Take the Trip by Brian

🍜 Take the Trip: Behind the Bite: Part Two

June 16, 2025

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From Bangkok to the Bayou — Thai Soul in a Louisiana Food Truck

By Brian – Chef Turned Traveler

If there is one thing I’ve learned from traveling, it’s this:

Flavors do not care about borders.

And sometimes the best bites come from the most unexpected places — like a backroad gas station in Chalmette, Louisiana, where two brothers from Thailand are blending bold Bangkok flavors with good ol’ Southern soul.

Meet Yung and Kim — and welcome to the tastiest culture clash you did not know you needed.

🚚 Brothers, Bites, and Big Dreams

The truck does not look like much at first.

It’s hand-painted with dragon decals, and there is a little chalkboard menu hanging off the side that reads:

“Fried Chicken & Thai Basil – Come Hungry, Leave Happy.”

Yung works the wok. Kim runs the fryer.

Together, they are turning heads and changing minds one bite at a time.

They grew up in Thailand, moved to the U.S. as teenagers, and eventually made their way to Chalmette, just outside New Orleans. It is a place rich in food culture — gumbo, boudin, red beans and rice — but instead of choosing between the flavors of their childhood and their adopted home, they asked:

Why not both?

🌶️ The Menu: Where East Meets South

Imagine this:

Sweet chili-glazed fried chicken served over jasmine rice and collard greens. Crawfish pad Thai — spicy, tangy, and kissed with that Cajun punch. Pork belly po’ boys with pickled papaya slaw. And a weekly special they call “Bangin’ Boudin Dumplings” — crispy on the outside, bursting with sticky rice and sausage inside.

The flavor?

Southern comfort meets Thai heat — and it works. Beautifully.

💬 What Yung and Kim Told Me

When I asked what inspired the fusion, Kim laughed and said:

“We love Thai food. We love gumbo. This truck is just what happens when we stop pretending, they’re separate.”

Yung added:

“In Thailand, food is family. Down here, food is also family. So, we mix it. We respect both.”

And that is the magic.

This is not a gimmick. It is not “trendy.”

It is honest food, made by guys who know their roots and love their new hometown of Chalmette.

🧳 Why This Bite Matters

Food like this tells a bigger story — about immigration, adaptation, and the joy of finding your flavor in a new land.

It is about taking what you know, blending it with what you’ve learned, and turning it into something all your own.

Yung and Kim are not just serving lunch.

They are serving a bridge between two cultures — one crispy, spicy, and soul-satisfying bite at a time.

🥡 Final Thought

So, if you ever find yourself near Chalmette, and you see a food truck with a dragon on the side and a line of people that looks way too long for a weekday afternoon — stop. Wait. Order everything.

And when Yung hands you your box and Kim throws in an extra Thai iced tea “just because,” remember:

Behind every bite… there is a story.

Take the Trip. Eat the Story. Stay Hungry.

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🌮 Take the Trip: Behind the Bites: Part One

June 16, 2025

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Margarita’s Magic — A Taco Stand in a Greyhound Station

There are meals that feed you, and then there are meals that stay with you.

And tucked inside a Greyhound bus station in Waco, Texas, I found one of those.

It was not a sleek food truck or some Instagram-famous hotspot. It was a tiny taco stand run by a woman named Margarita, her daughter by her side, and a griddle that worked overtime to deliver something truly special.

👩‍🍳 Meet Margarita and “Cookie.”

When I first walked in, I wasn’t sure if I had the right place. The Greyhound station had all the usual buzz — travelers shuffling in, luggage rolling across worn tile, the occasional whiff of diesel in the air. But in one corner, behind a glass counter and a chalkboard menu, stood Margarita, working with quiet focus, her hands dancing with dough.

Beside her was her daughter Letha, though Margarita affectionately called her “Cookie.” The kind of nickname that tells you this is more than a business — it is family.

🌮 Handmade Tortillas Worth Missing a Bus For

The first thing you will notice is not the salsa.

It is the tortillas.

