Dinner at Kings Fish House at Westfield Valley Fair with Friends: The Ultimate Seafood Experience

Dinner at Kings Fish House at Westfield Valley Fair with Friends: The Ultimate Seafood Experience

“Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.”

—Anthony Bourdain

I was always taken by this provocative and irreverent quote by Bourdain, the late celebrity chef, author, and vagabond who explored international culture, cuisine, and the human condition. Though in principle I believe the body “is" the temple of the spirit from an Eastern and Western perspective, I simply saw Bourdain’s quote as a metaphor for enjoying food from different traditions.

This past weekend Cecile and I were invited to join our friends and our travel companions Nelson and Susan Bye for dinner at Kings Fish House at San Jose’s Westfield Valley Fair Mall’s newly renovated dining district, a first time for all of us. We were seated in a tented area at the front of the restaurant with heating lamps to ease the chill in the air. As usual and gratefully, Nelson brought a bottle of California Red Wine called Eight Years in the Desert (2019) from his private collection to enjoy with our meal.

Susan ordered a hand cut Lobster Crunchy Roll with crab salad, asparagus and cucumber with a bowl of New England Clam Chowder while Cecile enjoyed Wild Eastern Sea Scallops with a side of roasted Organic Carrots and deep-fried Brussel Sprouts, Mac ploy, and bacon lardon. Nelson and I enjoyed a Macadamia Nut Crusted Wild Alaskan Halibut with orange ginger butter sauce which included two side dishes. I had Sautéed Fresh Spinach and the Brussel Sprouts. The food did not disappoint.

For dessert, our waiter—without hesitation—recommended "Butter Cake!" I was skeptical at first. I never heard of butter cake. When it was brought to our table, it was a sight to behold. From the first bite we knew this buttery moist spongy cake with vanilla ice cream, berries and fresh whipped cream was going to satify our sweet tooth.

Postscript: King Fish House in San Jose is the first Northern California concept restaurant of the acclaimed Southern California-based restaurant chain that boasts having some of the freshest seafood that is sourced directly in-house form King’s Seafood Distribution. It offers a changing menu depending on what is in season. For those who don’t eat seafood they also offer pasta dishes, filet mignon, burgers and chicken. The chic main dining room that is across from Bloomingdale’s features two awesome 300-gallon saltwater tanks, stocked with live seafood from around the globe.

A Fabulous Dinner with Friends at the New Upscale & Casual Shepherd & Sims Restaurant

“You know what’s better than blabbering about food? Yep, eating it! And, this place was worth eating at and writing about."

This past weekend, our friends Bill and Sarah Rothenberg agreed to try a new restaurant for a change-of-pace and settled on Shepherd & Sims. I know what you’re thinking, the name sounds more like a law firm than a restaurant, but don’t let that dissuade you. It is dining at its finest. The new eatery, a creation of Jim and Angelique made its’ debut last September. The couple who also operate a number of other restaurants including the Table in San Jose, Vesper cocktail lounge in Campbell and Forthright in Campbell, took over the former location of Aviva’s Restaurant, next to the neighborhood Whole Foods in Los Gatos. They transformed it into a nicely appointed restaurant with two dining sections and a full service bar. The menu had been reported to reflect the food the couple likes to eat. Jim was quoted in the Mercury news last October as saying, “We want to enjoy life and we want people to enjoy life with us.” The Stumps partnered with chef de cuisine, Robert De La Mora, to create a menu containing California ingredients infused with flavors from Mexico. The ambiance was a blend of French bistro and familiar warmth of a classic New American neighborhood eatery.

We began our culinary adventure with cocktails and beer. Sarah and Cecile ordered a lemon drop and Bill and I enjoyed a nice cold 20 oz Ruekeller Helles lager draft beer from the Bruery in Orange County, CA. We liked it so much we shared another round. The $3.00 bread service included a dollop of ricotta cheese, and Seka Hills olive oil. We also shared and order of pork pate with golden raisins, cornichon pickles, mustard seeds, lemon verbena, chive and micro greens served with toasted rustic batard bread.

Cecile and I shared a pear salad with endive frisée, candied spiced pistachios, gorgonzola dulce with burnt honey vinaigrette. Bill had a Shepherd & Sims salad that included organic lettuces, arugula, red onion, fennel, heirloom tomatoes, avocado, potatoes with a zesty red wine vinaigrette. For our entrees Sarah enjoyed Olive oil poached Spanish octopus seared on the plancha [grill], marble potatoes, green Spanish Mojo-confit [duck], heirloom cherry tomatoes, marinated avocado, and smoked paprika oil.

Cecile ordered the gruyere cheese Parisian gnocchi with wild mushrooms, madeira, creamy grand padano sauce and kale. Bill and I feasted on a sumptuous Pork Chop with Koji (fermented rice) with roasted apple, apple relish and roasted parsnip. Though I don’t eat it often this was the best pork chop I have ever eaten.

We were satisfied enough with the food that was prepared with great care and attention that we opted out on dessert. I can’t wait to return to try some of their other dinner and luncheon offerings. If I had any negative critique, I would say it was difficult to carry on a conversation during the 7:30 seating due to the echoing chatter of all the patrons and would consider an earlier seating. Other than that it was an excellent dining experience.

