Austrian South of the Border

On our day off we traveled to Austria to stay with our friend Tomas. As soon as we crossed into Austria from Czech, we happened upon the one eye sore to rule them all. Amusement Parks, duty free, a plane converted into a restaurant and a dilapidated shopping mall reminiscent of Pittsburghs’ Monroeville. Minus the fireworks….this was Europes’ answer to the Carolina’s equator.
I missed the fried cheese in Czech like a dumbass, so on my molded mass quest I climbed aboard the Jetsaurant and ordered my fried cholesterol bomb. Wish I had gotten the real thing in Czech, but I was at bay now.
At Toms, he BBQ’dpor, beef, cheese and potatoes for us and they were great. Steve, a friend of Tom’s also brought some home made Zirben Schnaps (made from pine cones) that was very strong and very good. The history lesson was that the Pines the liquor was made from only grow in the Alps between 1500 and 2500 meters. It made Nyquil seem like orange juice.

Czech Republic

Plzen. Sounds like pilsner right? Plzen is home to the Pilsner Urquell Beer Museum and creation point of the pilsner beer. No one in the world comes close to upheaval of their superior beer making skill. You have to have a pint in Czech to realize this, be it Budvar (Budweiser), Gambrinus or Urquell, it’s the tastiest, smoothest pint you’ll ever imbibe. Similar to a group of kids trying to down an Imperial Walker with wrist rockets, it ain’t gonna happen.
Upon arrival to the club, our dressing room is stocked like a conspiracy theorists basement with every known meat, cheese, bread, fruit, bread, water, soft drinks AND beer. I closed the refrigerator door and went on a hunt for the true beer experience, being a fresh poured pilsner. Two blocks away I shared greatness with our driver Michal who is Czech, while in the midst’s of discussing electrician’s work (which is what he does while not driving bands) and shady neighborhoods, he informs me as he grounds his empty glass that you never order only one beer in the Czech pub. I downed what I had and followed suit.

BEER! BIER!

Here is the line up. Judas 8.5%, Bush 12%, Bush Blonde 10.5%, Westmalle Dubbel 7%, Westmalle Triple 9.5%, Kwak 8.4%, Hapkin 8.5%, Ramee Amber 7.5%, Brigland 9%, Bon Secours 8% & Maredsous 8%. It’s like heaven. Some of these I’ve had and are very good and some of them I haven’t just yet. This group cost me 13.90 Euro which just under $20. Incredible!

Auntie Rita!

A year ago I had the best deviled eggs I've ever eaten in my life and they were made here at the club Trix in Antwerp Belgium (which is part of the Hof Ter Lo complex where MW played with Negative Approach last year). This year Auntie Rita had a bunch of things to choose from that were all vegan besides the chicken (which I'm back to sample in a bit!). This I had the peas and carrots mixture I've eaten. So simple, but so delicious.
There were also potatoes, mac & cheese, noodles, creamed cheese cauliflower and some salads.

Belgium!

The beer is the best, the chocolate is amazing. They have diamonds and lots of weapons.
they also have endless mussels cooked in wine and garlic on highway rest areas for 18.95 Euro.

Werkstatt Catering

One year ago, I had the best carrot soup I've ever had and it was here in Koln and the Werkstatt venue. When we returned, FOH (Front of House/Soundman) Leo said hello. I remembered him from last year and mentioned how great the soup was last time and Leo said that the same catering company was providing the food again tonight. It did not disappoint. Pork and Mushrooms with a cream sauce similar to Stroganoff, potatoes, salad and some seasoned tofu for pussies....oops I mean vegetarians. I have no quarrel with anyone's personal lifestyle or out look. I just like to poke fun. Ask Kori.

I LOVE Chocolate

In Koln, Germany.... I've been to the beautiful dome a few times so I decided to do something different this time, something equally as beautiful. A museum dedicated to Chocolate. I love Chocolate.