Margarita makes them by hand, right there behind the counter — no press, no machine, just skill. Each one is so thin, so delicate, it looks like it might tear from the weight of its own warmth. But when you take that first bite? It is magic.

Slightly chewy. Slightly crisp around the edges. And full of that impossible-to-fake flavor that only comes from real hands and real time.

These tortillas do not just hold the taco.

They make the taco.

🚌 Bus Station Bites and Big Flavor

The fillings were simple. Braised pork. Spiced chicken. A sprinkle of queso fresco. A whisper of lime. Nothing fancy — just balanced, bold, and honest.

It was the kind of meal that reminds you:

You do not need a white tablecloth to have a five-star experience.

And honestly? The Greyhound station was the perfect setting. Travelers from all over, locals stopping in on their lunch break, and Cookie handing out tacos with a shy smile and a paper napkin.

💬 Why This Bite Matters

Margarita was not trained at Le Cordon Bleu.

She did not need to be.

Her food tells a different kind of story — one about tradition, family, and making the most of the time between school pickups.

She said she started the stand so she could be close to her kids, and so they could learn “how to cook and how to hustle.” Cookies already got both down.

🧳 Final Thought

This was not the best taco because it was “authentic.”

It was the best taco because it was real.

Real people.

Real ingredients.

Real love.

So, the next time you’re in Waco and you find yourself at the Greyhound station, look for the little taco stand in the corner. Order two — trust me. And if Cookie hands it to you, tell her you heard she is the reason this place runs like a well-oiled griddle.

Because behind every bite… there is a story.

Take the Trip. Eat the Story. Stay hungry.

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🍽️ Take the Trip: Behind the Bites

June 16, 2025

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Where Food Meets the Road, and Every Bite Tells a Story

By Brian – Chef Turned Traveler

People always ask me: “What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten while traveling?”

But here is the thing — it is never just what I ate. It is the story behind it that sticks with me.

That is where “Behind the Bites” comes in.

This new series is for anyone who knows that food is not just fuel — it’s a time machine, a passport, and a love letter to the places we have been. I am taking you with me, one bite at a time, to uncover the origins, rituals, and random roadside discoveries that make iconic travel eats more than just something to post on Instagram.

🎬 What to Expect from Behind the Bites:

This is not your average food review.

This is about digging deeper.

🍕 Where did that slice of pizza come from? Not the restaurant — the legacy. Who started it? Why does it matter? 🌮 What makes that taco truck in Waco unforgettable? (Hint: It’s not just the salsa.) 🍗 Why does the BBQ in Coca Beach Florida taste different than anywhere else? (Spoiler: It’s got roots in generations of family secrets and smoky traditions.) 🍜 Why does a bowl of pho from a Louisiana food truck hit differently? (Because food travels with people, and flavors carry stories.)

🧳 Why This Series Matters

As a chef turned traveler, I used to chase recipes. Now, I chase meaning.

Food is personal.

It is emotional.

It is how cultures survive, how memories are made, and how strangers connect without saying a word.

Behind every “must-try” dish is a backstory — it started with grandma in the kitchen, maybe it was born out of necessity, maybe it’s a local legend passed down in sauce-stained notebooks.

Behind the Bites is my way of giving these meals the spotlight they deserve — not just on the plate, but in the hearts of the people who make them.

🍩 First Up: A Sneak Peek at What’s Coming

Here are a few bites we are about to break down:

The roadside taco stands in Waco where the owner makes tortillas by hand while waiting for her kids to get out of school. The BBQ shack close to the Beach that only opens on weekends — and sells out by noon. An Asian fusion food truck in Louisiana started by two brothers blending their Thai roots with Southern soul. A greasy cheeseburger from a town you know from a place you might have never heard of — but you’ll wish you had.

🎥 Watch the Story. Taste the Journey.

Every episode or blog in this series will serve you:

The origin story of the dish the people who bring it to life The place that makes it matter and my take on why this bite is worth the trip.

Because sometimes the best meals are not just eaten — they’re experienced.

🧳 Final Thought

Travel opens your eyes.

Food opens your heart.

And when the two collide, magic happens.

