New Teen on the Music Scene: Caylin Walsingham

Posted on June 20, 2013 by

Quote for Today: Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. Plato

Caylin Walsingham

Caylin Walsingham

Today is Entertainment Wednesday and we are pleased to feature Caylin Walsingham the winner of the 2013 North Georgia Idol contest and her new professionally mastered CD by Sean Clyde, C & C Media. What a dream come true for Caylin.

Sean Clyde, C & C Media

Sean Clyde, C & C Media

For those of you who don’t know Sean Clyde, he is a singer/songwriter and music producer. He is the nephew of country singer Roy Clark, a two time Grammy nominee and a CSRA Hip Hop Award Winner. Sean has produced some of the top talents in the world including Michael Jackson, seven time Grammy award winner Alanis Morissette, Trisha Yearwood, and Garth Brooks. He has also worked with some of the best known music labels including Atlantic Records, Sony, RCA, and Virgin Records.

Sean is one of Caylin’s biggest supporters. When we asked him to comment for this post, here is what he said. “Caylin is very talented. It’s not often you meet a young artist with the ability to write her own songs, and even accompany them with music.”

Caylin Walsingham - Center

Caylin Walsingham – Center

We met Caylin and her family yesterday at Indulge Restaurant Marianna where TJ is the Executive Chef. Afterwards, we went to Chipola TV for a short on camera interview which we plan to release at a later date. Meeting the 18 year Caylin was refreshing and confirmed what Michelle Evans Cassulo, spokesperson for Copperhead Lodge said about her. She said, “ Caylin has incredible potential and an amazing spirit.” There is no doubt that she is the new teen on the music scene. Caylin reminds us of a female version of Justin Bieber and we are expecting BIG things.

Caylin is presently working on an album with Sean Clyde. We will keep you updated with the release date. You can hear her single “Guy I Don’t Know” now on her  Channel. A video is on the horizon. If you want to make a donation, contact her directly: CaylinWalsingham@gmail.com.  Caylin provides updates on Facebook. Check out her page and leave a “Like.”

CJ & Chef TJWe invite you to follow our blog and connect on social media. CJ & Chef TJ

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The Beaches of Northwest Florida – Panama City Beach

Posted on June 15, 2013 by

Quote for Today:  The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea.  Anne Morrow Lindbergh

It’s Summer time and the living is easy especially when you are on one of the beaches of Northwest Florida. We are excited about featuring the World’s Most Beautiful Beach - Panama City Beach for the first installment about the beaches of NW Florida.

florida-panhandle

We have lots of respect for the foremost beach expert Dr. Beach and his annual top 10 listing of America’s Best Beaches. However, as long as we can remember, Panama City Beach has held the title of the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches and rightly so.  Florida is indeed fortunate to have three of its beaches listed in the 2013 top 10 ranking.  St. George Island located in the Florida Panhandle was ranked as number three in this year’s listing.  We know – you have your favorites too. And, that’s o.k. with us. We just want to share our views and pictures of this scenic vacation destination. Do you have a favorite beach? Share it with us!

St. Andrews State Park

St. Andrews State Park

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach

St. Andrews State Park, PCB

St. Andrews State Park, PCB

St. Andrews State Park

St. Andrews State Park

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach

pier-park-01There are many places to dine and shop while in Panama City Beach. We think you’ll definitely want to visit Pier Park. It is a favorite hangout for dining and shopping for locals and tourist alike. We recently stopped in and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon.

There are many restaurants along the Gulf that are also worth your visiting. We dined at Pompano Joe’s Seafood House and enjoyed a delightful seafood dinner and a million dollar view with the best service imaginable.

CJ & Chef TJWe hope that you will consider the beaches of Northwest Florida for your summer vacation or weekend getaway. We invite you to follow our blog and connect on social media. CJ & Chef TJ

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Posted in Dr. Beach - America's Top 10 Beaches, Food, Northwest Florida, Pompano Joe's Seafood House, Roadtrips R Us. Travel and Food Blog, The Beaches of Northwest Florida - Panama City Beach, Vacation planning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Nashville Unleashed…

Posted on June 12, 2013 by

Quote for Today: After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.  Aldous Huxley

Nashville Unleashed

Today is Entertainment Wednesday and we are pleased to feature singer-songwriters Jack & Diane hosts and performers of Nashville Unleashed. Their music history of easy listening, blues, and jazz is intriguing individually and together as husband and wife. They are also immersed in the songwriting community in Nashville who many fill their roster of talented performing song writers.

