. The amateurs was where is was at for me. I had a chicken chili and a sweet brisket that were both out of this world.

Day 1

The Black Sheep never fails! I had my last home breakfast here before shipping out. En route to Raleigh for the first show, here's my home for the next five weeks.


MUNICIPAL WASTE - 2009/2010 TOUR DATES
Nov 1 2009 Triple Rock Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nov 6 2009 Volume 11 Tavern Raleigh, North Carolina
Nov 7 2009 Drunken Unicorn Atlanta, Georgia*
Nov 8 2009 Backbooth Orlando, Florida*
Nov 9 2009 State Theater Tampa*
Nov 11 2009 Meridian Houston, Texas*
Nov 12 2009 Red 7 Austin, Texas*
Nov 13 2009 The Conservitory Oklahoma City, Oklahoma*
Nov 14 2009 Rubber Gloves Denton, Texas*
Nov 16 2009 Clubhouse Tempe, Arizona*
Nov 18 2009 Casbah San Deigo, California*
Nov 19 2009 Key Club Los Angeles*
Nov 20 2009 Chain Reaction Anaheim*
Nov 21 2009 Slims San Francisco, California*
Nov 23 2009 Satyricon Portland, Oregon*
Nov 24 2009 El Corazon Seattle, Washington*
Nov 25 2009 Wild Buffalo House of Music Bellingham, Washington*
Nov 27 2009 Starlite Ballroom Edmonton
Nov 28 2009 The Warehouse Calgary
Nov 29 2009 Pyramid Cabaret Winnepeg
Dec 1 2009 Triple Rock Minneapolis, Minnesota*
Dec 2 2009 Subteranean Chicago, Illinois*
Dec 4 2009 The Magic Stick Detroit, Michigan**
Dec 5 2009 The Grog Shop Cleveland, Ohio**
Dec 6 2009 The Opera House Toronto**
Dec 7 2009 Foufounes Montreal**
Dec 8 2009 Paladium (upstairs) Worcester, Massachusetts**
Dec 9 2009 Gramercy Theater New York, New York**
Dec 10 2009 First Unitarian Church Philadelphia, Pennsylvania**
Dec 11 2009 Alley Katz Richmond, Virginia

Strong as balls

Gorilla Brazil Coffee is like benching 500lbs. I'm ready for anything after a cup of this Joe, esp for round two of self warm ups. When I finish this mornings breakfast (wheat toast, peanut butter and banana), I'll bike down to the practice spot for some drumming.

By bus and bike

We'll be busing this trip and I couldn't be more excited, 'cause that means I get to bring my bike! I'll be able to see a lot more in the way of everything this way. I have a loose itinerary set up already. The dates are here and I'm looking for suggestions of places to visit. I'm mainly looking for food and drink spots, specialties, rarities and plain awesomeness! I have no set diet and am open to anything. Find me on facebook an send me suggestions! I'm gonna try and hit a lot of spots within the time permitted.

Warming up!

3 days to go before the first part of the Waste the World, North American leg starts.
So I started warming up my legs, arms, stomach and mind. Doomriders filled the practice room as I assembled the version of my drums that I'll be bringing on this run. 5 drums for 5 weeks is enough, I am thinking.
Downsizing at it's best, a four band bill each night with some intimate spaces calls for less work and more room, so the mammoth double bass kit sits this one out.
After dusting off the drumming cobwebs, I headed to Edo's Squid for one of my favorite meals. Broccoli rabe, penne pasta with cheese, garlic, oil and pine nuts. So simple, so great. Thee place for Italian in Richmond, along its companion Mama Zu. When in Richmond, seek these places out as they worth any hurdle you may need jump. Oh, mind the stairs at Edo's after the Tiramisu as it packs quite the punch.

Fried Greatness

This was photo was lost in translation just a few days before I left. I have finally found the evidence of my trip to Rutt's Hut These are the greatest fried things in NJ and I am in the UK which is the land of fried goodies, so it's relative. Don't ever pass up Rutt's Hut if you love hot dogs and are in NJ. Godly.