Granddaughter Emmy's Hot Pot Birthday Dinner Party at the Chiens

The dinnner party began with drinks for the adults and playtime with Emmy, the birthday girl, and Lyla. Our granddaughters enjoyed the play structure swings, and sliding pond Al (Pops) and Kim (Lolly) had installed for them in their spacious back yard. Emmy was also enjoying crawling on the synthetic turf, playing with the stone rabbit family, and sitting and standing on the trampoline. A traditional Chinese Hot Pot set-up adorned the dinner table consisting of raw foods ready to be cooked in the hot flavorful broth. Raw ingredients such as brocoli, tofu, halibut, shrimp, scallops and beef were available for self-cooking. The cooked pieces are then dipped in dipping sauces soy or hot sauce for additional flavor. The broth which is brought to a boil is then left simmering for the duration of the meal. It was a fun, casual way to stretch out our time together. Though hot pot is considered a main course, Al also added Chinese-style vermicelli noodles also known as glass or cellophane noodles which are transparent in into the metal cooking pot.

Cecile and I brought fresh-baked cupcakes from Marvel Cake created by Maryam Menari for dessert, one of which was set aside to place one candle in it for the birthday girl. Since Emmy is not at the age to be able to blow out the candle, our daughter clapped her hands in front of the candle to extinguish the flame, a little trick she learned from her mom. We sang Happy Birthday to Emmy and afterwards, we sat around engaged in conversation while the girls engaged if free play. I don’t expect Emmy was entirely sure what was going on or what the fuss was all about, and will not remember her first birthday but when she is older she will be able to see all the photos and know we all lovingly gathered together to celebrate her first year on this planet.

Happy Birthday Emmeline (Emmy) Lewis. We love you.

Happy First Birthday to Our Granddaughter Emmy & A Poetic Offering in her Honor

“A baby’s smile is a dancing flower of twinkling stars.”

—Apollo M.

Experts say that a baby’s voluntary smile indicates a social activity to express warmth. During crazy times like these, you need to see a baby’s smile as a reminder that there is good in this world. The photos included in this post were mostly taken recently while babysitting

Emmy.

The exception was a photo and a short video clip I took of Emmy socializing—or shall I say engaging in parallel play—with a baby named Hana in the shallow side of a kids swimming pool at the Maui Marriott Resort on Kaanapali Beach this past December during our annual family vacation. Emmy was wearing a pink sunhat that Cecile and I bought her and Hana who was wearing a long-sleeved flower print top were splashing the water in front of them with their hands. They were smiling and staring at each other as if they had known each other from a previous time.

They were supervised of course. Hana’s dad was holding her arm on one side, while Nonnie Cecile was watching Emmy on the other side. Behind Emmy sat her protective big sister Lyla. According to her parents, a Persian couple who reside and teach college-level engineering in San Diego, Hana was named after the East side section of Maui known to be home of Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), the Hotel Hana Resort and huge stretches of lush coastline, waterfalls, and vast rainforest. But the most amazing discovery was that Emma and Hana were not only one year olds but by the magic of coincidence happened to be born on the same day and the same year (February 27, 2022,). So, Cecile and I would like to extend our birthday wishes to Hana and greetings to her parents in San Diego. We look forward to celebrating Emmy’s Birthday with the rest of the family.

Dearest Emmy:

Your heart-melting smile is so divine

Everything you do makes our lives worthwhile

Your untouched innocence is so sweet

Your magical charms can’t be beat

Your eyes are blue as the sky above

That look at us with trusting love.

Your chubby cheeks and rosy lips

And dainty little finger tips

Every unfathomable word you say

Touches our lives in a heartfelt way.

Your actions are beyond being cute

They lift our spirts like a parachute

It’s hard to believe how time has flown,

You started so small, but how quickly you’ve grown.

From rolling to sitting and a quick little crawl.

To your first little steps and standing up in your crib,

You’ve conquered it all.

We wish you a very Happy First Birthday

Papa and Nonnie

A Delicious Tapas-Style Dinner with Friends at Newly Opened Teleferic Barcelona

“Small plates are called Tapas. They are plates for big hearts, love, and people who believe in inclusion and sharing kindness. In Spain, It isn’t just a style of eating, it’s a celebration of life!”

—Jose’ Andres, Chef, Humanitarian & Founder of World Central Kitchen

Our friends Bill and Sarah recommended this restaurant to celebrate a belated Valentine’s Day. I say belated because they were out of town visiting family during Valentine’s Day and Cecile and I had a new electrical main panel and a charging station installed in our garage for my new Tesla and Valentine’s Day was earliest they could schedule the work. Sarah made a reservation for outdoor seating and baby was it cold outside, even with the heat lamps. The young woman who seated us offered Sarah and Cecile a comfy blanket to ease the chill. Tapas are Spain’s traditional small plate snacks and has become popular all over the world including right here in California, most often accompanied by a drink. Cecile, Sarah and I had the restaurant’s signature homemade Sangria (actually I had two) and Bill had a Spanish beer.

We feasted on Ham Croquetas: Croquettes with Iberian ham, piquillo pepper sauce and aioli; Pan con Tomato: Spanish loaf, tomato dressing with chorizo butter; Roasted Chicken empanadas with spicy aioli; Spanish Meatballs with Canary Masala sauce and friend potatoes; and Secreto Iberia Paella: Acorn Fed Black Pig Fillet, pork belly and mushrooms. For dessert we indulged our sweet tooth with a Trio Selection of Teleferic’s most popular desserts: Arroz Tres Leches: Rice pudding with cream Catalana foam and jelly; Torrid: French toast, Catalan cream, banana and vanilla ice cream; Churros con Nutella: and Barcelona street fried dough with Nutella.

