Life Happens

Today wasn’t a hard day per se, but it was a tough day. A day were I wanted to quit everything, and say fuck everyone. Today was a day where I chose to look in the ‘mirror’ and tell myself to get it the fuck together. I’ve been slacking for the past three days. Nevermind I cooked Sunday dinner, that’s easy, I’ve been slacking on my Spanish lessons because I’ve been feeling so damn sorry for myself. Boo hoo Me. Needing love and attention from certain people but because of their own demons, they do not know how to express love in a way that I need it shown. Its hard living life without parents, especially if you know what its like to have an incredible one. I miss me some Garlick (my momma)! I used to wish for just a chance at a conversation, but I would never be able to let her go again. So I just deal with what my reality is now, and keep pressing forward.

Sidenote; Prior to going to the grocery store, I had made the decision to be done with my Spanish lessons. Tell me why in the checkout line, a Spanish man, decided to have a conversation with me in Spanish. And instinctively I responded to his questions with ease, as he was talking it was like I knew exactly what he was saying, and I knew how I wanted to respond. What a beautiful thing that interaction was. However flirting is flirting in any language so I had to go! What really made me rethink quitting, was seeing his face, as I was talking my Spanish. It was a look of surprise, like oh shit, she understands! She understands AND comprehend beyond ‘Hola”. Before I left he made sure to compliment me on my perfect Spanish! Maybe that was the motivation I needed to continue.

Tristan J

One Night Only (STL)

Not exactly a nighttime activity but its equally important … Brunch!

I think I speak for the Planet when I say, I live for a good brunch, especially when there’s bottomless Bellini’s. While in St. Louis last Sunday, I did extensive research (I googled) and decided to give Polite Society a try. The menu is as you’d expect, different specialties of eggs; beaten, sunny side, and scrambled, with some dishes of toast and burgers in the mix. I went with the French toast with seasonal berries and whipped cream, a weird choice since I don’t like eggs or French toast for that case but I’m a weird one. The berries were fresh, and a welcomed add-on to the French toast. Pleasantly surprised the French toast didn’t have that eggy taste, toasted with a nice caramel coloring, simple beautiful.

My homeboy went with the infamous brunch choice, Chicken & Waffles. Instead of coming along with the usual chicken wings, it was a panko crusted cutlet which was baked? Fried? Oven fried? To perfection. Then mixed in the with the syrup, also something I don’t usually care for on my plate, it was delicious. I wanted to trade plates with him but he was set on eating his own food. Selfish, I know. I’m assuming the waffles were delicious as his plate was clean when it was time to pay the bill.

Also Note, There is a bar, obviously but it fills up pretty quickly as this is a popular spot for Brunch. I’d advise making a reservation to ensure a table, (I think that’s what grown ups do) but get there prior to the reservation so you can have a drink at the bar.

Tristan J

One Night Only (Atl)

I’m not sure there can ever be a conversation about Atlanta without including a ten hour chat about The Soul Food Options. When I think of Atl, that’s the first thing I think of. I had the pleasure of experiencing Mary Mac’s Tea Room. We, my friend Towana and I, arrived early and the wait wasn’t as long as I imagined it would be.

Our waiter was spectacular! Truth being told, the food was amazing but he made my experience what it was with his charm and wit! On to the food! The menu is a bit massive, so get a start while waiting in the lobby for your table. Also keep in mind, you’ll be writing down your food choices, so don’t freak out! Cuz I was like oh God! This makes my choices permanent!

I opted for the meatloaf , which was divine and definitely southern. I believe there was a touch of sugar in the sauce but it blended well with the tanginess of the tomatoes. Whipped mashed potatoes weren’t as ‘whipped’ as I’d imagine them to be but still delish with the brown gravy. Added collard greens cuz … the south. A very good meal to devour before ending my night flying back to Dallas.

Have you been to Mary Mac’s Tea Room?

