Reflections on the Dietary Habits of Noah VanNorstrand (Vol. V ~ 2010)

Ladies and gentlemen... the moment you've all been waiting for... the most highly-anticipated event of the year... I give you... Reflections on the Dietary Habits of Noah VanNorstrand (Volume 5 ~ 2010)! It's been a wild 12 months since our last report and you'll all be pleased to know that my dear brother has not gone hungry while on the road this year.

Noah seems pretty pleased with himself and his chimichanga here in central TexasThis breakfast panini could barely contain it's prodigious mushroomy goodness at The Green Salmon in Yachats, ORThe first in a trilogy of burgers, Noah was in high spirits here at Flo's Cafe in Grand Coulee, WAThe mood was more apprehensive for this late night run to a Steak 'N Shake in Atlanta, GAAnd by the time we reached The Haunted Hamburger in Jerome, AZ things had gotten down right spooky!Nothing that a little vinegar pie at The Look Out on Clinch Mountain, TN couldn't fixNoah was pretty fascinated by his dish (pineapple curry perhaps?) at Thai Siam in Salt Lake City, UTI was honored to capture this emotional moment when Noah was reunited with his favorite teriyaki tuna in Rollings, MT (special thanks to the Gustafsons!)The Asian-chicken salad at The Main Street Cafe in Berea, KY was no laughing matterAn angelic pot-luck brunch in Lawrence, KS was the location of this stunning portrait This apple-hummus-veggie sandwich came from Noonie's Deli in Middlebury, VT and it was really delicious but Noah wouldn't know because he would only pose with it (dweeb)

Now those of you who are familiar with this annual summary know that I do not shy away from the graphic, gory details of my dear brother's culinary explorations. I have prided myself on taking a journalistic approach, fair and balanced, detached, almost scientific at times. But occasionally a man cannot help but be shaken to the very core. On our recent trip to Louisiana... I have seen things no man should see. Such flavors, such sauces, such unbridled appetite. The way he would look at a bowl of jambalaya. The gumbo dripping off his chin. It was just too much to bear. I can not bring myself to to describe... the internet can not handle images of this intensity. So I must leave this final entry to your rampant imaginations...

If you are still hungry for more check out ROTDHONV Volume I (2006), Volume II (2007), Volume III (2008) and Volume IV (2009)

En-Wy-Seee

Soooooo..... Noah, Sarah and I just wrapped up a couple terrific days in New York City. We played a couple shows, hung out with friends, tried not to spend all of our money. Actually got in some nice birding as well. Here's my little report...

December 6 - Sarah and I drove out to Sunken Meadows State Park on Long Island and we easily relocated New York State's first HERMIT WARBLER (Life Bird); a lovely fall female that had been found just a few days before. We both had terrific, point-blank looks at the bird as it hopped around on the lawn. I took a couple crumby pics before my camera batteries went dead. It was very cold and windy so we didn't stay terribly long. We weren't able to find the reported Loggerhead Shrike at Jones Beach but we did see a juvenile GREAT CORMORANT (State Bird) near Robert Moses State Park. Our luck continued the next day, December 7, when we ventured into Central Park and saw the well-staked out VARIED THRUSH (State Bird) next to the restrooms in the northeast corner of the Ramble. The bird was very cooperative and we had wonderful looks.

Yeah, yeah, I know... nice birds, good for you, whatever weirdo... and usually I can spice up the rest of these posts with some humorous pictures of Noah doing something, or eating something, or... something. Well, as you may have gathered, my camera died and I didn't get new batteries until yesterday :-( So just more boring text for you all this time around. But we did have a great time. Played a couple shows with Chris and Dana. Also had Chris's friend Shawn sit in with us on bass. We made a couple visits to the amazing and awe-inspiring Vanessa's Dumpling House on the Lower East Side. Unreal! We ordered all the food we could eat and then some for like $10. Dumplings were great but the sesame pancakes... that's where it's at! Kind of got carried away with this place a bit. Anyway, we walked around a bunch on Monday, did a little Christmas shopping. Spent some time at Housing Work's Bookstore and Cafe. They had a great selection of used books, music and other stuff. And it's a good cause. Got myself a Lyle Lovett album for the road. And we re-watched one of my absolute all-time favorite movies ever The Royal Tenenbaums. I just so love that movie. Luke Wilson is awesome. I think I identify most with Ben Stiller's character though. Anyway, it was a fun stay. We played in Priceton on Wednesday and Philadelphia last night. Tonight I get to go dancing in Glen Echo to Sarah's calling and the fabulous Glen Echo open band. And then we play Bethlehem on Saturday. I need to finish up my Christmas shopping when I get home. And put up our tree! And work on the new GBT album with mom and Noah. Hmm, yeah. Okay, gotta run.

Trad vs Modern