Bow Tie Friday: Volunteer Traditions

For this week's Bow Tie Friday, I reached out to my buddy Mason Jones at Volunteer Traditions. It is only appropriate that I feature a great Tennessee company after just arriving back home in Memphis. Volunteer Traditions brings pride back to the states, a truly Southern way of life. They feature great accessories like bow ties, belts, key chains, and koozies as well as AWESOME shirts. One of my personal favorites are the different versions of the Tennessee flag (various colors) that are perfect for your upcoming tailgating needs. I also hear that they will have some great stuff coming out next week so you should definitely check it out!

YOUR NAME:

Mason Jones

HOMETOWN:

White House, TN

CURRENT CITY:

Nashville, TN

ALMA MATER:

I studied business at the University of Tennessee

WHEN WAS YOUR COMPANY ESTABLISHED?

2006

WHY VOLUNTEER TRADITIONS?

Back when we created the brand the only thing that was being made was South Carolina merchandise. South Carolina's flag features the Palmetto & Crescent Moon and is called the Palmetto State. So, we looked at the state of Tennessee, which nickname is the "Volunteer State",  and thought it would make the most sense to build off that concept.

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?

We honestly just wanted to make Tennessee Flag Belts as we saw a variety of South Carolina products and believed that Tennessee needed the quality products that didn't look like they came from Gatlinburg....you know the outline of a state with a guitar/bass fish/etc jumping out of the state.

When we got the belts in, it was obvious that people loved the concept and we made hats and ties shortly after featuring the "Tristar" image/ It's such a clean design, and the circle with 3 stars looks awesome on a hat/tie/tee due to the basic concept and balance.

As we grew, we set out to make designs that were original for each state featuring the intricate designs of the state's flag within the outline of the state. Some were easier/better received than others due to the nature of the state's flag.

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?

We have had a blast making our products the past couple of years. We have really enjoyed seeing how passionate people are about where they are from, not only in Tennessee, but all over The South.

WHAT IS YOUR JAM?

Tough question...people tell me that I like terrible music. Either "In a Big Country" by Big Country or "Deep As It Is Wide" by Eric Paslay. 

WHAT FOOTBALL TEAM ARE YOU READY TO SEE TAKE THE FIELD?

Tennessee, since I spent the better half of a decade there.

The Yellow Cab (Crispy Apple Cocktail with Bacon Garnish)

Like any American man, I love bacon. I was extremely impressed by my friend, Suzanne, last Valentines Day when she gave her boyfriend a heart shaped box full of cooked bacon, although the was no time to snap a picture for evidence due to the quickness with which he consumed the gift.

The immense popularity of bacon has people creating all sorts of ways in which to utilize it outside of a breakfast side dish/staple. For this week's CHEERS! post, I bring you The Yellow Cab (Crispy Apple Bacon). This recipe also calls for candied bacon as a garnish, which is GREAT as a stand alone snack!

For the Candied Bacon:

6 slices of bacon (the smokier the better!)

2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

Maple Syrup (to lightly coat bacon with sugar to stick)

***For y'all with access to H-E-B, I suggest 1 teaspoon Better Than Good Bacon Jam

For the Drink:

1 1/2 ounces rum (I used Texas-made White Hat premium rum)

3 1/2 ounces apple juice

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

2 to 3 drops old-fashioned bitters

Pinch of salt

Put It All Together

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Toss the bacon in a bowl with the brown sugar and syrup/bacon jam and place on a rack set on a rimmed baking sheet so the fat drips down. Bake until it's very crisp, about 30 minutes. Let cool.

2. Combine the rum, apple juice, lemon juice, bitters and salt in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and pour into a lowball glass. Garnish with a slice of candied bacon.

Music Monday: Aaron Lee Martin

Photograph by Jessica Noelle Photography

Like last week's Music Monday post, this week will also feature a musician that I have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with. I first met Aaron Lee Martin when a mutual musician friend of ours, Tyler Clarensau, asked me to arranged a gig for the three of us in Memphis back in the spring of 2007. The only venue I was able to secure was a Starbucks, that is quite possibly the smallest one ever built.

