Marietta Stories | Crazy Cool Stories From The Community Builders Of Marietta, Georgia

The Marietta City FB Group loves the Crooked Tree Cafe and so do Bill Nowicki and Paul Southern. Bill and Paul experienced the brisket, sweet tea smoked chicken, potato salad, biscuits and homemade sauces. Paul called the brisket "the best I have ever had" and Bill agrees. The owner, Jeff Haeger leveraged his many years of restaurant experience to create a menu that customers love, even through COVID. Bill went to the Crooked Tree for breakfast, an hour after editing the podcast, he hopes you will check out some of highest quality food in Marietta.

Authentic Italian food, wine and great stories what makes for a better lunch than that? Well Bill, Heidi and Paul loved meeting Luigi Tartalione and his employees Madison and Vincent at Italia Mediterranean Grill on Cobb Parkway. We talk Mama, laundry and cooking as well as plenty of banter including watermelon planting pranks.

Paul Southern and Bill Nowicki are joined in their search for great hole in the wall restaurants by Paul's friend, Jim Tarvin. Jim is a frequent visitor to AJ's famous Seafood and Po' Boys at 2100 Roswell Road in Marietta. We sampled several dishes and especially enjoyed the 3 lbs of crawdads and key lime pie for dessert.  There was a good crowd all around enjoying what spring has to offer in Marietta!

Paul and Southern and Bill Nowicki head to Marietta Burger Bar for a great tasting, homemade meal. We spoke with a server who explained what her life during the pandemic. As a single mom she struggled as the restaurant lost patrons.  The great news is the owners took good care of her and helped her through the toughest parts. Still, customer numbers are down and they need help from the community. Hopefully folks will increase their tipping!

Tony Cruise grew up cooking and started working at Baby Tommy's 15 years ago when he restarted his life in Marietta after a divorce. Baby Tommy gave him the restaurant 5 years ago and Tony has worked pretty much non-stop ever since.  Tony puts in 14 hours a day, 7 days a week. On a typical Friday, he makes 200 pizzas and plans on keeping it that way for the future.  https://orderbabytommystogo.com/  

Raul Thomas is a survivor. He pivoted back to his first love --cooking--  after Marietta's Theatre in the Square experienced the COVID shutdown. Never shying away from a challenge, he rebuilt a food truck and started a restaurant and Bodega in Tucker, near Spaghetti Junction.  Paul Southern and Bill experience the cuisine that Raul first brought to Georgia back in the 90's. From octopus to pork to jerk chicken to plantains, from street to restaurant food, Raul is connected with the Caribbean culture he grew up with in NYC.

How many people know what they want to do at age 10? Well Brannen Temple did. He wanted to be a drummer and kept working, listening and learning. He became a sought after studio musician and has played with many of the greats from Chaka Chan to Janet Jackson to the Dixie Chicks.  What motivates him is the connection that is possible by putting aside your ego and creating true connection through trust, listening and love. He is coming to Marietta Jazz and Jokes. Come see him! http://jazzunderthestarsapril17th.eventbrite.com

Sabra Wood was on maternity leave as a flight attendant when she lost her supervisor on United Flight 93 on 9-11. Shaken, she decided to change careers into the corporate world. Then came the 2008 financial crisis.   A single mom with no immediate prospects, she settled in Marietta and began her journey as an entrepreneur and owner of the Red Eyed Mule.    This is her story.

Bill Nowicki and Paul Southern talk broken mics, lost badges and Josh's Chicago Hot dogs and Chicago beef. Josh bought the Taste of Chicago on Powder Springs Street from Carl and even though he is a descendant of an Old Marietta (OM) family.  He followed Carl's lead and recipes. You'll love the Chicago authentic foods as much as Paul and i did.

Mark and April run the Hunt House on White Circle in Marietta. Mark creativity cooks dishes inspired by locally sourced foods and brings in local bands to listen to when you eat. Paul Southern, Bill Nowicki and Heidi Roy (Bill's girlfriend) enjoy a Saturday night trying all the creative foods from the Hunt House. The crawfish Monica was to die for...

Marie grew up in Haiti and went to culinary school there. But it wasn't until she moved to Marietta, that she could realize her dream of creating authentic Haitian food right here. Paul and i tried everything from the beans and rice to goat to the crunch to the turkey and jerk chicken. While the cole slaw was pretty spicy, everything was delicious.  Marie of Marie's kitchen Beans and rice, conch, plantains, spicy cole slaw and special sauce

Season 5 of Marietta Stories kicks off next week! The whole season is dedicated to 10 restaurants in Marietta that you may have never heard of, but you should check out.  You will also get to know Paul Southern, Bill's closest friend in Marietta as they navigate the ever annoying pedestrian crossing by the bus station.

Three entrepreneurs moved to Franklin Forest, to help build an area that is growing despite the challenges of COVID-19.   I spoke with Thomas Monti of Schoolhouse Brewery, Nathan Martin of Go Forth Goods and Dan Fisher of American Axes all of them on previous episodes, to get an update.   I believe you will be inspired by their stories, I was…   https://www.schoolhousebeer.com   https://www.goforthgoods.com   https://american-axes.com

Rodney Gullatte and George Miller learned from teachers that made sure they only gave their best. Lemon Street school taught them much more than math, science and band. Lemon Street was an African American grammar and high school closed after integration in 1967. But there are people that want to keep the memories of Lemon Street alive.  One of those people is Nicholas Estes. He is creating a basketball tournament that is scheduled to be played at the Marietta High School and Marietta Middle school gyms on December 19, 21 and 22. Learn more at https://www.lemonstreetclassic.com

Jacob Viness is at it again. He directed his old team: Justin McEver, Wayne Delk and others in a followup from their first feature, Maggie’s Farm to a new Indie movie called Stories of a Madman. Stories of a Madman is an anthology film that takes place in different rooms of the same hotel. I got a chance to catch up with Jacob, Justin and Wayne a in December 2019, before COVID and it was a load of fun. The movie just came out on Amazon Prime Video (after submitting it in December!) and everyone should check it out and support these dedicated and passionate artists. Here’s the link. https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Madman-Justin-McEver/dp/B08FF68DXZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=stories+of+a+madman&qid=1596902391&sr=8-4

Kennestone has served Marietta and the surrounding community for 70 years. I spoke with Mary Chatman and two treasured nurses: Joyce McMurrain and Eartha Head.  Dr Chatman talks through the recent challenges and the community response from the COVID 19 experience. She also give the opening date for the brand new emergency deparment. Then Bill interviewed Joyce and Eartha who both started over 55 years ago.  Eartha describes the segregated hospital and the conditions for African Americans and the many changes that have taken place. Joyce included some of her experiences. They both love what they do and it shows.

Bill talks to Courtney Spiess, the marketing and PR manager for the Marietta visitor bureau. She talks through the excitement around the new website, the new branding and the Taste of Marietta, coming April 26th from 11 am to 7 pm. Music and the best food in Marietta, including a bunch of new restaurants.  We are super excited to taste the food and see who winds the coveted plate for "Tastiest Taste"! https://tasteofmarietta.com https://www.visitmariettaga.com  

Bobby Sparks grew up with two educators as parents. He starting playing organ at age 3 and developed his musical skills in church. His Mom supported his gospel music while his dad exposed him to Jazz and Blues.  He developed his skills and ended up playing with the likes of Prince, George Benson and several gospel greats.  What an amazing story. Bobby is coming to Marietta on 2/28/20 at Marietta Jazz and Jokes! Here's the link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marietta-jazz-and-jokes-ft-snarky-puppy-keyboardist-bobby-sparks-tickets-90485764357?fbclid=IwAR2L9ufZebTwikZHT5LZp_Xv9Br77ayRwP4IJENgfI5ZJhVQD0r7mKjs8VQ  

Bill spoke with Don (Donny) Most, who is best know for his portrayal of Ralph Malph in the 1970’s #1 Hit Show of Happy Days. This show was seen by 50 to 60 million people each week, before there was cable and streaming service. Hear how this sudden fame changed Don’s life and how his love of acting and his  goal to just keep working acting and singing got him through.   Now you can see Don and Sandy Duncan (Peter Pan), Didi Conn (Frenchy on Grease) and Adrian Zmed (Romano from T.J. Hooker) at the Strand Theatre Tuesday the 18th through Sunday the 23rd of February!   See them perform Middletown, a play that takes you on a journey with 2 couples through the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Join Peg and Tom, Dotty and Don, as they share their story of love and friendship 33 years in the making.   “I wanted to tell a relatable every person’s story, in a direct and straightforward manner, where human emotions are the bells and whistles. I wanted the words to speak for themselves.” - Playwright Dan Clanc

Bill interviews Blaine Clotfelter, one of Marietta Theatre Company's founders and they discuss their latest production, 5 Course Love. Three actor's switch scenes from Italian to German to other restaurants. There are 5 scenes total and each one is uniquely fun and exciting. Check this production out! Runs until 2/22/20 and is a great Valentine's Day date. Bill and Blaine also talk through some of the productions upcoming for the rest of Season 3 and Season 4. https://mariettatheatre.com