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Erin go Bragh!

17 Mar

The “greenest” day of the year has come once again, and yours truly is very much here for it!  Having survived the Ides, it’s now high time to break out my infamous green suit and celebrate every last Irish part of myself on this always auspicious St. Patrick’s Day!

San Francisco surprisingly held its St. Patrick’s Day parade last Saturday, as did Chicago, both far too early in my opinion.  Why not have them on the real day, I ask.  A friend told me that in SF’s financial district, many workers go to lunch on this day and never make it back to the office.  A parade might just be a far more excusable justification for this than a pub.  However, since no parade awaits our city’s Irish and/or Irish-spirited partygoers today, it looks like the Irish pubs will be the destination “an lae.”   Then, as no green river flows in this vicinity, with a nod to Chicago’s wonderful Irish tradition, there’s likely not much “green” to see outdoors today anyway.

St. Patrick’s Day Tradition in Chicago

If you’re in Chicago today, go see if there’s any green left in the river!  If you’re in San Francisco, head here, or here, or here!  If you’d rather sit home with your own homemade corned beef & cabbage and a bottle of Jameson, then be sure to freshen up on your SPD history, as plenty awaits.

This truly is my second favorite day of the year.  Erin go Bragh!

 
 
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Posted by on March 17, 2011 in Current Events, Daily Activities, History, Restaurants

 

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Come, But Not Gone

15 Mar

The 15th of March is always an occasion on which to ponder a much-remembered event of ancient history, while perhaps exercising an element of caution throughout our own day! 

In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was killed in 44 B.C. Julius Caesar was stabbed (23 times) to death, led by Marcus Junius Brutus, Gaius Cassius Longinus and 60 other conspirators.

On his way to the Theatre of Pompey (where he would be assassinated), Caesar saw a seer who had foretold that harm would come to him not later than the Ides of March. Caesar joked, “Well, the Ides of March have come”, to which the seer replied “Ay, they have come, but they are not gone.”  This meeting is famously dramatized in William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, when Caesar is warned to “beware the Ides of March”.  (Read more on Wikipedia.)

The Ides have come, but not gone.  Go forth and beware!

 
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Posted by on March 15, 2011 in History

 

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7.52 Miles

14 Mar

Here’s a prime illustration of how much, or little, I’ve ridden my motorcycle over the past few months since moving to San Francisco: 

Last November 1, on the one-year anniversary of my moto ownership, my odometer read 18,103.  Yesterday, on our Homoto ride down Hwy 1 and through Woodside, 133 days later, my odometer passed 19,103.  Simply put, it’s taken me nearly four and a half months to ride 1000 miles!  This equates to a whopping 7.52 miles per day.

Of consistent yet short-range use of late.

It’s not that my big red two-wheeled machine goes neglected; I’m on it regularly.  Except for a couple of weekend excursions and one round trip to Sacramento, however, the bulk of my moto use has been in and around San Francisco itself.  While a motorcycle is an enjoyable and practical way to navigate the city, naturally the mileage does not accumulate.  This is a far cry from last spring in Los Angeles, when I logged 3,000 miles in six weeks!

Nonetheless, yesterday’s approximately 100-mile journey was some good exercise, for my engine rather than my body, that is!  It’s always enjoyable to get out on the scenic roads, at least until the rain starts coming down!  Riding north on Hwy 280 in a downpour was the less-than-enjoyable part of the day.  Fortunately, the hearty burger and fries at Sullivan’s gave me the energy to deal with it and get back to the city in one piece.

Now, with spring upon is, let’s see how long it takes to log the next 1000.  Thanks the today’s ongoing rain and overall wetness, it looks like the next 7.52 will have to wait.

 
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Posted by on March 14, 2011 in Motorcycle, Restaurants

 

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On This Day

07 Mar

One of my favorite journalistic sources to check out on a regular basis is the “On This Day” page in the online version of The New York Times.  It’s a succinct and well-organized snapshot of various historical moments that have occurred on any given calendar date.  Prominent among the content, to my keen interest, is a generous handful of noteworthy individuals, both living and dead, whose birthday falls on this day.  The page was recently redesigned, and I appreciate the many visual improvements all around.

I recommend this page as a quick and interesting dose of history du jour.  After all, something of course has always happened every day.  No doubt this will continue!

 
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Posted by on March 7, 2011 in History, Media

 

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Better Than Cow

01 Mar

More Than Moo...

My bison steak dinner at Big Four this past weekend was so deliciously satisfying, that it’s still on my mind three days later.  Several bison meals have generously satisfied my demanding hunger over the years, especially in Kansas where such meat rules the land.  I must go so far as to say, however, that Big Four’s preparation is definitely the best I’ve had to date.

Dense, lean and wonderfully intense in natural flavor, bison meat far outshines the best cut of any standard cow, if I may say so.  If you’re the adventurous, discerning and hungry carnivore that I am, a bison dinner should in no way disappoint you.  Certainly have it at Big Four if you’re anywhere near San Francisco.  Then, if you’re the home-cooked type, this useful website will come in handy. 

Bon Appetit!

 
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Posted by on March 1, 2011 in Food, Restaurants

 

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The Letter of the Night

28 Feb

The Oscars always make for a jovial and memorable evening, while serving as an acceptable excuse to either host or attend a well-dressed, booze-flowing get together.  I regret to report I did neither this year.

Then, the day after, comes the typical crisscrossing of scathing Oscar commentary from just about everyone and anyone in Hollywood who has something to say.  I don’t blame them.  If I were (still) a Hollywood type, or at least working in that arena, I’d have much more to share right now than I do.  However, seeing as San Francisco is now my home and I’m not chasing the tails of Big Screen glamour, I here now defer to the true critics of the event.  Variety has this to say about last night’s very-somewhat-shortened telecast, while The Hollywood Reporter offers up this review of this year’s two “young” co-hosts.  Check them out if you haven’t yet reached your Oscar coverage capacity.

I will say is this:  James Franco in drag, especially a la Marilyn, wins.  An extended speaking appearance by 94-year-old Kirk Douglas, for better and for worse, wins as well.  And that which no one can go without mentioning, including myself apparently, makes for win number three as far as I’m concerned.  This, of course, would be Melissa Leo’s now-famous f-bomb, the first such “bomb” in Oscars history so it’s said.  My reaction:  So the “f-bomb” what!  Or better yet:  “Big “f-bomb” deal!  WTF with obsessing over the F?  Granted, it was certainly the letter of the night, if as nothing else than an overall grade by many critics.   As for Ms. Leo, she was emotional, and it was natural ad-libbing, so cut the woman some slack.  At least she extemporaneously earned a unique, though hopefully not detrimentally lasting, title for herself!

And that’s my opinion, sans another F.

 
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Posted by on February 28, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Media, News, Television

 

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More Than a Shrug

24 Feb

It looks like a compelling new film is upon us.  Watch the trailer and see for yourself.  Regardless of how this movie turns out, and despite the wide range of opinions of the story and its author, I’m very pleased that such a famous and controversial novel has been adapted to the big screen.

This means I have seven weeks, should I suddenly decide I’m so inclined, to finish the book that was gifted to me more than a year ago.  Suffice to say, the read is complex and slow, requiring consistent concentration and ongoing mental puzzle piecing.  After getting about a fourth of the way through the book several months ago, I’m sorry to say I did not stay with it.  However, I did say to myself at the time, more than once:  “What would the movie look like?”

As such, the film has already sold me, and I’m looking forward to the experience.  After all, I read and remember enough of the story to be “on board” with the plot, though at this point the end remains a mystery to me.  In any event, it will be fascinating to see how these brought-to-view characters not only unfold before our eyes, but where and how they end up.

By the time I’m walking out of the theater, I’ll expect to have finally answered the “big” question, whether via print or visual.  In any case, this upcoming film certainly looks worthwhile, deserving of more than a shrug.

And that’s my opinion.

 
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Posted by on February 24, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Books, Media

 

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Words of Wine

23 Feb

“The wine is deep ruby red in color and is exploding with spicy cherry and earthy raspberry aromas, with a hint of anise and white pepper. The palate delivers flavors of black cherry framed nicely by bright acidity and ripe mouth coating tannins.”

The Words of Wine

If you were to taste this wine without having read the above description, would you snap to attention and shout out:  “Spicy Cherry!  Earthy Raspberry!  White Pepper!”  Or rather, are such words forming and steering your experience for you, before you can even begin to consider your own true reaction?

If such words of wine have you tongue-tied if not palate-confused, then it’s high time for a read of this very well-written and informative article in today’s New York Times. Decide for yourself if you’re one for “sweet,” or for “savory,” or if you have some another, better words altogether.  In any case, with a nod to the article, I’m certainly one for streamlining the efficiency of clarifying our wine preferences.  Perhaps you are too.

While such typical wine-tasting descriptions can be creative and marketable exercises in palate anticipation, they are typically, if not always, open to interpretation.  At least that’s my wine-loving opinion!


 
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Posted by on February 23, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Drink

 

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Both Sides, Now

22 Feb

I bring you now this reflective dose of music history, thanks to the wonderful classic that welcomely entered and remained in my head yesterday:

 “Both Sides, Now” is a single by Joni Mitchell. Her recording first appeared on the album Clouds, released in 1969. She re-recorded the song in a Jazz style for the album of the same name, released in 2000. It is one of Joni Mitchell’s best-known songs (with “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Woodstock,” and “A Case of You”). It was written in March 1967, inspired by a passage in Henderson the Rain King by Saul Bellow.  Judy Collins made the first commercially released recording of the song in 1968, shortly after Mitchell wrote it, which reached #8 on the U.S. pop singles charts and won a 1968 Grammy Award for Best Folk Performance. The record peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Easy Listening survey, and has become one of Collins’ signature songs.  (Wikipedia.org)

As impressive as the song itself, is the significant number of star performers who’ve recorded it in their own respective styles.  Such distinctive voices as Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton have taken their turns at these lyrics, each rendition unique from the next.  If you know and appreciate “Both Sides, Now,” then you certainly have numerous listening options, as well as something satisfying to hum today!

 
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Posted by on February 22, 2011 in History, Music

 

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Have a Bite…

18 Feb

They might be called the ultimate comfort food, definitely unique and delicious.  “Spicy Irish Potato Bites” at The Chieftain, those I discovered and briefly mentioned here back in November, seem to satisfy the most growling palate.  Just be sure to specify “well done” so that they’re not cold in the middle, as I learned the first time around.

More than what you might imagine as a “bite,” these clever pub morsels are large, deep-fried balls of mashed potatoes, complete with jalapeno pieces baked inside to earn their “spicy” label.  Five of them for $7.95 are a great and filling deal, especially on a cold rainy day when you find yourself anywhere near San Francisco’s northwest corner of 5th and Howard.

The bites don’t fail.  What does fail is the special $4.00 Bombay martini with which you might opt to wash down your bites.  Whether bartender skill or price justification, the pour level is horrifically low.  And if you’ve ever had a drink with me, you know my sensitivity to low pours!  To avoid such potential suffering, I recommend a draft, preferably a Killkenny, as the suitable bite accompaniment.

And this is just the beginning of a complete Irish Pub menu.  The corned beef, ahi burger and fish-n-chips await sampling and review.  Considering the Chieftain celebrates its first decade anniversary next month, now you have one more reason to pay a visit and have a bite!

 
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Posted by on February 18, 2011 in Food, Restaurants

 

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The “Super O” Interview

08 Feb

In addition to the game itself, another much-planned-for event took place this past Super Bowl Sunday, one that has naturally incited all sorts of reaction and commentary from numerous points of view.  I’m speaking of the “Super O” exchange, otherwise known as Bill O’Reilly’s one-on-one live interview with President Obama.

Many viewers, along with plenty who likely didn’t watch the interview at all, might already have their minds made up as to what they think of the entire meeting, based primarily on their respective opinions of the two men themselves.  I call this unfortunate, as I believe the interview is well worth a prejudice-free watching.

All things considered, this “Super O” interview is a success in my book, as both O’s deserve fair and ample credit.  Mr. O’Reilly steered the conversation effectively, being politely confrontational while still presidentially respectful.  Mr. Obama spoke with some refreshing candor and somewhat informal style, while conveying his points clearly and not managing to “run out the clock” as anticipated.  Mr. O’Reilly’s “interruptions” saved this from happening, of course, keeping the mutual dialogue engaging, extemporaneous and even mildly entertaining.

Watch the interview here for yourself, if you haven’t already.  Then, and only then, read some of the post analysis.  I’ll be glad to hear what you think.

Simple conclusion:  High marks for both O’s, politics aside.  And that’s my opinion.

 
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Posted by on February 8, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Media, News, Politics, Television

 

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My Winners

07 Feb

It should come as no surprise that my favorite Super Bowl commercials were those for cars.  Perhaps the surprise lies in the idea that a rival to my always-preferred Mercedes-Benz seems to have stolen the show, at least in my book.

Of course the MBZ spot was absolutely fantastic and powerfully moving, so to speak, laden with captivating nostalgia while launching us into an exciting future.  It’s at least my number two.  Then, another extensively and brilliantly produced car spot held my attention all the way to its disappointing finish.  In this case, the revelation of just exactly the car being advertised was a pure let down.  Sorry KIA, while your spot had me going there, you yourself don’t excite me.  Thankfully, I got a good chuckle out of BMW’s ad for the 335d, as it poked exaggerated yet somewhat truthful fun at the various “dirty” diesels of yesteryear.  All the while, amid mounds of visual stimulation and historical contemplation, I do believe my choice of favorite Super Bowl ad, if I were to choose just one, has to go to the celebrity-studded work of comedy itself, one I’ll need to watch a couple more times to thoroughly absorb all its crisscrossing elements. This “winner” of which I speak, to my aforementioned surprise, is Audi.  The new A8 has arrived via advertising dominance!

Beer and chips sell themselves as far as I’m concerned.  This said, I do appreciate Dorito’s homoerotic undertones, intentional or not.  Meanwhile, the NFL itself touched the nostalgia nerve in a wonderful way.  And any appearance by the terrifically shameless Joan Rivers, complete in all her camp, always spells success.  Last night’s was no exception. Finally, with another nod to homoeroticism, let’s not forget to “cram it in the boot!”  Mini’s hysterical ad is most certainly my number three!

Out of all of this, including all I’m forgetting to mention, the car ads stand as my winners. I’m just sorry Betty White was too busy to make any appearance this time around!

All said, that’s my opinion!

 
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Posted by on February 7, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Cars, Humor, Media, Television

 

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Thinking

03 Feb

Cycling through the narrow, winding roads of the Presidio is proving to be not just physically satisfying, but pleasingly educational as well.

While the park’s hilly terrain presents some decent climbing and descending, the relatively open space and lack of stop lights, compared to the majority of San Francisco city regions, allows for the accumulation of a bit of non-city-like mileage.  Then come the variety of historical, artistic and geographic attractions of this national park, including the National Cemetery and the Legion of Honor, not to mention spectacular views.

The Thinker has me thinking...

It’s in the courtyard of the Legion of Honor that I discovered the presence of one of my favorite classic works of art, The Thinker.  Overall, I’m happy to be learning of so many treasures within this wooded northwestern tip of the Peninsula, as no doubt I’ve only scratched the surface thus far.

Who says you can’t manage some decent cycling within San Francisco itself?  The Presidio serves as further testimony that indeed you can, as long as you initially figure out some of the tricky routes and turns within the park itself.  More awaits me on this front.

Suffice to say, such cycling seems to be working well for my body, if not my curious mind.  I certainly recommend adding this area to your own path of exploration.  A jaunt through the Presidio should certainly keep you, well… thinking!

 
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Posted by on February 3, 2011 in Cycling, Daily Activities, Reviews, San Francisco

 

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Round Three

01 Feb

As the saying goes, the third time’s a charm!  In this case, it’s quite an attractive and muscular charm to boot.

The first generation was just that, the first attempt, albeit a respectable one with spacious room for maturation.  The second generation earned its place of uniqueness, at least when looked upon from its distinctive nose.  And now, the third generation is eminently upon us, otherwise known as the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK class.

Even hotter from the front!

Just as the BMW Z4 has grown up and filled out with each rebirth, so too, and better so may I say, has the SLK.  This new two-seater, retractable-hard-top roadster is simply stunning, taking some obvious styling cues, both inside and out, from its famous and stately uncle, the SLS.

No doubt the third generation SLK will see instant success when it comes to the U.S. this summer.  Overall, I’m impressed by such significant improvement in much of, though not all, MBZ styling in the past couple years.  Perhaps the elimination of Chrysler influence has something to do with it.

In any case, I look forward to spotting the all-new 2012 SLK out on the road, while of course checking it out up close for myself.  Round three will start before we know it!

And that’s my auto-styling opinion.

 
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Posted by on February 1, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Cars, Mercedes-Benz, Reviews

 

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Happy 125th!

31 Jan

Wow.  It’s “auto overload” in the best of ways.  Today I stumbled across a website on which I could easily spend an entire evening.  If you too are not merely an auto enthusiast, but a true and dedicated admirer of all things Mercedes-Benz, then you too best visit this very fascinating and educational online destination.

Among numerous categories to explore, I highly recommend the virtual tour of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, in case you aren’t nearby to see it in person.  While I knew the Pullman 600 remained in production until 1980, and that the 300 SD was the world’s first turbodiesel production car, I was unaware that Princess Diana drove her own 500 SL for several months in 1992.  Suffice to say, a vast amount of MBZ history is elegantly showcased online, and the ultimate compilation is nothing short of extraordinary.

Speaking of history, this happens to be the 125th anniversary of German engineer Carl Benz’ unveiling of his “vehicle powered by gas engine.”  As such, 2011 is a year of celebration for Daimler AG, with the remembrance just this past weekend of one hugely pivotal historical event.  Check out this other very special site as well, connected to the first, to get 125 years of automotive history in 95 seconds, among all else!  After all, Carl Benz is regarded as the inventor of not just what became Mercedes-Benz, but of the gasoline-powered automobile all around.

Happy 125th birthday, Automobile!  And to think, I remember when you were a mere 100.

 
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Posted by on January 31, 2011 in Cars, History, Mercedes-Benz

 

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25 Years Ago Today

28 Jan

Of the numerous indelible moments in relatively recent history, that which occurred 25 years ago today is of distinct recollection to me.  In the middle of my 6th grade math class, we were interrupted by our headmaster with news that the Space Shuttle Challenger had just exploded.

A quarter century seems to be a strong marking point of remembrance for most any major world tragedy.  The Challenger is certainly worth remembering today, for both the immediate human and the long-term scientific losses that were irrevocably suffered.

No doubt you have your personal memories of the day as well, if you’re at least 30 I suppose.  Suffice to say, in simplest terms:  January 28, 1986 shook the nation and the world, and space travel, sadly enough, never got back on the same track.

25 years later, the day is remembered, for so many reasons.

 
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Posted by on January 28, 2011 in History

 

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Dining “Trip”

25 Jan

My “trip” to the Folsom neighborhood restaurant Triptych might be worth a mention. 

I could tell you about the open, airy seating space surrounded by tall walls of attractive artwork, almost as if you were dining in a small, intimate gallery.  If I were to address the inviting wine and beer bar that offers a very unique selection of imported drafts, I’d say you could comfortably sip your selection while appreciating a peaceful atmosphere quite conducive to pleasant table conversation. 

Then, I could go on eliminate the bland, undercooked crabcake sandwich from my menu recommendations, while yawning at the rather pedestrian breaded pork loin.  I’d suggest instead you consider the hearty lamb chops with well-cooked bok choy, if not the heaping bowl of eye-turning paella.

But who am I to say, after all?  I’d just be writing up yet another restaurant review, and you’d simply be getting my own opinion, again.  Perhaps I should let you take your own dining trip to Triptych, where you can sip, taste and decide for yourself.

(I’m waiting.)

Oh, too late.  Maybe next time.

And that’s… what it always is.  🙂

 
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Posted by on January 25, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Restaurants

 

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A Full Belly

21 Jan

My first dining visit to Starbelly came last night, after having heard about the popular Castro eating establishment more than once in recent weeks.  So of course this means a review is in order.

To get the major minuses out of the away:  The tables are quite small, and the seating not too comfortable.  If you don’t mind parking yourself on a wooden bench or metal chair, while inadvertently eavesdropping on the conversation next to (and very close to) you, then keep reading.

The food itself:  Interesting, adventurous and mostly satisfying.  The chicken liver pate, with onion marmalade and grain mustard accompanied by toasted sourdough:  Absolutely divine, easily earning its place as my favorite of the night.  The mussel dish:  Tasty as mussels go, though paired rather oddly with mexican chorizo, creating a flavor competition I would not have expected.  The spaghetti:  Ambitious, as surprisingly thick noodles lead a welcome scattering of sliced jalapenos, mixed with slices of thick bacon that seemed to excite my dining companion more than they did me.  The squash, goat cheese and black garlic pizza:  A clear winner, proving its strength through a refreshing combination of flavors that for some odd reason yielded me a slight taste of Hawaii.  All of this, washed down with a soothing Malbec, made for a unique, though not unparalleled, culinary experience.

Starbelly, despite heightened audibility, limited limb-waving space and unforgiving landings for your rear, is certainly worth a repeat visit.  After all, the thick rare burgers on the table next to me were loudly calling!

Taste it all for yourself, if you haven’t already.  Your belly, like mine, will be full.  The rest is not too much to stomach.

And that’s my (palate’s hunger-driven) opinion.

 
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Posted by on January 21, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Restaurants

 

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Irish on Capitol Hill

18 Jan

All of my bar and restaurant reviews here thus far have been of establishments in the Bay Area, until now.

I highly recommend that the next time you’re in our nation’s capitol, you head on over for a few rounds, a hearty meal, and then of course a few more rounds at Kelly’s Irish Times.  As Irish Pubs are my favorite casual social drinking and eating environment, it’s pleasing to find a spot of such robust merriment and revelry nestled within a neighborhood of otherwise buttoned-up and typically quiet Capitol Hill culture.

The pieces of history on the walls, to which I’m attracted in any city, are unprecedented at Kelly’s.  In fact, the description is already written for me on their website:

“Known the world over, not only for being one of the most celebrated Irish Pub’s in America, but for Kelly’s famous wall. With over 100+ years of history gracing this facade, you see details such as 1930’s Dublin Police Patches; one-of-a-kind unopened beer bottles from the 1800s; antique galvanized ice buckets from Glascow; torn Redskins Superbowl tickets, Sonny Jurgensen autographs and a multitude of celebrity/politician what-nots.”

This, combined with live music, generous drinks and a mean fish sandwich, should more than make your evening.  Just steps from Union Station, you’ll easily get there from just about any part of town via Metro.  It’s just around the corner from the Capitol Hill Hyatt, if you happen to be staying there as I was. 

If you love Irish Pubs like I do, you’ll be glad you paid the Irish on Capitol Hill a visit.  I certainly am!

And that’s my opinion.

 
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Posted by on January 18, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Restaurants, Travel

 

…When I See It.

13 Jan

There seems to be a lot of ’80s TV remake buzz going around these days.  As an addendum to my entry of January 5, here now is what appears to be the latest on the resurrection of J.R. Ewing.

Meanwhile, a friend just alerted me to this possible revival as well.  All I can say is… I’ll believe it when I see it!  Unfortunately, unlike Larry Hagman who’s very much alive, John Forsythe died last year at age 92.  As such, I’m initially unconvinced as to how successful any Carrington-themed movie might be.

In any case, I still prefer the originals to the remakes, especially where an inauthentic replacement cast is concerned.  We’ll just see if any of this really comes to fruition.

And that’s my opinion.

 
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Posted by on January 13, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Dallas, Media

 

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The iPhone Answer?

11 Jan

After several reliable and issue-free years of Verizon mobile phone service, in late 2008 I made the compulsory switch to AT&T, purely because I chose to get an iPhone.  Despite the enjoyment and many advantages of the device itself, overall service quality has never been the same.  In fact, as a good number of iPhone users will agree, AT&T’s coverage and signal strength is far inferior to that of Verizon.

Finally, and perhaps not a moment too soon, the game is changing.  Verizon now says it will sell and support the iPhone.  With this announcement, the war between the two rival providers looks like it will stick around for a while, if not grow. 

No doubt this will be an interesting technical evolution for all of us concerned.  Over time, will Verizon’s iPhone service really prove the better?  Or will AT&T earn the “not-so-bad-after-all” title?

Considering my current AT&T calls are dropped on an almost daily basis, and/or I get no signal at all, especially in hilly parts of San Francisco where friends’ Verizon signals in the exact same spot remain strong, I’m tempted to sooner or later give Verizon iPhone service a try.  With the time remaining on my current contract, however, “later” may be my answer.  Verizon, meanwhile, will have plenty of time to prove its superiority in the iPhone world.

Will this be the iPhone answer for all of us?

And that’s my opinion… thus far.

 
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Posted by on January 11, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, News, Reviews

 

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The Culinary Jackpot

07 Jan

Don’t you just love it when you try out a certain restaurant for the first time, and the meal is not just good but truly epic?  Such was the case for me last night, with my virgin visit to Little Joe’s on 5th and Mission.

All too often we give a new place a go, and the experience is… meh.  So when we do actually hit the culinary jackpot, it’s definitely an occasion to be celebrated and remembered.  Little Joe’s deserves plenty of celebration, that’s for sure!

I was on a spontaneous quest for a good liver and onions, as I simply had the craving and had not yet enjoyed the dish here in San Francisco.  After asking around and doing an internet search, my dining destination was quickly set.

Little Joe’s is an Italian restaurant, and let me remind you:  The Italians know how to feed us!  The portions are more than generous, as they should be.  The perfectly cooked liver, topped with mouth-watering sautéed onions, consumed the plate.  As such, my heaping side of hot kidney bean salad sat on its own.  Along came bread as well, and with it the most divine chopped garlic spread… intensely, fantastically garlicky, let me tell you!  The Chianti washed it all down smoothly.

Best liver in town, so far!

Suffice to say, I wanted a GOOD meal, and I hit the bullseye!  Not only was it good, it was refreshingly old school, and an epic experience that made my entire night.  You simply must head on over to Little Joe’s right away, especially if you love liver!  If not, you’ll have plenty from which to choose off of the extensive and reasonably priced menu.  The space is hopping with energy, comfortably filled with lively patrons seated around a scattering of intriguing pictorial history on the walls.  My only suggestion to Little Joe’s is that they dim their bright ceiling lights a bit, as it would enhance the ambiance all the more.

Absolutely, divinely, beyond delicious.  I hit the culinary jackpot.  May my next dining discovery be this perfect!

 
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Posted by on January 7, 2011 in Food, Restaurants

 

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Will J.R. Be Back?

05 Jan

“J.R. Ewing” will turn 80 this year!

2011 seemed like it might be the year for an all-new “Dallas” series, centered around the new generation of Ewings.  The ball appeared to be rolling on the project, as I enthusiastically reported here back in November.

In the past few weeks, however, the latest Ewing resurrection appears to have hit a serious snag, judging by this article as well as the following Facebook update that went out shortly before Christmas:

Dallas star Larry Hagman has admitted that he is uncertain as to his role in the forthcoming TNT reboot. It was previously reported that the actor, who originally played J.R. Ewing from 1978 to 1991, was “ambivalent” about the project. Responding to recent reports that he had pulled out of the new series, Hagman told TV Guide:  “That’s really interesting. We were talking about money, but I didn’t know it was going to come to a crashing halt like that.”

I do wonder why Larry Hagman would need to talk about money at all.  At his age, turning 80 this September, and with the millions he’s made, grown and cultivated from his heyday, he should be willing to reprise his famous role for nothing!  I would think he’d see it as pure enjoyment, and perhaps his final act.  Odds are, however, that ole J.R. sees it differently.

In any event, I hope it really happens this year, that J.R. will return once again!  And that’s my opinion.

 
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Posted by on January 5, 2011 in And That's My Opinion, Dallas, Media

 

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One Last Look

30 Dec

Here on the second to last day of the year, it’s just about time to take one last look at the Christmas tree and start putting all the decorations away.  Perhaps some of you are well past me!

Shining at the Ritz!

One very lovely tree on which to cast a final glance, and perhaps take your Christmas card photo for next year, is this one in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco.  Do note, you can do so while sipping a well-sized and reasonably priced martini!

Tree or no tree, the lobby bar at the Ritz is a fantastic spot to visit for an early-evening martini or two.  For the same $11 you’ll pay for a shaken, straight-up Absolut in any dreary, tacky and/or ordinary establishment around the city, at the Ritz your surprisingly modest drink price also buys you some relaxing and comfortable moments of traditional elegance, well-dressed people watching, and a small tray of taro chips on which to nibble.

Do stop in the next time you’re strolling around Nob Hill.  Of course if you want that Christmas card photo, you best go right now!

 
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Posted by on December 30, 2010 in Restaurants

 

A Big Piece of History

29 Dec

How is it that until now, I was unaware of such a fabulous establishment?  Thankfully I seem to be meeting the right people to introduce me to the right places. 

Big 4, not to be confused with Big 5, is a uniquely inviting destination of true old-school San Francisco.  If you really know the city, you probably already appreciate this highlight of the Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill.  From the welcoming and jovial piano player, to the generous stools around the elegant wood bar, to… most of all… a huge and amazing dose of city history, Big 4 is a rich experience to be had, certainly more than once.

The history of which I speak is a blown-up photographic mural of the city, along an entire back wall of the restaurant.  Everything… the homes, the buildings, the various stages of development around town… can be seen in fascinating detail.  The year:  1878.  As you can guess, most everything we see in the mural was destroyed in the earthquake of 1906.  Be sure your drink is full as you head for your viewing, because like me, you may want to stay a while.  This is, quite literally, a big piece of history.

Speaking of drinks, one strike against Big 4 is the martini stemware.  My manhattan was surprisingly and disturbingly small.  Perhaps this is just another old-school element of the establishment, in line with the rest.  Still, I would hope the bar decides to come up a notch in martini size before too long.

I will definitely be returning to Big 4 for dinner very soon, for further history absorption and in spite of the drink size.  I recommend you pay a visit as well.  The antelope on the menu sounds absolutely delicious!

 
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Posted by on December 29, 2010 in History, Restaurants

 

Open Cycling Road

28 Dec

Earlier this month, I wrote that a day excursion north of San Francisco to the Point Reyes vicinity is an excellent undertaking by motorcycle.  I’m here now to say the same trip works just as well, and in terms of calorie burning even better, by bicycle.

There’s practically no vehicle traffic whatsoever out on the country roads near the little towns of Marshall and Point Reyes Station.  For most of the time, cyclists have the road to themselves, much more so than on the popularly pedaled roads around Woodside.  The pavement up north is typically iffy in a few spots, but thankfully enough most of it is relatively new and smooth, especially along the stretch of Hwy 1 along Tomales Bay known as Shoreline Hwy.

Cycling on Shoreline Hwy along Tomales Bay

Just as I highly recommend the area for a rewarding motorcycle outing, the same goes for a morning, and afternoon, or an entire day, of cycling.  It sure beats stop-and-go city riding, as long as you don’t mind the car trip to get there.  I’ll be back up there soon sans motor, as there’s much more open road to cover.  Our loop yesterday was a mere 35 miles.  Next time we’ll double this!

 
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Posted by on December 28, 2010 in Cycling, Daily Activities, Reviews

 

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No Manhattan?

26 Dec

Date-specific history always captures my attention, especially through photography.  As such, the San Francisco Chronicle did the capturing this morning, with this 1971 photo of the Transamerica Pyramid under construction.

As it looked in 1971.

This is the first time I’ve seen this excellent photo.  I’ll admit that until now I could not have told you off the top of my head exactly when the Transamerica Pyramid was built, though I would have guessed (and correctly so) that it’s a contemporary of the World Trade and John Hancock Centers.  Is it any coincidence that “The Towering Inferno,” set in San Francisco, commenced production in 1973?

Fittingly enough, today’s Chronicle piece discusses the now-almost-40-year-old so-called “Manhattanization scare” that rattled at least some factions of San Francisco.  Suffice to say, the article concludes with the seemingly intended-to-comfort reminder that “San Francisco did not turn into Manhattan.”