Jack & DianeTheir shows are always exceptional and at venues that deliver the best in dining and entertainment to their clientele. Nashville Unleashed shows include an intimate dinner where the audience gets an inside view of song writing as Jack and Diane and their talented singer-song writers perform in the round. These intimate, acoustic-based concerts will touch your heart with the musicianship, songwriting, and story-telling behind the songs.

Copperhead Lodge

Copperhead Lodge

You can download Jack & Diane’s original music and check out upcoming shows at a venue that will deliver the perfect weekend getaway.

CJ & Chef TJWe invite you to follow our blog and connect on social media. CJ & Chef TJ

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Posted in Blairsville GA, Entertainment Blog, Entertainment Wednesday, Nashville TN, Nashville Unleashed, Roadtrips R Us, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

57th Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival

Posted on June 10, 2013 by

Quote for Today:  ”When one has tasted watermelon he knows what the angels eat.”  Mark Twain

57th Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival

57th Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival

It’s time for celebrating.  The bountiful watermelon harvest in Washington County is a tradition.  Mark your calendar’s for June 28th and 29th to attend the 57th Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival in Chipley, Florida.

The stars are coming out for this event with Grammy Award-winning Country Music legend Joe Diffie and Andy Griggs, a top 10 billboard country music singer, taking the stage Friday night at the oldest free heritage festival in Florida. The music continues Saturday night featuring Grammy award-winning Bluegrass artists Daily & Vincent followed by CrossRoads, a Southern Music Gospel Group.

ChipleyThis is the 57th Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival  sponsored by every business interest in and around this historic town in the Panhandle of Florida. The festival continues to grow in importance to the community and surrounding region. One look at their website lets you know how much this event means to this area.

The Watermelon Festival occurs on the last full weekend of June each year and is a long-standing tradition that has traversed many generations of watermelon farmers in Washington County, Florida. Although watermelon’s reign supreme at this festival, a vintage car show featuring Model A’s, Muscle Cars, Street-rods and popular vehicles sold today will be included to round out the festivities.

There will be much to see and do during the festival. While you are there, cheer for your favorite beauty pageant contestant or enter the watermelon seed spitting contest. No matter what you do at this festival, eat plenty of watermelon and have a good time. We hope to see you there.

CJ & Chef TJWe invite you to follow our blog and connect on social media.  CJ & Chef TJ

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Dîner des trois empereurs – Chef Adolphe Dugléré

Posted on June 3, 2013 by

Quote for Today:  To me, life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace, or even stinky cheese is a life not worth living.  Anthony Bourdain

The great Chef Adolphe Dugléré was a pupil of famous French Chef Marie-Antonin Carême.  Adolphe was born in Bordeaux in 1805 and died in Paris in 1884.

paris-restaurantAlong the way, he had an impressive career.  After his apprenticeship Adolphe became Chef de cuisine for the famous Rothschild Family until 1848.  For the next eighteen years, he managed the restaurant of the Palais-Royale which is owned by three prominent men from Provence.  In 1866 he became the head chef of the Café Anglais which was the most famous Paris restaurant of the 19th century where he created one of his most famous dishes Pommes Anna.

adolphe-duglereOn this day in history 1867, Dugléré served a famous meal which became known as the Dinner of the Three Emperors.  In attendance was Tsar Alexander II, his son who later became Tsar Alexander III, King William I of Prussia, as well as Prince Otto von Bismarck who were all in Paris for the Universal Exposition.  The table service for this meal is still on display at Tour d’Argent which is the oldest restaurant in Paris today.

MENU

Potages

Impératrice
Fontanges

Relevés

Soufflé à la reine
Filets de sole à la vénitienne
Escalope de turbot au gratin
Selle de mouton purée Bretonne

Entrées

Poulet à la portugaise
Pâté chaud de cailles
Homard à la parisienne

Digérer
Sorbets au champagne

Rôts

Canetons à la rouennaise
Ortolans sur canapés

Entremets

Aubergines à l’espagnole
Asperges en branches
Cassolette princesse

Dessert

Bombe glacée
Fruit

VINS

Madère retour de l’Inde 1810
Xérès 1821
Châteaux d’Yquem 1847
Chambertin 1846
Châteaux Margaux 1847
Château Latour 1847
Châteaux Lafite 1848
Champagne Roederer frappé

CJ & Chef TJI would love to have been a fly on the wall during this event, especially in the kitchen during preparation.  I’m sure it was nerve-wracking.  Below is the menu for this grand dinner.  No expense was spared for the world was judging Paris during this Exposition.  CJ & Chef TJ

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Posted in Chef Adolphe Duglere, Dinner of Three Emperors, Famous Chefs, Food, Food and Travel Blog, Food History, France, Great Chef's, Paris, Today in Food History, Travel & Food Blog, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Velveeta Lobster Mac N Cheese? I Don’t Think So!

