There is not a genre of music more up-lifting than reggae. It makes you remove your worries and troubles, whether you want to or not. Reggae originated from places of poverty and deprivation, yet somehow these unfortunate people have the most optimistic soundtrack. It makes you wonder how this is possible and it inspires.
What better than a time of recession to check out some reggae music and hear lines like--"Don't worry 'bout a thing, every little thing is going to be all right." A lyric which could either solve our economic problems or just get you through the week.
On April 24, Club Pi hosted Unity The Band, a reggae band out of Appleton. Unity plays a mix of original songs and covers. Most of their covers are usually either Sublime or Bob Marley hits. The band consists of a drummer, bass guitar, two rhythm guitarists, keyboard player, back-up singer, bongo player, alto-sax, and lead vocals. They blend these ingredients to make a very funky and rhythmic show.
Most of the energy is derived from Pita Katobalavu, frontman and native of Fiji. It is not his vocal ability that drives his performance but it is his flagrant passion for the music. During some songs Pita breaks out a type of skat that is quick, precise, and highly energetic.
Steve Johnson, the saxophone player provides the melody. Johnson who graduated from UW-Green Bay with a degree in Jazz studies, has impeccable timing. His solos give Unity an aria that it would otherwise not posses.
Unity gets the crowd involved, often sticking the mike stand out to the crowd, encouraging people to sing along. Watching Unity perform you can tell they love playing music. During solos, the lead singer jumps up and down, dancing as his dreadlocks swing as free as the music makes you feel.
May 29, Unity will be back at Club Pi. Their shows are fun and uplifting, also Club Pi doesn't have an admission at the door, which is nice.
We give Unity the Band 4.999 hemp ponchos out of 5.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Rupert GonzoGonzo
Contributor-at-Large
rupert@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Eateries - Two Shot Tuesdays - The Abbey, and Timsan's Japanese Steak House
Ohh no. Now you went and did it. You asked for Two Shot Tuesdays. Well Gonzo Guide Green Bay is once again all up in your grill, ready to bring you the sweet skinny on two local establishments.
Timsan's Japanese Steak House - Hot like Wasabi?
Timsan's is hot like Wasabi. Their take on the Hibachi experience provides a nice diversion from the bar and grill monotony that seems to be prevalent in our area, and the food and service were excellent.
We arrived a little before peak feeding times in order to insure a prompt spot in the feasting madness that is Timsan's. We enjoyed a cocktail at the bar, and eventually found ourselves face to face with a spot at the table/grill.
The Dinner for Two is an excellent choice, and in no time we were snout deep in the first course which was a very tasty soup. The ginger dressing on the salad was also fantastic, and a signature of theirs that we sometimes find ourselves craving.
The appetizer and main course followed, mixed with some fancy Hibachi chef work. There were shrimp flying around, flame galore, and a volcanic onion. Where else can you get this type of showmanship and get very good food too? Most places that do showy entertainment dining don't do the food real well, but this place does both and was an excellent experience for us (again).
Timsan's holds a special spot in our eatery rotation. We have never had a bad or even sub par time here. Their food is good and in large quantity. Their cocktails and service are excellent too.
So with that quick and dirty, Gonzo Guide Green Bay gives Timsan's Japanese Steak House 4.6793 flaming onion volcanoes out of 5.
The Abbey - A deeply religious experience?
To be honest, it wasn't really.
Friday last week was still damn near 70 by the time (7:00 pm) we rolled up to The Abbey. A patio, for having cocktails and appetizers with a few of the Gonzo Guide Green Bay faithful? Why not give The Abbey a shot?
We sat down at a table in the patio, and before too long we had a waitress stop by. She seemed friendly enough. Since it was a nice afternoon there was a little crowd, but nothing that would seem unmanageable from a serving perspective.
And it is with the service that we have our gripes. On three separate occasions we needed to go inside and find her to get another round (the last round we ordered she forgot all together), and finally we actually had to track her down to pay our bill. Beyond that we had a different server approach us who had no idea that another server was working with us. We explained to him that another server had already approached us, and he proceeded to spew a story on us about how it is soo busy and they are so understaffed, and that is why he forgot ours was not his table. It was not that busy. Even if they had only 2 servers on it was doable. Overall, the service just seemed like a mess, and took away from what could have been a nice evening spent on a patio sipping an adult beverage.
The food we ordered was good, and the prices reasonable. The atmosphere was clean and nice inside. The patio was clean and comfortable outside.
The saving grace, besides the slightly above average food, was the manager on staff who realized our service was going pretty bad, and he seemed to step up and try to take care of it, but by that time we were already figuring out a different place to go.
All in, the bar and grill is space is pretty crowded, and The Abbey put on a pretty weak show. If you are going to do the bar and grill scene you have to do it better, and more unique than the other guy and the servers are the main part of that equation. The Abbey is a well known establishment in De Pere and they can rely on that fact to a point, but we think they need some help from their servers in maintaining that status.
Please know that we always go in with an open mind, and when we have a sub par experience it really is a downer for us. We never want to shine a dim light on one of our local spots, but there is some sort of literary integrity in what we are doing (if you can believe that) and we need to be honest about our experiences. We will visit The Abbey again to give them another shot, most certainly, but our visit this time around was weak.
Gonzo Guide Green Bay gives our experience at The Abbey 2.61 flying nuns out of 5.
So...there you go, you've you've gotten your Two Shot Tuesdays fix.
Thanks for playing, and watch out for flying shrimp.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Timsan's Japanese Steak House - Hot like Wasabi?
