A Family Dinner at the Chiens & A Prayer Reading for Thanksgiving

“Be thankful for what you have and you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”—Oprah Winfrey

The invitation for Thanksgiving from Kim and Al Chien is one we all look forward to each year. Family members and other guests arrive, engaging conversations take place around the spacious kitchen counters. Al offering all of us a drink as we munch on appetizers, chips, fresh raw veggies with a dill dip, and the like. All of us contribute a food item, side dish, or dessert. Cecile and I, and our son Jason were the first to arrive, followed by Jason’s partner Alex, our daughter Michelle, Kyle and our sweet granddaughters Lyla and Emmy who made a joyful entrance that delighted us all; and Kyle’s brother Chip and his girlfriend, Julie whom some of us had the pleasure of meeting for the first time. Getting back to Lyla and Michelle, they arrived with a story to tell. They participated in a kid's local Turkey Trot, and had a ribbon and wooden medallion around their necks that they were so proud of. Final details of this grand event were set in the kitchen.

After the turkey had a chance to sit at room temperature for a while Al started carving with the precision of a surgeon. A menu sits inside a plexiglas stand includes the food prepared and provided by our hospitable hosts as well as the side dishes and desserts brought by guests. Finally, we all convened around the elegant dining room table with a beautiful centerpiece. Kim, once again invited me to give a prayer/reading before we broke bread. This year, I chose A Prayer for Thanksgiving that I took poetic license to modify and adapt from an Unknown Author:

Thank you, for everything…the big things and small,

For every good gift comes from the Giver of them all.

All too often we accept, without any thanks or praise,

The gifts sent to us as blessings, each day in many ways.

And so this Thanksgiving time, we offer up a prayer,

To say thank you for giving us, a lot more than our share.

Thank you for the little things, that often come our way.

The things we take for granted, and barely mention when we pray.

The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful, kind deed,

A hand that reaches out to help us in our time of sudden need.

May we be mindful and open our eyes, to the little daily graces

That comes to us with “sweet surprise,” from never-dreamed-of-places.

Thank you for the miracles, we are much too blind to see,

That gives us new awareness, of our many gifts from thy bounty.

And help us to remember, that the key to life and living,

Is to make each prayer of thanks, and every day a blessed Thanksgiving.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND TO EVERYONE

A Late and Delightful Lunch at Luna's Mexican Kitchen in San Jose

“Love for food is clear in every morsel that emerges from this kitchen.”

—Michelin Guide

“The entrepreneurial couple (Jo Lerma-Lopez and John Lopez) hit upon a winning concept when they first decided to turn a vintage spot on The Alameda in San Jose into a restaurant with a healthful, organic approach. It’s the concept of: “no additives, no preservatives, no cans, no microwaves, no exceptions."

—The Mercury News

The first thing that happened when we walked into Luna Mexican Kitchen is we were warmly welcomed by the hostess that seated Cecile and I, and handed us a breakfast and lunch menu. She then placed a tray of thick, crispy, house-made tortilla chips matched with vibrant red salsa and green cilantro sauce. They reportedly use an ancient process of nixtmalization, using non—GMO corn and soaking them in an alkaline solution, which releases all the nutrients. They then grind them with stone, hand press them and fry them in very clean rice bran oil.

One of the cooks was preparing handmade tortillas—that are pressed by hand daily from organic, non-GMO corn— right across from our table for all to see. This is one of the reasons Cecile ordered a cheese Quesadilla, a corn tortilla with jack cheese, cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo, while I had the Seasonal Harvest Salad with organic mixed greens, red beats, seasonal fruit and vegetables, tri-colored quinoa, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and citrus vinaigrette.

"It’s all about making memories,” Lerma-Lopez told San Jose Spotlight…”What I love about our restaurants,” she added, “it’s people come here and feeling something, and then we become the keepers of their memories.”

