Tag: BBQ

Baseball, BBQ, and Blog Day #3 “Getaway Day…… Maybe” June 6, 2022

by reissmd, posted in Kansas City

Our plane leaves tonight which leaves us time for ………..MORE BBQ. 

Today we had lunch at Q39 which gets its name because they specialize in BBQ and they are located on 39th street. [1000 W. 39th Street; Kansas City, MO 64111] The place was recommended by my friend Jeremiah with the Astros.   Judging by the quality of the food I have to say that Jeremiah must enjoy the team’s trips to KC. They don’t serve our favorite (baby back ribs) but their spare ribs left us with nothing to complain about.  

Prior to heading to the airport, we made a short stop at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.  We had previously been to 8 presidential libraries [JFK, LBJ, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and George W. Bush] and this one didn’t disappoint.  They had some great videos making me feel like I am not as much of history-phile as I thought.  It was quite hot when we arrived at the library but luckily we were able to hydrate while at the library. Please check out the photos on arrival and departure.

Dehydrated upon arrival at the library.
After a little hydration, we look and feel better.

I am sure you realize that was just a little playful fun.  The photos were complements of Nick Nikkah in KC.  We met Nick and his incredible store that makes figurines using a 3D printer and the same technology that he used to make those photos that I inserted in front of the library.  In addition to being a nice guy, he also has an amazing shop.  Check it out at:

3DHQ (3D Headquarters) 

www.3dheadquarter.com 

Www.Facebook.Com/3dhqkc 

Instagram @3dhq.kc

Then it was on to Kansas City International to board our flight to LAX via Phoenix.  Upon arrival, we were informed that our flight was delayed and we would not make the connection to LA meaning we would have to spend the night in Phoenix.  Is this a joke?  Is this really happening?  As you know, I married up and Patrice suggested we try to get a different airline.  The check-in agent looked up United and Delta without success.  I pulled out my phone and found a flight from PHX to LAX on Southwest.  American doesn’t have an agreement with Southwest so if we don’t get to PHX in time, we are out of luck. I hope this works but I am mentally ready to spend the night in Phoenix. 

One last tidbit, I was stopped at TSA because I forgot I had a small bottle of water in my backpack.  The TSA agent couldn’t deal with my bag because he was intensely reviewing another traveler’s backpack.  He was removing everything and finding NOTHING.  I finally asked another agent if she could just remove the water bottle and give me my bag.  She helped me out and I said I was very thirsty and could I just drink the water in front of her.  No sir, you will have to go outside and go through TSA again.   So read carefully friends.  A doctor, with 3 wonderful children, 4 wonderful grandsons, and a family with an impeccable record of service to others is stopped from drinking some bottled water beyond the TSA monitors.  Do you feel safe now?

Hopefully, you will next hear from me in Los Angeles.  Don’t bet on it. 

Baseball, BBQ, and Blog Day #3 “Play Ball!” June 5, 2022

by reissmd, posted in Kansas City

If my papa was still living, today would have been his 108th birthday.  He died back in 1989 at the age of 75 and I am convinced that he died because he hated baseball and couldn’t bear the thought of watching another game.  I, on the other hand, love baseball.  As a kid, I used to listen to the Dodger games and calculate batting averages per at-bat. I still remember listening to Vince Scully describe the action in 1960 when Norm Larker was battling Dick Groat for the NL batting title.  If you have heard of Norm Larker I would be shocked.  Larker had modest success in MLB but one thing of note is that he was the Houston Colt 45’s first 1st baseman.  The Colt 45’s became the Astros and they are part of the reason that we are in KC.  We saw the Astros play the Royals today thanks to the kindness of my friend and REISSTRAVELBLOG follower Jeremiah who works with the team.  

But before baseball, there is always time to eat. We are staying at the The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection (at the recommendation of Jeremiah).  This is a lovely Marriott with a storied history and we could not be happier with the accommodations,  The place is old but our room is spacious and the staff has been doting on us since arrival.  This morning we had breakfast at the hotel (which was included in our stay) and it was superb.  I had the Norwegian Benedict and Patrice had the French Toast. Both selections were excellent and the service was also A-1. 

