Hello once again. Boy, it has been a while since I last posted. I was busy these past few months with this convention last weekend in Milwaukee. But, I am back and I came back with some new stories and good news.
First off, let me tell you about the convention I went to last weekend. This all started about four months ago. I just finished the Flutterbat Gazpacho when I got a Facebook message from my good friend Seth from the Midwest Brony Division. He was planning to have a cocktail/ sing-along panel at this convention in Milwaukee called Ponyville Ciderfest in November and he was so impressed with my culinary work that he decided to make me bartender/mixologist for the panel.
To be honest, before the convention, I never actually bar tended but I was willing to try everything once. So I decided to attend some classes at my local community college to learn the basics and develop some cocktails based on the characters. It took me about 4 months of experimenting, conceptualizing and testing until I got everything perfect.
While I was working on the liquor, Seth was organizing everything from the songs to the drinking games and everything in between. We had a lot of fun making this project a reality and creating these drinks.
When the big day arrived, we had to scramble to everything ready but we luckily got everything together and even some of my friends from Chicago came to help me set everything up. I am very lucky to be with a community of people who are willing to help make an event this enjoyable and memorable. So if anyone is reading this who participated in the Slap-happy Drunken Sing-a-long Panel during Ponyville Ciderfest and volunteer there time to help with set-up as well as serve during the event, I would like to say "Thank You for all your hard work!"
I hope to do another panel just like this one next year. In fact, I was so inspired by the success of the panel, I decided to create a Tumblr blog for the cocktails and some other pony inspired bar food I like to call "Le Brony Gourmet's Bar and Grill". This Tumblr is a recipe blog that includes cocktails and other tapas style bites inspired by the show. If like to check it out to see the recipes that I did for Ciderfest as well as some other drinks I might share in the near future.
That's all I need to say for now but there will be more drinks, food and who knows what. Until next time, I bid all of you a-do.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Brony Chef Project # 24: Flutterbats "Veganpire" Gazpacho
I have been waiting for this post ever since the "Bats" episode is released. Before I go into more detail, let me tell you guys a quick story of how I got inspired to make this post today.
During my time in "bronydom" I always feel neutral about Fluttershy. I do like her and she is a good character, but sometimes she seems not that interesting to me. I think the only times I really like Fluttershy is when she goes "out-of-character" and reveals her more crazy side. I don't know why but I kind of like her when ever she has her "psychotic break downs" like at the Grand Galloping Gala or when she turned into "Flutterhulk" in Power Ponies.
So when I heard rumors that season 4 would involve Fluttershy becoming a vampire, I thought to myself "Oh boy, here comes another 'Twilight Vampire Story' I have to sit through". Yet when I tuned into the episode "Bats" and saw Flutterbat for the first time, I was excited, because she not only looks menacing but her design is pretty amazing. Although, I am getting ahead of myself. Lets dive into the creature to be Flutterbat.
The Origin of Flutterbat was originally an accident on Twilights part. It all started when there was a vampire fruitbat infestation at Sweet Apple Achers. Applejack proposed that she wants the bats out through artificial means (aka extermination/mental brainwash). Although Fluttershy actually perpose to not get rid of the bats but to use them to produce more apple. Yet through peer presure, she was succumbed to Twilight Sparkles plan to brainwash the bats by stareing into the terifying creatures eyes to hold them still. Yet when Twilight casted the spell, the desire to suck out the apples juices from the whole flock transfered to Fluttershy through magical radioactivity. (To all of the non-brony readers of this post: This is Pony Physics ladies and gentlemen. Try not to think about it too much or you will get a migrain that will last for days.)
After the treatment that was delivered to the bats, the problem of the ruined apples still persisted and nopony knows why. Later that night, The Mane 6 decied to comence a steak out by the orchard. Little do the group of brave ponies know that the beast was ready to pounce.
Once they split up, each pony saw the shadowy figure flying over devouring Applejacks crops. Little did they know that the creature was one of there own possesed by the desires of the vampire fruit bat. When Applejack discovered the source of her apple problems (with Applejacks greatest reaction face ever), she discovered that her once quite freind has turned into......Flutterbat! Luckily, she reverted back into the original Fluttershy. Although, rumors say that Twilight's Spell did not get rid of all of the vampire desires.
