Grampa’s Pizzeria, Madison, WI

Despite the somewhat confounding spelling of the word I would presume to be “grandpa”, the pizzas this place is pulling out of their oven are not confusing at all, in fact, it’s crystal clear they’re delicious. On a recent Saturday evening, I spent a lovely couple of hours on their patio enjoying not one, but four of their popular Neapolitan-style preset pizza options. 

We chose to get two pizzas and 1/2 a preset on each  so, 4 x 0.5 = 2. Get it? You may not, but my stomach did. We went with these four - Brassacre (cute name), Carbeniri, Peperoni and classic Cheese. 

Cracker like and slightly charred crust, excellent toppings with some kick (where appropriate), and great cheese - I mean, I'm in Wisconsin after all. I do like a box-cut (yes, that's what that's called) on a thin crust pizza, which makes it easier to fold pieces over on each other and make a little sandwich.

Fair to say, I thought the pizzas were really good, and we even saved a little room for dessert. Hard to pass up Chocolate Mousse…  

It looked really thick, heavy, and rich, but it was light, almost fluffy, chilled and perfect after the pizza.

Service, which is always a bit of a pain in a college town, was excellent. Our waitress, Amy, helped us the whole night, even when I pestered her about free sugar cookies I spied on the kitchen pass through when I put in my name. They came with the check (and I took that and the leftovers home - bam!).

I would like to go back almost as soon as I can. Don’t miss it if you find yourself in the neighborhood. 

Memorial Day 2021, Glenview, IL

I'm not saying my hometown is the best hometown in the US of A, but on this day of remembering I wanted highlight something pretty unique I found in the city of Glenview, Illinois. I will say, I've not seen this anywhere else in the US (and I’ve lived in four states), but let me know if you have.

Here a war memorial in downtown Glenview. But they also have this unique addition just around the corner from this… keep scrolling… 

…well, it looks pretty patriotic from the outset, what could it be?!?!?

…  An American flag recycling drop box!!! How cool is this?!

I don’t think I’d ever given this idea much thought, that of providing a safe place to dispose of old flags (you know the disposal requirements are pretty intense, right?). This seems like a great way to help Joe Bagadounts get rid of worn out flags without having to get your own grill in the backyard set-up as a flag-burning receptacle. 

Nice job, Glenview.

The Garage Food Hall, Indianapolis, IN

It seems like many cities have virtually always had these markets or food halls, with the latter option now becoming more popular. I recall grabbing a cheese steak in Philly's marketplace decades ago. Many large cities in other countries have something like this as well. Well, now Indy has stepped-up to the plate and created their own.

To be clear, I don't think you should be visiting Indy without a stop to this new, refurbished former production space. The food hall is in the former "garage" for a historic Coca-Cola bottling plant. From what I gathered being there, this was the spot in Indy where Coke was bottled and delivered by trucks to the entire metro area for a long, long time. I can imagine back in the day that this was a very busy, bustling plant and area. It's now been renovated inside and out as a mixed-use development. In a ~2-3 block area, it already contains this food hall, a hotel, a day spa, retail shops, a really cool duckpin bowling alley/bar, a very nice new movie theater and more. It also has a second phase for residential development in the works. This is going to be one hip, happening spot in no time (if not already).

Since it has this Coke history behind it, that's what I focused on for this post. In reality, there are so many food options that I wouldn't have been able to to them all justice with only my single stomach to partake. Know that it seemed like anyone in your clan would be covered for food options at this place, including: raw oyster bar, Indian, lobster/seafood, tacos, arepas, fish & chips, pizza/Italian, burgers, plenty of beer/alcohol options, and many more food types and spots I'm sure I'm forgetting. It also seems like more are opening everyday.

Many of the art deco buildings are faced with a wonderfully rich, glazed-white terra cotta tiling, with gilded lettering that makes it almost feel like you're stepping back in time. That's a nice way to invite people in and welcome them to a new space. You can read more about it HERE.

