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Legendary Buddy Guy
I’ll admit it right from the start: I have a crush on Buddy Guy. I have for years. Besides his mad guitar skills—which have inspired so many musicians and fans for decades—I admire his background and...
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Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.
My husband, John, and I made a quick trip to the Tarrytown, NY, area last weekend, which is just outside of New York City along the Hudson River…beautiful area, I might add. We specifically went up...
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Nation of Patriots
Nov. 11 is Veterans Day—a day dedicated to those who have fought for our freedoms and liberties, both past and present. I thought it appropriate to highlight an organization that was founded only about...
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Acala Farms Cottonseed Oil
ManGrate is proud to announce a partnership with an established and impressive American company, Acala Farms. After careful research as to the best type of oil for seasoning ManGrate’s cast iron...
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2015 Gift Guide
One of the things I’m pretty good at: shopping. I’ve scoured the web for a variety of items that I actually wouldn’t mind finding under my tree. Links to resources in the product names. Homebrew &...
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Brew for Kerri
Today marks the premiere of a very special collaboration between 20 craft breweries in the Northern Virginia area. You see, weeks ago an idea was launched and people in the brewing industry gathered...
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Moreland & Arbuckle to Release Album in May
I have been a fan of this band for the past few years. It started when I heard the track “The Legend of John Henry,” but then I really got hooked when I heard “Pergutory,” “White Lightning,” and “The...
View ArticleSuper Chikan—One of a Kind Delta Artist
When it comes to the blues, there are musicians referred to as trailblazers and legends. Anybody who knows something about the blues has heard the story of Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil...
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Fathers Day Gift Ideas–2016
I tried to find gift ideas that might be a bit different—no ties or golf-related items {wink}. Links to resources in the product names. Homemade Hot Sauce For those of you who like to cook, this could...
View ArticleSummer Grilling Tunes
It’s hard to believe we are heading into the Independence Day weekend already. Wasn’t Memorial Day just about two weeks ago? Hmmm…guess not. That being said, this is a huge cookout weekend and...
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Making a Difference
It’s no secret there is a lot of serious, stressful and ridiculous information being thrown at us from every media outlet on the planet over the past several weeks. Drama stemming from the upcoming...
View ArticleNovember-December 2016 Events
A listing of events happening around the country involving Barbecue, Blues and Brews—as well as other live music, cornhole, motorcycles…… We are heading into the last part of the year, but there is...
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide
Every year my intention is to publish the gift guide earlier, but seriously…what happened to the fall of 2016? Whooosh….it’s prime time Christmas season. At least Hanukkah is later in the month (beings...
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Thirty Years of Thunder
I don’t often write about my personal thoughts in this blog. Sure, a lot of bloggers tend to share their opinions, their latest recipe triumph (or failure), a recent how-to project or the trials and...
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Effingham Manor Winery
New Chapter for Established Vintner and Property There has been much talk here in Virginia about a new winery opening on a centuries-old property in Prince William County. Much of the discussion is...
View ArticleEffingham Manor Winery: Open!
In July I was fortunate to have met with established Virginia vintner Chris Pearmund, and we discussed his latest wine venture in Virginia for a “Grate Bites” feature. At the time they were months and...
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2017 Holiday Gift Guide
It’s that time of year again. Not like it sneaks up on me, but… Who am I kidding, fall flies by and next thing you know it’s time to find something sparkly to wear to parties and stress about finding...
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Cooking Oil Comparisons
Warmer temperatures bring more people outside to grill and entertain. I recently dug deeper into stable, high-heat-tolerant oils for seasoning and re-seasoning ManGrates (particularly after a wet, cold...
View ArticleNational Events: 2020 and on
BBQ and grilling festivals & competitions Last year was a tough one for me personally. I had to handle a lot of personal hardships including the loss of my father and my mother-in-law, the end of...
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