The Brad Walk Band

Bring on the "Rock Explosion"...

On Sunday, June 16, 2013, we made a profound discovery.  Any person who digs local music will appreciate what I'm about to say, because finding it has become increasingly rare in the modern local music scene.  It's something that's difficult to find, unless you're specifically seeking it out.  ORIGINAL local music.  And we were fortunate enough to find it from the Brad Walk Band.

This trio was a delight to get to know and we can't say enough about just how FUN these guys really are.  One of the most under-appreciated factors that contributes to how much you connect with a local band is the chemistry of the members and the connection they have with the music they make.  With these fine gentlemen, it's immediately apparent they're out to have a good time with everything they do... and it's downright infectious.  Not only can you hear it, but you can FEEL it when you see them play... and it makes the experience so much more enjoyable.

To give you a basic idea of what their music is like... it's an acoustic-rock cake, layered with delicious chords and instrumentation, iced with emotionally-driven smooth vocals.  That's how I would describe it... but in their own words, they're both a "rock explosion" and "Mexico-in-a-can".  This choice of words, philosophically, can definitely apply to the overall personality they bring to their performances... think about it when you see them live.  If you can't catch a live show at the moment, look for their new record, currently being produced at Lava Room Studios... where Rock 'n Roll was born in Cleveland, OH.  You can always catch them where "rock explosion" was born... Dockside Cafe in Sandusky, OH.

As fun as the Brad Walk Band is to see live... the experience was heighten by the atmosphere at Dockside Cafe.  They guys talk about it during the interview... but neither words, nor our video, can really do this place justice.  Plain and simple, the food is outstanding and you genuinely cannot find a better view to enjoy.  We'll be featuring them later, so back to Brad Walk...

Great guys, excellent music and a downright pleasure to be around.  Just take a look at the interview... you can't help but have a smile on your face when you see how much they enjoy what they do.  

And of course... great hair.

Reverb Nation

Musician's Alley

THE spot for musicians.

There are so many that come to mind when you think of downtown Sandusky.  One of the first things that always comes to my mind, not only because I'm a musician (or try to be), is Musician's Alley.  They've been around for over 20 years, serving musicians with their custom blend of great instruments and truly caring customer service.  It's impossible to walk in, regardless of what you're looking for, and NOT feel completely welcome.  Owner's George and Mike greet you with a smile and take the time to not just understand your needs, but the person behind the musician.  That's a great feeling that no amount of money can buy.  They will greet you by name and make sure all your needs are met.

Their acoustic room is GORGEOUS.

Aside from their wide selection, the lessons offered and their personal touch, they have something else that really sets them apart... they have a wonderful selection of previously-enjoyed gear.  This may not sound like much, but you're guaranteed to find some thing you've never seen before... which for some is like striking gold.  Whether you're from the area or simply visiting, it's worth stopping by to see what gems they may have available.  They can tell you the story behind the piece, which is usually as interesting as the unique sound it provides.  

There is really so much more to say... but it's better to let co-owner George tell you the story himself.

New Sandusky Perch Tacos

First in a series of recipes...

The lovely Barbara Mills, Culinary Creator and Visionary, guides us on a journey to pure perch taco bliss in our latest video from Will Wander.  Any local knows, you can never go wrong with fresh Lake Erie Yellow Perch.  This delectable fish has become one of the signature flavors along the shores of our Great Lake, and one of our favorite places to procure a fresh catch is the New Sandusky Fish Company.  You can grab a sandwich there, or like Barbara, grab some fish to serve as the base in latest work of Edible Art.

Of course... we can't be greedy.  Here's the recipe...

New Sandusky Fish Perch Tacos:

It works best if you get the dressing and the slaw ready first. Then run down and pick up the perch, sauté the taco shells, fill them up and enjoy.

Thai Dressing

1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar

¼ cup diced cucumber

2 tablespoons of sweet Thai chili sauce

1/2 jalapeno, finely diced (more if you like more heat}

1 cup of real mayonnaise

¼ tsp of cumin

salt & pepper to taste

In a medium bowl whisk the mayonnaise, rice vinegar and Thai chili sauce together. Taste, and then add cumin, salt and pepper.

Spicy Thai Coleslaw

½ head of Napa Cabbage- {Chiffonade the cabbage by cutting it into thin strips}

¼ cup diced red onion

¼ cup chopped summer tomatoes

1 avocado diced

freshly squeezed lime juice

2 tablespoons of minced cilantro

Toss slaw ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix in Thai dressing. Taste correct with salt and pepper.

Perch (4 Serving) 8 tacos

Pick-up 1# of perch from The New Sandusky Fish Company

(Keep it warm in on a baking sheet lined with foil in the oven at 170 degrees.]

Taco Shells

8-6 inch Corn Tortillas/ 4 tsp canola oil for frying.

In a non-stick sauté pan heat ½ tsp of oil.

In a sauté pan on medium high heat crisp taco shells on both sides. Fold in half gently and drain on paper towels.

Fill warm taco with sliced perch filet, top with Thai Style Coleslaw.  Serve with additional Slaw dressing, diced avocado, cilantro and lime wedges.

Original recipe: Barbara Mills

Announcing...

Will Wander

The flavor of life is the most pronounced in the details... the subtleties of any destination. Too often, when you're out traveling, you find yourself with the desire for something fresh and exciting. Off the beaten path... pushing your comfort-zone, is where you'll make the greatest memories. This is where you'll find find passion-filled people, eager to share their specialties and culture with those eager enough to seek it out.

Over the past year, we've been building a concept that will provide people with a fun and engaging way to soak up the latest and greatest from one of the busiest destinations on the planet. We drew inspiration from our own personal travel experiences, as well as the feedback of just about everyone who would sit and chat with us.

Which restaurants have the best food? NO... NOT WHAT'S ON YELP... Where do the locals go? What is the personality of that restaurant?

I'm really into craft beer... but WHERE CAN I FIND SOMETHING OTHER THAN BUD LIGHT?! Are the beers they offer any good?

WHAT?! There are how many wineries around here? Where do I even begin...?

I've always heard about parasailing, and I grew up around here. What's it like? Where can I be dragged behind a boat, capturing some amazing views of the "Park on the Peninsula?"

These are some of the burning questions we seek to answer. We want to share the personality... the flavors, sounds, experiences, culture... with you. We'll help you peek behind the curtain of some of the businesses that define our beloved North Coast. We'll share some exclusive recipes with you, highlighting the great tastes of the season. We'll help you get to know some of the bands that play at some of the great establishments, from the world-class resorts to the waterfront restaurants. We'll give you the first-person experience of some of the things you've always wanted to try... and even those you don't.

From food and music, to activities and festivals... We'll take you there.

Anatole Frances once said "Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe." So please... wander off the beaten path with us. Who knows where we Will Wander.

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