Posted on June 3, 2013 by

Quote for Today: See Velveeta, melts so creamy, it improves your tetrazini, when the cookbook calls for cheddar, make it with Velveeta it cooks better! Ad Campaign

Today in food history Velveeta Cheese was introduced to America by Kraft Foods in 1928, at least that’s what I thought. Velveeta is a processed cheese and it was J. L. Kraft who first applied for an American patent for this method of cheese making in 1916. One source says, that processed cheese was first invented by Walter Gerber of Thun, Switzerland in 1916. And, there is where I got confused.

Velveeta Cheese

Velveeta Cheese

Actually Velveeta was first made by Caleb Hommel of the Monroe Cheese Company in 1908. In 1923, the Velveeta Cheese Company was formed and eventually sold to Kraft Foods in 1927. Sorry Mr. Gerber, I think Caleb beat you by a few years.

Although Velveeta is most popular in Queso dip, hooking up with another great product Rotel Tomatoes, the Habanero version being my favorite. I still prefer my Velveeta in Mac N Cheese. The number of recipes out there for Velveeta Mac N Cheese is staggering, but this simple recipe is my favorite.

Mac N Cheese

Mac N Cheese

 

Ingredients
3 cups heavy cream
1 lb Velveeta, cubed
1 tbsp salt or to taste
4 oz shredded Cheddar
Bread crumbs as needed
1/2 lb cooked pasta (Macaroni, Penne, or Farfalle)
2 oz melted butter

Procedure
In a heavy sauce pan, scald cream and turn off the heat. Add Velveeta and let melt, stirring occasionally. Add salt to taste, then allow to cool. Place cooled cooked pasta in your favorite baking dish and add cheese sauce. Mix well, then cover with shredded Cheddar and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Drizzle butter over bread crumbs,then cover with aluminum foil and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minute., Uncover and continue cooking 10-12 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. As we said, you may add anything you like to jazz up this recipe, but this one is always a crowd pleaser.  Chef TJ

CJ & Chef TJWe invite you to follow our blog and connect on social media. CJ & Chef TJ

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Posted in Easy Recipes by Chef TJ, History Today, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

33rd Annual Hemingway Days Celebration…

Posted on May 30, 2013 by

Quote for Today:  “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”  Ernest Hemingway  

The Florida Keys is the place to be for the 33rd Annual Hemingway Days Celebration July 16-21, 2013. Ernest Hemingway was a Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author who left a powerful legacy in Key West and strong literary influence throughout the world.

hemingway-key-westHemingway created many of his works at his Whitehead Street studio. His writings came to life through his myriad adventures, whether game fishing in local waters, witnessing the “Running of the Bulls,” in Pamplona, surviving plane crashes in Africa or hobnobbing with Castro in Cuba, Hemingway lived larger than life.

Hemingway CatAt home, Hemingway had a penchant for his polydactyl or six-toed cats. “Snowball” was a gift from a ship’s captain and became a beloved family pet whose descendants may be seen today when touring the Hemingway House.

While corresponding on the Spanish American War, the landscape of his Key West home was being altered. Ernest’s second wife, Pauline, had a pool built in his absence and it was grand. In fact, the bill for this one and only pool in Key West was over 20 Grand. When pennyHemingway accessed the damage to his bank account, he promptly went out to the still drying cement and embedded a penny at the North end of the pool.

Hemingway Pool

As his wife approached him, he turned and said “Here, you might as well have my last red cent.” Needless to say, Pauline was not the last Mrs. Hemingway. A tour of his home will whet your appetite to learn more about the “The Old Man and the Sea.”