She was savage and wild with a haughnting hiss that brings chills downs one spine. This is what I love about Flutterbat: she is NOT the styrotypical vampire from Transiviania or the Twilight vampire movies. Flutterbat looks and sounds like a lagitamit monster that bring actual fear and threat. Even if she does not eat ponies or draws blood from her victumes, she still retains that fear of the beast existing in one's body. Plus the fact that she brings ruin in her wake brings up a message of how artificial pestisides (Twilights Spell) could not only distroy the nateral enviorment of our food source, but also the consumers who were in the crossfire of this chemical debachol. (Note: Im not trying to be political about where our food comes from, this is just an observation of the message behind the episode.)
For those don't know what a Gazpacho is, it is originally a Mediterranean dish that is traditionally made with cucumber and other fresh herbs with some cool vegetable juice. What makes this soup different from other soups is that there is no heat needed to create the soup. In fact it was used to help cool down the body during the very hot and dry summer months on the Mediterranean sea. It was also used as medicine to help bring down fevers and other heat related illnesses.
For Flutterbats Gazpacho, its really more of a modification of Fluttershys Vegan Tomato Soup. Instead of being warm and inviting, the Flutterbat "Veganpire Gazpacho" is more cold and somewhat savage. To be honest, the recipe is more of a character profile then a look into the life of Flutterbat. (Since she was in one episode so far.) There is obviously apple juice and apple juice to compliment her diet, as well as cherry juice and raspberries to give the illusion of blood, and just like the Fluttershy Soup this Gazpacho is vegan. It also has some cucumber blended in to give it a more cooling sensation to fend of the hot late summer heat.
Soup Base
1 Cucumber: Peeled, Seeded and Chopped Finely
2 Apples: Peeled and Chopped
2 1/2 cups of Frozen Raspberries (Fresh will work but add a few ice cubes to make it cold.)
8 oz of Apple Juice
16 oz of Cherry Juice
Apple Chunks
2 Apples: Peeled and Chopped into bite size pieces
Seasonings
1 Tsp of Ground Ginger
Sea Salt to taste
1. Place all your chopped cucumber, apples and raspberries into a big bowl.
2. Add 1/3 of your fruit mixture to the blender along with the apple and cherry juice. Blend the mixture until it is liquefied. Keep adding the chopped fruit mixture (a few scoops at a time) and blend them into the soup until all the fruit is blended.
3. Pour the soup into a separate bowl and add the apple chunks to the gazpacho. You can add more chopped apples for a more chunkier soup.
4. Season your Gazpacho with the ground ginger and stir. Add some sea salt to the soup to taste and stir.
5. Serve your gazpacho in small bowls with a sliver of apple.
This dish is more suitable for the summer months, but you can also use it as a Halloween type of dish to freak some of your Friends out. Although, it is also a good soup to have something is summery and also a good transition from the summer months into more of the fall. The month that I would choose to eat this would be September since there is still that summer heat but the signs of fall are approaching in sight.
I want to thank you guys for keeping in touch of my website. I know I haven't been up-to-date as much but these posts take a lot of work. Speaking of which, I am also working on a new project. I'm not going to say much it is going to be something a little special. I will provide a few clues and hints about what it is but other then that I will keep this under wraps. Hope you guys stay cool from the August heat and I bid all of you a-do.
During my time in "bronydom" I always feel neutral about Fluttershy. I do like her and she is a good character, but sometimes she seems not that interesting to me. I think the only times I really like Fluttershy is when she goes "out-of-character" and reveals her more crazy side. I don't know why but I kind of like her when ever she has her "psychotic break downs" like at the Grand Galloping Gala or when she turned into "Flutterhulk" in Power Ponies.
So when I heard rumors that season 4 would involve Fluttershy becoming a vampire, I thought to myself "Oh boy, here comes another 'Twilight Vampire Story' I have to sit through". Yet when I tuned into the episode "Bats" and saw Flutterbat for the first time, I was excited, because she not only looks menacing but her design is pretty amazing. Although, I am getting ahead of myself. Lets dive into the creature to be Flutterbat.
 |
| Flutterbats Stare from "Bats": Season 4 Episode 7 |
The Origin of Flutterbat was originally an accident on Twilights part. It all started when there was a vampire fruitbat infestation at Sweet Apple Achers. Applejack proposed that she wants the bats out through artificial means (aka extermination/mental brainwash). Although Fluttershy actually perpose to not get rid of the bats but to use them to produce more apple. Yet through peer presure, she was succumbed to Twilight Sparkles plan to brainwash the bats by stareing into the terifying creatures eyes to hold them still. Yet when Twilight casted the spell, the desire to suck out the apples juices from the whole flock transfered to Fluttershy through magical radioactivity. (To all of the non-brony readers of this post: This is Pony Physics ladies and gentlemen. Try not to think about it too much or you will get a migrain that will last for days.)
