Once again Gonzo Green Guide Green Bay will plunge you into the bowels of our experience with two of Green Bay's freshest restaurants. On one hand we have the hippie granolahead team represented by The Urban Frog. On the other hand we have the svelte foodie intellectualism side represented by Black & Tan Grille. Two very different options, two very different reviews.
Saddle up Susie, 'cause here we go.
The Urban Frog is located in the heart of Green Bay's Broadway District; a growing, diverse, and happening place as far as Green Bay is concerned. A dedication to serving fresh, organic food, free of like bad vibes man, is their focus. And how did they do?
They did pretty well as far as most things are concerned. The only gripe lay lay with the staff. Granted when I walked in there, my outfit didn't scream, "Hey, I'm a hippie granolahead too, please share in copious amounts of deep conversation with me." While I may not fit the hippie organic bill on my face, I do respect what they are doing. It just seemed like no one on the staff made any effort to have a positive impact on my day...besides giving me the food I paid for. The mantra on their site discusses SMILES being of great quantity around here. The staff was smiling, but in regards to their own little conversations. And when an attempt was made to smile at what seemed to be the owner/manager whatever (tall short-haired lady), no attempt was returned...and we made eye contact! Snobby hippie granolaheads? That goes together as about as good as insecticide on my tomatoes. C'mon you guys, sell the sunnier, diversity embracing side of the hippie organic community. It is detrimental to your image to pull the elitist stuff, no matter how clean your food is.
And the food was pretty ok. With the Albacore Tuna Wrap special, I got a side of pasta salad. Let's start with the pasta salad. Just short of about 1 million peas, 8 sundried tomatoes, and 6 noodles. No shit. I counted them. More noodles or even tomatoes would be better for me, but overall the dime bag sized container tasted pretty good.
The wrap at Urban Frog was stuffed with solid amounts of Tuna, tomatoes, onions, and maybe a few other things we couldn't remember. They wrap it up in what I can only assume was a highly healthy tortilla, and then they press it in a panini press. You know what? It was good. The interesting thing is I ordered it thinking it was cold. The "hot" was a surprise, an initially unwelcomed one, but it worked out for the better. The wrap was good, and you might want to try one there.
All in, with a hippie drink and the wrap, it cost me about $13. Expensive for lunch? Maybe a little. Anyway, for uber clean food that tastes pretty good, and for a pasta salad with a whole lot of peas, check out The Urban Frog.
Black & Tan Grille is located in the old Bellin Building in downtown. Between these guys and St. Brendan's you should pat yourself on the back. You two are the best options for food on the east side of the river in downtown.
This place seemed like it should be hopping busy. Granted this was a lunchtime on a pretty random weekday, but still. You've got 3 financial businesses in that area, along with a handful of other solid patron sources, why are you not busy? The place was dead, and I felt really bad about it.
I felt bad because it was cool. The ambiance was a little darker, but with a table by the window you get enough sun. The music was tuned into a really cool station playing upbeat classic jazz, to more recent instrumental and digital sounds. Beyond that the service was top notch as well. Not too many interruptions, but enough attention to let us know we were important, even though we aren't.
Now you'd expect to pay for the service through higher prices, and for the most part that wasn't the case, given where we were. For lunch the range was from about $9-$14 per entree. Not bad.
The food was very good, and the menu well thought out. They don't just belch chicken strips out of the fryer and make a kitschy name for them and schlep them on the menu. No, they clearly spent some time putting the offering together. The 1/2 lb Angus burger I ordered was top notch with Gorgonzola and what I believe was a brie on top. Final layer was caramelized onions. Why go to a nice place for a burger? That is what I felt like, and if it is a good restaurant, they better damn well have a good burger...and Black & Tan Grille does. Partnering this selection with their mango, raspberry, schnozberry lemonade is an extra special treat. Try them both. And I sincerely hope Black & Tan Grille sees the traffic for lunch. It is a cool place, and I'd hate to see this restaurant leave the downtown. We need it there.
