Celebrating our Daughter Michelle's Birthday with Family & Friends at Sorelle Italian Bistro

Cecile and I hosted Michelle's birthday (which is officially on Tuesday, Dec. 3rd) at Sorelle Italian Bistro in Campbell, CA, a family owned Italian restaurant that was established in 2013 by Francesca Rude, who immigrated to San Jose from a small town called Tricarico, Italy. The name “Sorrele,” means “sisters” in Italian. The restaurant celebrates Italian culinary traditions, using family recipes to create a menu of comforting, home-style dishes.

Following Rude’s passing in 2016, her daughters, Deanna and Teresa have continued their mother’s legacy, maintaining the restaurant’s welcoming tradition. The cozy ambiance and friendly, dedicated staff contribute to its reputation as a neighborhood gem. The dinner in Michelle’s honor included her devoted husband Kyle, and our grandchildren: Lyla, Emmy and Gus; Kyle’s mom, Kim and Al, our son Jason and his partner Alex and his mother, Eman.

Dearest Michelle,

In our eyes there is no one that can equal your beauty, kindness, and light; no word that can describe how much you mean to us, nothing that could lessen our love for you. No matter how old you might be, you will always be our "Little Girl." As you leaned in close, your eyes alight, your birthday candle ever bright, with cheeks puffed full of hopeful air, a single breath, a gentle breeze, may your birthday wishes float with ease, this fleeting moment pure and grand, holds magic spun by your own hand. For in your eyes the world unfolds, a future bright, a dream to hold.

Happy Birthday sweetheart!

Much love, Mom & Dad

Thanksgiving Family Dinner Celebration at Kim & Al Chien’s Beautiful Home

The honored guests (16 in all) are listed on the sumptuous dinner menu. The new addition to the family is Kim & Al’s new adorable dog named Honey, who is a Cavapoo (aka: Cavapoodle) which is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.

It was a fun, casual evening. Kim & Al gave me the honors again this year to recite a poem before our meal that I wrote with the help of A-I called:

A Thanksgiving Reflection:

As we gather around this table, let us begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our hosts, Kim and Al Chien for opening their home and offering their warmth and hospitality. We are so grateful to share this sacred space together.

Gratitude is found in moments like these—in the meal lovingly prepared by all, the laughter we share, and the simple gift of being together. Tonight, we also celebrate the youngest among us—Lyla, Emmy & Gus, whose energy, curiosity, and joy remind us of life’s most precious treasures. They bring light and laughter into our lives, and we are so thankful for the happiness they bring to the family.

Let us hold space for the past that shaped us, the present we are blessed to share, and the future we are building together. May the spirit of this Thanksgivingng Day inspire us to carry kindness, gratitude, and generosity forward, not just today, but every day.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone, including friends, family near & far!

Messages of the Sky: A Cloud Chaser's Journey

The wheels of my bike hum beneath me,

A steady rhythm,

The path unwinds like a thread of thought.

With every pedal, I feel lighter and freer,

Drawn to the sky where clouds are caught.

The clouds arrive, soft, fluffy and fleeting,

A canvas painted by unseen hands.

They drift as whispers across the heavens,

Bridging earth with celestial lands.

Veiled in their folds, a quiet knowing,

Secrets of worlds we cannot see.

A mist of mystery, ever-changing,

Yet carrying truths that set us free.

Some clouds cradle rain, life a sacred blessing,

Quenching the thirst of weary soil.

Others shadow with solemn warning,

Lessons born from struggle and toil.

They rise above, untamed, unbound,

A symbol of the spirit’s fight.

To see beyond their fleeting forms is to glimpse eternity in light.

Transient as thoughts, they come and go,

Teaching us of life’s gentle art:

To let it flow, to let it fade,

And trust the clearing of the heart.

So let us stand and gaze in wonder,

At these angelic messengers, low and high,

For in their dance, the soul remembers

Its kinship with the endless sky

Lunch at Royal Kebabs & Gyros & Other Mediterranean Cuisine

“For those with pure food indulgence in mind…[satisfy] your desires with our ever changing internationally and seasoned inspired small plates.