Tyler and Aaron were on tour together for about 9 weeks from Kansas. Aaron absolutely blew everyone's mind. Aaron, with his long beard, barefeet, and torn jeans had a slight mountain-man vibe. With no need for a microphone, Aaron belted his songs while playing banjo and harmonica, and stomping on a tambourine with his bare feet. I have been rocking out to the same Aaron Lee Martin album ever since that show.

I chose to feature Aaron this week because of his song "McPherson, KS". I have now been on the road, mainly in Texas, for 16 weeks and the time to go home is drawing near. I used to work at a church camp on the Tennessee River not far from Nashville, TN and there was a DuPont plant across the water. When Aaron sings "I arrived so early that the lights of the refinery were brightly glowing welcoming me home", I cannot help but think of the many summers spent at that special place.

This song has been my theme song for the past few days as I have prepared to go home, been delayed, and prepared again. This is a more mellow version of my eccentric friend, but one that I'm sure you'll enjoy!

(There's a bit of talking before the song plays, the song starts at 00:01:34)

Dollar Shave Club

I'm a huge fan of various "___-of-the-month" clubs. I have gotten almost every box from Bespoke Post and truly believe in their business concept.

In a meeting with a team of interns a few weeks ago, they told me about the Dollar Shave Club. Of course, they were merely showing me the viral commercial for the company to get my thoughts (afterall, we sell advertising so they were trying to get my insight into the approach). I've posted the video below for you to watch and enjoy. Honestly? Dollar Shave Club has done what Old Spice has been trying (unsuccessfully) to do with their commercials.



So why am I really doing a post about Dollar Shave Club? IT WORKS! Raise your hand if you use a Gillette Fusion (or similar). Now, raise your hand if you HATE spending $30 on replacement cartridges. DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB IS FOR YOU!

Starting at $1 a month, you can get a razor with 5 catridges a month from Dollar Shave Club (shipping and handling not included). Having used all 3, my go to is The Executive (naturally). Ladies, The 4X (aka The Lover's Blade) is even one that you can steal and use yourself!

So STOP spending money on those expensive blades and get something that's great for your face and your wallet!

Bow Tie Friday: Bluegrass Accents

As you can imagine, I love bow ties. I feel like the growing trend of wearing bow ties is a step towards classic southern elegance. As one of my favorite quotes says, "wearing a bow tie is a way of expressing an aggressive lack of concern for what other people think." It's true. Anyone can wear a regular neck tie, but it takes a confident man to rock a bow tie.

For this week's Bow Tie Friday, I talked to Kyla Cochran of Bluesgrass Accents about her bow tie business and the story behind it! As you'll see below, Kyla is the epitome of a Southern Belle. Even when reading the words she speaks, her bluegrass accent will catch your attention. In the photograph shown below, Kyla is sporting a dress that she made herself, showing that her skills do not stop at bow ties!

YOUR NAME:

Kyla Cochran

HOMETOWN:
I was born in Matewan, WV (YES! The "Hatfield and McCoy Feud" Matewan...I'm actually a Hatfield if you go back far enough).

CURRENT CITY:

I grew up all over Kentucky and have happily been calling Lexington "home" since 2008.

ALMA MATER:

I am currently attending the University of Kentucky (Go Cats!). After trying a couple of different majors, I chose to pursue a degree in what I'm passionate about, so I'm studying Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles

WHEN WAS YOUR COMPANY ESTABLISHED?

2011

WHY BLUEGRASS ACCENTS?

We originally were established as House of Southern Accents, but have since undergone a name change. As proud as I am to be a part of the South as a whole, having grown up all over Kentucky, I wanted to sort of pay homage to all the places that have made me who I am, and the brand what it is. So, in June 2013 we underwent a name change to Bluegrass Accents.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THE COMPANY?

In January 2001, my family lost my beautiful cousin, Crystal, to cancer at the age of 29. My cousin and I were very close and being close in age as well as the only female grandchildren, we grew up more like sisters than cousins. Her house is where I spent much of my childhood drawing, painting, and creating. I remember when she was in her teens and started sketching beautiful dress designs that I was in awe of. Design wasn't her passion though, children were. She became a Kindergarten teacher and used her creativity to inspire her students, but she also inspired me more than I can ever put into words. Her sketches will always be in the back of my mind, and the strength she had gave me what I needed to set out on a dream of my own.

