8 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(11/10/13 3:37am)
“I am excited to see people from different student organizations come together for this event. It is campus unity at its finest,” said Raymond Partolan, master of ceremonies, as he prepared for Battle of the Bands last Thursday night. Six bands took the stage Thursday, Oct. 24, to compete for the title of last band standing. FTM won the competition splitting the $1000 cash prize among its five members.
Cailin Knox, Mercer Live co-chair, said that she was extremely excited for the first Mercer Live event of the semester. Battle of the Bands is produced by QuadWorks’ Mercer Live, which provides entertainment to the Mercer community.
FTM, whose name meaning has yet to be determined, leads campus worship every week at RUF. Their style is self-described “folksy, acoustic, delicious with a modern twist.” FTM frontman Caleb Thornley said the band was “very excited” to be sharing their covers and mash-ups with everyone at Battle of the Bands.
The Flim Flams, also competitors in the Battle of the Bands, is comprised of four band members with an alternative rock style. The Flim Flams have cover songs and originals as of this year. The Flim Flams returned to the stage this year after having competed last year. They have been playing together for over a year, and were competitors in last year’s competition.
Estimated Prophet, comprised of four members with two hailing from the Townsend School of Music, attribute their influences to the Grateful Dead and free jazz. Estimated Prophet was started when the band’s drummer wanted to start a Grateful Dead tribute band. The band members got together for a jam session that evolved into a full-fledged band. The band has been playing together for about six months. Estimated Prophet’s frontman Dustin Murdock is also involved with local record label Macon Noise Records.
Mojo Filter, whose name derives from The Beatles’s “Come Together,” reveled in the chance to eat Ingleside Village Pizza again before the show. The band originates from outside Vidalia, Ga., in Soperton, so IVP is not a delicacy they often get to enjoy. They write their own alternative-style music and have an album being released on iTunes, Spotify and Pandora in the coming weeks. Mojo Filter has also made an appearance on the 41 NBC Morning Show segment and will be touring with the Warped Tour’s Battle of the Bands.
First-year Mercer student Korby Bohannon took the stage as a solo artist with a rock-alternative style. His dad accompanied as drummer on a few songs. Bohannon hales from Rockdale, Ga., but spent some time growing up in London. He describes his music as similar to Three Doors Down. Bohannon’s granddad introduced him to music at age 13, and he has a tattoo of a guitar to commemorate his granddad’s influence. Bohannon is a marketing major in the Stetson School of Business and Economics.
Boots and Cats described themselves as “in between a DJ and a band.” Boots and Cats’ three members were the first to take the stage at Battle of the Bands to share their unique, electronic style. The name Boots and Cats pays homage to the quick sound of a beat box. Band member Dixon Cassara said the band wants to “do something that has never been done before.” Boots and Cats has a strong local presence, as they went on to play a local gig following Battle of the Bands. They also have three upcoming shows: Nov. 8 at Turnip Fest, Nov. 12 at the Hummingbird, and Nov. 30 at Roasted.
(10/26/13 3:37am)
“One more cup of coffee for the road, one more cup of coffee ’fore I go to the valley below” -Bob Dylan
We’re about at that point in the semester where I am wearing the same sweatpants two days in a row, and whether or not I’ve brushed my hair has become a questionable and sensitive topic. Needless to say, I basically live off of coffee. I have been drinking coffee since freshman year of college (thanks to my grand-big Shannon Giddens for the addiction) so you would probably assume I am a newbie to the brew.
However, I can assure you I have made up for lost time.
I have definitely come to adore any coffee shop in the proximity of our beautiful campus, and for this reason I decided to feature three local haunts this week--Roasted, Jittery Joe’s and Taste & See. I am going to highlight my favorites of each unique java joint and I challenge you to go find your own favorite!