“Eat like an ancestor! Food that’s 1000’s of years in the making—just like your great Abuelita used to cook. Welcome to our Tribe.”—the Lopez’ declares on their website.

Walking Ms Daisy & Doll Play & Lyla & Emmy Rock Out Singing the ABC Song

"God's angels couldn't be everywhere, so he sent granddaughters to fill our hearts with happiness and love."

—Anonymous

After we picked the girls up from pre-school and fed them some heathy snacks, it was all child’s play from there. They walked Ms Daisy (Uncle Jason’s Dog), and fed her a treat. The love the tickling feeling when Daisy licks it off the palm of their hand. After Nonnie Cecile read them a story they wanted to play in Papa’s room. They played my Brazilian box drum, the singing bowl which echoes a pleasant reverberating tone each time it’s struck, interacted with the little carved wooden animals from Kenya, and wrestled with their daddy, Lyle when he came to pick them up. On a different day they gleefully rocked out singing the ABC Song (video clip). Sooooo much fun. Emmy who has grown out of her crib some time ago, now uses it to place her and Lyla’s dolls inside for their nap time. The girls are the love of our lives and we feel blessed they live close by.

Lunch at Falafel Drive-In: A San Jose Landmark Reviewed by Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

Though you can find the classic American fast-food fare, the main draw is Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. If your extra hungry, get the large falafel sandwich, containing falafel, tahini, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and their signature red hot sauce wrapped in pita pocket bread. While sitting casually at one of their picnic-style tables, with a view Lila Gemellos’

colorful murals that cover all the walls filled with the history of San Jose, Cecile had the Falafel Salad and I feasted on the large Falafel Pocket Sandwich. The murals even include the famous Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. This is what he has to say:

“ Falafel’s Drive, a culinary institution in San Jose, CA, has been delighting locals and visitors with its delectable Middle Eastern cuisine. Renowned for its mouth watering falafel, the restaurant offers a menu brimming with flavorful options. The falafel sandwich, a true crowd-pleaser, features freshly fried chickpea patties nestled in warm pita and dressed with

crisp vegetables and tahini sauce…In addition to falafel…”

Janet Boyle, is co-owner of Falafel Drive-In. She basically grew up there, hanging out with her sibling at the quaint, casual eatery

their parents, Anton and Zahie Nijmeh, opened in 1966 after moving to the Bay Area from Israel. In fact Boyle who can still be found at the family-run landmark, doing prep work in the kitchen and taking food orders from a long line of loyal regulars, not only served Cecile and I last week, but prepared my take-out order today.

Postscript: When Cecile and I lived in San Jose near the Rose Garden, and worked together operating my growing podiatry practice at the Park Avenue Foot Clinic, Falafel Drive-In was one of our favorite places to go for a quick satisfying bite.

Having a Blast at the Colorful Veterans' Day Parade in Downtown San Jose

Bill and I rode our bikes 23-miles round trip to participate in 105th Annual Veterans’ Day Parade that began on Market Street at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The event was presented by The United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County to honor the men and women who have worn the uniform or are presently serving in the armed forces of the United States. The theme of the event was “Proudly We Serve.” Damian Trujillo, News Reporter NBC Bay Area/Telemundo48, was the Master of Ceremonies. Since we had unrestricted access to the opposite lane, we had the freedom to get up close and personal without being blocked by barricades to capture the images that accompany this post. I was so close that many posed for me.

Fleets of military vehicles, veterans’ groups and a few of the notables who were in the parade riding in vintage cars, included Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose, Council Member Doming Candelas (Black car with red spokes, waiving), Representative, Zoe Lofgren, US Congress, 19th District (one of the yellow sports cars), and many others. There were also many retired officers who served. There were Boy Scouts of America (BSA); Submarine Veterans; a number of marching bands; a mascot of the SJ Sharks; Vietnam Veterans, and more. Hope you enjoy the photos.