The island he called home during the 1930’s continues to honor its’ renowned resident’s achievements. Tuesday through Sunday, July 16-21, 2013, events are scheduled to commemorate the 114th anniversary of his July 21st birth and passions of his life. If you sport the “Papa Hemingway” look, you may want to enter the Annual Papa Look-Alike contest, July 18-20, 2013 at the infamous Sloppy Joe’s Bar.

Key Lime ParfaitAlong with Hemingway, Key Lime Pie has made this island famous. Here is an alternative to the tangy pie in a graham cracker crust.

Key Lime Parfait

Ingredients

8 whole eggs

3 cups sugar

4 oz Key Lime Juice

8 oz butter cut 1 in. cubes

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

4 oz butter melted

1 tbsp sugar

Cool whip or whipped cream

Procedure

In a large stainless steel bowl, mix together the eggs and three cups of sugar until smooth. Mix in Key Lime Juice, set the bowl over a large pot of boiling water, cook until thick, whisking every now and then. Remove from heat and slowly stir in cubed butter then let cool. In a small bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and tablespoon of sugar. In Irish coffee glasses or any other clear glass of your choice, layer in this order: crumb mixture, key lime custard, whipped cream, crumb mixture and key lime custard. Top with whipped cream, crumb mix, and lime or lemon slice. Enjoy! Chef TJ

CJ & Chef TJWe invite you to follow our blog and connect on social media. CJ & Chef TJ

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Posted in 33rd Annual Hemingway Days, Chef TJ's Recipes, Florida, Key West Florida, Roadtrips R Us, Sloppy Joe's Bar, Travel & Food Blog, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mulligan Brothers to celebrate debut album release…

Posted on May 29, 2013 by

Quote for Today: I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.  Billy Joel

Courtesy of The Mulligan Brothers

Courtesy of The Mulligan Brothers

The Mulligan Brothers CDThe Mulligan Brothers will celebrate their debut album release June 4th, 6 p.m. at the Bluegill Restaurant on the causeway in Spanish Fort, Alabama. The show will be kicked off by Mobile singer-songwriter Eric Erdman and followed by the Mulligan Brothers original set. There will be an official after/listening party at The Brickyard in downtown Mobile, Alabama at 10:30 p.m.

The Mulligan Brothers are: Ross Newell, Gram Rea, Greg Deluca and Ben Leininger. These four seasoned regional musicians are from Mobile, Alabama and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Their music is an eclectic blend of classic and original material featuring the fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar and upright bass. The timing has proved to be just right for this band to share their blend of Americana/Folk Rock/Alt. Country with the recent revival of roots music. Here is a sample of their music. You can expect the debut album to include strong, original songwriting, unique vocals and excellent musicianship.

The Mulligan BrothersWe recently heard them at the Pensacola Crawfish Festival and watched as the crowd grew larger for their set. Their unique sound brought folks to their feet to dance as they enjoyed the music. For a chance to hear them at a venue near you, check their website for upcoming dates.

We hope you have enjoyed Entertainment Wednesday. If you know an artist/band that deserves promoting, talk to us. We invite you CJ & Chef TJto follow our blog and connect on social media. CJ & Chef TJ

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Posted in Food & Entertainment Blog, Mobile AL. Baton Rouge LA, Mulligan Brothers, Music, Music Blog, Music Events, Roadtrips R Us | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Memorial Day Weekend 2013: Top Spots for History Buffs

Posted on May 24, 2013 by

Quote for Today: As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation’s wars. John M. McHugh

flagMemorial Day is upon us once again. Falling on the last Monday of May, this National Holiday is in remembrance of all our fallen military personnel in the illustrious history of these United States.

This National Holiday was originally founded after the War Between the States to honor men and women who perished in and around Richmond, Virginia. Over the years, this holiday has also come to mean the beginning of summer with the end of summer being the holiday we know as Labor Day. Other events on this weekend include the Indianapolis 500 which is held the Sunday before Memorial Day each year.

While this long weekend is cause for celebration in a reduced work week, we need to put this holiday in its correct perspective and truly honor the fallen soldiers who selflessly gave their lives for our freedom. Take the opportunity to visit sites and towns that symbolize patriotism and respect for America.

Our Pick: Top Memorial Day Cities for History Buffs

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington County, Virginia – Arlington National Cemetery is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee’s wife Mary Anna (Custis) Lee, a great grand-daughter of Martha Washington.

