theBricks: A Songwriter's Death

DESTINATION:

Hyde Park in Chicago, IL:

“I miss everything about Chicago, except January and February.” — Gary Cole

I can always keep the weather in perspective by reminding myself that i’ll take the 4 seasons over Earthquakes, Tornadoes, Forest fires, and Floods any day. But outside of that its the nightlife that you live for. Its knowing that you can indulge whatever hobby strikes your fancy by doing a mere search. Which is why Chicago has everything that Tina and Michael need for their eventual success in the music business.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW: Culturally diverse Hyde Park has become synonymous with former President Barack Obama who made the community home for a large part of his adult life. However it boasts many attributes worth mentioning. Outside of being home to the University of Chicago. The Museum of Science and Industry is also housed here. As well as the architectural works of Frank Loyd Wright. For now its where Tina and her sister are staying when the book kicks off.

Hyde Park is not the primary setting of A Songwriter’s Death as Tina does move. There is also frequent touring going on for both characters. However, it is where she lives and works and its this perfect setting that allows her to meet Michael. So next time you’re in town check out Renaissance Bronzeville. But you will need some late night eats and Tina frequents Alice’s Bar-B-Que for a quick fix while working.

If you have time for a tour, go see the, Frederick C. Robie House. Its cooky architectural genius at its best. And a sure homework assignment for Tina’s sis that she would have skipped out on. Only to make Tina go instead. What are sister’s for if they can’t jump in on extra credit assignments?

Tina was not a college student much to the consternation of her parents. But dating some must count. If only genius worked that way. Instead, her dates would frequently take her to Promontory Point. Where she would end up singing to them while they read to her. But none of these guys would win her heart.

One of the best nights of Tina’s life did happen at a beach though. Michael surprised her with the date of her life. Its one of those stories that she will pass down to her kids. Admitting a few of the more risque details. Its also the moment she realized that this man was the real deal and she needed to hold on to him. Set up something similar at 57 Street Beach.

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FOOD & DRINK:

Food Credit – Diva’s Can Cook

“The only thing i like better than talking about food is eating it.” — John Walters

Cheeseburger Macaroni:

Michael didn’t always have caviar dreams. It was a time when Tina fixing some hamburger helper would have hit the spot.

Ingredients

1 Lb Ground Beef
1 Tbsp Butter
1/2 Tsp Sugar & Chili Powder
3/4 Tsp Parsley & Oregano
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Paprika
1/2 Cup Onions
2 Cups Milk & Elbow Macaroni & Shredded Chedder Cheese
1 Cup Cold Water
3/4 Garlic Powder

Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium heat until almost done. Add in onions and cook until tender.

Drain meat & onions on paper towels and return to skillet. Add remaining ingredients except for the cheese. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover and cook* until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. Stirring occasionally. * Do not over cook pasta. I usually taste check it at 9 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Sauce may be thin. Let pasta sit to thicken the sauce, meanwhile adjust seasonings if needed. Serve and enjoy.

Drink:

Drink Credit – Tupelo Honey Cafe

“Please drink responsibly.” — Author Patricia Hoving

Chocolate Mint Julep:

Tina is at yet another party, and a not so good run in with her husbands secretary has her hitting the booze hard. She ends up making this drink for herself and a friend. But its also a moment that the reader and her friend get a peek into her psyche and just how bad things have gotten.

Ingredients

10 (6-inch) Stalks of Chocolate Mint
2.5 oz Bourbon Whiskey
1/2 oz Mint Simple Syrup
Cocoa Powder
4 Fresh Mint Sprigs

Muddle well, using the back of a wooden or bar spoon. Add the bourbon and Mint Simple Syrup, stir, and set aside.

Remove the leaves from 6 of the chocolate mint stalks and add to shaker.

Fill a julep cup with crushed ice and strain the mixture over the ice.

Top with more crushed ice, and garnish with a pinch of cocoa powder and 4 slapped sprigs of chocolate mint. (Slapping the mint across your hand releases the oil and fragrance of the herb.)

Mint Simple Syrup:

Ingredients

1 Cup Sugar
8 (6-inch) Stalks of Fresh Mint

Instructions

Combine 1.75 cups water with sugar and mint in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.

Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a container.

Remove the mint stalks and leaves and discard.

Let the syrup cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

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Conversation Starters:

Spoilers abound: There is little mention of Tina’s family. Especially during her downward spiral. However, its important to remember the disintegration of there relationship pre-baby and wedding. They disapproved of Michael and that opinion didn’t change. Instead it grew until there was a road sized wall between them.

Any information they would have had on her progress would have been fed to them through her sister. But out of the two of them Tina is the more stable sister. (And I know that’s saying something) So her sister would have viewed Tina as this mythical being. Tina’s got the mansion and the hot guy. All that she’s ever dreamed, but instead she’s stuck in college. So what Tina’s drinking and having fun. She better get used to it while it lasts.

In fact, her opinion on the matter was shared by many. Love him while you can. Get money while you can. Because you’re moving back in with me with a baby on your hip after its all over. So that raises its own questions.