GLEE CLUB MEETING-- All Invited

We're almost completely loaded up, with just some personal stuff to go in the morning. We'll be pulling out of the driveway at first light. We might be stopping at the Smokey Pig BBQ in Bowling Green for lunch, but that's not set in stone. The more probable stop will be the Petro at Exit 86 on I-65. Dinner tomorrow should be at Miss Myra's. And then we'll get to Mobile Friday afternoon in plenty of time for lleechef to consume seven tons of oysters..

Michael, for you first light is the bathroom light..............drive safe,have fun....Bill

Only SEVEN tons??  Oh, right, that's just the appetizer.

pnwchef


Michael, for you first light is the bathroom light..............drive safe,have fun....Bill

Nah. I don't need a light in the bathroom. I wish you could be with us in Mobile.

lleechef


Only SEVEN tons??  Oh, right, that's just the appetizer.

Oh, dear God!

Hey now take it easy on them gulf oysters they are still recovering from BP, you all may be making the prices of oysters RISE inland after this weekend.

We're in Charlotte. We landed about 5 or 10 minutes late for no apparent reason (we took off right on time) The first time I was forced to check ever luggage because they ran out of space (US air didn't charge us) We were going to go to LaWan's Soul Food Restaurant  for dinner, I called them and they ran out of fried chicken, so we went to Nana's Soul Food Kitchen instead. (And its still good 6 months after my first visit) 
 
We're at the hotel now, I'm using the hotel computer, I didn't bring a laptop with me.
Off to Atlanta for lunch tomorrow with Heart break Soup and then off to Birmingham and Miss Myra's for dinner

The chess peices begin to move about the board...

ChiTownDiner


The chess peices begin to move about the board...

 
Don't you mean the cards are being dealt... Cause you are the JOKER! 
 
Have Fun Down There Yall!

I FINALLY made it to Nashville about 6:30 PM Central time. I had to go back to the house twice :( 1st time I forgot my handicap placard and extra cash. I was only a mile away. 2nd time I was 20 miles away, I had forgotten my shirts. They were hanging on the front door I'd missed them 2x... I wasn't a happy camper.

I did have a nice chat with Paul aka Sundancer. He sounded good.

Had some rain in Southern VA and Eastern TN. It cleared up by the time I hit Knoxville. Poverty Pete, CajunKing, MY cousin Johnnie and I are meeting for lunch tomorrow. I took Johnnie and Dina out for dinner. They people are just great, I basically have my own room here.

Thanks for the seafood teaser !!  We'll be paying a bit more...but will get table service !!
  All systems are "go" and we'll use today to get our stuff into the truck

Everyone travel safely!  Cannot wait to see you all tomorrow!
 
Paul and Roz - will miss you so much.  Feel better, Paul!
 
Anne, so glad you are ok!!!  Enjoy Huber's with the Mayor - one of my favorite places!
 
WJ, will be with you and Sandra in spirit at Miss Myra's tonight.  But if I can drag my niece out of the Home and Garden shoe early enough, it IS close to Nikis'......

Our flight last night from Atlanta to Mobile may have been the most aggrevating I have ever encountered. We had already sat through a long delay at the gate, but finally loaded onto the plane. We were on the runway, next to take off, when were told to go back to the gate. Apparently, when they loaded the plane with luggage and other things, they did it in a manner that caused balance issues that needed resolved. First time I have ever experienced that.

To make a long story short, I had promised Mariton oysters at Wintzell's last night, but got in so late that we had to settle for McDonald's drive-thu for her, while I chose Checkers, which was my first ever time eating at one.

At least we are here and safe. We have a fun day ahead, with plans to spend most of it in Montgomery, while I make a return trip to Pie Lab in Greensboro.

Safe travels and looking forward to seeing everyone!

Should have told the captain there was pie at the other end....

Btw, our hotel is all booked up by the cruise lines and there are six buses in the parking lot, ready to transport some passengers here.

Cliff - call me!

I sure hope those Cruise Ship Passengers get trucked out to where-ever by tomorrow. I am sure they are "less than happy" ( and rightly so) and want to go home...but We want "Happy Faces" and our reserved spaces to be available....
  It is bright and sunny today...55  and rising. a little over 12 hors til we depart.
 
We have been waiting for this weekend for a long time.

Heading to ORD in about 2 hours! 

After an outstanding meal at Isaiah's in Montgomery, Mariton and I are in much better moods. The food was even better than I remember. And I did warn Isaiah Sankey that a bunch of Roadfooders are invading tomorrow.

