Food Tuesday: Getting Food In Your Books Without Putting On Weight
#writing #DanAntion #DreamersAlliance #SecretsHeldAgainstEvil #thrillers #books #bookstagram #writingprompt
I invited Dan Antion to talk about an aspect of his Dreamer’s Alliance series that caught my attention. It isn’t an element that breaks into the “suspension of disbelief” a books charms the reader into, but it caught my attention because I’m a chow hound.
Here’s Dan:
Marian offered to host me on her blog, which was most generous, When I asked if there was something she wanted to talk about, she said:
“I’d like to know which of the restaurants/bars in the books are real ones or based on real ones, if the meals are imaginary or if you’ve had them, and what the meals/places are based on, if not actual meals/places.
Do the meals/places have significance? Why do you choose to specifically mention them, rather than just say, for example, ‘We stopped to eat when we pulled off for gas.’?”
I’m going to bounce around a bit while answering these questions. The meals do have significance because I think life is better when we enjoy the things we must do. We have to eat, but going to a favorite restaurant, or having a favorite meal is something to look forward to. One of the restaurants that is real is Eat’n Park which was part of the Big Boy restaurant franchise when I was growing up. When our daughter and I drive to Pittsburgh, we usually go across Interstate 80 and the first Eat’n Park is in Dubois, PA (which is pronounced, doo-boys). We always stop. Marian, you will appreciate the reason Faith became enamored with Eat’n Park.
Faith is a vegetarian, and Pittsburgh is a meat-eater’s town. The first time I took her to Pittsburgh, my goal was to show her all the places from my childhood. Of course, the Eat’n Park in my original hometown was one of them. They gave us our menus, and on the page with images of bacon, ham, sausage and steak and egg dishes was a notice – “Customers can substitute fresh fruit for meat in any entrée and take a dollar off the entrée’s price.” She was sold.
Patsey’s Bar and Grill is the other establishment that appears in all four books in the series. There is no Patsey’s—sorry. However, there was a bar and grill in my hometown called Vogliani’s and they had the best fried shrimp. Our father didn’t drink (alcohol) but he loved Vog’s shrimp. Our mother wasn’t a fan, so dad would take my brother and me there for a shrimp dinner when he was in charge of feeding us. Patsey’s menu borrows from another bar. My dad didn’t own a bowling alley, but he managed one. After it closed, he took a part-time job tending bar at Dempshire’s Bar and Grill. Dempshire’s had a bar side and a restaurant side. Mrs. Dempshire cooked for both. She served a variety of bar food, among which was a basket of deep-fried mushrooms that were the best I’ve ever had.
The picture of the back door to Patsey’s that appears in the book trailers, is the back entrance to First and Last Tavern in Hartford, CT. A small restaurant that reminds me very much of both Vogliani’s and Dempshires.
The reason Patsey’s is significant is that it’s a safe place for Billy. There are no cameras and very few strangers. Although it isn’t mentioned, Adam, the bartender, knows about Billy and Zach, and their secrets are safe with him. Billy, of course, is an excellent cook and prepares many meals throughout the series, including some lovely pies. That trademark gesture of Billy is based on some southern charm by an “aunt” of mine in Virginia.
In 1976, a good friend of mine was applying to Law School, and I was a applying to graduate school at the University of Virginia. We had both advanced far enough in the process to be invited for interviews on campus. My mother arranged for us to stay with her cousin. My friend drove to Morgantown, WV from Columbus, Ohio. Then we drove to my aunt’s house south of Charlottsville. We told her we would be arriving very late. We got to her house about 2:00 am, and she welcomed us with coffee and a fresh baked pie, still warm from the oven.
One of the things we always tend to get, if available, at a bar is soft pretzels. These make their first appearance in Secrets Held Against Evil, when Rascal orders them at O’Malley’s. Cantina Azteca, the Mexican restaurant introduced in that same book is based on El Azteca, in Ames, Iowa.
Of course, the bar in which Zach meets Thomas Slocum and where Amber is the bartender is a local bar. It’s one of two that are featured on Saturdays. Amber, in case no one picked up on it, is a play on the fact that Zach is drinking lighter beers than everyone else in his cohort.