Perhaps my recent and succinct description of my new home city is inaccurate.  For months now, I’ve been referring to San Francisco as “a mini Manhattan with hills.”  Apparently, as I’ve just now come to learn, more than a few people would beg to differ.

 
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Posted by on December 26, 2010 in History, News

 

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Political Reality

09 Dec

Remember back on November 5, when I wrote about my idea for a reality TV show?  While my idea has yet to take off, another all-new kind of reality show is already up and running, one much more likely to have at least a mild-to-moderate impact on American politics and culture.

Imagine if Richard Nixon had had a reality show of his own in 1968.  Or how about Bill and Hillary Clinton in 1992?  Either of these could have been quite insightful, if not amusing.  Politics, and the ways in which politicians present themselves, have drastically evolved throughout recent decades.  Now going into 2011, reality TV is a clever and perhaps powerful tool for politicians and other public officials to own, in ways that neither Dick nor Bill could have imagined in their time.

Politics and reality television have merged via Sarah Palin.  Like her or despise her, support her for president (should she run) or wish her to get eaten by a caribou before she shoots it, you have to admit Sarah Palin is one of a kind.  She has come into national fame and seems to incite reaction from just about everyone, for or against her.  It appears she’s continuing to walk a distinct path, while blazing her own trails and remaining in a category mostly her own.  Perhaps this explains some of her allure.

Reality TV will show her to us like no sit-down, scripted broadcast interview will.  I believe she is NOT qualified to be president, nor could she come any closer to being that she already did two years ago.  Nonetheless, she’s on TV, serving up a new brand of “political reality.”   She’s quite a character, that’s for sure.  And agree with them or not, I like characters.

And that’s my opinion.

 
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Posted by on December 9, 2010 in And That's My Opinion, Media, Politics

 

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When Rare Means Rare

02 Dec

I always appreciate any time when rare means rare!  That’s how I eat a high-end burger; just walk the cow past the stove, or bring me the raw patty if you must.  There’s no greater vexation in my book than an establishment that somehow confuses RARE with medium or some other ghastly term for overcooking.

Fortunately, my time in Los Angeles this week has bled more praise out of me than complaint, at least on the burger front.  I’m therefore very happy to come to you now with two very delicious yet different burger recommendations for the next time you’re wandering around the greater L.A. area.

First:  Father’s Office in Santa Monica.  Their burger is already famous, as word-of-mouth and the written reviews have indicated.  As I never trust anyone else’s opinion before my own, it was well past time I lost my Father’s Office virginity this week.  The baguette is fresh and generously portioned, covering two delicious cheeses (one of them gruyere I believe), a small-leafed mixed green blend (including arugula), carmelized onions, and mouth-watering, properly cooked, ample beef!  Go for it… It’s well worth the $12.50.  (There’s a Father’s Office in Culver City as well.)

Second:  Fleming’s.  While it’s a high-end chain, I’m going off my experience at the one in Woodland Hills.  As the bartender there proclaims, with which I agree, Fleming’s has the best happy hour in town!  We’re talking a huge (and I mean HUGE) properly cooked burger, on a brioche bun with one of three cheeses of your choosing, onions, iceberg wedge, tomato and chipotle mayo, presented with two huge onion rings to boot!  The overall style is more traditional than the aforementioned, but I’ll say the quantity is greater.  Most of all, the price is less:  $6.00!  Can’t beat it.  Go!

In both cases, rare is rare, thankfully enough.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Would you?

 
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Posted by on December 2, 2010 in Food, Restaurants

 

“More Stimulating”

30 Nov

If there’s one thing I miss about driving around Los Angeles during rush hour, it’s listening to John & Ken. 

Granted, on some topics they are complete buffoons, while others they exaggerate to death.  They more than make up for this, in my opinion, with all the occasions on which they’re dead on, complete with their gritty, cynical, call-it-as-they-see-it style.  On most days, they tend to make some valid and thought-provoking points on whatever their topic of the hour happens to be.  Usually it’s related to what they might call the over-spending, nanny-ridden shenanigans of state and/or local government.  On the mark or not, John & Ken never fail to entertain… well, ME at least!  They certainly live up to their station’s mantra of “More Stimulating Talk Radio.”  I enjoy being “more stimulated,” and I even more enjoy laughing out loud while alone behind the wheel.  Wouldn’t you? 

I have yet to find their equivalent in San Francisco.  But then, perhaps I won’t have to.  It looks like I can download the “iHeartRadio” app on my iPhone and listen to John & Ken anytime I wish.  This would definitely be “more stimulating” than any AM talk radio I’ve found in the Bay Area thus far. 

Perhaps I’ll soon have nothing at all to miss about Los Angeles!

 
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Posted by on November 30, 2010 in Media

 
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