Once again, like the restaurants we've visited, Gonzo Guide Green Bay is serving it up hot and fresh. As for the places we discussed today: The Urban Frog, and Black & Tan Grille, well, every city needs an elitist hippy granolahead scene with very clean food, and conversely a trendy spot that serves an extensive and creative menu, with great service (Black & Tan Grille).
I'm throwin' down the mic...for now. Gomez out.
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Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Monday, July 27, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Attempt to Ban "Midget" May Fall Short
The Little People of America recently contacted the Federal Communications Commission to establish a ban on the word “midget” on television.
Being an esteemed contributor to the Gonzo Guide allowed me the opportunity to sit down with the CEO of the LPA during their national conference.
Dewey Danny Traweek has been with the LPA a mere 19 months but has already done a lot of heavy lifting in drawing attention to the non-profit organization. “People don’t look down on us like they used to,” said Traweek. “We’ve grown a lot over the past year and a half.”
Traweek, obviously modest, has worked tirelessly to build a strong relationship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. “It is important we have someone that we can see eye to eye with on key initiatives.” Together, the groups have collected donations in the millions to help promote their agendas.
When asked about the complaint filed with the FCC, Traweek was only willing to take partial credit. “The effort has been undeniable from the ground up within the organization.”
The FCC was unable to comment on the topic since it is still an open complaint. One official, who agreed to speak anonymously, said there is a very very small chance anything of this sort will be implemented.
The official went on to say that the LPA is being “short sighted” on the topic and “should really dig down deep to find if this is a change that would benefit them in the long run.”
As an impartial member of society I wish LPA the best and hope they keep making long strides in accomplishing their goals. And with Traweek running the show, they can only go up from here. Reach for the stars my friends, no matter how far they may seem.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Average Height Person,
Henry Gonzo
Contributor-at-Large
henry@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Being an esteemed contributor to the Gonzo Guide allowed me the opportunity to sit down with the CEO of the LPA during their national conference.
Dewey Danny Traweek has been with the LPA a mere 19 months but has already done a lot of heavy lifting in drawing attention to the non-profit organization. “People don’t look down on us like they used to,” said Traweek. “We’ve grown a lot over the past year and a half.”
Traweek, obviously modest, has worked tirelessly to build a strong relationship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. “It is important we have someone that we can see eye to eye with on key initiatives.” Together, the groups have collected donations in the millions to help promote their agendas.
When asked about the complaint filed with the FCC, Traweek was only willing to take partial credit. “The effort has been undeniable from the ground up within the organization.”
The FCC was unable to comment on the topic since it is still an open complaint. One official, who agreed to speak anonymously, said there is a very very small chance anything of this sort will be implemented.
The official went on to say that the LPA is being “short sighted” on the topic and “should really dig down deep to find if this is a change that would benefit them in the long run.”
As an impartial member of society I wish LPA the best and hope they keep making long strides in accomplishing their goals. And with Traweek running the show, they can only go up from here. Reach for the stars my friends, no matter how far they may seem.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Average Height Person,
Henry Gonzo
Contributor-at-Large
henry@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Eateries - My Oh My, Snout Deep in Shepard's Pie
You ever have those mornings where all of your concentration is lost on the yearning for a solid midday meal? You know, you've had a few adult beverages...as an aside, I love that people refer to alcoholic beverages as "adult beverages." No one I know behaves like an adult after several of these.
Anyway, Shepard's Pie is a traditional Irish stew of sorts. Peas, carrots, lamb meat, celery, onions, topped with a whole butt-load of whipped potatoes. From personal experience, the Winter is the best time to have this fare, but I'll tell you after a night of boozing, this shit really hits the spot.
And where else in this fine city would you go for Irish food? Easy. St. Brendan's. If you recall a while back we did a spotlight on our favorite Irish hot spot, but that was mainly dedicated to the night life, and the 2 bottles of Scotch we ended up putting down while sitting at their bar.