 |
| Flutterbat on the hunt for Apples |
 |
| Flutterbat Swooping Down |
After the treatment that was delivered to the bats, the problem of the ruined apples still persisted and nopony knows why. Later that night, The Mane 6 decied to comence a steak out by the orchard. Little do the group of brave ponies know that the beast was ready to pounce.
 |
| Flutterbat paralyzed by her appearance |
Once they split up, each pony saw the shadowy figure flying over devouring Applejacks crops. Little did they know that the creature was one of there own possesed by the desires of the vampire fruit bat. When Applejack discovered the source of her apple problems (with Applejacks greatest reaction face ever), she discovered that her once quite freind has turned into......Flutterbat! Luckily, she reverted back into the original Fluttershy. Although, rumors say that Twilight's Spell did not get rid of all of the vampire desires.
She was savage and wild with a haughnting hiss that brings chills downs one spine. This is what I love about Flutterbat: she is NOT the styrotypical vampire from Transiviania or the Twilight vampire movies. Flutterbat looks and sounds like a lagitamit monster that bring actual fear and threat. Even if she does not eat ponies or draws blood from her victumes, she still retains that fear of the beast existing in one's body. Plus the fact that she brings ruin in her wake brings up a message of how artificial pestisides (Twilights Spell) could not only distroy the nateral enviorment of our food source, but also the consumers who were in the crossfire of this chemical debachol. (Note: Im not trying to be political about where our food comes from, this is just an observation of the message behind the episode.)
For those don't know what a Gazpacho is, it is originally a Mediterranean dish that is traditionally made with cucumber and other fresh herbs with some cool vegetable juice. What makes this soup different from other soups is that there is no heat needed to create the soup. In fact it was used to help cool down the body during the very hot and dry summer months on the Mediterranean sea. It was also used as medicine to help bring down fevers and other heat related illnesses.
 |
| Flutterbats "Veganpire" Gazpacho |
Flutterbats "Veganpire" Gazpacho
Soup Base
1 Cucumber: Peeled, Seeded and Chopped Finely
2 Apples: Peeled and Chopped
2 1/2 cups of Frozen Raspberries (Fresh will work but add a few ice cubes to make it cold.)
8 oz of Apple Juice
16 oz of Cherry Juice
Apple Chunks
2 Apples: Peeled and Chopped into bite size pieces
Seasonings
1 Tsp of Ground Ginger
Sea Salt to taste
 |
| Adding the fruit to the blender |
2. Add 1/3 of your fruit mixture to the blender along with the apple and cherry juice. Blend the mixture until it is liquefied. Keep adding the chopped fruit mixture (a few scoops at a time) and blend them into the soup until all the fruit is blended.
 |
| Adding the fruit juice |
4. Season your Gazpacho with the ground ginger and stir. Add some sea salt to the soup to taste and stir.
5. Serve your gazpacho in small bowls with a sliver of apple.
This dish is more suitable for the summer months, but you can also use it as a Halloween type of dish to freak some of your Friends out. Although, it is also a good soup to have something is summery and also a good transition from the summer months into more of the fall. The month that I would choose to eat this would be September since there is still that summer heat but the signs of fall are approaching in sight.
I want to thank you guys for keeping in touch of my website. I know I haven't been up-to-date as much but these posts take a lot of work. Speaking of which, I am also working on a new project. I'm not going to say much it is going to be something a little special. I will provide a few clues and hints about what it is but other then that I will keep this under wraps. Hope you guys stay cool from the August heat and I bid all of you a-do.
Friday, August 1, 2014
News from the Chef #5
Some of you may be wondering where I have been after the Fluffle Puff post or why I have not been to Bronycon this summer....Well a lot has happened over the past month. I recently moved to a new place after a whole year of putting the old house up for market. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away during the move so I needed to have some time to get my body, mind, and emotions to catch up and adjust to my new life of moving forward.
I also stated a new job as a Brand Ambassador. It may not be the most "culinary intense position" but I do enjoy talking to people and informing them about the many gourmet food products I represent. To be honest, I actuauallly like this better then my other jobs. Don't worry though, I'm not giving up on the whole chef dream just because I got a new job that I like. I am simply changing it to more media based then practical based. Plus, I can always find a new job nearby my new home of Oak Park. (and yes, I know its only about 2 miles away from my old home but 2 miles can really change ones lifestyle.)