—Management

After running some errands, Cecile and I had a late lunch at Royal Kebabs & Gyros which has an extensive menu of Middle Eastern food at Kirkwood Plaza in Campbell. She had a Greek Salad which included pita bread, and I had a Falafel Wrap.

We have had their Turkish doner kebabs their before which is a sizzling stack of spiced meat slowly cooked on an upright or vertical rotisserie, then sliced with a knife into delicious, tender, thin shavings from the outer layer. The vertical rotisserie dates back to the 19th century Ottoman Empire. It has inspired similar dishes like the Arab shawarma, Greek gyros, Canadian donair, and Mexican el pastor.

After our meal, we saw one of their employees taking a promotional photos of a dish of succulent looking Lamb Shank smothered with onions, carrots, celery, parsley in white wine sauce, served with rice. She allowed me to take a photo of it, and I told her I will definitely have my eye on having this for dinner on our next visit.

Celebrating Diwali "Festival of Lights" Emceed by Our Friend & Neighbor Aniket Singh

by Dr Dennis Augustine

"Diwali teaches that darkness can always be overcome by light. Let your inner light shine bright."

Cecile and I and our good friends Nelson and Susie Bye celebrated Diwali at the Rinconada Hills Clubhouse in our gated community. Diwali, also called Deepvali and the Hindu “Festival of Lights,” is one of India’s most widely celebrated holidays. It overlaps with other harvest rituals and festivals. It originated in India more than 2,500 years ago, and is celebrated mainly by Hindus and Indians across the Indian diaspora. You don’t have to be Hindu or Indian to celebrate Diwali, and it was a pleasure to enjoy the festivities with members of the Indian community who were wearing their traditional and colorful Indian clothing.

We had an elaborate Indian buffet deemed to be from one of the best caterers in the Bay Area, serving a 3-course meal with delicious appetizers, a main course of an assortment of classical vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian cuisine, and a dessert. We were encouraged to get bright colors from our wardrobe and expect to see a showcase of culture reflected in the decor of the room. We were also invited to get out our dancing shoes and dance the night away to the beats of a live Dholi, who played a double-headed drum with great passion and love. There was a great teacher who skillfully showed us how to do a number of dance routines right out of Bollywood and Indian weddings, as well as a professional DJ.

Cecile and I want to thank Rinconada Hills for providing the space, the committee and Indian community that made this possible and our dear friend and neighbor Aniket Singh who was a superb and joyful "master of ceremonies" for this beautiful event, including the fashion show for all the children, men and women. Your welcoming presence, and that of your beautiful wife Sphoorti, and your adorable boys Veer and baby Ved have been a blessing to our community. It was such a joy to see you dance with Veer on your shoulder. May your light and that of your family continue to shine.

Happy Birthday to my Brother-in-law Joe & Enjoy the Fun Memories During our Tip to Havana

You birthday gift is reliving one of our "once in a lifetime trips" when we found ourselves taking a charter flight to Havana, Cuba. People were asking us, “You can go to Cuba now?” I managed to get us a legal religious exemption.” I am confident that when you look through these photos, Joe, you’ll experience instant recall. Like when you got stopped and searched due to having brought thousands and thousands worth of camera equipment subject to Cuban governmental regulations. Fortunately, they let you through with just a warning.

Remember visiting the renovated UNESCO World Heritage Site in Habana Vieja on a free walking tour? Walking along the iconic ocean-front Malecon, flanked by crashing waves with a view of the havana skyline. Seeing the Buena Vista Social Club perform. Experiencing the flavors of Cuban cuisine in Havana’s enterprising private restaurants. Visiting El Rum Rum de la Habana, a wine and cigar establishment.

Visiting the schools and surprising the young students with free soccer balls and harmonicas. Visiting the art works of Jose Fuster, who is often referred to “Picasso of the Caribbean,” known for his colorful whimsical art works. Visiting Ernest Hemmingway’s home and boat, and having a drink at “El Floridita” in the heart of Havana, Hemmingways favorite watering hole.

Hitting the beach at Varadero resort where Canadians and Europeans mostly go. Seeing some of the more than 60,000 classic American cars that hail from the 1940s and 1950s. They are the island’s timeless treasures. The mardi gras-type parades, colorful elder ladies smoking big coveted Cuban cigars. And of course the colorful people we met along the way, including our young guide whose grandmother fought with the late Fidel Castro, and so much more. Wow!

