Vegetable Variety

Anyone who knows me knows I love vegetables. But I can get stuck in a rut. And when I do, it's Alice Waters to my rescue.



I got this book as a gift several years ago and never really started looking at it until recently. It's awesome. Someone said it "demystifies" vegetables, which is true. It also tells you how to select, clean and prepare everything from artichokes to zucchini.



Last night, I bought some beautiful beets and carrots, chopped them up, tossed in a tiny bit of oil, salt and pepper, then roasted them at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes. Delicious!

Zam Zam

Why is it that in all the years I've been going to this bar, I never noticed the Aub in its name? What does this mean? The town in Bavaria?

More from the River

Holden likes being upside down.


The view from upstairs.


Kim in the shade. Don't expect that again anytime soon.

More on The Big Yellow House.

Thanks to Petrina for the photos.

Russian River

Tod and Holden

Ginger getting some sun.


The gang.

Big Yellow House

The Big Yellow House in Monte Rio did not disappoint. It was situated right on the Russian River, just steps from the grocery store, the beach and the Pink Elephant!

About 5 p.m., on day three, I publicly declared that I had had enough sun! Imagine that.

Ray's Boathouse

My company threw a going-away party for our departed CEO at Ray's Boathouse in Seattle. The food, the scenary, the company - all were fantastic.

I had halibut on a bed of barley topped off with asparagus foam. Yes, foam! It was surprisingly wonderful!

Hotel Andra

If you're ever in Seattle on an expense account, stay at the very lovely and very hip Hotel Andra.

Birthday Dinner

Enjoyed a lovely birthday dinner at Vicki and Charles' new house in Noe Valley. The conversation was lively and the food was tremendous. Too bad I didn't take any photos.


Here's Vicki, Charles and Alle.

Arc Angels

You may remember a few bluesy-Texas twangy-rock hits from these guys in the early 90s. But shortly after their first (and only) record came out ... in Charlie Sexton's own words, Doyle Bramhall's heroin abuse "blew up" the band.


Well, Doyle's all cleaned up and the band is back. I saw them at Slim's on Saturday night and they sounded great!

God Grew Tired of Us

Okay. So, I'm on a serious quest to lose weight. Hence, you'll be seeing less going out and more staying-home-and-watching- movies-while-chomping-on-air-popped-popcorn posts.


I'd been avoiding this movie for fear it would be too depressing. Quite the contrary. It's a fascinating look at the Sudanese "Lost Boys'" journey to America.

Gone Baby Gone

I wasn't expecting much, so I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. It's definitely flawed, but it raises interesting questions about right and wrong, morality and ethics. Worth watching.

Oh, and Omar from The Wire shows up as a cop. Cool.

Puerto Alegre

I met some new friends from my volunteer job at my favorite Mexican restaurant last night. And I'm proud to report for the first time ever, I ordered something other than the wonderful shrimp cocktail. I had the shrimp burrito and was not disappointed.

Brunch at Foreign Cinema

I met Linda and Holden for brunch this past weekend. Have I mentioned how brunch is my favorite time of day? A yummy meal that's too late to call breakfast, but too early for lunch. Perfect.


While I spent a bit more than I would've liked at Foreign Cinema, my frittata was pretty incredible.

SF Silent Film Festival

If you doubt that a silent film from 1928 can stand up to time, I highly recommend the Silent Film Festival. A beautiful theater packed with fans, an accomplished organ player and a classic film on the big screen makes movie-going a delight.


Speaking of delightful, Lillian Gish in "The Wind," was not-to-be-missed.

Four Months and Counting ...

I don't think it's too early to say, mark your calendars for Sunday, Nov. 29.

Brussels Sprouts

I've been on a bit of a Brussels sprouts kick lately. If you haven't tried these cute, little guys lately, I highly recommend it.


Last night, I sauteed 1/8 inch slices in chicken stock with a bit of balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes with mushrooms and leeks. Yum.

The Wrestler

I had put off seeing The Wrestler because I thought it might be depressing. I can't say that I was wrong, but it was a great movie! Like everyone else, I was stunned by Mickey Rourke's radically altered appearance. Was this the same guy from Angel Heart? Amazing. He deserved every single accolade that came his way for this performance.

Rutherford Grill

On the way home from the Russian River, Beth and I stopped for lunch at the Rutherford Grill.


The grilled artichokes were to-die-for.


And deviled eggs at a restaurant? Yum.

The Chickens and the Eggs

One of the things that most fascinated the city girls during their weekend in Forestville was fresh eggs! The house we rented had a chicken coop in the backyard.


The hens were lovely.


Their eggs were multi-colored.


Their yolks were creamy.


And Beth's breakfasts were yummy.

Two Dogs and a Cat

So many friends are kind enough to watch my animals when I'm traveling that it's nice to be able to return the favor.


Ginger.

Shep.

Arthur.

Facebook

I love Facebook. I've reconnected with old friends from high school, Berlin, the AP ... even cousins I rarely see. Carolyn, who now lives in Indiana, is one such reconnection. When we realized she would be in Seattle to run her sixth marathon (!) the weekend after my business trip in Portland, I extended my stay, hung out with Molly who lives on Bainbridge Island and made plans to see Carolyn at the finish line. We chatted like no time at all had passed.