The Past Sure Is Tense

It's not often that you get a window into your brain at the time you make a big decision.

I stumbled upon this interview I gave back in 2000 while doing advance press for the Bad Livers Blood and Mood tour.

It was in the messy aftermath of a gig at the 400 Club in Minneapolis MN mentioned in this very interview, that sealed my decision to turn off the lights on my participation in Bad Livers. He calls me up on my cell phone and runs up about 2 1/2 hours on my phone, while we're driving through a snow storm in Wisconsin. The writer senses I'm a little "morose" in this interview, please know that I am in fact reading from a 3 x 5" card given to me by my band mate in an often vain attempt that I keep the journalist on our talking points about the "new direction" of the band. However, the stuff about dying on the highway and preconceived journalistic agendas is all me.

I'm a much happier camper these days. No, really.

Spune me! Romanian Grub in Austin!!

Spune me, "Tell me," in Romanian.

I bring very good news.

We have a new Romanian restaurant here in Austin, and I think it's mighty damn good. Located right near the intersection of 183 and Lamar Blvd, in the same strip mall as the Capitol Comedy Club. Look for the goofy name, "Drakula," which you should ignore and just go inside and sit down like I did for lunch yesterday.

Like it's Macedonian cousin (The Kebab Palace,) it's a no-nonsense family set up, and a simple menu with native textiles on the wall. I ordered what looked to be the specialty of the house: Samele' with Mamaliga , Musatris asortate and cartofeji (Cabbage rolls, polenta, pickled salad and fries.) Made to order, it took a little longer than we Americans are used to, but I'm all for "slow" food made with care and I was not disappointed today. The large cabbage rolls were served with a fine bitter sauerkraut and a fresh polenta ringing the large plate. Sour cream was offered, and gratefully accepted. The pickled salad seemed homemade and contained mixture of Okra, Tomatoes and Cauliflower, a kind I had never encountered before. It was snappy and fresh. Likewise the fries were hand cut and tasty as well. The whole shebang ran me $11.00.

They threw in a free dessert of hot, homemade Rugele, assuring I'll be back to try out more of the menu. Might go with the Romanian style Chicken Schnitzel, or the grilled meat fingers. I have been asked to inquire on 'rolled' beef as well. Probably later today in fact.

With Milenko's Yugoslavian liquors and groceries on North Lamar, the Kebab Palace's Macedonian home cooking over on Rutland and now killer Romanian fare at Drakula, North Austin is looking more like my favorite places to visit. Now if we could only get bands to play all these joints and we'd really be cooking!

I have a new Barber.

I have a new Barber.

That's actually big news, as I used the same hair cutter for nearly 15 years prior (counting that 5 year period where I shaved my head.) My wife Lainie, ahairdresser mind you, had been complaining about the uneven quality of my coiffures on a fairly regular basis. So when a nice fellow came into the violin shop to talk bass and then mentioned off hand he just opened a barbershop right down the street, I was more than ready to give him a try. I am in a word, more than satisfied with the new arrangement.

You'll find Casey Gill's Barbershop nestled in an old strip mall just east of the intersection of Burnet Road and Justin Lane, on the south side of the street, just past La La's Lounge. Look for the old fashioned Barber Pole. Casey moved here from Longveiw TX not too long ago, and set up a chair in a shop up north. He's taken a big plunge in opening his own place, and cheekily close to my old barber's place in fact.

I've directed several friends and acquaintances there, and all thus far have had the same positive results that I have had. You get the best effects of the old style Razor finish, and even a vintage "vibrating fingers" massage, all for a very reasonable price.

A genuine music fan, Casey offers a free haircut to any performer who leaves him a signed 8 x 10. Call for directions if you get lost. 459-6862.

Tell him I sent ya!