Timsan's is hot like Wasabi. Their take on the Hibachi experience provides a nice diversion from the bar and grill monotony that seems to be prevalent in our area, and the food and service were excellent.
We arrived a little before peak feeding times in order to insure a prompt spot in the feasting madness that is Timsan's. We enjoyed a cocktail at the bar, and eventually found ourselves face to face with a spot at the table/grill.
The Dinner for Two is an excellent choice, and in no time we were snout deep in the first course which was a very tasty soup. The ginger dressing on the salad was also fantastic, and a signature of theirs that we sometimes find ourselves craving.
The appetizer and main course followed, mixed with some fancy Hibachi chef work. There were shrimp flying around, flame galore, and a volcanic onion. Where else can you get this type of showmanship and get very good food too? Most places that do showy entertainment dining don't do the food real well, but this place does both and was an excellent experience for us (again).
Timsan's holds a special spot in our eatery rotation. We have never had a bad or even sub par time here. Their food is good and in large quantity. Their cocktails and service are excellent too.
So with that quick and dirty, Gonzo Guide Green Bay gives Timsan's Japanese Steak House 4.6793 flaming onion volcanoes out of 5.
The Abbey - A deeply religious experience?
To be honest, it wasn't really.
Friday last week was still damn near 70 by the time (7:00 pm) we rolled up to The Abbey. A patio, for having cocktails and appetizers with a few of the Gonzo Guide Green Bay faithful? Why not give The Abbey a shot?
We sat down at a table in the patio, and before too long we had a waitress stop by. She seemed friendly enough. Since it was a nice afternoon there was a little crowd, but nothing that would seem unmanageable from a serving perspective.
And it is with the service that we have our gripes. On three separate occasions we needed to go inside and find her to get another round (the last round we ordered she forgot all together), and finally we actually had to track her down to pay our bill. Beyond that we had a different server approach us who had no idea that another server was working with us. We explained to him that another server had already approached us, and he proceeded to spew a story on us about how it is soo busy and they are so understaffed, and that is why he forgot ours was not his table. It was not that busy. Even if they had only 2 servers on it was doable. Overall, the service just seemed like a mess, and took away from what could have been a nice evening spent on a patio sipping an adult beverage.
The food we ordered was good, and the prices reasonable. The atmosphere was clean and nice inside. The patio was clean and comfortable outside.
The saving grace, besides the slightly above average food, was the manager on staff who realized our service was going pretty bad, and he seemed to step up and try to take care of it, but by that time we were already figuring out a different place to go.
All in, the bar and grill is space is pretty crowded, and The Abbey put on a pretty weak show. If you are going to do the bar and grill scene you have to do it better, and more unique than the other guy and the servers are the main part of that equation. The Abbey is a well known establishment in De Pere and they can rely on that fact to a point, but we think they need some help from their servers in maintaining that status.
Please know that we always go in with an open mind, and when we have a sub par experience it really is a downer for us. We never want to shine a dim light on one of our local spots, but there is some sort of literary integrity in what we are doing (if you can believe that) and we need to be honest about our experiences. We will visit The Abbey again to give them another shot, most certainly, but our visit this time around was weak.
Gonzo Guide Green Bay gives our experience at The Abbey 2.61 flying nuns out of 5.
So...there you go, you've you've gotten your Two Shot Tuesdays fix.
Thanks for playing, and watch out for flying shrimp.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Hot Spots - Midwest Power Yoga ... Helps You Find Your Happy Place.
Yoga.
It’s not just for overweight middle aged guys anymore.
Midwest Power Yoga is a cool little studio in De Pere that specializes in all that is the ancient practice of mind/body movement and position. Part of the Gonzo Guide Green Bay mantra is to get out and be active, and we’ve never done the whole yoga thing. So, we are going to dip the proverbial toe in before we go and pull a hammy doing the downward dog, or praying mantis or what have you. In order to do that we talked to Krissy Zegers, owner and Zen Master of Midwest Power Yoga to give us a good idea as to what this scene is all about.
Krissy, yoga for you is more than just a 2x per week thing. It’s a lifestyle. What is the draw?
"The draw is that people begin to feel amazing about themselves after practicing regularly. People being to feel so good. Their energy is increased, they feel more alive, their bodies can move again… Practicing can bring the life back into people and rejuvenate them."
If you can’t touch your toes, can you do yoga? I can’t touch my toes Krissy, am I doomed to yoga failure?
"You are not doomed to yoga failure. We encourage people to have a flexible mind. Through the yoga asana practice you may be able to actually touch your toes in time. For some people that time can be one week for others it may take years. Everyone has a starting point…we work from that starting point to increase flexibility and strength and mentally learn to let go."
For the yoga-heads out there, I’m sure you’ve got the high level uber-bendy yoga right? What are some of the more challenging or different classes you offer?
"For every class we teach to whoever is in the room, each student determines the intensity with which he or she will work each pose. Each class will take you to your edge and pull more out you than you thought possible. We offer modifications that can help every person through the class."
Why did you choose De Pere for your new Midwest Power Yoga studio?
"I chose De Pere because the space was perfect for yoga. We are in an old-dance studio in the old Ford Bakery building. The space has a great energy and it is beautiful. In addition, the community has a number of like-minded businesses. The community really pulls together to support each other."
What is the best way to get started on the yoga-Zen path with Midwest Power Yoga? Any packages or instruction options our Gonzo Guide readers might enjoy?
"The best way to get started is to show up at class. We have basics classes Monday and Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. and Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. This is a great place to start."
