Tour of Food

Touring takes control over eating away from us. Taken to a random location, we reside in a hotel that is probably close to the theatre. And we eat when the schedule allows for it.

As you sit back and relax, I will take you on my food journey as I spent 4 days on tour. I was given $200, or $50 a day (which is standard when traveling for work), for per diem, and I will attempt to eat leaning healthy, while also attempting to have cash left over.

Thursday I arrived at the airport at 1:45. I had eaten brunch at home hoping to have my next meal be dinner. My co-workers showered me with carbalicious treats as we waited for our delayed flight. I scored two garlic knots from Oscar, and a pretzel stick from Soojin, and a second pretzel from Pamela. Along with some peanuts and a tootsie roll, I figured I was good for a while. Upon arrival in Chicago, I hit up Starbucks, as it was my only choice once outside the secure area as we waited for our chariot of a bus.

I chose the yogurt Parfait, which had fruit on the bottom and a little bit of granola on the top. $4.50

At 11 upon arrival in West Lafayette, after a brief hello to our friends bowling in the hotel (yes, it was true) Pamela and I went to Pappy’s. It was a fantastic 50s diner that had jukeboxes at the counter. I spent all my nickels on playing some tunes (I had 4).

I ate a chicken sandwich and a side salad for $7, which included tip. I had some of Pamela’s milkshakes because she offered.

Friday

This proved to be one of my only chunks of several hours off the clock, so Renata and I went to the Greyhound cafe. One of the cutest little cafes, I had a Coffee, spinach and egg crepe for $7. The place was pretty popular. As we ate, we saw half of our touring co workers stroll through.

I bought some lunch immediately following brunch, as I had to work, and wanted something to eat lunchlike should I need it before dinner. Spinach Salad. $3.50

It ended up being a part of dinner, to which I added Chili for $4.

After show dinner on bus: Free!

One of the perks of working like a dog: sometimes we get fed! I chose a turkey on wheat with veggies, and P Viddy threw in a Dove bar, which I made her eat half.

All in all, West Lafayette didn't earn a significant spot on the culinary map, but the prices were right.

Saturday, Chicago

7:30 am: Starbucks, again choices and time are limited. Fancy coffee and a scone: $8 It is my wake up call that prices will be going up: that this is the most I’ve spent at one time thus far!

For lunch I went to the Corner Bakery which seemed to be on most corners in the neighborhood we stayed in.

I had a Tuna Sandwich and Ice Tea $9. And it was good.

Pamela and I shared a light dinner of 6.50 Chirashi, and I had a $3.25 mango smoothie. This place earned high scores for quality. I tried to have lunch there again Sunday, but they were closed. :(

I had to try Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago. I had no free time in Chicago other than this hour after the show before bed, so Pamela and I made some serious plans. I spent $20 on pizza, beer, and fries. Now I can say I've had Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. It was good, and I definitely enjoyed it, but it was not the life altering experience I had hoped for.

Sunday

I had some left over pizza for breakfast. To which I added coffee and a banana for $3 at the Corner Bakery before work.

Lunch was not sushi as I had hoped, but juice, veggie soup, free bagel which totaled $5 out of my pocket.

After show dinner: “free” turkey sandwich. I say "free" because this, and all other free food on tour comes at a cost.

Being on tour is long hours, and hard work. It is stressful and emotionally draining. We try to have some fun, too, and we do so successfully. Everyone who we work with is very talented. We put on a good show, and audiences seem to like it.

I also spent $1.30 buying P and myself McD's cones at the airport.

Total: $82.05

Well Done.