San Francisco MOMA in October

John and I went to the SF MOMA in October below are some of the pictures we took. I'll name the ones I can remember or find on the web.

Picasso Les femmes d'Alger (Women of Algiers) 1955

Mario MerzItalian, The Lens of Rotterdam 1988

Roof top Garden: The lady in the chair is intently looking at the glass and stone structure. I could not help taking a picture because she was so intent.

Katharina FritschGerman, Kind mit Pudeln (Baby with Poodles) 1995/1996

me!

Andrew Kudless’s P_Wall, 2009 (Comissioned by SFMOMA)

This one was strange. I looked like foam body parts.

These two I don't remember the artists either but they fascinated me.

Didn't understand this one but I loved the abadoned hat.

Don't remember the name of this one but I loved it. It was pencils in some sort of bolt.

This one of course you would recognize. Frida Kahlo.

San Francisco: CJM

As the title suggests, I'm in good old SF this week. I can't believe it is the middle of August and I'm still cold. I brought along one of my heaviest scarves -- the one that makes me flush -- but its not enough. Luckily I keep a jacket or two in the office for such an occasion and I whip out my current favorite bright coral jacket to light the way back and forth to my hotel. I'm styling. BTW, ladies don't prespire or sweat, they become flush ... it's a southern thing.

Even though my hotel is a few blocks from Union Square, I always find myself walking along the path to the Contemporary Jewish Museum because over the past year that has become my favorite open space in San Francisco. It is half a block from SFMOMA and you get a great view of the MOMA's architecturally interesting roof. The CJM itself has a great water feature out front which is quite relaxing but I am mostly drawn to the museum store which is polished black onyx gem of a building that appears to balanced on one of its points. I always love walking underneath it imagining it is tilting ever so slightly in my direction. thought always makes me laugh to myself and shake my head. I'm sure one of the crazies who hang out there have seen me do this before and thought I was crazy.

Maybe I am, as many many times I have walked by those buildings and have nver gone in. Somewhere in my mind, I believe I'm afraid the going in will destroy the wonderfy sense of awe and mystique that hits me when I walk by. The building was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind and was to include an adaptive reuse of the landmark Jessie Street Power Substation, designed by Willis Polk in 1907. this was Libeskind's first commissioned project in North America.

The water feature out front reminds me of a serenity pool. there is no sign of noisy splashing water except for the roaring fountain across Mission street outside the Metreon. the water surface is glossy, flat, and mirror-like. I almost wish I were more vain...

Pictures to follow. Now with pictures.

South Restaurant

Have not written in a while because I was either lazy or did not find anything noteworthy. But my fingers are itching again so here goes.


Finally found an authentic southern restaurant in Orange County! South in San Juan Capistrano which is about 27 miles from Huntington Beach which ought to give you an idea how far we had to go to find good ole southern cooking.


We have been there twice now and I love the food! Last time we went, the waiter suggested the fried okra. I had not had fried okra in 10+ years! We heartily agreed and when it arrived, we downed the squishy crunchy goodness forgetting how many calories they had. OMG! I have missed fried southern food! The one thing they don't have is tattertots but I can live with that.


The menu is great. Between the two times we went we had corn bread while we waited for the food to arrive, hmmm my total weakness. Crab cakes and gumbo for appetizers -- very good. Blackened redfish and Fried chicken. The fish was heavenly the fried chicken was ordinary. The next time was the catfish and roast garlic chicken. Both dishes were very tasty except the chicken did not taste southern.


Dessert, which I have trying to stay away from beckoned deliciously from the menu. We gave in and had the key lime pie. That was worth waiting for. I am not a pie person, but the yellow tangy goodness topped with whip cream hit the sweet spot. It was divine. I would come back just for desert and next time try the chocolate pecan pie.


While it does not beat actually being in New Orleans, St. Louis, Atlanta, or Mobile the food is the closest thing I have found to good southern cooking here. While it is right off the highway, the location is not the best in the almost obscure strip mall with no tell-tale signs out front or on the street facing side.


With that, I am on to more exploring of Orange County. Next Santa Barbara.

New Orleans

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!

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

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.

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)

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.

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