Inside the Food Hall, you find relics of the bottling history of the buildings. You can see pumps, historic workwear, Coca-Cola memorabilia, and more. It was all very fun to run into these things as I wandered around trying to pick my perfect food spot for the day. You certainly get the feel for the history that this area and these buildings contain. Many of us know think of soda/pop as a bad thing, but back then, this was a highly in-demand product and many workers would have been very proud to work there and represent this brand in the community. For me, I can feel that as I walked through the spaces.

This is one quote that stuck with me from my short research - "Over the years, the Massachusetts Avenue plant grew into the world's largest bottling plant, with 260 workers who produced 2.25 million bottles of Coca-Cola a week, he said. It thrived until cans took over the market in the 1960s."

I wonder if these was breathable on a hot day, {gulp}... just grab a cold Coke!

This is their first automated bottle "capper". A person would use this machine to cap the bottles.

See the little red Coke bottlecaps?

I already know that I need to go back - for more history lessons and more food options. Again, I don't think this place should be missed if you're in Indy.

Scratchboard Kitchen, Arlington Heights, IL

Who doesn't love a good brunch - Am I right?! 

Coming out (knock on wood) of the pandemic, this was a unique dining experience, especially since we're all sort of relearning how to dine out over again. I think this also applies to the people working in all the restaurants too.

While we did eat indoors, but I've not gotten used to standing in the restaurant and taking pictures of the space and staff. Hopefully that comes back soon. The space is quite long and welcoming inside, with a number of tables set for outdoor dining (and reservations). As you'll see below, I simply took pics of our dishes as they arrived on our table, and before we dove into them.

I went with a sibling and we split a few plates of food, which were in order - pastry board, citrus toast, and short ribs "hash".

This pastry board was the only "off" item of the trio. We cut them up to share and started with the matcha muffin, then the rhubarb scone, then then the cherry "pop tart". The muffin and scone hit us funny and we realized they both had some sort of pork fat flavor in them (like your nose was over a pot of sausage gravy simmering on the stove). This was not a welcome flavor and we chatted with the staff about it. They assured us the pastries are not made with pork fat in any way. Our only guess what that is was near something else being made or rendered and they absorbed the flavor. BUT, the upscale pop tart was very very good and had no off flavors. (Note: SK took this menu item off our bill - thanks). 

After the pastries, I went for the Citrus Toast and my sib went to the short ribs. I think it's fair to say that neither of us quite knew what a citrus toast would be... and perhaps at first glance it looks kind of odd, but it was delicious. They use four different citrus fruits on top, with a mascarpone base. The flavors are vibrant, refreshing and not odd at all. Even the toast used seemed to add something to the dish. I would order this again any day.

Our final dish was a Short Rib hash. The egg was done well, the short rib fell apart, and they added in some potatoes too. Though very rich, as you'd expect from the ingredients, this was a tasty bit of brunch fare. I would order this one again, but copy my sister's choice of having this 2nd and "cleansing the palate" with the citrus toast after.

With a welcoming staff, highly-competent kitchen, interesting menu items, and a fun, inviting space, I think it's fair to say I would recommend this place to any group, family, or couple. If I get the chance before the next move, I will be back in a blink.

Color Me Mine, Glenview, IL

Well, with the new reality that this year has brought, we have all had to find creative ways to see others and celebrate the holidays. Now, I happen to live above a local Color Me Mine ("CMM”) location in Glenview IL. 

What?! You don't know what CMM is? Well, it's a place for anyone to come and make a ceramic craft. Essentially, you choose your ceramic piece, pick your paint colors, paint the item, then hand it back for glazing & firing. Once it's all completed, you have a one-of-a-kind decorative (e.g. tea candle holder) or practical (e.g. stovetop spoon rest) item for your home or to give as a gift (think of your child giving grandma a cherish, hand-painted serving platter). 

I'd passed this location many times on foot in the previous months and noticed how many different holiday ceramic pieces they now had to choose from, as well as the fact that they were still open for painting in the store, and that they had designed to-go kits for painting the items at home. To get some holiday cheer going, on a small scale, and as a way to gift a sibling a present and an experience, I thought a sister and I could make a night of it. We decided to get together in early December for painting, pizza and beer on a cold rainy night. (Note - gotta love that $10 Costco pizza to-go!)