Jittery Joe’s
The thing I appreciate most about Jittery Joe’s is that when I walk in, someone is already asking me how I am doing. I cannot think of a time I have gone in to study or to grab coffee and not seen someone I know. I love that sense of community--it is reassuring and comforting--especially when I feel most stressed out. I always say that if I write a book about my experience at Mercer it will probably have recurring scenes here, because I feel like it is such a hub of life and activity at Mercer. That is a super cool thing to say about any place, and for that reason I love Jittery Joe’s.
So this week I decided to deviate from my usual, affectionately-dubbed JitJoe’s order (a white chocolate mocha) and order a black coffee. It was just one of those black coffee kinds of days, plus I wanted to give a pure taste-test analysis. For full disclosure, I have had a regular coffee at Jittery Joe’s probably one third of the time I order, so it was not a particularly new adventure, but still a fun one at that.
I would consider Jittery Joe’s black coffee to be strong, the kind of cup you need after or right before an all-nighter. If you dilute it with sugar and creamer it would probably be the kind you want around 3 p.m. when you’re about to fall asleep standing up. (Or maybe it’s just me?)
As I was sipping my coffee out of my bright orange cup I caught a glimpse of the sunlight streaming in through the double front windows and it’s almost like I was shook out of reality. That is what a strong cup can do to you. It can remind you to wake up and get to work; to go out into the world a brave, confident girl; to be kind because you have had your caffeine today…
Taste & See
Taste & See opened back in August on Poplar Street, and will absolutely take your breath away the minute you walk in. The place opens into a sprawling, open floor plan chocked full of natural wood, a stone fireplace, and bright, landscape art. The coffees have rustic names like Gold Rush, and baked goods line the front counter.
I ventured to Taste & See on a Saturday evening to study, looking for a quiet and relaxing environment. The soothing music and the dim lighting provided the perfect ambiance for reading, so I ordered a Maple Leaf to compliment. The latte, adorned with maple syrup, was very sweet and warm, the kind of drink that makes you want to throw on a wool sweater. My cup came complete with “latte art” appropriately depicting a perfect maple leaf. Ah what a wonderful thing it is to have a pretty espresso!
Taste & See has added a religious taste to its shop, as its baristas hope to minister through kindness while contemporary Christian plays over its loudspeakers. That kind of intentional business practices show in the product delivered, and I could not be more pleased.
Taste & See also has a separate meeting room towards the back of the coffee shop that can be reserved for free for meetings and study sessions--the perfect, quiet getaway for cram-sessions and paper-writing. If you plan to get addicted like me, you can also ask for a punch card, and on your 10th punch your drink will be free!
Roasted
Roasted is kind of like an old high school friend you catch up with in a bookstore-- obviously not in the literal sense, but in the metaphorical one. I would say I am quite obsessed with the feel of Roasted. It has a unique menu, vibrant music and a chill space for studying or talking with friends. This time I left my order completely up to chance and asked my barista what she would recommend. I was so excited when she suggested Turkish coffee. I was excited to try something so exotic, and I learned that Roasted is the only coffee shop to offer this kind of coffee. It is brewed in a cezve over a stove and garnished with spices. I also split a “muffin man” with my coffee house sidekick, Ellen Schneider. A personal favorite, the “muffin man” consists of a muffin of your choice (we chose blueberry) and a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream. As Ellen and I say, you haven’t really lived until you have met the muffin man. We are big fans.
My tiny (but plenty!) cup was delivered steaming within a glass. How aromatic to sip from the traditional brew with grounds straight from Egypt. This is the kind of experience that can take you away, seriously. When I finished my strong sampling, “mud” of the grounds lined the bottom, which traditionally has been said to predict your future. With my empty cup of coffee and my belly full of muffin and ice cream, I must say it looks like my future is off to a good start.
The environment at Roasted is perfect for catching up with a friend or pleasure reading. Books for borrowing, a comfy couch, and dark tables all surround a stage in the back of the shop ready for live performances. The windows have barstools perfect for gazing into the street and getting lost in a daydream.