Lunch at Marugame Udon & Tempura in Westfield Valley Fair & A Stroll Through Santana Row

After some gift shopping Cecile and I went to Marugame, the newest noodle spot located inside of Westfield Valley Fair Across from Santana Row in San Jose that specializes in fresh handmade noodles, Tempura and Asian Fusion. The udon noodles have the perfect texture. We loved the canteen-style setup, where you can choose from a variety of side dishes and toppings. It is affordable, offers fast service and very tasty.

It is also entertaining to see how the cooks make the noodles in the open kitchen. It is a great fast-casual option when you want a filling meal without the extra frills. They also have some colorful Asian murals that makes your seating area very festive. I had Curry Nikutama: Handmade Udon Japanese Noodles with Sweet Beef and Soft Boil Egg A Side of Chicken Katsu (deep fried) Cecile had a Chicken Curry Rice Bowl with Chopped Scallions, corn, and a side of Tempura Shrimp. After lunch we took a stroll down the main street of colorful Santana Row.

Photos I’ve Taken of the Most Spooky & Whimsical Halloween Decorations & A Halloween Poem

Halloween Is Coming by Fiona Halliday

Every year two weeks prior to Halloween I take photos of my favorite Decorations in various neighborhoods in Saratoga, Los Gatos, San Jose and Half Moon Bay. Most of the photos are taken on the fly while riding my bike.

Creeping, crawling creatures scurry in the night, Rats and bats and spiders, nibble, out of sight, Don’t look too carefully,

You’ll get a nasty fright!

Monsters in the bathroom, witches in the hall, Hairy beasts and demons climbing every wall, You won’t want to catch them,

When they start to fall!

Vampires’ stealthy footsteps cross the wooden floor, Werewolves howling fearfully, beyond your kitchen door,

Don’t look outside now,

You won’t want to find out more!

Zombies with their wild eyes and their soulless grins, Skeletons with their bony cheeks and their missing skins,

Listen for their rattling sounds,

But do not let them in!

Halloween is coming, what a scary night,

Ghosties, ghouls and goblins dancing in the light, Here they are all coming now, feel the spooky beat,

If you listen, hear ‘em shout:

“TRICK OR TREAT!”

An Authentic Spanish Dinner at Teleferic Barcelona Restaurant with Cecile & our Son Jason

“The only thing I like better than talking about food is eating it.”—John Walters

Life is a buffet of tapas when dining at Teleferic Barcelona and there’s no need for a passport or travel to Spain. Housed in the heart of Los Gatos (English for 'the cats') at the historic Old Town Retail Center, the authentic Spanish restaurant focuses on traditional Catalan and Basque flavors that has attracted an American clientele. The tapas-style concept is considered a social and cultural experience as it is a culinary journey. We were led to the front outdoor terrace with a heating lamp and a view of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

After Jason ordered a cocktail and Sangria respectively, we began our gastronomic adventure by ordering Patatas Bravas: crispy potatoes with homemade brava sauce; Roasted Chicken empanadas; Brussels sprouts with aged cheese, basil oil and lemon-honey dressing; and, tender Spanish meatballs with flavorful ‘canary masala’ sauce and cream.

We also shared an authentic Pork Paella entree that included Acorn-fed Pork chop, pork belly, chicken and mushrooms on a bed of Spanish rice. We ordered the large portion (good for 3 or 4 people) which was abundant enough for take-out leftovers.

Before heading home we walked to Salt & Straw, founded in Portland, Oregon in 2011, for a scoop of ice cream.

Postscript: Thanks to Kim and Al Chien for their generous Gift Certificate they gave me for my birthday in August, that I finally got around to using.

Congratulations to Our Nephew Jacob Schwimmer Promoted to Associate Partner with "Lettuce Entertain You” Restaurants

Cecile and I are proud to announce that her sister Sherry’s son, Jacob Schwimmer, has been promoted to Associate Partner with "Lettuce Entertain You" Restaurants. He will continue to oversea the Ema and Aba restaurant brands in the greater Chicagoland area. He lovingly thanked his beloved wife Amy Telpner @luv2style76 for being his "biggest cheerleader.” As a team player he extended his gratitude to all his Partners for helping him grow and provide him guidance along his career path.