I picked out and paid for our pieces and to-go kits in advance, then went to collect them at lunchtime on our crafting day. Everything worked out well. And the to-go kits were pretty legit - your ceramic piece, paintbrushes (to keep) and up to six paint colors were all pre-packaged and ready to go (see below). Plus, all the paper it's all wrapped in can be laid out to cover and protect your painting space at home. Tip: save all this paper to wrap your dried pieces back up and safely transport to the store for the finishing process.

We laid everything out that night and got to work on our pieces. A tea candle holder Christmas Tree for me, and a tea candle holder Gingerbread House for my sister. We found it quite easy, enjoyable and relaxing. Like how coloring books for adults are all the rage. We spent about 45 minutes giving our items up to three coats - do follow the CMM Tip sheet included with the to-go kit. Then we had our pizza and liquid cheer. 

The items do dry to a rather dull color and sheen, but that's why you take it back for their finishing steps...

The next day, I hot-tailed it back down to the CMM location and turned over our items for glazing & firing - and yes, this is included in the price of the ceramic you choose. I will note though, because the to-go kit brushes are yours to keep, there is a $12 charge for the brushes and paints for each piece you choose. I thought this was a reasonable expense, and they give you a LOT of paint too.

Around the holidays, you will wait up to ~5 days to get your items back from CMM's finishing process, but I have to say, it's worth the wait. I went back down to pick-up our items 3 business days after I dropped them - easy. Now I suppose I'm biased, as the artist, but I thought our items turned out very nice. See for yourself...

I have not seen my sister's finished piece yet as I've left it wrapped and wrapped that with festive papers and tissue papers to give to her for the holidays.

Well, if you can't tell, I think I'm a CMM convert. If you have one nearby, or need a unique and memorable gift idea, I think this place could be a real fun alternative for your holiday. Make a afternoon or night of it with their to-go kits or schedule an in-store time for yourself. Either way, if your item turns out suckie, I think you only have yourself to blame. I mean, we're not all Picassos.

Happy Hollydays, Everyone.

These boots were not made for walking, Cheyenne, WY

Having fond memories of Chicago’s art cows a couple decades back, I relished the chance to find all the artist-painted cowboy boots in Cheyenne. Evidently there were 24 originally, and you can still find most of them, and new ones added, in the city today. I thought I’d captured most of them, 7 boots on a long walk, but it appears I’m no where close to the total. 

If you’re in Cheyenne, def try to seek these out. I also don’t think you’ll miss them as, did I mention, they’re like 7 or 8-feet tall. They’re pretty massive and so colorful. Maybe they’re cowboy boots for Paul Bunyan. I’ll check with Minnesota. 

Can you beat my count!?

"What's the Best Bike Company You've Worked At?"

The question in the subject of this post - "What's the best bike company you've worked for?" - is one I hear relatively frequently. It's usually due to the fact that I'm meeting up with a former coworker that I haven't seen in a long time, or when people find out I've worked in the industry most of my career. As I write this I'm not in the cycling industry, but it's hard not to think back often... especially when people ask me this kind of question.

It came up again a couple weeks ago and I've been thinking about it on and off since that time. I thought I'd try to make some sense of the question, for myself, and if others are thinking about this industry for their career. The more I think about it, I also think this kind of analysis would show similar patterns in other industries. Industries with a variety of similar companies in the same space, vying for the same customers and using pretty standard products (the bike hasn't changed too drastically in its 200+ year history - unless you're seeing it every day from the inside).

So for those that don't know, I've worked for the following 5 cycling companies in my career, in chronological order - SRAM Corporation, Hayes Bicycle Group, Quality Bicycle Products (QBP), Trek Bicycle and Specialized Bicycle. The last two being the largest US-based cycling companies in the world and both ranked roughly 2nd & 3rd globally. As far as I know, these two major brands only trail one company in annual sales, Giant Bicycle. This formidable, long-running and competent brand is not based in the US, but in Taiwan. They have often produced bikes for both of the other brands, and may still today. Side note: I've also worked for some regional/local bike shops (or independent bicycle dealers (IBDs)) - I would not trade this experience for anything and think it was a great place to start my career in bikes.

