Brewers vs. Giants

I wanted to share a photo from our awesome seats at last Sunday's baseball game. Thanks, Ben Seto aka Single Guy Chef for the photo and the company!

Le Colonial

This French-Vietnamese restaurant is one of my favorite spots downtown. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but the food is tasty, the drinks are delightful and the ambiance cannot be beat.


Last night, I had the veggie spring rolls, which were to-die-for and the crab cakes, which were not. They had too much breading and not enough crab.

Simple Shrimp Salad

Frozen shrimp is a dream if you're trying to lose weight. I always have some on hand. Last night (and many other nights), I saute the shrimp in some wonderful hot sauce I bought in the Virgin Islands, toss them atop a bed of Romaine lettuce and top it all off with yogurt-bleu cheese dressing. Good and good for you!

Asparagus with Poached Eggs

So simple and good! You don't even need a recipe.

Giants vs. Brewers

Or Brewers vs. Giants?


Yes, I'll be rooting for Milwaukee first, SF second. But, regardless of who wins, AT&T Park is an awesome place to watch a game!

A Return to Yoga

Longtime friends and blog followers may remember my yoga phase. It really changed my life. Then, my favorite instructors left, class times changed, I moved.


Last night, I went to my first class in about two years. My HOA sponsored a free class in my building and I was inspired. I had forgotten how good yoga makes me feel.

Marin Brewing Company

Last night, we volunteers got kicked out of San Quentin early because of a water main break.


So, the 10 of us headed over to Larkspur and the lovely Marin Brewing Company. We sat on the giant patio and enjoyed the warm temps. Oh, and those french fries were to die for!

Turnip Challenge

I bought a few turnips at the farmer's market on Sunday, but I really don't know what to do with them. All suggestions welcomed!

Mexican Shrimp Cobb Salad

It's typical summer weather in SF - cold and fog. To escape temps in the 60s, I trekked out to Concord for a pool party. Yes, a pool party.


This salad seemed the perfect dish to bring. I bought the trifle dish to ensure it looked as gorgeous as it tasted. If you try this, be sure to make the tomatillo dressing that's a suggested accompaniment. It's excellent!

Stephen King

I love Stephen King. There. I said it.


I know he's not considered a real "writer," but have you read him lately? He's not just about ghouls and gore. Take "Full Dark, No Stars." I hate short stories, but these are longish short stories and they're packed with great characters, taut storylines and suspenseful plots. And, yes, it's real "writing." Highly recommended.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

My rental house came along with a free pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Never one to pass up a deal, I stopped by before driving back to SF.


I checked out the new exhibit - The Open Sea, which featured gorgeously lit sea nettle displays.


My photos don't do it justice. $29.95 for adult admission is quite high. Was it worth it? If you're a fan of the sea? Absolutely.

Cottage in Carmel

I got to stay at this lovely cottage in Carmel after the owner had a last-minute cancellation.


It was so relaxing, I didn't want to leave.


It's a great location, beautifully decorated and you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere even though you're not.

Big Sur

Yesterday, I drove about 15 miles south of Carmel to the Bixby Bridge, which is synonymous with Big Sur.


Either I'd never been there or I had forgotten how gorgeous it is. Unfortunately, either is a distinct possibility.


It was clear and sunny, but blustery. I suspect the scenery is breathtaking in any season.

Weekend Getaway - Carmel

I've been itching to get out of town lately. Of course, this requires more planning when one is car-free. Usually, I head north to the Russian River. This time - because of a last-minute deal I found on a rental house - I'm headed south to Carmel.


Stay tuned for photos!

Return to Spinning

I'm on a quest to lose 10 pounds in 30 days. I know it's a lot, but I feel like I need a swift kick in the buttocks. Anyway, I've started taking a spinning class at lunchtime on Thursdays. I'd forgotten how much I love it! The music, the sweat, the cajoling by the instructor. Ah!

Brenda's French Soul Food Cafe

Georgia and I met in the 'hood yesterday for lunch at Brenda's. I have a low tolerance for waiting at restaurants, but a 20-minute wait at Brenda's is worth it.

Georgia had the catfish po' boy with cole slaw and I had a Caesar salad topped with fried catfish. I wish I'd photographed the salad because it was beautiful and tasty. The menu says the fish is fried and I believe it, but the cornmeal coating is so very light and there's nothing greasy about it.


Oh, and I just learned that Brenda lives in my apartment building. How cool is that?

Outerlands

Louise and I met for lunch in the outer Sunset at a place aptly named Outerlands. And if you are a bread person, like I am, it's definitely worth the trip.


The delicious bread is baked in-house and they specialize in scrumptious sandwiches -of course - to show it off.


Louise said her pastrami was a bit too greasy, but my egg sandwich was perfect. In fact, the only improvement on the lunch experience would've been to serve the sandwich with a steak knife, which would've made the inch-thick slice of bread easier to eat.