Tristan Jonez

One Night Only Tour

I thought I would try something new when planning my overnight adventures. Truth be told, I am not a planner, I just ‘do’. Its especially easier when traveling alone, I just have to ask myself, “Self, What would you like to do?” Then I go out and do it. I wanted to be able to have a set of guidelines, so I could follow the plan no matter the city I explored. Are you ready for those set of guidelines? Well loosely, our focus would be The Arts, The Food and the Culture of any set place. No matter what city I am in, I will ALWAYS seek out the arts, usually a museum will do but there are times when none are opened, or they aren’t in the vicinity of where I am staying, etc. Food is my first love. I try my best to immerse myself with the culture of a country, when I fly out. If I am somewhere local, then I familiarize myself with what’s popular in that city. It wasn’t until I was thinking about what Culture is, that I had a harder time placing that in a way I could explore it. However I was able to verbalize culture in a way that COULD be explored.

Now that you know my guideline, Sit back, Relax and Read all about My One Night Only .. Atlanta.

Tristan Jonez.

New Direction

We have to start embracing change when its fighting to break through. We, myself included, have to stop waiting until Monday, the beginning of the month or the start of the New Year to see our changes through. As soon as you feel something needs to happen, make it.

Note to self; Get your ass up, be great, stop making excuses about why you can’t do something when there’s absolutely nothing you can’t do. Nothing!

For the majority of my writing it has focused on relationships, or the lack of them. Well I’m tired of that being my focus, especially when most of my writing is displaying the lack of relationships, lack of communication with the opposite sex. Nah, I’m going to focus on travel, food, and culture. I’m sure I’ll have a word or two about relationships, but it will not longer be a focus. I’m here for living my life, and writing about how good your first taste of French toast from Batter & Berries melts in your mouth. Or how serene it feels to listen to the church bells ring in a place where tragedy has struck.

Stick with me, You’ll love the ride. I promise.

Tristan J.

Low Country

So you know I can’t possibly live in a city and not find the nearest seafood boil! Thanks instagram, you know exactly what I like. Recently I went to Low Country in Chicago, for happy hour, unfortunately I have a habit of being late so I almost missed the whole event! SideNote: Happy Hour damn sure is an event, forever! The happy hour menu consisted of one pound of mussels and fries for 10$. The jalapeno cornbread sounded too good to ignore, when it came out it was buttery, with a hint of spice.

The rum punch was smack your momma good. It was smooth going down, didnt really taste the alcohol but people, it was there. I also had the sangria but I like I said I was late getting to the festivites that I damn there wasnt able to get my drinks in. But at least, I was able to capture one beautiful photo.

The Mussels were seasoned so incredibly well I wanted to take some bread and just sop (is that a word?) it all up. However as for the mussels themselves, they were extra chewy. Im not sure if thats how they are supposed to be but when in New York, I’ve never had that experience. I ate about half of them but I couldnt stomach the chewiness anymore.

Tristan Jonez.

Low Country is located 3343 N. Clark St, Chicago IL 60657

Jeni’s

Artisan Ice Cream? Gourmet? Gimme It all!

Here we go again, I was watching CNN while waiting at the airport for my flight back to New York, and a feature comes on highlighting Jeni’s Ice Cream. Of course anything food, especially desserts will have my full attention. I remember, dotting it down in the note section of my phone. Fast forward to the beginning of the month, when I had the opportunity to fly to Columbus, Ohio’s North Market. I sampled a few flavors such as brown butter almond brittle, and Bangkok peanut, but I fell in love with gooey butter cake.

Tristan J

Side Note: A Jeni’s recently opened in Chicago, and I’m head over heels in love with this city even more! Don’t worry I will practice self control! Well I’ll try!

Pink Taco Chicago

Are you looking for delicious food, a fire playlist, and an even better drink menu? Well make sure Pink Taco, is on this short list. A visually pleasing looking drink will always rope me in, so I definitely blame Instagram. FYI, I didn’t even order the drink that brought me in. Pink Taco fueled my obsession with Dia la muerta, but it IS a Mexican restaurant which would be expected but when restaurants come into the ‘trendy’ (Read:White) areas of a neighborhood they sometimes change their aesthetic, I’m delighted to report they haven’t.

The happy hour menu is a good blend of what to expect with the full menu. I opted for the frozen mango margarita and the pink tacos. Original and Frozen Strawberry margarita were options but no to both. Seating for about twenty at the bar, with combined Mexican and Chicago memorabilia including Jordan and Pippin’s basketball cards. The frozen mango margarita has just enough alcohol to get you going but it doesn’t over power the delicious taste of mango. Not going to lie, when the tacos first came out, I rolled my eyes at such small tacos (2) but they were actually filling without feeling like I over ate.

