My top 10 favorite places to snag a bite in Burlington

Burlington has some damn good food. Some of the best food spots are the kinds where there aren't any of those silly sit-down and tip obligations. As a college student, I rarely have the time or the money to go through the whole restaurant procedure. 

Whether it's a sandwich or a burrito, there's nothing more satisfying than a quick and greasy fix when you need food the most. After my 3 years in Burly, I've developed some staples which are relatively cheap, and always satisfy my large appetite. The first five are in no particular order, but with pain-staking difficulty, I managed to narrow down those which are the best of the best, and put my 5 favorites in order of deliciousness. My criteria for the best of the best is overall quality, cheapness to serving size ratio, and variety.

10.) Kampus Kitchen

This deli located across from trinity campus is where you'll find your standard sandwiches like a  B.L.T, or breakfast sandwich. Kampus Kitchen doesn't have a spectacular atmosphere, or the most exciting options, but if you ever find yourself around Trinity, it's convenient to stop in and grab a sandwich for an affordable price. This place had to find its way onto this list because I spent my first years at UVM buying countless sandwiches from here. 

9.) Stacks

This relatively new sandwich joint is very good. They serve the hoagie style sandwich, and lemme tell ya, they do it proper. The menu is a bit limited, but the benefit is you can never go wrong with what you order. They have a bunch of spicy options, and I looove spicy. The chipotle turkey and buffalo chicken are among my favorites. Stacks is conveniently located on the corner of Pearl St. and N.  Winooski Ave. 

8.) City Market

City Market is such a totally cool, hip and trendy grocery store. They also happen to have a deli with some bomb-ass-dank-ass sandwiches. These sandwiches are obviously filled with their trendy, superior fresh and local ingredients. Due to the trendiness, they are not cheap (figures). Well it's alright, as long as it's not an everyday thing, there's nothing wrong with splurging on the trendiest sandwich in town every once in while. It would be a crime for me not to mention that they have delicious sushi too. You can even grocery shop while you're at it and use your super hip catscratch money to pay for it. Or if you feel like being an asshole, you can probably just take a few free samples of stuff and leave.

7.) Ahli Babas

This is where you can get a solid falafel or Kabob. They have an on-campus location, for convenience during the school day, and the downtown location for convenience while bar-hopping. The prices aren't too bad, and you will be nice and full after attacking one of their kabobs. 

6.) Feel Good Grilled Cheeses

These grilled cheeses are a perfect on-campus option, and are dankolicious. They have a lot of creative grilled cheeses that you would never think of, but work really well: there are some nice fall-style options that include apples, caramel, and cinnamon, but also your conventional grilled cheese with tomatoes and peppers. It is only $4 for the cheesy goodness, and all the money gets donated to end world hunger. What's better than saving the world, while enjoying delicious food? While the food here is great, I could not put them in my top 5, just because the service is a little slow. You can expect to wait at least 15 minutes for your grilled cheese, and sometimes it doesn't seem worth it. However, the people running it are friendly students and not food industry professionals, so I can accept to wait every once in a while. You can find them in the Davis Center tunnel every tuesday, wednesday and friday from 11am-3pm. 

(Now it's time for the count-down)

5.) Mr. Mikes

If you want a good slice of pizza, check out Mr. Mikes. They have standard slices, and the awesome special slices that are popping up in pizza places all throughout the nation (those wonderful bbq chicken, buffalo chicken, pesto, Hawaiian, etc..). This is the place where you can get a quick food fix for minimal money. One special slice is $2.50, and it pretty satisfying. But I always have to get two slices just because I'm a growing boy. This is a great spot for the late night munchies, and also a solid place to grab a few drinks.

4.) Kountry Kart Deli (KKD)

On Main St in the hub of the bars and across from the beautiful City Hall Park is the infamous KKD. This is the place you can crawl into at the end of a long night of binge drinking, and hang out with all the drunken left overs as they wait for their plate of greasy goodness. When I talk about a wonderfully greasy sandwich joint, this is it. The breakfast sandwiches are awesome, and I personally love the philly cheese-steaks, but you can't go wrong with anything. This place really comes in handy for the late-night drunken food fix, and frankly that's when it tastes the best. Read on for the best sober sandwich options.