This year's parade included a Silicon Valley twist. Former Apple president, Douglas Beck, who now heads the Defense Innovation Unit, served as grand marshal. Also, members of the Welcome Home “Doughboys” (see photos) of World War 1, Greg Tiede, Ed Archer and Gregg Greenwood marched during the parade. Hope you enjoy the photos.

A Late Autumn Solo Bike Ride & Engaging the Natural Beauty Around Us

“As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisper, nature paints a magnificent tapestry of colors across the Northern California’s landscape.”

—Kate Freeman

I love the freedom a bike gives me to just explore streets, avenues, hills, roads, off-roads, whether it is the morning, mid-day or late afternoon. I can take a walk and feel melancholy at times, but it is almost impossible for me to ride my bike and be in a bad mood. Most of the photos taken here are within a 3-4 mile radius from my home. The colors from some of the trees are getting brighter, some are shedding their leaves rather rapidly, and the clouds are often times more pleasurable than a bright sunny day. What I have found particularly mesmerizing of late are the rowing and sculling teams on their longboats at Vasona lake County Park.

Photographing Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Decorations at La Esquina

The photos were taken at La Esquina (around the corner in English) where Cecile and I ordered a Burrito Grande to go.

Though Dia De Los Muertos is celebrated every year around this time, this restaurant observes it year round with its decorations.

The Mexican holiday is full of longstanding traditions the pays homage to ancestors in the Mexican traditions that go back thousands of years. Some argue that there are Indigenous Mexican or ancient Aztec influences that account for the custom.Basically it is a tribute to the afterlife meant to honor those who have passed away and to keep their memory alive. Unlike the simultaneous Christian remembrances to Halloween which historically is meant to ward off evil spirits, Day for the Dead has a less solemn tone and is portrayed as a holiday celebration rather than mourning.These celebrations can take on a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.

Event by Westfield Oakridge today Friday (today) from 5-8PM. The celebration will include face painting, arts & crafts, live music and performances, and entertainment for the entire family.

Celebrating My Loving Wife Cecile's Birthday at Polenteria Restaurant

"FOOD is symbolic of LOVE when words are inadequate."—Alan D. Wolfelt

We had an intimate dining experience at Polenteria in downtown Los Gatos last evening to celebrate Cecile’s birthday. She is being celebrated as my beloved wife, a devoted mother, a doting grandmother and a treasured friend. Everyone at the table and beyond will be the first to vouch for her having a heart of gold. I would add, she loves unconditionally, she gives of herself not out of reward or recognition, but because she is genuinely interested in the well-being of others—especially her family. She doesn’t feel the need to compare herself to others, and feels unapologetic about being herself. Her honesty is also the foundation of all her relationships. You can always count her being a loyal friend, partner, and confidante. She empathizes and feels your pain, listens carefully and often gives sound and common sense advice if that is what is needed in the moment.

And now, to the food. Polenteria features an entire gluten-free Italian menu that is created by Chef Yvonne Khananis who has invested 25 years perfecting her craft. We ordered three appetizers for the table: Arancini del Giorno (Sicilian fried stuffed risotto balls) and Bruschetta Flights (a choice of three creative combinations of food listed on their menu). As to our entrees, as a group we had Eggplant Parmesan; Seared Scallops on top of creamy risotto; Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Masala on top of Mash Potatoes and String beans, Fettuccine with clams and sausage and Sausage with Pasta.

While waiting for dessert Cecile opened her presents and was presently surprised with a couple of “Johnny Was” long sleeved tops. Of course Lyla, the good helper that she helped Nonnie open them.

For dessert, Jason had Affogato (vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso), Lyla and Emmy had beignets, and the rest of had a cannoli.

