Rough Around the Edges a show host does the research and the process is annihilating

Pictures by Kim Kidinger

An editor told me today I look “rough around the edges”.

I don’t know. I colored my hair when I was a 23-year old news anchor and had a news director tell me, “You look like you belong in the White House.”

I don’t like my hair colored and cropped.

I haven’t been able to shake the days of spending my work hours under the ocean’s surface and on a boat. The appearance of looking fuss-free and please let-me-fly-under-the-radar is often so chic on either coast.

During my initial two weeks on the Lake Erie Islands I was handed a resort phone line and earned some lines and circles under my eyes from the exhaustion caused by an endless onslaught of inquiries. I thought my throat was going to swell shut because I didn’t even have time to grab a drink of water.

Travelers making reservations want to know:

“How do I get there”

“What’s on the island”

“What is there to do”

“Can I walk”

“How do I get to Put-in-Bay”

“How long is the ferry ride to Put-in-Bay”

“Where is the ferry”

“Catawba Island isn’t an island…?”

“What is in my condo”

“Is there entertainment”

“Can I bring my car”

“Should I bring my car”

“How much does that cost”

ME: “We have a private pool, private beach and there’s the Great Lakes largest tiki bar. There are over thirteen rums. Everyone is here Saturday for the pool party and live music. There is a tv in your room, but may not work so don’t plan on watching tv, or using your cell phone. I only walk for exercise. Golf carts are $125 a day. I pay thirty dollars one way for my car and myself. The launch is on Catawba Island, but Catawba Island isn’t an island its part of the mainland of Ohio….You can bring your car but you have to call the ferry office to make reservations.”

Why?

ME: “The authorities have to know who’s here. If we have to remove you from the island you’re not allowed back.”

There is enough exciting entertaining lifestyle material to match the exuberance of a puppy; plus, plenty of entrepreneurs, developers, business owners, and key players to showcase to the world wanting to see a life lived in paradise; hence the new show on Ohio’s North Coast in the backyard where I spent my formative teen years. I hope you’ll watch. The research was asperous.

 

 

 

Father’s Day Hot Tub Brats meat to make men rave

There isn’t be a more appropriate holiday to make a mark with meat other than Father’s Day. I already tested this dish twice. I serve up these succulent Hot Tub Beer Brats at a party and then, text my dad’s girlfriend in all caps that I have the BIGGEST SURPRISE.
The surprise: I purchased a meat product and then prepared the delicacy for the grill.
These can be steamed in the oven, too.

Check out my video captured at Marblehead Estates & Yacht Club or follow the simple instructions. If I can wow my own father with this marvel which requires only a few basic ingredients and a bottle or two of favorite brew, anyone can be the star of this supper or lunchtime show.

Steam for twenty minutes and then brown for ten on the grill. Using the oven doubles the steam time. The broiler can be used to crisp the outer shell. Serve with sauerkraut, potato salad, pickles (or dill relish) and spicy brown mustard.

Happy Father’s Day everyone. Dish adapted from Deep South Dish using Commodore Perry India Pale Ale.