I’ll admit it. I was out of my element. Lost in the NoChi hinterlands while on a hunt for something new to engulf. I wanted a little strange. The SoChi “Been There, Done That” seemed like sloppy seconds today for some reason. I’m shooting blanks so I decided to pull out my technology and tweet. “Trolling for food! #starving”

Within a matter of secs Priscilla Esser replied. Her tweet simply read: “Ron & Cheng’s Kitchen. You’ll dig it.” I trust her taste. I pulled up to the strip mall’ish location & read the banner hanging out front, “Chinese Food & Home Cook’N” – WHAT? I’m not sure that I’m up for this Funky Food Fusion. Could Priscilla actually “Linda Lovelace” this? Christie Brinkley’s famous line in National Lampoon’s Vacation comes to mind. “Well, are you gonna Go For It?” So, I do. Ron & Chengs Kitchen on Tom Hill Blvd is actually worth the try. A quirky Chinese/Southern Home cooking combo but indeed it is funky enough that I really dug it. 2 meats & 2 Vegetables: Fried Porkchop, General Tso’s Chicken, butter beans, egg roll & cornbread. East met West all on one divided Syrofoam plate. I even “liked” it on UrbanSpoon. Y’all go check it out, 行吗？(OK?) I promise, there is a Happy Ending in store for you.

“Bring It On!” I say when recently challenged to a blind vodka taste test by National Distributing rep Kim Reynolds. Kim, knowing I’m a die-hard Grey Goose fan said she had a brand I was sure to favor over the Goose. Not Likely, I say. It was a Friday afternoon and work was slow so why not have a little fun and prove the little lassy wrong. I know my vodka and I like a sure thing. Kim enters The SoChi Gallery with a stockpile of vodka. She might as well have been wearing a Santa suit because it sure felt like Christmas. She preps for the taste test in the kitchen – out of my sight – then re-enters the scene with 6 numbered cups of vodka. Placing them before me she throws down the gauntlet. “Drink Up! she commands. I oblige. I am instructed to place the ones i like in one area and the ones I dislike in another area. I like vodka. In fact, vodka makes a great chaser for a Starbucks Latte as that was all that was on my stomach. As the tasting continues I ask myself, “Spit or Swallow?” Hell, we aren’t at a fancy Sonoma winery so “Swallow” it is. However the whole BLIND part of the taste test starts to take on a new meaning…will I be able to see once it’s all over? Taking my research seriously, I taste and re-taste them all. At the conclusion I have chosen a winner. In all fairness I must report my findings. Here is how I ranked them. In order of most liked to least liked: #1. Van Gogh Blue #2. Absolut #3. Grey Goose #4. Smirnoff #5. Ketel One #6. Stoli. At the conclusion of the test, she claimed victory stating the the Van Gogh was indeed her brand. Kudos to the girl who took this Out of the Box and into The SoChi Gallery! And the sobering result was that I did choose her hooch over my Goose. She Blinded Me With Science.

Want to be in pictures? Three short films will be filming around Macon during the summer months of July, August and September and they all require extras. The winners of Gateway Macon’s “Macon Shorts” film competition will be here filming. One of these filmmakers is James Kicklighter of Savannah whose last film FOLLOWED was filmed in Macon back in December. He will be here this summer filming “Final Acts” about aging movie star returning to her roots. The second film is entitled “Superhero” which will be directed by Kristin Wright of Atlanta. As you may have guessed ….it involves a costume. The third film is the story of a con artist entitled “The Razzle” by director Joseph Guay of Atlanta. Beware, if some Wise Guy approaches you and asks if you feel lucky – run! He just may be trying to seduce you into playing a board game that you are sure to loose your shirt over. The three films will premiere in November at a red carpet affair in Downtown Macon. For more info on the Macon Shorts film competition or if you’d like to be an extra in one of the films, contact Gateway Macon.

The Macon Film Festival is now accepting entries for the 7th annual festival which takes place February 16-19, 2012. Commonly referred to as a “filmmakers film fest” but perhaps more accurately called the “friendliest little effin’ film festival in the country” by filmmakers from all over the globe. Perhaps the MAGAtini (the festival’s signature cocktail) has a little something to do with that. To submit: Log onto the website and click on “Withoutabox submit your film here” tab.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE BAND

July 23. Heroes Music Festival’s Battle of the Bands. Macon City Auditorium – winner will perform on stage at Heroes MF in Sept at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

July 27. Big Screen Movie Night: School of Rock @ Tattnall Park. 8pm. Free Event.

July 30. Bragg Jam. 36 bands. Multiple venues. $20.
Singer/Songwriters & Bands: Gateway Macon‘s MACON MUSIC PROJECT. One winner receives a $25,000+ music production package.
Deadline for entry: August 15th.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

So-Chi-lize [soh-chee-lies] verb, -ized, -izing. –verb (used with object)
1. The art of mixing and mingling in The SoChi District.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 10, 2011
Media Contact:
SoChi Services
Terrell Sandefur
(478) 319-0243
terrell@thesochicompanies.com

Gateway Macon Announces Macon Shorts Film Competition Finalists

MACON, GA – Lights! Camera! Action! Gateway Macon is pleased to announce the three finalists of their Macon Shorts film competition. Each project will be awarded $3,000 to go toward the production of their 5-10 minute short film.