The Shepard's Pie here is excellent. Our last experience with this tasty concoction happened at Mo's in Milwaukee. They serve theirs in a miniature black cauldron. Cutesy, but St. Brendan's is better. I'm not sure if it was the portion, or the moment, or the company, but this stew-y potato crusted pea, carrot, lamb meat filled dish really did it for me. The difference between what we had at Mo's and what we had at St. Brendan's is pretty simple. The stew portion from St Brendan's was a richer base. You could almost taste the butter in this stuff. Hey health freaks, take it easy. You don't eat this stuff because you are calorie conscious. You eat it because it is fantastic, it fills you up, and brings back what is right in your world, and you aren't worried about being hungry 3 hours later.
St. Brendan's is a cool place in the downtown Green Bay area, where there are a lot of places that aren't. As another aside, how about the Green Bay political leadership get working on cleaning the downtown area up. I'm not talking about building ugly ass condos along the river. The whole area needs an overhaul. Fresh business, fresh ideas, and a better centerpiece than that toilet bowl Vicenzi's. All y'all need to check your big swinging dicks at the door and actually get something accomplished. Word.
Sorry St. Brendan's, you don't deserve a political tirade in a post that is dedicated to how great your Shepard's Pie is. That said, I highly recommend this dish, and this eatery.
Thanks for being there for me St. Brendan's. You were there when I really needed some good food, and a great atmosphere...and one last thing...the service was fantastic, timely, friendly, and fast.
Much respect St. Brendan's, glad you are here.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Anyway, Shepard's Pie is a traditional Irish stew of sorts. Peas, carrots, lamb meat, celery, onions, topped with a whole butt-load of whipped potatoes. From personal experience, the Winter is the best time to have this fare, but I'll tell you after a night of boozing, this shit really hits the spot.
And where else in this fine city would you go for Irish food? Easy. St. Brendan's. If you recall a while back we did a spotlight on our favorite Irish hot spot, but that was mainly dedicated to the night life, and the 2 bottles of Scotch we ended up putting down while sitting at their bar.
The Shepard's Pie here is excellent. Our last experience with this tasty concoction happened at Mo's in Milwaukee. They serve theirs in a miniature black cauldron. Cutesy, but St. Brendan's is better. I'm not sure if it was the portion, or the moment, or the company, but this stew-y potato crusted pea, carrot, lamb meat filled dish really did it for me. The difference between what we had at Mo's and what we had at St. Brendan's is pretty simple. The stew portion from St Brendan's was a richer base. You could almost taste the butter in this stuff. Hey health freaks, take it easy. You don't eat this stuff because you are calorie conscious. You eat it because it is fantastic, it fills you up, and brings back what is right in your world, and you aren't worried about being hungry 3 hours later.
St. Brendan's is a cool place in the downtown Green Bay area, where there are a lot of places that aren't. As another aside, how about the Green Bay political leadership get working on cleaning the downtown area up. I'm not talking about building ugly ass condos along the river. The whole area needs an overhaul. Fresh business, fresh ideas, and a better centerpiece than that toilet bowl Vicenzi's. All y'all need to check your big swinging dicks at the door and actually get something accomplished. Word.
Sorry St. Brendan's, you don't deserve a political tirade in a post that is dedicated to how great your Shepard's Pie is. That said, I highly recommend this dish, and this eatery.
Thanks for being there for me St. Brendan's. You were there when I really needed some good food, and a great atmosphere...and one last thing...the service was fantastic, timely, friendly, and fast.
Much respect St. Brendan's, glad you are here.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Gonzo Headlines - Kenny G is the Best the Weidner Can Get
Who the hell is running the production line-up for the Weidner Center? Seriously?
Kenny G is the damned pinnacle of your season? What, did he have a free night in the middle of his 2009 Rocking the Nursing Homes Tour?
Come on you guys! Look at this list! Is anyone below the age of 86 going to want to attend any of things you've lined-up? You better advertise the hell out of that senior citizen discount of yours, because these are the only people that will be attending your shows this year. To make matters even worse, you are located on a college campus...here's an idea, how about you try to cater a little to the market you have sitting right in your shadows? Or at least try to cater to a few of us who aren't on a ventilator and sporting a fucking walker.