Teleferic Barcelona’s owner Xavi Padrosa along with his sister Maria Padrosa just opened their newest restaurant in the Old Town shopping center in Los Gatos, CA on January 12. It offers tapas, homemade sangria, paella and their authentic Spanish market and deli, El Merket is stocked with a large assortment wine, specialty imported Spanish products, and food to go. The modern open-spaced Mediterranean style decor creates a warm, eclectic ambiance. It has been reported that most of their employees are trained in their locations in Spain before they came to the United States. This was brilliant planning on their part considering how the pandemic shuttered many restaurants.

Postscript about the History of Tapas: Legend has it that it was first invented in the 13th century. While recovering from a sickness, King Alfonso X of Leon, Galicia & Castille was only able to drink and eat small quantities at a time. By so doing, he unwittingly created small plate eating, similar to tapas.

Apparently, after dining this way, he figured that always getting some food with every drink would help reduce the drunken behavior of peasants and so decreed that small snacks eating should be served with every drink, across the land. As peasants were poor and seemingly preferred to spend more money on alcohol, rather than buying food, this seemed like a reasonable solution.

Happy Valentine's Day to Cecile: My Partner for Life & Our Friends and Family Especially our Granddaughters

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”

—Oprah Winfrey

The limo breaking down is a metaphor for someone who sticks by you through thick and thin no matter what. My wife Cecile, embodies that

kind of love. She is my true soulmate defined by someone who does not judge you for your flaws or your jagged edges. A soulmate is someone who upon witnessing those things, chooses to stand by your side; always encouraging you to heal on your own time, in your own way, and if there was any doubt would always say, “We’re going to get through this together."

Valentine’s Day is one of those days when I realize anew how lucky I am that that Cecile and I found each other. It's not like I forget on the other days of the year, but at this special time, it becomes much clearer to me that being with her since the early 70s has been a blessing.

So to the most important woman in my life I want to add thanks for being you and for being mine. My best friend and the love of my life

You’re the most amazing, thoughtful, compassionate woman I know and I am fortunate enough to call you my wife. Thanks for bearing raising two wonderful, well-adjusted humans (Jason and Michelle) who work hard, are enjoying a good life, and still enjoy traveling and being with us. Last but not least for being a devoted grandmother to Lyla and her baby sister Emmy that have given us so much joy during the advent of our golden years.

I end with a short poetic offering by John P. Read called:

‘Our Love’

L is for ‘laughter’ we had along the way.

O is for ‘optimism’ you gave me every day.

V is for ‘value’ of being my best friend

E is for 'eternity,’ a love that has no end.

Cecile and I wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day. May you celebrate love in whatever form it may come, including your furry friends and most of all loving your self.

Visiting Bubba the Celebrated Wood Carved Bear After our Stevens Creek Reservoir Bike Ride

“Art gives joy to the artist; that it pleases others is pure gravy.”

—Larry E. Santucci

After making our descent from the Stevens Creek Reservoir, Bill and I visited Bubba the Wood Carved Bear on the corner of Bubb Road and Yorkshire Drive in Cupertino. It has become somewhat of a ritual especially during the holidays and special events. Let me explain! Bubba, once a tree that didn’t survive the drought is the artistic creation of Sarah Kopy, who has lived at her one-story house since the age of 12. Instead of getting rid of the tree, after getting permission of the City of Cupertino she hired a carver from Humboldt County. When the carver asked which way Kopy wanted the bear to face, she said toward the crosswalk on Bubb Road so it can watch the children. Bubba was conceived or should I say reincarnated on October 10, 2015. Since its’ unveiling to the public, Bubba has become a local attraction to the community and beyond. Children and biking enthusiasts like ourselves will sometimes go out of their way to see Bubba, the Bubb Road Bear. Why? Because Kopy dresses Bubba up for major holidays like the Fourth of July, Halloween, Christmas, New Years, Valentine’s Day and currently the Lunar New Year 2022 (Year of the Tiger) which after a 15 day celebration ends tomorrow. Tigers are particularly auspicious as they represent stength, boldness, fearlessness and dominance

The Lunar New Year is one of the most significant celebrations of the year among east and southeast Asian cultures.

People may know the holiday as Chinese New Year, Vietnamese Tet Nguyen Dan or South Korea Seollal.

The United States is also home to some celebrations. 1.5 billion people across the world will partake in the festivities.

Each year in the lunar calendar is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals.

The animals consist of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

While last year the Year of the Ox, this year is the year of the tiger that represents strength, assertiveness, generosity, courage and the clearing away of evil. Celebrities who were born in the year of the Tiger are Queen Elizabeth II, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Bill Murray, Martin Short, Garth Brooks, Tom Cruise, Jon Bon Jovi, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jimmy Fallon, Penelope Cruz, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, and many more.

Yours Truly is a Tiger (born in 1950), as is my daughter Michelle (born in 1986).

Postscript: Kopi’s artistic holiday celebrations reminds me of our neighbors near our former home in Saratoga who celebrated the holidays or special events in a similar way, by decorating a 300 year old tree in front their home. I didn’t realize how much joy it brought to our neighborhood and to me personally until they moved.

Background Credit for the story of Bubba: Kalpana Gopalkrishnan and Avni Prasad, elEstoque, Monta Vista High School, February 8, 1917

Crossing the Teakwood U Bein Bridge on the Outskirts of Mandalay To Witness the "Mother of All Sunsets"

“The World is a book and those who do not travel it read only a page.”—St. Augustine

After visiting more monasteries containing bigger than life statues of the Buddha and other legendary deities, I crossed the historic U Bein Bridge with Maybelle’s daughter, Michelle MhuMadii who I have haven’t seen in eight years. She has grown into a respectful, pretty and delightful young lady.