So, grab a fork, fasten your seatbelt, and come with me as we go Behind the Bites — where every stop has a story, and every story ends with something delicious.

Take the Trip. Eat the Story. Stay Hungry!

Brian

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🍔 What Chefs Really Eat While Traveling

June 14, 2025

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(Spoiler: It’s Not Always Caviar and Crème Brulé)

By Brian – Chef Turned Traveler

Let us bust a myth.

As a former chef turned travel blogger, people often assume I spend my days dining on $100 tasting menus, sipping imported wine, and nibbling on microgreens with tweezers.

Sure, I have eaten fancy.

But the truth? Chefs — especially when we are out on the road — are all about the real, the flavorful, and often… the greasy. We eat like travelers, not royalty. Because at the end of the day, it is not about pretty plating — it is about taste and soul.

So here it is what I really eat while traveling.

🚗 1. Gas Station Glory

Say what you want, but gas stations have saved me more times than I can count.

You roll in tired, hungry, and two counties past anything resembling fine dining.

What do I grab?

Bag of Fritos (my favorite unhealthy snack) and Candy Bar (zero bar is my favorite)

A bag of BBQ corn nuts or beef jerky for survival

And of course, a giant big gulp or soda

Sometimes there is even a bonus surprise — like a food stand out front that makes it all worth the detour.

🌮 2. Taco Stand at a Bus Station in Waco, Texas

You have not lived until you have eaten a taco while watching buses load up in 100-degree heat.

This taco stand did not have a name — just the smell of sizzling meat, fresh cilantro, and a lady who handed me two tacos wrapped in foil with a side of sass.

It was perfect. Messy, spicy, juicy, and unforgettable.

No garnish. No hype. Just real food made by real hands.

🔥 3. BBQ Joint near Cocoa Beach Fl

Tucked away near the beach, this place smelled like smoke before you even turned into the parking lot.

What did I order?

Pulled pork sandwich with slaw, sweet tea, and a side of hush puppies that could bring a grown man to tears.

I have cooked lots of BBQ in my life — and this spot? It humbled me. No fancy rubs, no Instagram filters. Just wood, fire, meat, and love.

🍜 4. Asian Food Truck in Louisiana

I found this gem parked next to a mechanic’s shop and a guy selling boiled crawfish out of a cooler. The food truck was blasting ’90s hip-hop and cranking out Thai noodles, Korean wings, and pho that tasted like a warm hug.

I had the Korean chicken wings so delicious that changed my life.

There were three picnic tables, plastic forks, and a gallon jug of sweet tea for $2. It was the kind of place you think about a week later and consider driving six hours just to eat there again.

🍔 5. My Guilty Pleasure: A Good Old-Fashioned Greasy Cheeseburger

Forget the foie gras or Lobster tails.

If I am being honest, nothing satisfies like a greasy diner cheeseburger. You know the kind —

Griddled to perfection Melted cheese dripping off the sides Served with Fresh cut fries and a paper napkin…That is what I am.

I have eaten them in roadside diners, bowling alley grills, and mom-and-pop burger shacks — and I’ll choose that over a $60 entrée every time.

It is the simple stuff that sticks.

🚚 6. Passion Over Prestige: Trust the Trucks, Not the Neon

If there is one rule I live by on the road, it’s this:

Do not trust the sign — trust the parking lot.

If there is a line of folks out front or the lot is packed with pickup trucks, you’ve found the spot.

If the menu is hand-written in Sharpie on a foam board or scribbled on a chalkboard — even better.

That tells me the food changes daily, it is cooked from the heart, and the person behind the counter actually cares what it tastes like.

Fancy restaurants chase stars.

These places chase flavor.

And passion beats prestige every single time.

🧀 7. Bread, Cheese, and Beer — the Road Trip Holy Trinity

Sometimes the best meal is not cooked at all.

Give me a fresh baguette, a chunk of sharp cheddar, a jar of pickles, and a cold local beer.

Sit me down at a scenic overlook, tailgate down, breeze blowing.

Chef’s kiss.

Bonus points if there’s leftover BBQ or a rogue taco involved.