So is Pink Taco a yay or nay, of course it’s a YAY. You’ll come for the drinks and stay for the dope af playlist, or possibly it’s the other way around. Either way, be sure to don your best duds, with the decor of Pink Tacos, it’ll be a photo shoot for sure!

Tristan Jonez

Taste of Chicago

So much food, EVERYWHERE.

After years of wanting to go, wishing I could go, trying to set my schedule so I could go, I’ve finally made it to Taste of Chicago and they didn’t disappoint! I know, I had to have read all about the ins and out of “The Taste” as it’s affectionately known but I really didn’t have any expectations as to the food variety. I was surprised with Mexican, African, Jamaican, more Mexican and of course Two different varieties of Pizza. Although I opted to stay away from The dough, the smell was delicious enough to change my mind.

Day One was HOT! I met up with my fly sister, Shakila, copped some food tickets, and took a survey of our selection. Did I say it was hot? Cuz it was. My confession of never having Harold’s led us straight there and OMG. Juicy, tender, flavorful chicken. And yes!, I got the mild sauce!

After some prime shots, because hello! The sun was giving us this Glow, it was time for sweets. The stifling heat called for funnel cakes with ice cream, Italian and Mexican iceys.

Tristan Jonez

FYI Its called a Taste of Chicago because you can get a ‘taste’ of the food, ( a small but lightly filling portion) or a full portion. Genius!

When In … Columbus

Surprisingly I’m not a big donut fan, I’ll take cupcakes over them any day of the week. However Columbus has turned me into a donut lover. I introduce to you guys, Destination Donut. Oh my gosh! How can a donut be light and fluffy but taste seven levels of amazing? Lord knows if I had the answer to that, I’d be a billionaire. Since this would be my first meal, I thought I would keep it light and go for what would be the ‘safe’ choice Vanilla. (Insert Joke)

This dueling vanilla was anything but ‘vanilla’. The first bite was amazing. So good, it was better than any Krispy Kreme or gourmet donut would could name. If vanilla isn’t your flavor maybe these are.

-Tristan Jonez

Mother’s May I

Although I know Y’all are living it up in New Orleans for #EssenceFest I save this gem for the last day. Believe me, I was only thinking of your best interest, cuz if you’d experience this restaurant on Day One, nothing else would’ve mattered. Hands Down. Toes Down. Some of the BEST fried chicken, I’ve ever had in my thirty two years of living. From the seasoning, to the level of crisp, it was all perfectly crafted. Disclaimer, if you are starving, this dish will take at least twenty five minutes to cook, as they fry it fresh! Secondly, Ever had bread pudding? I had NEVER experienced bread pudding, and I know, I’ll never eat it anywhere else but Mother’s. Yeah, I’m loyal like that. I was a bit hesitant to try it, as the dish has fruit baked in (not usually a fan of baked fruits) and the texture weirds me out BUT HONEY, I’m. Obsessed. From the first bite, my tastebuds rejoiced! Its drenched (?), no it’s smothered (?) with a warm, and very rich whiskey glazed sauce that will almost certainly have you licking the plate. Unfortunately I had to practice having some class so I didn’t partake, however it is worth taking a to go box so you can do as you wish in the privacy of your home. Promise me, you will not leave NOLA, without sampling everything amazing that Mother’s has to offer.

Tristan Jonez
FYI Do not let the line outside, question if you should wait, you definitely should!
Mother’s Restaurant 401 Poydras St.

Gimme The Goods.

I think I had the best Mexican food of life. Well my life, in my thirty two years of living, I believe I’ve found the holy grail of Mexican cuisine. Although, I have yet to visit Mexico, so I could be speaking prematurely.

Recently I had a layover (time between flights) in Austin Texas, and after working three long flights, I was due for a food break. I probably could’ve used a few cocktails too but I only opted for food. I had fish tacos, in both a corn and flour shell, a chicken quesadilla, and a chicharron taco. LISTEN! The food was beyond! And trust me, I’ve sampled what I thought was the best. From Los Angeles to New York and these restaurants had absolutely nothing!

Now I will say this, Unfortunately I can no longer eat avocados, so I wasn’t able to taste the guacamole but it looked so perfect, so fresh and delicious, I almost shed a tear.

Do you guys have a go-to Mexican Shop when your taste buds are in a Frenzy? Let me know!

Tristan J