Thank you to Taste & See, Jittery Joe’s and Roasted for fueling my caffeine addiction this week. May your coffees be strong and your studies be light in the coming weeks, bears!
(10/26/13 3:01am)
Folksy-acoustic band FTM was crowned last band standing for the 2013 Battle of the Bands. Caleb Thornley, front-man, and four other band members frequently lead campus worship at RUF. They were awarded $1000 as first place prize and serenaded the crowd with an acoustic performance of "Radioactive" in celebration of their win.
Look for the full story in upcoming issue of The Cluster. On news stands November 6.
(10/13/13 11:28pm)
I’m a big believer in stories. I think a good story can dry tears and excite belly laughs. I know a good storyteller is the best kind of friend. If you’ve got a good story, chances are there is somebody around who wants to hear it. When I think of my story in Macon there is one restaurant table in particular I would like to be sitting at when I tell it and that is the Rookery. The Rookery holds a lot of memories for me--my first ever college mixer was at the “Rook”, it was the first restaurant I took my parents to the first time they visited me at college, and it has been the restaurant of choice for a late night milkshake more than once. So I thought it was about time I paid homage to the memories by visiting the Rookery for this week’s article.
I was greeted like an old friend by the rock n’ roll of the jukebox, the funky lamps lining the walls, and the flashy signatures adorning the walls. My faithful review sidekick, Theron and I slid into a booth with the likes of Richard Betts and Jerry Reed hanging above us. We decided to start lunch off with a Southern staple--fried pickle spears. I was anticipating a greasy, dripping mess but instead got a crunchy and fresh plate full of fried spears. For $5, you cannot beat this size portion. If you are looking for a quick bite on a Friday night, I think the appetizers at the Rookery is the best bang for your buck.
Our waiter Will recommended we try the burgers as that is what the Rookery is best known for. The special of the day was the meatloaf burger, but I was looking for something a little more daring. My eyes searched the back of the menu page for the very special burger...and there it was--the Jimmy Carter. This one pays tribute to our 39th president, who happens to be from Plains, GA, just a stone’s throw from my hometown. So I took it upon myself as a southern belle to go for the big burger adorned with applewood bacon and peanut butter. Yes, you are reading right--peanut butter. I was nervous to say the least, but I was also excited for what an interesting combination this would be. Theron ordered the Big “O” burger, as they had him sold with the fried onion ring.
While we waited for our meals, we had the chance to talk with Roger Riddle, marketing manager of the Moonhanger Group, the group that owns and manages the Rookery. Moonhanger also manages Dovetail (above the Rookery), Armory Ballroom, Moonhanger Catering, and most recently added, Cox Capital Theatre. In the spirit of a good story, I asked Roger for the Rookery’s best.
Harrison Ford visited the Rookery a while back and ordered the James Brown’s Black and Bleu burger and remarked it was the best burger he ever had aside from the burgers at his son’s restaurant in California. Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad has sampled the Rookery’s double chocolate shake. Emily Ellyn of the Food Network stopped at the Rookery on her “Best Burger Spots in America” tour. But amidst all these celebrities, the Rookery never lost its hometown charm.
As my head spun with stories of famous signatures on the very walls surrounding me, my mouth watered as my burger approached. My well-done Jimmy Carter burger was dripping with sweet, melted peanut butter and piled with crunchy, crisp bacon. As Will said it best, its a burger that brings you back to childhood. I advise you to run, not walk, to the Rookery this very second to try this burger. It really is fun for the tastebuds, and there is something exciting about the unexpectedness of it. Theron loved his Big O Burger from the first bite--and we’ll have to take his word for it, as he did not share any of it! He described it as a burger that melts in your mouth with lots of flavor. We both ordered a side of mashed potatoes because this side is my favorite food in the entire world. The Rookery’s potatoes definitely rate up there with some of my most favorites.