Norwegian Eggs Benedict
French Toast

After a brief rest, we were off to see the Astros vs the Royals.  For some reason, Google took us on some small roads instead of the freeway.   There was very little traffic and the countryside was gorgeous.  We were fortunate there were few cars because at one point we saw a sign that said single-lane highway ahead.  And indeed the two lanes of traffic became one.  Lucky for us no one was coming in the other direction.

One Lane Ahead
They weren’t kidding. Sorry about the focus, I wanted to get out of there ASAP!

We arrived safely at Kauffman Stadium (named after the now deceased owner of the Royals) which I was told is the only stadium in the MLB that is named after an individual.  Are you telling me that Oracle, Petco, Citi, and Safeco are not people?  I was just informed that Seattle no longer calls their stadium Safeco.  I guess Safeco got married and changed her name to T-Mobile. 

Kauffman Stadium and the staff were great.  We were politely directed where to go and even got a ride on a golf cart from the parking area to the stadium office where we were to pick up our tickets (no mistaking this place for Dodger Stadium).  I had to show my ID to get the tickets (are you telling me that my blog has not made my face a household icon in Kansas City?).   We then proceeded to the gate. After handing my ticket to the young lady I lamented that my pockets were full of junk and she escorted us past the security monitors saying, “You are a friend of the players, you can go right in”.  Wow, I don’t get treated that well at my own office. 

The game was great.  Astro slugger, Yordan (that has been difficult to type because my computer keeps on changing it to Jordan) Alvarez had a single, triple, and a home run, leading the Astros to victory.  I was hoping he would get one more at-bat and get a double to hit for the cycle.  He did come up but unfortunately, he got hit by the pitch.  That pitch would have killed me but he didn’t seem to notice it.  Jeremiah confirmed that Alvarez was fine but they did have to check the ball for damages.  It was a great game and I really loved it. Patrice loved it too.

Patrice enjoying baseball by reading her book.

After the game, we of course had to have dinner.  Hmmm, how about some barbecue?  We dined at Gates Bar-B-Q [1325 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64110].  It was good but did not compare to Jack Stack from last night.  

Gate’s ribs. Good, not great. The beans (not shown) were very good.
Burnt Ends sandwich which was recommended by another customer in line. It was very good. As were the peach pie and yam pie (not shown).

All this eating is really wearing me out.  I need to rest.  See you tomorrow.

Hey, Patrice, want to go get some ice cream?

Baseball, BBQ, and Blog Day #2 “We Just Love BBQ!” June 4, 2022

by reissmd, posted in Dallas, Kansas City

Our plans were to have had KC BBQ Friday night for dinner, Saturday for lunch, and again for dinner.  Instead, we spent Friday night and Saturday lunch in Dallas and the only BBQ we had seen was at the American Airlines lounge at LAX (and it looked disgusting).

Our detour to Dallas was not all bad.  You know what they say: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.  Well lucky for us one of our daughter-in-law’s brothers, Marc, lives in Dallas and he is a loyal follower of the blog.  Marc reached out to us and offered to meet us at the hotel to spend some quality time.  Marc was a part of our family when he lived in Los Angeles and it is always great to see him [Patrice here: That means he laughs at Robert’s jokes].  We had a nice chat about the family and the pros and cons of the DFW airport. Let me rephrase that, we talked about the cons of the DFW airport.  

Patrice is in the middle. Marc (known as Uncle Marc) is on the right. The really handsome guy is me.

After leaving Marc, we headed to the terminal and my astute wife saw there was a plane leaving for KC an hour earlier than our scheduled flight. Patrice got our flight changed but we had to sit separately, 7 rows apart.   I know this is hard to believe but after 40 years together it’s tough for Patrice and me to be separated for even an hour on our trips. [Patrice here:  Getting some alone time for even just an hour?  There is a God!]

Remember our reasons for this trip were baseball and BBQ.  So far the closest I’ve come to any quality BBQ has been to write about it.  On arrival in KC, we were greeted by rain.  What did I do to deserve this?

