Large cooked scallops tend to cool quickly. Mindful of this culinary reality, you won’t want to devour such a decadent creation right away; rather, the robust combination of flavors and textures deserves to be steadily enjoyed throughout its inevitable temperature descent. As creamed spinach, butter croutons and “citrus foam” team up with succulent sea meat on a spacious plate, in the company of thick crispy blocks of bacon, subtle oven-dried tomatoes and delightful dabs of salmon caviar, how could you possibly go wrong?
I myself am about to go wrong if I say more, because the reciting of these stunningly compatible ingredients seems to be compromising my writing concentration, leaving me yearning for another go at this exceptional entree. As such I shan’t go on but to recommend your own selection of this curiously named “Scallop BLT” upon your visit. The title proves deceiving, as what arrives before you is anything but a sandwich!
First you need a starter course, of course. Dare I suggest the above presentation of house-cured salmon adorned with olives, hearts of palm, breaded goat cheese and sea urchin vinaigrette– creatively unveiled on a “slab” fit for any fashionable kitchen– or is this just too much for you to contemplate from such a distance? Skip to dessert shall I, to the lavender creme brulee, fireside even? You’ll certainly want to top it off with some of the strongest and most satisfying coffee I’ve tasted in recent memory.
Anyone who says fine dining is dead has not experienced Maravilla at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. To dine here is to experience an evening of sincere yet simple elegance. The retelling of my pre-Christmas dinner reaches no quick end, as my numerous positive impressions abound– from selection, to service, to overall atmosphere, not to mention the welcoming bar to start off! Altogether, Maravilla leaves me with a glow on my face, a growl in my stomach and a tighter button on my pants. But why take my word for it? Savor it all for yourself.
In case you need one more reason to feel older, here it is: The DC-10 made its last passenger flight today. The three-engine wide-body workhorse of the 1970s and 80s has now been retired from commercial service throughout the entire world, after having finally bid adieu to U.S. air travelers six years ago. I fondly recall the many flights of my youth aboard a DC-10, leaving me now with this personal reminder of time’s passage. And to think, I also remember when DC-8s were still lugging us here and there– but really, why show my age?
Well into December, with the 25th fast upon us, it’s time once again for the annual playing of my very favorite Christmas song performance of all time. They sure don’t make them like this anymore!
As the 2013 L.A. Auto Show closes shop, I’m thinking of a handful of classic and not-so-classic models that were not there on display, including more than a couple I’ve always liked. For all that TIME Magazine told us back in 2007– via some clever and humorous writing to boot– the continued passage of, well– time– might change a few hearts but will never rewrite history. TIME’s collection of models can simply be called timeless.
Consider deadlock on civil rights in 1964, followed by no further U.S. involvement in Vietnam after 1965. Suppose the vice president had been forced from office well before the next election, triggering the selection of his replacement. And think about the first lady’s calculated next move after eight years in the White House.
Exactly fifty years since the assassination of President Kennedy, today marks not only a fitting remembrance of what was, but also a fascinating exploration of what might have been. Aiding in this rich intellectual journey, author Jeff Greenfield has done it again, presenting us with his newest and well-timed work of alternate history, “If Kennedy Lived.”
It all comes down to one meteorological circumstance which ultimately changes everything, from split-second reactions to long-term policy decisions and every ironic turn of fate along the way. All the while, readers are invited via Mr. Greenfield’s plausible scenarios to ponder one alternative evolution of 1960s history, including the momentum of the growing counterculture and the administration’s tactics to quell certain scandal. The ironies abound, including chuckle-inducing quotes from private citizen Richard Nixon and a young Al Gore, Jr., among numerous other key players who either emerge or disappear as alternate developments dictate.
Fifty years ago today the world changed in an instant. Imagine, at least for this quick yet captivating read, if that instant had produced a different result, well beyond the immediate events of November 22, 1963.
President Obama, first lady Michelle, former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pay their respects at a wreath laying ceremony in honor of President John F. Kennedy today at his gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery. Friday marks the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination. (Photo: IIP Digital)
With the 50th anniversary upon us, all sorts of questions remain. New and old, sensible and outlandish, each is propelled by a keen and unyielding fascination surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Now feeding our collective, unsatisfied appetite is a captivating series of National Geographic documentaries once again dissecting the already-dissected moments of November 22, 1963, including JFK: The Lost Bullet,The Lost JFK Tapesand JFK: The Final Hours. Each of these productions turns out at least a few morsels of related and not-so-related facts that we might not have heard before but still find interesting. (I for one never knew eight-year-old actor-to-be Bill Paxton saw and photographed the president in Fort Worth that morning.)
Then we have the newest and much-promoted dramatization of Jack & Jackie Kennedy’s presidential life and final moments together, in NGC’s film adaptation of Bill O’Reilly’s novel Killing Kennedy. While the often-predictable Rob Lowe manages to pull off a decent portrayal of JFK, Ginnifer Goodwin’s re-creation of the first lady comes across– to me at least– as weak and unconvincing. (I’ve seen better “Jackies” over the years, thank you.) Altogether, the apparently common sentiment holds its ground, that this movie tells us nothing new, and definitely nothing outside the boundaries of the official yet increasingly disputed lone gunman theory.
Nevertheless, Killing Kennedy is worth watching for the sake of another welcome trip along that same old path of nostalgia that most Americans have traveled once, twice or 100 times over the past half century. The “newest” element to this so-called bland and unimaginative account comes in the powerful portrayal of Lee Harvey Oswald, played by the talented Will Rothhaar. In my initial opinion, he carries this film.
Watch and consider for yourself. Take in the sprinklings of history atop everything you no doubt already know. And watch the documentaries first, for this is where the real quenching of our fascination lies after all, even as all those questions– under whatever descriptor they fall– stack up faster than they might ever have answers.
Birthdays are typically marked with simple elegance– or if you prefer, elegant simplicity. The latest celebration– not my own this time– proved no exception. The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel remains the classic spot for a classy tribute, surrounded as always by the fascinating ghosts of Hollywood history.
Since when has there been any issue with the term elegant? While the apt descriptor thrives in varying degrees, never have I sensed a negative connotation with its use. Alas, I was momentarily taken aback.
Times, styles and terms change, fortunately and unfortunately. Today, fondly recalling my satisfying visits to the debatably elegant “palace of kitsch” circa 2000, my curious anticipation of its pending reopening goes without saying. For the final selection of bowls, plates, glasses and flatware with which we are ultimately presented, coupled with the long-in-coming new logo, among all else, I’m counting on a respectable degree of that apparently frowned-upon “elegance” here– at least as much as today’s seemingly not-so-old-fashioned, dress-code-adverse New Yorkers will allow. Must “hip” come at the expense of “elegant,” after all?
In any event, the “new” Tavern on the Green will soon open its doors– hopefully in the right direction. I’m looking forward to the experience on my next NYC visit, loss of “kitsch” noted. My fingers are crossed.
When heading far enough north on I-55 out of New Orleans, you’ll inevitably encounter one historical– and perhaps more importantly, tasty– site that’s a must-stop. I speak of course of Middendorf’s, home of not just what’s been called “possibly the best fried fish in the world,” but also of what yours truly calls unique, delicious and downright worth the experience– the famous turtle soup! While this month marked my first visit to the spirited yet understated establishment, along with my first taste of such a well-known delicacy, at least now I can say it’s definitely not my last, of either. I have a feeling you’ll be saying the same.
Any TV commercial that makes me laugh out loud simply has to be good, and this one takes the lead– starring one of my all-time favorite fictional comedy characters in a series of such spots. Not to mention, to my satisfaction there’s an automobile involved here of course, while perhaps these new laughs will indeed trigger some sales– we’ll see. Meanwhile, if only I can figure out where to score myself that fantastic suit!
Be it a bulging bleu cheese burger cooked deliciously rare, a copious crab roll crying out for a bit more flavor, an ample Absolut Peppar martini or simply a ready round of the gloriously garlic potato chips, choices abound. The friendly service, peaceful atmosphere and comfortable accommodations come standard– whatever your selection might be.
Jimmy’s Pub always awaits, stylishly yet quietly tucked away at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.
If the question were: “Is ‘Modern Family’ the funniest new show on television?”, then indeed the answer would be a solid yes! (“30 Rock” is no longer, after all.) This might not be the promo’s pressing question, however, but rather a fan’s obvious takeaway. In any case, it seems we’ll be hearing a lot of “yes” this season!
Apparently it’s not 1990 anymore. And I have to admit I wasn’t paying attention of late. Upon first sight of a TV commercial for the all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50, instantly I thought: “Oh good, it’s about time a full-size Q returns to the helm, a descendant of that which initiated the brand 24 years ago. I can’t wait to get a look.”
The flagship Q of 1990.
Boy, was I wrong! Upon investigation of Infiniti’s website confusion set in. Then with further reading I sat corrected. Unlike the old days, tomorrow’s Q is not attempting to keep pace with S, 8 or 7. Rather, the return of the once-reigning letter kicks off Infiniti’s new nomenclature, a shift sure to put the “Q” in question.
The entry-level Q of 2014.
As for that look… well, as I’ve said before I say again, too many cars these days look alike. In other words, I’m at first glance underwhelmed. At this point I say the M remains Infiniti’s most unique and strongly styled model. Oh, but wait– with everything starting with “Q”, so long “M.” I better start paying attention!
…merely to be outdone by its replacement. So comes number nine, the next in a remarkable line of generations that have closely followed our own… uh, generations. The 2014 S-Class will be joining the Mercedes-Benz U.S. lineup just about any day now. Meanwhile, the insightfully wordy folks at Vanity Fair have done us the good deed of ranking all “S-carnations” for our careful review– including the brand-new ninth. Let’s just say that for the order in which they here fall, I do mostly concur– especially with number one!
In any case, here’s to seeing another “S-Car” come and… well, you know.
For better or not-so-better, any moment in political history occurs just once, without a retake, yielding an indelible result. Still, it’s often fascinating to consider alternate outcomes– both immediate and long-term– especially with the help of a deeply insightful book on the subject.
Suppose President-elect John F. Kennedy had been killed before his inauguration, as truly came close to happening one December morning. Say the gunman in the Ambassador Hotel on that June night had been tackled before hitting his target, allowing Robert Kennedy’s presidential campaign to proceed. And even without an act of violence or death, consider how words alone could have gotten President Gerald Ford elected in his own right– and from there, who would have succeeded him.
Historians, academicians and philosophers often like to ponder the age-old question, “What if?” And for the rest of us who like to ask it as well, reporter/author Jeff Greenfield presents a captivating 400 pages to feed such an appetite, adding to numerous works of alternate history while showcasing an extensive and unique cast of characters. As fact launches into fiction, we the readers are invited to contemplate, through good and bad, how history might have been written. The entire “if, then” logic structure rings loudly, hypothetically enough. Let’s just say the film in my last post clearly would not have been made!
“Then Everything Changed” proves a fascinating and reflective read for anyone who appreciates how it really was, while craving a glimpse into how it could have occurred. “It” is far more than merely who holds office; the everyday media and social divergences are intertwined. I’m thrilled to have picked up this two-year-old book, in the end leaving me satisfied that some pieces of history happened as they did– while wishing others might have turned out differently. Ironically enough, some very memorable events that defined our reality still took place in Mr. Greenfield’s alternative scenario, just at different times among other players. Such compelling instances simply strike nerves with all the more impact on the reality vs. fantasy balance. And of course, in scenarios both real and imagined, Bugs Bunny always does beat Daffy Duck.
Ultimately, from tragedy, loss and failure to peace, victory and opportunity, with all that might have happened and the rest that never did, “Then Everything Changed” concludes with a final paragraph demonstrating the mark of a thoughtful and well-balanced author. That is, I laughed out loud. I bet you will too!
“The Nixon presidency is endlessly fascinating, and his taped conversations, even now, are shocking, revealing and addictive.” (7/31/13)
Two out of three’s not bad, so I contemplated in reaction to these words in The New York Times.
The “new” audio-visual elements are indeed revealing, launching any interested viewer onto a potentially addictive historical journey. Shocking, no. Still, despite its expected and obvious editorial slant coupled with some peculiar musical selections, “Our Nixon” is well worth the watch.
Then, what Ben Stein has to say seems well worth the read. After all, there’s of course more than one viewpoint to consider along the journey, whatever descriptive terms one might employ.
It can’t be me– I wasn’t born after all. While I’ve always assumed the attractive, likable and allegedly self-absorbed Warren Beatty was the honoree, we’ve just been reminded once again that the mystery has never quite been solved. Nonetheless, one of my all-time favorite, now-classic songs is back in the news this week– Jeannie Moos-style to boot– prompting that same old question that Carly Simon has yet to answer after more than 40 years! You probably think this song is about… well, someone worth revealing, don’t you?
He departed suddenly, perhaps in an instantaneous cut to black akin to the presumed demise of his famous character. The actor who delivered us television’s most likable mobster has been taken in a flash. Six years after the last of Tony Soprano, we now say goodbye to James Gandolfini, gone all too quickly.
Actress Jean Stapleton reached her 90th birthday this past January, a fact of which I was aware well before her death last Friday. Check out this helpful source to see if any of your classic favorites are still with us!
A good 99 out of 100 television ads pass me by unnoticed, at least on any day without a Super Bowl. From time to time however comes one that bucks the trend. In this case a head-turning new car model teams up with a tuxedo-clad gentleman and one of my favorite singing voices of all time, altogether grabbing my attention just as intended. After all, anything “classic” wins with me– the nostalgist at heart– even as I remain unlikely to purchase the product at hand. Bottom line: I’m sold– but not– while delighted that the classic is back.
Through his humble and straightforward narrative style, I can hear her breathy voice calling his name, be it in amusement, annoyance, or a unique combination of the two. The deeply personal recounting of so many private yet fascinating moments yields a refreshing portrait of a woman subjected to so many portraits– in this case one without drama, sensation or agenda. Clint Hill takes us, his readers, on a one-on-one historical journey that only he can tell. And though “that day” came more than a decade before my birth, his frank and detailed words drew me in close enough to feel as if I were right there alongside him on November 22, 1963.
For all that’s been written about First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy over the past half century, only the U.S. Secret Service Agent assigned to her detail holds the otherwise unrecorded memories to write as he does. And Mr. Hill writes well in “Mrs. Kennedy and Me,” despite a few cases of grammatical usage that his proofreader apparently missed. She returns to life throughout these pages as calculating yet reasonable, demanding yet understanding, mischievous yet respectful– and the descriptors can easily go on. As her voice speaks through the pages, above all else I imagine her picking up a copy from beyond, glancing at it with a stunned yet captivated expression, and in disbelief that yet another entire book has been written about her, immediately calling out, “Oh, Mr. Hill…”
“Just as the public tends to view presidents more kindly once they’ve left office, ex-presidents, too, tend to soften their judgments – or at least their public comments – with time.” (Huffington Post, 25 April 2013)
Softened or not, I always appreciate the rare occasion on which to view all living former U.S. presidents, among the current, in the same eyeshot. Today’s gathering reminds me of another classic below from 1994, except in the present case no death was involved. Naturally, some change with time more than others.
When one of these stunning-yet-sadly forgotten machines crosses the path of any classic car aficionado– seldom as it will be– heads will turn. So indeed turned my head upon my own rare sighting of one underrated masterpiece that deserved such a longer life. At least one left-hand-drive Jaguar XJ6C still lives!
“Really? So THAT’S how it happened?! What a letdown.” At least this was my first line of thought. Moments later my second mental train departed, leaving me reassuring myself: “Oh, ok. Maybe this really was the right way to do it after all. I suppose this season finale does make sense when you think about it.”
And now– dare I say– it makes even more sense to call it quits. While certainly the last person to want to say this, I must be realistic, as too should any true series follower. Larry Hagman is dead, and so now is J.R. Ewing. The villains have been rounded up if not eliminated. Points of peace have been reached, at least among the principal players. And speaking of Principal, Victoria will not be stopping by. J.R. executed his masterpiece while voluntarily extinguishing himself. Ultimately slipping past any killer’s hands, he dictated the manner of his death– and with justifiable reason. While a disappointment this long-in-coming revelation initially seemed, the most fitting sendoff it settled in to be.
After 35 years, it’s time now for “Dallas” to be done, for good. J.R. and all that comes with him have been laid to rest, so it seems. How could it– and why should it– go on? There’s only so much nostalgia to be milked, which could soon wear painfully thin. Unfortunate as it is to have to say, I believe we best lay all the Ewings to rest on this momentary high note.
What a telling difference the past two decades– rapid in hindsight as they seem– have made on the fundamental social landscape of New York City. While distinctly recalling my stroll around Midtown Manhattan on the day of President Clinton’s first inauguration, I must now remind myself that 20 years have since passed. Really, 20? There was not a Starbucks to be found, yet somehow we survived. Has the year 1993 really become synonymous with a bygone era, when we stopped to use a pay phone? I’ve often pointed out that those born in 1974 are about the last to have entered adulthood without today’s taken-for-granted “conveniences.” From 1993 onward the changes quickly yet somehow seamlessly rerouted our lives, which the current exhibition aptly illustrates. Said for ages I say once more: It seems like only yesterday.
A unique, unexpected and tasty surprise it is. Quietly tucked away along Marin County’s Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, just a few miles northwest of Point Reyes in the little town of Inverness, lies a family-run dining establishment that’s been around for quite some time. Suffice to say, it immediately called to me. Once the menu was before my eyes on the front door, I knew this would be the site of my evening’s meal. In the end, disappointment was nowhere to be found. The garlic rabbit proved as delicious as it sounded. As such, I highly recommend the Vladimir’s experience, whenever you might wander into the area. Just be sure you have cash or a checkbook, as credit cards are an unknown concept. Fortunately, friendly service is not!
Along the many paths between San Francisco and Los Angeles come stops, the best of which involve food of course. From the signature calf’s liver at Westlake’s Grill on the Alley, to Monterey’s fine presentation of jumbo sea scallops at Passionfish, let’s just say the routes are deliciously covered. Luckily for my waistline, my birthday week comes but once a year. Where– and what– will you be eating during yours?
Ryan R. Sanderson 