WHY BOW TIES?

I knew I wanted to create, but I hadn't quite settled on what I wanted to create. That's where a good friend of mine and a great fraternity come into the picture. My best friend, Will, needed a date to a fraternity date function and, of course, we wanted to match. He didn't have a bow tie that matched the dress I was wearing so I set out to make him one. That one turned into 4 (one for each date party) and those 4 were the start of everything. That's where we are today, and by "we" I mean myself and my dog, Chessie.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGE?

Being a Kentucky girl, I would be remiss if I didn't mention bourbon. However, most of the time you're likely to find me with a glass of sweet tea.

WHAT IS YOU "JAM"?

I am country music all the way. In general I prefer the legends over today's country (think The Possum, Garth, George Strait, Hank, Dolly, and Chris LeDoux) though I'd be telling a tall tale if I said I wouldn't shake it if Luke Bryan asked. I have to say though, in the past couple of years, I've been lucky enough to know a few great musicians, and having seen them play live just last Saturday, "Lilly" by Sundy Best is the song that is currently stuck in my head and on repeat on my iTunes!

FAVORITE FOOTBALL TEAM?

The Kentucky Wildcats, for better or worse.

Bacon Habanero Infused Vodka

Since coming to Texas 15 weeks ago, I have made it a point to enjoy brunch every weekend. I LOVE brunch, but my college town barely had anywhere open on Sundays and those places that were were overrun by the locals getting out of church.

I have found some great brunch spots on the past 3 months or so. I've also had my share of disappointments. However, they all have one thing in common...Mimosas and Blood Mary's!

I'm not usually a Bloody Mary kind of guy...but when I need one...I need a good one. I had one the other day that just about knocked my socks off. Later that afternoon I was piddling around on Pinterest and found the following drink recipe compliments of Kitchen Konfidence. All credit for this recipe go to those guys! Since I love making infused drinks, this one was fun a real treat. As any true-blooded American man, I love bacon; so this was only fitting.

Photograph by Kitchen Konfidence

Bacon and Habanero Infused Vodka By Kitchen Konfidence
Adapted from Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar.

6 strips of bacon
3 habanero chili peppers
2 serano chile peppers
1 liter good quality vodka (this is not exact)

"Add strips of bacon to a dry, cold, large skillet.  Warm the skillet over low heat.  Cook bacon until crispy, flipping the bacon several times throughout the process.  Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate and set aside to cool.

Remove the stems from each chili pepper and slice in half lengthwise.  Add peppers (with seeds) to a large, airtight jar.  Once cooled, add bacon to the same jar.  Fill the jar with vodka to cover the bacon and peppers.  Seal the jar and let steep for 7 days in the refrigerator.*

After 7 days, strain the vodka through a cheese cloth lined fine mesh basket strainer into a clean jar or bottle.  If you see any major particles floating in the vodka, strain a second time.  Discard the bacon and peppers.  Store in the refrigerator.

Makes 1 liter.

*Letting the vodka steep with the chili peppers for 7 days will result in an extremely spicy infusion.  If you have a low heat tolerance, I would recommend steeping for a shorter period of time.  You can start tasting half way through and strain the infusion once you reach your desired heat level.  Keep in mind that this vodka will be used in a bloody mary.  You want it to be overly spicy because the tomato juice will turn down the heat level a bit."

Next week, I'll discuss bacon infused bourbon that is delicious, especially when garnished with candied bacon.

I recently had a delicious brunch at Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar.  Dining alone and al fresco, I enjoyed a substantial breakfast quesadilla partnered with a killer brunch cocktail – a bloody mary with bacon and ghost chili infused vodka.  Since I have a great love for fiery alcoholic beverages, upon tasting this bloody mary, I immediately knew I was going to have to recreate this at home.  An intense mix of savory and spicy, this Bacon and Habanero infused vodka makes the perfect base to a mouthwateringly complex bloody mary (cocktail recipe to be featured next week).  Continue reading for the recipe. - See more at: http://www.kitchenkonfidence.com/2010/12/bacon-and-habanero-infused-vodka#sthash.ngaQhBtV.dpuf