After a quick drive to the hotel, we set out for Jack Stack BBQ [4747 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64112].  The place was near the hotel so we decided to walk there since the rain had stopped.  This was chancy because the rain could return and because I sometimes need a gurney after eating BBQ.  

Jack Stack BBQ did not disappoint us at all.  Patrice had pulled pork mac and cheese.  

Patrice’s pulled pork with mac and cheese.

I had a half rack of baby back ribs. 

My Baby Back ribs with fries, and cream corn bake.

Wait I was supposed to get 6 ribs and I just see 5. 

I knew that woman couldn’t be trusted when it comes to BBQ baby back ribs.

Hmmm, I need to keep my eye on that woman. 

That’s enough BBQ for tonight.  Tomorrow we have some baseball. 

Baseball, BBQ, and Blog Day #1 “DFW Airport……UGH!” June 3, 2022

by reissmd, posted in Dallas, Kansas City

After a long absence trying to survive a pandemic, we are finally feeling comfortable enough to step outside of our house. If you believe public health officials (and I do) and we are not careful, we might be in for more trouble very soon. With that in mind, Patrice and I have set out on a trip. What could be more appropriate than a trip devoted to Baseball, BBQ, and Blogging? 

As loyal readers of this blog, you are aware, Patrice and I are certified “Memphis in May” BBQ judges.   My mouth is watering just thinking of the days we have spent judging.  During our time judging, we heard many people talk about the Kansas City BBQ Society as being the only true competitor to Memphis as the king of BBQ (Texas people please settle down, you’ll get your turn).  

In addition to our search for the supreme BBQ experience, we are also attempting to visit every Major League Baseball stadium. On this trip, we will be able to add one more, Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals.  

Our flight on day 1 already produced some excitement.  Our flight took us through Dallas on our voyage to KC. Upon check-in, we were told our flight from LA was delayed an hour which would leave us only 20 minutes to catch our next flight. Worrier Robert already started to obsess but we soon learned that the second leg of our trip was also delayed so we knew we’d be okay. 

Our flight from LAX started out uneventful except we did have a flight attendant of note.  Do you have a vision of a curvaceous young thing with a beautiful smile?  Well, enjoy yourself but that’s not what I’m about to describe.  Our flight attendant was Dave and he had to be close to 70 years old.  I watched him move the food cart up and down the aisle at a snail’s pace.  He would offer travelers some pretzels and then get their drink orders.  I thought we would be in Dallas by the time he got to us and we were sitting in the 9th row. When he offered Patrice a blue bag of pretzels she asked if he had anything else.  Dave lumbered back to the cart and on his return, he said “I can offer you a red bag of pretzels?”.  I chuckled and then he asked for my order. I asked for club soda.  Dave said he had Canada Dry Club Soda.  Personally, I can’t tell one club soda from another so I gladly agreed to his suggestion.  Dave returned, handed me a glass and the can of soda, and cheerfully said, “I shook the can real good so it should be very fresh”.   I had found my clone.

We received an announcement from the pilot telling us due to weather we were in a holding pattern for 45 minutes (note to self: avoid DFW in the future). So I used this delay as an opportunity to talk some more to my new friend.  It turns out this is a second career for Dave. He previously worked as an attorney and was credentialed to present a case to the US Supreme Court. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a chance to present the case because it was sent back down to the lower court (where the case was decided in his favor).  It was time to get back to my seat and let Dave do his job.  Before I left a woman approached Dave and said “I have a question”.  Dave quickly answered before she could speak another word and he said “Should you kiss on the first date?  Definitely!”   You gotta love this guy.  What else can I say except I was wrong, he isn’t almost 70, he is 80. 

Enough fun on the plane.  We finally arrived at DFW to find out our flight to KC was canceled and we get to spend the night in Dallas.  Our luggage is spending the night somewhere at the airport.  They offered to find it but would only promise that the bags would arrive sometime between 4 and 8 hours.   We will rough it with what we have. 

Please see me and my new pal, Dave.