Have you heard of the ‘saying goodbye curse’?
It goes like this: you live in a city for two years and think it’s kinda cool and suddenly it becomes magnificent.
And then you run around snapping pictures, walking aimlessly ogling over skyscrapers, jogging over bridges you have never crossed, taking cruises to the Statue of Liberty and crying at her feet…
stuffing pizza into your mouth, eating at every vending truck on every street desperately hoping that each precious experience will absorb itself into your being before it’s just a memory.
What a stunning city it is this time of year. All sunshine and snow once the storm clouds pass. The skyline defiant and strong in the sharp winter light. It is hard to live in New York and not take pride in what it means to be American and what it means to live the American Dream.
The unity here in New York city will rekindle any misconceptions you might have. It will inspire you!
However moving companies do not inspire. They swindle. They scam. And they are absolutely crazy if they think I can afford $4,600 to move home. And if they think $900 doesn’t raise one eyebrow in an are-you-f’ing-kidding-me untrusting arch, they are wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.
So I have decided to drive home. And the newest member of my three person kitchen team is hopefully flying out to help me do it.
I couldn’t be more excited! I have never driven across the country. I always hoped it would be in a huge plush comfortable cadillac and not a noisy U-Haul truck, but it has been ages since I went on a road trip!
I’m planning on taking I-40, the Southern route across the country. If you live along that route and would like to put up two cooks for the evening who don’t have a lot to offer other than great knife skills and fantastic dishwashing abilities please let me know. I know that doesn’t sound like a great swap. It isn’t. But I figured it was worth a try?
Any tips, places to eat, national parks & monuments that are must-see detours would be greatly appreciated.
Cheap gas too. Cheap gas is good. Keeps my eyebrows level.
Would be happy to put you up if you’re in the area. Gas is about 2.70 here. Can you stay long enough to teach me how to make egg rolls? Have a very safe trip.
You know, there are so many places I could recommend that you’d be on the road for weeks. Wish I could join y’all, even in a U-Haul truck – it’s a great drive! Have fun!
Big Texan, Amarillo,TX. You can’t miss it, it’s right on I-40.
Fascinating! I’ve driven all the way across but not in one trip as I live in the middle. I’m in OKC if you come through here we can point you to some neat things. Sadly, no space at the inn as we’re overflowing with kids and family in the coming weeks:( Hope you enjoy the sights!
If you need a place in Albuquerque, I have space.
Damn, I think I would move from Sonoma to some place along I-40 just to put you up! Have a fun journey.
A Fan
Mark
Hey Ms Glaze: This is my advice:
Well if you ever plan to motor west
Just take my way that’s the highway that’s the best
Get your kicks on Route 66
Well it winds from Chicago to L.A.
More than 2000 miles all the way
Get your kicks on Route 66
Well goes from St. Louie down to Missouri
Oklahoma City looks oh so pretty
You’ll see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona don’t forget Winona
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernadino
Would you get hip to this kindly tip
And go take that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66
Well goes from St. Louie down to Missouri
Oklahoma city looks oh so pretty
You’ll see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona don’t forget Winona
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernadino
Would you get hip to this kindly tip
And go take that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66
Get the Stones version for the trip. John
“Cheap gas” for the U-Haul and not as an end-result of ingesting some questionable items I am hoping (sic). You’ll have to take photos of this trip; I had to look up I-40 to see where it ran (being north of the border and all) and it’ll be great trip for you even though it’s not in a ragtop pimpmobile.
Big Texan in Amarillo does have that 72-oz steak, but do you really want to do “Man v Food” the road trip? I’ll ask some of my road warrior pals to see what they’ve stopped at.
Ms. Glaze:
Congrats on your new gig and best of success in SF. I’ll tell all my family and friends in SF to check out the new cuisine at Le Club once you re-launch.
I’m a fellow Bay Area kid who has been working in New York for the past 14 years so I understand the mixed emotions of leaving New York. If only we all could be like Keller and have the privilege of splitting our time between NYC and SF/Napa (better yet if Paris was thrown in there as well – don’t know how/why you left so soon, btw).
Anyway, I love your site and greatly appreciate your sharing your experiences (and recipes). You’ve schooled and worked at three of my favorite places and it’s fun to live vicariously through your blog.
I think that I can speak for all of us that we look forward to future cooking videos with all that beautiful California produce and seafood.
Salut,
Ms. Glaze,
Here’s to new beginnings. They are exciting, frightening, and everything in between all at once.
I’d like to suggest the Grand Canyon. Pictures do no justice, it’s one of those things that have to be seen in person.
I’m looking forward to my next SF vacation. Le Club will be on my “to do” list.
Best wishes and safe travels.
If you want to detour south to Dallas i could put you up for the night. Dallas is a great restaurant city and i’m proud to be chef at a great dallas restaurant.
http://www.tillmansroadhouse.com
i’ve followed your blog since paris and i am a huge fan of yours.
Kevin
If you drive the northern route (as in Seattle) I’ll put you up! 😉
Stop in Asheville to see the Biltmore mansion. It’s an interesting mix of Loire Valley and the Red Green show.
You’ll be so close to Santa Fe and yet so far away. It’s not pepper season anyway so maybe not such a crime. They have a great Folk museum there though I’ve heard. It’s the “Louvre” of American people or something. … See More
There’s rumors that there’s some giant ditch near highway 40 near Flagstaff. I’m not sure if I’d believe it though.
Ah, if you were going to be on I-64 through Kentucky, I’d put you up for a night!
Also, what an adventure! I drove out to California with a friend who was moving to Redondo Beach. It was a haul-ass trip, but it was still fun!
Dashboard Plastic Jesus and Christopher, Patron Saint of All Travelers, will be with you for every mile ;^)
Keep your cell phones charged, your eyes on the road, and your hands on the wheel.
If I was tagging along my eyes would be peeled for whatever the locals eat, especially great barbecue and anything with fresh chilies.
And big-assed breakfasts. It’s the most important meal of the day.
If I lived anywhere near I-40, you would not have to ask twice.
But alas, neither is true, so instead I’m just gonna come long in spirit.
Safe trip. Warm thoughts.
I don’t care if it rains or freezes
‘Long as I got my plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Through my trials and tribulations
And my travels through the nations
With my plastic Jesus I’ll go far
Covers by Billy Idol and The Flaming Lips among other available on iTunes for that iPhone doohicky you have there.
Cmf – How do I get ahold of you!?!?
Kevin – Unfortunately there are not going to be many detours on this trip due to the limited mileage I have on the rental truck. Sad, because I hear Dallas is awesome.
Kevin Weeks – We’ll be seeing you in Tennessee.
San – My favorite quilter! Where exactly are you?!? Are you close to i-40. I teach you how to make egg rolls if you teach me how to make anything requiring string and cloth.
Anthony – I would love to stop in Alberquerque. How do I get ahold of you!?!?
Thanks for all the tips and the fun road trip tips, the song lyrics, and more. Planning on leaving in a few days. Packing up the truck today!
drive safe Amy, can’t wait to see back here in the bay area!!!
Congrats Miss Amy!! I know you must be thrilled, excited, overwhelmed & maybe a little sick to your stomach, but you’re going to kick butt!!
I live off of I-40 in Durham NC, but unfortunately my little house is full. If you decide to stop over in Durham I can help you with a few nice little restaurants in the downtown area & will hook you two up with a couple of cold ones at my neighborhood bar.
Pam
Duh!!
Amy I wasn’t even thinking that you may not even be coming through NC on your way.
Pam
Nashville – great music, great food. Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame. Liking country music helps…
Memphis – Graceland, if you’re into Elvis worshipping…
Little Rock – Clinton library, if you feel all educational. And White River catfish, if you’re into downhome food.
Oklahoma City – Federal Bldg memorial
If you have the money and time, might be worth stopping in Flagstaff, leaving the truck, and renting a car for a couple of days to see the Grand Canyon.
Enjoy! It’s a good time of year – won’t be blistering hot.
I like your blog, so you can stay over in Charlottesville for a night if it’s on your way south on 81.
San Francisco is one place that offers beauty and serenity.
Glaze you git down here to Miami and you got a deal…no dishwahing required.. I clean as I cook. Turn the dishwasher on every other week to keep it from seizing and going to hell on me.
kitchen.. spare bedroom… the works.
luis
Unfortunately, I am about five hours north of I-40, so I cannot offer my basement guest room and sofa.
However, a few restaurant (and other) recs for the road —
In Durham, NC, I like the Magnolia Grill. High end modern American/southern cooking. Excellent. Or Bullock’s Barbecue for deviled crabs, Brunswick stew, and chopped pork BBQ with a vinegar sauce and cole slaw.
Stop in High Point, NC to order any furniture you might need. They deliver at cheaper prices than you will find in SF!
In Memphis, do not miss Interstate Barbecue. As the name implies, it is right off of I-55. The barbecue spaghetti is terrific! I would hit Graceland beforehand. Go for the full tour so you can see everything. Maybe you will get lucky and see genuine Elvis relatives!
In Little Rock, I like Juanita’s (I believe it is on 13th Street) for flautas. Doe’s Eat Place makes fine tamales and tasty steaks.
In Fort Smith, I prefer Jerry Neel’s Barbecue. Texas style beef brisket barbecue. Mmm mmm good! Get whatever the special cobbler of the day is if there is one on the menu.
And of course, when you get to SF, celebrate at Yank Sing! Nothing says “Welcome to the West Coast” like soup dumplings and shellacked black cod!
Have a great trip! My brother took a modified version of your trip when he moved to LA from CT about seven years ago and had a great time.
Yay! You’re coming here!!
Did you ever see The Secret? Somehwat over the top but there are a few gems embedded. Its advice on believing in what you are doing, even if you can’t see quite how its all going to come together suggests you can drive all the way from New York to California at night , only seeing as far as your headlights illuminate. Seems to me you are doing it for real! Following your success down here in New Zeland.
I can’t get through on the phone or website. My friend will be more than disappointed if I don’t make a reservation for two on May 6th at 7pm. Any chances?
Thanks so much!
Mary
The statue of liberty always looks bigger in photos than in person.
You are going to love SF!
Wow, a cross country road trip. Now that is something I am looking forward to do. Seeing new and interesting places, new people, and new skylines, I envy you 🙂
No one can truly say what’s better – NY or SF, there are so many things different – for good and bad, But Hey! have fun down there, anyway.
Moving is never an easy job, but at the end, when the furniture at its place and the house is clean, there is a a great felling of satisfaction. I’m sure you will find San Francisco as warm and kind place.
Agreed ! Moving is quite tough task.When we shift from one place to another we have to move from very small thing pin to large one. The best way of moving is first make a list of all things. San Francisco is very good city . I hope you will enjoy there.