I recently had a delicious brunch at Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar.  Dining alone and al fresco, I enjoyed a substantial breakfast quesadilla partnered with a killer brunch cocktail – a bloody mary with bacon and ghost chili infused vodka.  Since I have a great love for fiery alcoholic beverages, upon tasting this bloody mary, I immediately knew I was going to have to recreate this at home.  An intense mix of savory and spicy, this Bacon and Habanero infused vodka makes the perfect base to a mouthwateringly complex bloody mary (cocktail recipe to be featured next week).  Continue reading for the recipe.
Bacon and Habanero Infused Vodka
Adapted from Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar.
6 strips of bacon
3 habanero chili peppers
2 serano chile peppers
1 liter good quality vodka (this is not exact)

Add strips of bacon to a dry, cold, large skillet.  Warm the skillet over low heat.  Cook bacon until crispy, flipping the bacon several times throughout the process.  Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate and set aside to cool.
Remove the stems from each chili pepper and slice in half lengthwise.  Add peppers (with seeds) to a large, airtight jar.  Once cooled, add bacon to the same jar.  Fill the jar with vodka to cover the bacon and peppers.  Seal the jar and let steep for 7 days in the refrigerator.*
After 7 days, strain the vodka through a cheese cloth lined fine mesh basket strainer into a clean jar or bottle.  If you see any major particles floating in the vodka, strain a second time.  Discard the bacon and peppers.  Store in the refrigerator.
Makes 1 liter.
*  Letting the vodka steep with the chili peppers for 7 days will result in an extremely spicy infusion.  If you have a low heat tolerance, I would recommend steeping for a shorter period of time.  You can start tasting half way through and strain the infusion once you reach your desired heat level.  Keep in mind that this vodka will be used in a bloody mary.  You want it to be overly spicy because the tomato juice will turn down the heat level a bit.
- See more at: http://www.kitchenkonfidence.com/2010/12/bacon-and-habanero-infused-vodka#sthash.ngaQhBtV.dpuf

I recently had a delicious brunch at Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar.  Dining alone and al fresco, I enjoyed a substantial breakfast quesadilla partnered with a killer brunch cocktail – a bloody mary with bacon and ghost chili infused vodka.  Since I have a great love for fiery alcoholic beverages, upon tasting this bloody mary, I immediately knew I was going to have to recreate this at home.  An intense mix of savory and spicy, this Bacon and Habanero infused vodka makes the perfect base to a mouthwateringly complex bloody mary (cocktail recipe to be featured next week).  Continue reading for the recipe.
Bacon and Habanero Infused Vodka
Adapted from Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar.
6 strips of bacon
3 habanero chili peppers
2 serano chile peppers
1 liter good quality vodka (this is not exact)

Add strips of bacon to a dry, cold, large skillet.  Warm the skillet over low heat.  Cook bacon until crispy, flipping the bacon several times throughout the process.  Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate and set aside to cool.
Remove the stems from each chili pepper and slice in half lengthwise.  Add peppers (with seeds) to a large, airtight jar.  Once cooled, add bacon to the same jar.  Fill the jar with vodka to cover the bacon and peppers.  Seal the jar and let steep for 7 days in the refrigerator.*
After 7 days, strain the vodka through a cheese cloth lined fine mesh basket strainer into a clean jar or bottle.  If you see any major particles floating in the vodka, strain a second time.  Discard the bacon and peppers.  Store in the refrigerator.
Makes 1 liter.
*  Letting the vodka steep with the chili peppers for 7 days will result in an extremely spicy infusion.  If you have a low heat tolerance, I would recommend steeping for a shorter period of time.  You can start tasting half way through and strain the infusion once you reach your desired heat level.  Keep in mind that this vodka will be used in a bloody mary.  You want it to be overly spicy because the tomato juice will turn down the heat level a bit.
- See more at: http://www.kitchenkonfidence.com/2010/12/bacon-and-habanero-infused-vodka#sthash.ngaQhBtV.dpuf

Sponsored Giveaway

For those of you that have followed @BowtieGent on Twitter for the past several years, you are aware that I love giveaways. Over the years I have partnered with companies such as

High Cotton Ties (multiple times)
Volunteer Traditions
Ellis G Designs

I have also given away custom The Bow Tie Gentleman bottles of Jack Daniels' "Gentleman Jack" as well as a box of cigars paired with 12 year old The Bow Tie Gentleman Chivas Regal.

