Oscar Review

Overall, I thought the Oscars were pretty boring. I was particularly disappointed by co-hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Or more accurately, I was disappointed the writers didn't make use of their talents. James was dull, dull, dull and Anne was trying too hard to compensate.

That said, here are some other thoughts:


Best dressed: Gwyneth Paltrow. The dress, the hair, the makeup, the jewelry. Gwyneth was born to be a movie star.


Most deserved and runner-up to best dressed: Natalie Portman looks great pregnant and the dress was gorgeous! Plus, she rocked my world in "Black Swan."


Best guy: I know I'll take flack for this, but I adore Mark Ruffalo. I'm thrilled to see him getting the credit he deserves. And, boy, is he handsome or what? Plus, he's from Wisconsin!


Best moment: Florence Welch and A.R. Rachman performing the nominated song "If I Rise" was pure magic. Her voice even silenced the party I was attending - not an easy task.

Marines' Memorial Club

I'm about to share what I believe is one of SF's best kept secrets. Ssshh! The Marines' Memorial Club is a hotel and restaurant just a few blocks from Union Square. You have to be a member (and an active duty or military veteran) to join, but anyone can visit the awesome 12th floor lounge.


Yes, it's called the Leatherneck Steakhouse, but if you can get past that, you can enjoy the great view and a cocktail or two.

Moth Infestation

Have you ever laundered every single item in your closet - in one day? That's what I did on Monday after letting a moth infestation get out of control.


The little buggers are the size of a large mosquito and when they're in the larval stage, they can wreak havoc. They ate holes in about 10 sweaters - five of them cashmere, one of them lowly cotton - and a wool scarf.


I emptied my closet, did eight loads of laundry (two in gentle cycle), took nine sweaters to the dry cleaners (they're giving me a bulk discount) and filled my cedar chest with other clothes and a "Moth Away" chemical bomb that looks (and smells!) like a urinal cake. I also bought new plastic storage drawers and zip bags for sweaters and dresses. And the exterminator is stopping by tomorrow.

Oh, but doesn't my closet look nice?

Kingdom of Dumpling

I'd been wanting to feast on Chinese dumplings for a while, so I trekked out to the outer Sunset with the Single Guy Chef to experience what we had heard were some of the city's best at Kingdom of Dumpling.


I was concerned about a non-meat eater like me having enough options. Well, I needn't have worried. We enjoyed a delicious chive pancake, shrimp dumplings, garlic string beans and Shanghai soup dumplings, which only came stuffed with pork.


Everything was fast, fabulous and affordable. And it was a perfect brunch for a cold, rainy day.

Cha Cha Cha

Oh, Cha Cha Cha, how I love thee! Your sauteed mushrooms, your Cajun shrimp, your crusty bread. You are not the dieter's friend.


My friends, Karen and Georgia, who somehow retain the metabolism of a gnat, ask what's that yummy sauce with the shrimp? Heavy cream, I say, glancing over at Vicki and rolling my eyes. Sigh.

Grandview at the Hyatt

Always on the lookout for new, cool after-work spots for drinks, Beth and I checked out Grandview at the Hyatt yesterday.


The views were - as promised - grand. Everything else? Not so much. For the first time in our collective history, Beth and I sent back a bottle of wine because it was, well, nasty. The splurge - an artichoke and crab hot appetizer - was not at all impressive. All in all, we decided it was just a standard hotel bar that boasted a killer view of a gorgeous city.

The Plant Cafe

The wasabi Plant burger is a vegetarian's delight. Not just a plain ol' Gardenburger, but a incredible patty made with lentils, mushrooms, beets, cashews and bulgur wheat - topped with sauerkraut and toasted bread. Delish!

Art Splurge

I don't know what possessed me. Maybe it was the sunshine. Maybe it was the allure of North Beach. I saw this artwork called "City View" by Laura Morton and I bought it. Just like that.

U.S. Virgin Islands - Part Two

U.S. Virgin Islands - Part One

I thought it was time to share some photos from my trip to the Virgin Islands.

Raku at SF Ballet

Nearly every season, the SF Ballet does something that knocks my socks off. Last night was my first performance of the year and I chose well.


Resident choreographer Yuri Possokhov's new piece is called "Raku" and it's marvelous.

He uses cinematic projections, a rousing and contemporary score, magnificent costumes and lighting to make the most of his incredibly athletic and gravity-defying dance moves. Unfortunately, the photo and the review I've included here highlight dancers I didn't see. Lorena Feijoo danced the lead last night and she positively rocked! If you think ballet is stodgy, boring and old-fashioned, this performance is for you. Last chance to see it is Friday. Buy tickets! I'll personally reimburse you if you don't like it.

Only in Wisconsin

Last summer, I introduced the office to cheese curds. This year, it's more cheese and summer sausage straight from Usinger's. How cute is that?

PackerBowl!

The Packers' Super Bowl victory is so much sweeter when enjoyed with the family in the homeland! Yay!