"Visit our website for package information www.midwestpoweryoga.com. We do have a variety of packages available for people. We offer a 5, 10 and 20 package of classes in addition to unlimited monthly membership. All classes are drop-in, which means you do not have to come to the same class every week, you can use your package for any class any time of the week. We also offer community classes for $6 per person on Wednesday and Saturday mornings and student pricing."
Krissy, it seems like you’ve got a good thing going with Midwest Power Yoga.
Are you enjoying it?
"I love it. To me this is such a great way to share yoga with other people. Yoga has done wonderful things for me and my life and I want others to be able to experience it."
See, yoga works for Krissy. She seems pretty happy and she does this stuff all the time! You need to try it too! You deserve to be happy!
Some sweet mind body spirit action. Gonzo Guide Green Bay can dig that.
Check out Midwest Power Yoga to find your balance.
Plug In – Participate – Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
Gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
It’s not just for overweight middle aged guys anymore.
Midwest Power Yoga is a cool little studio in De Pere that specializes in all that is the ancient practice of mind/body movement and position. Part of the Gonzo Guide Green Bay mantra is to get out and be active, and we’ve never done the whole yoga thing. So, we are going to dip the proverbial toe in before we go and pull a hammy doing the downward dog, or praying mantis or what have you. In order to do that we talked to Krissy Zegers, owner and Zen Master of Midwest Power Yoga to give us a good idea as to what this scene is all about.
Krissy, yoga for you is more than just a 2x per week thing. It’s a lifestyle. What is the draw?
"The draw is that people begin to feel amazing about themselves after practicing regularly. People being to feel so good. Their energy is increased, they feel more alive, their bodies can move again… Practicing can bring the life back into people and rejuvenate them."
If you can’t touch your toes, can you do yoga? I can’t touch my toes Krissy, am I doomed to yoga failure?
"You are not doomed to yoga failure. We encourage people to have a flexible mind. Through the yoga asana practice you may be able to actually touch your toes in time. For some people that time can be one week for others it may take years. Everyone has a starting point…we work from that starting point to increase flexibility and strength and mentally learn to let go."
For the yoga-heads out there, I’m sure you’ve got the high level uber-bendy yoga right? What are some of the more challenging or different classes you offer?
"For every class we teach to whoever is in the room, each student determines the intensity with which he or she will work each pose. Each class will take you to your edge and pull more out you than you thought possible. We offer modifications that can help every person through the class."
Why did you choose De Pere for your new Midwest Power Yoga studio?
"I chose De Pere because the space was perfect for yoga. We are in an old-dance studio in the old Ford Bakery building. The space has a great energy and it is beautiful. In addition, the community has a number of like-minded businesses. The community really pulls together to support each other."
What is the best way to get started on the yoga-Zen path with Midwest Power Yoga? Any packages or instruction options our Gonzo Guide readers might enjoy?
"The best way to get started is to show up at class. We have basics classes Monday and Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. and Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. This is a great place to start."
"Visit our website for package information www.midwestpoweryoga.com. We do have a variety of packages available for people. We offer a 5, 10 and 20 package of classes in addition to unlimited monthly membership. All classes are drop-in, which means you do not have to come to the same class every week, you can use your package for any class any time of the week. We also offer community classes for $6 per person on Wednesday and Saturday mornings and student pricing."
Krissy, it seems like you’ve got a good thing going with Midwest Power Yoga.
Are you enjoying it?
"I love it. To me this is such a great way to share yoga with other people. Yoga has done wonderful things for me and my life and I want others to be able to experience it."
See, yoga works for Krissy. She seems pretty happy and she does this stuff all the time! You need to try it too! You deserve to be happy!
Some sweet mind body spirit action. Gonzo Guide Green Bay can dig that.
Check out Midwest Power Yoga to find your balance.
Plug In – Participate – Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
Gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Monday, April 20, 2009
On the Dial - 91.1 The Avenue...Music Shaken, Not Stirred
Sweet Jesus! What a radio station!
Like boxed wine, 91.1 goes with every occasion!
If you haven't heard of this station yet, it is dubbed The Avenue and is located at 91.1 on your FM tuner. It is a radio station that is original, and fresh even though some of their musical programming is older than a lot of their listeners.
Frank Sinatra is always cool. Jamie Cullum and Harry Connick Jr. are a couple of smooth criminals. Add Micheal Buble, Norah Jones, Bombay Sapphire, Dry Vermouth (for cosmetics only), a martini glass, and a shaker full of ice and you have yourself one cool time.
The originality of the station is truly in the programming, and it is exciting to see Green Bay embracing that side of life. Unlike the others vying for the attention of your ear hole, 91.1 doesn't rely on the cutting edge. They don't rely on the in-your-face advertisements (see previous post) and the cheesy on-air gimmicks the others do. The Avenue just plays great music.
We at Gonzo Guide Green Bay have compiled a list of a few situations where this station might make sense for you. Clearly there are many, but these suggestions might help get you started down The Avenue. A few situations where you should tune into 91.1 are as follows:
1.) A fine dinner evening with friends - You will not be embarrassed when Rick James, Sir Mix-a-Lot or Poison "accidentally" shows up on your iPod dinner music playlist.
2.) A romantic dinner with that special someone - Man or woman, isn't it time you did something like this for your Love Biscuit? Give the kids to the zoo for the evening (metaphorically speaking of course), and plan a nice dinner for just the two of you. Find a nice recipe, pop a bottle of Big Mouth Red, tune into 91.1. You might find yourself on the receiving end of some good dessert.
3.) As warm up music for a night on the town - Pour yourself a starter, and tune in to 91.1 to prime your mojo for an evening out.