Last, but in no way least is the Mediterranean cooking of Uncle Mike. That is a tribute to my brother Bruce. Bruce is a retired history teacher, and he is an excellent cook. He regularly makes meals that were served by our Syrian grandmother.
As I recall how these meals made/make me feel, I hope that I’ve brought that feeling into these stories. I hope that it makes it easier for readers to relate to my characters.
The Dreamer’s Alliance series chronicles the challenges and dangers faced by Zachary Amstead and William Terrance, two men who have been gifted with and plagued by paranormal abilities. From their struggle to understand and control these powers through their battles with the attempts of corrupt authorities to either exploit their powers or eliminate them.
A WRITING PROMPT FROM ME TO YOU: What does food mean — or not mean — to you?
MA
Dan Antion
November 6, 2023 at 9:11amThank you so much, Marian! I really appreciate this opportunity to talk about one of the common themes in the series. I am a chow hound too, and I always enjoy your Tuesday posts!
Marian Allen
November 6, 2023 at 9:51amEven when I post my Tuesday on Monday and my Monday on Tuesday? lol
Dan Antion
November 6, 2023 at 1:58pmI blame to switch back to Standard Time 😉
Teagan Riordain Geneviene
November 6, 2023 at 10:35pmThis is a marvelous post, you two. I enjoyed hearing the stories behind the foods. Hugs.
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 7:15amThanks for stopping by, Teagan. It was fun to talk about the food and the places.
Marian Allen
November 7, 2023 at 8:51amYou can trust me to ask about food. If you had featured food in Thistledown, I would have been like, “Does milkweed salad always get dressed with morning dew, or can fairies on a morning dew free diet substitute spring rain?”
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 11:04amNow I’m laughing.
willowdot21
November 7, 2023 at 1:27amWell Marian and Dan what a brilliant and novel take you have in this post! I can see now why food is so integral to the story, the family background and a healthy attitude to food and it’s great to read.
I love food but unfortunately it’s not so keen on me… I can only eat small meals and have to avoid fatty , fried foods, and dairy…. I am not faddy I love all those things 😍😍. Fortunately reading about them is painless!
I have read the first three books and loved them and reviewed them. I have just started
Secrets Held Against Evil…. Which I must say starts with a bang and sucks you right in! Yes definitely a series to get your teeth into ! 💜💜💜
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 7:18amThanks Willow. The food approach was Marian’s idea, but I am glad she asked about it. It’s not something that I’ve talked about before, and after four novels, I’ve covered most subjects. I’m sorry if I’ve put foods in front of you you can’t eat. The crew in this series like to discuss things over food 😉
I appreciate your reading and reviewing the first three books, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the last one. Thank you so much for all your support.
willowdot21
November 7, 2023 at 7:46amIt’s been a great journey with great virtual food! I shall of course be reviewing the last book too 💜🌹
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 9:22amThank you!
Marian Allen
November 7, 2023 at 8:54amHi, Willow! Maybe in a future book, Dan can have a character with your dietary restrictions. As someone who has cooked for people who are vegetarians, vegans, gluten intolerant, and allergic to nuts, I can assure him that planning meals around dietary restrictions is a creative joy!
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 11:05amMarian. I am always in awe of your Tuesday Food posts, and I have shared many recipes (you need your own word for your recipes) with vegetarian and vegan family members many, many times.
Marian Allen
November 7, 2023 at 1:20pmGeico already came up with a word that describes my recipes: raccooking. It comes from a series of commercials they did with raccoons raiding garbage cans and creating “meals” out of them.
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 2:03pmHaha – that’s great. I remember some of those commercials.
willowdot21
November 7, 2023 at 1:25pmLol Marian that’s a fun idea but it might get in the way of the action! I am impressed at your take …
It’s really very interesting 💜💜
hilarymb
November 7, 2023 at 5:20amHi Dan – great to be here and to meet Marian … I really enjoyed this – oh I’d have been at your grandmother’s kitchen all the time … just the type food I love – Syrian – Mediterranean … and the food I used to prepare. I wouldn’t have minded some of your Dad’s shrimp either. The trailer is very good – love the way you’ve set it out … and included some of today’s situations. Congratulations – cheers Hilary
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 7:21amThanks Hilary. My grandmother’s kitchen was a favorite place of mine while growing up. Until I was about 10, we lived in an apartment in the building she owned. I would walk through her apartment on the way to ours (exiting from her kitchen). There was always something to sample. I’m glad you enjoyed the trailer. I try to take a no-spoilers approach to those, while at the same time convincing people they want to hear the story.
