My Politic Tour Update #1

Are you ready for the first My Politic tour update!?

We are only on day three and it's been an epic journey so far.  We've traveled approximately 1000 miles and only have another 3000 to go before we're back in Boston!  We're currently weaving our way through the Tennessee mountains on the way to tonight's show in Chattanooga, TN.  We've seen some beautiful sights, listened to some great music, and of course taken a zillion pictures. 

That being said...I'm going to give you a picture tour of our trip so far.  I like that idea better than boring you with a novel.  And everyone likes pictures right??

You should also check out My Politic's blog {here} for additional updates/ridiculous videos AND click {here} to follow them on twitter and see what we're up to.

Let's begin...at the beginning.

day 1:

8:30 a.m. and Kaston and Nick have the car packed up like champs.  We may or may not have waaaay too much stuff.  Three weeks is a long time you know...

I'm probably going to repeat this over and over but, he's single ladies.

Adelaide met us at Boston Common Coffee for a few going away gifts and maybe a few hugs.  She's the sweetest.

Made it to New York City in great time...and then got stuck in NYC for an hour.  Traffic on an early Tuesday afternoon?  Come on NYC.

Finally made it to Philadelphia!  And literally had a Philly Cheesesteak in hand within minutes.  That's what we call efficient.  Oh, and this is our friend Chip!  She joined us for the first leg of the journey...and we already miss her...a lot.

Refueling.  Oh, did I mention he's single?

On to Benjamin Franklin's grave...no biggie.

I found a Farmers Market.  A Farmers Market with CHERRIES.  Just picked the day before.  Yum.

I don't think I've told you yet...he's single.  And funny sometimes.

But not all the time.

We stumbled on this little pier thing.  Great view, cool boats, incoming storm.

This was one of our favorite stops in Philly last year.  Elfreth's Alley.  It's beautiful.  And I desperately want to live there.

One (maybe THE) of the oldest continuously inhabited streets in the U.S.

That may be a real smile on Kaston Guffey's face ladies and gentlemen.  I'm 63% sure it is.

Made it to the show!

 Songwriters circle with some great guys!

day 2:

After a long night of driving we finally made it to the south.  And the guys bought these in a desperate attempt to fit back in.  We've all missed it.

Look ladies!  He's domestic too!  He watches while YOU make lunch!  Isn't that sweet?

So...they may have also purchased a headband for me.  I had to oblige.

We finally reunite with our Boston pals that were so patiently waiting for us to arrive in Tennessee!  Nick jumped out of the car to do a very dramatic (and somewhat adorable) run/hug to greet the boys.

So excited to see each other!  3 days is far too long to be apart.

Between the last picture and this one, we set up the tent, chowed down on some soul food, and went to the Acoustic Coffeehouse for the show with this guy, Kyle Adem.  He's pretty wonderful.  Check out his website {here}.

day 3:

 Finally a day with some time to do a little sightseeing!

 Gorgeous Tennessee mountains on our way to the Cumberland Gap!

Outdoorsy 90s boy band album cover?  Yes, please.  This was taken at the halfway point on our hike up Tri-State Peak.  We were in desperate need of a little break.

Made it!  Standing in three states at once!  Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia!

 The sweaty, out of breath group.

Gorgeous views.  Totally worth it.

That's all for now folks!  Check back soon for guest posts and more updates!

Guest Post from Joseph -- Lobster Mac & Cheese

Hi everyone!  I'm posting right now from our *luxurious* hotel room in Front Royal, VA.  I've had about 3 hours of sleep and we are getting ready to head out on a 6 hour drive.  Wooohooo!  Tour life.  SO rough.  I'll post some pictures and updates soon (and if you can't wait go visit www.mypoliticmusic.blogspot.com for pictures and updates, they are on top of it!) but for now I'm giving you the first guest post!  It comes from my dear friend Joseph.  But...he'll tell you more about that...
 
Hi.  This is not Emilie.  I’m Joseph.   Emilie and I met way back in 5^th grade and became the best of friends.  We now go to college in the same city (Boston) and get to share in some great culinary adventures.  She is out on tour with My Politic making sure Nick and Kaston show up on time to play their shows and asked me to do a little cooking while she was away.  I was more than happy to oblige.

My parents came out to Boston for the marathon and were kind enough to take Emilie and me out to dinner.  Luck would have it that we ended up at the Capital Grille.  I know it is a chain, but they know how to prepare a damn good steak and their side dishes are just as delectable.  Apparently my parents agree with that because when I came home to visit, my dad told me he picked up some lobster and wanted to try to make the Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese we had at Capital Grille. 

P.S.- Don’t compare the pictures or writing of this to Emilie’s work.  Please.