3.) Henry St. Deli

Nestled in the neighborhood of the flat-landers, Henry St. has a special place in my heart because it's a block away from my home, and it is addicting. I'd venture to say they have the best breakfast sandwiches in town (especially if you get a bacon/sausage, egg and cheese on an everything bagel with hot sauce and green peppers--can you say perfect hang over cure for only $4??). They also have delicious hot grilled-chicken sandwiches, cold subs, and soups. You can expect to pay between $5-$8 for this stuff, depending on if you get a small or large (usually a large sandwich is good for two meals). Maybe I should be ashamed about the excessive amount of money I have tossed away to this establishment, but when I think about how happy it has made me, there is no reason to be ashamed. The people who work there are all super cool, and it's tough to have a bad experience. My only word of advice is to always call ahead of time so you can pick up your food and go. If you go at the wrong time you may be waiting close to a half hour for your sandwich. Like I say though, calling ahead will eliminate any of those issues.

2.) Bueno y Sano.

This Burrito spot on College St, is where you can pick up a massive and delicious burrito that is good and healthy (as the name implies). I like this Burrito joint the most because it's simple, yet insanely satisfying. You can get a standard burrito, or quesadilla for about $7 or $8, depending on your filling; that aint a bad price to pay, especially when you look at that nice full play to the right. Bueno y Sano has been my go-to burrito spot since freshmen year, and it never disappoints. Check out the menu. I always leave with that wonderful full-ass stomach with the da-itus to go with it. Boy oh boy do I love me a burrito!!! Yummmyyyy. (p.s. they accept catscratch!)

1.) Union Jacks

With great pride, I claim this British style sandwich shop on Shelburne Rd the winner. They have some daaank sandwiches, and are cheap! In this town, $7.50 seems to be the average price for a good sandwich. At Union Jacks you can get a huge sandwich for $5.50!!! You can make your own sandwich or order one of their awesome special sandwiches. Check out the menu and see for yourself how creative some of these choices are. My favorites are the Cheeky Bugger and Turkey Lurkey. All their ingredients are fresh, right off the slicer. You get to choose your own bread too. If you want to add a side of fries, or "chips" as their called (since it's british food), and a drink it's just just an extra $2. I get the fries every time because they're fried, crispy and delicious. You can douse them in heavenly malt vinegar, which is my favorite part. They also have the best fish & chips in town. Aside from the food, the service is great, and the people who work there are super friendly. The owners are actually British! They don't mess around, and they get your sandwich prepared in a timely fashion. Union Jack's is definitely my favorite food spot in Burlington. Check them out, it's definitely worth it to take the trip. They are located at 370 Shelburne Rd. 

And there are my 10 favorite places to snag a bite in Burlington. My mouth is watering after making this list. I'm sorry if I left someone's favorite place out. But hopefully if you have not been to some of these places you'll check them out. What are some of your favorite food spots that I didn't mention here?

YONDER

Once again I am reminding everyone to go to Higher Ground either tonight or tomorrow to see the Yonder Mountain String Band!! Doors are at 7, and it is $23. I know it sounds kinda steep, but sometimes there is a price to pay for pure awesomeness! It's worth the money folks, this band is contemporary bluegrass at its finest.

 If you've never heard of them before, check out the video and familiarize yourself with them.

Just be careful not to get kicked out because then you won't be happy. Other than that, see you there!

Dangers of the Internet?

Check out this blog post.  And the posts within this post.

After reflecting on the content of the post and contemplating my own life, I came up with this response:

As a waiter, it bothers me when families sit down at a table and each individual family member is absorbed in some technological gadget. Instead of talking to each other, the parents are checking their emails, the teenagers are texting and the little ones are playing Gameboy or angry birds on the ipad. These families are so fixated on the tiny devices in their hands that they can barely look at me to place their order.  Dinner is a time for conversation, a time for family bonding. But somehow that was lost in the modern age.  We are finally making more virtual contacts and feeling more connected than ever, but really IS quantity > quality?

In 2009 I deleted my Facebook because I thought it lacked any depth.   I was lost in the uninteresting status updates and shallow wall posts of my 'friends.'  Why did I have 500 friends on Facebook, when in reality I spoke to maybe 20 of those people? I’m not breaking any new ground here, but I still think this is an interesting topic.  On the subject of technology Anaïs Nin, a French author said,

“We believe we are in touch with a greater amount of people… This is the illusion which might cheat us of being in touch deeply with the one breathing next to us.”