The U Bein bridge was built over 150 year ago and is believed to be the largest teakwood bridge in the world. It stretches out to 1.2 kilometers across the Taungthaman Lake in the ancient capital of Amarapura on the outskirts of Mandalay. It is one of Myanmar’s favorite adventures for fun-loving tourists from around the world. U Bein Bridge was named after a mayor who had it built. It is supported by over 1000 teakwood poles is an Important part of everyday life in the community. It makes it possible for villagers to get their kids to school, fisherman to catch their fish and for locals to reach religious sites and food markets. Like many people present, we were there to experience the magnificent golden yellow sunset together. When we got to the end of the bridge, I hired out a boat so Michelle and I could obtain a better vantage point to see the sun gradually melt below the horizon. Afterwards our oarsman took us to shore with a colorful flotilla of boats where we met Maybelle for the drive back to the hotel.

What’s interesting about bridges is they symbolize hope. If you can just get over that bridge, you just may find yourself in a better place. Some bridges are harder to cross than others. If you are afraid of heights they can be scary. If feeling the bridge shakes beneath your feet—as it did mine—makes you unsettled, then crossing can pose a challenge. If a bridge is narrow and has no guard rails like U Bein, it can make you pause. On the other hand, the prospect of better things to come on the distant shore gives one hope. In this case the reward was the sunset for all those who were present. As actor, director and producer Woody Allen said: “The secret of success is showing up.”

Postscript: There are so many monastery dogs that sadly look malnourished. I took a photo of these two cute puppies that appeared to be from the same litter cuddling one another. There is also a photo of a group of young monks who appear to be making a getaway with a cart, but in fact they are really doing their chores—sweeping the monastery grounds—which is a meditation in and of itself.

Postscript: This post was originally posted on Facebook by me on January 29, 2018, during a visit to Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma) with my wfe Cecile. We spent a week visiting Maybelle and her daughter Michelle MhuMadii prior to a tour of Southeast Asia. Michelle is now living with her aunt in Allentown, PA, and working for Amazon. Myanmar was recently taken over by a military junta during a brutal and barbaric coup-d’ E’tat.

A 27-Mile Bike Ride Across the Iconic San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge & Other Magnificent Sites

“If you Love life, don’t waste time. For time is what Life is made of.”—Bruce Lee

Bill and I met friends Jimi Hunter and his wife Jennifer at the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant in San Francisco at around 11 AM yesterday, parked the cars, and offloaded our bikes. We began our exciting adventure riding past the Cliff House near the Sutro Baths just north of Ocean Beach to the paved Golden Gate Bike Trail. Biking across Golden Gate Bridge is a great way to get an up-close and personal experience with one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. This exhilarating ride also offers a birds-eye view of the beautiful bay, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, and the San Francisco City skyline. Though it can be windy and foggy, we had sun and blue skies all day long.

On the return back across the Golden Gate Bridge, we rode through the Presidio, China Beach (tucked in between Lands end and Baker Beach), and historical Fort Point (see video) offering one of the most spectacular views of the bridge. The old Civil War fort sits right under the southern end of the bridge. The Presidio has dramatic ocean overlooks, hills, historic forts, and beautiful natural ecosystems unique to the area. We visited the Jedi Master Yoda Fountain at the headquarters of LucasFilms in the Presidio Park and R2D2 in the lobby. We continued our ride to the Wave Organ, a wave-activated acoustic sculpture located on a jetty that forms the small Boat Harbor in the Marina District. The sculpture is known to offer “liquid music” made up of hisses and gurgling notes that ebbs and flows during the changing of the tides and restless movement of the Pacific Ocean.

At about 2:20 PM we rode through Haight-Ashbury, the famous 60s hippie hangout and former home of the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and more. You know when you hit Haight Ashbury when you inhale a whiff of pot and incense, and see very colorful eateries, murals, and people. At the recommendation of Jimi and Jennifer, we at VeganBurg, home of award-winning Vegan Burgers that are 100% plant-based. Out of eleven to choose from I enjoyed a mouth-watering crispy Avocado Beetroot with fresh avocado, beetroot, lettuce, Aussie onion, and creole tomato on a soft artisan whole wheat bun with a side of fries sprinkled with seaweed flakes. The manager was kind enough to let us park our bikes at the back right end of the restaurant.

On the way back to the Beach Chalet Brewery where the cars were parked, we road through Golden Gate State Park, passing Stowe's Lake, and pausing at the Botanical Gardens. We stopped for photos of the parks’ Peacock Meadow special exhibit of lights that will run through March 5, 2022. White during the day, and a burst of color at night, the exhibit designed by SF artist, Charles Gadeken is called "Entwined." We also stopped at the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District, which is an extravagant neoclassical icon which features a classical Roman rotunda and curved colonnades in an idyllic park setting on land belonging to the Presidio. Bill and I clocked 27-miles on our Strava app and made it home traffic free at 4:30 PM.

Natural Bridges & Wilder Ranch State Parks & A Colorful Coastal Bluffs Mountain Bike Ride in Santa Cruz

“You are one bike ride away from a good mood [and a great day].”

—Sarah Bentley

Someone one once told me if you smile when you see a butterfly, you have happiness in your soul.