They are “Superhero” by Kristen Wright (in association with Jeff Shipman) of Atlanta, GA; “The Razzle” by Joseph Guay of Atlanta, GA; and “Final Acts” by James Kicklighter of Savannah, GA.

The selected films will be shot in and around Macon during July, August and September. The three films will be judged by film industry professionals during the month of October. A red carpet premiere will take place in November where the final awards will be presented. The Macon Shorts First Place winner will receive $3,000, Runner Up will receive $2,000 and Honorable Mention will receive $1,000.

A long list of Macon locations will be used in the films. The filmmakers are also looking to cast a number of the parts in the films from Macon’s abundant pool of local talent.

The three finalists will submit their shorts to film festivals
around the country. Credits in the three final films will include an acknowledgement of the Gateway Macon Initiative as a presenting producer, list the gatewaymacon.org website and state ‘Filmed entirely on location in Macon, Georgia – For more information, contact the Macon Film Commission.”

Superhero, Kristen Wright (Atlanta)
Synopsis:
“Superhero” follows the story of Margot, a young girl coping with the death of her parents by wearing a homemade Superwoman costume. She doesn’t know exactly when she started wearing the costume or why it makes her feel better, but somehow it has become her new skin. With the help of a few friends, and a unique comic book club, Margot takes her first steps back into the real world; and finds a new costume to wear.
Biography:
Kristin Wright Is an accomplished director, actor, and published writer with degrees in Theater and Speech Communications from the University of Georgia. She currently pairs filmmaking with her day job at Habitat For Humanity International Headquarters in Atlanta, GA.

The Razzle, Joseph Guay (Atlanta)
Synopsis:
“The Razzle” is a true story about 3 generations of Street Gamblers
with an illegal game, made up of only 8 marbles and a wood box, that generated millions of dollars for street grifters and gambling agents from 1952 until today.
Biography:
Joseph Guay is an Atlanta-based artist and photographer. His large format photography has also been featured in the The American Music Awards, Bravo Television Network and the Farrelly Brothers’ feature Film Hall Pass with Owen Wilson. He has photographed Elton John & Leon Russell for Rolling Stone Magazine, art directed and photographed the rock band Collective Soul’s 8th studio album and has been the assistant-curator of the Sir Elton John Photography Collection for the last three years.

Final Acts, James Kicklighter (Savannah)
Synopsis:
“Final Acts” is the story of a revered actress’ return to her roots as seen through the lens of an aspiring filmmaker, exploring the tenuous relationship between life and performance.
Biography:
James Kicklighter is the Co‐Chairman of JamesWorks Entertainment, recently featured in the Examiner.com’s “Top CEOs Under 25” series, and was a screener for the 2009 International Documentary Association’s Distinguished Feature Award. His most recent film Followed, shot in Macon, Georgia is now on the film festival circuit. The film recently won the Audience Choice Award at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth.

Gateway Macon Initiative’s mission is a community collaboration of 30+ organizations that are collectively promoting Macon, Georgia’s creative edge, uncommon spaces and unique opportunities. Funding of the innovative initiative by the Peyton Anderson Foundation was announced October 1, 2010. A primary goal is to connect efforts to promote Macon to a regional, statewide and national audience. The Gateway Initiative is a multifaceted, highly strategic plan of work that builds on the momentum of existing efforts among the community’s diverse organizations to encourage investment and promote Macon’s sites, events, cultural scene, livability and affordability.

For More Information on the Gateway Initiative Contact:
Beth Dunwody
The Gateway Initiative
577 Mulberry Suite 830
Macon, Georgia 31201
478.314.2231
beth@gatewaymacon.org
###

If a tree falls in The SoChi District and you’re the only person around, does it make a sound? YES! And it’s very loud. It sounds like crushing metal … especially if it falls on two Mini Coopers. Luckily I avoided a “wicked witch of the west” experience as the tree fell exactly where I’d been standing only seconds before. It wasn’t my time.

It’s that time of year again. My wife & kids have flown the coop (a good thing since her cooper was demolished) for the summer and enjoying life in a northern town. I’m left navigating the SoChi life as a bachelor. The biggest hurdle is food. Once I’ve depleted the last of my wife’s past purchases left in the fridge & freezer it’s off to the market. To my chagrin, the Ghetto Kroger is not as easily navigated as the Starbucks drive-thru. Admittedly, I lack the shopping gene. Going to the grocery store is like looking for a raisin in a haystack. The illusive raisin, I can never find the damn things. And still, after I leave the market I can’t really make anything out of the stuff I bought. I’m not a cook. So, I depend upon the kindness of friends who do cook. This IS a blatant hint for dinner invitations!

