Voices from Port Outreach

(cross-posted to my mlog)

The modpod just got back from the Gfire concert at Lufton Runner. I’m exhausted and I won’t go on for long, but I had to write just a few words before sleep.

It’s always a pleasure to spend time at the Luf. The space is large and open enough that I don’t feel like I’m crowded even on the night of a full house, unless I’m in the middle of the dance floor. The bar is well-stocked and of course their Mikasa Shots are the best, being the original recipe. The clouds looked especially beautiful in the light of Big Sister as they floated over the city behind Gfire.

Though I was not familiar with her work before this show, I think Gfire was a perfect choice for the first artist in the new Tellurian Music Series; her music is varied with influences ranging from Tellurian blues to more modern electronic and dance. “Less is More,” with its dolphiny-sounding samples, reminded me a little bit of the Broken Gaff’s more uptempo moments.

The crowd seemed totally engaged with her work, and I let the music carry me away as I watched the Lightning Towers rotate and discharge behind her. As so often happens with Tellurian musicians, I found that while some of the specific references in the lyrics left me mystified (trophy wives?), overall their themes remind us that all sentient beings have much in common regardless of what world they come from.

The DJ set after the show by Drumsthemoon was eminently danceable and the cheerful tunes made me feel like he was celebrating the night with us all. The only exception, perfectly handled, was when he played “Pegasus Flies” by Bellerophon Trio as a memorial to the tragic events of AT 436 — even I got a little choked up.

The party was still going when we left so if you’re up and looking for something to do you know whereto find the party.

-Selvari

I’m posting this under my own account so it’ll be clear that the opinions inside are just mine and not those of the modpod as a whole or the Voices project.

Today on the recomendation of Mediator Bunny, a “foodie” if ever there was one, I decided to eat lunch at Jahn’s Noodle Bowl in Eastgate. Eastgate is a little out of my normal travels, but I needed to try something new. I’m pleased I did.

Jahn’s is out of the way, but everyone in the vicinage seems to know where to find it. Right now, it is located at the corner of Soybean and Heartbreak but I heard some locals grumbling about that second street name, so be prepared to ask directions or use your emkay. Jahn’s is open most days from mid-morning until dusk.

You might be surprised at the size of Jahn’s, but only if you arrive outside of lunch time. Jahn’s is incredibly popular during the mealtime rush, so during peak hours be prepared to wait a few minutes for a seat, find a stool at the bar which runs its entire length, or go for takeout and eat in one of the nearby parks. I sat at the bar, which meant I could watch Jahn himself bustle around behind it, along with his wife and three kids, two of which are tall enough to help fill drinks and seem to love to operate the drink machine, except when they argue over whose turn it is. The service is very fast.

I started out with the fry rolls, which came out sizzling hot with a soy-ginger dipping sauce. They contained the perfect balance of rabbit meat and vegetables, but I’m told a vegetarian version is available as well.

For my main course, I ate a noodle bowl with hemp noodles, bamboo shoots, fresh green onion, pickled garlic, pepper-crusted chicken, and, an unusual addition and a specialty of Jahn’s, pickled lunfish. I’ve never enjoyed lunfish before today, but Jahn urged me to try it, so I did. The house secret pickling process brought out the nutty flavor of the lunfish while deemphasizing its usually overwhelmingly fishy flavor. Before I knew it I was at the bottom of the bowl.

I finished off with a serving of red bean and mouseweed cakes, which were substantial enough to make me feel like I’d treated myself without being so heavy as to leave me bloated. The portion was generous enough for me to bring one home to each of my podmates.

I’d recommend Jahn’s to any nagara or nagarei.

In totally unrelated news, the Lufton Runner is about to start it’s new Tellurian Music Series. I remember enjoying the last series, almost 5 years ago. The first concert of the series is with an artist named gfire on 2 Spindle. Even though it’s just 3 days away, I managed to trade for tickets for the entire modpod. I hope to see you there!

-Selvari