A Midsummer Wine's Dream & Delectable Food Bites at Tigelleria's Ristorante with Friends

“More important than the food pairing [are the people] with whom you drink the wine.”—Christian Moueix

Cecile and enjoyed a special taste of Italy with our friends Susan and Nelson Bye who we invited to join us, pairing great wines and tantalizing food bites at Tigelleria Ristorante in the heart of downtown, Campbell, CA. The restaurant pronounced (Tee-gel-leh-ria) is the name of a special cast iron pan that is used to make a tasty circular bread with a crisp crust and soft center from Modena, Italy, home of the late, great operatic tenor, Luciano Pavarotti and is served throughout Tuscany and Veneto.

The bread is served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and gourmet mushroom dip. The restaurant is the creation of owner and Executive Chef, Elisabetta Benetollo and offers dishes from traditional Venetian family recipes. It highlights fresh quality cuisine using locally sourced organic foods.

Our waiter Francesco photographed here between Nelson and me introduced us and nineteen other patrons at the table to a veteran sommelier, Cristina Rinaldi, who made a passionate, entertaining and informative presentation about the history of the wines we would be drinking, where they originated, and what made them special. Her love affair with wine began when her boss paid for her schooling to become a sommelier. As she introduced each wine before each food serving she held up a map of Italy and pointed out the regions where the grape vineyards were grown and wineries established.

Our taste buds were enlivened with a 2017 Parpinello Vermentino paired with burrata topped with arugula and balsamic vinegar reduction; a 2015 Castello Della Panneretta chianti Classico paired with organic house-made grandma lasagna; and a 2015 La Casetta Valpolicella Repasso paired with top sirloin steak with potatoes and herb butter.

Nelson an avid wine buyer and collector, whom I thought was photographing the labels on the wine bottles was actually scanning the labels. He introduced me to the Vivino app considered to be the best wine label-scanning application for smartphones, which provides details about the wine such including expert ratings, price, features, and the places to buy them at the best price. The app is a personal guide for newbies and connoisseurs alike.

For dessert we shared a Tortino al Cioccolato, an organic chocolate torte served with Amarena cherry ice cream that was freshly made to order that did not disappoint. We left the restaurant perfectly sated with smiles on our faces.

Note: The photo of the hanging ornamental marionette soldiers are common in Sicily and made me feel nostalgic for my late mother Maria's birthplace.

Shoreline Lake for Lunch, a Stroll, Invigorating Beauty & Peaceful Refuge

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things"—Robert Breault

Cecile and I decided to escape the heat by going to Shoreline Lake in Mountain View, a 20-minute drive from our home. On the way, we heard a roar of eight motorcycle policemen as they sidled up alongside us as seen in the photo. We hadn’t been to Shoreline in quite some time. We were rewarded with a cool, breezy, sunny day. Most people don’t know that this large shimmering lake was once a landfill. Beyond the perimeter of the lake is the South Bay (photo). We had shared an Eggplant & Formaggio (Herb focaccia with sun-dried tomatoes puree, artichoke hearts, roasted red bell peppers & mozzarella cheese) at the American Bistro that sits strategically and cozily near the edge of the water. Plexiglass barriers surround the outdoor patio to protect against the wind and colorful umbrellas protect you against the sun.

This time of year, kids, accompanied by their parents and teen counselors engage in various water activities including kayaking, windsurfing and paddle boating which is also available to the general public. The Bistro also draws companies like Google, Samsung who treat their employees to luncheons on the waterfront lawn and patio and offer team building activities. After lunch, we walked around the lake and enjoyed watching the seagulls gliding on the thermals and a few small private planes heading to and from Palo Alto airport just ten miles away.

Beyond the activities mentioned above, this place is a source of great inspiration for the inner poet, the Plein-air artist who needs a scene to paint, couples looking for a romantic interlude, families who want to picnic and anyone craving a little bit of nature and wildlife. I discovered this wonderful refuge many years ago with my watercolor group called the Saratoga Community of Painters that has since disbanded but has left me with a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Here’s a little bit of LAKE Wisdom:

Soak up the Sun
Cast Away Your Troubles
Keep Things Clear
Make Positive Ripples
Take Time to Reflect
Shore up Friendships
Be Full of Life & Grateful for the Day

Dinner with Family at Celia's: A Mexican American Success Story

"Time with those we love is the greatest gift as today’s little moments become tomorrow's precious memories."

Cecile and I babysat our granddaughter Lyla on Friday and our daughter Michelle and son-in-law Kyle asked us to join them for dinner at Celia’s Mexican Restaurant in San Mateo, a stone’s throw from where they live. Asking Kyle if he likes Mexican food would be liking asking him if the pope is Catholic.😜 Celia’s, which has an extensive menu and great non-machine made secret blend Margaritas is one of his favorites.

Michelle, Kyle, and Cecile had Agave Margaritas and I had a frozen strawberry Margarita along with tortilla chips and guacamole for the table. For our main entrees, we feasted on vegetarian fajitas with fresh tortillas (no lard), Tostada chicken salad, cheese, and chicken enchiladas. Kyle and I had a beer with dinner. The only missing was a mariachi band, but we had Lyla to keep us thoroughly entertained.

Political pundits who argue over the immigration policy might consider the story of the late Celia Lopez-Rodriguez and her late husband Perfecto Lopez. In 1955, five years after they were married, Perfecto immigrated to San Francisco to raise enough funds to bring Celia to the United States one year later. The couple had to work 16-hour days in local restaurants for three years before they could afford to bring their four children to join them. 

In 1961, with money they had saved, the founders of Celia’s opened a cafe in the Outer Sunset District of San Francisco. They served burgers, fries, and milkshakes in a largely Irish neighborhood. When they expanded their business to include dinner, they experienced a slowdown. Following her intuition, Mrs. Lopez-Rodriguez insisted they should introduce Mexican food on their menu. Her husband disagreed, believing it would never sell in the neighborhood. Celia began sneaking out a few enchiladas to their regular customers and within a week’s time, lines formed out the door and the rest, as they say, is history. They changed their name to Celia’s Mexican Restaurant. Rather than franchising their business, each future restaurant was owned and operated by different family members using recipes Mrs. Lopez had brought with her from their small town in Jalisco, Mexico.

Having grown up very poor in a town with no paved sidewalks and no roads, Celia and her husband Perfecto had achieved the American Dream and lived to see their grandchildren go to college.

Celebrating the 4th of July with Family & Friends & Happy Holiday Weekend to All!

“The essence of America—that which really unites us—is not ethnicity, or nationality, or religion. It is an idea—and what an idea it is: that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn’t matter where you came from, but where you are going.”
—Condoleezza Rice

I am grateful that the founding fathers created a system of government that among many liberties mostly allows it's citizens to create their own destinies, choose where and how to live, what fields of endeavor to pursue, the right to protest and the freedom to travel.
Speaking of travel, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control we canceled our Alaska Cruise this week. Instead, Cecile and I celebrated at Bay Club Courtside resort facility in the sunny and mild temperatures of Silicon Valley in Northern California. Our son Jason and Alix were our guests and we were surrounded by a community of friends and acquaintances. There was a Pool Deck Concierge Service we rarely take advantage of on holidays and weekends and a Poolside DJ. We had frozen lime Margaritas, burgers, salad with filet of Salmon and watermelon. A few of the lap pool lanes were opened up for members and guests to luxuriate themselves atop larger than life-sized inflatables such as the Pink Flamingoes seen in the photos. Families with children were even bustin' a groove on the other side of the club that also has a pool and playing organized games. The photo of me with the person with the black cap is my energetic Iranian American friend AJ Dadnia (aka The Zumba King)😎
Cecile and I were also seated in our chaise lounge chairs next to Carlos and his wife Claudia that I know from yoga and Qi Gong class.

In honor of the 4th of July, here is a poetic offering by Joanna Fuchs, that spoke to me as it relates to the spirit and meaning of the freedoms we were given and that literally and figuratively breathes life into our American flag:

Old Glory (in free verse)

I am the most famous icon on earth,
on display all over the world…
standing guard at majestic official buildings,
in courtrooms, churches, and even on the moon.
I fly from the houses of families who revere America,
and snap in the breeze on parade.

…Sometime soiled and tattered, even bloodstained,
I survive the grinding toil of wars,
urging my weary warriors to fight on...
I lie precisely folded, held by mothers of fallen soldiers
as their fingertips caress me for comfort and strength.

I am invincible.
I have been burned, spat upon, trampled and cursed,
but I overcome all to unfurl, soar and inspire again.
I am the Star-Spangled Banner; I am Old Glory;
I am the American Flag, a symbol of freedom, forever.

Poem adapted from Joanna Fuchs
www.poemsource.com

Peace and thanks to the wonderful workers and staff at Bay Club Courtside!

Magical Moments: Sage advice from a 103 Track Star to Whom this Post is Dedicated

W. Somerset Maugham once wrote, “Nothing in the World is Permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.”

Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins takes delight in everything she does. Believed to be the oldest woman to formally complete on an American track, she took up running at age 100.

Back History: In a recent interview, Sarah Mervosh, a New York Times reporter, asked Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, age 103 if she had any closing thoughts after have had completed the 100-meter dash race in the National Senior Games in Albuquerque. The centenarian who set a record for the 100-meter dash when she was 101, said: "Keep yourself in good shape if you can. Have many passions. And look for magic moments. That is something that I have done in my life—think of the things that are magic moments that happen to you, like sunsets and sunrises, rainbows, beautiful birds, music and people who make lovely comments to you. All of those are magic moments and they are free for all. Be sure to keep your eyes open for them." 

When the reporter called her for the interview, she was taking a break from running, the Louisiana native was enjoying the day at a botanical garden. It turns out the flowers are another passion of hers. “I’m a big flower person,” she said, “I usually wear a flower in my hair, even when I’m running. I would rather be the 'Flower Lady’ than the 'Hurricane Lady.’”

As a tribute to this inspiring grand lady, I have dedicated this post and photos—mostly of flowers that I recently took as well as images (sunsets, etc.) I captured recently of other magical moments that have brought me a great deal of joy. After all, life is short or as Julia says, “As I get older, I feel like I only have so many 100-yard dashes left…”—a perfect metaphor for living and enjoying life now. It’s never too late.

Credit: Sarah Mervosh, The New York Times, June 2019
Photo Credit of Julia Hawkins (Brit Huckabay/National Senior Games, via Associated Press)

Celebrating Our Son's 38th Birthday at the Blue Door Restaurant and Bar

“Life should not only be lived, but it should also be celebrated.”
—Osho

Before heading to the Blue Door Jason took a group selfie of us with Daisy whom we are going to be dog sitting
for the next few days. We love to take her on the walking trails where we live. After the photo, we met up with our daughter, Michelle, Kyle, our granddaughter Lyla, Kyle’s mom Kim and Jason’s partner, Alex at the restaurant.
We ordered some drinks and appetizers including Prosciutto Flatbread and Mediterranean Sampler. For dinner, we had Chicken Kebabs Platter, Scallop & Prawn Risotto, The Blue Door Burger, Fish and chips to name a few.

For dessert, we ordered one of Jason’s longtime favorites: Affogato which is a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream served with a single shot of espresso. We ordered one for Jason and three for the table and sang Happy Birthday to him after which he blew out the candles. At 38 years old Cecile and I would like to think we were good parents and that we didn’t subject him to any childhood trauma.

But, we’d be wrong. Have you ever ordered a tantalizing dessert and once it’s placed in front of you, one or two people at the table would say oh, I don’t want dessert, I’ll just have a “bite” of yours. By the time you’re done “sharing” half of it is gone and you are left feeling deprived. That’s what we used to do to poor Jason, especially as we got older and the thought of eating an entire dessert became daunting. We almost always would say “We’ll just take a bite or taste of yours. I got to thinking about how we took this habit for granted and how presumptive it was.
After all, you wouldn’t want to say to someone I think I'll pass on the salad and soup and have some of yours:-). At our advancing age, Cecile and I have finally become “woke” parents in this politically correct world and are more sensitive about what we say or do:-)

All kidding aside, we are so happy to be able to celebrate special family events. In the Middle Ages, people had 150 days of the year for rest, feast, holidays and other celebratory events. They worked hard but the cycles of work and play followed a steady rhythm. These days most people can’t afford to take off half the year to participate in family traditions, but back in the day when the kids were young and we were working long hours, thanks to Cecile, we always found time to establish small, regular rituals that gave us and our children fun things to look forward to. We have continued to do so and for this, we are eternally grateful.

Happy Birthday, Jason. You’re the best. We love you.

Celebrating a Very Special Father's Day Including our Family's First Time Dad

Cecile, our son Jason and I were happy to celebrate our son-in-law Kyle's first Father’s Day, along with his dad Ed Lewis and Gerry, his mother Kim Chien and last but not least our daughter Michelle at their home in San Mateo. We missed you AL.
We had fresh veggies with hummus dip, Jalapeno Poppers as appetizers accompanied by a pitcher of Moscow Mules and Rose wine, barbecued tri-tip, Mexican grilled corn on the cob, Salmon fillet, Zucchini Linguini with cherry tomatoes, Tomato-Mozzarella Stacks with Basil.
For dessert, we had an assortment of specialty cookies, grilled fresh peach and with home-made vanilla ice cream.
Our granddaughter Lyla who was recently introduced to soft food enjoyed some sweet potatoes and avocado.
As usual, we exchanged gifts. The secret is out that I am a Lululemon fan and I was showered with the trendy and comfortable yoga pants and shirts and a bottle of wine and some very heartfelt Father’s Day cards.
Among other gifts, Kyle made out with some Lululemon tops and bottoms, dress shirt & slacks and a novelty miniaturized basketball court gifted to him by Kim to pass the time in between his business ventures and childrearing activities.

Kyle, as you know, being a father is a very special milestone in life and celebrating your first Father’s Day is all the more special because you and Michelle brought Lyla, a little angel into this world who will soon begin to call you Dada. We all wish you and Lyla a life long unbreakable bond filled
with love and affection. She is lucky to have you as a devoted dad and you will both be enriched by the process.

Father’s Day honors fathers and celebrates paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in society.
Since the Middle Ages Catholic countries of Europe celebrated Father's Day on March 19 which is Saint Joseph's Day. The Spanish and Portuguese brought the custom to Latin America, where March 19 is often still used. 
In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge first recognized Father’s Day. However, due to the massive popularity of
of the festival, President Richard Nixon established it as a permanent national observance in 1972.
Many countries in Europe and the Americas have adopted the third Sunday of June as the official day of celebration.

Postscript: Happy Father’s Day to all those who are no longer with us including my late dad, Frank Augustine, and Cecile’s late dad, Harry Weiner who are: 

“Sadly missed along life’s way, 
quietly remembered every day…
No longer in our life to share,
but in our hearts, you’re always there.”
—unknown author

The Frosty Negroni Slushy & Family Dinner at Chicago's Parson's Chicken and Fish

It is 102 degrees today in Silicon Valley and my mind—being the purveyor of desire—is yearning for a Negroni Slushy. I was recently introduced to the frosty delight at Chicago’s Parson’s Chicken & Fish (there is also one in Nashville), one of the trendiest bar-centric eateries that serve down-home southern comfort soul food like Beer Battered Fried Fish, Popcorn Chicken, etc., during a family gathering.

The Negroni Slushy is made with Chicago’s Letherbee gin, Luxardo Bitters (instead of Campari), sweet vermouth, and a tad of lime juice. Other handcrafted cocktails some of our group ordered were the Dark and Stormy slushy with rum, lime and ginger beer; Michelada with Modelo beer, house sangria, lime, salt and pepper, and Monsieur Coconut Slushy.

Cecile and I joined her brothers Mark and Lawrence Weiner, and their spouses Barbara and Jessica and children Zachary and Ilana and Annabel respectively; and sister Sherry and her daughter Emily.

Kyle and his partner Farbod and friend Kavon (not shown here) had a booth at The 98th annual National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show at McCormick Place showcasing Kyle and Farbod's SRIRACHA2GO product lines. The NRA is the foodservice industry’s largest and most comprehensive annual event worldwide and gave them quite a bit of exposure and contacts to national and international distributors.

Thanks to his uncle Mark, who is the Director of Dining Services for A’viands at Northeastern Illinois University Greater Chicago Area, our son Jason was able to join our daughter Michelle in attending the show one afternoon while we babysat our granddaughter, Lyla.

Cheers!

sriracha2go.com

Have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day: Remember, Celebrate & Honor!

“Our debt to the Heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.
They have earned our undying gratitude. 
America will never forget their sacrifices.
—President Harold S. Truman

The red poppy is known as "The Flower of Remembrance" and is worn in memory of our veterans and active service members.

The Six remembrances on Memorial Day:

1-Our Fallen Service Men & Women Who Gave their Life for our Country

2-Those Soldiers Missing in Action

3-Our Prisoners of War

4-Our Wounded Warriors

5-Veterans who Served Both Here and Abroad, Returned Home & No longer with Us

6-Active Service Members. Thank You for All You Do!

Postscript: In Loving Memory of my dad, Frank Augustine who received a military funeral.
(January 5, 1917-December 18, 2017)

Blowout Dinner at Etta's for our Last Evening in the Windy City

“Chicago is my kind of town…”—Frank Sinatra

Chicago is where Cecile and I met in the early 70s while I was going to Podiatric Medical School.
It is always a pleasure to come back to visit the old haunts and her family.

Cecile, her sister Sherry and I took an Uber to Etta’s restaurant in the Bucktown area of Chicago and met up with Sherry’s daughter Emily, son, Jacob and his wife Amy. It was teeming with activity. There's a full sleek bar, pizza oven and spacious dining room on the main floor and a covered bar seating and outdoor space on the second floor. We sat facing the open kitchen and pizza oven on the first floor that was working overtime trying to keep up with the orders.

Etta is the sister restaurant of Maple and Ash, the company our nephew Jacob recently hooked up with to become their Director of Operations. It is always helpful and a special treat to have a family member like Jacob who is so close to the restaurant scene to help ensure an unforgettable dining experience. 

We decided the best strategy was to order family style giving us the opportunity to sample as many dishes as possible. We began with cocktails and wine and a Fire-Baked foccacia with a rich ricotta cheese spread enhanced with honey and truffle, Ricotta Pillows which tasted like gnocchi (potato dumpling); Heart-roasted beets, feta cheese, blood orange, arugula, Pepitas, and candied walnuts; Wood-fired thin crusted pizza with green asparagus, lemon, black pepper and, Pecorino; Cavatelli pasta Bolognese (meat sauce) with Parmesan; Hearth glazed lamb with pickled turnips, mustard greens and yogurt; Wood-fired chicken with lemon, garlic, thyme, potato puree and Fire-roasted, de-boned, whole Branzino white fish with capers, parsley and lemon with a crispy skin cooked to perfection.

We shared three desserts: Aya’s chocolate Sabayon tart with vanilla bean ice cream; apple Galette with almond Frangipane, and honey cardamon ice cream and, cinnamon Tres Leches with cinnamon and Krispies.

Because of Jacob's connection to Maple and Ash and his recent birthday celebration the other evening, several of our dishes were comped by the staff and a candle was lit.

And, last but not least, check out the photo I took of Jacob with his head turned toward the ceiling, mouth open as the waiter poured wine in it. It looks like some sort of fraternity hazing or religious ritual. A couple of us gave it a try and it was good.

Celebrating our Nephew Jacob's Surprise 40th Birthday Party in Chicago

“Life really does begin at 40. Until then, you are just doing research.”—Carl G. Jung

Cecile and I, Jason, Michelle, Kyle and our granddaughter Lyla were among forty family members and friends gathered to celebrate our nephew Jacob Schwimmer’s surprise 40th birthday party in a the back of the Violet Hour on Damen Avenue in the Wicker Park section of Chicago. The event was hosted by Jacob’s mom and dad, Sherry and Jerry Schwimmer with the assistance and coordination of Jacob’s sister Emily and wife Amy.

The entrance to this hard to find swanky cocktail lounge with—no sign out front—is hidden behind a mural painted wood paneled exterior. A doorman escorted us through a dark passage way and into a private candlelit salon. It had all the feel of a mysterious speakeasy reminiscent of the early 20’s when George "Bugs" Moran and Al Capone were running the streets before the repeal of prohibition in 1933.

Once we were given the word that Jacob and Amy would be arriving soon, we retreated to both sides of the room. When he walked through the curtains we all yelled surprise!
He didn’t know what hit him. He certainly didn’t expect to see family members from California.

While the hand crafted cocktails and other drinks were served by the waiters and waitresses of the Violet Hour lounge, the food was catered by the Big Star, a former gas station and now a Mexican taco-serving honky-tonk bar across the street. 

We couldn’t wish to spring this surprise on a better guy. Jacob, who is a well liked affable young man has had a good run of late. Having recently returned from an enchanting 15 day tour of Peru with Amy, he was recently hired as the Director of Operations for Maple & Ash that Zagat rates as one of the best restaurants in the Gold Coast.

Happy 40th Jacob and we extend our heartfelt congrratulations on your well deserved new career opportunity! We are so proud of you, and how you patiently worked your way up the ladder all these years in the Food and Hospitality field. All the hard work has paid off. We love you

A Festive Afternoon in San Francisco including a Raucous Visit with Sea Lions at Pier 39

Cecile and I spent Saturday afternoon in San Francisco with our niece, Ilana, who is visiting from the greater Chicago area. After having lunch at Scala’s we went to the Taiwanese American Cultural Festival in Union Square Park. We were blessed with a mild, breezy sunny day.
We visited the Ma-Tsu Temple Shrine. One of the volunteers named Ming took our photo and he and I had our photo taken together in front of the Ma-Tsu Shrine. Adherents of this tradition were offering lit incense sticks and bowing their heads in reverence to the deity surrounded by her protectors. After I told him my interest in Taoism and Buddhist meditation, Ming showed me a Tibetan prayer wheel he wore around his neck and I shared my gold engraved “katah” prayer beads from Cambodia. 

The Ma-Tsu Temple is a Taoist temple in San Francisco’s Chinatown, founded in 1986 by two Chinese immigrants. Ma-Tsu (or Mazu) was born Moniang Lin in the Fuquian province of China in 960 A.D. It has been said that she was very gifted and existed on a higher spiritual plain. At the age
of 13, she had a thorough understanding of all the Zen teachings. She was also known to have possessed healing powers and metaphysical abilities, controlling the weather and saving troubled ships at sea. Hence, she became known as the Goddess of the sea. At the age of 27 she ascendant to Nirvana.

As we exited the park I took a photo of Ilana in front of a colorful batik heart by artist Swann Freslon (sponsored by Genentech installed February 13, 2019). It was part of the "Hearts in San Francisco," a public art project that supports San Francisco General Hospital Foundation’s efforts to fund innovative projects and initiative’s that provide high-quality compassionate care at Zuckerberg San Francisco General. From 2004, more than 350 heart sculptures have been designed by local artists then auctioned and sold. More than 11 million dollars has been raised.

We stopped for a cappuccino and a cannoli and to rest our tired feet at Caffe Greco in North Beach. One patron was
feeding an Italian pastry to his Jack Russel terrier.

Cecile, Ilana and I then made our way through Chinatown, one of the oldest and most established in the United States. Beyond the iconic Dragon’s Gate, was a maze of streets and alleyways brimming with dim sum joints, bakeries, herbalists, souvenir shops that we browsed, ornate temples, cocktail lounges, and karaoke bars.

Afterward, we walked to Pier 39’s West Marina to see the Sea Lions. Endearingly called “Sea Lebrites” these barking, boisterous social creatures began to make their presence known shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. In the beginning, they numbered from 10-50, but due to a bountiful herring supply, the available dock space and protected environmental status, they began to arrive in droves growing to 300 and then hitting an all time ,record of 1701 in November 2009.

In the backdrop was Alcatraz Island that was developed with facilities for a lighthouse, military fortification, military prison and federal prison from 1934-1963 and currently
functions as a popular tourist attraction.

We made a pit stop in San Mateo to see our daughter Michelle, Kyle and our granddaughter Lyla before heading back home.

Unforgettable Easter Sunday: Incredible Luncheon, Easter Egg Hunt & the 2-Legged Easter Bunny

"Spring, the season for rebirth, renewal, and regrowth."

Cecile and I and our son Jason were two of seventeen people that gathered at Kim and AL Chiens’ lovely home for Easter Sunday.
It was a very auspicious day. Besides being the day Christians celebrate the anniversary of Jesus’ resurrection, it was Kim and AL’s 18th wedding anniversary and our baby granddaughter Lyla's first Easter. She even got her first Easter egg basket.

On any major family holiday celebration, the first thing that comes to mind when walking into the Chien's home and experiencing Kim’s flawless attention to detail, tasteful creativity and signature artistry that she employs in setting the menu, coordinating food preparations, and planning the decor is that this amazing passionate and compassionate woman should have her own TV series on the Food Chanel Network. It is clear to all that know her, that her efforts are a labor of love.

After, pre-meal drinks from the family’s back yard patio bar, enjoying yummy appetizers such as deviled eggs, melon wrapped in prosciutto, lollypop lamb chops and a fresh fruit platter and dip, we socialized with Kyle’s dad Ed and Gerry, his brother Chip and Katie who flew in from New York, AL’s mom and dad, Dana and Jack, brother Rich and Lisa and their adorable daughters, Simone and Alivia, and of course our dearest daughter Michelle. Our little Lyla was being passed around and lovingly embraced like the precious flower she is. Even, the family dog, Bailey came over to snuggle next to Lyla. If she could talk she would have to conclude “They really, really love me,” and she would be right. She was the love and light of the party on this Easter Day.

The glass T-shape dining table room setting was inviting. After Kim recited a prayer for all the blessings in our lives, we ate buffet-style enjoying Ham Quiche, Spinach Quish, Honey-Baked Ham, Cheesy potatoes, Halibut Florentine, Glazed Carrots, Fresh Asparagus followed by Carrott cake, Banana bread, Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Krispy Kreme Donuts and Easter Cookies.

After dinner AL—brave enough to wear a Rabbit Suit (pink I may add) coordinated an Easter Egg hunt for the children in the front yard and for adults in the backyard. Michelle found a Golden Egg with $50 cash prize AL had hidden in an electric utility box. “That’s my girl,” I said.

As the designated family historian and photographer Al said, “No social media.” It is difficult to take someone seriously, saying no photos on social media with respect to his wearing a Pink Bunny Rabbit suit:-) All kidding aside, AL brought a spirit and excitement to the events of the day that will be remembered by all for years to come. By the end of the day, AL didn’t win any easter egg award, but he got the best prize of the day—feeding Lyla (Photo).

Postscript: Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to everyone affected by the Sri Lanka tragedy, serial bomb blasts that hit several churches and hotels on Easter Sunday.

The First Night of Passover: an Intimate gathering of our Family and Friends

The message of Passover: “Freedom is won not on the battlefield but in the classroom and the home. Teach
your children the history of freedom if you want them never to lose it.
—Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks

Cecile and I hosted a very simple and intimate gathering for the first night of Passover that happened to fall on Good Friday this year. Our son Jason and his partner Alex attended, our daughter Michelle, our son-in-law Kyle and our precious granddaughter Lyla, who is 4 1/2 months old. And, I can’t forget Jason’s dog Daisy (our beloved grand dog) who made herself comfortable in Lyla’s portable bed on the living room sofa (photo). I have to say, Lyla added such a warm glow to the evening. Developmentally, she is now more observant of her surroundings, is cooing and smiling when engaged, is mesmerized by the bright colors of her picture books and toys, can hold her head up and she is grasping our fingers with more intensity. She is too sweet for words.

Cecile prepared filet of salmon, oven baked brisket, grilled asparagus, hearts of palm salad, charoset, a sweet paste of fruits and nuts, symbolizing the mortar the Hebrew slaves used to build the Egyptian pyramids. It is spread on Matzo, unleavened flatbread or crackers. For dessert, we had flowerless chocolate cake with fresh strawberries and various flavors of ice cream. Alex brought some kosher red wine called Decoy and Michelle and Kyle brought a beautiful orchid plant.

Though I was raised Catholic, I feel particularly blessed to be married to my beloved wife, Cecile who was raised in a Jewish household and shared some of her fondest memories of celebrating the Jewish holidays with her extended family in the great city of Chicago. Our son Jason and Michelle had their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, at the age of 13 and I have learned a great deal about the Jewish faith, participated in Interfaith dialogue, sang in the choir at Congregation Shir Hadash, a Reform Temple which has many interfaith couples as members, and led some meditation and healing services preceding the Friday night Shabbat (Sabbath) services back in the day.

The Passover Story and why it resonates so much with Jews and many non-Jews alike:

The festival commemorates the Exodus of the Jews and Moses, their reluctant leader from Egypt, a key step in the formation of the Jewish people. It is an invitation for Jews to relive the liberation from slavery as if they had actually been in Egypt, to teach the narrative to the next generation, and to claim the history of their people as part of their own identities. it has become increasingly more popular over the years to invite neighbors, co-workers, and families of interfaith couples. Even the White House has held a seder since 2008. Unlike many communal religious rituals that take place in a synagogue, it takes place around the dinner table. The Passover story in Exodus particularly resonates for many non-Jews as well who find themselves being oppressed. African-Americans who suffered greatly during the Civil Rights movement and whose ancestors were slaves use Exodus as a metaphor for their struggles and expression for their own liberation. Passover affirms the great truth of our day, that liberty is the right of every human being all over the world.

Happy Passover to our Jewish family and friends! May your home be a place of happiness and health; contentment, generosity, and hope; creativity and loving kindness.

Iconic Old Santa Barbara Mission & Dinner with Carol Burnett (sort of) at Tre Luna Restaurant

"Life is like a camera...Focus on what's' important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don't work out, take another shot!"
—author unknown

After having croissants and coffee for breakfast at Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro in Montecito Cecile and I went to The Funk Zone, formerly old warehouses and factories in downtown Santa Barbara. The twelve block area includes funky art studios, antique studios, wine tasting rooms, restaurants, and bars. We shared lunch at the Dawn Patrol before taking an Uber to Mission Santa Barbara founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans. Nicknamed “Queen of the Missions,” this historical landmark has enchanted visitors for centuries. The church overlooks the Pacific Ocean. We toured the nine-room museum filled with ancient artifacts, stunning sculptures, statues and sacred, peaceful flowering gardens, including exotic cacti majestic palm trees and a historic cemetery.

After getting our 10,000 steps in we returned to the Montecito Inn, took a well-deserved nap and had dinner at Tre Luna (Italian for three moons) Restaurant on Coast Village Road in Montecito. This was our second time back. The other evening we had an antipasto platter, minestrone soup, salad, and focaccia on their outdoor patio. It was amazing. This time we reserved seating inside the restaurant. Tre Luna is a five-star-rated eatery that has an old school Italian appeal with warm wood decor and black and white vintage celebrity photos from the 1940s and 1950s that line the walls. The jazz background music and Italian folk songs from my childhood added a classy, nostalgic vibe.

Our waiter, Raphael, a Brazilian of Italian descent took good care of us. Fifteen minutes after we were seated and ordered a glass of wine, Cecile informed me that she sent me a text. How odd I thought. I’m right here? We struck up a conversation with a fun couple seated next to us and I forgot about the text. Their names, Juliette and Michael had moved to Montecito from Newport Beach a few years ago. They ordered pizza and ravioli and Cecile and I shared a salad, appetizer, and split an entree called Gargenelli Alla Calabrese (penne pasta with spicy sausage, tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella). It was superb.

After Juliette and Michael bid us farewell, Cecile and I finished our dinner and I said, “Oh, I forgot about your text."
I picked up my cell and read her message: “Don’t turn around! Carol Burnett is sitting at the window table behind you." As it turned out we finished eating dinner and exited at the same time as the beloved 86 year old actress, comedian, singer, and writer, best known for her groundbreaking television variety show. She was with Brian Miller her husband 23 years her junior.

Afterward, we had gelato at Scoops down the street and returned to our suite. I resumed reading Oliver Guide, a sharing resource based on recommendations from travelers like ourselves. I noticed fellow traveler, Courtney Leary wrote about Tre Luna, describing it as an old school Italian place to eat where Carol Burnett was also seated at the table next to her. All I could think of was the late New York Yankees catcher, Yogi Berra who following serendipitous experiences was fond of saying, “It’s like De Ja Vu all over again." 

Carol Burnett was known by her viewers' for tugging on her ear lobe at the end of her show to let her grandmother Mabel whom she called Nanny to let her know she was fine, and that she loved her. Later, it meant, "Hi Nanny. I’m fine. I love you. Your check is on the way.”

Stock photo of Carol Burnett

Enjoying a Taste of Tuscany in Montecito & Watching an Elephant Get a Spa Treatment at the Santa Barbara Zoo

"Happiness is like a kiss. You must share it to enjoy it."
—Bernard Meltzer

Cecile and I checked in at the Montecito Inn yesterday for a five day R&R. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynes Mountains, this chic community of Montecito (Spanish for Little Mountain) sports a mellow vibe, tranquil beaches and a Mediterranean climate that reminds many of the South of France and Tuscany. So happy to see it has emerged from catastrophic mudslides of early last year to a buyer's market.

Before there was ever a Hollywood, movie production companies were located in Santa Barbara. Even after the move to Hollywood, many of the stars and film company executives couldn’t resist the allure of returning to live and play in Santa Barbara including Montecito which has become a celebrity paradise. Oprah has a $50 million dollar home that she purchased in 2001 located on 42 acres that she named “The Promise Land.”

Charlie Chaplin, an English comic actor, filmmaker and composer who rose to fame in the silent film era loved the area so much that he and a small group of investors, built the Montecito Inn in 1928. Promoted as an upscale getaway, it became one of the most desireable travel destinations along the California coastline. Soon after opening its doors in 1943, Chaplain returned to Montecito to marry his soulmate, Oona O’Neill.

A happy accident (missing their promised deadline to repair their elevator) the manager upgraded us to a spacious and luxurious first floor suite.

At the recommendation of friends Art and Denise Adams who have a vacation condo in the area we had dinner nearby at Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant on Coast Village Rd. Billed as one of the top ten restaurants in the area it didn’t disappoint. 

Yesterday, we had lunch at local favorite, Jeannine’s Bakery and Cafe and enjoyed Thai soup, Grilled Cheese, Kale & Avocado Salad on their outdoor patio. Two finches were perched on the white fence above us. 

The highlight of the day was spending the afternoon at the Santa Barbara Zoo located on a 30 acre park where the beauty of it’s wildlife is matched by its lush grounds and sweeping exotic views overlooking the Pacific Ocean and San Ynez Mountains. We visited with the Masai giraffes at feeding time, gorillas, native California Condors, pink Chilean flamingos, giant anteaters, Burmese mountain Tortoises, and monkeys. It reminded me of my many trips on safari in East and South Africa, pilgrimages to India and Southeast Asia.

As a former foot doctor I was especially taken by an Asian elephant receiving a full 20 minute foot care treatment. First tubs of hot water were slid into the yard while the elephant moved them in place with its’ trunks and feet. Then the elephant stepped in and soaked all four feet while being fed fruits and veggies. After soaking, the elephant placed its foot (one at s time) on a training platform while the keeper filed its nails, trimmed its cuticles, and applied moisturizing cream—Just like a day at the spa-like us humans:-)

Celebrating a 42nd Wedding Anniversary with My Soulmate in an Open Free-Flowing Way

“A Successful marriage is leading innovative lives together, being open, non-programmed. It’s a free fall: how you handle each new thing as it comes along as a drop of oil on the sea, you must float, using intellect and compassion to ride the waves.” —Joseph Campbell

We began the day like any other day with our usual morning walk along the trails admiring the bright yellow irises and mustard fields followed by a 10:30 AM Ying Yang yoga class at Breathe Together yoga studio with Misako, one of our favorite teachers.

Celebrating one’s anniversary allows us to pull back from our daily routine and day-to-day chores and honor the moment that changed our lives forever. While today is our actual anniversary we began celebrating at Cin-Cin Wine Bar and restaurant this past weekend with our son-in-law Kyle’s mom Kim and her husband Al whom we admire greatly. However, Cecile and I didn’t let on that it was our anniversary since we wanted to treat them for all the wonderful holiday celebrations they include us in during the year.

Before we had kids, Cecile and I always did something that celebrated our years together, not always with a night out or gifts. Sometimes Cecile and I give each other a ‘free pass,’ from doing something special or buying something to spoil ourselves to honor another year of marriage. Before we had kids we would have dinner at a fancy restaurant or a lite dinner and a movie. Sometimes we simply ordered take out food. Since I don’t need a special occasion to bring her flowers, Cecile told me, "no flowers please you just bought me roses the other day and they are still doing well." We almost always exchange romantic Happy Anniversary cards professing our love and gratitude for one another. We passed on it this year. Instead, we are treating ourselves to a short vacay to Santa Barbara next week.

We always try to include the kids—who are grown adults—in a dinner celebration, but this year our son Jason is out of town
on business and Michelle is getting ready to return to work following three-month maternity leave.

It’s been said that Everything becomes more meaningful as you get older. Like a lucid dream, it seems like life becomes brighter and brighter the longer we live, and the reason for everything appears more clear.”

It’s been 42 years since Cecile and I decided to marry in 1977. We met in Chicago while I was a student at the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine. We moved to San Jose in 1975. My mentor, Carmine Sippo, a family friend who grew up in Sicily with my mother introduced me to the foot care profession. He was an academic dean at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY and encouraged me to apply for their pre-med program. He had my life all planned out for me. He had a contact at the podiatry school in Philadelphia and said he could
also arrange for an internship following my academic training. For some reason, I chose the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. 

Some spiritual teachers suggest that Fate, Destiny, & Kismet relate to the idea that what happens to us in this life is predetermined, inescapable.
Others say Fate is what puts opportunities in front of us but our destiny is determined by our decisions.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."
Looking back, Fate and Destiny not only created the opportunities to study Podiatric medicine but to meet Cecile, a Chicago Elementary school teacher at the time who would one day become my wife and soulmate and I will be forever grateful.

Happy Anniversary my Love!

Celebrated St Patrick's Day: Dinner at the Chiens Residence & a Little Irish Wisdom

It’s been said, everybody is Irish on St Patrick’s Day and so we celebrate. The city of Chicago celebrates by turning its river green. New York City and other municipalities have their annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Some people go to their local Irish pub and others celebrate in the comfort of their home. “We" celebrated at the Chien’s beautiful home. Cecile and I joined Michelle and Kyle and our granddaughter Lyla and their friends David and Lily for a wonderful evening with an emphasis on all things GREEN. Kim and Al prepared a tender and delicious corned beef and cabbage, green mashed potatoes and a green four-leaf clover cake which was a perfect homage to the holiday. 

When Cecile was an elementary school teacher in Chicago’s inner city back in the day, she went to Ireland on summer break with a friend. She brought back a framed traditional Gaelic blessing (May the Road Rise to Meet you…) on a cross-stitched fabric—a keepsake she still has to this day. Often used as a prayer, the Irish blessing has traveled throughout the centuries by musical composition, word of mouth, weddings, cups and novelty items and the popular cross stitched pattern on fabric referenced above tourists visiting Ireland bring home to hang in their kitchens, family room or bedrooms.

Before we broke bread I recited it:

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

The word “rise” in the first sentence more accurately translates to “succeed,” or “May you succeed on your road"

A more generic older version of this Irish Blessing Reads:

May you always have a hand to hold or extend to another…
May you always have a hug to give or grace to receive one…
May you find the gift of laughter or better yet share it with one who is sad,
May your heart be filled with happiness and love when you see the setting sun.

Thank you, Kim and Al!

Dinner at The Basin Restaurant & Bruce Munro Stories in Light Exhibit at Montalvo Arts Center

Cecile and I had dinner with our friends Susan and Nelson Bye at The Basin restaurant in Saratoga, that has been owned and operated by Andrew Welch since 2000. The restauranteur is known to work the floor almost every night. His core tenet is “giving with love.” We enjoyed a mixed beet salad with arugula, scallops with rice, the Basin Liver & Onions with Italian bacon, sautéed spinach, garlic in a sweet red wine jus.

After dinner, we drove to West Valley College to catch a shuttle to the Montalvo Arts Center for an enchanting evening attending the exhibition of London born Bruce Munro "Stories in Light." An absolute master in illumination, the artist made use of Montalvo grounds as his canvas to lead visitors on a journey of wonder and visionary discovery. His works are inspired by C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia. 

There are ten light-based works. One of our favorite exhibits were: "Gathering of the Clans," a work inspired by Munro’s time spent in Australia and being awakened by a cacophony of cockatoos. The artist uses fluorescent, die-cut, stylized clothespins on a two-tiered Australian clothesline. He incorporated ultraviolet light to illuminate each clothespin cut from fluorescent acrylic in a color scheme that represents each species of cockatoo. We also liked "Light Shower" that showcases the ideal droplet shape held by a plethora of fiber optic strands that descend from a circular ceiling casing that peaks out of the bead-representing sunlight caught in the drop. Then there is "Ramadu’s Table," mixed media including 25 DMX Lights and a field of a 1000 white flamingoes that changes color. The artist received the iconic pink plastic flamingo as a gift from his father who had just returned from the United States and was a source of fascination throughout his childhood. It is an homage to Don Featherstone, the designer of the original pink lawn flamingo.

What especially caught my attention in the historic structure at the base of Montalvo’s Italianate Garden—a site known as the Love Temple is an ornate marble fountain surrounded by four identical gargoyles. Munro chose this as the location in which the ever-flowing fountain (of wine) in celebration of Bacchus, the god of wine from which my first name Dennis has its origin, in Roman mythology. The Greek variant is Dionysius. 

Postscript: As a former watercolorist with the Saratoga Community of Painters for many years, the expansive Montalvo grounds was an idyllic spot, not only for plein air watercolor painting with my fellow artists but as a sanctuary of peace. Back in the day, we had a showing of our collective works in the Carriage House. To witness the visionary large scale light-based works of Bruce Munro under the wide and starry sky was something to behold.

Valentine's Day Dinner Celebration with Friends at Burrell School Vineyards and Winery

“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone, we find it with another.”
—Thomas Aquinas

Cecile and I celebrated Valentine’s Day with our neighbors and friends, Nelson and Susan Bye at Burrell School Vineyards and Winery which is located at a 1600 foot elevation near the San Andreas Fault in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Burrell School’s origins date back to 1854. What was once a rough wilderness, settled by Lyman J. Burrell, became home to the winery and Estate wines developed by David and Anne Moulton in 1973. The vineyards have a unique microclimate consisting of warm days and cool nights as a result of its proximity to Monterey Bay is perfect for long, slow ripening of cool climate grapes.

We were seated at a cozy and intimate corner table in The Tasting Room, located on the site of the original Teacher’s Carriage House that is dedicated to showcasing their award-winning premium wines.
The bill of fare featured an elegant five-course dinner with vintage wine pairings. We were served a glass of champagne to begin, Fuji Apple Salad with candied walnuts, and Vinaigrette with the unreleased 2018 Rose. Chicken soup with butterfly pasta and un-oaked Chardonnay, Lemon butter Sea Scallops and herbed couscous with 2006 Chardonnay, Sous Bide Tri-tip and garlic whipped potatoes with 2006 Deans List Cab that was undeniably satisfying. For dessert, we enjoyed a delicious Strawberry Shortcake with a 2007 Late Harvest Chardonnay and Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake with a 2007 Late Harvest Zin. 

Happy Valentine Day to family and friends, especially my wife Cecile, and our sweet granddaughter Lyla, our newest little valentine, seen here in her designer heart Pajamas. Though she may not always be in our home she is always in our hearts.