Jackie D in Da House

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

Here's a quick breakdown of how the week has gone...

Saturday – Dizzy & I picked up Jackie D at SFO airport then headed straight for brunch at Magic Flute in Pacific Heights. I’ve been here before & it’s a pretty good place… and everybody seemed to like what they got. Next stop was bottomless mimosas at Café Avellino (not just good for pizza) so we put down a few decanters while catching up & kind of plotting out the week as far as what we wanted to do.

 

After drinks, we wandered over to the Palace of Fine Arts where Dizzy told us of an exhibition of fellow students from the Academy of Art. The exhibit is located in the former building for the Exploratorium (they moved a few months ago) and was very interesting… here are some pictures…

 

After the exhibit, we checked Jackie D into the Hotel Adagio, which I had never seen before but was actually a very nice place. They just underwent a pretty major renovation & it appears to have paid off well. Reasonably priced too… and they apparently hooked her up with a nice view since she was staying for a week (and Game recognize Game of course).

 

Sunday – Though Jackie D had spent a few months living in the city, she really didn’t get to see much of the surrounding area. About the only trip that she took was our road trip to LA the weekend before she left. So the next few days, I was pretty much determined to show her some of the beauty of the Northern California area. First stop was a quick three-hour road trip to Lake Tahoe. Along the way, listened to Jay-Z which I guess is kind of our road tripping thing… for LA it was “The Blueprint”, for road trip from Vegas to the Grand Canyon it was “Watch the Throne” and for this one “The Blueprint III”.

 

Our first stop was Fifty Fifty Brewery for some fine ales & chicken wings. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Sun was out, not a cloud in the sky, gentle breeze through the pine trees, good stuff. First stop after lunch was The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe to show her how the other half lives… and now she wants to go back to spend a few nights.

 

The next destination was “My Spot” which is featured on half of the postcards for Lake Tahoe (the other half being Emerald Bay) and basically when I was living in Truckee, it was my place to go & just reflect on things, whether sunny day, sunset, snow, whatever. We grabbed a couple of tall boys along the way & just relaxed on the beach, putting our toes in the sand. She tried the water but… it’s late May, so you can easily see how the water is snow runoff.

 

Next was a stroll to a few places along the main road of Truckee (Donner Pass Road) for food & souvenirs. Jackie D bought a nice placard for herself that read “Be a Lady & Drink Whiskey”. Chu’ch! The drive back was right around sunset so we got to see that in the distance through the foothills & conifers. It was a pretty amazing day.

 

Monday – We (Dizzy, Jackie D & myself) went on another road trip to Sonoma in the heart of Wine Country. We again stayed at the beautiful Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma (shameless plug for a great property) and spent the remainder of the daylight going to various wineries for tastings. First up was Gloria Ferrer, which you may recall from our previous trip with C-Real. The tasting area is on a nice patio overlooking their vineyard & we enjoyed a few flights. The weather on Monday wasn’t great… but hey, even bad weather in wine country isn’t that bad.

 

Next stop was Jacuzzi Winery and we ended up buying a bottle of their chardonnay. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking… “$teve, you’ve talked about drinking this whole extended weekend… involving road trips… and you also think that drunk drivers should be tarred & feathered. Just to be clear, am I missing something?” Yes, you are. I drink responsibly 99.9% of the time… and I’m blessed with the ability to realize when I should absolutely not be driving a motor vehicle even when I’m well within the legal standards. However, I’m a large man… these drinks were consumed at a snail pace over many hours… there was a lot of walking in between… but you don’t want to hear about all that. Trust me, I got this.

 

Next stop was a little tasting area for Keating Vineyards… and yeah, it was okay… just a small space in a little strip mall kind of area with sculpture gardens. After that, it was getting to be dinner time… so Dizzy had to go to work but Jackie D & I went to Sonoma Square for some beer & food at Murphy’s Irish Pub. We had some of their 50-50 sliders (half beef, half bacon), shepherd’s pie & pulled pork sandwich. All were pretty excellent.

 

Next we went to a place called HopMonk a few blocks away and basically watched Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals to see my San Antonio Spurs complete their sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies. It was a pretty good game but the Spurs just proved too much for them, similar to the previous three. After the game, we stopped by a frogurt place & decided to walk back to the hotel (about a mile). Then the weather turned a bit & it started to rain… only a light drizzle… but because I hadn’t break my coat, my t-shirt was basically soaked when we got back. After that, we split the bottle of chardonnay from Jacuzzi & watched a little TV until Dizzy got back after work.

 

Tuesday – We had breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant… and it was decent. They know how to poach an egg & cook a pancake but nothing to really write home about. Then we were off for a little drive through Wine Country. We hadn’t gone outside of Sonoma on Monday so we took a little scenic drive out to Castillo di Amoroso to have a wine tasting in the castle’s dungeon… er, wine cellar.

 

Next stop was Sterling Vineyards to take the tram to the top, see the view, drink along the way & then drink more in a seated area. Here are some more pictures…

 

Afterwards, we ate some barbecue at Buster’s & started to head back to the city. The only catch was… apparently so did everybody else, so traffic was pretty ridiculous… on a Tuesday? Really? Oh well. That just meant that we pulled off at Merryvale Winery for another tasting for about an hour while we waiting for the streets to clear a bit during rush hour (and they were open until 6 PM). The server & I knew a few of the same people in my company so we chatted briefly about that & enjoyed some fine wine in their place. Here are some pictures since it’s pretty much the only new one that we ventured to…

 

The best part about Wine Country is the experience while you’re drinking wine. Whether it’s a unique atmosphere like a castle… or a beautiful overlook of the valley while you sip… or riding a train through the Napa Valley… or clever conversation with a server… or just trying all of the different kinds to find what flavors you prefer… with the proper preparation, you can really get into the “wine culture” & enjoy yourself there. As long as you’re responsible in your travels & plan accordingly, you can have an amazing time in one of the pristine portions of the world. Dizzy & I have talked about opening a winery with our Scrooge McDuck-like masses of money but even if we can just visit in the meantime, it’s not a bad deal. I highly recommend it.

 

Wednesday – Back to work & of course there was plenty of work to be had upon my return. On top of the usual was a unique situation where I had to prepare for a coworker’s birthday party. “$teve, you know you have Lady’s birthday, right?” “Yup, next Tuesday, right?” “Actually… she’s leaving for vacation on Friday so… we kind of half to do it tomorrow.” “OH! Oh… okay… I can ugh… Totally… Yeah, I’ll get on that. Sorry, thought I had the weekend to prepare.” Luckily, my lovely ladyfriend Dizzy made a delicious chocolate mint cake with vanilla cream frosting (all I really know about Lady was her favorite ice cream was mint chocolate chip, so thought that would work) & some of ladies from work offered to help with decorating her office Thursday morning… so she was taken care of… and I got caught up on work for the most part. TEAMWORK!!!

 

After work, I met up with Jackie D at Rickhouse for some pre-movie drinks as I had scored some free preview passes to “This is the End”. However, apparently Jackie D had been there for about 3 hours… and she hadn’t eaten… and she was being bought drinks… so she was a little plastered when I met up with her. I didn’t even think that was possible. I had seen her put away booze that would destroy men twice her size… but alas, she was a little faded. No worries, I had a drink with her, then immediately took her to get some greasy food (Pizza Pomodoro’s personal meatlovers… she had most of two of them by my design) & then we went to the movie theatre just in time for the 7 PM start. About ten minutes in though, it was hitting her pretty hard… so she had to excuse herself. Long story short, she ended up going back to her hotel to rest.

 

It’s too bad because “This is the End” was the latest from Seth Rogan & Evan Goldberg (“Superbad” etc) and starred the likes of Craig Robinson, James Franco, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride & basically half of Hollywood. The story is that Jay comes to visit Seth in LA (by the way, they all play themselves or version of them) and they decide to go to James Franco’s housewarming party. All of young Hollywood is there… drinks & drugs are being consumed… and then… the Apocalypse happens. The worthy are drawn up to Heaven, while everybody at the party is left to Hell on Earth. Now those left have to survive… and the gang posts up at James Franco’s house. It’s the usual R-rated comedy that you’d expect with a lot of celebrity cameos… but yeah, pretty hilarious though REALLY risqué humor. Luckily it fits my demographic quite well for a few cheap laughs. It’s not going to win any awards but I recommend it for a cheap fix.

 

After the movie, I took a cab home & relaxed by myself. Not for too long though, because I had an early morning planned.

 

Thursday – Up before 6 AM to head to work early & decorate a coworker’s office, but we got it done… and she loved it… and everybody loves Dizzy’s cake. After work, I met up with Jackie D and we headed over to Occidental Cigar Club because she had mentioned that she was looking for a cigar the previous day (while a little intoxicated) and found one of the few smoker-friendly environments in California. You know… non-marijuana smoker friendly. Good time, smelled like an old hunting lodge… clean whiskey & dirty livers… what you’d expect.

 

After a smoke & a drink, we headed over to Irish Bank for some grub, more beer & the first half of the Heat-Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals to determine who was going to lose to the Spurs in the finals. Shepherd’s pie, Reuben sandwich, potato skins & beer… and good times were had. However, after dinner, I had to play the part of party pooper & head back to the apartment to meet the new roommate (and it had been a long day anyway).

 

Okay, so I got back… Batgirl had all of her stuff packed & placed in the living room… then she & Pixie were watching “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (the one with the Native Americans being moved from their planet apparently) and then the new roommate (Char Char) stopped by drop off some of her things with her boyfriend… so basically the living room was full at that point. Though not nearly as full as when I moved all of my stuff in during the overlap back over two years ago. She seems nice though it was really in & out. I’m excited… but a little sad to see Batgirl move on. Oh well… that’s how it goes.

 

Friday – After work, I met up with Jackie D & we went bar hopping a little bit. We filled up on Chipotle & a few beers (don’t hate) and then ended up at Bourbon & Branch for some cocktails in a speakeasy atmosphere. We actually hung out there for a few hours and… let’s just say scotch based drinks were my thing this evening. For about the last hour, I chatted up with the bartender while Jackie D wandered the room & met up with some young gentlemen. About the time Dizzy got off of work, we met up at Rickhouse… and Dizzy & I politely excused ourselves so that Jackie D could do her thang. Honestly I was kinda feeling like a 3^rd wheel anyway… and I was buzzing pretty good.

 

Saturday & Sunday – Basically we just chilled respectively… Dizzy & I at my apartment, Jackie D at the hotel, we watched movies… and the ones that I saw will be on a future entry. Sunday morning, I drove Jackie D out to the airport, we said our goodbyes & already trying to figure out how we’re getting to the Maldives next year. Neither of us realize that it was in the Indian Ocean so it’s not really a hub for Delta or anything. I’m sure that we’ll figure out a way though. It was a great week having her around… and she got to relax a bit, which she really needed. Until next time Jackie D…

 

That was pretty much it… fantastic week with friends… hope you all enjoyed reading about it a tenth of what I enjoyed doing it. Have a great day everybody!!!

Two to the Fifth Power

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

 

Sorry it has been so long since my last real update (non-movie review related) but it has been a little busy & a lot of fun. Today marks my 32^nd birthday (or as I prefer… two to fifth power) but first, I’m going to take you back to last Friday…

 

Dizzy & I spent the Friday going up to Wine Country because yes… I actually had a weekday off from work. I know… mind… BLOWN!!! Anyway, we drove out there with really no plan (or map) so I yelped a few wineries in the area around the wine train. First up was Del Dotto Winery & Caves. Unfortunately, because we didn’t set up a tour ahead of time we didn’t get a tour of the caves where they keep their wine… but we did have a nice sampling… and the décor is obviously spot on. By the way, I kind of want to find a dive winery. Do you know what I mean? Like… a winery that’s kind of just… wood planks around… various wines are paired with hot dogs & churros or something cheap like that… employees are nice & bathrooms clean of course… but it’s not like the usual there were everything is marble & artsy or whatever. I wonder if Charles Shaw Wineries are like that... for those who know “Two Buck Chuck” it’s now “Two-Fitty Chuck” thanks to the “recession” or whatever.

 

Next stop was a very small, yet very nice vineyard called Razi Winery. We pulled in & thought that the place was closed… but then a nice gentleman invited us in… so we had a nice tasting (very reasonably priced) paired with some great cheese… and then we found out… it was actually the owner who had invited us in & treated us while he was waiting for another party with an appointment about an hour later. Nice guy… great wine… go buy some… we did. After that, we grabbed a bit to eat at the Fatted Pig (there’s also a location in San Francisco I found out) and then it was time for…

 

The Napa Wine Train – So we met up with Dizzy’s aunts & cousin… and boarded the Wine Train. Basically, it’s this well-maintained & very posh train of about a dozen cars that goes from Napa to St. Helena & back over the course of 3-4 hours. The ride to St. Helena was during the “Golden Hour” so everything was beautiful as the pictures will show…

 

Then on the way back, we enjoyed a great 5-star dinner (with actually decent proportions) and eachother’s company. I highly recommend it. Yes… it’s absolutely pricey… but because it’s worth it. Especially for a special dinner date or something… guys… hint.

 

Saturday, we went to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown. It was almost the same as last year… but had a good time there… oh and there was this shirt that I thought you’d all enjoy…

 

Sunday was a pretty lazy day but then we helped sell raffle tickets with the Meals on Wheels benefit that I volunteer for twice a year. Luckily this time I got to treat my lady to some of the fine wines & hors d’ouevres from celebrated chefs around the world that are a part of the benefit. Had I money to donate & be a full-on rapist… sorry, I’m being told it’s pronounced philanthropist, I’d totally be down in attending more of these things. In the meantime, I can donate my time… and maybe a little money (I didn’t win anything on the raffle). Great night!

 

Tuesday night after work, I met up with one of Dizzy’s friend from Detroit & we hit up a few bars. She wanted dive bars but… there really aren’t any dive bars in the Financial District / SOMA. Dive bars don’t have $7 beers. We probably could’ve made it out to the Castro where the beer flows like wine… but we only had a few hours and most of that would’ve been travel by bus. Still, great chick & we had a few drinks, then met up with Dizzy, then apparently she left town on the train a few hours later. So that was that…

 

Thursday night was Big Sky by the Bay a.k.a. The Carla & Larry Show a.k.a. Save Sharkey as it has been called over the years… which is basically a benefit that my friend Carla (oddly enough, who I met at a Meals on Wheels thing) and her friend Larry try to raise money for their common friend Sharkey. Basically it’s telecast live on the interwebs, but it’s a variety show, live auction, raffle, party & a half all rolled into one… and this year it was held at the Hi Dive bar located at right next to the world famous Bay Bridge. Here are a few pictures…

 

 

 

Today was my birthday… and yes, I got to spend it at work… but my coworkers really know what I like, so they got me a German Chocolate cake… and then they decorated my closet office up in Mardi Gras theme. There were beads & some masquerade confetti EVERYWHERE along with green & gold banners and the like… and then there was this…

 

So yeah, it’s been a great birthday week… and this weekend, Dizzy is taking me to a secret location on a road trip… the only thing I know is that it’s north of here. I think I may have spoiled it though because she mentioned it last night & I asked “Is it Point Reyes Lighthouse?” “… N… No… Dammit… yeah, it is… I mean… not anymore…” Of course it was the one place north of here that I’ve visited… but I’m sure we’ll work something out. The weather’s supposed to be a little windy & cold anyway so worst-case, just snuggling next to the fire or whatever works too. We’ll be okay. Which brings me to something that I haven’t mentioned in a while… mainly because I haven’t been doing my job of keeping you up on the REAL news… but without further ado…

 

Apocalypse Update – Yes, the Apocalypse continues… but it’s not just India, Sri Lanka, Florida & other third world countries (ba-da-tish) but now it has spread into another state. Snakes have slithered into a Mississippi courthouse this spring, posing no threat… but definitely giving workers the creeps. Five of the brown DeKay's snakes — sometimes called earth snakes — have been found in the Hinds County circuit clerk's basement office since April 8. A deputy clerk, Kelly Phillips, says the largest was as big around as her finger and a few inches long… though she said that she didn't stop to measure it. Former zookeeper Percy King went to the courthouse to identify the allegedly non-venomous snakes. He says they have soft teeth that probably couldn't even break a human's skin. They can enter buildings through tiny holes. Phillips says the first time she saw one, she screamed, "Snake!" and several co-workers scattered. One coworker (probably a dude) picked it up with a paper clamp and took it outside. So… it’s not like the Everglades being overran by giant Burmese pythons or the entire justice system of Sri Lanka collapsing because of the Slithering Death… but still, keep your eyes peeled out there.

 

Anyway, that should do it for this evening. Thank you all for the birthday wishes… and have a great weekend everybody!!!

The Wingmans Take the Bay

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

Yeah… I know… it’s been too long. Well, I assure you that I’ve been busy. Work has been frantic… and it basically exhausts me into the evenings some days… but luckily I’m enjoy to enjoy bliss just about every day thanks to my family, friends, roommates, ladyfriend, even coworkers from time to time. Yeah work can be tough… but that’s why they pay you. Period. Anyway, where did I leave off last time? You know what? I think I’m just going to start with the Wingmans visit…

A few Wednesdays ago, I picked up the Wingmans at Oakland Int’l, we enjoyed some In-n-Out Burger, cracked a few bottles of Rogue Ales Bacon Maple Ale, and basically just chillaxed that first night catching up on life. See, I think the last time that I saw these guys was at my 30^th birthday cruise last year… so we had a lot to catch up on.

Thursday, I worked while they played… and I even hooked them up with a nice romantic evening at a nice little place on the coast south of town… because I’m an amazing human being & they deserved it. Oh by the way, this trip was my 5^th anniversary present / birthday present for Mrs Wingman aka Chick ‘n’ Wing. I think that I hooked them up pretty good… but they deserved it.

Friday, I worked again but by the graces of my coworkers, I was able to get out at a reasonable hour, meet up with Dizzy & the Wingmans, and head out to Monterey. The drive down there was beautiful along the Pacific Coast Highway… and we even stopped to grab some fruit for snacks. That first night we pulled into town & dinner at the Old Fisherman’s Grotto… and that was pretty much it.

That Saturday, we went to the Monterey Aquarium… and nerded out for the majority of the day… observe!!!

Next stop was the legendary 17 mile drive through Pebble Beach… and we did some wandering…

That night we ate at the Crown & Anchor, enjoying some great food & great beers… and there was a bachelorette party… but obviously not the crazy Vegas variety, mostly valley girls that were more irritating than anything else. Totally.

That Sunday, we went for round two at the Aquarium (since we didn’t get it all the first day) so here’s more nerdiness…

Then we drove out to Moss Landing Beach…

Then out to the Renaissance Lodge Sonoma, ate the magnificent Murphy’s Burgers (half beef – half bacon) and of course… a few beverages in preparation for the hot tub & major relaxation back at the hotel.

That Monday, before they woke up,  Dizzy & I went across the street to Train Town, apparently a local favorite among kids... but when we got there, it was spooky... like abandoned Scooby Doo Amusement park scary... complete with empty strollers & not a soul in sight... Here are some pictures…

And on this Monday, I actually had a weekday off from work. Yes, yes, I know, ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I agree 100%!!! We celebrated by going to several wineries… and yes, many of them were ones that Dizzy & I had visited during our last trip… but they were so cool that we thought we’d share them with the Wingmans.

…and of course to end the day, we DID visit a really cool new one… Castillo di Amarosa Winery, which is a beautifully constructed castle that actually hosts a pretty wicked looking Renaissance Faire with jousting and such… but it’s also a pretty penny to attend. Regardless, it’s pretty amazing to behold.

That Tuesday, it was back to work… but we all met up again after work and enjoyed a fine night at Café Prague with dinner, drinks, etc. Wednesday was pretty much work followed by driving the Wingmans out to the airport.

In all, the trip was a complete success… and I’m glad that the Wingmans could get to see how I’m living so that they can stop worrying about me (okay, just the Chick ‘n’ Wing… she worries, Mr Wingman knows better) and I could show them just a few of the awesome things to do out here. I miss them terribly… and hope to go visit them soon at their new house… but I’m sure we’ll figure it all out. Hope you enjoyed! Have a great day everybody!!!