With the Mercer Bears winning every time they step on the field, I would advise that you also take a chance to win with an experience at the Rookery! Whether you visits in person or have your tailgate catered, you are sure to be pleased. The Rookery offers an extensive line of adult beverages with Tuesdays and Wednesdays half-price on drafts. You can also catch some drinks for the kid at heart--hand-spun milkshakes.
The Rookery does hold some great stories--whether told by celebrities, Mercer students, or Macon natives. I encourage you to make some stories of your own there and to give their burgers a shot because they really are something. Thanks for the good time, Rookery!
(10/13/13 11:19pm)
On Oct.24, five bands will take the stage at Cruz Plaza for QuadWorks’ Battle of the Bands competition. Battle of the Bands is a live entertainment event in which student and local bands compete for cash prizes. The event is sponsored by QuadWorks and planned by its MercerLive committee. Last year, Mercer saw the return of Battle of the Bands after several silent years. MercerLive co-chair, Cailin Knox, said the decision to bring Battle of the Bands back to the stage this year was a simple one because “it was a successful event that people wanted to happen again.” QuadWorks hopes to make Battle of the Bands an annual event to give students something fun and unique to anticipate.
The basic constructs of the event will be the same, except with new competition. Applications and try-outs for bands were accepted through the end of September in preparation for the event. This year, students can expect to see performances by Boots & Cats, Korby, Estimated Prophet, The Flim Flams and FTM. Flim Flams often plays at BCM, FTM performs at RUF, and Boots & Cats jams in downtown Macon. All of the bands have representation from Mercer students, so the event should be a unifying event for both the community and the university.
Theron Bassett, MercerLive co-chair, after seeing auditions, remarked, “Cailin and I were very impressed by the performance of each band that tried out.” The bands represent different genres of music including rock ‘n’ roll, funk, electronic and folk. Each band’s performance should last about 20 minutes. Bassett confirmed, “Each band is unique and different from the other ones and should create a good show.”
Bands will be rated based on the evaluations of a panel of three judges as well as on the results of crowd voting. The criteria used for judging will include musicianship, originality, crowd interaction and response, stage appearance, coverage, and overall presence. The points range from 0 to 10 with 0 serving as the lowest possible score and 10 serving as the highest possible score. Judge scoring will account for 50 percent of a band’s score, 50 percent of the score will be determined by the audience itself. All bands will receive $150, and the first place band will receive an additional $1,000. The 2012 winner of Battle of the Bands was Mercer and Macon favorite, the Dirty Sound Professors.
Knox is excited for her first event as MercerLive chair. “The music will be good and the whole vibe of the event will be great as well,” said Knox. The event is free for students and the community. Battle of the Bands is Thursday, Oct. 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cruz Plaza. Find Battle of the Bands on Facebook to stay updated as the event approaches. For more information, contact qwmercerlive@gmail.com.
(10/01/13 8:43pm)
My Wednesday morning started off with a quick walk to Mercer Village to check out Fountain of Juice (FOJ) at its College Hill location. I was pretty pumped, considering breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.
The jaunt started off with a cup of fresh coffee with cream fresh out of the fridge. I know this sounds like petty details, but it is the kind I notice. It shows care and consideration for your customers--even in the smallest of ways--and it does not go unnoticed, FOJ.
I asked for the most highly recommended breakfast items and within a few minutes, they were on my table.
I sampled a half of a Southwestern burrito and a half of a bacon, egg and cheese croissant.
I started with the burrito and boy, was it kickin’. Encased in the comfort of a toasted soft shell, came soft and light eggs, spicy, melted cheese and an ample amount of sausage with a kick.
On the side was a small cup of cut tomatoes, onions and cilantro, which went perfectly with the burrito. I was impressed that FOJ had taken a simple breakfast favorite and added so much flavor.
I have a sneaking suspicion that the secret to their magic is one word: freshness. Every bite tasted as if it was made just for me. The quality and care that goes into preparing the ingredients shows and you can tell the difference.