To All Glee Clubbers....havea great time in Mobile ( and Pensacola if you head there).  From reports, it appears the hotel rooms booked by Carnival are for the crew members.  The latest I've heard was they are planning on sending the passengers to NOLA via buses on arrival and clearance.  Not sur ethe truth to that as there are too many rumors "floating" around.  But it makes sense that the rooms would be booked for crew while they get the ship cleaned and repaired.  Most of these folks aren't US citizens and they live on board.  So you might have them around for your entire visit.  But chat up with any you meet.  Most speak English and are very friendly.  Gonna be a bit chilly and brezzy for you.  But hey it's winter here.

I just helped out perhaps the crew and passengers by giving up my room for two nights at the hotel.  I was penalized by Priceline but I felt it might be of some help to those poor folks on board that horrid ship "Triumph"
 
Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Hmmm, Do we have any Universal translators in the Glee Club?
 

I once knew Pig Latin....will try to assist....

Hi everyone. Unfortunately, due to a sinus infection that just won't clear, we've made the hard decision that I'm staying home this weekend. You will still get my better half - Ralph is still coming to Mobile, but I'm sadly going to miss this one. The big issue is that problem sinuses and planes just don't mix. 
 
Have a WONDERFUL time, and please don't let my husband ride too many mechanical bulls! I am very sorry to miss seeing so many great people, but I will be there in spirit!

buffetbuster
 
So sorry to hear about your travel issue- mine was nothing compared to yours.
 
icrecreamchick
 
I'm so bummed you're not going to make it, hopefully we'll get to see you sometime over the summer. I'm glad to hear Ralph will still be joining us
 
We're in Birmingham now. We started out this morning at Dilworth Coffee House in Charlotte. We met Heartbreak Soup at Community BBQ just outside of Atlanta in Decatur for lunch.  I got exactly what I had back in August, Pulled pork and rib sandwich with Brunswick Stew and Slaw. Sandra and I shared one meal, we did get an extra side- their Mac N Cheese.
We then drove to Birmingham and climbed (did not use the elevator) the vulcan statue. I've never seen traffic so horrendous during rush hour as I saw in Birmingham. I'm not sure why. Unfortunately Michael Hoffman and Lleechef got caught in the traffic and were unable to meet us at Miss Myra's BBQ. We both had a quarter of a chicken (white meat) with the white bbq sauce, I had the baked beans and deviled eggs, Sandra had the potato salad and green beans. We shared a slice of lemon ice box pie....
 
And...I picked up a tray of  Miss Myra's  banana pudding for everyone to share tomorrow.
 
Tomorrow, off to Montgomery to meet Poverty Pete and Mike S for lunch at Isaiah's and then we hope to arrive in Mobile by 4:30pm

MikeS and PovertyPete left our adventure and were headed to do laundry and pack for the trip South.  I will be thinking about you all in spirit.  I wish I could be there with you all.
 
Dad went to the DR today and got the all clear to ease back into normal life again, no heavy work or lifting no bending over still but his labs looked good and the DR was happy, so Dad was extremely happy and drove us all to dinner at the local AUTHENTIC Mexican place in Lebanon.  (You know it is good when 75% of the customers are hispanic and enjoying themselves)  Dad, his wife and MIL had a pitcher of Margaritas so I got to be the DD home.  It was good to see him smiling again.

CajunKing


MikeS and PovertyPete left our adventure and were headed to do laundry and pack for the trip South.  I will be thinking about you all in spirit.  I wish I could be there with you all.

Dad went to the DR today and got the all clear to ease back into normal life again, no heavy work or lifting no bending over still but his labs looked good and the DR was happy, so Dad was extremely happy and drove us all to dinner at the local AUTHENTIC Mexican place in Lebanon.  (You know it is good when 75% of the customers are hispanic and enjoying themselves)  Dad, his wife and MIL had a pitcher of Margaritas so I got to be the DD home.  It was good to see him smiling again.

Glad your Dad did so well.  Wish you were here!

icecreamchick


Hi everyone. Unfortunately, due to a sinus infection that just won't clear, we've made the hard decision that I'm staying home this weekend. You will still get my better half - Ralph is still coming to Mobile, but I'm sadly going to miss this one. The big issue is that problem sinuses and planes just don't mix. 

Have a WONDERFUL time, and please don't let my husband ride too many mechanical bulls! I am very sorry to miss seeing so many great people, but I will be there in spirit!