Speaking of media based culinary jobs, I have actually decided to audition for food competition shows. So far I have auditioned for shows such as Jamie Oliver's Drinks Tube Star Search, The Taste on ABC, and so much more. In fact, ABC actually contacted me about the audition in Chicago. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend due to work. Yet, I still push on to other shows and making my life-long dreams of being a Food Celebrity a reality.
So enough excuses, here is what I am up to now and some announcements.
First off, I'm actually going to be out of town for the next couple of days in Northern Wisconsin starting tomorrow until Wednesday evening. I'm going to have very limited signal since I am going to a farm resort in the middle of the woods. (Its a family tradition for every summer.) So for my Twitter followers, I would not be able to post as much but when I do get a signal, I will respond back when I can.
For the website itself, I am currently working on "A Chicagoan in Trotcon" post for the Brony Chef Project. Its just with the new changes in my life, I have been quite distracted with settling in to my new place. Hopefully, Ill be able to finish it up hopefully during my trip to Wisconsin. It is going to be one epic post and I think it would defiantly be one of the best articles I have ever wrote for the Brony Chef Project.
For the Youtube Channel "Le Brony Gourmet", there have been some new videos. Although, it has been focused more on the auditions for the shows, there has been a new video that involves....a cocktail based on Pinkie Pie? That is right, I am going to start doing alcoholic drinks for "Le Brony Gourmet". It may be excluding to a younger audience for "Le Brony Gourmet" for some who are under 21 in the U.S (or under 18 for the rest of the world) for some videos. Yet, I think it adds a more "adult spin" to the show and I think it defiantly adds more variety to what I do as a chef. I might even start a new show within the "Le Brony Gourmet" channel if anyone of drinking age would be interested. Here is my first cocktail video if anyone wants to take a look.
The Pinkie Pie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkxtU_GTq30
I am also in the works of a new culinary episode of "Le Brony Gourmet". I am actually super excited to work on this one for not only the channel but also for the the Project itself. I'm not really going to spoil it but, it does involve one of my most favorite character of the whole MLP: FiM series. If you wish to see what it is, your going to have to follow my Twitter @bronychefpro when I get back from Wisconsin to find out.
My final announcement for the day is that im going to be at Ponyville Cider Fest from Nov 6th-Nov 9th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Me and a friend of mine from Chicago are going to hosting a cocktail/ drunken sing-along panel. So if you want to learn how to make awesome pony-themed cocktails, play some drinking games and sing your drunken lungs out, come join us in the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Milwaukee.
That's all I need to say for now. If you want any updates about anything from the culinary to the Pony, feel free to follow me on Twitter and Subscribe to my Youtube channel (Hooray for shameless promotion!). Although, I must say farewell for now as I must get ready for my trip to Wisconsin. So for now, I bid all of you, a-do.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Brony Chef Project #23: Fluffle Puffs Chili-Lime "Bakenuts"
Today, we are going to try something different. Instead of referencing a character directly from the show, we are actually going to take a look at an "Original Character" (or an OC for short). I always wanted to explore more of the free form original characters from the "tumbler verse" and what better place to start then one of the most well known through out the Brony Community. Ladies and Gentlemen, the one recipie you all been waiting for....Fluffle Puff.
From "SUDOWOODO.WMV" of Youtube Channel Fluffy Mixer: The first animated appearence of Fluffle Puff.
Fluffle Puff is quite unique in terms of origin as an idependant character. Originally, Fluffle Puff was a fan made joke for the early fandom tumbler Dan-vs.-FiM. After a barage of popularity and fan fair from the cute pink puff ball, She got her own official tumbler and she has been up there since her debut.
From "Just Another Day" by Fluffy Mixer: Fluffles "Family"
Since Fluffle Puff is technically not from Hasbro and the official FiM Franchise, the therory is that Fluffle Puff is from another "tumbler verse" or a parelle universe where Twilight, a human named Dan and Queen Chryslis live under the same roof with Fluffle Puff. This practice of "what if insert character here lived with insert unruly or whacky character here " is actually pretty common not only in the Brony community but also with plenty of other fandoms who use tumbler. If you truly think about it, Tumbler has always been the "multi-verse Hub" for many different kinds of characters and stories that can be from any other show or something completly original. You might say that tumbler is the Stargate of the internet.
From "FPMV: 'PFUDOR'" by Fluffy Mixer: Fluffle Puff Dancing on Rainbows Meme
As for Fluffle Puff herself, its very difficult to truly describe her as a character. She has virtually no dialog beside her signiture "phfflll" and her gasp. Yet what she lacks in verbal dialog, she uses her non-verbal actions and expressions do all the talking. She is carefree, bubbly and always carring for her freinds and her lover Chrysalis. Fluffle is also curious and enjoys everything about life that interests her (like tacos for example). In short, I think she is just a little filly who just enjoys being herself and getting into all sorts of situations.
