I’m still working on getting a dedicated page up on the site with a convenient little PayPal widget and all that stuff (a little help?), but for now, if you’d like a dozen (or more) smoked tomatoes, please PayPal $10 (includes S&H) to IowanChef at Gmail.com with the quantity requested, full name, and shipping address. I’ll even throw a smoked red bell pepper in with the order while I’m figuring them out, and you can provide feedback! Look at you, all helpful and sh*t..

So that’s all for now, friends, fans, and foodies. It looks like we’ve finally got a break in the rain, which means I no longer have to operate my smoker under the covered parking at my condo. But then again, all my neighbors’ cars will probably smell like smoked tomatoes and peppers for a week, so I’ve probably gained some future customers. Again, thanks for the support, feedback, and continued business. I’ll have the Human Treats jar filled back up at King Liquor tomorrow. See you there!

So, starting Monday (March 5th), my smoked tomatoes (tentatively named “Human Treats”) will be available for purchase at King Liquor on Burnet road, $.50/single, $4/half dozen, $6/dozen. They keep exactly like sun-dried tomatoes but also freeze perfectly, however, if you’ve ever had one, you know that they don’t stick around long enough to go bad. In my 10+ years of making them, I have never EVER had a single one go bad.

Also keep an eye out for my smoked red bell pepper chips (like smoked paprika mousse!) and smoked portabella mushrooms (like vegan sausage or even unagi eel when brushed with teriyaki sauce), all coming soon AND at other locations around the 78756 area code. But for now, I’ve got orders of tomatoes to fill! Back to the smoker..

Thanks to everyone who chimed in and helped get this idea launched. RIP Denise Salles, the woman who single-handedly launched my culinary career and even named my catering company of two years, “Two Straight Guys Cookworks.” I know you’d be proud. I still miss you.. This is for you.

Golden Arm Trio – Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies

When I met Graham, he was playing both piano AND drums at his shows with his drum throne spinning 180 degrees to either side as he alternated between keys and kit.  I don’t remember the first gig I played with him, but apparently he did, and I’ve been making regular appearances ever since.  It’s only recently that I’ve had the free time to really dig into what kind of creative freedom and musical challenges lie beneath the surface of what are some of Duke Ellington’s best (and least) known creations.  Playing as an actual trio (an ironic rarity for the Golden Arm Trio) with Dr. Utah Hamrick (“not that kind of doctor”) on upright bass, the usual creative improvisational interplay has been amplified infinitely.  I’m usually the one in any given band to pull the rug and shake musicians who might not be paying enough attention, tapping their foot to what they’re playing vs the beat, etc.  With this trio there’s a palpable fury of three electrons in a violent orbit.  Add a couple more doctors to the mix on saxophone and trombone in the form of Dr. John Mills and Dr. Freddie Mendoza, and you get something that could only be captured in HD with about a dozen cameras.  Fortunately, Austin PBS affiliate KLRU was kind enough to do this for us in their Arts In Context feature on Graham Reynolds.  While the 16 minute version of “Caravan” (and my featured intro solo) didn’t make the televised cut, you can view it (and every song from the program) on Vimeo here, or simply click the link below.

KLRU Presents Graham Reynolds

So, if you like what you see/hear, check the following dates. If we’re in your area, we’d love to see you. We’re three dudes in a van with a piano, an upright bass, and a three piece kit that Bonham would approve of. We’re hungry, we’re thirsty, and we’re going to shake some foundations. For an extra special treat, we’ll be doubling as the backing band for the powerful Christina Marrs (Asylum Street Spankers) on select dates, so stay tuned!

June 17th – Tucson AZ – Solar Culture
June 18th – Los Angeles CA – Bootleg
June 19th – San Francisco CA – Red Devil
June 22nd – Eugene OR – Sam Bond’s
June 23rd – Portland TBA
June 25th – Seattle WA – Sunset Tavern

More dates to be added, times announced, etc.