Hark, the herald angels sing … In this case it was Atlanta uber publicist Toren Anderson inviting me down to Savannah for some R&R&R(estaurants.) As quick as you can say “Arriba! Arriba!” I was Speedy Gonzales-ing it down I-16. There is something about the low country that makes me happy. The majestic oaks dripping in Spanish moss wave me in like a checkerboard flag to a race car driver beckoning me in for a pit stop.

Waiting for me at the finish line was the Dresser Palmer House. Built in 1876 this inn boasts that it’s front porch is the longest in Historic Savannah. Upon check-in I was taken on a fascinating tour of the house, which was a history lesson & architectural tour rolled into one. I indeed won the race because my prize was the Johnny Mercer Suite, named for the famed American lyricist who was born in Savannah. It’s the largest room in the inn with wall-tall windows that you can walk through to enjoy the balcony that overlooks E. Gaston Street. Home is where the hearth is and I was glad that my hearth was the Dresser Palmer House.

The fallen tree didn’t crush my luck as I made a few foodie homeruns while in Savannah! The first surprise was Ele Fine Fusion an elegantly modern mix of chic architecture & interior, sexy lighting, vibey world music and devastatingly divine dishes. This foodie haunt is the total package. Ele’s Spicy Tuna Tartare (spelled “Tar Tar” on the menu) has got to be Savannah’s Best Bite! This dish will be served in Heaven as it perfection on a plate.

Leoci’s Trattoria was a quick walk from the Dresser Palmer House. Chef Roberto Leoci serves authentic Italian cuisine with Savannah’s best local ingredients. They had me at the Silician olives which were placed on the table as soon as we sat down. One thing is for sure, their Beet Salad is mind-blowing! I know, beets suck, but this spring mix is a mind-changer. So good in fact that I returned the next day to share a bit with South Magazine publisher Michael Brooks just before hitting the road for home.

No trip to Savannah would be complete without a trip to Back in the Day Bakery. Unfortunately they didn’t have my favorite veggie tarts but I stocked up on several Blueberry Pie tarts, Bourbon Bread Pudding bars, Star Brownies & Cheryl’s Brownies to bring home. I popped in one of my all-time favorite favorite Starbucks locales and grabbed a triple venti latte for the ride back to Macon.

Home & MINI-less I got an invite to the Porsche World Roadshow at Turner Field in Atlanta. Determined to decide for myself if the fabled “Porsche, there is no substitute” held water, I zoomed to Atlanta in my Nissan rental. While test driving 10 Porsches, I got my speed freak on and along the way overcame my fear of Spyders and found my true soul mate. Her name: Carrera. I can deduce that Tom Cruise was right about something. There truly is no substitute!

WEED & OTHER MIND-ALTERING SUBSTANCES

Light it up and enhale another season of WEEDS. Mondays @ 10p on Showtime.

Check out the Instagram iPhone App. Take a photo, choose from about 16 filters and then send to your Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Flickr & FourSquare accounts with one touch of the “done” button. Oh yes, and it’s a Free App.

“CYourself” Post a photo of yourself with a the letter “C” in it and Showtime Networks will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society. It’s an ingenious social networking promotion for the new season of the networks’ show The Big C. If you have the Instagram app just tag it: #CYourself

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

July 1 – 16. The cult film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” transforms into a live musical at Theatre Macon. They are selling prop bags to complete your Rocky Horror experience at the box office for $1.00. Theatre Macon is encouraging attendees to come dressed as their favorite Rocky Horror character. When I went the other night one die-hard fan was dressed in only a bra … Dammit Janet, I love you!

July 7. The Psychedelic Furs @ The Masquerade in Atlanta. 8pm.

July 8. Big Screen Movie Night: “FIELD OF DREAMS” presented by the Macon Film Festival and the College Hill Alliance. Thursday. July 8th @ Tattnall Park. 8pm. Free Event. Bring chairs, blankets & a picnic.

July 10. Second Sunday @ Sunset. Washington Park. 7pm. Free Event. Donna Hopkins Band performing.

July 23 – Heroes Music Festival’s Battle of the Bands. Macon City Auditorium – winner will perform on stage at Heroes MF in Sept at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

July 27 – Big Screen Movie Night: “School of Rock” @ Tattnall Park. 8pm. Free Event. Air guitar contest – winner gets tickets to Bragg Jam Festival.

July 29 – 31. Gilroy Garlic Festival. Gilroy, California. The 33rd annual “Ultimate Summer Food Fair”; three days of incredible food, beverages, arts & crafts and live entertainment. 30 miles south of San Jose off Highway 101.

July 30. Bragg Jam Music Festival. 36 bands. Multi-venues. $20.

Calling all Singer/Songwriters & Bands…Gateway Macon‘s MACON MUSIC PROJECT. One winner receives a $25,000+ music production package. Deadline for entry: August 15th.
For details: ItsHotterHere.com

Sept. 8 – 11. Heroes Music Festival. Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Sept. 9 – 11. Evening of Respect. Macon, Georgia Celebrates 70 Years of Otis Redding.

Tweet-worthy quote:
“The 4th of July combines the two things Americans love most in one day: alcohol and explosives.” – David Letterman

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!