🧳 Final Thought:

Chefs know better than anyone — you do not need a reservation or a $300 plate to have a great meal.

The best bites often come:

From the places no one talks about with food you eat standing up and from people who just know flavor

So next time you are on the road, skip the neon signs and sleek menus.

Look for pickup trucks. Trust the handwritten special board. Follow the smell of something smoky.

Take the trip. Even if it is just to a roadside grill in the middle of nowhere.

Got a favorite hole-in-the-wall or gas station snack that blew your mind? Drop it in the comments — I will add it to my “must-try” list.

🧳 Take the Trip. Follow the trucks. Eat the cheeseburger.

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🥴 What’s for Dinner?!

June 14, 2025

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When You and Your Spouse Can’t Decide (Again)

We’ve all been there. It starts with an innocent question:

“What do you want for dinner?”

Then the dance begins.

“I don’t know… what do you want?”

“I’m fine with anything!”

“Okay, how about tacos?”

“Ehh, not really feeling tacos.”

“Alright, sushi?”

“Too expensive.”

“Alright then YOU pick!”

“I said I’m fine with anything!”

Suddenly you’re trapped in the eternal loop of indecision, low blood sugar, and maybe a touch of marital tension over takeout.

As a chef turned traveler, I used to solve this kind of dilemma with 86’d orders and a menu board. Now, I rely on a few clever tricks, a little humor, and the occasional game of Dinner Roulette.

🧠 Here Are My Go-To Dinner Deciders:

🍽 1. The “Pick 3” Rule

One person picks 3 options. The other person chooses from those. It’s structured spontaneity. Nobody ends up hangry.

Example: “Okay babe, it’s either Thai, pizza, or that weird Korean BBQ taco truck.”

“Pizza.” Boom. Done. Next crisis.

🎲 2. Dinner Dice (or Spin the Wheel App)

Let fate decide. You can literally use a spinning app, a randomizer website, or a homemade version with index cards.

Add categories like:

Fast & Cheap Home-Cooked Comfort Local Hidden Gem “The Usual” New & Risky

Bonus if you agree to obey the result, no takebacks!

👨‍🍳 3. Chef’s Choice

If you have got a foodie in the house (hi, that’s me), someone takes full charge like it’s a pop-up restaurant. No questions. No debates. Just sit, sip, and let the chef work their magic—even if that means breakfast-for-dinner or fancy grilled cheese.

🤖 4. Let AI Decide (Yes, Seriously)

Sometimes I let my digital sous-chef (shoutout, ChatGPT) give me a recipe based on what is in the fridge.

Type in:

“What can I make with eggs, spinach, and feta cheese?”

…and boom, it spits out something fancy like a crustless Greek quiche that tastes like you planned it all along.

❤️ 5. Make It a Date

If all else fails—make the indecision the plan.

Go for a “progressive dinner”:

Appetizers from one place, Entrée from another, Dessert drive-thru to end the night. It is chaotic, fun, and feels like an adventure without leaving your zip code.

🥡 So What is the Verdict?

Next time you find yourself in a dinner showdown, do not sweat it. Whether you roll the dice, delegate to your inner chef, or embrace the chaos—dinner does not have to be a decision-making nightmare.

Just remember it is not really about the food. It is about the laughs, the stories, and the memories you cook up together—even if it ends with cereal and a glass of wine on the couch.

🧳 Take the trip. Try the taco truck. Or just make breakfast for dinner.

Because sometimes, the best meals start with “I don’t know… what do you want?”

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💸 Budget Travel Hacks: How I Save Without Sacrificing the Fun

June 13, 2025

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Stretching Dollars While Making Memories

Hey travelers,

Let’s be real—travel isn’t free. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to break the bank either. As someone who’s swapped the chef’s coat for a backpack, I’ve learned how to travel smart without missing out on the good stuff. From scoring deals to eating well without splurging, here are my top budget travel hacks to help you save money without sacrificing the fun.

✈️ 1. Be Flexible with Flights

Want to save hundreds on airfare? Flexibility is key.

I use apps like Hopper, Google Flights, and Skyscanner to track prices and book when rates drop.