I remember the days when Phantom , Les Miz, Emperor's New Clothes, and Carousel came into town, with some pretty solid talent. I remember when there were some decent concert events held here too. It seems like you have made a conscious decision to exclude a more youthful audience. And please, this diatribe does not knock our aged community. From your offering though, you have neglected all those that are not in the Baby Boomer generation. Hey, us X'ers and Y'ers like culture too. And, most of us have jobs whereby we can actually afford to attend these shows. So we will pay to see the shows and we will also help the bottom line by purchasing a beverage or two at intermission, not just standing in line at the bathroom waiting to empty the colostomy bag.
Here's what you need to do. You keep the vast majority of what you have going on. You want to maintain the up standing classy theatre thing...I get that. But you should also throw in some events that might be appealing to some of the great consumer mass that is under the AARP qualifying mark. You should use the population you have around you, and not just the UWGB theatre people either. I like your attempt to bring in other local acts...props on that.
Suggestions would include:
A neat, out of the box guest lecturer series...We had James Earl Jones come in, and the place was packed. Great conversationalist that Jones. People listened and enjoyed. We had a representative from NORML come in and provide his views, although most don't remember what they were...and yes, that was packed as well.
How about bringing in an author of a bestselling book? Just read Out of Captivity: Surviving 1967 Days in the Colombian Jungle. The authors were hostages in Colombia for almost 6 years. How cool would it be to bring them in to talk about their experience, and the process of putting that into a book?
And last but not least, maybe you could add a little more widely known, and diverse (meaning genres), concerts out there?
Adding a fresh mix of options that are unique, and appeal to more than one audience might make some good business sense. Why limit yourself to one target audience? Spread it out a little and rebuild your image to the non-season ticket holding audience, 'cause the line-ups are stale, and you're starting to stink.
And shame on you Press Gazette for trying to sell Kenny G as some great exciting once in a lifetime production. Poor effort.
Come on people! Is this what the excitement in Green Bay has been reduced to? Kenny fucking G? I for one, will not stand for it. Who's with me?
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Kenny G is the damned pinnacle of your season? What, did he have a free night in the middle of his 2009 Rocking the Nursing Homes Tour?
Come on you guys! Look at this list! Is anyone below the age of 86 going to want to attend any of things you've lined-up? You better advertise the hell out of that senior citizen discount of yours, because these are the only people that will be attending your shows this year. To make matters even worse, you are located on a college campus...here's an idea, how about you try to cater a little to the market you have sitting right in your shadows? Or at least try to cater to a few of us who aren't on a ventilator and sporting a fucking walker.
I remember the days when Phantom , Les Miz, Emperor's New Clothes, and Carousel came into town, with some pretty solid talent. I remember when there were some decent concert events held here too. It seems like you have made a conscious decision to exclude a more youthful audience. And please, this diatribe does not knock our aged community. From your offering though, you have neglected all those that are not in the Baby Boomer generation. Hey, us X'ers and Y'ers like culture too. And, most of us have jobs whereby we can actually afford to attend these shows. So we will pay to see the shows and we will also help the bottom line by purchasing a beverage or two at intermission, not just standing in line at the bathroom waiting to empty the colostomy bag.
Here's what you need to do. You keep the vast majority of what you have going on. You want to maintain the up standing classy theatre thing...I get that. But you should also throw in some events that might be appealing to some of the great consumer mass that is under the AARP qualifying mark. You should use the population you have around you, and not just the UWGB theatre people either. I like your attempt to bring in other local acts...props on that.
Suggestions would include:
A neat, out of the box guest lecturer series...We had James Earl Jones come in, and the place was packed. Great conversationalist that Jones. People listened and enjoyed. We had a representative from NORML come in and provide his views, although most don't remember what they were...and yes, that was packed as well.
How about bringing in an author of a bestselling book? Just read Out of Captivity: Surviving 1967 Days in the Colombian Jungle. The authors were hostages in Colombia for almost 6 years. How cool would it be to bring them in to talk about their experience, and the process of putting that into a book?