From "Fluffle Puff Tales: 'Nightmare Night'" : Another Situation with Chysilis and Fluffles
As for dish itself, I decied to make something that seems familiar but really unique to fit with Fluffle Puffs character. I decided to use an original recipie that I created by accident and desperation known as the "Bakenut". If you are familuar with doughnuts, then you would see that its originally dough that is deep fried. But what's different about the Bakenut is that it is "half-fried and half-baked" to give the pastry good semi-crispy out side with a very soft inside.
The dough was actually based off of an Italian doughnut known as "Zappole" (zap-o-Le). I decided modify the recipie to use lime zest instead of lemon zest to give the bakenuts more flavor and to set it apart from other Italian Desserts. I also used more of an old world technique of creating the dough by making a patte a choux to give it body as well as fluffness.
The chilie lime surgar is more of a gimmick then the main attraction of the semi-fried pastry. Mostly because, it's more of an attention grabber then the main focus of the Bakenut it self. This relates more towards the unique character design of Fluffles of having some familuar features of a pony but covered in fluff that grabs most of the attention of everyone else. I'm not going to lie, it is unusual in America to make a surgar that is more savory with spices and citrus then making it sweeter then it's intended. Yet somehow, it all balances out when the combination of sweet, spicy and sour to create something that is truly unique compared to the old fashioned doughnuts that we are all familiar with. In terms of how Fluffles act, it defiantly shows that sometimes the bizzare and uncharacteristic of what is expected, can be a beatuiful and delicious phenomenon. Now here is a recipie that essentially branches out to that mode of thinking.
Fluffle Puffs Chili-Lime "Bakenuts"
Dough
1 stick of butter (yes 1 stick)
1/2 cup of sugar
1 cup of water
1 cup of flour
4 egg yolks
Zest of 1 lime
Chili Lime Surgar
2 cups of surgar
3-4 Tablespoons of Chili Powder
1 Tablespoon of smoked paprika
2 teaspoons of cumin
A pinch of cayene pepper
Juice of 1 lime
1. Heat the water, butter, surgar and some salt in a small sauce pan and simmer it for 10-15 seconds. After it is simmered, remove the sauce pan from the heat and add your flour. Stir your mixture with a wooden spoon in the sauce pan until the flour is fully incorperated.
2. Transfer your dough into another bowl and let it cool for a couple of seconds. Then, with your hand mixer on low speed, add one of your egg yolks and mix until it is fully incorperated. Keep incorperateing the rest of the egg yolk, one yolk at a time until the mixture is fully incorperated. After your incorperated your eggs, add the lime zest to the dough and fold in into the mixture until incorperated.
3. Preheat your oven to 350 F. Then take a cookie sheet pan and rub it vegitable shorting until the pan is covered in fat. (You can also use butter or olive oil as a substitute.) With a small spoon or ice cream scoop, scoop the mixture onto the sheet pan. Make sure to add enough space in between to make flipping easier.
4. Once your oven is preheated, add your pan in the oven for 13 minutes. After 8 minutes of cooking, open the oven and use a spatula to flip your bakenuts over. Once they are flip, continue to cook for 5 more minutes.
5. While your bakenuts are in the oven, combine all of the chili surgar ingredients into a bowl and mix it together with a wisk until incorperated and turns into a light red color. ( if you see clumps of surgar stuck together by the lime juice, just use your clean fingers to crumble into the surgar and keep mixing in the bowl ) you can store the surgar in an air tight bag in a dry cuburb for up to a week.
6. After about 13 minutes of cooking your bakenuts should be done. If you want to check the doneness of the pastry, take a tooth pick or the tip of your dinner knife into the tickest part of your thickest looking Bakenut and then remove after a few seconds. If the knife or tooth pick comes out clean, it is ready. If there is still some dough stuck to the knife or toothpick, then let it rest in the heated oven for a few more minutes until fully cooked. Once done, let them cool in a cooling rack or a paper towel lined plate.
7. While the bakenuts are still warm, take the bakenuts and cover them with the Chilli-lime sugar. (You can always take the bakenuts and flip them around the bowl.) Shake off the excess surgar and serve with a lime wedge or in a paper, brown bag.
What's really neat about bakenuts or doughnuts in general is that you can customize them with different toppings and different flavors. I choose chili-lime surgar because it gives the Bakenut a more Tex-Max twist to the Bakenut (obviously referencing Fluffle Puffs love for tacos and Latin American food). I also wanted to give it the Bakenut a new flavor profile outside of the sweetness spectrum of deserts for that uniqueness quality.
I'm actually glad I decied to cover a character outside of the show for once. It gives me a fresh new look not only at the show MLP: FiM, but it also gives me new ideas of how I can tackle other characters outside of the fandom. Maybe there could be other fandoms I could try someday. Who knows.
But anyways, I could say with confidence that Fluffle Puff is one of the best recipies I ever tried outside of the fandom.
Before I go through, I do want to say that there would be a new video comming out on my youtube channel pretty soon. It is about my trip to my first Brony Convention at Trotcon as well as some other neat news I might share. Although for now, I'm afraid I must bid all of you a-do and enjoy something fluffy tonight.
From "A Day in the Life" from Fluffy Mixer: Fluffle Puff and Quenn Chrysalis Sleeping Soundly.
Posted with BlogsyWednesday, June 18, 2014
The Road to Trotcon: Hotels and Your Stay.
Hotels can be either your haven from the chaos from the crazy running back and forth from a day of "convention trecking" or possibly your biggest headache of the entire trip. For most first-time cons, it could also be the first time that they ever stayed at a hotel by them selfs or with a group of strangers. Some people might be discouraged to not go at all because it seems so intimadating. Even though Hotels can sometimes be "persnickety" about policy and price, it is sometimes nessesary to find a room to even attend. Although that should not stop you from meeting Terra Strong or showcase your art for all to see. Here are a few tips to make your stay not only easier but also enjoyable experience.
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
A very common mistake I hear about with attending Pony Conventions is that they don't book their hotel room until the very last minute. Now, it is a very common for people to check-in at hotel rooms without a reservation ,but with a big weekend long event such as Trotcon, it is almost impossible to find a room at last minute. It requires planning and commitment to stay because most of these conventions are being held at a hotel.
So the best thing to do is to check out the convention websites. For a big event, such as Trotcon, they have all the information you need to find a place to stay and much more. They also have forums on many topics about hotels and past experiences with those hotels. You can also check with the hotel website hosting the con to get more info and to book your room. Its also a good idea to check hotel reviews on Expidia, Hotwire, or any other review site to see if it is worth it to stay at the hotel where the convention is being held or if you need to go off-site.
Tip #2: Budget for your trip.
Purchasing a room to stay is not really the same as purchasing a plush. Your paying for a service to not only stay and sleep in the room; but your also encouraged to eat there bath there, use there internet, ect. If you add up all the other services that I mentioned before, your hotel Bill could be to big for your wallet to chew.
So when planning for your trip, take a look at the prices of not only the room, but also the prices for the hotel resturant, amenities and shops. Half the time, you can find cheaper and more effective hygiene products and food items outside of the hotel. You can also bring your own snacks and food from home to pack for the weekend. Just make sure you use the mini fridge to keep your perishable food items cold.
Tip #3: Sharing your room with friends or other people
It could really get super expensive staying in a single room and sometimes its not really as fun staying by yourself in a hotel room, waiting for the con doors to open. A new method I heard about, that probably has been used for centuries, was to share a room with either a dear freind or with a stranger that may or may not have a healthy obsesstion with the My Little Pony franchise. With the internet booming in the mid 2000's, it bacame more common practice for people to share rooms that they met over the internet and save some mony by sleeping on the floor.
For this situation, I would perfer to go who you know. It could be a great bonding experience with your friend, spouse, partner or signifigent other to experience something new. If you are going with people that you met over the internet, its best to meet with the person face-to-face first before agreeing to stay in the same room. They may have different needs from someone else and its best to meet with them and plan how to stay (as well as pay) through out your entire weekend.
Tip #4: Hotels don't have any rooms to book? Find an alternitive.
What happens when the hotel that the convention is hosting is completely book or if you don't have a big enough budget to stay there? In big cities like Chicago, New York or any other city, there are tons of hotels to stay at for any budget. They could be 5 star resorts or simple place to stay, that is just a few blocks away from the con. Plus, a lot of small hotels could give you a better deal because of a room that has not been taken up yet.
As many other hotels, take a look around on the internet for available hotels around the area. You can also check out some "boutique hotels" for deals and to make your stay a quite haven to recharge your battery's. They are also hostels that would be perfect for someone with a super low budget. Thay are simular to hotel's in terms of service but the are designed more like dorm rooms and doesn't really have all the amenities. You could also be Bed and Breakfastes for a more "homey" feel and better on the wallet but they can be pretty far from the convention center depending on where its located. A good rule of thumb to finding a good alternative place to stay is to look for a place that is 10-20 minutes away from the convention center by use of public transit.