Marian Allen
November 7, 2023 at 8:55amHi, Hilary! Thanks to setting up this post, I dreamed I was in a Greek restaurant last night and OF COURSE I ordered stuffed grape leaves! lol
Anonymous
November 7, 2023 at 5:25amI am fumbling for words to tell you how happy I am about this post! I’d been wondering about food in this series, and it had been on my mind to ask you, Dan, if there might have been a food sub-plot. A reader can work up a serious appetite reading your books. But besides that, there is the mention of DuBois, PA! OMG! My grandma came from DuBois and instructed me on its proper pronunciation. My brother lived in Hartford for a time long ago, so any mention of Hartford has always brought him to mind, and I’ve wondered if he might have visited some of those places you’ve featured in your posts and photos. So, all told, this was a great post! Thank you, Marian and Dan both!
Marian Allen
November 7, 2023 at 8:55amSo glad you enjoyed the post! Dan never disappoints.
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 11:02amI’m laughing about the proper pronunciation of DuBois. If your brother lived in Hartford, he may well have eaten at First and Last. It’s pretty popular. When I moved here, it was only the one tavern. It has since expanded into other areas, but we remain loyal to the original. At least the Mediterranean food is healthy. I can’t say that about the bar food. Thank you.
GP
November 7, 2023 at 7:31amFOOD – where would we be without it?! 👍
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 8:39amOh, a very bad place, GP, very bad.
GP
November 7, 2023 at 1:29pmhaha, but I might be a bit skinnier? Na, not me.
Marian Allen
November 7, 2023 at 8:56amHongry.
GP
November 7, 2023 at 1:28pm👍😉
Darlene
November 7, 2023 at 7:45amA great interview. I love talking about food. I love that you include it in your books. How wonderful that you found a place where you and your daughter can both enjoy the food. My dad was a cattle rancher, but when I became a vegetarian, he always made sure we ate at places with a vege option. Have a super day!!
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 8:41amThanks Darlene, I’m glad you enjoyed this. Marian touched on an interesting subject. I think, these days, vegetarian options are more common, but it was a surprise when we discovered this. Good on your father for working to include the vege options when going out, A very nice sign of respect.
Marian Allen
November 7, 2023 at 8:57amFried mushrooms are one of my favorites — AND vegan!
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 11:06amBut hard to share – you need your own order.
Dave Astor
November 7, 2023 at 8:42amAn excellent discussion of food and food places, Dan, courtesy of Marian Allen’s invite! I love it when restaurants offer vegetarian and/or vegan options.
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 9:11amThanks Dave. I enjoy books where food play a role. I’m currently beta reading a book that is making me hungry. The veterinarian option was a very nice thing to discover, and has kept Eat’n Park on our list of places we always enjoy when visiting Pittsburgh.
circadianreflections
November 7, 2023 at 8:46amThat was fun learning which restaurant was real or based on real ones from your life.
Marian Allen
November 7, 2023 at 8:58amI knew Eat’n’Park was real from Dan’s galleries, but I wondered about the others.
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 9:13amI’m glad Marian asked the question, Deborah. Lots of places in the books are fictional, but eating is one of the things we always enjoy when we visit Pittsburgh (there are so many good places to eat), so I had to make it a little real.
circadianreflections
November 7, 2023 at 2:56pmOne of the restaurants in PA that’s really memorable to me is Peasant Village in Belle Vernon Sp? We’d go there when visiting He-Man’s family. It was the family place for all celebrations. We’d get a 5 course meal and it was so good! I’m not sure if they’re still open. I think his sister said they closed years ago. Too bad! I also like Eat n Park. I’ve only eaten there once. I think I’m ready for lunch! 😂
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 7:48pmThere were so many nice family restaurants around Pittsburgh. Many have closed, but there’s still no shortage of places to eat.
lois
November 7, 2023 at 10:11amThis was wonderful! I read cookbooks like bedtime stories, so anything food-related is fun for me. Dan, I love the significance of all the food references in your books. Your dad didn’t drink, but he tended bar. That is most interesting. Great questions, Marian. I really enjoyed this.