4.) On the highways and byways - Cool that road rage and get through the 172 mess, by tuning in and chilling out.
5.) Host a soiree of some kind, invite cool people, and solve the world's problems - Talk smart and get funky at the same time.
Look at 91.1 The Avenue as the VIP section on your radio dial. It is cool, retro-fresh, and deserves a listen.
Unclasp the velvet rope, and make yourself comfortable at 91.1 The Avenue.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Like boxed wine, 91.1 goes with every occasion!
If you haven't heard of this station yet, it is dubbed The Avenue and is located at 91.1 on your FM tuner. It is a radio station that is original, and fresh even though some of their musical programming is older than a lot of their listeners.
Frank Sinatra is always cool. Jamie Cullum and Harry Connick Jr. are a couple of smooth criminals. Add Micheal Buble, Norah Jones, Bombay Sapphire, Dry Vermouth (for cosmetics only), a martini glass, and a shaker full of ice and you have yourself one cool time.
The originality of the station is truly in the programming, and it is exciting to see Green Bay embracing that side of life. Unlike the others vying for the attention of your ear hole, 91.1 doesn't rely on the cutting edge. They don't rely on the in-your-face advertisements (see previous post) and the cheesy on-air gimmicks the others do. The Avenue just plays great music.
We at Gonzo Guide Green Bay have compiled a list of a few situations where this station might make sense for you. Clearly there are many, but these suggestions might help get you started down The Avenue. A few situations where you should tune into 91.1 are as follows:
1.) A fine dinner evening with friends - You will not be embarrassed when Rick James, Sir Mix-a-Lot or Poison "accidentally" shows up on your iPod dinner music playlist.
2.) A romantic dinner with that special someone - Man or woman, isn't it time you did something like this for your Love Biscuit? Give the kids to the zoo for the evening (metaphorically speaking of course), and plan a nice dinner for just the two of you. Find a nice recipe, pop a bottle of Big Mouth Red, tune into 91.1. You might find yourself on the receiving end of some good dessert.
3.) As warm up music for a night on the town - Pour yourself a starter, and tune in to 91.1 to prime your mojo for an evening out.
4.) On the highways and byways - Cool that road rage and get through the 172 mess, by tuning in and chilling out.
5.) Host a soiree of some kind, invite cool people, and solve the world's problems - Talk smart and get funky at the same time.
Look at 91.1 The Avenue as the VIP section on your radio dial. It is cool, retro-fresh, and deserves a listen.
Unclasp the velvet rope, and make yourself comfortable at 91.1 The Avenue.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Friday, April 10, 2009
Letter from the Editor - To Richard Kessler...Leave me the f*** alone! I don't need you to be my jeweler.
Dear Richard Kessler:
You constantly regale me with your radio ads about how you want to be my jeweler. Well allow me to retort.
I can't stand your commercials. They are brutally annoying and intrusive, and I beg you to stop.
See, the problem is not with your product. It is your voice that comes on the radio after one of my favorite songs, like a massive downer, soft selling us on why we need to come in and spend some of our cash on your compressed carbon.
It is the sheer volume with with you pollute our airwaves that astounds me. No station is safe from your 30 second diamond charged anecdotes. Your commercials are everywhere, and at the very least, I must commend you on your tenacity. It is a mark of a true businessman. However, you have to know when to say when.
Richard, I bet you are a great guy and I am sure you have brought countless smiles (and debt) to families across our fine listening area. You just need to change up the advertising. Your voice is tiring and causes an instant reaction in our nervous system, that leads to a tapestry of swears and a change on our dial. There has to be something different you can do. Change it up brother!
As for me, I will continue listening to the radio, hoping to find a station free from Richard Kessler. For cripes sakes man, give it a rest or change up your approach at least, and let me enjoy my radio again.
And by the way, Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo!
Continued Success-
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
Gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
You constantly regale me with your radio ads about how you want to be my jeweler. Well allow me to retort.
I can't stand your commercials. They are brutally annoying and intrusive, and I beg you to stop.
See, the problem is not with your product. It is your voice that comes on the radio after one of my favorite songs, like a massive downer, soft selling us on why we need to come in and spend some of our cash on your compressed carbon.
It is the sheer volume with with you pollute our airwaves that astounds me. No station is safe from your 30 second diamond charged anecdotes. Your commercials are everywhere, and at the very least, I must commend you on your tenacity. It is a mark of a true businessman. However, you have to know when to say when.
Richard, I bet you are a great guy and I am sure you have brought countless smiles (and debt) to families across our fine listening area. You just need to change up the advertising. Your voice is tiring and causes an instant reaction in our nervous system, that leads to a tapestry of swears and a change on our dial. There has to be something different you can do. Change it up brother!
As for me, I will continue listening to the radio, hoping to find a station free from Richard Kessler. For cripes sakes man, give it a rest or change up your approach at least, and let me enjoy my radio again.
And by the way, Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo!
Continued Success-
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
Gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Action - Baird Creek...Frolf for Lunch.
Baird Creek has long been a local haven for mountain bikers, disc golfers, cross country skiers, kids that stole a 6 pack of their dad's Red Dog, and the occasional smot poker. Duuude.
Anyway, the subject of today's Gonzo Guide Green bay conversation revolves around the mountain biking, and the disc golfing opportunities that present themselves at Baird Creek.
Mountain Biking Trails
Mountain Biking is a great way to get out and be a part of the sweet summer scene. You're pedaling, you're active, you're feeling good about what you're doing, and you are actually earning those 3 Jack and Cokes you'll suck down on the patio as soon as you get home. Not bad for 10:30 am.