Tip #5: Actually Enjoy Your Stay
Countless times, I have heard people burning out from a weekend convention because they spend 90% of the weekend at the convention itself and not resting at the room to recharge. Even though you are there for the con, it's also important to rest and recharge for the next best thing.
I understand if you want to "see everything and meet with everyone and enjoy every little thing", but sometimes you just need to rest in between. It could get tiring with a crowded room for hours at a time and you may not be able to enjoy everything if your too tired. The hotels are there because to is place to rest up and get ready for the next big thing.
What I like to do on a trip is that ,after a relaxing lunch, I go back to the hotel and take a quick nap (or in Mexico, a siesta) before going back down for more exploring. You can also just hang back and read or just watch some episode of My Little Pony: Freindship is Magic to chill for a bit.
If you think about it, sometimes its better to take good things in small and appreciative bites. Hope you enjoy your stay and I bid you a-do.
Friday, June 13, 2014
The Road to Trotcon: Transportation and Traveling to the Convention
To start off this article series, I belive its important to cover transportation first since it's the first thought in peoples mind after the whole commitment decision. In the begining of the whole Brony Movment, most of the conventions use to just be local. Yet over time, it has become more of a global affiar for fans of the show to go as far to not only go to America but also to Brittan, Germany and to Japan to discuss about colorful equines that teach us the magic of freindship. So its no surprise that it takes quite a bit of Travling to get to some of these events and it could leave the first-time goer a little intimidated to find the money and time to arrange the Trip to get there and back. Luckily, there are many options in terms of travel and how to get there.
Air Travel
One of the most commenly used modes of long distant Transport is air travel, esspecially to the international crowd. In fact it is sometimes necessary to fly "across the pond" to get to the right country. If it is more domestic flight, it is more of a convince to get to a nearby state or to the otherside of the country.
Some of the pros of air travle is that it is faster than taking the Train or driving cross country. It is also easier to plan ahead with your travel agent and with the new technology, check in is not a long complicated task. You can pack as little or as much as you wish as long as you have the mony for it.
Unfortunatly, this is where some of the cons begin. It is super expensive to purchase the ticket alone and to check in your bags. Plus with the new security measures added to airports in recent years: it could result in long lines, delays, and possible socially awkward social situations when they pat you down and find a Rainbow Dash key chain that you accidentally left in your pocket.
Although, it's not the most horrible experience. If you have the money and the knowledge of how the airport policy works, its perfect way to get there without too much hassle or bearing too much responsibility on yourself. If I could give advice to anyone flying to Trotcon or any other convention, I would say "Make it easier on yourself and plan way ahead of time before flying." If you pack light, get your ticket online and get to the airport ~3 hours before your flight: then you will be o.k.
The Train
A more economical situation to cross the country with ease is taking a train. For centeries, the railway has been Americas and Canada's oldest and most reliable transit system. It could get you from Chicago to Ohio in a matter of hours. Its a not as fast as air travel, but still effective if you want to plan ahead.
It is more affordable to go by train since it's not as costly to get to other parts of the U.S from state to state. Plus there are not as many security restrictions to get on or off the train so there would be no awkward strip searches. It is also better option for people who want to go to conventions more around a neighboring states within the regional area, such as the Mid West, then going to another part of the country. The train also has a more static scheduled system then The air port does to make planing easier and to track.
Although do keep in mind, that it does take longer to get there then air travle and if you miss it....you miss it. Not to mention that depending on how long the trip it is, it could take multible days to get to and for someone who is working, it maybe not the best solution. Plus there is also the problems with multible stops. If you accidently left the train or get on the wrong train to get to the next stop, you are probably going the wrong way or possibly stranded until the next train comes.
So if you have the patience, I would suggest the train. Also its a good idea to travel with a freind on your train adventures. It could be a bonding experience for who ever your with. Plus you can also bring along some Good Books or Fan Fiction to catch up on some reading. As long as your on time and have a lot of time to get there, then it is perfect for the Travler with a lot of time on your hands.
The Megabus or Long Travel Busses
Popular with minor league sports teams and students alike, the Long Distance Travel Bus is probably the cheapest form of Travel for anyone who doesn't have a car. It was really popular to take a cross country bus durring the middle of the 20th centery and commercial airlines where more exclusive to the upper class. Today, it is not as popular as air lines, but it is perfect if you want to travel on a budget.