Cardiff Pancakes

After skipping the Dutch Pancake House in Amsterdam like a dumb ass. I didn't pass up the opportunity for pancakes in again. Crepe style, really thin and filled with bananas, pecans and melted dark chocolate w/fresh mint and strawberry on the side.
It totally hit the spot!

Sheffield on a Monday night!!

Cinematic Orchestra rules.
I'm playing catch up while they are playing. Let's see. UK = Crappy food (for the most part), Border Patrol workers as dumb as door knobs (for the most part) and rain. Sounds great huh?
After our first show in Kingston, which was raging (I'm currently on tour with Burnt by the Sun), we headed off to Cardiff, Wales. Before we left we happened upon a Polish Cafe and my pierogies were awesome. I had half sauerkraut and mushroom and half potato and cheese. Good stuff.

Vera

Groningen. Home to Vera. Vera is one of the best and longest going clubs. I've been here 5 times now and I know the food is always top notch. Lamb, Chicken and Tofu curries with vegetables.

McDonalds Onion Rings

Enough said I guess. Came with a hot chili sauce. Not bad.

Bat Cave Pasta

Every time I am in Tilburg to play at 013 or Bat Cave, I know the food is going to rule. It's always made in house and always awesome. Penne Bolognese

Amsterdam Omelette

Our first Europe meal on this trip was this Farmer's Omelette. It totally hit the spot, I don;t know what kind of cheese was in it, but it was great.

Mushroom Ragout

Mushrooms, Potatoes and Poached Eggs. Brooklyn Label in Green Point, NY is responsible for this tasty dish. Their coffee is also superior.

Pumpkin Pancakes

I love them and these ones were damn good! Edison Family Restaurant did them right and the Pork Roll was also fantastic. Check this place out for sure.

Pre-Celebrity Eddie

In between Amy and eating great food, I spend time with my furry friend Eddie. You'll see this handsome little devil in the upcoming issue of Decibel Magazine's cutest kitty's. What a ham.

Balliceaux round two!

Yup, it was that good. I flocked back to Richmond for some last minute time with my lady and to visit Balliceax again. We started with the Forest Mushroom & Asparagus tart and it did not disappoint. For my meal, I opted for the Pork Belly (my photo is way less appealing than the taste!) this time and it was righteous! The side of celery-bean sprout fritters accompanied the meat very well. I'm still craving the Hanger Steak that I had the first time though.

WHITE CASTLE

Since 1921 the greatness of White Castle has been providing satisfaction for the drunkest late nighters as well with being credited for saving the Hamburger in general in the US. High standing steamed, significance. The "Chicken" ring sandwiches rule too.

RVA

has an array of great restaurants and talented people. Tonight I ate at the new Balliceaux (pronounced Bali-so) and it was fantastic.
I left my camera home, so visual evidence this time. I started with a Butter Lettuce Salad. Among the greens were shaved brussels sprouts, figs and pickled shallots. The flavor combo was on point. The main attraction was hanger steak, medium w/mushroom drippings, cider slaw and grilled squash/zucchini. The steak practically melted away on contact, tender, juicy and everything delicious. Dessert was a truffle trio. Jalapeno, with just enough zing, Hazelnut that ate like a cake and Rosemary that was real delicate and smooth. To quote Bruce Dickinson from The Number of The Beast, "I'm coming back...I will return".
Balliceaux is also handsomely decorated and furnished with all recycled/reformed materials. Good stuff.

Addicted!

Chamuca/Coxa De Frango.
These things were amazing, I had one and ordered three more afterwards, and one more at the airport the next day. Minced chicken curry wrapped in a pastry crust and deep fried.
Amazing. So simple, so good.

Portugal

Man, they treated us well and the show was definitely a great last show.
The shrimps I had before my meal were so sweet, tender and fresh that they almost tasted like Lobster. My meal...boy oh boy, was it good. Seafood, pasta stew with a cilantro, tomato sauce. Can't wait to go back.