Banh for MI, Banh for You

So you guys know that I have this addiction right? It's not drinking or drugs, but it is an addiction. I'm addicted to GOOD food! There I said it...I feel a little better. To be more exact I love GOOD, CONVENIENT food. I'm talking about my favorite mobile gems...THE FOOD TRUCK. I have spoke about them before but I have a brand new one for you guys and they go by the name of Hoangie's (pronounced "Who-ong-ee's) and they make some of the best Banh Mi sandwiches I've had in years!

For those that don't know what a Banh Mi is let me hip you to some wiki knowledge...

Bánh mì or bánh mỳ (English pronunciation: /ˈbʌn ˌmiː/, Vietnamese pronunciation: [ɓǎɲ mî]) is a Vietnamese term for all kinds of bread. Bread, or more specifically the baguette, was introduced by the French during its colonial period. The bread most commonly found in Vietnam is single serve and resembles a torpedo, therefore the term bánh mì is synonymous with this type of bread. The bánh mì is usually more airy than its western counterpart, so as a result, has a thinner crust.
The sandwich made from bánh mì include meat and soy fillings such as steamed, pan-roasted or oven-roasted seasoned pork belly, Vietnamese sausage, grilled pork, grilled pork patties, spreadable pork liver pâté, pork floss, grilled chicken, chicken floss, canned sardines in tomato sauce, soft pork meatballs in tomato sauce, head cheese, fried eggs, and tofu. Accompanying vegetables include fresh cucumber slices, cilantro and pickled carrots and daikon in shredded form. Spicy chili sauce is normally found in bánh mì sold by vendors in Vietnam. In western countries, especially the U.S., the chili sauce has been replaced with sliced jalapeños, a type of chili pepper that is not grown and consumed in Vietnam. In southern Vietnam, homemade mayonnaise is commonly added to the sandwich. Laughing Cow cheese is also a popular filling in Vietnam.
Abroad, bánh mì shops can be found in areas with a Vietnamese immigrant community. The sandwich has become more accepted by mainstream populations in certain urban centers.
Although the term "bánh mì" itself only means bread without any fillings, the term is used to refer to a type of meat-filled sandwich found in Vietnamese bakeries abroad, especially in the US, Canada, Australia, France where there are substantial Vietnamese populations. more.....

These guys are AWESOME! The first night I saw them at Tasty Truck Tuesdays in North Park, I knew it was gonna be love at first bite! I got the "MOO" that is made with some very good quality pepper steak (and a healthy amount too I might add)  inside a airy french baguette, accompanied by a spicy aioli sauce and french butter with pickled daikon radish, carrots, cilantro, sliced jalepenos and cucumber. The sandwich is spicy at first, but the cooling vegetable medley brings it all back to centerand get you ready for the next bite. I usually end up getting extra aioli sauce and some hot sauce because I like spicy stuff, even though my heart burn tells me otherwise. These guys makes some mean egg rolls too, just stuffed with meat and so ridiculously flavorful and not even the least bit greasy. The crunch is great too! I always find myself eating these two things. I will try new things, I will try new things, I WILL TRY NEW THINGS!!!

Side Note: I GET HEART BURN FROM BREATHING SOMETIMES....

Anyways I asked the crew some questions about their business...

1. What are the names of everyone on the truck?

The names of everyone on the truck are Jenny, Michael and Ken. We are all siblings! Jenny being the oldest sibling, then Michael and then Ken. 

2. Who started the truck and who's the owner? 

 We all had ideas about opening a family restaurant over 2 years ago and everyone had equal share of the truck. We are partners.

3. What made you start the truck? 

 We love Banh Mi and we felt that we wanted to represent San Diego in having a Banh Mi food truck.

4. How long have you been making your creations?  

We have made and been eating Banh Mi's all of our lives. Banh Mi is a standard food in our every day diet and we just wanted to share it with everyone!

5. What are some of your signature items and the imspiration behimd them?

Our signature items are the Hoangie Moo which consist of a lean cut of rib eye steak, a Hoangie Oink which is a sweet pork shoulder, a Hoangie Doodle do which is a free ranged white meat chicken breast and a Hoangie Tofu.  Our mom's pork egg rolls are pretty awesome as well!

6. Where do you see your business in the next few years? 

 First and foremost, our primary goal is to satisfy San Diegans with our food and service.  Within the next few years, we hope to either open up a second food truck or even open up a family restaurant introducing our parent's home cooked meals that we were so lucky to have grown up eating everyday.

7. If you had to describe your company in 10 words what would they be?  

  Family, fresh, healthy, delicious, fun, loud, friendly, ambitious, caring, and unique.

If you guys are ever in the San Diego area find these guys...matter of fact....yeah my stomach is rumbling so I am going to take my own advice...I need some MOO in my face...RIGHT NOW!!!

