As some of you may remember, Animated Meat first came to life in 2008 as a way to document some sights that managed to slip through the cracks of most popular travel websites. You may also remember that the original website was built on Apple's now defunct iWeb. From there, it migrated over to WordPress where it met an untimely demise at the hands of Russian hackers. Many of those old, pre-2012 entries have found a new home here in the Before the Now section. I would consider these posts as my starting place as a writer, probably comparable to a musician's first demo tapes. They are very rough, but I took them all seriously and wrote each one with passion. While I would like to believe that I have matured in my abilities as a writer, it is my hope that I carry this same blind passion into all of my new efforts.

Phoenix Club Oktoberfest - Originally Published 2010

February 28, 2019

I can’t claim to be an expert on Oktoberfests. What I do know is that I have been to some lousy ones. Long lines, super crowded, overpriced cups of Budweiser, and Costco sausages. I’m glad to report to you that Animated Meat has ventured out and now knows that none of those previously mentioned items could be found at The Phoenix Club’s Oktoberfest.

While there were plenty of people here, the place is expansive enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re packed in the world’s largest freight elevator with a bunch of strangers. We actually managed to find a table with some shade in the beer hall and settled in for a relaxed Sunday afternoon.

The food was great and there’s plenty of variety in the beer selections. The band did play the chicken dance, but they had a deep set list aside from. I think I only heard it twice the whole time we were there.

Believe it or not, I would classify this as a nice place to hang with the family on a Sunday. Great food and good beer make this a relaxed atmosphere to bring Vera, Chuck, and Dave.

Tanaka Farms - Originally Published 2010

February 28, 2019

Once upon a time, Orange County produced oranges. Actually, it produced a whole lot of other farm products, too. In time, the family farms sold off and the suburbs were built.

However, it seems like no one told the Tanaka family that farms were passé. They bravely soldier on and operate a thirty-five acre farm just minutes from the University of California at Irvine. For those that aren’t up on agriculture, the farm is seasonal and features different offerings throughout the year.

During the fall, the farm is a great place for pumpkins. Pumpkins of all varieties. Big pumpkins. Small pumpkins. Bumpy pumpkins. Deflated pumpkins.

I found out from my father-in-law that there are no pumpkins in Vietnam.

The Tanakas also offer their guests a corn maze.

They also have a tractor ride and a petting zoo. This was a really unique outing right here in Orange County. Thanks to the Tanaka family for sticking to their guns and keeping the family farm going.