Honestly, after only half of the burrito I was already full, which just goes to show how impressive and filling FOJ’s breakfast is. I mustered the will to keep going (it really was not that difficult) and try the bacon and egg croissant. The fusion of the sweet and flaky croissant with the crispy spice of the bacon and the melted cheese had me hanging on to the very last bite. As I consider myself a breakfast snob, I would say that FOJ has got it right.
If you have never ventured to Mercer Village, I think you should, and furthermore, I think you should pay FOJ a visit. The food is refreshing, as is the atmosphere.
From the brightly colored wire baskets used as platters to the larger-than-life art, you cannot help but feel creative while dining here. A chalkboard menu, a loud and upbeat playlist and exposed lighting all greet you as you walk through the doors. The windows are lined with community and Mercer fliers for events, letting you know that what happens outside the walls of FOJ is just as important to its culture as what happens inside its walls. And that is something I can dig, ya’ll.
Check out FOJ for breakfast, as well as for your other two meals of the day. FOJ is conveniently located in Mercer Village, as well as on Vineville Avenue. “Like” them on Facebook to get daily postings of what is on the menu. Big thank you to FOJ for hosting me this week!
(09/13/13 3:59am)
Anybody who knows me can tell you I am a huge proponent of Macon, especially its small business sector. I am a huge fan of local. I am also a huge fan of food.
As a child, I always tried to plan our meals for family vacations until I was told that we could not eat Mexican cuisine for every meal. Nonetheless, I still revel in the opportunity to plan dinner parties, cook a vibrant meal with someone I love, try new cuisines and visit new restaurants. So when presented the chance to write a restaurant review, I naturally jumped at the chance. What better way to get out in the community than to have a meal at one of its local tables?
Molly McWilliams Wilkins, Local Editor for The Cluster, suggested I try one of the Hotplates Restaurant Groups’ offerings. If that name does not ring a bell, it should! Hotplates is the umbrella to local downtown favorites: the Tic Toc Room, Bearfoot Tavern and Ginger Stir-Fry & Grill.
I knew these restaurants and their atmospheres already, as I had dined with them before, and really did enjoy my experience. Then I remembered that Hotplates had just opened another restaurant, but this one is in north Macon on Forsyth Street headed toward Wesleyan College. I decided I had my pick, and I was ready to go!
I decided to do my first restaurant review on the Tuesday after Labor Day, and went to recently-opened Brasserie Circa, Circa for short.
I brought along my boyfriend, Theron, so we could each order something different to get the full Circa experience.
I was immediately taken aback by how different the atmosphere was inside Circa compared to the building’s former resident, Greek Corner Deli. I can best describe the atmosphere as clean—in literal terms, but also in terms of color selection, design and functionality—and comfy, with cushioned black booths that hug you as you slip in for your dining experience.
I’m always impressed when people make good use of black and white in a simple and elegant style, and Circa does just that. Circa adds a bit of flair with its feature dark red accent wall and framed artwork. But enough about the place, let’s get to the good stuff: the food!
Theron and I had a waiter named Blair who was extremely knowledge able about the menu.
Circa offers sushi, starters and salads to kick off your meal. Though I did not try any of the sushi or starters, Blair recommended the rainbow roll, the spicy tuna roll and the jumbo lump crab cake.
I decided to start with a small house salad with a light herb balsamic dressing. Though the salad was vibrantly colored and festively adorned, I was not impressed enough to order it again for that price. Which brings me to an excellent point: price.
I am a stickler for price points and value, especially when it comes to my dining experience. While the menu offers something for every price range, it does push past $15 for the most part. The best cut of steak can get you near a $30 price tag, but you can also order a plate of sushi for about $10, so it really depends on what you are looking for.
With my salad came a small basket of bread which was a nice touch, but definitely a small portion. By the time I was done with my salad, we had a special visit from Circa owner, Cesare Mammarella.