Editor & Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy

CREATURES OF THE HEART: Album Review & Artist Interview

Hey Cool Birds,

Some of you may have read my concert review of Javier Colon last month. Those of you that did got a quick glimpse of a guy that goes by the name of Reed Waddle. An impressive singer/songwriter out of New York, whose lyrics are smart, touching, and will have you tapping your feet while playing a soothing form of "air guitar" and wishing for a game called "Coffee Shop Hero"....That would probably come out for the Wii and be smash (LISTEN UP NINTENDO I'M GIVING YOU GOLD HERE). Here is a quick snippet of that post and you can read the rest too if your interested....

"What do you get when you cross some James Taylor and Dave Matthews? No, not James Matthews or Dave Taylor. You get a crazy wonderful hybrid of both mixed with other influences named Reed Waddle. When he first took the stage at Anthology's ( I know, I know...) in San Diego, CA my wife and I both had our fingers crossed that he was going to be good. Good was an understatement! From the first strum of his guitar and the sound of his voice Reed had us hooked! His songs tell stories of love, wanting and travels far from home and you can hear the mix of southern country and the New York Indie Rock scene"..... more here.

Well I recently got the opportunity to catch up with him via email for an interview and an album review of CREATURES OF THE HEART, Reed's latest release available here. After listening to the album pretty much non-stop for at least 3 weeks after the show, and learning almost every word (so I could massacre the songs when I was alone in my car), it's safe to say that this album is a must buy. If you like the artists that I mentioned above then you are going to love this album! It is NOT one of those over produced records that people like myself would rip apart song by song. No, you can tell that this was a labor of love for Reed and the other musicians that backed him up. Every song was handled with the kind of care that a mother would give a new born.

With songs like "Lovers and Strangers", "Standing Tall in Boston", "Worn Out Shoes" and my personal favorite because of a perfectly placed "OLLY-OLLY-OXEN-FREE" (WHO DOES THAT?! LOVE IT!), "Lay Your Body Down", this album has 11x the amount of hit singles than most do. Honestly, I really can't say enough wonderful things about CREATURES OF THE HEART. It's rare to find an album that you can go from track 1 to 11 and wish there was more, but are excited to listen to from the beginning all over again. I would definitely add this album to my "Singer/Songwriter Desert Island Mix"....yup it is that good. Just so you can hear how good he is, take a listen to him playing my jams...

  


Like I said earlier I also got an Interview with Reed, CHECK IT OUT....


1.  When did first start playing guitar and writing songs?

I first started playing guitar when I was about 14. I was fortunate enough to grow up around guitars my whole life. My dad was a songwriter before he had me and always told tales of being on the road and the joys of connecting to people with songs. When I was little he would play and I loved it. He tried to get me to play when I was about 9, but I was not interested in it. I liked sports. Then one summer I went to camp and all the "cool" kids were playing guitar, so I learned a few chords..I think the first song I ever really remember learning was "Brown Eyed Girl" or some Pearl Jam song. Once I got the hang of that, there was no looking back..the torch had been passed, or lit at least. 

2. When did you realize music was what you wanted to do with your life?

Music has always been a part of my life. I didn't really know that I would pursue it until I was in high school I guess. I had gotten pretty decent at guitar and singing by then, or at least I thought so. There was this talent show that someone entered me in when I was a senior and I needed a talent. I figured it was about time I started writing my own tunes, since it was in my blood and all. I wrote this song called "Rush In" and thought it was a masterpiece..it obviously wasn't, but it was a very important moment for me. It's what made me realize I could write a song. Everybody liked it and that feeling was something I wanted more of. When I went to college, my songwriting really flourished. My parents were and still are very supportive which made the pursuit of my dream seem not so completely nuts. By the time I was a junior or so, I knew after graduating I was all in to make it as a musician. 

3. What do you remember about your first "gig"?

I guess my first gig was kind of by accident. My friend had this band. They had gigs all the time and I would sometimes play along just for fun. One time, him and his guitar player got into a little fight, like bands tend to do. They had a "battle of the bands" coming up and needed someone to play along and possibly sing some harmonies. He asked me to do it and I figured, why not. I remember knowing that I could help make it sound better than it did. The songs sounded good and the harmonies were what worked the best. If you would have asked me if I could sing, I would have said no. We somehow ended up winning the competition..looking back now, I really wonder how that happened..but it was a truly great experience. I remember my mom coming up to me saying. "I didn't know you could sing so well", I remember saying, "neither did I!" 

A year later or so, we were asked to play at a spring carnival at our church. My friend ended up getting frustrated in the middle of a song because he missed a few chords and walked off stage..which left me solo. Only did I know that this was to be my first of many solo gigs to come. I remember thinking, well I need to do something..so I did,..and I loved it. I played a Bob Dylan song and remember thinking, I can do this. I'll always remember that moment, kind of stepping out on my own for the first time..and really, really enjoying it.

