Sunday, November 15, 2009

Umami Burger and the LA Zoo

Spent the afternoon with the Damianos at the LA Zoo. It was Dante's first time to visit a zoo and he seemed singularly unimpressed most of the time. He was excited before, "we're going to the zoo, Z-O-O" but once there....... not so much.
Went to Umami Burger on Hollywood Blvd in the old Cobra's and Matador's spot beforehand and he really liked that. Tami, Chris and I ordered four burgers and cut them up to share. The lamb burger was the bomb. Also ordered the tempura malt beer battered onion rings and sweet potato fries as sides. I was mildly uneasy that Dante would not be happy as he is a bit of a picky eater and will let you know in no uncertain terms if he is not happy with the restaurant choice. Chicken fingers, PB& J sandwiches, pasta and pizza are young Master Damiano's favorites right now and none of which were on the very small menu.
Surprisingly, he was quite taken with the O-rings and polished off an order by himself. Tami thought ahead and brought his lunch but he really got into the rings. As a reward for eating everything and being so good, Chris ordered Dante the homemade ice cream sandwich. That was good! the texture of the sandwich and the flavor was sublime. Dante very begrudgingly let each of us have a bite. Here is his expression while eating it:



We made it to the zoo and it started well

but after an hour..... "you've seen one animal, you've seen them all. Can we go yet?"

Even the lion roaring in his cage failed to impress Dante. I love the look of bored indifference on his face. I can just hear him on Monday at school, "I was forced to go to the Zoo this weekend. There are so many other things we could have done"

Sunday, November 1, 2009

day of the dead

Spent part of the day in downtown LA with Jim for the day of the dead festival on Olvera street. Lots of interesting shots. Eating my heart out over the ones I didn't take.


Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Chicago


Just spent two days in Chicago with the Northwestern University operator. The fall colors were spectacular. Spent this past weekend driving my Mom around looking for the colors to change in Tahoe and nothing!

Should have brought her with me for this trip.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

New York

Fall in New York. Beautiful weather while I've been here. A little windy but clear and warm. Had a chance after work each day to walk around and explore. Been a good trip.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

home

Home for two days. Dante's 5th birthday this afternoon. He was out of his gourd and my ears were ringing for about 2 hours after the party. Went with Jim to Musso and Franks for dinner. Vodka martinis and sitting at the counter watching the chef grill meat. Doesn't get much better than that on a fall evening.
Well.......perhaps if Cal had stepped up and kicked USC's ass but I knew that wasn't going to happen. What a depressing season and we still have to play Stanford. I need another martini.....


Saturday, September 26, 2009

Bahamas




Just finished a trip to the Bahamas. Had a slamming room with a view and quite the nasty cold. Nothing worse then being in paradise and feeling like crap. Went to the fish fry in downtown Nassau for my conch fritters. Wish I could have tasted them without the lingering back taste of Hall mentho-lyptus

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Miami


In the area for a few days and spent the evening in South Beach. Hot and humid but devoid of a lot of tourists so that was very nice. Heading home early tomorrow for a few days. Hopefully the fires and smoke have abated some. Looked like a nuclear device went off over Pasadena last week.