President Herbert Hoover conducted the first national Memorial Day ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery, on May 30, 1929. The cemetery is situated directly across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Warrenton, Virginia – The town is in the Piedmont region of Virginia, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was incorporated on January 5, 1810, and named for General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero. A claim was made in 1906 that the first Civil War soldier’s grave ever decorated was in Warrenton, Virginia on June 3, 1861, implying the first Memorial Day occurred there.

Savannah, GA

Savannah, GA

Savannah, Georgia - There is authentic documentation that women in Savannah, Georgia decorated soldiers’ graves in 1862. Savannah is ranked as one of the “top ten beautiful places in the America” by USA Weekend Magazine and places second on Southern Living “Best Southern City” list. The City has true Southern charm and is patriotic and respectful of its history.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – In 1863, the cemetery dedication at Gettysburg was a ceremony of commemoration at the graves of dead soldiers. The Gettysburg National Cemetery within the Gettysburg National Military Park is the final resting place for over 3,500 Union soldiers and has subsequent sections for Spanish-American War, World War I, and other wars’ soldiers and their spouses and children.

CharlestonCharleston, South Carolina – The first well-known observance of a Memorial Day after the Civil War was in Charleston, South Carolina on May 1, 1865. The location today is called Hampton Park.

Boalsburg, Pennsylvania – The village claims to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. It is home to the Pennsylvania Military Museum, as well as the headquarters of the Civil War re-enacting unit, 3rd Pennsylvania Light Artillery Battery B.

CJ & Chef TJWe would appreciate your feedback about your favorite Memorial Day city. We invite you to follow our blog and connect on social media. Wishing you a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. CJ & Chef TJ

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Posted in Arlington National Cemetary, Memorial Day Weekend 2013: Top Spots for History Buffs, National Holiday, Travel, Travel & Food Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

An oyster by any other name is not the same…

Posted on May 22, 2013 by

Quote for Today: He who truly knows has no occasion to shout. Leonardo Da Vinci

ciaToday in food history (May 22, 1946) the world’s premier culinary school, The Culinary Institute of America was founded in Hyde Park, New York. This milestone brought to mind some reflections from my past.

In 1997, I gave up teaching tennis when I was thrust in the role of kitchen manager at a restaurant on the outskirts of Atlanta. Everyone told me I was out of my mind, working twice as hard and making half as much. To this I proclaimed, “Sorry, I’m happy.”

Kitchen2Three months into my role of running a kitchen, everyone from family to former tennis students were telling me to go to culinary school. At the time, in my early adulthood, I was happy with what was unfolding, and terrified of being stuck in debt with a culinary education.

Before I attained the illustrious position of kitchen manager, I waded through three C.I.A. Chefs who tried to turn a profit at our busy restaurant. One of the executive chef’s, Jeff Pax, taught me the side of the business that foodies do not get – profit margin.

Up until Chef Pax, I was just keeping things status quo and focusing on specials. Chef Pax put me in my place. Although he allowed me to continue purchasing, everything had to come through him. Within a week, we had changed everything from purveyors to portions and cut our food costs by twenty-five percent.

Although Chef Pax was not as passionate about food as I am, he was a shrewd businessman and what he taught me still runs through my veins today. One of his favorite recipes was based on products that we had on hand all the time – Oysters Sharon.

oysters-sharonIngredients

1 – Pound fresh spinach

3 – Tablespoons butter

1 – Medium onion – small diced

2 – Tablespoons minced garlic

½ lb – Ground Tasso Ham

1 – Cup dry white wine

2 – Cups heavy cream

2 oz – Pernod or Anisette

1 – Teaspoon nutmeg

1 – Teaspoon brown sugar

Parmesan cheese and parsley to garnish

Procedure

1) Shuck one dozen oysters and place in baking dish.

2) In a large sauté pan, sweat onions and garlic.

3) Add spinach, heavy cream, Tasso Ham

4) Reduce by half and add Pernod and remaining ingredients

5) Top oysters with spinach mixture, cover with Parmesan cheese and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown.  Leftover topping maybe used to turn any sauce or soup into a Florentine.  Get creative!

CJ & Chef TJ

We invite you to follow our blog and connect on social media. CJ & Chef TJ

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Posted in Atlanta Georgia, Chef Thomas Jones, Chef TJ, Chef TJ's Recipe, Cooking, Culinary schools, Food, Food & Travel Blog, Oyster Sharon, Recipes, RoadTrips R Us, The Culinary Institute of America, Today in Food History, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment