After spending the last three days in Orlando at a conference. I don't have much to say about that other than I went to see Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba. A very pleasurable and nail-biting hour and a half. I did not realize I spent half of the show holding my breath until I let it out. All those gravity defying stunts...fist-in-mouth or mouth-wide-open-a-bird-could-fly-in type of entertainment. My DH and I had gone to see Zumanity in Vegas the week before which was more risque but no less acrobatic (less stuff done from heights though). Would recommend La Nouba to everyone.
Before I peppered my knuckles with teeth marks and destroyed my nails, we went to eat Cuban food at Bongos. After the black beans and rice, the sauteed pork chops, the yucca (cassava), and the virgin mojito (too sweet though), the great company (who couldn't seem to stop talking about politics) I was about to kiss the chef and all the staff. I was feeling a little less amorous when I fingered the price tag of a shirt I was planing to buy John on my way out of the restaurant -- $70! For a short sleeved cotton shirt. Nope don't think so. Sorry, honey -- you already know I can be cheap.
Conference over, I jetted to my coming-of-age city, New Orleans. Won't you believe it, it actually snowed this morning?!?! I am so ill prepared it'll make the snowman weep. But, i checked the weather before I left 4 days ago and it was in the 50s and 60s. It is in the 30s! Just my luck! I did not realize it either until I watched the news this morning and the news casters were talking about school closings around the city and surrounding parishes (counties). Look out the window and what do you know, it is indeed snowing. I experienced that moment of gladness, disbelief, and oh @#%&#! all at once. Oh well.
Next rude awakening after layering half the clothes I brought with me to brave the cold is the doorman tells me Lord and Taylors, my favorite store in NO, has shut down since Katrina. I guess it was not really my favorite store because when I was here last year I did not check. So now, I'm at the Canal Place Mall at the top of Canal street, enjoying the free internet in the foyer and patronizing the nearby Starbucks.
That's it for now. I need to be enjoying the NO cold instead of blogging to you!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Daily Grill
Due to the economy, we have been tightening our belts a bit so eating out has slowed to a crawl. But, there are sometimes that cooking is just not in my crystal ball so we go out to eat. To keep the bill down, we no longer indulge in scrumptious desserts, starters and drinks. My teetotaler status continues to help with our restaurant bills.
Last night, on the way home from the Orange County airport, John Wayne to the locals, we stopped at the Daily Grill at 2636 Dupont Drive in Irvine just off Jamboree in a semi strip mall . My real aim was to head for Kimera but that is a restaurant for another time.
We got there at 9:40pm, the kitchen closes at 10:00pm so we were just in time. With no time to tarry, I got the crab cakes -- two fat lump crab cakes on a bed of mixed greens. yum yum! John had the grilled Salmon with spinach and potatoes -- that was excellent too -- which he washed down with a glass of Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc. I had the non alcoholic long island ice tea: the Arnold Palmer.
No desserts so have nothing to say about that. Maybe next time. Without drinks taxes or tip we were at $41 so we need to work a little harder at the cost savings. At that time of the night and faced with the option of cooking, it was a good use of the money. The crab cakes were soooo goood!
Picture from OC Register
Last night, on the way home from the Orange County airport, John Wayne to the locals, we stopped at the Daily Grill at 2636 Dupont Drive in Irvine just off Jamboree in a semi strip mall . My real aim was to head for Kimera but that is a restaurant for another time.
We got there at 9:40pm, the kitchen closes at 10:00pm so we were just in time. With no time to tarry, I got the crab cakes -- two fat lump crab cakes on a bed of mixed greens. yum yum! John had the grilled Salmon with spinach and potatoes -- that was excellent too -- which he washed down with a glass of Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc. I had the non alcoholic long island ice tea: the Arnold Palmer.
No desserts so have nothing to say about that. Maybe next time. Without drinks taxes or tip we were at $41 so we need to work a little harder at the cost savings. At that time of the night and faced with the option of cooking, it was a good use of the money. The crab cakes were soooo goood!
Picture from OC Register
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Captain Jack's
Its been a while since I wrote and, it has been a little crazy with taking a creative writing class and a fashion concepts and production class at OCC. I digress. I am writing this post about eating.
Last night in search of a bit of drive and some good food we headed north on Hwy 1 to Captain Jack's Prime Rib and Seafood in Sunset Beach. The restaurant is located on a little canal just inland from the ocean. The homes there are just spectacular and they all seem to have a dock. You should have sen the yachts!
We were seated fairly quickly for walk-ins on a Friday night and at a window table no less! The beach cities being as casual as they are, the host did not comment on my flowered, orange flip-flops. I had not intended on going to dinner when I left the house that evening.
The restaurant is almost maze-like and a little dark which provides lots of little areas to be cozy and romantic in. Since the ceiling is a little low, sometimes a loud remark or laugh can really float through the the restaurant.
John ordered a G&T to start and I had sparking water with sauteed mushrooms and crab cocktail for appetizers. Both dishes were yummmy! The crab was very fresh and was served on a bed of ice and delightful cocktail cause. The sauteed mushrooms were in a butter sauce and cooked just right. Not overdone.
For mains I had the Chilean sea bass with tomatoes, and before you ask, yes I am on a diet. It did not stop me from eating a slice of the nicely warmed pumpernickel bread served at the top of the meal. John had the lamb on rice. He said it was delightful. I did not have a taste because I did not feel like red meat but it smelled excellent. I gobbled up my food in no time and left John in my dust gnawing on the bones. Delightful.
A team of waiters attend to you which is not a bad thing till you need something urgently like hot sauce or a new table knife. They are all really busy serving other tables. :-).
It is a very popular and highly rated restaurant among the locals but has always had seating when we have gone. I would highly recommend if you are driving down highway 1 and love seafood. I have never been disappointed with the food.
Last night in search of a bit of drive and some good food we headed north on Hwy 1 to Captain Jack's Prime Rib and Seafood in Sunset Beach. The restaurant is located on a little canal just inland from the ocean. The homes there are just spectacular and they all seem to have a dock. You should have sen the yachts!
We were seated fairly quickly for walk-ins on a Friday night and at a window table no less! The beach cities being as casual as they are, the host did not comment on my flowered, orange flip-flops. I had not intended on going to dinner when I left the house that evening.
The restaurant is almost maze-like and a little dark which provides lots of little areas to be cozy and romantic in. Since the ceiling is a little low, sometimes a loud remark or laugh can really float through the the restaurant.
John ordered a G&T to start and I had sparking water with sauteed mushrooms and crab cocktail for appetizers. Both dishes were yummmy! The crab was very fresh and was served on a bed of ice and delightful cocktail cause. The sauteed mushrooms were in a butter sauce and cooked just right. Not overdone.
For mains I had the Chilean sea bass with tomatoes, and before you ask, yes I am on a diet. It did not stop me from eating a slice of the nicely warmed pumpernickel bread served at the top of the meal. John had the lamb on rice. He said it was delightful. I did not have a taste because I did not feel like red meat but it smelled excellent. I gobbled up my food in no time and left John in my dust gnawing on the bones. Delightful.
A team of waiters attend to you which is not a bad thing till you need something urgently like hot sauce or a new table knife. They are all really busy serving other tables. :-).
It is a very popular and highly rated restaurant among the locals but has always had seating when we have gone. I would highly recommend if you are driving down highway 1 and love seafood. I have never been disappointed with the food.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Whale Watching at Dana point
One of the last weekends Bruce was here we went down to Dana point to whale watch. The drive to dana point is always spectacular because you are either on PCH or the Highway 73. We hose highwy 73 which is my second favorite highway becuase it is surrounded by hills my little car does not like the inclines but i put him, Jean Luc, through them anyway. 