Man, I am bummed too!  Was looking forward to seeing you.  But I have sinuses too.  They are not doing well as we speak BUT, I don't have to fly!

will_work_4_bbq

icecreamchick


Hi everyone. Unfortunately, due to a sinus infection that just won't clear, we've made the hard decision that I'm staying home this weekend. You will still get my better half - Ralph is still coming to Mobile, but I'm sadly going to miss this one. The big issue is that problem sinuses and planes just don't mix. 

Have a WONDERFUL time, and please don't let my husband ride too many mechanical bulls! I am very sorry to miss seeing so many great people, but I will be there in spirit!

Man, I am bummed too!  Was looking forward to seeing you.  But I have sinuses too.  They are not doing well as we speak BUT, I don't have to fly!

 
I got some HOT CHICKEN in the fridge that will clean those sinuses right up, my nose is still running from today's sampling.

"I've never seen traffic so horrendous during rush hour as I saw in Birmingham. I'm not sure why."
You are very lucky if it's not horrible!  Rush hours here are the worst, and Miss Myra's is off Hwy 280 which is the worst of the worst.
Good that you had a wonderful meal after fighting the traffic.  Glad to hear all are safe and sound so far!
And 'Nanner Pudding!!!  Woohoo!

Traffic?  You folks call that traffic?  No......it was something out of some sicko Quentin Tarentino movie.  Not only did the traffic prohibit us from meeting Dale and Sandra at Miss Myra's, we nearly ran out of gas.  At one point, it took us ONE HOUR to go 5 miles.  I have lived in Boston, Paris, been through LA, NY and many other major cities, I never, EVER saw traffic like Bham.  We ended up eating a mediocre steak (could've stayed at home and had better) in Alabama.  Looking forward to Mobile tomorrow!!!!!!!     

Bham does have some of the WORST traffic in America, you would think they would figure something out, but for the last 13 years I know it has been.... Well this is a "G" rated site.
 
Have fun!

lleechef


Traffic?  You folks call that traffic?  No......it was something out of some sicko Quentin Tarentino movie.  Not only did the traffic prohibit us from meeting Dale and Sandra at Miss Myra's, we nearly ran out of gas.  At one point, it took us ONE HOUR to go 5 miles.  I have lived in Boston, Paris, been through LA, NY and many other major cities, I never, EVER saw traffic like Bham.  We ended up eating a mediocre steak (could've stayed at home and had better) in Alabama.  Looking forward to Mobile tomorrow!!!!!!!     

I am so sorry your Birmingham stay was Tarentino-esque!  

Weather was gorgeoues thursday, if it warms up a touch it's gonna be an awesome time for us all. Scouting trip to Joe Patti's in Pensacola, amazing place! Drinks at the Gulf, a place on the beach made out of shipping containers. 

Giddy up....breakfast at Foley's Coffee House where we tried the red and sausage gravies with biscuits, a few omelets, pancakes and a grilled German Sausage....great start. Now, having Hot Fudge Sundae milkshake with rasberries added in and extra everything. WOW

Weather was gorgeous Thursday, if it warms up a touch it's gonna be an awesome time for us all. Scouting trip to Joe Patti's in Pensacola, amazing place!
 
 
Drinks at the Gulf, a place on the beach made out of shipping containers. 
  
 
Cocktails on the beach at the Gulf while watching the sailboats.
   
 
Later, a Gulf sunset. If the weather stays the way it has been, its going to be a great glee club weekend!
 
 
Off in a few hours to meet will_work_for_bbq at the Dew drop in for a hot dog and then on to meet everyone at Wintzell's. This is gonna be fun!

YOU SUCK ED!!!  
 
I do miss the white sands of the forgotten coast and those sunsets as they disappear of the water.

Ohhhh My GOD I ate the whole thing....

More tomorrow after I recover.

Nice evening everyone!  the pyster sampler was fantastic - 4 unique presentations with four of each = my favorite meal of the day!

A wonderful evening was had by all but we really missed sundancer, Bushie and pogophiles.  Tomorrow night it's the Brick Pit and the Annual Roadfood Awards Ceremony.  Stay tuned to get the inside scoop on the winners...............     

Everything has been great!  The fine company.....Dew Drop dogs and onion rings.....the amazing oysters - raw and baked.....fine beer....maybe mybest breakfast ever....Burris Market treats and satsumas.....shrimp plus crab soup!  Lots of laughs and good eats.  Miss you, Bushie, Susan, Paul, and Lori and others who couldnt make it.  Cannot wait for the Brick Pit!
 
 
 
 
 
 

Brick Pit some really great BBQ and a fantastic proprietor in Bill. Had a great a meal and wore a Hawaiian shirt for the 1st time in my life.