Back to the main question - "Who's the best?" My answer to this question is not an easy one and please don't feel bad if you get bored reading this and come back later (or not at all). 

If we simply look at my length of tenure the best company would be QBP. I worked there for 8 years, straight through (never leaving and going back, which seems pretty common, in the cycling industry at least). The 2nd best company on this list would then be SRAM. I worked there for about 6 years, one stretch of 4 years (leaving for an MBA program) and then going back for about 2 more years. My time at the other three wasn't necessarily shorter because I didn't enjoy working there, sometimes life gets in the way and the employer-employee relationships doesn't last as long. 

At this point I'm going to veer a bit off-topic and review some of the things that all or most of the companies on my list have in common. It's pretty interesting to realize how much they do share:

Hippies - not all but most of these companies were started by hippies or people outside of the normal business world drudgery who embraced bikes for themselves and wanted to share this passion with others. Steve Flagg, Dick Burke (who I never met but worked for his son, John) & Bevil Hogg (who I also never met but I know he started a whole different bike company later on), Mike Sinyard, and the four guys at SRAM. Steve was a true hippie and I think I would put Mike in the same boat. It suited them all very well and I only mean that term in this context as a complement to their desire to forge their own paths, er, trails. It's not a slight at all. In fact I'm not sure a regular business person (whatever that is) could have even started these companies in the US in the 1970s.

Vision - many of the men have a type of vision I rarely have seen in others, in or out of bikes. Steve proved this through his company's history, and when I've heard him speak or bring ideas to fruition, that he simply thought broader, more inclusively and down the road further than anyone. I suspect Mike is the same way, in slightly different facets of the bike word. I think most of these men are, whether I got to witness them firsthand or not... you sort of have to be to get some of this now large companies off the ground, with the shared values & vision that they started with.

Passion - I won't pick a winner here. Having worked at these places it's clear to me that all of these founders have major passion for the products, health benefits and incredible camaraderie in this industry.

Start-Ups - These guys started with nothing. One pulled a bike trailer behind his own bike to sell tires from shop to shop throughout the Bay Area. One started making bike frames out of a barn in the middle of Wisconsin (the winters get pretty chilly!). And another literally started out of his garage, selling spare bike parts to bike dealers around the country. In a certain twist of fate, these three companies all started about the same time, rode the gas crisis cycling boom straight to the MTB bike boom, through the Armstrong years, and now into what we have today. Of course, not all the men were involved the entire time, but they set-up their companies for lasting success, in my opinion.. whether the next leaders could keep it going or not. You can also find similar stories at other US bike companies, I've just not worked for them (yet).

Having discussed those shared traits, I think it clear to see that many of the companies in the bike world start out similar but I also know that every one of them changes a great deal and never stays the same. If they did I would probably still be at QBP. Of course, I am not and I've also recently seen and heard that's it's not really the same company as when I worked there. Their president has changed, the industry & companies have to change in some ways constantly and this year, all are dealing with the pandemic.

I will end this long diatribe simply by giving some awards to my former employers for things noticed by me as the best thing they did during the time I was there. They might be different now. If you're looking at cycling for a career, I'd encourage you to check out any potential employer for yourself, heck, maybe even try a few like I have.

Best Employee Engagement & Career Advancement - QBP

Best Vision for Cycling Globally & Embracing Technology in Bike Shops - Trek

Best Product Development & Passion for Racing - Specialized

Best Underdog - Hayes Bicycle Group

Best Growth Story to Witness Over Time - SRAM

To be clear, this is all simply my opinion, and I'm not even handing out any actual awards. One other thing I will point out, that all of the companies I've worked for share, is amazing coworkers. People who have passion for bikes, people who are smarter than me and teach me new things, people who are willing to lend a hand to anyone, people who I still consider my friends... and people who, in some ways, I still consider my coworkers to this day.