Westminster DMV
Much to my friends dismay I'm sure my Louisiana license expired on my birthday this year. I was dreading the driving test (and the written) so I have been putting it off for a while. Well, we are at the point that the old LA license is burning a hole in my wallet -- especially since I have to carry two licenses. My recently expired one indicates valid without photo. When I get the uncomprehending frown I usually produce my really old one that expired 4 years prior.
I know that the license represents my last tie to New Orleans a city I came of age in and will always be very dear to my heart. But, it is time for that license with the address of my last home to leave my wallet.
I had a plan. I studied for the test frantically late Thursday night figuring that it was more likely to stay in my head if it was recent. Then hit the DMV the next morning at 8am when it opened to beat the long lines and try and get in both the written and the driving test done by my next meeting of the day at 1pm. I even filled out my form ahead of time to make sure there were not holdups and had my birth certificate and car insurance in an envelop. All set. Now sleep.
8am turned out to be more like 8:25am. I should really have been more like 8:15am but I had my heart set on turning the wrong way on Westminster avenue so I had to do a number of right turns to get back on track. My heart sank when I drove up. The parking lot was full! There were cars already doing the slow cruise waiting for some other happy soul who had already finished their DMV business to leave. Ugh!
The information line was short and that brightened my spirits considerably until I looked at my number G063. G063! That was a lifetime away since they were only on G17 and there were 7 other alphabet numbers (A-H) that were being called simultaneously. Then there is the row of dejected looking people that look up at you with a knowing glance that says plainly "this is the DMV what did you expect"?
I climb over some people to get to a seat. I never seem to choose one that is easy to get to. I'm sure some psychologist would have a field day with that one. Now we wait and we wait and we wait. After about 45 minutes of waiting my number gets called. I was just about to start getting bitter because some girls who came after me had just had their number called. Not happy at this point.
All is well, my number got called. Yippee! I bounce up to the counter and sing my hellos and turn on my serious face. He takes my form -- he has no changes. He looks at my birth certificate and my old license. You know it, I got the frown again. I whipped out the old one and that settled matters once again. He searched for my old license just to make sure I was not an impostor and finally asks me to sign the form and pay. What held up the process is I gave him a $100 bill and he had to go find change (the cost was $28). Ok, so far so good and I finally got to break that bill I had been carrying around in my wallet for months!
I know I am stupid like this but I worry about things. For example, I was not sure if they might find some traffic violation on my record that I conveniently forgot. Or maybe something really horrible like someone stole my identity and did bad things and I get to find out at the DMV when they call security to haul me away to jail. What is it about government offices that sometimes makes you feel that way?
Next stop was the camera! Oh no! I had not expected to be actually taking a picture this morning. I need a quick fix So, I reached into my purse and produced lip gloss and a lining pencil (Lillian would be so proud) and went about making one thing on my face picture worthy. I was concentrating on this task and hoping there was a long enough line in front of me so I could do it justice when the guy behind me said I was breaking DMV tradition didn't I know that it would turn out to be a horrible picture anyway?
Deep breath. Look here buster! I have to show that picture of me to every clerk and security officer from here to Timbuktu for the next 4 years I'll be damned if it isn't at least a decent picture! When all that played in my head my smiling answer was my last one was a mug shot so I wanted this one to be better.
It was finally my turn. A signature, thumb print, and a smile later my picture was taken and it was off to take the written test. I was sure by this time I had forgotten all I had read the night before. About another 15 -20 minutes later I was done after second guessing myself on a number of answers. I missed 5 out of 36. I was allowed to miss 6 as a first time CA license holder. I even got my test back when I asked politely. My license will come in the mail shortly ma'am and until then this slip of paper will be your license until 10/15. It was nice doing business with you. But can I use this to rent a car. Well ma'am that's up to them. With that I was thrust back out into the sunshine. No driving test required and no expired license fines. Unreal!
I was home at 10:20am (2 hours from when I got to the DMV!) and that included a celebratory stop at the McDonald's drive through because I was starving. It is amazing what DMV does for the appetite!
I am finally a California license holder! Yay! (now I can give my passport a rest)
I know that the license represents my last tie to New Orleans a city I came of age in and will always be very dear to my heart. But, it is time for that license with the address of my last home to leave my wallet.
I had a plan. I studied for the test frantically late Thursday night figuring that it was more likely to stay in my head if it was recent. Then hit the DMV the next morning at 8am when it opened to beat the long lines and try and get in both the written and the driving test done by my next meeting of the day at 1pm. I even filled out my form ahead of time to make sure there were not holdups and had my birth certificate and car insurance in an envelop. All set. Now sleep.
8am turned out to be more like 8:25am. I should really have been more like 8:15am but I had my heart set on turning the wrong way on Westminster avenue so I had to do a number of right turns to get back on track. My heart sank when I drove up. The parking lot was full! There were cars already doing the slow cruise waiting for some other happy soul who had already finished their DMV business to leave. Ugh!
The information line was short and that brightened my spirits considerably until I looked at my number G063. G063! That was a lifetime away since they were only on G17 and there were 7 other alphabet numbers (A-H) that were being called simultaneously. Then there is the row of dejected looking people that look up at you with a knowing glance that says plainly "this is the DMV what did you expect"?
I climb over some people to get to a seat. I never seem to choose one that is easy to get to. I'm sure some psychologist would have a field day with that one. Now we wait and we wait and we wait. After about 45 minutes of waiting my number gets called. I was just about to start getting bitter because some girls who came after me had just had their number called. Not happy at this point.
All is well, my number got called. Yippee! I bounce up to the counter and sing my hellos and turn on my serious face. He takes my form -- he has no changes. He looks at my birth certificate and my old license. You know it, I got the frown again. I whipped out the old one and that settled matters once again. He searched for my old license just to make sure I was not an impostor and finally asks me to sign the form and pay. What held up the process is I gave him a $100 bill and he had to go find change (the cost was $28). Ok, so far so good and I finally got to break that bill I had been carrying around in my wallet for months!
I know I am stupid like this but I worry about things. For example, I was not sure if they might find some traffic violation on my record that I conveniently forgot. Or maybe something really horrible like someone stole my identity and did bad things and I get to find out at the DMV when they call security to haul me away to jail. What is it about government offices that sometimes makes you feel that way?
Next stop was the camera! Oh no! I had not expected to be actually taking a picture this morning. I need a quick fix So, I reached into my purse and produced lip gloss and a lining pencil (Lillian would be so proud) and went about making one thing on my face picture worthy. I was concentrating on this task and hoping there was a long enough line in front of me so I could do it justice when the guy behind me said I was breaking DMV tradition didn't I know that it would turn out to be a horrible picture anyway?
Deep breath. Look here buster! I have to show that picture of me to every clerk and security officer from here to Timbuktu for the next 4 years I'll be damned if it isn't at least a decent picture! When all that played in my head my smiling answer was my last one was a mug shot so I wanted this one to be better.
It was finally my turn. A signature, thumb print, and a smile later my picture was taken and it was off to take the written test. I was sure by this time I had forgotten all I had read the night before. About another 15 -20 minutes later I was done after second guessing myself on a number of answers. I missed 5 out of 36. I was allowed to miss 6 as a first time CA license holder. I even got my test back when I asked politely. My license will come in the mail shortly ma'am and until then this slip of paper will be your license until 10/15. It was nice doing business with you. But can I use this to rent a car. Well ma'am that's up to them. With that I was thrust back out into the sunshine. No driving test required and no expired license fines. Unreal!
I was home at 10:20am (2 hours from when I got to the DMV!) and that included a celebratory stop at the McDonald's drive through because I was starving. It is amazing what DMV does for the appetite!
I am finally a California license holder! Yay! (now I can give my passport a rest)
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Getty Villa
In the aim to give Bruce some culture on his visit, we took him to the Getty Villa in Malibu on Sunday. He thinks we are the host and hostess with the mostest. He has no idea.
