Breakfast in Sacramento?

I'd spent a little time sorting through options for how to spend my Sunday in Sacramento until my journey home. Flea Markets, Earth Day celebrations...
When I woke up this morning I was greeted by the rain. Rain rain rain. They don't have rain days in Sacramento because it rains that little. What to do?
Go local! Need a quick breakfast while in Sacramento? I can recommend for you to check out R15 Cafe Bernardo.
Just look at the breakfast burrito I enjoyed (and yes, it beat me! It's HUGE!)

From my bar stool and my knitting I struck on conversations with locals and decided there was but one choice now that I'd checked out of the hotel. The movies! Even Better --- A DOUBLE FEATURE at the historical Tower Theatre!

First up? Greenberg. I'm really glad that I saw this one first. It earned a meager 2.5 out o

f 5 stars in my book. It draggggged. Ben Stiller was fine. It did bring up emotion and frustrations and was painful to watch. I was glad when it was over, picked up my things and dashed to the other theatre for the 4pm of the The Ghost Writer. As I sat I peeked at my phone and see that my two friends that i enjoyed dinner with last night will be joining me and to save seats! How fun!

The theatres at the Tower theatre are long and thin, showing their age. I love theatres like this. They remind me of my childhood when going to see a movie was still an event. Let's talk about The Ghost Writer. I'm going to jump to the end or Roman Polanski's latest first. Thank you. Thank you for NOT putting the typical Hollywood ending. I won't say more about that. I enjoyed the plot and liked the character development. Thank you. I'd give 4 star (out of 5) to The Ghost Writer. A great way to spend a Sunday pouring rain afternoon!

After a quick dinner with my friends I headed to the airport for my 11:59pm flight, with plenty of time to spare. A nice ending to a lovely weekend. Thanks all in Sacramento!

Seeds of Change

The sun is shining in NYC! The birds are singing, my apple tree is in bloom and it's time (almost overdue) to plant some seeds. I've decided to try out Burpee's new "Ultimate Grow System." I'll be letting you know what I think of it as time goes by. Today let's talk about setting it up.

I ran through the directions and set up the first of two. I have the following comments.

1. Before you do anything, dump out the soil pellets from the growing container and flip it over. Carefully cut out the draining/watering holes that didn't get fully punched out in manufacturing. This will save you from soil spillage later once it's full.

2. Place the seed pellets, one per hole. Place them flat. They expand upwards/downwards. If they flip on their sides they don't expand enough.

It's easy as pie to set up.

I planted 2 flats after work & before dinner!

I planted a variety of things from flowers to herbs to vegetables. I'll be in and out of NYC and the country over the next 5 weeks so we'll see how the self-waterer does! I hope to be planting them all end of May!

It's places in the sun... Hoping the cats leave it alone!!

Once everything was planted I dashed out the door and across the park to meet Lisa at Cafe D'Alsace. Yummy steak frites -- 10 oz. Black Angus Hanger Steak with bone marrow, red wine sauce and fries -- although the marrow was only eh)...lousy waiter. We had smelled truffle oil and asked what dishes on the menu had it. He replied saying it wasn't on the menu and must be on the paella. When we balked "truffle oil on shellfish?" He said, of course and walked away. After reading it, there were two items on the menu with truffle oil... he really should know the single page menu better. They have only one special per day and it's a rotating weekly special (paella always on Thursdays.) That wasn't "terrible" just lousy knowledge of his menu. He continued to be a sub-par waiter and slightly annoying.

The food was tasty though and the evening was just what I needed.

Now to go pack for my trip to Sacramento! The car to the airport comes in 4 hours!!

Rockin' and Rollin'

Jane's been telling us for the longest time that we need to come hear her friend Orion and his band play (The Orion Experience). Sadly every time she's announced a show, I've been busy. But...not this time! She gave me enough notice that it was planted in my calendar and voila!

Mercury Lounge, Thursday night, 10pm.

SJ & Hiromi were able to join me and we met Jane and her pals there too!

The band: Front man, Orion Simprini on lead & vocals.
Linda Horwatt shown here in the sequined shirt and cape, sings vocals and plays a little keyboard. Not pictured, guitarist Reef, drummer Jon Weber and bassist Chris Lucas.

Catchy tunes like "Obsessed with You" have set You Tube on fire with Fan videos containing coked-up Mr. Potato Heads, teen age girls and stalker fans.
Even Perez Hilton has sung their praises!

Check out their new video:
Obsessed with You.

One aside... I really liked the performance. The band seems to have a great chemistry and their tunes kept my attention through out the set. I've since met Orion twice off stage and he's a lovely fellow. BUT...No more white trousers!!! I think that was the thing I heard most from the women in the audience. Whispers of "They're great, but what's with the white pants on the men?" Yes, the next band also had men sporting (tighter) white jeans...um - still a no no. They just don't look good!!

Orion, call me up before your NBC gig and we'll put together a great outfit for nationwide consumption! (A white suit on TV...no no no! TV adds 10lbs before you add a WHITE SUIT!!!)

Towards the end of the set Yuko was able to stop in too! After the music we headed down the block for a feast of Turkish and Middle Eastern delights.

Snowy Saturday!!!

While SJ spent the day relaxing and recuperating (it's almost been a ful 6 weeks since his surgery), I bopped down to Chelsea to meet with a few friends to view the Postcards From the Edge... Benefit for Visual AIDS Benefit Sale

Over 1,500 original postcard-sized works of art. $75 EACH. Buy 4 cards and get 1 free!
First-come, first served. Unfortunately what they mean by first come, first served is that once the postcard is bought it's removed... so I know next year I need to arrive when it opens!

"Postcards From the Edge is a Visual AIDS benefit show and sale of original, postcard-sized works on paper by established and emerging artists. All works are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The works are signed on the back and exhibited so the artists' signatures cannot be seen. While buyers receive a list of all participating artists, they don't know who created which piece until purchased.

All proceeds support the work of Visual AIDS, utilizing contemporary art for AIDS advocacy and historicizing the work of HIV-positive artists while offering career support."

From here we popped across the street to a restaurant on the south east corner of 23rd and 10th avenue. No, I don't remember the name. I do recall the waiter being funny, the food being sparse and the cost being more than it should have though. Jo, as always, rode her bike. She's a total road warrior - snow and all!

A subway hop home, toss together some cheeses, sausages, crackers, dips and snacks, pop the wine and voila...time to hang out with SJ and his friend before we head to the show. What are we seeing?

Al Di Meola World Sinfonia '09: Fusion Jazz Guitar Legend at The Concert Hall (2 west 64th street). Happily my friend Lisa is back from her holidays at home with family in Italy and was able to join us. The space at the Concert Hall was wonder. Small, almost intimate with a feeling of a modern church (which I think it's used as more often than not.)

The international ensemble was wonderful.

Beautiful sound and well worth trudging out in the snow for!!

If Di Meola comes your way, run, don't walk, to get a ticket or two.

Happy and Sad

It's often the little things isn't it?
Today I had to throw away my mug. The mug that I drink my coffee in. Have that cup of soup in. The mug that makes me smile and maybe even giggle when I pull it out of the cabinet.

It's my foolish Uncle Donut mug that I picked up years ago in the mall at the Peak in Hong Kong at, duh, Uncle Gene's Donuts. They make mini donuts and serve them with a variety of dipping sauces. Perhaps I'll makeit back to the peak of these trips. It's just so out of the way from where my work brings me in HK.

Rather than dwelling, I met up with my friend Allegra for an early breakfast at my local diner, the Metro Diner.

She was in town for an interview and we were lucky to be able to meet up! I figured I'd best take this opportunity to give her her house warming/holiday gift!!

By the way --- if there's anyone who's reading this who needs a wonderfully talented designer of children's clothing/textiles etc., drop me a line as she's just WONDERFUL!!! (Damned layoffs!) Full time? Freelance? Let me know!

It was a wonderful way to start the day after the mug incident.

Thanks for meeting for breakfast!!!

Gypsy!

I was so happy that Sandi and Jason were able to join me for dinner at Hagi followed by this amazing show! As always, [Sake Bar] Hagi was delish!The Pork with garlic sprouts was simple and fantastic . I have a difficult time finding the garlic sprouts in the US. Sometimes I can find them in Chinatown. What are they some have asked? Think chives but thicker and with a garlic flavor. Um - YUM! We of course got the Daikon Radish Salad with its million little eyes from the crispy tiny sardines that top it, a bowl of Pork Ramen, Bonito Sashimi, and grilled Hamachi (Yellowtail collar grilled and served with lemon. Perfect.)

I'm thrilled to have been able to see Patti LuPone in such a wonderful role as Mamma Rose last night. I'd been dying to see Gypsy for months when Monday an email popped up saying this was its last week. LAST WEEK! I sent out an email and a few friends were game to join me (thankfully the email also had discount codes!) Tuesday I dashed to the box office (to save the $10-$15 worth of per ticket fees) and got 3 of the last 10 tickets available. WOW!

It has been said long before now that LuPone was made for this role. She certainly gave it 110%. She must be exhousted at the end of each performance. Boyd Gains portrays an amazing

Herbie. You feel his pain and his love for Mamma Rose. Her more mild manored and wall floweresque daughter, Louise, is played beautifully by Laura Benanti. When she breaks out of her shell she transforms into a beautiful and sexy woman. Really well done.

What a wonderful night.

On the way out, crowds across the street were going crazy as Daniel Radcliff came out after performing in Equus. I'm hoping to see him before he leaves.

So many shows closing. Let's hope that Broadway figures a way to lower ticket prices during this economy before it's gone to a place of no return.

North Fork - Day 2

After a lovely day and night yesterday with Don, Sandy and family at the pier, we spent a little time at the outlets looking for a wedding gift for SJ to bring to South Africa next week before heading back down the North Fork for a walk down Love Lane and a chat with Sandy at the shop where SJ got a tidying up haircut from the Mastress barber herself!

Next Stop? The tasting menu at the North Fork Table and Inn. Driving through Southhold, you'd likely pass right by this simple yet elegant looking B&B. Do call and book a reservation for a table. The food was delish... but the wine pairing wasn't quite as good. Skip it and get a good bottle instead!!

The Beet Salad was TO DIE FOR. Between the amazing sherry vinaigrette and veg from "The Farm" by K.K. Haspel... add in the micro greens, chives and slightly candied pistachios... and you have YUM!
I enjoyed all of the courses... but this was by far my favorite. I will try to recreate it for sure!!

Off to see Darlene in the morning!! Yippee! South Fork here we come!

You're leaving NYC on a weeknight?

I KNOW! Shocker.
SJ had a brilliant idea to hit the new-ish IKEA in Red Hook Brooklyn on a weekday so today was the day. I was in and out and the proud owner of a new couch in 1.5 hours! It'll be delivered tomorrow no less! Yeah for fast IKEA service!!!

From there we dashed to Newark to NJ Pac for the continuation of Birthday Week 2008! SJ took me to see the touring performance of Cirque du Soleil's show Saltimbanco. Apparently it's the longest touring show thay have.

It was beautiful. Different from all of the other more gymnastic oriented shows that I've seen by Cirque du Soleil over the years. But it was visually more rich than many of the other shows.

When the show was finished, we dashed back into NYC for dinner at Bond Street in NoHo. I'd been once before and it was still as good as I'd remembered it to be.

What a tasty day - for the eyes, ears, and tongue! What a great day!
Thanks SJ!

What a great night!

After relaxing for the day, enjoying the company of the boys (who sat on my lap whenever I sat down) and wrapping up laundry and unpacking, I got all dolled up for my date. Testing out a New dress, thank you China, that I intend to wear to an island wedding later next month (gotta see if it's comfortable enough for all night dancing!) Hair curled. Make up done. Voila!

Hop a cab and zoom down to Central Park South to the Jumeirah Essex Hotel for dinner with Josh and the new South Gate restaurant. It's always fun to see Josh. Although we both live in NYC, we certainly don't get to see each other nearly enough.

It hit me when Joe visited last month that I've known Joe for over 20 years and Josh for just about 20 years. We all went to school together.

After having such fun at dinner and the opera last month, we decided to take in the last opera of the season (and the only other one I would be in town for) tonight. Candide at the New York City Opera, with this wonderful dinner before hand. Sadly the City Opera will be closed for renovation next year, although I've read they will be doing some things through out the season. Time will tell.

I've been waiting for the email from Troy, South Gate's sommelier, detailing out the menu and wines, but it's yet to come. So I'll write a brief description and fill in more later when I get the email. Oh -- and yes -- the camera is still set on the crappy setting as in the photos from last night's surprise party -- SORRY!!!

From my confirmation call straight through to their help hailing a cab the staff at South Gate was wonderful. They greeted my usual bubbliness with a warm smile and friendliness.

Josh and I were seated towards the back of the airy and spacious dining room. Wonderful decor (I love the swively chairs!!) by famed designer, Tony Chi. Our waitress was fantastic. Nice, helpful and funny. We decided upon the 6 course Chef's Tasting. Chef Heffernan and his staff did not disappoint. From the yellow tail to the ravioli soup to the short ribs - wow!

And...wait for it...TWO dessert courses!

We decided to go all out and have wine paired with each course...a very wise choice indeed. Their sommelier, Troy, was wonderful. He chose interesting and unique wines for us to try. I liked them all! The only bad part of the evening was having to slightly rush the tasting and dash to the opera. (Not that we didn't enjoy the opera too...) Next visit to South Gate I'll plan the evening around it instead of having a performance to attend.

We hopped a cab up to the New York State Theatre at Lincoln Center and were there in plenty of time to settle in for Candide. Keeping ones self awake through even the most fun opera after a 6 course wine-paired tasting is, I must admit, difficult. But doable! It helped that they had a wonderful cast -- Lauren Worsham, Daniel Reichard, Jessica Wright and Richard Kind. A fun show. I wish it wasn't the last of the season! With my traveling this spring I missed all too many of the operas. I think both Josh and I had really gotten in to the groove with this dinner and the opera thing.

From the opera we walked down to the Mandarin Oriental in the Time Warner building to have a drink at their bar. Being that Josh has been missing China, he wanted to go here for not only the view, but for a Tsing Tao beer. He'll be heading back to China a mere 2 weeks after I'm home from my next trip. Some how we've always missed each other on our trips to China.

So we sat in the bar of one of the most expensive hotels in NYC drinking $9 Chinese beers (that cost $0.75 in China), eating dim sum and enjoying the view.

What a welcome wonderful night. Now for sleep if jet-lag will let me have some.

Thankfully I think the beer will help.

Busy Busy Busy

One of my most important vendors is in town for the week. Although our work will take up some time I'd usually be using on other things, it's so worth it. I'm sure we're going to have a VERY productive week.

Not only is Marilyn in town, but she brought her older sister with her from Taiwan and her younger sister came up from North Carolina where she's going to school.


We three spent the day checking out the stores (and competition) downtown, mostly in Soho.
Bloomingdales Downtown had some beautiful things as did Mango and Uniqlo. Keep in mind that we try to hit as many stores as possible to see the trends and see what our competition has out in stores. It's not like we're picking out and trying on clothes etc. (Not that it isn't fun!!)

Marilyn was very generous to treat our entire office to dinner at Morton's Steakhouse.

Yummy steak and New Zealand lobstertail and very tender asparagus. YUM!!


Early to rise again tomorrow for day 2 of shopping/working.

Bring on the Music, Bring on the Fun!

How does a single girl fill up her weekends in NYC? My way? With as much fun as possible and utilizing as many of NYC's resources as possible!
First stop? A matinee of Xanadu with Jason and Devon. Jason and Devon had already seen it from a seat on the stage, but this was the first time they were seeing it from the audience view.



I know...the movie, although now a cultish classic, was grade B. The Broadway show? FUN! It had the entire audience laughing over and over again. Really, isn't that what you want on a cold and rainy Saturday afternoon?
Thanks Jason for suggesting it as a show I "Needed to see at this time in my life." You were dead-on right. Kerry Butler did a wonderful job in Olivia Newton John's role...and a grand job picking at the silliness of it all. Jackie Hoffman and Mary Testa did an equally great job keeping the witt and puns rolling through the show. If you want a silly, funny and absolutely NOT serious show...check out Xanadu.
After a tasty bite of Thai food I dashed home to wrap up a few things before dashing downtown to an unexpected invite for dinner at Lucien with Hiromi and her friend. Lucien is a lovely old French spot on !st avenue and 1st Street on the Lower East side... in other words...it's in no man's land. I taxi'd there as fast as I could and met Hiromi just in time. The food at Lucien was quite good. The Loup de Mer Chilien avec Julienne de Légumes (Chilean seabass with julienne vegetables, court-bouillon) and Escargots de Bourgogne (Snails, Burgundy-style) were lovely, as was the Michel Redde Sancerre (2002) and the Chateau Les Tuileries (2002) Sauternes.

What's next? On to Rockwood Music Hall to hear some live music!! No cover. Good music and a suprisingly well mixed sound.

We started with Johnny Marnell -- wonderful!

Johnny Marnell at Rockwood Music Hall Ricardo Rodriguez Bass


Really a great band -- pop on over to the My Space link (click his high lighted name) to hear a few of his tunes!!! I was so wrapped up in the music that I got ZERO photos of them performing. Instead here's a photo of Hiromi and I. :-)
I REALLY liked the song Johnny sung with his female back-up singer (below), Irina Perez, aka Ming, where she had more of a front-woman role. Hopefully Ming's website will be up soon.
A very talented band!

Johnny Marnell featuring Ming on Vocals / Ricardo Rodriguez Bass


Thanks to Linda for suggesting we go listen to Johnny Marnell!

The next band was fun too...I have photos of them...but can't recall their name!!!

All lovely ways to spend a Saturday. Thanks all for coming out to play!

Dancing Flavors and Feet

Although midtown restaurants often promise large and deliver small, tending often to an out of town crowd who may not realize they can and should expect more for their dollar, I was pleasantly surprised by Le Madeleine.

I went tonight to meet a party of 5 (only knowing 1 of the 4 people aside from myself) for a pre-show dinner. Being the first to arrive, they seated me without trouble, taking my coat and attending to my beverage needs as I waited. As my party began to arrive the person who'd made the reservation told the host that our party would now be a party of 7...not 5. This at 6pm on a Thursday in the busy theatre district. No trouble. A little work on the part of the staff and voila, a table for seven appears ready and waiting.

Let me say here how much I loved that this restaurant is a member of Slow Food. It showed on their menu as I saw local farms listed as suppliers where available. I enjoyed my mushroom tart and vegetable and Coach goat cheese pasta immensely. Everyone seemed to enjoy their measl - from mussles and salads to steaks and chops. There was no time for dessert - but there will be next time. A good option pre-theatre or pre-show (we headed from here to MSG.)


From here we briskly walked to Madison Square Garden to continue the evenings festivities!

Who were we going to see?

Juanes!!!!

What a great show!!!

The fans of Juanes really know how to enjoy a show!

As I looked around the audience I saw so many Columbian flags being waved. Bright yellow being worn by many -- such celebration of a country.

Everyone sang along and danced - no one seemed to be able to sit still!!
Wonderful.



Ooooh --- now I have to get some more of his music and get ready for the wedding to come this spring in Puerto Rico!!! Bring it ON!

New Beginnings

I'm back from my brief trip away last week. (See prior posts as they are filled in.)
Work has been busy - prepping for the arrival of my Taiwanese vendor who I'll work with and entertain starting Monday of next week.

What does a girl do for fun?
Get trained to start volunteering for God's Love We Deliver down on 6th Avenue.

Tonight I dashed from work to their office and listened and learned all about how GLWD started and how it's worked for over 20 years. Really an amazing organization providing 15,000+ meals a week for those with debilitating diseases and their dependants.

Take a look at their 20th Anniversary video. They are always looking for more volunteers! Come join me in the kitchen!!


From here I walked up and across Houston to meet Radhika for a bite at the newly relocated downtown location of Rice. Good food at a good price! We shared an order of veggie dumplings and a caraff of wine. I enjoyed a chicken tamatillo tamale and some Jerk Chicken with brown rice. Radhika enjoyed her Thai Curry with black rice. We finished the meal by sharing 3 homemade cookie-ice cream sandwiches. Yummm! A good reccomendation for dinner Radhika - THANKS!

What A FUN Valentine's Day!

After some meetings and work through the day, I popped down to 6th Avenue & Spring Street to volunteer with "God's Love We Deliver®." I'd signed up through OneBrick.org while I was in China so I wouldn't be sitting around alone at home on Valentine's Day. Good choice!

I really enjoyed my few hours there. I frosted 30+ sheet cakes and chopped a ton of celery. There were around 25-30 volunteers there chopping, packing, frosting, cleaning and prepping food to be cooked or delivered tomorrow -- 1600 meals -- to those in need (HIV/AIDS, MS etc -- any debilitating disease.) I may go through training and join the volunteer pool as a regular. It was really well done! Their volunteer coordinator didn't mind that I travel as much as I do either - yeah!!

From here I dashed back uptown to 32nd Street between 5th Avenue & Broadway to join 11 friends (Henri at left and Lisa at right) - both old and new - at TODAI, an all-you-can eat Sushi and Japanese Seafood buffet. (Yes, they had meats too!)
We all stuffed ourselves with the tasty choices and ended with banana & chocolate filled crepes! Yuuuuum!


At $27.95 per person, I thin kit was quite reasonable! (Those who got beers only paid $4.50/beer -- which is CHEAP in NYC!!)
Next - on to Henri's friend's Karaoke party downtown at Bar Bleu/ under Cafe Deville, the restaurant on the corner of 13th and 3rd Avenue. 4 of us joined Henri...all of the men dissapeared for one reason or another. It was a nice way to spend a little time getting to know Patrizia and Chiara, Patrizia having arrived in NYC only a week ago!



The fellow doing the Karaoke DJing, Adam, had quite a good selection (14,000+ songs)...everything from the Rat Pack to Annie Lenox to 70s Funk. We all sang songs -- I even sang one with the DJ at his request. (To bad the arrangement was completely nutty!)
We even squeezed in a spot of dancing!!!

Now it's home to wrap up some notes for tomorrow's morning meeting!

Thanks all for a wonderful Valentine's Day!!! Hmmm...so now what shall we do for President's Day?