Baird Creek provides some decent intermediate level single track riding. Single track is exactly what it sounds like: a single bike track through the woods. There are rocks, and stumps and roots and trees and deadly switchbacks to contend with, but for the most part someone in mediocre shape with a halfway decent bike can manage Baird Creek.
Trail Section 1 as we'll call it, begins by Danz Hill, across the street from Danz School. Surely their are other little inlets, but this is the main launch pad for TS 1. The trail in this section is not complicated at all. Depending on what trails you take there are some fun off chutes with very narrow track next to the creek, and some pretty sweet down and up hill sections across the creek.
On the other side of Baird Creek Parkway is Trail Section 2. It is more technical in nature with some pretty nasty downhill sections for the adventurous (or masochistic). When you get downhills, there are nasty uphills as well.
The trails are nice to have close, but none are marked, and you always have to have it in the back of your head where approximately you are, and how approximately, you will get back. Overall though, this is some decent outdoor mountain biking action if you need to get the hell out of the house for a few hours 'cause the kids, or roommates, or cockroaches are driving you nuts!
Not that that ever happens to us or anything.
Disc Golf (or Frolf) Course
18 holes of disc golf, built into the side of a winter sports complex. Lots of good cardiovascularly enhancing exercise.*
*Please, check with your doctor before you attempt to play. Attempt to play disc golf without first consulting your physician may or may not play a role in developing a mild rash, twitching, incoherent speech, gastro intestinal explosion and in some cases, premature matriculation. Check with your doctor before you go shoot a round. This also does not in any way constitute medical advice.
We actually got out there today over lunch under the impression we might run a quick mission through the course just to get a feel how it had fared the harsh, brutal winter. What a surprise we found when we saw only 5 pins were up! Egads Man, it is the 9th of April and we only have 5 pins up? Well, it turns out the Parks guy was out putting the holes up and was on lunch break when we sneakily jumped on hole one.
The five holes we played were the same as we remember them. There are actual signs next to the tee box giving you distance and par.
In all seriousness, disc golf is a great way to get outside and take your sweet-ass time throwing Frisbees at chain linked baskets. There are a few other courses out there, and we've been fortunate enough to play all over the Midwest. Plaman in Appleton may be more professional, but frolf at the Creek provides a pretty, and challenging 18.
There's some sweet action for you: disc golf, and mountain biking. Pack up a...cooler, bring the grill and make a day of it.
Do you frolf by yourself, or with friends? Do you ride the singletrack trails until you can't sit?
Tell us about it. We appreciate it!
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Anyway, the subject of today's Gonzo Guide Green bay conversation revolves around the mountain biking, and the disc golfing opportunities that present themselves at Baird Creek.
Mountain Biking Trails
Mountain Biking is a great way to get out and be a part of the sweet summer scene. You're pedaling, you're active, you're feeling good about what you're doing, and you are actually earning those 3 Jack and Cokes you'll suck down on the patio as soon as you get home. Not bad for 10:30 am.
Baird Creek provides some decent intermediate level single track riding. Single track is exactly what it sounds like: a single bike track through the woods. There are rocks, and stumps and roots and trees and deadly switchbacks to contend with, but for the most part someone in mediocre shape with a halfway decent bike can manage Baird Creek.
Trail Section 1 as we'll call it, begins by Danz Hill, across the street from Danz School. Surely their are other little inlets, but this is the main launch pad for TS 1. The trail in this section is not complicated at all. Depending on what trails you take there are some fun off chutes with very narrow track next to the creek, and some pretty sweet down and up hill sections across the creek.
On the other side of Baird Creek Parkway is Trail Section 2. It is more technical in nature with some pretty nasty downhill sections for the adventurous (or masochistic). When you get downhills, there are nasty uphills as well.
The trails are nice to have close, but none are marked, and you always have to have it in the back of your head where approximately you are, and how approximately, you will get back. Overall though, this is some decent outdoor mountain biking action if you need to get the hell out of the house for a few hours 'cause the kids, or roommates, or cockroaches are driving you nuts!
Not that that ever happens to us or anything.
Disc Golf (or Frolf) Course
18 holes of disc golf, built into the side of a winter sports complex. Lots of good cardiovascularly enhancing exercise.*
*Please, check with your doctor before you attempt to play. Attempt to play disc golf without first consulting your physician may or may not play a role in developing a mild rash, twitching, incoherent speech, gastro intestinal explosion and in some cases, premature matriculation. Check with your doctor before you go shoot a round. This also does not in any way constitute medical advice.
We actually got out there today over lunch under the impression we might run a quick mission through the course just to get a feel how it had fared the harsh, brutal winter. What a surprise we found when we saw only 5 pins were up! Egads Man, it is the 9th of April and we only have 5 pins up? Well, it turns out the Parks guy was out putting the holes up and was on lunch break when we sneakily jumped on hole one.
The five holes we played were the same as we remember them. There are actual signs next to the tee box giving you distance and par.
In all seriousness, disc golf is a great way to get outside and take your sweet-ass time throwing Frisbees at chain linked baskets. There are a few other courses out there, and we've been fortunate enough to play all over the Midwest. Plaman in Appleton may be more professional, but frolf at the Creek provides a pretty, and challenging 18.
There's some sweet action for you: disc golf, and mountain biking. Pack up a...cooler, bring the grill and make a day of it.
Do you frolf by yourself, or with friends? Do you ride the singletrack trails until you can't sit?
Tell us about it. We appreciate it!