My trick:

Look for mid-week departures, red-eye flights, and consider flying into a nearby city and taking a train or bus the rest of the way—it’s often way cheaper!

🛏️ 2. Think Beyond Hotels

Don’t sleep on the alternatives (pun intended).

I often stay in:

Airbnbs, Hostels (they’re not all for 20-year-olds!) Campsites or cabin rentals Trusted house-sitting sites (watch someone’s place for free)

Bonus: Staying local often means better experiences and insider tips you won’t get at chain hotels.

🍽️ 3. Eat Smart, Like a Chef Would

Traveling doesn’t mean eating out every meal (unless you’re doing a buffet review 😎). I balance my food budget like this:

One splurge meal per destination Local street food for flavor and savings Grocery store runs for snacks, drinks, and even prepped meals If I have a kitchen, I cook at least one meal a day—especially breakfast.

Pro move: Pack your favorite spice blend or hot sauce to turn basic groceries into something delicious.

🚍 4. Use Public Transportation (or Walk!)

Skip the rental car and ride like a local. Buses, metros, and even bikes can save you a lot—and give you a better feel for the city.

Apps like Moovit or Citymapper make getting around a breeze.

Bonus: Walking more = more cool photo ops, hidden gems, and unexpected finds.

🎟️ 5. Plan Free or Low-Cost Activities

You’d be amazed how many great experiences cost little to nothing:

City walking tours (many are “pay what you want”) Free museum days Local markets and festivals Beaches, hikes, scenic drives Free events on Facebook or local tourism boards

Hack: Make a game out of how many free things you can pack into a day—it’s surprisingly fun!

💡 6. Travel Off-Season

Want to visit dream destinations without the crowds or inflated prices?

Travel in the shoulder or off-season. You’ll often score:

Cheaper flights and stays More availability A more relaxed, authentic vibe

Example: Caribbean in late spring or early fall = still gorgeous, but way more affordable.

🧳 7. Pack Like You Mean It

Avoid baggage fees by packing light and smart:

Mix-and-match clothing Travel-size toiletries A reusable water bottle & snacks Roll your clothes, don’t fold

Pro Tip: I use a digital luggage scale to dodge overweight bag fees—learned that lesson the hard way.

🤑 8. Cash in on Rewards & Points

If you’re traveling often, don’t leave points on the table:

Use a travel rewards credit card for purchases Join hotel and airline loyalty programs Look for booking sites that offer cashback or points (like Rakuten or Booking.com Genius)

Even one or two free nights or a discounted flight can be a game changer.

🧭 Final Thoughts: Budget Travel Isn’t “Cheap”—It’s Smart

Saving money on the road doesn’t mean missing out.

It means making intentional choices so you can stretch your trip—and your budget—a little further. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Paris or ziplining through Costa Rica, the memories are what matter—not how much you spent.

So take the trip, skip the splurge (sometimes), and collect experiences, not receipts.

Catch you on the road,

– Brian

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A Feast in Cleveland: West Side Market is My Happy Place

June 13, 2025

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By Brian, from Take the Trip

There are places we visit that check boxes—and then there are places that fill your soul. For me, the West Side Market in Cleveland is firmly in that second camp. As a former chef turned travel blogger, I’ve roamed my fair share of food halls, markets, and stalls around the world. But this one? It’s got heart. It’s got history. And it’s got cream horns that make me weak in the knees.

But my love for this place didn’t begin with my career in the kitchen—it began long before, as a kid.

Every few weekends, my grandfather would take me by the hand and bring me here. I can still remember the creaky wood floors, the smell of smoked meats and fresh bread, and the way the vendors would greet him like family. He called me Oberon—his playful take on “O Brian,” a little nickname full of love and heritage. To him, coming to the market was a ritual. To me, it felt like a magical adventure.

And it still does.

🕰️ Where the Walls Whisper History

The West Side Market has been feeding Cleveland since before Cleveland had its skyline. Originally opened in 1912, it’s the city’s oldest public market—built with classic brick, grand archways, and a clock tower that makes it feel more like a European train station than a place to buy kielbasa.