Jacob, your aunt Cecile and I, and of course your mother, have been some of your biggest fans. You inspire by having ambitious dreams, then putting the hard work to achieve them. We extend our heartfelt congratulations on achieving this latest career milestone. We always had faith that you could do it. Some of our greatest memories have been eating at many of the restaurants you have worked at during your career.

Of course, the latest one was at Aba (meaning father in Hebrew) in June 2022, in the historic Fulton Market District, where your aunt Cecile used to buy food for her father’s Deli (Weiner Foods) back in the day. Aba is one of the most exotic, delicious, and impeccable Mediterranean and California-style dining experiences we have ever had. The ambiance on the rooftop patio was outstanding. I have included some memorable photos of the time we shared together. Of course whenever I post our dining experiences in California, Maui and around the world, we always think of you.

Happy Italian American Heritage Month & The Good Life

La Dolce Vita, an Italian phrase that translates to "The Good Life.” It's a lifestyle that's often associated with Italian culture and way of life. The phrase refers to enjoying life's pleasures instead of focusing on one’s problems.

It is also a quote from the “Sweet Life” (1960) about loving each other outside of time: “We must get beyond passions, like a great work of art…We should love each other outside of time...”

A Romantic Dinner with Friends at "A Bellagio” Italian Restaurant

Cecile and I had an early dinner "al fresco” (Italian for "in the open air") at “A Bellagio” in downtown Campbell with Susan and Nelson Bye. When one thinks of Bellagio, you're reminded of the municipality in the Province of Como, in the Italian region of Lombardy. A Bellagio restaurant is well-regarded for its refined dining experience. It offers a romantic yet casual atmosphere. It emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients, including organic produce and hormone-free meats. It’s a popular choice for both intimate dinners and large group events. Regulars often praise the attentive service and cozy ambiance. We appreciated the cozy ambiance, food quality, and the warm welcoming environment. It also has a full bar and outdoor heat lamps and fire pits.

We ordered cocktails and beer and for starters we shared Caprese (Fresh mozzarella, basil, slice tomato and extra virgin olive oil) and Fritto Misto All ‘Italiana (Fried calamari, zucchini with spicy marinara). We each ordered some pasta entrees including Penne with Salsiccia (Sausage); Penne with Bolognese (Meat Sauce); Lasagne; and Fresh Halibut with polenta and veggies. The portions were so substantial that we had no room for dessert.

After dinner we took a “passeggiata” (in Italian means a ‘walk' or a ‘stroll.’) in the very festive downtown Campbell with a band playing in front of a restaurant in a row of other bustling restaurants, wine bars, cafes, ice cream and other shops on both sides of the street. The 130 feet tall Campbell Water Tower was imbued with a pink light and we were graced with a full moon.

Happiest of Birthdays to our Son-in-Law Kyle Lewis

Dearest Kyle, Cecile and I want to wish you a very special birthday.

The day you married our daughter Michelle was one of the happiest days of our lives—and also one of the most expensive:-). But that investment has payed off in spades.

You have been a great husband, father, a good friend, and have blessed us with three precious and wonderful grandchildren, Lyla, Emmy and Gus, and in the process you have made Michelle and us the happiest people in the world.

Your parents welcomed you into this world on this day, and we’re grateful that you eventually made your way into our world as well. A birthday is comprised of a million moments, each holding a promise of fulfillment of your dreams and many accomplishments. On a piece of paper, we’re related by law, but in our hearts, we are related by love.

May you have another year filled with success, happiness, and good fortune.

Love,

Dennis and Cecile

Scenic Saturday Morning Views of Ponds Creeks Murals and a Vibrant Farmers Market

Thanks to my friend Bill, I have learned to love a brisk, early 15-mile Saturday morning bike ride that allows us to take in the scenic elements of "Mother Nature” via the paved Los Gatos Creek Trail that include ponds, creeks, Lake Vasona Reservoir, murals and ends at the vibrant Saratoga Farmers Market at 143-acre West Valley College in the foothills of the Santa Cruise Mountains.

