Ten reasons to go to Wilco's Solid Sound Festival

Why should you go to the Solid Sound Festival curated by Wilco?

I think that the question should be, why SHOULDN'T you ???

Here are 10 good reasons to go 

1) You will see and hear lots of Wilco,, what is not to love about that ?

Wilco during the all request show

2) it is at Mass MoCA.  Charming and curious museum, lots of interconnected old factory buildings and little courtyards. Cool.

The river running though Mass MoCA

Phoenix by Xu Bing

3) You will see and hear many bands that you may not be familiar with, you will always find someone who sparks your interest.

Foxygen from NYC

4) Comedy and special exhibits.  Everything from ornithology to axe sharpening is represented.

John Hodgman

5) Food and drink. Lots of local vendors and some special ones from Chicago.

Samosas !

Chicken tiki masala

6) Joe's hose. You can refill your water bottle for free.  What festival does THAT ?

7) Free wifi. I know, we don't belong on our phones, but how else can we post all those cool photos to Instagram ?

cool reflective tanks

8) Kid friendly.  I don't have young children any more, but this is very kid friendly, makes it much easier for parents to go  have some fun too.

Hey, I let a little toddler next to me take his first photo with an iPhone.  He was thrilled and his mom was happy, that's the Wilco spirit.

9)  It is very well organized. Parking and shuttle busses, wrist band so you can come and go as you please.

10 ) you just might get to see Jeff Tweedy up close

Just Another Meatless Monday Oh-Oh-Oh

I enjoy a good meatless Monday,  I often have meatless days during the week; when food is well prepared it doesn't really matter what it is, it will be satisfying,

Hearing that my favorite restaurant New World Home Cooking was having three course pri fixe meatless specials on Mondays, I knew I had to check this out.

After a typically brutal Monday at work, I was ready for some really good food.

I couldn't rally the family to come along, so off I went on my own. Dining alone is awkward but do-able, made much easier when accompanied by the trusty smart phone.

I was truly not alone, as two other women were also "lone" diners already seated when I came in.

This was duly noted by Chef Ric Orlando.

 "Hey, you should be together! "  he exclaimed as he walked by.

I decided to have a glass of wine while perusing the menu, so I ordered a cabernet sauvignon, my go-to drink.  

I decided on  crispy brussels sprouts chips with cheese, so good,  I haven't met a roasted vegetable that I haven't liked, so this was a natural.

Petals of brussels sprouts nicely roasted with lots of good cheese, such a great way to start a meal !

Next up was the entree, yellow curry tofu with noodles in coconut broth, so tasty.  I dove in with my chopsticks, still drinking the red wine….

Then Chef Ric walks by. He pauses, looks at me and says "Let me bring you a present."

Well, okay I think.  This is cool, the chef is bringing me a gift.

A few minutes later he returns with a glass of white wine.

"Do some fast testing " he advises.

"Red wine and curry is like nails on a chalkboard."

OMG, I have unwittingly committed a sin against curry.  My love of red wine has led me astray once again !

So now armed with not one but two glasses of wine, I decide to to go with the white,  It is lovely, a very good compliment 

to the curry.  I think I like this experimenting thing, especially when it come to wines…

So I save the cabernet to linger over in anticipation of  my vegan chocolate cupcake for dessert,  I  unabashedly love red wine with

chocolate, I just do,

This cupcake is fabulous, dark and moist with a lovely sprinkle of coconut on top.

I leave very satisfied, and happy that friends don't let friends drink the wrong wine,,,,