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Stacks of Wax-Record Sale and Swap
How we listen to music changes everyday. There are many different ways to listen to music, but nothing is more mystical or nostalgic than listening to an album. According to Nielsen SoundScan, sales of new vinyl albums grew to 1.88 million in 2008, an increase of 89 percent. Albums are coming back, even more impressive--they are becoming trendy. Listening to vinyl is a reminiscing experience for some and for others it is new way to listen to music.
Here at Gonzo Guide we like to be on the up-and-up. So we decided to try to find out why vinyl records are the new bees-knees. What better way then to attend the Annual Green Bay Record Show. The record show took place in the Days Inn city center.
As soon as I got to the record sale all I could smell was patchouli. Why is it when music buffs congregate they emit that heavy odor? Anyway, while I was waiting at the door to pay my two dollars, the kid in front of me took his sweet time counting dimes and quarters, and then desperately digging in his pockets for more coins. Eventually this young man scrounged up enough coins and began his search. I handed two dollars to the lady at the door, see seemed appreciative that my method of payment was easy for both us.
The record sale had about 20 different vendors--all of them had vinyl records for sale, some had cd's, posters, photographs and other music memorabilia. I looked at most of the stacks of records and they had everything from Frank Sinatra to Black Sabbath. The variety of the collection of music was impressive and all the records seemed to be in good shape. Most of the records were reasonably priced, usually being under $20. I did see one record that was priced at $800, it was a Beatles album, apparently it is rare because of its scandalous cover.
All of the vendors at the record sale were music experts, who were eager to help me find whatever album I was looking for. Impressed by a certain collection I asked the vendor if he had a shop somewhere, by the sheer volume of his collection I assumed his answer to be yes. He didn't have his own shop, collecting rare albums and other memorabilia was his hobby, not a business enterprise. He admitted his hobby was addictive.
Suddenly, I realized what album I wanted to buy, but then I realized I don't have a record player. I know, very anti-climactic. But it was still cool to look at these artifacts from the glory years of music. Often I picked up a record and wondered who had listened to it, and I thought about the wake of happiness and emotion this record created on its path to me.
Not all of the records were used. Some vendors had new albums of current artists such as, Radiohead, White Stripes, Wilco and other progressive bands.
The next record sale will be coming back sometime this coming fall. When it does come around we suggest you check it out. Watch for their ad in the weekend section of the Green Bay Press Gazette. We give the Green Bay Annual Record Show 4.8 tie-die shirts out of 5.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Rupert Gonzo
Gonzo Contributor-at-Large
rupert@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Here at Gonzo Guide we like to be on the up-and-up. So we decided to try to find out why vinyl records are the new bees-knees. What better way then to attend the Annual Green Bay Record Show. The record show took place in the Days Inn city center.
As soon as I got to the record sale all I could smell was patchouli. Why is it when music buffs congregate they emit that heavy odor? Anyway, while I was waiting at the door to pay my two dollars, the kid in front of me took his sweet time counting dimes and quarters, and then desperately digging in his pockets for more coins. Eventually this young man scrounged up enough coins and began his search. I handed two dollars to the lady at the door, see seemed appreciative that my method of payment was easy for both us.
The record sale had about 20 different vendors--all of them had vinyl records for sale, some had cd's, posters, photographs and other music memorabilia. I looked at most of the stacks of records and they had everything from Frank Sinatra to Black Sabbath. The variety of the collection of music was impressive and all the records seemed to be in good shape. Most of the records were reasonably priced, usually being under $20. I did see one record that was priced at $800, it was a Beatles album, apparently it is rare because of its scandalous cover.
All of the vendors at the record sale were music experts, who were eager to help me find whatever album I was looking for. Impressed by a certain collection I asked the vendor if he had a shop somewhere, by the sheer volume of his collection I assumed his answer to be yes. He didn't have his own shop, collecting rare albums and other memorabilia was his hobby, not a business enterprise. He admitted his hobby was addictive.
Suddenly, I realized what album I wanted to buy, but then I realized I don't have a record player. I know, very anti-climactic. But it was still cool to look at these artifacts from the glory years of music. Often I picked up a record and wondered who had listened to it, and I thought about the wake of happiness and emotion this record created on its path to me.
Not all of the records were used. Some vendors had new albums of current artists such as, Radiohead, White Stripes, Wilco and other progressive bands.
The next record sale will be coming back sometime this coming fall. When it does come around we suggest you check it out. Watch for their ad in the weekend section of the Green Bay Press Gazette. We give the Green Bay Annual Record Show 4.8 tie-die shirts out of 5.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Rupert Gonzo
Gonzo Contributor-at-Large
rupert@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Events - The Big Event for Little Kids...A Perfect Family Outing
The Big Event for Little Kids provides an excellent opportunity to take your youngins out and show them an enjoyable time. Prove to them the couch isn't really one of Dad's body parts.
For years now, Encompass Foundation has used this gathering to fund its organization. They bring in a number of hands on exhibitors all with the sole focus of entertaining, amazing, and occupying your little ones. From the Bookmobile, to snakes, to karate demos, to being able to sit in a big back hoe, to coloring, to performing faux dentistry on one snaggletoothed rock chewing stuffed animal...this place has a lot to offer your little kid.
We had the pleasure of attending this event, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our kids loved it too. It was a nice 2 hours spent as a family, and that is worth quite a bit these days.
Just a quick take on a local fun family event.
Plug In - Participate - G0 Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
For years now, Encompass Foundation has used this gathering to fund its organization. They bring in a number of hands on exhibitors all with the sole focus of entertaining, amazing, and occupying your little ones. From the Bookmobile, to snakes, to karate demos, to being able to sit in a big back hoe, to coloring, to performing faux dentistry on one snaggletoothed rock chewing stuffed animal...this place has a lot to offer your little kid.