You walk in and immediately feel the hum of something special. This isn’t just a place where people buy food—it’s where generations have shared recipes, stories, and a passion for feeding others.

🧅 The Produce Arcade: Chaos in the Best Way

Before you even hit the main concourse, take a stroll through the produce arcade. This place is a sensory overload—in the best possible way. From Ohio-grown strawberries to tropical fruit you’d swear was flown in that morning, it’s bursting with color, scent, and flavor.

Vendors shout greetings, swap tips, and throw in an extra peach just because you asked about the weather. It’s exactly the kind of energy that makes me want to grab a basket and cook… if I still had a kitchen.

🍽️ Vendors Who Cook with Their Hearts

Here’s the real magic of West Side Market: the people behind the booths. As someone who spent years behind the line, I feel it when someone pours their soul into their craft. You can spot the pride from across the room—polished glass displays, hand-written signs, a glimmer in the eye when you ask how long the kielbasa’s been smoking.

I can (and do) spend hours chatting with these vendors. Some are second-, third-, even fourth-generation food families. They know every detail of their craft. And they love to talk about it.

✨ Some of My Favorites:

Pierogi Palace – I’m not exaggerating when I say these might be the best pierogies I’ve ever had (and I’ve tried a lot). The dough is tender, the fillings are bold, and the variety keeps me coming back. Potato-cheese? Sure. Buffalo chicken? Why not. Talk to the folks at the booth—you’ll walk away with a story and a snack.

Steve’s Gyros – Famous for a reason. The line might be long, but you’ve got time. Watch them slice the meat, build those mountainous gyros, and wrap them up in warm pita like they’re packaging edible gold. And yes, always get extra sauce.

The Bakeries (aka Cream Horn Heaven) – Look, I came for the pierogi, but I stay for the cream horns. Flaky, buttery pastry spirals filled with sweet, cool custard. Every bite is a happy little explosion of sugar and nostalgia. There are plenty of pastry options, but the cream horn is my market MVP.

❤️ Why It Feels Like Home

This isn’t just a food market—it’s a reflection of community. It’s immigrants bringing their recipes, families continuing traditions, and locals keeping Cleveland delicious. It’s a market where you feel the effort, the stories, and the pride baked into every corner.

As a chef, this place lights me up. As a traveler, it anchors me to something real. As a grandson still hearing his name—Oberon—echo through memory with every footstep on those worn floors, it feels like coming home.

And I hope one day, I’ll get to bring my own grandchildren here. Walk them past the cream horns, let them try a gyro too big for their little hands, and show them the market through my eyes—just like my grandfather did for me.

So if you’re heading to Cleveland, make the West Side Market more than a quick stop—make it an experience. Talk to the vendors. Try something new. And for the love of sugar, don’t skip the cream horn.

Take the Trip,

Brian

Former chef. Lifelong foodie. Still answering to Oberon.

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A Visit to the Christmas Story House: Where Movie Magic Meets My Memories

June 13, 2025

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Don’t shoot your eye Out!!

By Brian from take the trip

Some places you visit with curiosity. Others, with pure childhood glee.

That’s exactly how I felt walking up to the front steps of the Christmas Story House in Cleveland, Ohio.

If you’re anything like me, A Christmas Story isn’t just a movie—it’s a holiday ritual. Every December, like clockwork, I fire it up on TV at least four or five times. I’m not exaggerating when I say I could recite the entire film start to finish. And honestly? Sometimes I do. Yes, I’m that guy.

So when I found myself in Cleveland recently, I made a beeline for this legendary house on West 11th Street, the very one where Ralphie Parker daydreamed about Red Ryder BB guns, soap poisoning, and the perils of bunny pajamas.

Stepping through the front door felt like entering a parallel universe—one where TV nostalgia and real-life texture collide. Every room is set up to match the film down to the tiniest detail:

The infamous leg lamp glowing proudly in the front window.

The kitchen where “you’ll shoot your eye out!” still echoes.

