Roadie Cooking

Bands and musicians usually have a bad time of it foodwise. There's all those greasy spoons and fast food joints that they have to eat at due to their hectic schedules.If they're lucky they'll be staying at a chain hotel where there's a somewhat decent restaurant. However some bands have it easy. They bring a chef with them and enjoy home cooked, good quality dishes. At times even the fans benefit.

This was chronicled in yesterday's New York Times Dining section. The article, written by Times Dining regular, Jeff Gordinier, dealt with the musical group, the Zac Brown Band, This is a rootsy Georgia based band and their "chef" Rusty Hamlin's cooking reflects it. Mr. Hamlin does all their cooking in a 54 foot 26 wheel silver and blue trailer appropriately named Cookie. He is lucky enough to experience the bounties of the areas where they drive through. It's the best of locavore dining with a twist. he scours local farmer's markets for different area vegetables and fruits to incorporate in his recipes.

What does Mr. Hamlin make? Good Southern cooking that involves fresh instead of deep fried. There is a recipe for a pocketknife cole slaw which is a twist on the traditional. There is cabbage but also bell peppers and tomatoes along with the kick of cayenne and the heat of mustard. There is the traditional Southern ham but with it comes with braised Brussels sprouts and red eye gravy. There is als a meet and greet so fans can not only get to meet the band but also enjoy the Southern hospitality and Mr. Hamlin's all natural creations. Fans were treated to a yummy moonshine vinaigrette and a creamy polenta made with gouda, wild mushrooms and snap beans.
Lucky is the band that has its' own chef. This is true of the Zac Brown Band who has Mr. Hamlin to create amazing food using local produce. Now that rocks!