Dinner at the Dry Creek Grill with our Friends the Rothenberg's with a Little Pre-Birthday Surprise

Cecile and I had dinner at the Dry Creek Grill on Hamilton Avenue in San Jose last evening with my biking buddy Bill Rothenberg and his wife Sarah. The first thing you notice when you approach the entrance of this wonderful eatery is the bright, warm glow of the outdoor lights and fire-pits that provides a welcoming presence. The inside offers an upscale ambiance with a laid back comfortable feel that long-time restauranteurs John and Holly Smith had intended. The long, gorgeous redwood bar is lively without being too loud and the crowd is casual and fashionable. Speaking of drinks, the ladies ordered a Lemon Drop cocktail and I had I had a Hazy IPA draft.

Bill and Sarah shared Waldorf Greens with goat cheese, candied pipits, with a side of balsamic vinaigrette and Cecile and I shared a Caesar’s salad. For our entrees, Bill and Cecile had Grilled Salmon with Couscous, Sarah ordered a Half Barbecued Chicken with Savory, sweet, spicy BBQ sauce and side of baked beans with molasses & bacon. It was substantial enough to take some home. I thoroughly enjoyed a Braised tender Short Rib with garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, wild mushrooms, and natural jus.

While we all got caught up about the kids and grandkids and upcoming events, we mentioned we had birthday dinner plans for Cecile, and had mentioned to the waiter it was Cecile’s birthday (officially its Saturday), and the waiter brought out a Fresh Baked Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie served with Vanilla ice cream on top that we all shared. We sang Happy Birthday as Cecile blew out the candle—or I should I say she took the more sanitary option and clapped her hands and the dispersed air extinguished the candle, a trick she learned from an elderly cousin when we were younger:). With our sweet tooth not completed satisfied, Bill treated us to a soft serve ice cream cone at DQ.

Trick or Treating with our Granddaughters & A Traditional Halloween Treat of Chili and Corn Bread & Caramel Apples at the Chiens

“There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch.”

—Robert Braut

After enjoying some play time on the swings in Kim and Al’s back yard, we enjoyed some home-made chili and baked corn muffins, which is a ritual passed down from Kim’s mother when she was a child. It was very tasty, filling and in my view falls into the category of “comfort food.” For dessert, Kim gave Lyla the honors of helping her bring out a tray full of Caramel Apples. Kyle’s brother, Chip drove over from Scotts’ Valley to join us. But, the big event our granddaughter’s Lyla and Emmy were waiting for was “Trick-or-Treating.” Our daughter Michelle helped them change into their costumes. Lyla wore a white dress fashioned after Elsa, the fictional character in Disney movie, “Frozen). What made it extra special is that it had battery operated lights underneath. She was in heaven. Emmy wore a yellow dress fashioned after Belle, the fictional character in Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast." We left the house to begin trick or treating, and while on the porch, Kyle surprised the girls by coming out in a white bunny outfit. Chip teased him about it not being Easter, but the fun part of Halloween is that you can be anybody or anything you want.

We circled around Kim and Al’s neighborhood and approached any home that had decorations and tables out front or their porches and inside lights on. When we got back to Kim and Al’s, Al was manning the booth he had set up for trick-or- treaters. As they say, "build it and they will come.” Suddenly, a parade of kids of all ages with elaborate and creative costumes, mostly accompanied by adults arrived for some goodies. Lyla was in her element and took center stage with Al coaching her to say "you can take two"-meaning two pieces of candy.

Postscript: The history of Trick-or-Treating traces back to Scotland and Ireland, where the tradition of “guising,” going house-to-house at Halloween and putting on a small performance to be rewarded with food or treats, goes back a least as far as the 16th century, as does the tradition of people wearing costumes at Halloween.

Family Dinner at Fiaschetteria "Pistoia" Tuscan Restaurant on the East Side of NYC

While our travel buddies the Bye’s attended another Broadway play, Cecile and I had the rare opportunity to have dinner at Fiaschetteria Pistoia, an authentic Tuscan eatery with my cousin Joseph Micalizzi, his lovely wife Natia, and their wonderful daughters, Alyssa and Victoria. The last time we broke bread together was last year in San Francisco at the end of their Hawaiian Island Cruise, before they returned home to Staten Island. Victoria made the reservations at the East Village restaurant, and it turned out to be an excellent choice.