4. What is the one thing you miss most about home when you are on tour?

I have moved around a lot in the past 3 years or so. I am originally from Florida. I miss the familiar smells of where I am from. The ocean, jasmine, rosemary..my mom grew a lot of herbs in her garden. Whenever I smell rosemary, I think of home instantly..it's oddly comforting. I moved to Colorado, then Boston, and now I live in NYC, so home has been a few places. I really enjoy being on the road,..every day is an adventure. You end up meeting amazing people, some you stay in touch with and some you may never see again. There is a saying about touring I heard once. When you are on the road, you miss home..and when you are at home, you miss being on the road. I guess that could have a much deeper meaning, but I try to live in the present all the time..especially when traveling. Sleeping in your own bed is a pretty amazing thing though!

5. Who would you say are your top 5 influences on your musical style?

 I always stink at this one..

Dave Matthews has to hover above these because his songs were some of the first I ever really wanted to learn how to play..

5. Ton Petty
4. James Taylor
3. Neil Young
2. Bob Marley
1. The Beatles

6. How did you get your inspiration for your new album?

This album was different from other records I have made in the past. For one, it brought me to the greatest city on earth..New York City..which is inspiring in and of itself. It was also cut live at Sear Sound, an amazing studio where John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, you name it all made records. The album is called "Creatures of the Heart" and started when someone said you don't really have any love songs..so I thought I would take off on that. Not every song is about love, but most of them have something to do with love and where it comes from, where we come from..and why we are all connected. I take songwriting very seriously, sometimes to a fault. To me, it is digging to the deepest part of yourself and trying to connect to the rest of the human race..quite a daunting task when you think about it :). My producer Iestyn Polson had a lot to do with this record. He found the players, and kind of was my welcome wagon to NYC. We made this record together and it's the most fun I have ever had recording anything. I can't wait to make another one!

7. Of all of your songs on this album, which one do you like to perform the most?

I like them all, some more that others, but..I guess..Twice the Speed of Sound..it's just fun to play with a band. I don't get to do that very often, but when I do I really try to enjoy it as much as I can.   

8. How long did this album take from, the writing all the way to final production?

The recording of the album took about 5 days. We over dubbed guitars and bg vocals for about 3 weeks on and off. Then we mixed it for about a week. So total time was about 5 weeks. I waited a bit to actually release it. Cutting it live makes all the difference. It keeps it fun, a living breathing moment captured that you can add to if you like or just leave alone. It keeps it fun most importantly. The other way is doing it like a puzzle, piece by piece and track by track..which is also fun..but it becomes more of a project lining things up as opposed to letting things rip..The next record I make will definitely be cut live.

9. Who helped you in making "Creatures of the Heart" as amazing as it is?

A lot of people helped make this project possible. My band, 4 guys I had never met before really stepped up. All of them are total pros and without them, it wouldn't be the record that it is. My producer, Iestyn Polson was kind of the coach, the navigator of the bus that I wanted to drive. My dad is the reason I went to NY, he gave me the confidence that I could do it and has helped me with every record I have made..he even has played on most of my old ones..Gar Ragland introduced me to Iestyn about a year ago. Gar runs an awesome label called New Song Music and holds a songwriting competition every year. I did it a few years back and was one of the winners and we stayed in touch ever since. Zach Hancock mixed the record and did an amazing job. He really poured his heart into it..everyone who was part of the record did and I think that's part of what makes it great. 

10. In the future, who would you most like to tour and work with on upcoming albums?

 I will tour with anyone who believes in what they are doing and has an audience that will listen..but people I think I would go well with? Brett Dennen, Jack Johnson, Jackie Green, Shawn Colvin, Dave Matthews, David Gray, I'd love to meet James Taylor and would probably wet myself if I ever got to even shake Neil Young's hand. I really enjoy Bon Iver, I'm glad the world recognizes a band like that..we need it. I love Fleet Foxes, The Head and the Heart, a lot of bands coming out of Seattle right now. There is so much great music out there though. I love an artist that has a powerful band, but is equally if not more powerful when they are by themselves. I'd love to tour and record with anyone who comes from the heart, with purpose. That's what I try to do. 

I want to say "THANK YOU" to Reed for giving me the chance to pick his brain about his experiences in making the album and his touring life. It was awesome to meet him and I can't wait for him to come back to San Diego. Like we said at the show, the home cooked meal offer stands.

Editor & Chief of The Penguin Gazette,

Rudy

The Soda Bar

 Hey everyone its time again for another wonderful edition of The Penguin Gazette. First, allow me to apologize for the tardiness of this post, as the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of shit. To make a long story short, and to wet some appetites, there's been birthdays, deaths, days that have felt like death, cops, and some of the most amazing food I've ever had the pleasure of eating, but that is for another time. Right now I want to get some shit off my chest.

