K. W. Poole

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  • HOME
  • Media & Portfolio
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  • Contact
  • Plays
  • Novels
  • Poetry
  • Songs
  • Tastes & Tequila
  • Video
  • Articles/Credits
  • Boxes
  • Gossip
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  • Writing Services
  • Walls
  • Local Sightings
  • Tastes and Tequila
  • Invitation
  • KP
  • Non-clickable Page
  • Audition/Interview Coaching
  • R+F Journey
  • The Working Playwrights Theatre and Initiative
  • The B Side
  • The Critical Eye
  • Short Stories
  • LittleWing Press
  • Featured Young Author
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Not My Typical Post...

1/24/2017

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The Musical Footsteps of Unity 
by K.W. Poole ©2017 
Music, like people, exists in diverse forms, shapes, movement, styles, rhythms and sounds.  Saturday, the music of our city manifested in the form of feet.  Feet with a purpose.  Feet with a message.  Feet with unity, peace and love.  An inspired gathering of the women of Music City and the music of women country-wide; for women were represented by mothers, grandmothers, sisters, brothers, fathers, grandfathers, friends, neighbors, strangers, adults, teens and children alike.  There was no gender on this day.  No ageism.  No racism.  No sexism.  We the people spoke together, peacefully, collectively and without borders.  This is the sound of not just tolerance, but acceptance.  This is the music of UNITY resonating across The United States of America. 

As Cilene, (President of WMMW,) and I crossed the Korean Veterans Bridge toward Cumberland Park the air was filled with strength.  We stopped to photograph, to exchange words with our Nashville neighbors and even to laugh.  The first sign we encountered brought on an odd sense of joy, it read: “Free Melania.”  This sentiment in its simplicity speaks volumes.  A First Lady whose voice I have yet to hear.
The view from the bridge was empowering, as people cascaded the length of the pedestrian bridge and filled in every ounce of space in Cumberland park. It brought to mind the side-by-side  photographs of the Inaugural attendances that continue to make a comparative statement across social media and the news at large.  Trump is not taking into account that the social media - he utilizes with such frequency - leaves a bigger footprint than even his unfathomable mark will be upon the environment.  It’s here.  It’s clear.  And we do not fear.  Hey Mr. Cellophane* we see right through you.
But back to the moment at hand…pure beauty.  All around the country - and our diverse world at large - others were engaged in delivering the same message.  The signs, slogans and voices rang out like chimes of freedom.**   Our steps in sync driving the beat of the collective drummer.  There were women with Bodhrans, creating our pulse with an energetic cadence;  cheerleaders encouraging the crowd to join their message;  chants, buzzwords, and mantras shared by all  and tunes wafting through the air.  “Who run the world?  Girls!”***  A particular favorite of the day.
 As we descended the bridge beginning the walk toward our city plaza, I called out to the Hispanic builders working hard, constructing the renovation/addition to The Big Machine building on Third Avenue South - “Hey Guys!”  We held our fingers up in the symbol of Peace and Victory and cheered - they returned the sentiments.  And it rang out amongst us, as it did all day, the vocalized announcement:  “I thought I was done with protesting this shit in the 60s.”  Apparently we still are not learning from history.  But we are giving it our best shot as noted by the fiery delivery of Pat Benatar resounding out around us: “Hit me with your best shot.  Fire away!”**** 

Even Carrie Fischer - her force ever with us - in true Princess Leia form attended in the form of resistance slogans. 
A woman held a sign stating she wished her female parts shot bullets so the government would not regulate them.  Yes that was a sign.  A Sign O’ the Times.*****  What would Prince think?  High fives and fist bumps were dolled out for slogans including: “My middle schoolers are smarter than DeVos;”“Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for Hilary;” and “Love trumps Hate.”  The slogans were endlessly inspiring.  

No matter who, no matter where, the message on Saturday was clear: 
To our newest EMPLOYEE in the White House.  Welcome to the South (and might I add, all across the United States of America.)  On January 21st, more people attended the world-wide marches than attended your inauguration.   This is not an “alternative fact.” Stop tweeting.  Do not shut your doors, for you do not own that house.  It belongs to the people of the United States of America.  We come in all shapes, sizes, genders and pigments.  We are strong and we have a unified voice.  We raise it above your tweets and bullying.  If you grab, we will grab back.  Watch your step.  Because you do not want to hear the words you yourself made #famous:      “You’re Fired.”******
Credits: * Mr Cellophane written by: Joel Grey & Rob Fisher :  **The Chimes of Freedom written by: Bob Dylan : ***Run the World (Girls) written by: Beyoncé Knowles - Terius "The-Dream" Nash -  Wesley Pentz - David Taylor - Adidja Palmer - Nick van de Wall :****Hit Me With Your Best Shot written by: Eddie Schwartz (Immortalized by Pat Benatar) :  *****Sign O’ the Times: Prince/Paisley Park/Warner Bros. :  
******D. Trump

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Top 7 Tequila Tastings of the 2016 Holiday

1/7/2017

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The cool thing about this post is that I might not be writing it if it weren't for my brother's holiday visit and a few key hospitality folks in town.  Why?  Because they were integral in my introduction to a couple of tequila products I might not have ordered on my own.  (Admittedly, I am a creature of habit.) From a "mistaken favorite" order, to an inquiry regarding packaging that has always peaked my curiosity, our local bartendreesses gave me new insights into the tequila world.  And then of course there are the additions of the sweet nectar that graces my personal bar, for which I owe most grateful credit to my beau.

The Top Seven Tequilas of this past Holiday Season are posted in a pay attention order. #6 & #7 are tied for my current favorite.  Let's see who catches that.  Get your orange.  Get your glasses.  Pour.  Sniff.  Sip.  Savour.  Repeat.

For 2016, the holiday favorites were... [Insert drum roll]

1. Tres Agaves.   It is a standard.  A current weekly $3.00 shot at Bakersfield.  And it is good in any form; all are sipable.  Take the time to taste it.  I prefer the reposado.  The blanco intruiges me though, due to the hint of mint which makes it an exhilarating experience.  And for 3 bucks, how can you go wrong?

2. Tequila Riazul.  Thank you Amber at Bakersfield for thinking it was my favorite.  It is now a "go to" tequila for cold nights.  A savory drink, with a warm and brandy-like feel, complimeted by notes of citrus and a lingering finish.

3. Fat Ass.  As funny as the name is, this reposado is slow and lazy to start.  I suggest letting it "open up" after you open it up.  At first sip, I was unsure.  However, after it rested on my bar for a few days, I decided to give it another go.  I am glad I did.  Once it got off its ass, it proved worthy of this list.  A bit sharp on the front - one can taste the alcohol - but as it sits on the tongue it smooths out with a honey-vanilla, cherry earthiness.  A modern tequila drinker's delight.

4. ​Hussong's Reposado.  A surprise in light floral notes with a hint of honeysuckle.  It reminded me of home.  Thank you to Mallory, Hannah and Maggie at Taco Mamacita!  This very unique reposado now has a place in my heart and on my palate.  It is a refreshing sip.

5. CasAmigos.  I'll say it again and again and again.  You cannot go wrong with this tequila.  It is pure brilliance.

6. Blue Nectar Reposado Special Craft.  This craft will please both the Nay-Sayers of tequila and the Seasoned Tequila Connoisseur. A spiced rareity in the tequila world, it is simply a gem. Though it is "infused with essential oils and a hint of agave nectar" it is still pure beauty.  The enhancements actually add to the libation.  Special Craft should be shared as a universal experience at tables around the world.  It is harmony in a glass.

7. Blue Nectar Reposado.  The unadulterated version of #6.  Both are lovely, but this one is precisely what one should expect from an exceptional reposado.  The citrus and buttery rum notes are immediately apparent to the nose.  BUT WAIT.  Hold off a bit longer.  Smell your orange slice.  Open your mouth and breathe in again.  The vanilla makes its way to the top along with the hint of warm bread.  Yes I mean it.  Its flavor is a bit hot - true to reposados.  It does not burn.  It tingles.

Like I said...

Pour.  Sniff.  Sip.  Savour.  Repeat.

​Enjoy!


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The Aftermath...Top 7 Holiday Experiences

1/7/2017

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I took an unexpected holiday hiatus from writing. It was not intentional.  Believe me.  For the first time I spent Christmas in Nashville.  My family scattered for the holiday.  My brother came to visit me.  And though there was plenty of tequila tasted, I just could not grab a moment to do anything other than jot down a few notes and move onto the next adventure with my visiting brother.  Don't get me wrong - we had a blast!  Infact, I think I miraculously muscled through the signs of the impending winter bug; the one that slammed me like a Mac Truck the minute my brother took off in flight back to New England.  Then I was down for the count.  Another week of off the radar...

But now I am back.  What I was reminded of this holiday season:
Eat tacos.  Drink tequila. Spread cheer and peace.  All of these elements should be a part of your weekly (if not daily) mantra.  For they are all healthy ways to warm the spirit. 

Today - IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER - I briefly share my Top 7 Holiday Experiences of current Nashville Tastes, Tunes and Tequila.

1. Taco Mamacita did it again!  My brother's first culinary experience in Nashville...  A shout out to Maggie, Hannah and Mallory at the bar!  What awesome young women!  Again the exceptional Chicken Tortilla Soup.  This time it was accompanied by a local beer for my brother, The Black Abbey Pale Ale. ("If you are from out of town and you try a local beer you should...")  We both enjoyed sipping a Hussong's Reposado.  This was a new taste for me.  Not your typical reposado. As interesting as its ceramic jug packaging; it is uniquely light and floral.  It lingers then dissipates on the front of the tongue, with a hint of honeysuckle.  Worth a try.  Will be especially appealing to the tequila skeptic. 

2. Bakersfield (Look for an upcoming review and interview of this rockin' establishment but for now)  One word: AMBER. Amber makes the bar experience an adventure!  We enjoyed the incredible taste of our succulent tacos - (you could truly play the "blind point map game" and not go astray with this menu.) -  Manager John McCutchen kindly brought us a Tequila Riazul to complete the culinary encounter.  It was warm and brandy-like to the tongue - with notes of citrus and a lingering finish.

3. The Southern hangin' for breakfast booth.  A much needed comfort on a tough day after.  Catch my drift?  A much needed Southern sustinence venture.  My pick?  The Saffire Steak; Grilled Beef Tenderloin on Bleu Cheese Biscuits - always a hit!  A welcomed surprise...the BBQ Shrimp.  Heads on, savory with a hint of spice and a Orleans  Parish flair.  This fish girl is sure to order these again.

4. Musical Musts: This was a toss-up for me.  We attended two fantastic shows! The Basement East! Todd Snider as his alter ego Elmo and the East Side Bulldogs. (For a good read, check out Jonathan Bernstein's Rolling Stone Article on Sinder, August 1, 2016)
 This holiday Pep Rally had the audience entranced, laughing and singing along - and my brother jamming on the dance floor - What a show!  The staff at BE is stellar.  Always a good night out.  AND The 5 Spot! For a bluegrass anomoly.    Billy Strings with our buddy Brad Tucker on stand-up bass.  Brad was the driving percussion - as this band has no drummer - they never missed a beat. The guitar licks and Billy's old-school vocals had us awestruck. As my friend Judd Fuller pointed out: "That's the kind of guy that makes me want to quit." (Judd, as I said that night, DON'T.  You are an amazing gift to the music scene as well!)

5. Cheers to Lockeland Table!  "Where everybody knows your name." Small. Smart.  Stellar.  Exquisite plates for every palate.  The vibe at Lockeland is enhanced by the addition of the Delicious Dana Radford, who's welcoming energy and venue expertise makes every patron feel like a rock star.  From small plates to entrees - wine to craft cocktails - Lockeland has locked it in.

6. Two Old Hippies is simply the coolest.  The staff.  The guitar room.  The bus.  The experience.  Year round.  Their brand of holiday shop reminds me of being back on the Vineyard, where every one knows every one.
A sixth degree of separation shop. And every one shows up for the last minute Christmas Eve shop.  (A tradition in my family.)  My brother and I both felt right at home.  As I perused the ecclectic boutique for stocking stuffers, he was engaged in a full-on tour of the guitar room.  A ring-out to all our 2OH friends - thank you for bringing the spirit to our shop!

7. East Nashville Christmas!  This one, I am sorry to say, you may not be able to replicate, unless you know Judd Fuller and Dana Radford.  My brother's fresh Martha's Vineyard Oysters, a bottle of spicey Schramsburg Bubbly and the gift of exceptional friends.  We put together a friendsmas that will go down in infamy.  To try and replicate this one, you'll have to contact my brother, Donald Poole, on Martha's Vineyard and ask him to come back to Nashville.  For now, the oysters are on ice.




Look for a Bonus Blog (tonight) Top 7 Tequilas of the holiday experience.



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