When I asked for the wine list, a staff member brought out an open a hand-held crate of wine displaying their offering options for that particular evening, along with price tags for a glass or bottle. My cousin Joseph and I had a bottle of Forst Italian premium-lager beer while others ordered a glass of white wine.

Before ordering dinner, I went up to a plexiglass window stand where one of the chefs was hand rolling the pasta, which is done daily. The chef smiled as I took a photo of him and the kitchen. Collectively, we had a 24 month aged Prosciutto San Daniele; Shaved Artichoke Hearts with Parmigiana and pine nuts; Pappardelle pasta with beef Ragu Bolognese; Tagliatelle with Black Truffle; Tuscan Bean Soup; and Veal Scallopini with a side tater top size potatoes, and green salad with tomatoes.

For dessert, Natia ordered dry biscuits with almonds and Holy Wine. Others had limoncello and Cecile and I shared a Panna Cotta with berries.

Proscript: Fiaschetteria means retail wine shop, and Pistoia is the name of a town in Northern Tuscany

A Celebratory Event at The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise with Friends on Broadway

“Over the years, you grow up, you mature and you see things in a different way, and it's reflected in the writing.” —Neil Diamond

Yesterday, Cecile and I and our good friends Nelson and Susan Bye attended a matinee performance of the new musical about Neil Diamond called "A Beautiful Noise,” at the Broadhurst Theater on Broadway. The performance was nothing short of awesome. The song and dance extravaganza featuring his legendary music tells the story of Diamond’s life and musical career featuring his hit song Sweet Caroline,” an irresistible anthem that triggered a singalong, America,” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.” From his early days in New York to sold-out spectacles that defined his illustrious career, A Beautiful Noise explores the life of a rock icon through the music that made him a national treasure.

Nick Fradiani and Mark Jacoby play the younger and older version of the rock star. We had 5th row, center seats. There is nothing like a shared human experience at a musical theater and an artist who despite his success was willing to share his shortcomings and the limits of having everything that money could buy. By the end of the show we were up on our feet, clapping, cheering and being gently struck with an explosion of orange paper streamers. After the performance, Nick Fradiani who played the younger Neil greeted us out front, had his photo take with us and signed the front cover of our PLAYBILL.

We Love New York: Enjoying The City that Never Sleeps & Having Dinner at the Brooklyn Diner

“New York, I think of nighttime, I think of Times Square and Broadway, and nightlife and the city that never sleeps.”—Jimmy Fallon

After visiting family members in Rutherford, NJ, Cecile and I checked into newly renovated New York Marriott Marquis, located in the heart of Times Square that includes the world famous Theater District, Rockefeller Center, and Radio Music Hall. At the recommendation of my brother-in-law Joe, we had dinner at the Brooklyn Dinner a few blocks from the hotel. We decided to share a juicy, tender Hot Pastrami Sandwich on Rye bread with a pickle and Cole slaw and an order of Pigs-in-a-Blanket with frankfurter. Cecile also ordered a chocolate egg cream, a popular drink from her youth. Everything about the pastrami reminded Cecile of her late beloved father, Harry Weiner who had a small food market and Deli in Chicago. He cooked the meat himself, and, it was a special treat for customers and family alike.

We decided to walk off our meal in Times Square on the world-famous intersection of 42nd Street. The name is synonymous with Broadway shows, various Disney characters, neon lights and gargantuan billboards. It Is New York’s most famous landmark and the liveliest area in the city. On a typical weekday, 430,000 people will pass through it. One would think that in one of the most heavily trafficked destinations in the world, you would hardly bump into anybody you from from back home. Well, as fate would have it, we heard someone yell out Cecile’s name. It turned out to be the mother of our daughter Michelle’s childhood friend. Speaking of Michelle, even though I grew up in Hoboken, a city on the Hudson that faces NYC, we really got to know it better when she lived and worked there for seven years before returning to California.

