Last week, I was fortunate enough to manage a quick trip to Atlantic City. An absolutely miserable drive, plagued by torrential rain and traffic, led to a great experience once we arrived in Atlantic City. November may not be the peak season at the seaside resort city, but it was less hectic than my past trips there, which was a plus.
While in Atlantic City, I was able to cross an item off my constantly evolving bucket list, by dining at the famed Knife and Fork Inn. The Knife and Fork was opened in 1912 by "the Commodore" Louis Kuehnle (portrayed by Dabney Coleman in the amazing HBO series "Boardwalk Empire") as a private club. It became a popular spot among the upper crust during Prohibition and remained so for decades. Luminaries such as Rosemary Clooney, Vic Damone, and Bob Hope dined there when in town. If it's good enough for Bob Hope, it's certainly good enough for me.
As for my own personal experience, the food was wonderful. I had cider-glazed pork chops for my entree, and while they were delicious, the star of the night was dessert. We had crème brûlée, and just thinking about it has me ready to jump in my truck and head to Atlantic City for a second dose.
The atmosphere and old-school elegance of the Knife and Fork is something that is a rarity in this day and age, and I feel blessed to have been able to experience it.
After dinner, B and I attended the Foreigner concert at the Hard Rock. Foreigner is an amazing band and always puts on a great show. The entire set is just one iconic hit after another. As Mick Jones wasn't in attendance, I was not too terribly surprised when the band announced the following Monday that they would be embarking on a farewell tour in 2023, likely finishing up in 2024. Looks like there is at least one more Foreigner show in my future.
Some other tidbits:
On November 18, I went to the Tally-Ho Theatre in Leesburg, VA to see Kix for (probably) the 47th time. I tell people I go to see them so much because it's always a good time. This concert was no exception, until the end, when drummer Jimmy Chalfant collapsed in a very scary moment. Thank God, it sounds like he is recovering, and I wish him nothing but the best for the good times he and his bandmates have given me over the years.
The response to my last post about Major League Wrestling was overwhelmingly positive. Expect a similar entry in the near future.
As I may have stated on this forum in the past, I detest winter and though the calendar claims it still technically autumn, it sure feels like winter to me. Hopefully, a January or February trip to a warmer climate is in the cards.
What am I listening to?
Two of my favorite artists, Chris Stapleton and Patty Loveless, combined for a truly special collaboration of Darrell Scott's "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive". Here is a link
I believe Chris Stapleton is a once-in-a-lifetime talent and I feel blessed that he came along during my lifetime. Patty Loveless has one of the most sensuous voices in country music and I am glad to see so many people re-discovering her, since her performance with Mr. Stapleton at the CMA Awards.
You can't go wrong with any song by either artist but if you need a starting point, I suggest "Lonely Too Long" by Mrs. Loveless and "Fire Away" by Chris Stapleton.
What am I reading?
I continue to read my way through Michael Connelly's bibliography and am up to "The Lincoln Lawyer". As I am "hard at work "on the 3rd Clay Sullivan book, my allotted time for reading is severely diminished. If you'd like to keep up with what I'm currently reading, follow me on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/tyler_cates
What am I watching?
I recently re-watched the first five seasons of "Peaky Blinders", so that the story was fresh in mind when I dived into the sixth (and final?) season. It is such a fantastic show and I pray that the rumors of a movie prove to be true.
Taylor Sheridan, who I think is an amazing storyteller, has two great shows airing now. Of course, everyone knows about "Yellowstone" on the Paramount Network, the epic modern-day western/drama starring Kevin Costner. On Paramount+, Mr. Sheridan has "Tulsa King", a unique spin on the Mafia genre, starring Sylvester Stallone. So far, it is intriguing, and I am curious to see where the story goes.
Next month, Mr. Sheridan has "1923", starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, who I absolutely adore. "1923" is another "Yellowstone" prequel and if it is half as good as "1883", it will be phenomenal.
Until next time, Thanks for reading and I'll talk to you soon.