Upon arrival, we walk our bikes in and separately engage our respective favorite vendors and meet up at a designated spot for the ride back home. The utility bag that we have on the back of our bike racks makes it possible for us to be our own door dash. On any given Saturday, I purchase fresh bread, organic fruit, pot stickers, fresh orange juice, breakfast burritos, rotisserie chicken, or a choice of other ethnic food that Cecile and I share for lunch.

Here are some photos that I have taken along the way.

Dinner with Friends at Steamers Grillhouse in Downtown Los Gatos

Friendship is a tapestry woven with shared experiences, especially when it comes to fine dining. As Sarah, Cecile, Bill and I stepped into Steamers Grillhouse in Downtown Los Gatos (Spanish for the Cats), we felt the air of excitement and anticipation as we perused the menu of a restaurant that we all have all frequented on and off for the 40 years its been in existence. In recent years the restaurant has retained its charm while adjusting to evolving culinary trends.

The clicking of our glasses and being enveloped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere instantly uplifted our spirits. The conversation flowed effortlessly, as we caught up on our recent activities, discussed our respective future plans, and exchanged anecdotes of our grandchildren. Aside from the camaraderie that makes dining out with friends fun, it's the culinary experience that unfolded before us.

Before ordering our preferred entrees. we decided to share an Artichoke Pizza with Pancetta, Organic Toy Box Tomatoes, Fontinas Cheese, and Roasted red Peppers. Cecile and Sarah had a Lemon Drop cocktail, and I had a White Aligash Belgian beer.

Steamers Grillhouse is known for its white tablecloth service, a range of seafood dishes and classic ambiance with a beautiful interior and great service. It also offers outdoor seating on the side of the building.

Family Brunch at Karen's Bakery Cafe in Folsom & Gazing Eye to Eye with Our Forever Smiling Grandson

“There’s nothing like a grandchild to put a smile on your face, lump in your throat and a warm feeling in your heart.”

—Author Unknown

Life is short, but Sunday brunch should be long, especially when you have a loving family who enjoy each other’s company. Cecile and I had a delicious Sunday Brunch with Jason, Michelle, Kyle and our Grandkids, Lyla, Emmy and Gus at Karen’s European-Style Bakery & Cafe located near the American River Bike Path. It is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious baked goods and is a popular spot for breakfast, brunch and coffee.

Kyle had the Grilled Carnitas Burrito filled scrambled eggs, sautéed Red peppers, onions, Oaxaca Cheese, Salsa Verde and Lime Crema with a side of fresh fruit. Jason had the Chilaquiles Verde with House made White Corn Chips tossed in Salsa Verde topped with Oaxaca Cheese, Lime Cream, Pickled red Onions and Cilantro topped with two Sunny-side Eggs. Cecile and I had Avocado Toast, and Michelle ordered a fresh plate of yogurt topped with sliced bananas, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries and sliced almonds and Quiche topped with a dollop of sour cream and a croissant that she shared with the kids. The presentation of the food prepared by the cooks was a work of art and the portions plentiful.

Postscript: The first thing that caught my eye aside from the glass cases filled with delicious looking bakery goods was what appeared to be a framed ornamental needlework called the "Ten Table Manners.” (See photo).

Saturday Farmers Market Around the Railroad Turntable & Public Plaza in Historic Folsom

After a light breakfast Cecile, Jason, and I went to the Farmers Market around the Railroad Turntable and Public Plaza in downtown Folsom. The Turntable-which helps to turn locomotive engines around- is the first of several to be used at Folsom, California, between 1856 and 1913 was one of two delivered to the Sacramento Valley Railroad via Cape Horn on the clipper Dashing Wave in June 1855.

Relaxing Sunday Brunch at Jack's Restaurant in San Jose

“There’s something about brunch that makes everyone feel like they’re on vacation.”

—Marisol Santiago

Cecile and I invited our son Jason’s partner Alex—who happened to be in town—to join us for brunch at Jack’s Restaurant. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Let’s do brunch.” Well, the concept of brunch is often credited to British writer Guy Beringer, who proposed the idea in 1895, in an article in Hunter’s Weekly. He suggested brunch as a late-morning meal combined with breakfast and lunch, offering a more relaxed, social alternative to the heavy, traditional Sunday lunch. He argued that it would help people recover from Saturday night’s festivities and create a cheerful, sociable atmosphere.