We become so caught up in meeting new people that we lose sight of the relationships around us.   Sometimes it is the spaces between words that matter, rather than the words themselves…those important silences in a conversation that cannot be conveyed through text on a screen.  There is something really satisfying about being able to hang out with a friend without the need of conversation…something really comforting about being in the presence of a group of people you know well.  The deepest connections I have made with people have been in the outdoors, not on the internet.  Sure, networking on the Internet is great.  I get a warm bubbly feeling every time somebody comments on my blog post.  I feel understood when I see that somebody else likes low-fi, 90’s, indie-pop music from elephant 6 record company. And I really enjoy reading fan ideas for a Chronicles of Riddick sequel.  The internet provides people with the ability to establish a sense of identity, lower their inhibitions, find others with similar interest and much more.  The convenience and advantages of social media and modern technology are clear, but I don’t think they can ever substitute for the genuine intimacy of a face-to-face conversation.                                                                     

In this technological era, everything is too accessible and we have become reliant on constant stimulation.   We always feel the need to be texting our friends, tweeting our lives away and suddenly when the wifi drops to one bar and everything slows down…well, its like the end of the world. Every time I see that rainbow wheel of death appear on my Mac, I get ready to falcon punch the screen…no patience….at all.  The presence of viral videos and concise memes, has crippled my ability to concentrate on lengthy text for long periods of time.    In regards to reading long books Nicholas Carr, an American writer says,

“Now my concentration starts to drift after a page or two. I get fidgety, lose the thread, begin looking for something else to do. … The deep reading that used to come naturally has become a struggle.”

The Internet is so fast and accessible that it makes us obsessed with things that are bigger, faster and cooler….it makes us less self sufficient and more lazy.   I can’t help but resent and fear the growing presence of the Internet...maybe its because I don’t completely understand it…maybe I’m jealous of those who have found a niche in Internet culture.   I can’t help but wonder what the digital age is doing to my social life and to my intelligence level.   My intent with this post is not to bash the Internet like some ‘moms against’ group.  My intent is not to warn against the impending doom of technological singularities.  But I would like to see more people put down the remote, silence their phones and close their computers and then see what happens.  Think about how reliant you are on technology.  Can you go a day without the Internet?  How about a week without your phone?  

I probably could not.  

And that makes me a little sad.

                                    

BE A CRIMINAL

Keith Haring: Criminal. Began painting his figure of the "Radiant Baby" throughout the subway stations and streets of New York City in the late 1970's. The image, a symbol of hope and unity for the new generations in America, gained him notoriety and international acclaim. Within a matter of years he was rubbing elbows with Andy Warhol, trading the streets of New York City for some of the most renown gallery spaces in the world. He continued to make pieces that embodied his message, and went on to produce some of the most prolific pieces on the subject of awareness and social change. Works addressing the evils of drugs, and AIDS awareness still stand in NYC. This criminal changed the world. 

Shepard Fairey: Criminal. Plastered custom made "Andre The Giant Has A Posse" stickers all over RISD durring his time at art school there The images, stuck on stop signs, buildings, all over campus, opened his eyes to the possibility of public areas as a powerful medium to reach the public. The founder of OBEY Clothing Company, his murals all over Boston challenge the role of mass media in our lives, and its potential to deliver ideas. "The Medium Is The Message" became his slogan. His "Hope" picture of Barack Obama has become one of the most iconic images of our generations, and influenced millions on a level almost unimaginable. This criminal changed the world. 

JR: Criminal. Began spray painting the streets of France in his youth. After finding a cheep camera in the subway, he began taking pictures of him and his friends as they tagged the subways and buildings of Paris. He posted blown up copies of these pictures illegally in sidewalk galleries for the whole city to see, framing the pictures with spray paint, leaving a permanent frame once the pictures were removed. After seeing one of his pictures staring back at him in a news broadcast during the riots of 2005, he realized the power of an image. JR has since gone on to embark on projects that have taken him from Rio to Israel to Africa, creating pieces that celebrate the downtrodden and persecuted people of the world, and challenge the violence and ignorance that define the lives of so many. Having recently won the TED grant, he continues to work on projects that can give the power of images back to the people, allowing everyone to make a difference. This criminal is changing the world. 