One of my passions is working with small businesses and start ups. That is one of the main reasons why I have the job I have now. Ever since I can remember I've loved Indie music and unknown films. I'm an underdog kind of guy.

 Photograph from Over Under Clothing

WELL! This week's giveaway is from a company that is doing tremendous things! As an avid duck hunter, this company brand speaks to me. Rich leathers adorned with shot gun shells; shirts with a bird dog logo; dog collars and leashes; and American/hunting themed t-shirts? WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?!

In the coming weeks I will being doing an entire feature about the company Over Under Clothing, but for now I would like to introduce this week's giveaway sponsored by Over Under Clothing. Tomorrow (Wednesday 8/14/2013) will will be doing a giveaway for a genuine leather key fob and koozies to one lucky person.

To enter, head over to @BowtieGent on twitter and RT the contest tweet. For additional chances to win, be sure to follow @BowtieGent AND @Over_Under_Co. Additionally, I will post a contest pic on Instagram (@bowtiegent1) for you to "like" for another opportunity to be entered to win.

Thank you SO MUCH to the nice folks at Over Under Clothing for the prize pack and good luck to those entering. Keep an eye out for a feature about the company and be sure to check out all of their amazing products at www.overunderclothing.com.

Music Monday: Nick Flora

Photo by: Brian Dotson (The Shutter District)

Listen to today's Music Monday feature HERE!

I first met Nick Flora through a mutual musician friend, Owen Pye, back when I was hosting small gigs in Memphis. If I'm not mistaken, this would have been around 2005-2006. Over the next several years, Nick and I played at several of the same gigs. There are a ton of great musicians out there but what sets Nick apart from many of them is his wit and entertaining stage presence. Going to see Nick play is much more than music. The intimate settings and audience participation connects Nick with the fans.

Nick has a release a number of albums, singles, and EP's. Some of my favorites come from the Remakes Trilogy (Remake EP, Remake EP Strikes Back, and The Return Of the Remake EP). For this week's Music Monday feature, I've decided to introduce you to Nick's (featuring Stacy Lantz) cover of "You're The One That I Want" from the hit movie Grease that can be found on his FREE download of Remake EP Strikes Back.

Now one thing you have to understand about "covers" is this...they aren't meant to sound exactly like the original. This is where an artist pays tribute to the original by making it his or her own. Nick and Stacy have done just that. This mellow version of an upbeat song makes it one you can listen to on repeat and enjoy rather than picturing John Travolta and Olivia Newton John the entire time you sing along. Nick has managed to pull the shear emotion behind the lyrics and put them into musical form, making it believable.

Stacy Lantz is featured on this cover with Nick. Call me a liar when I say she sounds just like Zoey Deschanel. On the second verse when Stacy has her solo and the drums kick in, you can sense the attitude that Olivia Newton John's character was bringing to the movie. The combination of these two voices is unmatched by others. These song is often on repeat in my apartment on nights sitting out on the balcony with a drink. It's the perfect combination of soulful sorrow and pure passion.

Head over to Nick Flora's website to download the entire Remake trilogy for yourself to enjoy. There are several great songs that Nick has included that take a similar approach as this one.

No Taxation Without Representation

This weekend was Tax Free Weekend in Texas and no one took the time to tell! I was killing time in Fort Worth this morning before making the drive to Abilene, TX and decided to swing by the mall and spend a little money. Once I figured out that it was Tax Free Weekend and Dillard's was also having so crazy good sales, I spent more than I originally bargained for.

Now, aside from bow ties I love loud socks. They are an under-utilized accessory that can make or break an outfit (just look at the number of people wearing the wrong color). I picked up 3 new pairs of Hot Socks from JC Penney for $6 a pop.

At Dillard's I found these awesome Ralph Lauren Suffield Pants in Pale Caribbean for $40. These are perfect for a day on the golf course, comfortable enough for a road trip, and sharp enough for date night. All around, very versatile pants!