A Colorful Bike Ride to Downtown San Jose & Lunch at the Iconic San Pedro Square Market

For the most part Bill and were able to avoid car traffic during most of our 23-mile bike ride to downtown San Jose by accessing established biking trails. What keeps it fun and exciting is that you never know who or what you’re going to encounter. For example, we found ourselves riding alongside an old, funky, cartoonish-looking sedan. As we got to the stoplight ahead, we noticed large, bright yellow letters spelling out the words Lil unda. It practically took up the entire space of the passenger side of the car. While waiting for the light to change I asked the driver who was riding with a friend, if I could take a photo of the car. “Sure, bro, no problem,” he said. It turned out the car belonged to local rapper and hip hop artist that went by the name of Lil unda, who has a large presence in the Latino community.

Bill and I rode past the old Del Monte water tower, a park with the same name, a homeless encampment before we arrived to the downtown area. We rode under a big orange sign belonging to the Children’s Discovery Museum that read "Voyage to Vietnam Celebrating the Tet Festival, an exhibit that was open through the end of the year. As we approached Guadalupe River Park, The American Heart Association had a "Heart Walk" fundraising event. After stopping at one of the booths we continued on past the San Jose Civic Center. We then found ourselves riding between the shooting vertical fountains of Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park. A short time later we rode past the colorful San Jose Museum of Art that was featuring Portrait of the Artist, Yolanda Lopez. We saw the iconic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph on Market Street.

Our final destination was colorful, outdoor lunch at San Pedro Square Market, a large open-air plaza surrounded by some historical landmarks that go back to the 1800s. Bill ordered a slice of wood-fired pizza and a side of salad from Pizza Bocca Lupa. I had a Chicken Banh Mi sandwich from On-a-Roll, Vietnamese Cuisine. After eating and taking a few photos of some colorful murals and paintings of the old Santa Clara Mission circa 1851, we headed back home.

Romantic Dinner with Cecile at Teleferic Barcelona Authentic Spanish Cuisine

“Food, in the end…is something sacred. It’s not about nutrients and calories. It's about sharing. It’s about honesty. It’s about identity.”

—Louise Fresco

I love the promo of Teleferic: A dinning experience that transports you to the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain without the need for a passport. Cecile and I love the Tapas Style model of sharing meals with loved ones. It allows you to try a wide variety of flavors and cuisines in a social and cultural setting as well as a culinary one.

The Mediterranean-style decor includes whitewashed, latticework, hand-glazed ceramic tiles. Our attentive waiter was Julio from Columbia. Cecile ordered a glass of Sangria and I had a bottle of Estrella beer brewed in Barcelona since 1876. We essentially shared four dishes: Empanadas: Roasted chicken served with spicy aioli. It is brought to the table on a metal rack with the empanadas situated sideways; Spanish Meatballs: Tender beef meatballs in a flavorful ‘canary masala’ sauce and cream; Crispy artichoke with light pistachio foam and red curry; and the fourth dish we ordered was a Southern Kebab: seasoned beef skewers with tomato hummus and basil dressing. Everything was delicious.

Teleferic Barcelona Barcelona is located between Sephora and Anthropologie in Old Town Los Gatos. it features a large outdoor patio in front, an expansive indoor dining area, a hidden private dining room, and a Spanish Market with high-end imported products from Spain. They have a signature open kitchen and marbles 360 bar. Other locations include Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Walnut Creek, Barcelona and Sant Cugat.

Special thanks to Kim and Al Chien for the gift card to Teleferic given to me for my birthday last August that we finally got around to using and it was worth the wait.