We had the pleasure of attending this event, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our kids loved it too. It was a nice 2 hours spent as a family, and that is worth quite a bit these days.
Just a quick take on a local fun family event.
Plug In - Participate - G0 Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Eateries - Los Banditos...Margaritas with a side of Fajitas
Because the Mexican restaurants have prompted some spicy discussion, and because Mexico is our 8th favorite country, we decided to continue on our trend and spin our take on another local Mexican favorite: Los Banditos.
If the amount of money we have spent at restaurants over the years were broken out by each restaurant, Los Banditos would easily be on the top of our list. We've been there hundreds of times, even with an 8 year stretch down in Milwaukee mixed in there.
The eastside restaurant's layout is perfect. The cantina has low ceilings and even lower lighting, and fits nicely with the restaurant sections. Conversation can easily be carried on as it is not overly loud, nor is there deafening or distracting music playing. The feeling there is unique and one we quite enjoy on any given occasion or date. Since the Gonzo abode is on the eastside, this is the location that gets most of our attention.
On the other side of the Fox River is "Los West." A little bit different, but still very well done. All of the tangibles are the same as they are on the eastside: the food you crave, the excellent service, but with a slight difference in layout. It seems like more of a traditional bar and grill layout, but please don't view this as a gripe. It is in no way a complaint, just an observation.
Both places provide the ambiance they do, that comfortable easy going Mexican-y feel because at one point or another the managers and owners seemed to have agreed that just putting a kitchy sombrero on the wall and serving tortilla chips wouldn't cut it. It seems they created Los Banditos not only to be a money producing restaurant, but more so as a place where patrons always feel comfortable no matter what kind of threads they have on; where they know what they're going to order before they even sit down and they never have to question the quality of the food or the service they will receive.
Totally authentic Mexican food it is not. It is more Meximerican, with the burritos and enchaladas and other Mexican staples aplenty, but it also has ribs and other items you might not expect to find. The special last night was some sort of Grouper. Fish, and Mexican don't mix well in the Gonzo guts (unless it is shrimp soup which no one around here seems to do) so we opted for the fajitas, CCQs, and 2 Herradura (a kind of tequila worth requesting) margaritas.
The fajitas were brought to us sizziling, about as much as we were sizzling after the two margaritas we sucked down. The 4 fajitas we had were excellent. Nothing like a hot plate of mexi-veggies with limey cilantroy marinated meat wrapped warmly inside a tortilla. Large offerings of fresh tomatoes, lettuce, guac, and sour cream were included in the feast.
As for the CCQ and the complimentary chips and salsa, we say job well done Los. These items may not be the absolute best in the area, but your shine comes from the amount and variety of things you do really well, again be it the service, the drinks, the food, the kids menu, the atmosphere. It is no mistake that you are a well respected culinary institution here.
Consider this merely an introduction to our love affair with Los Banditos. There is so much to appreciate that we can't do this place justice with just one post. More to come.
Gonzo Guide Green Bay gives Los Banditos 4.91 sizzling hot plates out of 5.
Have you been searching for some sizzle? Maybe something hot, wrapped in a tortilla?
We always leave Los satisfied.
How about you?
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
If the amount of money we have spent at restaurants over the years were broken out by each restaurant, Los Banditos would easily be on the top of our list. We've been there hundreds of times, even with an 8 year stretch down in Milwaukee mixed in there.
The eastside restaurant's layout is perfect. The cantina has low ceilings and even lower lighting, and fits nicely with the restaurant sections. Conversation can easily be carried on as it is not overly loud, nor is there deafening or distracting music playing. The feeling there is unique and one we quite enjoy on any given occasion or date. Since the Gonzo abode is on the eastside, this is the location that gets most of our attention.
On the other side of the Fox River is "Los West." A little bit different, but still very well done. All of the tangibles are the same as they are on the eastside: the food you crave, the excellent service, but with a slight difference in layout. It seems like more of a traditional bar and grill layout, but please don't view this as a gripe. It is in no way a complaint, just an observation.
Both places provide the ambiance they do, that comfortable easy going Mexican-y feel because at one point or another the managers and owners seemed to have agreed that just putting a kitchy sombrero on the wall and serving tortilla chips wouldn't cut it. It seems they created Los Banditos not only to be a money producing restaurant, but more so as a place where patrons always feel comfortable no matter what kind of threads they have on; where they know what they're going to order before they even sit down and they never have to question the quality of the food or the service they will receive.
Totally authentic Mexican food it is not. It is more Meximerican, with the burritos and enchaladas and other Mexican staples aplenty, but it also has ribs and other items you might not expect to find. The special last night was some sort of Grouper. Fish, and Mexican don't mix well in the Gonzo guts (unless it is shrimp soup which no one around here seems to do) so we opted for the fajitas, CCQs, and 2 Herradura (a kind of tequila worth requesting) margaritas.
The fajitas were brought to us sizziling, about as much as we were sizzling after the two margaritas we sucked down. The 4 fajitas we had were excellent. Nothing like a hot plate of mexi-veggies with limey cilantroy marinated meat wrapped warmly inside a tortilla. Large offerings of fresh tomatoes, lettuce, guac, and sour cream were included in the feast.
As for the CCQ and the complimentary chips and salsa, we say job well done Los. These items may not be the absolute best in the area, but your shine comes from the amount and variety of things you do really well, again be it the service, the drinks, the food, the kids menu, the atmosphere. It is no mistake that you are a well respected culinary institution here.