To go with my Suffield, I scored this gem. This is a Cremieux button up, short sleeve, double pocket shirt for $30.I'm not usually one to wear button up short sleeve shirts. I reckon I usually opt to go with a polo and kick it business casual with the rolled up sleeves. This retro looking shirt spoke to met a great item to pair with a pair of dress blue jeans and chucks, club shorts and flip flops, or as I purchased it, Suffields on the golf course. EXTREMELY soft material and maintaining a stiff collar will make this a go to shirt.

Now this is what I'm really excited about. After seeing the shoes on the top on a mannequin at the Dillard's in Fort Worth but not for sale, I went to the Dillard's in Abilene to get them. I acquired these Johnston & Murphy tan Ellington Wingtips for $65. Below are JC Penney brand natural colored Antonitiens that I got for $30. I'm a sucker for wingtips. I have several pairs already (I mean come on, they can be some of the most expressive dress shoes a guy can have in his wardrobe. The leather and canvas combination make these shoes capable of work or leisure wear and (for the daring) would look great coupled with Ralph Lauren club shorts.


Now I have been in search for the perfect blue suit for a year now. I keep coming across this khaki Claiborne slim fit suit at JC Penney. The picture makes it look like a light kahki but it's more brown/gold than that in a vary casual material. The jacket and pants came out to be $60.

All in all I would say that today's shopping excursion was successful. I can't wait to try out my new finds and I just know that the Warby Parker sunglasses I just ordered will go great with all of it!

Uno Pizzeria, Restaurant, and Bar

IToday's adventures in Fort Worth begin at Uno Pizzeria, Restaurant, and Bar. I decided to walk to downtown today to make up for my lack of steps all week. Despite all of the construction, it actually seems pretty chill down here today.

In the spirit of trying new things, I opted to forgo Cowtown Diner for lunch and check out this Chicago style pizzeria.

The bartender, Jackie, picked up on my accent right away and continues to ask me not to refer to her as "ma'am" since she appears to be a bit younger than me. When I glance over to review the 6 beers they have on tap, I noticed a lack of summer ales so I decided to keep it simple with a LoneStar Beer.

Now, despite being at a Chicago-style pizzeria, I opted for a less obvious food choice: Uno's Signature Grilled 4-Cheese and Tomato Soup. This delicious combination of parmesan-encrusted sourdough bread, aged cheddar, mild cheddar & romano coupled with a creamy tomato soup was truly the way to go. 

CowTown USA

After a long week in Abilene, TX I'm back in Cowtown for the weekend. I love weekends in Fort Worth. Because of the nature of my job (after all I have been on the road for 14 weeks now)I had to come to Fort Worth, despite also working in Abilene next week, for the free hotel room. Rough, I know. The hotel we do business with is right down town. This comes in handy considering I use a FitBit Flex to count my steps and since I'm driving a lot, I don't always walk as much as I would like. Last week I had an AWESOME lunch at Cowtown Diner and then walked to Barnes and Noble for some coffee and a book. Tomorrow, I'll be out exploring Fort Worth even more, as next weekend will be my last one spent here. Now, many of you are reading this post via www.thebowtiegentleman.com. I have just launched the site after 2 years of being @BowtieGent on Twitter. I got the idea from my friends at Back Down South, Bow Ties and Boat Shoes, Starboard Clothing, and more. This blog will feature the great eats and drinks I come across in my travels, brands that I know and love and what products I think YOU should buy, as well as some good old fashioned dating suggestions (including awesome places to go). I hope you enjoy! #NP "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan

Relax and Intoxication

Most weekends are spent doing laundry and expense reports combined with sleeping and A LOT of time playing Candy Crush and watching movies. 

Every Sunday I go out for brunch. I really enjoyed my weekends in Austin, TX paddle boarding or kayaking on Lady Bird (Town) Lake. 

This weekend I'm exploring downtown Fort Worth. After dropping $120 on dinner last Friday night (well worth every dollar) I spent the rest of my time in my hotel. This weekend will not be a repeat. 

I found a really nice place to grab some lunch called Cowtown Diner. I just ordered one of my favorite meals, chicken and waffles. Considering this version comes with a blueberry compote, I'm assuming they are taking the sweet approach rather than the "hot" one I'm used to. 

The drink (currently) is Rahr and Sons Summertime Wheat. 

After a few drinks here I'll continue my exploration before stopping over at The Flying Saucer for a few more. 

After all...it is summer.