It has been a long stretch since Bill and I had been to Santa Cruz. Our first stop after off-loading our bikes was a ride to the Monarch Butterfly Nature Preserve at Natural Bridges State Beach. We walked our bikes down the boardwalk ramp before it winds into a tree-filled canyon where thousands of monarch butterflies seek sanctuary along the branches of eucalyptus trees. We found ourselves in a community of others including an adorable young girl with her mother wearing a monarch butterfly cape. We also spotted a large owl sleeping on a tree limb. We continued our ride to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center located at UC Santa Cruz to see the outdoor Gray whale skeletan exhibit (photo), and circled back to hook up on a dirt trail to Wilder Ranch State Park north of Santa Cruz. After going through some brushy areas and agricultural fields, we came to the beginning of a series of some magnificent coastal bluffs with awesome ocean views heading north towards Bonny Dune. We saw pelicans, cormorants, seagulls, harbor seals, and sea lions lounging on the rocks and beach for about 10 miles round trip out of our 18-mile journey. Except for a few couples, friends, and families hiking and a few bicyclists on the trail, we had this mixed mellow terrain all to ourselves. Upon our return we I met a horse named Bo taking a stroll with its' handler, and then made our way to Steamer Lane for a late outdoor lunch. While we waited for our order, we went to see another monarch butterfly refuge in eucalyptus trees in the back of Steamer Lane located in Lighthouse Field across from the surfing museum. I’ll let the photos and short video clips of the ocean crashing into the bluffs tell the rest of the story.

Bike Ride To Best Artisan Empanadas (BAE): Multicultural Delights to Die For

“If you were Columbian, you would have your own version of an empanada…and then in Ecuador, you’ll find more crispy-fried empanadas, so yeah, every culture has there own version of empanadas.”

—Jose Garces, Ecuadorian American Chef

I received a text recently from my biking buddy Bill that read, “I’ve got a new lunch place in Campbell. Ride there 11:30 or 12 PM.” What followed the invitation was a preview of what Best Artisan Empanadas (BAE) had to offer, and it looked promising.

When we arrived there, it was the perfect set up: Outdoor seating to keep an eye on our bikes and a mouth-watering menu of sweet and savory offerings. It was a gem of a place.

Bill enjoyed a Panzerotto, a turnover that originated in Central and Southern Italy, with mozzarella cheese, sausage, pepperoni, and tangy

marinara sauce with a salad; and, I ordered a Spicy Thai empanada with diced chicken breast, carrots, sweet baby corn, pease and bell peppers in a pleasant coconut-infused yellow curry. It was delish.

Best Artisan Empanadas wants you to know that it was born from the aspiration of bringing people together through empanadas.

We were happy to discover that they use wholesome and fresh ingredients and are cooked and baked at their location in Campbell everyday.

What we especially liked was their dough stems from Peruvian style pastry, and their recipes are inspired by the diversity of cultures,

including Mexican, Greek, Italian, Greek and Southeast Asian. They also serve artisan pastries and sweets, breakfast empanadas, pizza, calzones, and salads. Finally, they have partnered with two local roasters that offer its’ customers the highest quality of coffee and quality crafted espresso drinks, They also offer beers, cocktails and preferred styles of wines to complement their empanadas, frappes, ice drinks, smoothies and milkshakes.

I was so happy with my Thai empanada, I bought some to take home to share with the family.

For my New Jersey Friends, check out the highly recommended Empanada Guy, Carlos Serrano, who was raised in Newark who began his empanada business in the garage of his home and now has five food trucks and a restaurant to boot.

Recalling Our Visit to the National Civil Rights Museum In Memphis While Observing Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

“The quality, not longevity of one’s life is what is important.”

—Martin Luther King Jr.

I was only 13 when Dr. Martin Luther 'King Jr.' gave his historic “I have a dream” speech in 1963. The struggles of the civil rights movement during the 60s were hard to digest as a young boy. I remember being moved by his inspiring and passionate oratory skills and non-violent protests. During a riverboat cruise in the spring of 2018, with a final stop in Memphis, Cecile and I, and our friends, Nelson and Susan Bye spent an emotional morning visiting the National Civil Rights Museum. 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. It looks much like it did on April 4, 1968, when James Earl Ray fired the fatal round from the boarding-house window next to the Young and Morrow Building directly across from Mulberry Street. A funeral wreath of red and white carnations hangs on the railing outside room 306, making it a symbol of the civil rights movement and becoming the first Civil Rights Museum in 1991. In its’ day, the Lorraine Hotel hosted such entertainers as Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, and B.B. King. The vintage cars in the parking lot represent the vehicles parked at the Lorraine Motel when Dr. King was killed. While musicians were welcomed to perform. Though his birthday actually falls on January 15, it is officially observed on the third Monday in January which is January 17.

I chose the following poem which in my view best remembers, honors, and celebrates the life of one of the greatest Civil Rights leaders of

our time.

Standing Tall

—by Jamie Mckenzie

Some kings rule their kingdoms sitting down

Surrounded by luxury, soft cushions and fans

But this King stood strong, stood proudly, stood tall

When the driver told Rosa “Move to the back of the bus!”

When the waiter told students “We don’t serve your kind!”

When the Mayor told voters “Your vote don’t count!…” And,

When the sheriff told marchers “Get off the streets!”

Using fire hoses, police dogs, and cattle prods to move them along

The King stood strong, stood tall, speaking of peace, of love,

Children hand-in-hand, as he yelled free at last, free at last.

When some yelled for violence

For angry revenge

An eye for an eye

And a tooth for a tooth

He stood his ground

Preaching peace

And when some spit out hate

He stood there smiling

Spreading love…breaking down the walls

Ringing the bell joyfully for Freedom

While standing on the mountain top

They shot him coldly

Hoping to see him fall

Hoping to put him away

To bring him low.

