WARREN OAKES

Warren Oakes co-owns Boca Fiesta restaurant, plays drums in Sunshine State, and is a former member of Against Me!

What was the food highlight of your year?

My food highlight was a pilgrimage to the very recently closed Hot Doug's in Chicago. (RIP)

I have eaten at Doug's easily a dozen times over the past 8 years and consider it to be, perhaps the most perfectly executed concept I've ever experienced. The menu was focused and expansive simultaneously, with the format unwaveringly tube-shaped meat, but the variations were epic. I had venison, wild boar, kangaroo, foie gras, buffalo, elk, and reindeer dogs at various times, paired with duck fat fries on the weekends. As far as I know, Doug Himself took every single order every single day. Believe the legend! Hot Doug's was the real deal and will be missed. 

What was the music highlight of your year?

Directly after waiting in line at Hot Doug's for about 5 hours in order to get our final fix, my fearless co-pilot and I rented a car and drove to the twin cities to eat a Jucy Lucy (burger with a molten cheese core) at Matts bar in Minneapolis and then crossed over to St. Paul to see the Replacements! Old buds Hold Steady and Lucero opened the show and every band KILLED IT. Perfect combo trip of food and music. Shout out to MKR for being my partner in crime!

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

Eating Cuban sandwiches in Miami after a really fun Sunshine State show at Gramps deserves a nod. Yum!

@bocafiesta

WARREN OAKES

Warren Oakes is co-owner of Boca Fiesta and played drums in Against Me! His new band, Sunshine State, is currently in the studio.

What was the food highlight of your year?

My food highlight was spending 6 days in Guadalajara, Mexico in early November with my business partner and buddy Jake. I really couldn’t pick out any one meal, just being immersed in such an enthusiastic food culture was amazing. The most surprising thing probably was how stoked everybody was about pizza and doughnuts. We got to see a soccer match and all the vendors are walking around selling pizza and doughnuts. There was not a single taco or churro in the whole damn stadium! We got to try home brewed pulque in a really small, off-the-grid, pulque bar. Its a strangely sour and funky and allegedly hallucinogenic potion made from the same plant mezcal is made from. I felt a little something weird in my mind, gonna have to drink more next time to truly test that claim. I also had the best torta, best tamale, best taco, best tortilla, and best tequila I’ve ever tasted. Can’t wait to go back.

What was the music highlight of your year?

My music highlight was Fest in Gainesville. I had the double pleasure of hosting rad shows at my venue and playing a very fun set with my sweet new band. So many great bands, so many nice folks. My favorite Fest so far.

Was there a moment when food and music came together in a memorable way?

I’ve managed to arrange my life in such a way that the intersection of food and music is where I spend virtually all of my time. I own a venue that is connected to a restaurant, so coming up with recipes and menu development while booking shows and running sound is what I do for a living. And playing music and eating everything is what I do for a life. Living the dream!

@bocafiesta