Consider this merely an introduction to our love affair with Los Banditos. There is so much to appreciate that we can't do this place justice with just one post. More to come.
Gonzo Guide Green Bay gives Los Banditos 4.91 sizzling hot plates out of 5.
Have you been searching for some sizzle? Maybe something hot, wrapped in a tortilla?
We always leave Los satisfied.
How about you?
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Eateries - Maria's...For Chimichanga, Beef Burrito, Quesadillas...Yeah That's Maria's
Maria's Mexican Restaurant is located at 106 S Broadway. It used to be The Burger Company, or something like that. Never really impressed with The Burger Company, we went there only twice. A little overpriced, and contrary to their name there are many other Burger Companies we would visit before that one. Apparently others agreed, and now the space is once again occupied by Maria's Mexican Restaurant.
So onto our take on Maria's. The tough part is that the Mexican restaurant space is pretty thick with competition for our hard earned dollar.
The decor has changed little from the The Burger Company meltdown, with small hand painted masks and a few other Mexican related items on the walls. Other than that, same paint, same colors, same weak decor...although...if their food is good, decor is something any ferocious eater will look past.
Before we get to the food, first, the service. Mitigating circumstances: new restaurant, new staff, which equals a lack of rhythm. Every good restaurant has a rhythm. Maria's hasn't quite found her's yet, but we can say the service was good. The waitress tried to do a good job and gave us enough time to peruse the menu. Drinks were slow, and we had to ask for silverware, but again this is part of the mitigating circumstances we mention above. And by the way, this was about peak lunch hour time. We ended up tipping her a good percentage, because outside of that she did a good job and these things don't warrant a lower tip. Don't be a jerk. Its hard enough making a living these days.
As for the food and menu, the menu offered about 30 items all in, each one sounding pretty authentic. Mexico is our 5th favorite country and we've had the local cuisine there. But who the hell really knows what "authentic" is these days, ay Hombre?
Anyway we ordered up the Chimi with shredded beef, only after consuming the complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa, since it seems to be of interest, ranks a little south of El Sarape, but still good. Their signature touch is that the chips are always warm. That was pretty snazzy. It makes for a good difference from the other guys.
Our food was hand delivered to our table in a timely manner, and tasted good. There was no funky "I wonder what piece of the cow this was from" beef in the food which is always appreciated. The tortilla shell was perfectly done. Served with Green and Brown Mole, you can turn up the heat as much as you want. This was fun...until the sweat started coming.
The only gripe is that there are no combination plates. It would be super if we could maybe try a combination of things...the combination plate is something the other Mexican eateries have on this casual Mexican cantina-ish place.
Prices are reasonable-ish.
The hot tamale on Maria's is that it is a good Mexican restaurant that delivers a good service, a simple ambiance, and an over par product.
Again, to the Green Bay Mexican Restaurant Community...call La Feuente in Milwaukee and get their recipe for shrimp soup. That sh*t is amazing. If anyone around here offers it, plug us in.
Maria's gets 3.511 shredded beef burritos out of 5 from Gonzo Guide Green Bay.
Maria's...For Chimichanga, Beef Burrito, Quesadillas...Yeah That's Maria's!
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
So onto our take on Maria's. The tough part is that the Mexican restaurant space is pretty thick with competition for our hard earned dollar.
The decor has changed little from the The Burger Company meltdown, with small hand painted masks and a few other Mexican related items on the walls. Other than that, same paint, same colors, same weak decor...although...if their food is good, decor is something any ferocious eater will look past.
Before we get to the food, first, the service. Mitigating circumstances: new restaurant, new staff, which equals a lack of rhythm. Every good restaurant has a rhythm. Maria's hasn't quite found her's yet, but we can say the service was good. The waitress tried to do a good job and gave us enough time to peruse the menu. Drinks were slow, and we had to ask for silverware, but again this is part of the mitigating circumstances we mention above. And by the way, this was about peak lunch hour time. We ended up tipping her a good percentage, because outside of that she did a good job and these things don't warrant a lower tip. Don't be a jerk. Its hard enough making a living these days.
As for the food and menu, the menu offered about 30 items all in, each one sounding pretty authentic. Mexico is our 5th favorite country and we've had the local cuisine there. But who the hell really knows what "authentic" is these days, ay Hombre?
Anyway we ordered up the Chimi with shredded beef, only after consuming the complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa, since it seems to be of interest, ranks a little south of El Sarape, but still good. Their signature touch is that the chips are always warm. That was pretty snazzy. It makes for a good difference from the other guys.
Our food was hand delivered to our table in a timely manner, and tasted good. There was no funky "I wonder what piece of the cow this was from" beef in the food which is always appreciated. The tortilla shell was perfectly done. Served with Green and Brown Mole, you can turn up the heat as much as you want. This was fun...until the sweat started coming.
The only gripe is that there are no combination plates. It would be super if we could maybe try a combination of things...the combination plate is something the other Mexican eateries have on this casual Mexican cantina-ish place.
Prices are reasonable-ish.
The hot tamale on Maria's is that it is a good Mexican restaurant that delivers a good service, a simple ambiance, and an over par product.
Again, to the Green Bay Mexican Restaurant Community...call La Feuente in Milwaukee and get their recipe for shrimp soup. That sh*t is amazing. If anyone around here offers it, plug us in.
Maria's gets 3.511 shredded beef burritos out of 5 from Gonzo Guide Green Bay.
Maria's...For Chimichanga, Beef Burrito, Quesadillas...Yeah That's Maria's!
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
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