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni 
• 16 ounces heavy cream
• 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 6 ounces fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces shredded gruyere cheese
• 1 lb lobster meat, chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 dash salt
• 1 dash pepper

*This recipe assumes the lobster meat being used is already cooked.  I used fresh lobster tails so I boiled the lobster tails and chopped the meat before doing anything.  If you use fresh lobster too, go ahead and boil your noodles in the same water you boiled the lobster for a little added flavor.

1.  Bring salted water to boil and add noodles. Cook 8 - 10 minutes (do not overcook). In a double boiler, combine cheddar cheese, 4 oz. parmesan cheese, cream cheese and Gruyere cheeses. Heat until blended.

It looks like a lot of cheese.  It is.  A whole lot.

2.  Gradually add cream, stirring until smooth.

Make sure you taste this mixture frequently.  It is what heaven tastes like (I hope).

3.  In a large pan, heat olive oil, add shallots and garlic. Saute. Add lobster meat and cook until opaque. Remove from heat.

4.  Drain pasta. Add to lobster mix, then add cheese sauce, salt and pepper. Mix well.

5.  Place in casserole dish, sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese and top with breadcrumbs.

6.  Bake at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown.

While I was preparing this my dad threw a couple of thick sirloins on the grill and we had a Caesar salad to start.  Turns out he makes a damn good steak, too.

** YUM.  Thank you Joseph!

Meal Plan Monday - Traveling Style

You probably could have guessed this was going to happen.

No true Meal Plan Monday this week.  And probably not another one for the next three weeks...

I'm just testing your patience.

Uh...remember when I'm leaving tomorrow!?  The apartment is somewhat destroyed...the packing not exactly started...and the laundry is begging to be washed...Don't worry though.  It will all get done.  Just as soon as I tell you about a few of the places I plan on eating this week.

We've been over this before.  I like to do a ridiculous amount of research before trips to plan out where we will be chowing down.  And even though we are going to try and limit our meals eaten out on this trip, I've still done some significant research.

Ready to see a few?

monday

Last night I made this Southwestern Soy Chorizo (that I'll be sharing with you soon) to take with us on the road...but seeing as though we have absolutely no food in our apartment, this will probably become dinner tonight.  There may be a few olives in the refrigerator as well.  Maybe even a bottle of dijon mustard.  Sounds like the perfect combination.  Right?

tuesday: Philadelphia, PA

 

The first show will be in Philadelphia on Tuesday!  They are playing at this place and apparently it has some pretty delicious sushi.  Yes please.  I was also given a few suggestions from a reader for places to dine in Philly so we will probably have to hit those during the second show in Philly!  Yum.

wednesday: Johnson City, TN

Wednesday is in Johnson City, Tennessee and these are the three that repeatedly came up as must eats in Johnson City.  Cafe Lola looks like a cozy little French/American bistro, Cootie Brown's seems like an area staple with "Real Food", and I've heard the Mellow Mushroom has some ridiculous pizza (and I'm in love with their website).  Unfortunately we probably won't be visiting all three.  But at least we have options!

 thursday: Chattanooga, TN

Have I told you how much I love a good breakfast place?  Places like The Friendly Toast make my heart go wild.  And apparently Chattanooga has one of their own called the Bluegrass Grill which will be a definite stop on our trip.  Also in Chattanooga we've got a Tex-Mex favorite, Mojo Burrito with local produce, meat, and art.  Perfect.  As well as Niedlov's Breadworks, a bakery that prides itself on not taking shortcuts to create great breads.  Something that we all know I'm a huge fan of.

 friday: Asheville, NC

After numerous trips to Asheville, these two places have become staples for us.  In my opinion Luella's is everything that a barbeque joint should be.  Laid back, fun, well decorated, and some darn good food.  And remember when I mentioned that thing earlier about breakfast joints?  Well, Early Girl Eatery is possibly one of the best I've ever been to.  I refuse to be within a three hour vicinity of Asheville without coming to these two places.  And that's what we call loyalty my friends.

And finally a few more things...

1) Guest posts are going to start popping up in the next few days!  Woohoo!  So, keep an eye out for them!
2) I'm going to try and post updates regularly so keep an eye out for those too!  If you don't see one every couple of days send me a scolding comment and I promise I'll get on it.
3) If you have any food/attraction suggestions for the following cities or anywhere near them please let me know!

• Philadelphia, PA
• Johnson City, TN
• Chattanooga, TN
• Asheville, NC
• Atlanta, GA
• Knoxville, TN
• Nashville, TN
• Syracuse, NY
• Fairfax, VA
• Burlington, VT

4) I'm going to miss you.