And last but not least, maybe you could add a little more widely known, and diverse (meaning genres), concerts out there?
Adding a fresh mix of options that are unique, and appeal to more than one audience might make some good business sense. Why limit yourself to one target audience? Spread it out a little and rebuild your image to the non-season ticket holding audience, 'cause the line-ups are stale, and you're starting to stink.
And shame on you Press Gazette for trying to sell Kenny G as some great exciting once in a lifetime production. Poor effort.
Come on people! Is this what the excitement in Green Bay has been reduced to? Kenny fucking G? I for one, will not stand for it. Who's with me?
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Henry Gonzo Just Made Plans For You on America's Birthday
America's birthday is better than yours.
Not just the number (233 years in 2009) but also the atmosphere. Even big name celebs would find it impossible to throw a better birthday bash than the country in which we reside.
My last birthday included two non-funny cards and my 5-year-old cousin singing happy birthday acapella, and he really is a terrible singer. The day was topped off with a couple of warm beers and a small, possibly illegal, fire in a borderline friendly backyard. I have never had a friggin parade on my birthday, but they will march across the country this weekend.
America makes my birthday parties look like a funeral for a homeless person. There is nobody in attendance and nobody left to cover the tab. Downtown Green Bay will rock again this year with an array of bands, activities and a heavy surplus of frosty happiness in a cup.
After the sun drifts below the horizon comes each year's main attraction, the fireworks. Lawn chairs and blankets will litter Main Street as the colorful explosions light the sky for miles to see. There was a firecracker at my birthday once, but I think somebody threw it at me.
But, none of this matters. I shouldn't be disappointed with the poor effort that goes into planning my parties. Nor should I be sad that I am getting older. America, like a fine glass of whiskey, is better with age; and you and I are a part of it. Not only are we celebrating America, we are celebrating Americans, past and present. July 4th is everyone's birthday. Yours, mine, that guy from down the street who borrowed your weed whacker, everyone.
So gather some friends and family and grab a taxi downtown to celebrate (safe can still be fun). Enjoy the music, the camaraderie and the fireworks. But never forget how we got here, and when the flash of fireworks light up Old Glory, be thankful that you were able to celebrate yet another birthday.
http://www.fireworksoverthefox.com/
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
A True American,
Henry Gonzo
Contributor-at-Large
henry@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Not just the number (233 years in 2009) but also the atmosphere. Even big name celebs would find it impossible to throw a better birthday bash than the country in which we reside.
My last birthday included two non-funny cards and my 5-year-old cousin singing happy birthday acapella, and he really is a terrible singer. The day was topped off with a couple of warm beers and a small, possibly illegal, fire in a borderline friendly backyard. I have never had a friggin parade on my birthday, but they will march across the country this weekend.
America makes my birthday parties look like a funeral for a homeless person. There is nobody in attendance and nobody left to cover the tab. Downtown Green Bay will rock again this year with an array of bands, activities and a heavy surplus of frosty happiness in a cup.
After the sun drifts below the horizon comes each year's main attraction, the fireworks. Lawn chairs and blankets will litter Main Street as the colorful explosions light the sky for miles to see. There was a firecracker at my birthday once, but I think somebody threw it at me.
But, none of this matters. I shouldn't be disappointed with the poor effort that goes into planning my parties. Nor should I be sad that I am getting older. America, like a fine glass of whiskey, is better with age; and you and I are a part of it. Not only are we celebrating America, we are celebrating Americans, past and present. July 4th is everyone's birthday. Yours, mine, that guy from down the street who borrowed your weed whacker, everyone.
So gather some friends and family and grab a taxi downtown to celebrate (safe can still be fun). Enjoy the music, the camaraderie and the fireworks. But never forget how we got here, and when the flash of fireworks light up Old Glory, be thankful that you were able to celebrate yet another birthday.
http://www.fireworksoverthefox.com/
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
A True American,
Henry Gonzo
Contributor-at-Large
henry@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
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