Sunday Brunch at Jack’s Restaurant with our Daughter Michelle and our Cherished Granddaughters Lyla and Emmy

Jack’s motto: “Make Great Food. Be Nice.”—Mama Eleni

Granddaughters bring to life a world of joy, laughter, endless love, and precious memories. They are a reminder of the beauty of life and they keep our hearts young.

We met our daughter Michelle and our granddaughters Lyla and Michelle at kids-friendly Jack’s Restaurant at Westgate Shopping Center for Sunday brunch. It is the fifth and newest restaurant established by the Marcovici brothers, second-generation restauranteurs.

The hostess provided the girls with crayons and a coloring sheet of paper. The first thing Cecile and I notice when eating out at a restaurant with the girls, is not only how much sunshine and smiles they bring us, but to couples in neighborhood booths. Lyla was wearing a red long-sleeved shirt accented with an abundance of hearts and Emmy was wearing a red short-sleeved shirt with a carousel horse that we brought back for her from a Riverfront shop in Spokane over a year ago that she had grown into. They both wore long necklaces and Emmy decided she wanted to bring along her blue balloon that she got at Lyla’s school friend’s birthday party. They both had pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and fresh fruit from Jack's extensive kid’s menu. We left the restaurant with our stomachs and hearts full. Kudos to our kid-friendly waiter Joseph—who has a five year old—for taking care of our needs and whom we awarded with a generous tip

Dinner at Jack's Restaurant with Friends Nelson and Susie Bye

“The only thing better than talking about food is eating it.”

—John Walters

Jack’s bills itself as an all-day, any day—as in seven days a week—family-run eatery with genuine, old-school hospitality that reflects the owners Greek-American heritage. It is a great place to celebrate life’s milestones like graduations, birthdays, engagement and weddings or one’s friendship. Since the beginning of time, cultures around the world have enjoyed a simple ritual: the act of sitting down with good friends or family to share a meal. It’s a time to break away from electronic devices and engage in the lost art of face-to-face conversation, sharing thoughts, ideas, laughs, future plans, and concerns which has a way to ease the stress of everyday life. Communal dining offers us a chance to learn more about each others’ favorite foods and drink, sample food you wouldn’t normally try when eating alone, and add new favorites to your culinary repertoire.

We decide to eat on the outdoor patio to avoid the echoing hustle-bustle and chatter in the inside dining areas. They also have a full bar and serve 16 beers on tap and a varied wine list. Nelson had a Blue Moon Belgian White and I ordered a Hefeweizen draft by Widmer brothers. Susie had a lemon drop martini. Nelson ordered a Coconut Shrimp appetizer for the table with Asian coleslaw, and sweet and sour dipping sauce. Cecile ordered a Jack’s mixed green salad for the table and for her entree she chose a Grilled Double Chicken Breast with veggies on the side. Susie ordered a Gyro with Lamb and Beef combo, on warm open-faced Pita bread with all the fixings including tzatziki. Nelson and I would normally choose something more substantial but decided instead to have Jack’s Burger with thousand island dressing, sautéed onions, American cheese on brioche seeded roll. Nelson also had the best onion rings I have ever tasted. For dessert we went to Yogurtland nearby chose our favorite flavors and toppings, before heading home.

Dinner with My Son Jason at Chika Mex-Cal Kitchen at Santana Row

As we walked to and from Chika’s Mexican Restaurant, we heard The Jinx Jones Trio performing to a large crowd. Jones who once played with Chuck Berry and other greats, is one of the top rock-ability guitarists on the music scene today. People were up and dancing outdoors en masse in front of the main stage and the American Bar (photos). For those not from around here, Santana Row is closed off to car traffic and is reminiscent of a European community.

Jason and I were on a mission to grab a drink and dinner at Chika, a restaurant that bills itself as a gourmet Mexican Rosticeria and doubles as a sports bar. Chika, in Spanish means close female friend. It was a windy and cool evening so we elected to eat indoors.