(Insert Your Name Here): Criminal. Began spreading the ideas of The Cult Of Done Manifesto  using the stencils provided below throughout their environment as an experiment in the power of public space as a medium. The stencils, whether blurry, runny, or incomplete, represented the basic ideas of the Manifesto: they were done. Their messages carved in metaphorical stone as a message for the world to see, to spread the Done mindset and influence others in the same path to growth, expression, and inspirational influence. 

You can't finish until you have begun. 

You can't change the world until you've challenged it. 

Will you be a criminal? 

Will you change the world? 

The Cult Of Done Manifesto

1. There are three states of being. Not knowing, action, and completion.

2. Accept that everything is a draft. It helps to get it done.

3. There is no editing stage.

4. Pretending you know what you're doing is almost the same as knowing what you are doing, so just accept that you know what you're doing even if you don't and do it.

5. Banish procrastination. If you wait more than a week to get an idea done, abandon it.

6. The point of being done is not to finish but to get other things done.

7. Once you're done you can throw it away.

8. Laugh at perfection. It's boring and keeps you from being done.

9. People without dirty hands are wrong. Doing something makes you right.

10. Failure counts as done. So do mistakes.

11. Destruction is a variant of done.

12. If you have an idea and publish it on the internet, that counts as a ghost of done.

13. Done is the engine of more. 

All you need is...

• A printed template page 
• A fine tipped marker 
• A clear plastic sheet (e.g. a clear file folder) 
• An exact-o knife
• Spray paint, or a stencil brush and paint 

So you can...

1. Put the printed page under the translucent sheet of plastic. 
2. Carefully trace the dark parts of the letters 
3. Even more carefully cut out the traced areas with the exact-o knife
4. Find a tasteful and meaningful location 
5. Take up your stencil 
6. Make your mark (spray paint: a few even coats with the nozzle about 12 inches from the surface, stencil brush: carefully applied in a clockwise direction directly to the surface in light layers)

Disclaimer: Neither I, nor the other members/administration of this blog, endorse criminal activity. The editors and authors of this blog insist that you choose tasteful and responsible locations for your art work and must remind you that defacing public or private property is a crime punishable by law. While I do want you to explore your surroundings and the possibility of public space as a medium, I insist that you do not break the law in doing so. The responsibility is yours if this is a choice that you make. 

The Wonderful World of Potlucks

There are few things that college students love more than free food.  And today dear readers, I’m going to inform you about one of the best ways to get delicious and free food: go to, or host, a potluck. 

At some point in your college career, you will be invited to a potluck and it will probably change your life.  For those who have never experienced one of these gatherings, a potluck is when a group of people comes together and each person brings a small dish to share with the group.  Some people bring whatever is left over in their fridge (a postage stamp sized piece of cheese, half a container of salsa, etc.) while others cook flavorful dishes just for the occasion (butternut squash soup, pesto pasta, etc.).  At a potluck, all you really need to do is bring some type of food or drink and you’re entitled to sample everything that others have brought. 

If you’re thinking about hosting a potluck, try inviting a variety of people-your close friends, people you haven’t seen in a few months, and that random kid who you sit next to in math class.  You’ll be able to make new friends and catch up with old ones in a relaxed environment.

Potlucks can also be a fun place to try out new recipes for a specific season or holiday.  If you’re going to a potluck in the fall, instead of bringing store bought guacamole and chips, try making something a little more adventurous-maybe roasted root vegetables, pumpkin muffins, or mulled apple cider. 

Also, when choosing what to make, be sure that you are mindful of the people who will be eating your food.  If you are going to a potluck with mostly vegetarians, then making braised beef may not go over so well. 

There you have it, potlucks in a nutshell.  What recipes are you all dying to try this fall season?

Get things DONE so you can have FUN

Recently, I worked on a project to redesign Bre Pettis and Kio Stark's The Cult of Done Manifesto. The manifesto is a list of 13 suggestions on why you should simply get things done. I think it is very relevant to every day life and if you want time to explore the wonderful city of Burlington, you need to make time by getting things DONE!

Check out my redesign and let me know what you think. It would make a pretty cool poster, right?