Last Wednesday 3/22/12 my wife and I went to the Soda Bar in San Diego to watch a performance by the amazingly soulful Allen Stone. Unfortunately I'm not going to be telling you about the concert because I NEED to tell you about all the bullshit that happened prior to and during the show. Also I will tell you why I NEVER want to go to Soda Bar again! The thing that sucks about that is A it's right around the corner from my house, and B if they keep bringing acts like Allen Stone then I will have to go back. Kind of a catch 22 (damned if I do and damned if I don't). Anyways here we go...

Lets start off with tickets...So Anya purchased our tickets back in January when we heard about the show and had them placed on "Will Call" at the venue. That's almost 2 months ahead of schedule, so you can imagine how pissed off we were when we got to the venue and they told us that the will call list wasn't even printed yet! Let's put this into perspective, we showed up to the place almost an hour (6pm and the doors open at 7pm) before the doors were supposed to open and the place was already getting filled with people and the seats were going quick! Another thing that pissed us off was my wife got an email pretty much telling her that we could pick up our tickets and be let in at 7. That was a crock of shit! The only people they let in that had this magical VIP ticket. We didn't see an option to buy that on the website for the venue but I guess it was on Allen's site, so boo on Soda bar for not making that option available and boo on us for not checking.

Now the wait starts...So we waited outside while we watched people go in and get all the good spots, and while we waited and the line grew and grew....and grew, we noticed a group of people that decided that waiting in line ( BEHIND US ) was something they didn't want to do. They hung out in front and the only thing that ran through my head was "If that door opens and they try to step in before us...someones going to get their head smashed into the wall". Sounds a bit extreme but we had been the first ones in line for almost 2 hours now and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let someone just post up like they owned the place. So the closer it came to the venue opening the more pissed I got and the more people behind us (IN LINE WHERE THEY SHOULD'VE BEEN) started to notice these line hopping bastards, and as we do when we want to be noticed but don't want to be directly rude to people....we had LOUD CONVERSATIONS with each other. REALLY LOUD! We started saying the classic things like "I KNOW THEY BETTER NOT" and "WOW, I GUESS THE LINE ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH FOR SOME PEOPLE" (yes you can add your head and neck snapping attitude where its needed). Its always funny how they try to pretend like they don't hear you.

Well lucky for them 2 things happened. Thing 1 our friend Midori showed up and actually knew these people and introduced us to them and while part of me still wanted to cause them harm, Midori has a way of defusing situations so that was good. Thing 2 when the doors opened they did the right thing and stepped to the left and we walked in. Good thing because the line behind us which had all but turned into an angry mob due to the fact that we weren't let in until almost another hour after they originally told us they were gonna open to us "NoN VIP" people, and I don't think they were gonna stand for "cutters". So that problem dealt with we proceeded to enter...HIPSTER HELL!!

Hipster Hell: A small dingy gathering spot (normally a bar or apple store) where skinny jean, oversized glasses, ugly sweater, Tony Rich hat wearing, scruffy hair having people congregate to complain about their societal woes, drink Pabst (the cheapest swill out there) and praise their almighty IPhones. All the while thinking they are "Trend Setters" because they are not doing trendy things and are individuals...JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!

I swear everywhere I turned I saw another reason to stay childless and sterile because if I was the cause of one of these pretentious fucks I would shoot myself , while jumping off the tallest building I could find but not before I gave myself a million paper cuts and dipped each of those cuts into a salt and lemon mixture....yeah...its just like that. Matter of fact if you are one of these people or know any of these people...STOP IT!!! NO ONE LIKES YOU...UNLESS THEY ARE JUST LIKE YOU...IN THAT CASE....PUNCH THEM AND YOURSELF IN THE FACE....RIGHT NOW...GO AHEAD, I'LL WAIT............................but I digress.

I don't know what it is about bars that try to be music venues but everyone I've gone seem to have  the worst sound. This one was no different. It sounded like their sound guy was Hellen Keller....yeah figure that out. The acts would do a sound check and everything would sound ok but when it came time to play the gig you could barely hear the singers. If you didn't already know the words you were not going to learn them at the show that's for sure. Hell, it was hard to hear the actual music because everything was so mashed together sound wise that it was more noise than music. By the way...LOUDER DOESN'T ALWAYS EQUAL BETTER. I know people say "if it's too loud, your too old", but damn that. Sometimes shit is just too loud to make any sense out of or to appreciate.

To make a really long story short, if you're a musician and you're coming to San Diego please go somewhere other than the Soda Bar! PLEASE!!! You are NOT going to sound good and your fans are more likely to be pissed than satisfied. Mix that with the hipsters and the overflow of booze and you might have a riot on your hands.


Editor & Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy