One of my favorite things about being on the road, is the drive home. The anticipation that I’ll be able to sleep in my own bed when I get there, is a reward in itself. I never get enough rest on the road for several reasons, mainly that I don’t sleep well in hotels, and by the last show on the run, I’m usually exhausted & wiped out from the build-up.  Drinking coffee, jamming tunes and listening to Sirius Radio is how I unwind after a weekend of shows.  Stumbling upon something that I never would’ve – had I not been in the right spot at the right time, is another reason I love the road. A few weeks ago, on my way home from a string of shows in Iowa, I took a wrong exit in Des Moines, and stumbled upon this place called Le’s Chinese BBQ. This restaurant couldn’t have been more indiscreet, but I had a good feeling about it, so I went in, and got some of the most delicious Peking duck I’ve ever had. Not to mention at a bargain price. I also got to eat at a place called Archie’s Waeside, in Le Mars, IA.  Archie’s has been getting high marks for a while, as one of the best steakhouses in the country, and it did not disappoint. I had the Benny Weiker filet, and besides being an excellent cut of steak, it cost way-less than what a big city steakhouse might run you. It is pictured below, above the Le’s photo. 

I started my Missouri run on a Thursday, in a town called Owensville, which is slightly off the beaten path. I wanted to do a show prior to my performance at the University of Missouri at Rolla, on Friday. The place was called Twisters, and they were a motley crew. The audience and the staff were both great. The next night, local comedian Nick Nichols did a great job opening for me on campus, and since they were just coming back from the holiday break, the students were eager for some laughs.  I did a 2nd show in Rolla on Friday as well, to start after the early one, at a place called the Locker Room.  While a few audience members were clearly not interested in seeing a comedy show, those that did enjoyed it. 

On the drive home Saturday, just outside St. Louis,  I saw a billboard for a place called the “Lions Choice” that advertised hot roast beef sandwiches. I’d never heard of them, and turns out, they’re a small chain that’s been around since 1967. I was surprised I’d not heard of this chain, given my love for roast beef sandwiches, but goes back to what I was saying earlier.  The “King” is pictured below, and was comparable to one of my favorite places for roast beef in Minnesota called Mavericks. It’s not everyday you discover a new food chain that you like.   I also stopped at this place called Iron Barley, in St. Louis, and got me some schnitzel & spaetzle, which is breaded pork tenderloin with German dumplings, good stuff. pictured below. It’s only fitting that the best show came last. I performed in Wyoming, IL at a place called Spoon River, on Saturday night, and not only was the crowd great, but the owners & staff as well.