As we walked in, we saw a neon sign with the words Taco Love, teal tile flooring and a huge bar with well lit hanging basket lamps. Jason and I ordered a Chika-Rita, made up of Cazadores Blanca, Mama Pomegranate Liquor, Agave, Fresh Lime, and Fresh Orange Juice. For dinner Jason ordered Steak Fajitas with bell peppers and onions with cilantro rice, beans, warm corn tortillas and tomato salsa. I had a Chika Chicken Burrito. We’ll need to come back sometime for some of their more gourmet offerings.

There was unusual activity at Santana Row. About forty people were walking their dogs. It had to be a planned event and it caught everyone’s eye (Photo). After leaving the European setting and heading back to Cecile and my townhome, we also spotted about fifty bicyclists riding on Campbell Avenue (Photo). Again, it had to be a planned event, and seeing more than 10 biking enthusiasts riding together is also rare.

Bike Rides to Villa Montalvo & Guadalupe Reservoir in Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.”—Joseph Campbell

My friend Bill and I went on two notable bike rides this past week. The first one was a 25-mile outing to Guadalupe Reservoir a part of the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, which at its highest point is over 1,700 feet above sea level with sweeping views of San Jose. The park got its name from their New Almaden Quicksilver Mines, named after the mercury mine in (old) Almaden, Spain. It produced the mercury that was used to process ore during California Gold Rush. The Guadalupe Reservoir is located high up along Hicks Road on Guadalupe Creek, a tributary of the Guadalupe River. It is so quiet, that if you see more than one car pass you by every half hour, that is a lot. Upon our return we stopped at Bill’s wood carver contact and supplier for some of his woodworking projects.

The second 17-mile ride, closer in, that we did today was to the iconic Villa Montalvo, the privately owned blooming Peach Tree Road gardens in Saratoga, and parts of Los Gatos, all located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Villa Montalvo is composed of a magnificent Mediterranean mansion with surrounding gardens, a cultural arts center and walking trails is one of the last great estates gracing the Santa Clara County countryside. The estate once belonged to James Duval Phelan, son of an ambitious Irish immigrant that made his fortune during the Gold Rush. Phelan became mayor of San Francisco and a United States Senator. Upon his death, the former senator with philanthropic bona fides donated Villa Montalvo to the San Francisco Art Association along with income to maintain the property as a public park. Currently, Villa Montalvo serves as a center for the arts. Today, resident artists live and work on the magnificent estate.

Postscript: Back in the day, I was part of a watercolor group called Saratoga Community of Painters for several years that included a retired CEO of Lockheed. Montalvo was not only one of our prized spots to paint, but our group also had an exhibit there and I was humbled by the fact that the director of our show at the time bought one of my paintings of the main mansion.

Parting Shots of our Recent Two-Wheeled Utopian Ride of the San Francisco Bay & Jimi Doing the Irish Jig

My friends Jimi and Jennifer Hunter, and Bill Rothenberg have done this group ride several times since COVID began and there were hardly any tourists to be seen. My son-in-law Kyle joined us on two of our rides including this one.

It was our port of call in the midst of a worldwide crisis. You can hear birdsong everywhere, especially the seagulls catching the thermals over the ocean front. The hardest thing for me to do is to edit the photos that I and my fellow cyclists take. As you know, I love to blog on Facebook and publish them on my blog site: enjoyyourlifenow.net

By doing so I get to relive and celebrate the experience anew. As joyful as it is, the task at hand is editing the photos I and those of my fellow cyclists take. These are some parting shots of our fabulous ride we took in San Francisco, Tiburon and Belvedere islands that include Alcatraz, Aquatic Park Cove, Fisherman’s Wharf, Battery Park, Bay Front Park, Fort Point, the Marin Headlands, Pier 39, the Sausalito downtown Waterfront, and a few more of the Golden Gate Bridge that we traversed. There is also a short video clip of Jimi doing the Irish Jig in front of a duet who were playing a small accordion and violin.