The villa has a view of the ocean. It was built as a replica of an Italian villa complete with a roman-style road (rather bumpy) leading up to the villa. Lots and lots of marble. Simply spectacular. The best part about it is it was free and parking is $8 per car. Some folks brought picnic stuff and ate on the benches by the large pool. There are plenty of benches in alcoves to enjoy the various views. In all, it was a great idea. It is just as good at the Getty Museum.
We spent 2 hours perusing which was just enough to see all the exhibits. I would probably suggest spending 3 hours to go at an even more leisurely pace. There is a cafe on the grounds but we did not try it so I don't have much to say about it. The other thing I would like to do at some point is come back when they have a performance on. Oh, I forgot to mention there is an outdoor amphitheatre.
http://www.getty.edu/visit/events/villa.html
Below are a few pictures we took while enjoying the villa.
Water Features:
This pool greets just inside the atrium.
A mummy
Fertility Goddess
The villa has a view of the ocean. It was built as a replica of an Italian villa complete with a roman-style road (rather bumpy) leading up to the villa. Lots and lots of marble. Simply spectacular. The best part about it is it was free and parking is $8 per car. Some folks brought picnic stuff and ate on the benches by the large pool. There are plenty of benches in alcoves to enjoy the various views. In all, it was a great idea. It is just as good at the Getty Museum.
We spent 2 hours perusing which was just enough to see all the exhibits. I would probably suggest spending 3 hours to go at an even more leisurely pace. There is a cafe on the grounds but we did not try it so I don't have much to say about it. The other thing I would like to do at some point is come back when they have a performance on. Oh, I forgot to mention there is an outdoor amphitheatre.
http://www.getty.edu/visit/events/villa.html
Below are a few pictures we took while enjoying the villa.
Water Features:
This pool greets just inside the atrium.
This is the large large pool on one side of the villa with lounging statues on each end.
Busts & Statues:
Caesar: He wanted more power than the senate was willing to give him. Ides of March ...
He looks terribly annoyed
Zeus was the swan in this statue
Hercules?
Athlete
Old and young women of antiquity
Sarcophagi
A mummy
Jewellery
Fertility Goddess
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Los Angeles! Griffith Observatory & MONA
With Bruce here, I wanted to show him some of LA, what better way to start than with the Griffith observatory. The drive up there was a little slow due to the traffic. The place was packed the regular parking lots were full and folks were parking down the hill and walking to the top. Considering how hot it was we decided to move on.
Next on our list was the Museum of Neon Art -- figured we could do something a little different from a mainstream museum. We asked Maude (GPS) how to get there and she said 501 W. Olympic. Off we go. We get there and it looks a bit off but we are not deterred we only look harder. We did find a museum but it happened to be the FIDM museum. FIDM= Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. It was closed. Bruce was quite pleased because a friend of his was going to be attending the institute and at least he could say he had been there. So easily pleased!
Both John and I finally asked a couple of security guard people where the MONA was and they said it had moved to 4th st. I called to verify and that was indeed the case. I am thinking it is time to update Maude. The museum had moved about 2 years ago.
Mona proved to be a hit. It was a little crazy inside with holes in the ceiling but the pieces were unique. Some were a little old and a few were not working but it was indeed a unique find.
Next on our list was the Museum of Neon Art -- figured we could do something a little different from a mainstream museum. We asked Maude (GPS) how to get there and she said 501 W. Olympic. Off we go. We get there and it looks a bit off but we are not deterred we only look harder. We did find a museum but it happened to be the FIDM museum. FIDM= Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. It was closed. Bruce was quite pleased because a friend of his was going to be attending the institute and at least he could say he had been there. So easily pleased!
Both John and I finally asked a couple of security guard people where the MONA was and they said it had moved to 4th st. I called to verify and that was indeed the case. I am thinking it is time to update Maude. The museum had moved about 2 years ago.
Mona proved to be a hit. It was a little crazy inside with holes in the ceiling but the pieces were unique. Some were a little old and a few were not working but it was indeed a unique find.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)