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 11:09amI’m glad you enjoyed this, Lois. My dad didn’t drink, but when he tended bar, people would often buy him a beer. He would take their money and put a bar coaster on a stack. Then, when he wanted to buy someone a beer, he’d remove a coaster. He often paid them back to the same people. He knew the gesture was important.
Marian Allen
November 7, 2023 at 1:20pmThat’s awesome!
lois
November 7, 2023 at 3:31pmDan, your dad was a gem among men.
Marian Allen
November 7, 2023 at 1:18pmIf I owned a bar, I would want barkeeps who didn’t drink. If I owned an ice cream store, I would want employees who were lactose intolerant….
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 1:50pmHaHa – that would be good planning
lois
November 7, 2023 at 3:30pmYou are so smart, Marian! I didn’t think of that. When we go to Parlor Doughnuts, the employees there say they are allowed one doughnut a day. No, no…I need more than that. 😂🍩
Dan Antion
November 8, 2023 at 8:42amOne donut? One? That’s crazy talk.
Marian Allen
November 8, 2023 at 10:08amI worked at an ice cream stand one summer, and the owner was brilliant: He said we could eat all the ice cream we wanted. It didn’t take more than a few days before we got sick of it and never touched it for the rest of the summer.
Author Jan Sikes
November 7, 2023 at 10:49amCongratulations to Dan, on this fabulous interview and promo! Great questions and answers. Thanks, Marian!
Marian Allen
November 7, 2023 at 1:18pmDan always comes through!
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 1:52pmThanks Jan.Marian asked me to talk about one of my favorite activities. I really appreciate her support.
Tails Around the Ranch
November 7, 2023 at 11:14amTerrific guest appearance, Dan. Way to go!
Dan Antion
November 7, 2023 at 2:02pmThanks Monika. Marian gave me an easy target 😉
quiall
November 7, 2023 at 3:57pmOne of the things I love about the first three books, about to start the fourth, is it there is a veracity to the locations. I think that makes it all more believable. You know it’s fiction but what if…
Dan Antion
November 8, 2023 at 8:44amI’m glad you like that, Pam. I wasn’t sure if people would relate to places like they do characters, or if they would get tired of them. I had to listen to the characters.
Liz Gauffreau
November 7, 2023 at 4:13pmThis was a fun post! I enjoyed it. I’d never heard of deep-fried mushrooms before.
Dan Antion
November 8, 2023 at 8:49amI’m glad you liked this, Liz. Fried mushrooms are so good.
Liz Gauffreau
November 8, 2023 at 9:04am🙂
sustainabilitea
November 7, 2023 at 7:11pmI wish I’d eaten dinner before reading this, Dan & Marian. 🙂 Dan, I did laugh when reading your intro on your blog when I came to this, “Of course, I was exited.” I knew what you meant but the omission of the “c” gave it a completely different meaning. On the food from, I love fried shrimp and the grape leaves look delicious as, I’m sure, are the deep-fried mushrooms. The mushrooms remind me of when we’d go out with my mother-in-law to an Italian restaurant and she would get veggies: deep-fried mushrooms or something similar. Much less healthy really than what we were eating, even though veggies. 🙂
janet
Dan Antion
November 8, 2023 at 8:53amThat is a strange typo, Janet. I’d hate to think about being ‘exited.’ Every bar should serve deep fried mushrooms because they increase beer consumption. I could eat stuffed grape leaves all day. I guess you’re right about the healthy factor of veggies once they are dipped in batter and fried, but…
Kerfe
November 7, 2023 at 8:09pmFood is so important to our relationships with each other I think. I love the stories behind the settings. I haven’t been a regular at a bar since my 20s (and it is long since closed), but there’s something special about that relationship too. Great interview.
Dan Antion
November 8, 2023 at 9:25amThanks Kerfe. I’m not sure it’s something to brag about, but I think I’d be considered a regular at two bars around here. It’s mainly because we get takeout from the restaurant, but I prefer to order at the bar. I’m not there for a long time, but I know the regular bartenders and several customers well enough to usually have a conversation. I wanted to convey that feeling in these books.