Get a speakeasy feeling from Skull’s Rainbow Room, Nashville, Tenn.

Even commoners surviving on small budgets have to reward themselves with a special meal now and then, so when my co-workers mutually decided to celebrate the end of our two-month assignment in Nashville, Tenn., for a celebratory meal, we settled on a spot in downtown’s historic Printers Alley which is known as much for its striptease as its steaks – Skull’s Rainbow Room.

It seemed like a slightly unusual choice at the time given the diversity of our crowd, but we went for the beef rather than the burlesque, so if you’re looking for a review of the entertainment, you’ll be disappointed you clicked here.  But even if you try Skull’s for the steaks and not the striptease (OK, I admit I was a little disappointed we couldn’t stick around for a show), I think you’ll have a terrific time. 

For starters, Skull’s Rainbow Room is a physical testament to the seedier side of the history of Nashville’s entertainment scene.  As it turns out, the establishment’s original owner and namesake had many famous friends and acquaintances pass through his club – and its appeal went way beyond the classic country and western scene. 

  

A second serving of things discussed at the Round Bar

The bar family of George Ranks, my favorite local watering hole, lost one of its best last week when John Brillhart passed away far too soon. 

If you followed local music in Springfield, Ill., chances are you knew John, and he knew you.  John was a very talented musician who could easily hold court with just a guitar and a microphone, or share the spotlight as lead of various bands throughout his many years on the Springfield music scene.  For the past couple of years, John hosted an open mic every Tuesday at Ranks.  But much more importantly, he was just a genuinely good soul – unassuming, kind, funny and supportive to all who knew him.  I’m blessed to have had him as a friend.

From the old Brewhaus days to today’s George Ranks family, John was no stranger to partaking in some of our more curious conversations throughout the years which I’ve tried to compile in various blog posts.  As I switch to a much more lighthearted tone, I can’t help but look at some of the subjects discussed in the recent past at Ranks and think of John’s wit and his contributions to our silliness. 

Perhaps one of these topics will come up during your next round of drinks:

·         The skill required to hunt turtle with a pellet gun.

·         The unique microclimate surrounding Wrigley Field.

·         Why the man bun hairstyle only looks good on chefs and sumo wrestlers.

·         The aphrodisiac powers of Vicks Vap-o-rub.

·         Can vampires use tanning beds?

·         Are koalas actually sadder than pandas?

·         Drink creations based on the “Golden Girls” characters (e.g., the “Bea Arthur” must involve scotch).

·         Drinking a shot of Malort alone – a sure sign of depression, and likely a cry for help.

·         Should falling asleep during the national anthem be considered a form of protest or merely a sign of apathy?

·         Great pitching duels of the 1960s and 1970s between the St. Louis Cardinals’ Bob Gibson and the Chicago Cubs’ Ferguson Jenkins.

·         Interpreting the various grunts made by the toy rat terrier.

·         A brief and comprehensive history of black NASCAR drivers.

·         Television theme songs that are fun to cover.

Thanks for the memories, John.  I’m sure you’ll be listening in on future conversations from time to time.   

   

Seafood and sausage paired perfectly at Rudie’s in Nashville

Even for a commoner with a travelling bug like myself, breaking the monotony of dinner destinations that all look, feel and taste the same can be a challenge.  A catchy name, positive reviews and good word of mouth can go a long way to getting on my radar.  When I first started working in Nashville, Tenn., a while back, Rudie’s Seafood, Sausage and Taproom won me over with all three.

Rudie’s was, if not the first, among the first destinations I visited in the trendy revived East Nashville section of the city.  And why not, really?  The Louisiana side of me obviously loves seafood.  The Midwest side of me loves sausage.  Add a taproom to it, and I’m sold.  As is turns out, the folks at Rudie’s take all three very seriously, and it’s apparent they share a passion for food and drink with their customers. 

A commoner dines at the Chinese Tea Garden, Decatur, Ill.

If you’re looking for the Chinese version of classic comfort food, look no further than Decatur Illinois’ prototypical old-school Asian restaurant, the Chinese Tea Garden.

You won’t struggle finding it in downtown Decatur, either.  Just head to Main Street and look for the otherwise out of place storefront that looks like something out of a Chinatown movie scene.

If a trip to the Chinese Tea Garden seems a little like going back in time, that’s because in so many ways it really is.  In fact, for Punky -- who grew up in Decatur -- the restaurant has been a Decatur landmark for as long as she can remember.  The decorations -- inside and out -- haven’t changed in decades.  And the same family continues to run the place the same way after all these years.  So, going there for someone like her is a hometown tradition.

Speaking of the decor, the first time you visit you may think you’ve walked onto a Hollywood movie set for a Chinatown dive.  

Between the general lack of crowds, quaint setting and kitschy Oriental-style decorations, you almost can’t help it.  

As fate would have it, the Chinese Tea Garden has been featured in one movie scene for “The Informant” featuring Matt Damon and based on true events surrounding Decatur-based Archer Daniels Midland’s price-fixing scheme in the 1990s.  See, in a film noir sort of way, the Chinese Tea Garden is the perfect place to not be seen.

Once you’re seated at the Chinese Tea Garden for the first time, don’t even think about ordering anything else to drink but tea.  Seriously, what else would you drink at a restaurant named “Tea Garden?”  Besides, it’s good.  Really good.  It also accentuates the experience.

Even if it’s dinner time, you’re probably going to order off of the lunch menu, which is available anytime.  The Luncheon Special is always a major bargain.  Most entrees are still less than $5 and come with fried rice, an egg roll (perfectly crisp) and soup (usually egg drop).  

You’ll also find most “traditional” Chinese entrees on the menu.  Again think Chinese comfort food.  Nothing here is too spicy or too daring.  Personally, I figured I couldn’t go wrong with the beef and Chinese vegetables.  

While Punky went with a similar choice, I was impressed with The Kiddo’s decision to try the shrimp with broccoli, served in a traditional light sauce.   The Kiddo does love her shrimp, and for what it’s worth they were very well prepared … it’s easy to get rubber shrimp at restaurants that don’t focus on seafood, but they got it right here.  

I was so pleased with our overall dining experience that I even let the fam take a picture of me stuffing my face.  

The Chinese Tea Garden isn’t fancy.  It isn’t trendy.  But it does give you feel-good food in a classic setting.  Give it a try.  You’ll probably leave a … umm … fan.