Getting ready for bed now. I'm gonna miss the comradire of my fellow Roadfooders until next year. PovertyPete and I are going to meet up at 0800 to start the trip back to Nashville.

The Brick Pit had the best ribs I have ever eaten.  The Roadfood Awards Ceremony went like this:  A can of Boyardee ravioli went to Michael Hoffman.  No surprise there, as the rest of us wouldn't touch the stuff and now it's out of MY kitchen!  The OINKER aka Pig-Out-Award went to the one, the only buffetbuster for having eaten more BBQ, hamburgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, and of course pie and told us all about it in his great threads.  Lastly, Al the Mayor was awarded the Patience of Job award for putting up with all of us day after day, year after year.  Again, a wonderful time was had by all!

Beats me why the pics did that.....ideas any one?

CajunKing


YOU SUCK ED!!!  

I do miss the white sands of the forgotten coast and those sunsets as they disappear of the water.

Ed
Your pictures made me cry, those soft white sands, those poor rock shrimp that gave their lives for your happiness.  I weep for their loss... and your gain!
 

Wait till you hear how many poor, defenseless oysters met an untimely demise on Friday evening!
 
(mea culpa, mea culpa)

lleechef


A wonderful evening was had by all but we really missed sundancer, Bushie and pogophiles. 

FWIW, I'm really missing being there, but it couldn't be helped.  Glad y'all are having a good time anyway!!

Roadfooders:  You will never ever know how much Roz and I missed the group and the wonderful food in Mobile.
 
Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Three of us just checked in at the airport which leaves Ralph and Steve as the last two men standing!  We got one more visit to Wintzell's in along with a few breakfast stops.  Great seeing everyone and enjoying the food and fellowship!  Congratulations to all of our award winners...Michael, Cliff and Mayor Al and a shout out to Dale for his trip reports also!
Looking forward to the food discussions in the upcoming days!

Looking forward to lots of pictures for those of us who participated vicariously

I'm sorry so many of you missed the Post Glee Club mini-meeting at the Rest Area just north of Evergreen, AL.  Imagine my delight to see Mayor Al and Janet, Ann, Mike S, and Poverty Pete there.  We hadn't seen each other - or eaten - in almost two hours!  The snack machines were divine....    But not as divine as a second visit to Wintzell's!

I am still here in AL for a few more days, so I guess I qualify as "last man standing". Sterling and I went to Buck's Diner for fried catfish
and fried green tomatoes. And then to an outdoor show at a place called the Frog Pond at Blue Moon farmT
Included in the show ticket was a southern buffet with pulled pork, ham, mac and cheese, beans and about 10 other dishes and desserts. The music was really good, all originals except for a good version of the Band's "The Weight".

Tomorrow------I think I may go to Wintzell's for happy hour again. I love it here!

ChiTownDiner


Three of us just checked in at the airport which leaves Ralph and Steve as the last two men standing!  We got one more visit to Wintzell's in along with a few breakfast stops.  Great seeing everyone and enjoying the food and fellowship!  Congratulations to all of our award winners...Michael, Cliff and Mayor Al and a shout out to Dale for his trip reports also!
Looking forward to the food discussions in the upcoming days!

Go for it, Ed!

Sunday Night- Arrived Home after 12 hour drive, exhausted but full of great memories and excellent Gulf Shore Seafood and BBQ.
Full story tomorrow  but here are the participants.
Thanks to all for a Great weekend.
AL and Janet

Great picture!

Huummm the Mayor and I could very well be long lost brothers. That's me on his right.

What a fine looking bunch of people!  But where are the piles of rib bones that we had just gnawed clean?  It was a fabulous night and an outstanding weekend!  Enjoyed every minute with all of you!

On the left, my friend! Oops, left in the pic but certainly on Al's right!

Sandra and I just flew back home this evening. Sandra probably just arrived home in Connecticut by now.
 
We had a great time. Sandra really enjoyed meeting the Roadfood folk that she hadn't met previously and  also enjoyed seeing the ones who she met previously.
 
We  drove back to Charlotte NC from Mobile and went to the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery AL as well as the Martin Luther King Memorial in Atlanta.  We made it back to Charlotte late monday afternoon and met up with my friend Julianne and her husband Scott later that evening and also met up with my cousin Lisa and her husband Phil for dinner yesterday.
 
Unfortunately I won't be doing a formal trip report but will be adding a few photos for some new restaurants that we visited ...
 
Its back to work and reality tomorrow.