Redesign

By the way, check out my version of the Cult of Done Manifesto:

BLUEGRASS!

Hello everybody.  Yesterday I told you all to listen to bluegrass because it's the headiest genre of music on the block. So I wanted to remind you that there are some great bands coming through Higher Ground this week and I urge all of you to check them out! If you go to any of the concerts you will not regret it!!

Tonight, Infamous String Dusters is playing at 9:00 for $15. If you're looking for something to do tonight this is it. I will be there and I can't wait! Just check out these dudes shredding, and try and say it's not siiick:

Also, next Wednesday and Thursday, the 24th and 25th, Yonder Mountain String Band will be playing for $23. They always play a great show fully worth the money. Chances are I'll be going to at least one of those nights.

And if you can't make it all the way to Higher Ground, there is always bluegrass night at Nectars, for just $5 every thursday where you can catch some awesome local acts.

Lastly, I wanted to post the song I played a clip of in class, in case anyone is interested in listening to the whole thing. Trampled By Turtles will be at Higher Ground December 4!

I really hope to see y'all at some of these shows!! Stay groovy and have a sick weekend everyone.

Video Mashup: Virus Wars

Cult of Done Manifesto is...DONE.

Here's my redesign of the Cult of Done Manifesto...enjoy!

Check these blogs out!

The three blogs I have selected may seem disparate, but I promise there is a method to my madness.  Start by reading up on the Power of Now.  Get invigorated about life and seize your Friday night!  Then pursue the VT Beer blog and decide on what drinks you want to try at the bars downtown.  Lastly, look over Brain Picking for some good conversational topics and rumination on life.  When you are at the bars all the biddies and bros will be super impressed by your taste in beer and your intellectual mystique. 

1.) The Power of NOW

Last winter break I studied abroad in Bali and learned all about consciousness, culture and community.  To be honest, I pretty much got credit to meditate in rice patty fields.  One of the books I had to read for class was The Power of Now by Eackart Tolle.  This book, in combination with my experiences in Bali was completely life changing.  Thankfully, Eackart Tolle has been swept up in the modern blogging craze and is now able to spread his tips on spiritual enlightenment to new audiences through the Internet.  Spiritual enlightenment, huh?  Before you blow off this blog as some hippie bullshit just give me a chance.  The main gist of Tolle’s ideology is being fully present in the moment….uhh, YOLO.  Basically, western education emphasizes the analytical mind, rationality and categorization, but we should be more focused on balance and intuition. So, how do you succeed in your academics and still manage to be ballin’ in burly?  By the power of now, that’s how!  Stop worrying about your upcoming exam and stop regretting what you did last Thursday night.  Just enjoy the present moment and be happy!

2.) VT Beer

I am a strong supporter of the localvore movement, so I figured why not drink locally too.  No more natty ice for me.  Now, as a ‘mature’ 21 year old, I am all about experiencing Vermont’s finest beers.  I am no beer connoisseur, but I appreciate the large number of brewery’s Vermont has to offer.  And so my journey begins to experience local beers on beers on beers.  But what is a quest without a little guidance.  To help me on my microbrewery journey I have been checking out the VT Beer blog.  This blog is informative and concise.  I like that it is simply about promoting awareness to local breweries and that’s it, nothing fancy.  It is basically one of these blogs you just add to your routine: Wake up, eat breakfast, check email, and check the beer blog.   It is a great way to familiarize your self with all of the microbrewery’s Vermont has to offer.

3.)Brain Picking

Want to have interesting conversation with strangers?    Do you have a lack of contemplation and ingenuity in your life?  Well, then the blog, Brain Picking, is the blog for you.  I really enjoy this blogs wide array of topics, fun pictures and interviews.  Open your mind to art, science, sociology, philosophy and culture.  Challenge your friends with thought provoking ideas and then feel damn good about it.  Next time you enjoy half priced burger night at RiRa’s ask the people sitting at your table about their thoughts on Freud and daydreaming. Next time you are sitting in the movie theater waiting for your movie to start, ask the person next to you what they would do if money were no object.  Brain-picking stimulates creativity and curiosity.   It is a vessel for inspiration.  If you want to successfully navigate the streets of Burlington, you better be prepared with some good conversation topics.  Seriously, check this blog out.