As a superfan, it was surreal. I didn’t just recognize scenes—I felt them. I could hear the narrator’s voice (which is really Jean Shepherd himself), feel the crunch of snow under little boots, and picture Ralphie’s frozen scowl when the decoder pin turned out to be a commercial. (“A crummy commercial?!”)

Maybe the reason this movie has stayed in my heart is because it reminds me so much of my own family growing up.

My dad wasn’t aiming for “major awards,” but he was always half-distracted—fixing something that didn’t really need fixing or getting animated over whatever was on the news.

My mom? She was the loving, steady glue—making sure we were fed, warm, and not permanently scarred by our neighborhood antics.

And my family? Oh, they were entertainment in themselves—with enough personality to rival Ralphie or Randy like Eating our mashed Potatoes like a little piggy! or when a triple-dog dare gone sideways.

It’s no wonder I watched this film so many times. It wasn’t just a story. It was a reflection. A comedy. A comfort. In addition to the house, there’s a museum right across the street filled with original props, behind-the-scenes photos, and costumes from the film. You can see the actual Red Ryder BB Gun used in filming, Randy’s snowsuit (still stiff!), and even scripts with notes from the cast and crew.

And yes—you can stay overnight in the house if you’re looking to take your fandom to the next level. Just imagine waking up in Ralphie’s bedroom on Christmas morning. (No bunny suit required… unless that’s your thing.)

If you’re planning a holiday-season trip to Cleveland—or even just passing through—it’s worth stopping at this cinematic time capsule. You don’t have to be a mega fan to enjoy it, but if you are one (like me), prepare to geek out. Hard.

Visiting the Christmas Story House isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about the joy of tradition, the magic of storytelling, and the way a single movie can bring generations together with laughter, love, and just a little chaos.

And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll be watching it with my own grandkids, quoting every line and laughing like it’s the first time—again and again.

📍 Location:

3159 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44109

Located in the Tremont neighborhood—super charming and full of other cool local spots for food and coffee after your visit.

Open 7 days a week (closed major holidays), typically from 10 AM to 5 PM. Always check the official website before your visit for any seasonal changes or special events. Tickets include access to: The Christmas Story House The museum across the street Gift shop with all the movie merch your nostalgic heart desires You can buy tickets online or at the door, but weekends in December can sell out, so booking ahead is smart.

Free street parking is available near the house, and there’s usually plenty unless you’re visiting on a holiday weekend. Arrive a bit early to snag a close spot.

A photo with the leg lamp in the window (it glows in electric sexiness) Sitting at the kitchen table where Ralphie sulked over meatloaf A peek under the sink where Randy hid during the soap crisis The BB gun display in the museum—it’s the real deal!

Whether you’re quoting every line like me, or introducing the film to someone for the first time, the Christmas Story House is pure magic wrapped in nostalgia.

Take the trip. I Triple dog dare you! 😜 You’ll probably leave with a smile— and a dream of owning your own Red Rider BB Gun!

Until the next time, I will see you on the Road- Brian

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🎶 A Travel Playlist for Every Kind of Trip

June 10, 2025

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Turn Up the Vibes and Hit the Road

Hey Travelers!

If there’s one thing that sets the mood for any adventure, it’s the music. Whether you’re cruising down the coast, flying to a tropical paradise, or just taking a weekend road trip, the right playlist can make the journey unforgettable.

As someone who’s swapped the sizzle of the kitchen for the sounds of the open road, I’ve created a few go-to playlists that match the vibe of different kinds of trips. Trust me—these tunes will help you “Take the Trip” in style.

🚗 1. The Road Trip Vibe

Perfect for: Long stretches of highway, windows down, snacks within reach.

“Life is a Highway” – Tom Cochrane “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac “Send Me On My Way” – Rusted Root “Ride” – Twenty One Pilots “Take It I Easy” – Eagles

Pro Tip: Queue up a mix of old-school classics and indie road gems to keep everyone in the car happy.

🌴 2. Beach Bound & Breezy

Perfect for: Sunny escapes, flip-flops, and frozen drinks.