Its perfect for students who want to go from the University to the convention itself in neighboring states and it does stops in various major cities to where most conventions are held (ex. New York and Milwaukee) . They also make some rest stops depending on your travel, so food is not much of an issue. Plus, you can also meet other people on your journey to share stories and to make new freinds along the way.
The only cons I could really think of is that the scedualed Time Of Arrival (TOA) could be really unpredictable. On some days, you can be early since the highway was empty half the time or you can be stuck for hours on the same spot because some strawberry truck fliped over and it looked like a fruit salad massacre. It could also cause some health problems for your spine back. Since your sitting there for hours in one position could ruin your spine and your good time.
The best advice I give to people for when Travling on the Long Distance bus is to get comfortable for the long haul. Get yourself a portable DVD player and a couple of good movies and favorite episodes of My Little Pony to keep you occupied. I would also suggest a good book but your going to have to get a lot of air from a fan and sit up front to prevent motion sickness. Also try to get up once in a while durring the rest stops and get some non-perishable snacks (Chips, Water, Sports Drinks, Fruit, and my personal favortie Cheeze-its) because you are going to be hungry and you need to be hydrated durring the summer. Also please be considerate to the person next to you durring your journey, because you are going to be stuck with that person for a long time.
The Road Trip
I've saved the best for last when it comes to creating memories that would last a life time. The Road Trip or Car Trip that some people say sometimes, is considered one of Americas greatest past times. It is a time to bond with, a time to devolob friendships or to introduce new experiences to your freinds along the way.
It is perfect for anyone who is looking to be more independant with there trip. If you have a car and some freinds who are willing to go with you on an adventure, then the road trip is for you. Not only would you enjoy each other's company, but you get to enjoy the many vast landscapes of the American Landscape. Comming from someone who once travled from Chicago to Aspen, Colorado; the Great Plains is quite the sight for you and your pony freinds to enjoy and take photos. You also have the freedom to stop when ever you wish to get food, supplies, medicine or to stop and rest for a bit.
Although the road trip is fun, it is also a big responsibility. For people taking the trip, no matter what distance you must be aware of certain situations on the road. Not only do you have to keep an eye of your fellow adventurers but you must also be willing to spend extra money on gas, car repairs, maintainence, and parking at the hotel (which will be covered in the next article). Also be aware of your other passengers if they have certain health issues with motion sickness and other issues.
The best way to approach the road trip is to appoint a leader for the expedition. It doesn't have to be a "bossy" leader but there has to be someone in charge to give the trip direction and to keep everyone organized. Ussually the owner of the car that you are taking is ussually the leader, but you can also appoint someone to be the "organizer" of the group if you wish. It's also a good idea, to have freinds who are willing to drive at certain parts in case the owner of the car get tired or take a break. If you are driving alone, then just take breaks often. Also be aware of the road. Just like the bus, taffic can be unpredictable and could be dangorous. But besides that, it will definitely be an experience that would defiantly be worth it.
With that mind, no matter what mode of Transporation you take, it always best to travel with a freind and to enjoy the journey to another big experience that would be worth the effort. If have any other question or any other suggestions of The Road to Trotcon I should cover, feel free to Tweet me or leave a comment below.
That's all I have for today, but I will be back tomarrow to discuss about the Hotel Aspect of the conventions and how to find a place to stay with no headachs. For now, I must bid you all a-do.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I now Present.....Pre-Trotcon Week
As many of know, about a couple of months ago, I made a promise to present a series of Articles about how to enjoy Trotcon and many other conventions to come. It was supposed to be a week-by-week series called The Road to Trotcon but, with my new job and potential audition to be on Food Network, I have been extreamly busy. So now, I am going to do 4 articles (maybe possibly more) of how to get there, how to meet your favorite Brony Artist/Voice Actors, make hotel arrangements with out hassle, and maybe some food writing in between.
If your wondering other details about what I'll be doing with these series, I did made a video that goes into more detail of what I am doing. I will post it down here if you wish to see my new update.
Other than that, I am also working on the next recipie a little bit later today. So if you wish to see the progress on my newest creation and play a part of the experimenting process, follow @bronychefpro on Twitter for more.
For now, I must get to work on the first article of my Road to Trotcon series and try to complete it by today. "Wait? Your going to try to post 2 posts in 1 day? Are your mad?" Well actually I am mad enough to do just that and I think I can manage 2 posts in 1 day: even though I have not written on this blog for about a month. Don't worry though, I can survive it. I will see you guys in a bit.
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