But this King

Even in death

Even today

Stands strong, stands proudly

Stands tall

And we remember

[This is a modified excerpt taken from Mckenzie's original poem]

Our Granddaughter Emmy: The Incredible Lightness and Joy of Being Discovers the Beauty of a Camellia

"A child is a flower that grows in the garden of life. Some grow taller, some are different colors and some will change how the view the world. Each one is special. Each one is beautiful. Each one is unique. Each one is to be loved.”

—Dave Hedges

Most of these photos were taken yesterday with the exception of Emmy wearing her pink headband curiously examining the pink

camellia last November, that matched the flowery print pants she was wearing. We love the way our daughter Michelle dresses Emmy. When she or our son-in-law Kyle drop her off for the day, it is like receiving precious cargo, which of course she is. She loves being taken for a stroll around the lake at Rinconada Hills where we live. By the time I took over in the later afternoon watching and being with Emmy, her Nonnie Cecile got her 8500 steps in strolling her around the grounds and needed a much deserved break.

It is cooler now here in Northern California than it was in November, and we have Emmy covered up like the bundle of joy she is in her yellow knitted blanket. We sat by the pond with the waterfalls roaring in the backdrop. We talked with our neighbors. We stopped to pick a camellia, and when we got back to Nonnie and Papa's townhouse, Emmy and I sat in the atrium. I made an offering to the white Buddha statue, laying the camellia on its lap as I had done with her big sister Lyla in the past. She was pretty talkative at this point and I decided to take a video clip of her joyful chatter after which I played Ringo Starr singing: “We all live in a Yellow Submarine…" which she listened to and watched with that calming, joyful signature smile of hers.

Postscript: A Camellia flower symbolizes love, affection, and admiration. Due to its’ beautiful blossom and symmetrical accuracy, it's a symbol of perfection and excellence.

An Exotic Dinner with Good Friends at Mint Leaf Cuisine & a Little Eastern Philosophy

“True friends are like stars. You don’t alway see them but you know they are there."

Cecile and I had dinner at Mint Leaf Cuisine with my spirited friend and confidant, James Hunter who goes by his nickname Jimi, and his wonderful wife, Jennifer. It had been a long time since we all got together. Cecile and I are regulars at this unique Thai Pan-Asian fusion restaurant in historic downtown Saratoga. The food not only tastes consistently sumptious but the colorful ambiance and artistic food presentation is very appealing. The decor is reminiscent of an ornate Thai temple. It’s been reported that much of the atmosphere and food at Mint Leaf is Thai in origin as are the owners Mint Sirisawad and Laksana Chuangpia. But their extensive menu offers a fusion of ingredients from various parts of Asia and in particular Southeast Asia, including Myanmar (Burma), where I have spent many years on silent meditation retreats at a Burmese monastery in the outskirts of Mandalay before the recent brutal military coup.

Mint Leaf invites patrons to bring your own booze (BYOB) and does not charge a corkage fee. Cecile and I brought a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford Ranch in

Napa Valley to share.

For starters we shared Fried Egg Rolls stuffed with cabbage, carrot, bean threaded noodles and Taro served with sweet and sour sauce in a shot glass. For our entrees, our vegetarian friends, Jennifer and Jimi had Thai Basil with Green Beans: chili garlic green beans, basil, red bell pepper, cubes of tofu with brown rice; and, Yellow Curry with carrots, potatoes and onion with brown rice respectively. Cecile had her favorite Seared Scallops in Green Curry with chunks of avocados, eggplant, red pepper, green peas and basil; and yours truly had Yellow Curry with carrots, potatoes, and onion with grilled salmon and coconut rice.

Cecile and I had gifted an exquisitely crafted hard cover photography and story book called "A River of Offerings" (Mandala Publishing) written by Jennifer Prugh, a founder of Breathe Together Yoga (formerly Breathe). Beginning in 2008 she made more than a dozen trips to India particularly along the Ganges River to deepen her understanding of yoga, meditation, and its people. Having traveled to India on three occasions over the years I shared her sense of adventure and self discovery. The book is part history, ancient mythology and spiritual odyssey. As early contributors of a Kickstarter campaign to assist Jennifer in getting her book published, Cecile and I received extra copies. We had always intended to gift a copy to Jimi and Jen who like ourselves had taken classes with Prugh at Bay Club Courtside and this seemed to be an auspicious time to do so. As I looked around the dining room decorated in crimson and gold leaf, and white banners hanging above the dining room like sail cloths, with an image of the Buddha* peacefully looking down at us, everything seemed to be in its proper place.

*The Buddha which means “Awakened One” was a spiritual teacher who lived in Northern India over 2500 years ago. He taught training of the mind, self-restraint, and meditative and mindfulness practices characterized by full attention to the present moment.

https://jenniferprugh.com/read/

A Fun Heart-Warming New Year’s Day Family Pajama Dinner Party & A Poem: The Gift of a New Year

“Sometimes a year has been so disastrous and so terrible that entering a new year will automatically mean entering a wonderful year.” —Mehmmet Murat Ildan

We celebrated New Year’s Day at Kim and Al’s spacious and beautifully decorated home. Since they weren’t able to host or be with us on Christmas Eve dinner this year, we held off on the Secret Santa gift giving until yesterday.

I have often described being guests of Kim and Al Chien during Christmas and New Year as entering a magical winter wonderland not only for the kids but adults as well. This is our granddaughter Lyla’s third holiday season and baby sister Emmy’s first. Without 'gilding the Lily,’ as the saying goes, I will let the photos tell the story about the ambience, the special decorations including a stunning Christmas tree, white gift stockings on the fire place, collection of colorful nutcrackers, the magnificent table setting, elaborate food preparations complete with a framed menu of the day, and an array of Christmas gifts under the tree. A lot of time and love goes into creating this enchanting experience. It is truly a labor of love and a gift from the heart.

During Thanksgiving we all agreed to randomly draw names out of a hat to become someone’s Secret Santa.

It is a Western Christmas tradition in which members of a group, community or family are randomly assigned a person to whom they give a gift. The indentity of the giver remains a secret and is not revealed until the gift is actually given. What we did, is a variation of a tradition that dates back to a famous origin story of an American philanthropist and business owner named Larry Dean Stewart, who gave anonymous gifts during the Christmas season. Everyone seemed pleased and grateful for their gifts, especially Lyla. For our son Jason’s partner Alex and myself, It was a very special time since our Teslas, a dream car gift to ourselves, had been delivered just in time for the holidays.

In a previous post I had mentioned that our granddaughter Lyla had led us in a chorus of Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer while dancing. The fact that she did this during Thanksgiving Dinner didn’t matter. There was a continuation of the theme, when Kim and Al presented Lyla with a red flashing nose of Rudolf himself that Lyla shared with Al and Uncle Chip.

Postscript: Kim had invited me to deliver a prayer before our meal. I did it in the form of a Poem(s) by Joanna Fuchs, I adapted and modified with my own sentiments and offer it up here called:

The Gift of a New Year

Here’s to the year that’s almost passed its expiration date—2021.

We all had some surprises, didn’t we? Some good, some distressing, some mournful,

Let’s use everything we got from our experiences, everything we learned, to enrich the new year.

Here’s to the new year, 2022, a gift we haven’t fully opened yet.

May its’ bright, shiny package contain even more than we hope for.

Let’s resolve to get less stressed, upset, and anxious about things over which we have no control.

It will resolve itself just in the process of life itself, as it always does.

And even while we’re delighting in new treasures, let’s appreciate fully what we already have.

The blessing we take for granted; make a list, and check it twice.

And here’s to all you wonderful people who are putting up with my post;

I hope the new year you see yourselves the way I see you:

Bright, interesting, fun, and lovable, especially our blessed ones—Lyla and Emmy.

Let us toast 2022. May it be filled with good things, and engulf us with serenity, happiness, and

Transformative possibilities.

May it give a whole new meaning to the phrase, “The Good Life."

Treasured Friends who Hosted a French-Style New Year's Eve Dinner to be Remembered

“Eating, and hospitality in general, is a communion, and any meal worth attending…is improved by the multitudes of those with whom it is shared.”

—Jesse Browner

Our dear friends, neighbors, and traveling companions, Nelson and Susan Bye invited Cecile and I, and another wonderful couple, Dianna Martin-Orloff and husband Norm to be their guests at their home at Rinconada Hills for a special treat. At the Byes request, we had pre-ordered our preferred dinner selections and dessert from French restaurant, Le Papillon which in French means butterfly. They offered a New Year’s Eve special curbside pick up menu. While we waited for the food to be delivered we had appetizers and cocktails. Nelson’s son Jonathan was gracious enough to pick up and deliver the food for us to enjoy.

We collectively ordered Butternut Squash Soup with Pumpkin See Granola; Baby Lettuce Salad with Pears, Toasted Pecans, Grated Feta, and Chambord Vinaigrette; Chilled Beet and Puff Pastry Tart with Goat Cheese Sabyon and Pistachio Oil; Roasted Chilean Sea Bass with Chive Beurre Blanc, Pickled Shimeji Mushrooms, and Potato Mille-Feuille; Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Cognac Jus, Maitake Mushrooms, and Potato Gratin; Roasted Breast and Leg of Duck with Vincotto Jus, Pickled Cherries and Black Forbidden Rice. For dessert we ordered Poached Pear Tart with Puff Pastry, Vanilla Mascarpone, and Sauternes Syrup and Chocolate Marjolaine with Pistachio, Caramel Ganache and Praline Butterscotch. However, we were so filled from dinner and a bottle of chocolate that the Byes ordered from Li-Lac chocolates in Grenich Village, NY, shaped like a bottle of champagne, we decided to bring our desserts home at the end of the evening.

Since we live in California it was decided to have a New York style New Year's Eve dinner party from 6PM to 9PM PST and call it a night. But, since we were enjoying each others company so much, we decided to stay until midnight PST. We ended the year relaxing on the Byes large sofa, drinking champagne and after surfing TV specials "Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” on ABC, “New Year’s Eve Nashville’s Big Bash,” on CBS, we settled on CNN's "New Year's Eve Live" with co-host Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper. We watched Eric Adams being sworn in as New York City mayor replacing Mayor Bill de Blasio just after midnight. It is amazing how quickly six hours flew by. It is interesting how if show interest in the other person, share your passions and backgrounds, family history and willingness to go out on the ledge sharing something personal how you find out how much you have in common.

Our thanks to the Byes for their generous hospitality. The food and wine was awesome, the company was great, the conservation flowed well and Cecile and I left feeling how fortunate we were to have such good friends.