“Island in the Sun” – Weezer “Kokomo” – The Beach Boys “One Love” – Bob Marley “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” – Rupert Holmes “Cake by the Ocean” – DNCE

This is the playlist for catching a breeze, sipping something fruity, and dancing barefoot in the sand.

✈️ 3. Airport Zen Mode

Perfect for: Soothing your nerves, killing time at the gate, or drifting off in the air.

“Sunflower” – Post Malone & Swae Lee “Midnight City” – M83 “Weightless” – Marconi Union “Electric Feel” – MGMT “Coffee” – Miguel

Bonus: Download it for offline listening—because airplane Wi-Fi can be… questionable.

🥾 4. Adventure & Exploration

Perfect for: Hiking, road less traveled, spontaneous detours.

“Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros “Adventure of a Lifetime” – Coldplay “Young Blood” – The Naked and Famous “My Body” – Young the Giant “Take the Trip” – (Your future theme song? 😉)

This one’s for the wanderers chasing waterfalls, mountain views, and unexpected magic.

🛳️ 5. Cruise Control

Perfect for: Setting sail, poolside lounging, and ocean vibes.

“Come Sail Away” – Styx “I’m on a Boat” – The Lonely Island (just for laughs) “Watermelon Sugar” – Harry Styles “Sailing” – Christopher Cross “Toes” – Zac Brown Band

Let the waves set the tempo and enjoy the slow roll of cruise life.

🧘‍♂️ 6. Relax & Recharge

Perfect for: Spa days, solo mornings, or just watching a sunrise.

“Banana Pancakes” – Jack Johnson “Holocene” – Bon Iver “River” – Leon Bridges “Breathe Me” – Sia “Weight of the World” – EarthGang & Louis York

This playlist helps you reconnect with yourself between all the go-go-go of travel.

🎧 Ready to Hit Play?

Music turns travel into a movie moment. Whether you’re chasing a sunset, dancing on a deck, or sipping coffee in an airport café, a good playlist makes it better.

Got a favorite travel song I should add to the list? Drop it in the comments!

And as always— Take the trip

Feel the beat. let the rhythm move your feet!

Until Next Time, see you on the Road… Brian

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Taste the Trip: Chasing Cheap Eats & Local Favorites

June 10, 2025

Uncategorized

By Brian – Take the Trip, Travel Advice by Brian

One of the best pieces of travel advice I can give you. Skip the tourist menu.

If you really want to experience a place—its heart, its people, and its culture—follow your nose to where the locals eat. Forget white tablecloths and overpriced “international fusion” restaurants. What you want is that tiny food shack with plastic chairs and a line out the door.

Because that’s where the magic happens. That’s where you Taste the Trip.

Why I Always Hunt for Cheap Eats

As a former chef turned traveler, I appreciate fine dining—but I’ve learned that some of the most unforgettable meals cost less than $10

What I love about cheap eats:

They’re authentic. Locals don’t eat where tourists are sent—they eat where the food is good, and the prices are fair. They reflect the real culture. One bite of a street taco or a curry from a roadside stand will teach you more about a country than any museum. They stretch your budget. Eat smart and you can spend your savings on experiences that matter—like boat rides, guided tours, or just another day of travel.

How to Find the Best Local Food

Here’s my simple formula:

🧭 Wander without a plan

Some of my best food finds have been accidental. Explore side streets and busy markets. Smell first, then follow your nose.

👀 Watch the locals

If you see a line of locals waiting patiently, you’ve probably found something special. A busy stall is a good sign of quality and freshness.

📱 Use apps wisely

Google Maps reviews, Yelp, local food blogs, can guide you—but don’t rely on them exclusively. Your senses are the best judge.

🗣️ Ask someone who lives there

Hotel staff, taxi drivers, or even your Airbnb host will usually have a go-to spot. Just say, “Where do you eat lunch?”

Final Bite of Advice

When you’re on the road, don’t just take the trip—taste it.

Skip the chains, dodge the tourist traps, and find the food that tells a story. Your stomach—and your soul—will thank you.

Bon appétit,

Brian

P.S. Got a favorite cheap eat from your travels? Comment below or tag me @takethetripbybrian on Instagram with #TastetheTrip

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