I was very excited to get to ask Mammarella himself more about Circa. He explained to me the move to north Macon as a very logical one, in that north Macon has a niche for what he was interested in doing with Circa.
Mammarella envisioned, and in my opinion delivers on, a board menu offering the classic, yet contemporary American fare. I learned from him that “brasserie” means brewery, which is an appropriate forename to Circa considering it offers an extensive beverage list with a modern-neighborhood appeal.
As he explained his vision for a restaurant that would really embody what it means to be an American brasserie, I saw his dream for Circa come to life. From the Japanese and Italian favorites blended with American tradition and French infusion, Circa’s menu really does encompass the mix of a true American neighborhood. Mammarella’s hospitality marked my experience at Circa as a great night.
Out came Theron’s tantalizing Szechuan salmon paired with a veggie stir fry and my succulent tuna steak with sautéed crab meat and a side of mango salsa and Asian-veggie slaw. My mouth is watering now just thinking about it.
I was very impressed with the care the chef had put into the presentation as well as the personality of the food. For whatever points Circa lost on my salad and bread basket, it made up ten times over with its entrees.
The tuna steak was tender with a pink middle and black pepper trimming. It was served beside an ample portion of crab meat, a tangy and crispy mango salsa and a very unique Asian slaw blend. I barely had time to check out Theron’s salmon because I was so enthralled with my own plate, but I took note of its Asian influences and sweet, bright colors and fresh taste.
We ate every last bite of our entrees, and with that, my first ever restaurant review was complete.
Overall, I am much impressed by the cozy but sophisticated atmosphere, the knowledgeable and hospitable staff and the presentation and unique tastes of Circa. If you are like me, you may want to visit Circa on a special occasion and perhaps split an appetizer with a friend to get a taste of the starters.
Then, you can choose your preference on the entrees because that is where Circa does its most impressive work. Thank you again for hosting us this week, Circa, and best of luck in the next year of business. I am sure you will soon become a Macon favorite!
(08/14/13 7:10pm)
Mercer University is expanding its student housing portfolio on the North side of campus. Sierra Development broke ground this summer in the construction of the third phase of the Lofts at Mercer Village.
Jim Daws, president of Sierra Development, is looking forward to transforming the College St. entrance of Mercer University. Daws estimates that the building will cost eight to $8 to $9 million and should be completed in a year.
“I’m hoping to have the same wow impact,” as the first two loft apartment buildings, said Daws.
The new residential building will have 111 bedrooms; a necessity due to larger class enrollments and University imposed restrictions on off-campus housing. Starting in Fall 2014, all students must live on campus for their first three years at Mercer.
Larry Brumley, Senior Vice President for Marketing Communications, said that discussions regarding student housing beyond the third phase of the lofts is already underway.
Jim Daws hopes that he can expand the Mercer Lofts all the way through the College Corridor into downtown Macon.
Sierra Development is adding more amenities to the new building because of its distance from restaurant-oriented Mercer Village. Daws said the completed building will include a Wi-Fi cafe, coffee bar, tv lounge, game room, and study rooms will dot the floors of the building.
Daws said the coffee bar will most likely be managed by employee of Sierra development, but he is considering reaching out the Jittery Joes in Mercer Village.
Daws said Sierra Development is hiring a interior decorator out of Atlanta to design the rooms in the post-modern style of new apartments in New York City. At the very least, the apartments will feature bamboo flooring and stainless-steel appliances.
The lofts are being constructed on property owned by Mercer University, between Alexander II Magnet School and 1268 College St., the derelict yet historic Jordan Apartments building.
The Jordan Apartments building was originally slated for demolition to make room for an outdoor pavilion at the lofts said Daws. However, Historic Macon Foundation raised the funds necessary to rehabilitate the Jordan Apartments building and convert it into four two-bedroom student apartments.