A Happy and Healthy New Year to our Friends and Family & an Inspiring Message for 2022

“Joy is the happiness that doesn’t depend on what happens.” —Br. David Steinda-Rast

We are all aware of the terrible things that have happened in the world this past year and the year before, and everyone is anxious for it to end. We often feel guilty when we experience moments of joy when our fellow human beings are suffering. But allowing ourselves to feel joy when it arises is a crucial part of our collective healing. One of the tools I have found useful and inspiring is reading poetry about the human condition. It allows me to feel the anguish while at the same time holding onto to the joy of being alive no matter what happens. Poetry is like medicine for the soul. It can inspire hope that when the reality of something horrific happens, it won’t last forever, and that change is on the horizon if we are willing to work for it or give it time. Even a glimmer of hope during a time of great turmoil is the solace we all seek. Kelly Fanucci, a nationally syndicated columnist, offers that glimmer of hope in her poem, “Faith at Home,” that went viral last year:

“When this is over, may we never take for granted

A handshake with a stranger, full shelves at the store

Conversations with neighbors, a crowded theater

Friday night out, the taste of communion

A routine checkup, the school rush each morning

Coffee with a friend, the stadium roaring

Each deep breath, a boring Tuesday, [and] Life itself

When this ends:

May we find that we have become

More like the people

We wanted to be

We were called to be

We hoped to be

And may we stay that way—better

For each other

Because of the worst.”

A new year means a new chapter. We hope that 2022 is an incredible part of your life story.

Peace, Love, and Light,

Dennis & Cecile Augustine

Lyla Explores Her Inner Artist Before Christmas Eve Dinner

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

—Pablo Picasso

Binge painting is a known phenomenon in the art world. Many artists will wait for inspiration to hit them and when it does they can draw and paint for hours. It can get pretty messy especially for a three-year old like Lyla. What began as mere finger painting using water-based watercolors turned into wearable art from head to toe as you can see in the photo of her sitting on my lap at dinner time. Painting is more than just a simple activity. It is a way to express emotions, ease frustrations, use their senses, explore

color, process, and outcomes. Kudos to Kyle, for bringing out the paints and paper that Lyla asked for to engage her inner artist.

Lyla is not limited to painting, she led us in singing Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer while dancing (video clip). It didn’t matter that it was during Thanksgiving dinner at Kyle’s mom and Al’s home. Toddlers bend time and protocol according to their own needs. And in the process bring joy and laughter to us adults by just being themselves in the moment, when given the space to do so.

There is also edible art. Michelle, Kyle, his brother Chip and our son Jason created a fabulous meal: Meat and Vegetarian Lasagne, which as a first generation Italian/Sicilian,

is music to my heart, not to mention my stomach. Michelle made a Kale Pear Salad, Cecile made roasted Brussels sprouts and Jason made a Banoffee pie, layered with caramel, fresh bananas and fresh whipped cream dusted with chocolate in a graham cracker crust. Kyle made me two Moscow Mules in the signature copper cup which was probably one too many, but what the heck it was Christmas Eve.

We were happy to hear that our granddaughter Lyla loved the Toniebox we gifted her, a child-friendly audio system that allows kids to listen to music and stories using their own portable speaker. It has been all the rage. Little Emmy loved her doll and is already bottle feeding her while seated on Kyle's lap.

Merry Christmas to Family and Friends near and far.

Postscript: Video Clip of Lyla Leading us in Singing Rudolf the Rednose Reindeer while Dancing

Merry Christmas Holiday Season From Our Family to Yours From Maui & California

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality.”

—Washington Irving

“Hawaii is paradise. It sounds cheesy to say it, but there’s music in the air there.”

—Bruno Mars

As most of you know, we spent half of the Christmas season in Maui, in the land of swaying palm trees and abundant tropical cheer. So as they say in Hawaiian, Mele Kalikimaka. While the much anticipated holiday season may have looked different than last year, the precautions we took to stay safe during the pandemic were worth the exercise for us to enjoy time in the sun and and engage in island-style holiday cheer with our kids, Kyle and granddaughters Lyla and Emmy.

Maui is a stunning island with beautiful beaches, balmy winds and a plethora of palm trees. But the best thing about the island is when you can go there and do absolutely nothing and still have an amazing time. It was a time to enjoy some much needed R and R, and to reconnect and enjoy being together without having to do anything touristy. As always Lyla and Emmy were the source of our entertainment and joy. We grilled, ordered in, and frequented a number of fabulous restaurants nearby and visit with friends. There was plenty of space for everyone. Hearing the waves lap up on the shore, listening to soft, relaxing island-style Christmas songs, while sipping on Mai Tais that Jason and Kyle prepared and kept a pitcher in stock in the refrigerator daily.

When Cecile and I started to come to Hawaii over forty years ago it felt a little strange to see Christmas celebrated on the islands. After all, I was used to a very different kind of Christmas growing up in New Jersey with the cold weather and snow. I really did experience a white Christmas. But, it didn’t take long to adjust to a Christmas season in paradise.

I included some photos of Christmas decorations that added to the holiday spirit.

A virtual holiday hug to all,

Dennis and Cecile and Family

Wishing my Wife's Sister Sherry Who Makes her Home in South Carolina a Special Happy Birthday

“Side by side or miles apart sisters will always be connected by the heart.”

—Author Unknown

Dear Sherry,

Cecile and I wish that your birthday celebration will be as special as you are. We both see you as a person who always deserves the best and nothing less. You have been a devoted mother, sister, friend, and dedicated teacher of special needs.

I am proud to call you my sister-in-law and it has always been a pleasure to have you visit us in California and to see you at family gatherings. I’m not sure if you are aware of this but the name Sherry is taken from the French word ‘cheri’ meaning dear one, which fits you perfectly. I have included a photo taken from a framed one of you (left) and Cecile (right) which she treasures and sits prominently on a shelf above our TV. Most of the other photos were taken at our nephew Zach’s Bar Mitzvah luncheon at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Old Orchard and dinner party at Northeastern University in June 2018, including of you, Cecile, and your beloved brothers Mark and Lawrence.

We wish you much peace, joy and happiness.

Dennis and Cecile