Cecile had Swedish Pancakes served with lingonberry butter which is out of this world. Alex had a cheese omelette with baby spinach with a side of hash browns and I enjoyed a Greek Scramble with egg whites, gyro meat, feta cheese, diced tomato, green onion, with hash browns and wheat toast.

Jack’s welcomes guests with an extensive menu that reflects the Marcovici family’s Greek-American heritage bounty of their California home. It is known for being consistently delicious, with fresh ingredients, generous portions, friendly, attentive service. They provide a relaxed, casual atmosphere, with indoor or outdoor seating. It is one of our favorite places to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Attended the St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church Food Festival 2024

After briefly introducing myself to V. Rev. Vidoslav Vujasin, the parish priest yesterday, I took a tour of the inner sanctum that was adorned with stunning, revered iconographic images displayed in frescoes and photographed them. The style tends to follow traditional Byzantine influences with rich colors like gold, blue and red. Icon painting is a venerable and intricate part of the Eastern Orthodox tradition, holding a place of great spiritual significance since its inception in the early days of the Church. These sacred images, known as icons, not only serve as religious art but as theological texts in color and form, and one doesn’t necessarily have to be a believer to enjoy its beauty.

A 17-year old friendly altar boy shared some of the history of the church that is similar to what you would see in Greek and Russian Orthodox churches around the world. The creation of the church had humble beginnings. 3.5 acres was donated by Mijo R. and Anne Miljevich and family in November 26, 1961. In August of 2009 BCA Architects traveled to Herzegovina and Montenegro to visit limestone quarries in search of white stone from the homeland that was used in the contruction of the Church. It took many years to build, made possible by the generosity of its patrons.

Postscript: The friendly volunteers and members of the Church cooked lamb, pig riblits for the weekend Serbian Festival, along other foods. The festival included baked goods, beer and wine, fun activity for the kids like face painting, and music and dancing

A Nostalgic Sicilian Dinner with Friends at Palermo Italian Restaurant

“One of the greatest culinary marriages came about when dried pasta, introduced by the Arabs to Sicily in the 12th century, met tomatoes grown from seeds brought to 16th century Spanish Palermo after Hernan Cortez gathered them from Montezuma’s gardens."

—Robert Eliason, San Jose Spotlight

Cecile and I had dinner with our good friends and neighbors Bill and Sarah Rothenberg who recommended we dine at Palermo Italian Restaurant that specializes mostly in Southern Italian and Sicilian cuisine and some Northern Italian dishes. It was a very nostalgic experience as Cecile and I used to frequent Palermo in our younger years when it was located at another location in San Jose. We took my late Sicilian mother, Maria and my dad Frank there in our younger years. We asked to be seated in the spacious covered patio surrounded by trees and overlooks the Los Gatos Creek trail that Bill and I have pedaled our bikes dozens of times over the years on our way to downtown San Jose.

Cecile and Sarah had their favorite Lemon Drop cocktail & I had a Peroni beer, after the friendly waiter brought us sliced sourdough bread and for starters we ordered Arancini (fried rice balls with asiago cheese, mushrooms and saffron.) for the table. It reminded me of my late Sicilian Zia Cettina who used to make them for us. Cecile and I shared a Sicilian Salad (mixed greens, oranges, tomatoes, shaved onions, anchovies and olives), and I had tortellini and meatball soup.

For our entrees Sarah and Cecile had Penne Palermo, Bill had a thinly sliced veal dish with pasta, and I had Palermo’s classic Chicken Parmigiana, with a double portion of veggies. The smooth rich red sauce is made with imported San Marzano tomatoes, which are the number one canned tomato in Italy.

Cecile and I shared a scoop of Pistachio and Cherry gelato Bill and Sarah shared a scoop of Vanilla and Chocolate gelato in a tall soda fountain-style glass.

The ambiance at Palermo is warm and inviting, featuring rustic decor, soft string lighting with vintage style art including a decorative two-wheeled, horse-drawn wooden Sicilian Cart (carretto) and horse. It symbolizes folklore, craftsmanship, nature, and is an ode to Sicilian history and the way of life on this beautiful island, that I have many fond memories of visiting throughout my life.

La bella vita, Italian for “to the good life."