tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67400190005609728432012-02-03T17:06:00.378-08:00Places to go and things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area...and beyond.Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.comBlogger2411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-8198287743122842312012-02-02T16:24:00.000-08:002012-02-02T16:48:16.803-08:00

Exciting news!My book on tea in modern day culture, has just been published in a paperback version after enjoying nearly two years exclusively as a hardcover book.I'm proud and excited about "Tea Culture's" little sister.I know it will be showing up in bookstores and online soon, if not already. For the past several months, Amazon.com has been taking pre-orders on the paperback version. For now,

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-49782456823793921442012-01-30T17:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T17:21:59.569-08:00

Today was a special day!I met my other friend named Mary Ann for tea at Samovar Tea Lounge in Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco.This Mary Ann and I go back further in years of friendship than the Mary Ann about whom I blog regularly. Unfortunately, our work and life schedules keep us from seeing one another regularly.It is this Mary Ann who was my blog "mentor" who coached me to start my blog.

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-27777835704124183022012-01-18T15:16:00.000-08:002012-01-18T16:01:14.686-08:00

For many years I had my own little computer group. We all met at Diablo Valley MacIntosh User Group (DVMUG), a user group of which I am still a member. What happened was that some of us stopped being Apple computer users and were no longer members of the user group. Since we all liked one another enough to want to still get together once a month, I became "president for life" of what we called

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-38515884613832003842012-01-16T15:30:00.000-08:002012-01-16T15:48:27.387-08:00

It's that time of year again at the Walnut Creek Yacht Club: For the entire month of January, the Yacht Club is offering a Lobster entree: Pound and a Half Lobster, boiled or grilled, with coleslaw and French Fries...for the price of this year. There are no substitutions, but for $20.12, who can complain?Walnut Creek Yacht Club serves the freshest and tastiest seafood that I can find in most of

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-84505196159219306402011-12-31T17:35:00.000-08:002012-01-03T16:49:49.585-08:00

My December was a busy one, filled mostly with meals and celebrations with friends and the added time-consumer of completing my final project for my Landscape Architecture Class.As we start a new year, I share the highlights of December 2011.We started the month off with what has become our annual "Remembering Ted" dinner. It is now three years since our special longtime friend Ted was

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-71899718760804838612011-12-29T14:31:00.000-08:002011-12-29T16:59:13.171-08:00

Right after Thanksgiving, I headed to Phoenix to spend a few days with Lois and Jim. Lois and I became friends about 15 years ago, having "met" through a friend's online blog. Fifteen years ago blogs hadn't really been invented, so to speak, but this friend...Frank...had a web site in the early days of the Internet, that he updated every week with the URLs of interesting web sites he'd

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-32560508158290439192011-12-26T16:39:00.001-08:002011-12-26T16:49:35.040-08:00

It's been a busy December, leaving me with little time to blog...but now I'm in catch up mode, So keep checking in and I'll update you soon on my travels, dining, and entertaining these past several weeks.Today, the day after Christmas, I was out shopping before 7 a.m.Early in the day, there were crowds, but all was manageable.At my local downtown, there were a few lines outside popular places

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-70627587394497617962011-11-23T16:30:00.000-08:002011-11-23T17:15:34.497-08:00

I might be in the market for a new car in the next year but am not sure what I might buy. My gut feeling is that I will stick with the same brand that I've been driving for the last 17 years...not the same car, just the same brand.But, before I purchase a car, I like to check out all brands that might have the car for me.Since the San Francisco 54th Annual International Auto Show is in town this

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-4540781402450913462011-11-15T13:34:00.000-08:002011-11-15T14:20:00.161-08:00

We don't have a subscription to the San Francisco Symphony any longer but we still treat ourselves to a few concerts every season. Attending fewer symphonies has meant that we are not dining as regularly in the Civic Center/Performing Arts district as we used to. It also means that I am not as up to date of what's changing in this neighborhood.So, before a symphony a few weeks ago, we decided

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-2818071630503139382011-11-07T16:54:00.000-08:002011-11-07T19:33:26.706-08:00

I am a big fan of Groupons and eagerly read my daily emails from Groupon to see if there are any offers that tempt me to purchase that day's offerings. Most Groupons offer food, merchandise, or services at at least half their full price. The Groupon is for sale for just one day but, once purchased, has anywhere from a few weeks to a year to be used.Today, Mary Ann, Harriet, and I used our

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-88041354768132470202011-10-07T16:47:00.000-07:002011-10-08T15:10:58.881-07:00

Last Saturday was my day to do the Swim A Mile for Women with Cancer. It is a benefit for the Women's Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) in Oakland, California, an organization that provides FREE support and resources to women with cancer. This year, WCRC celebrates its 25th anniversary.The Swim was at the Mills College pool, a wonderful swim venue.As I have for the last 14 years, I swam the entire

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-52395099260959356962011-10-06T11:40:00.000-07:002011-10-06T12:03:05.231-07:00

The world became a little different yesterday when Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple died at age 56 of pancreatic cancer.And, the lights went out, literally! For the first time in the history of Apple Retail stores, the big Apple logo that identifies each and every store and that is illuminated 24/7 has gone dark. It's hard to see in daylight but will be an eerie reminder into the evening...Apple

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-45536536628059905522011-09-19T15:19:00.000-07:002011-09-19T15:51:06.406-07:00

Saturday was our Cooking-With-Friends night. This time it was at our house.As many of you know, 5 of the six of us worked together many years ago and we started making meals together. Now, probably more than 30 years later, we are still friends, still cooking together, and still laughing a lot whenever we are together. We get together every 3 or 4 months. There is no advance planning other than

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-30865897531899143422011-09-13T15:10:00.000-07:002011-09-13T15:45:40.881-07:00

About the only time you'll find me lined up in front of Target before opening time (8 a.m. for my local Target) is for Christmas sales.But there I was this morning at 7:45 a.m, along with my 100 or more new BBF's, most of us with shopping carts, waiting for the doors to open. Most of us were women, many very nicely-dressed women. One poor man was in line behind me, puzzling over why there was a

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-45640315822607536042011-08-24T15:01:00.000-07:002011-08-26T16:02:52.822-07:00

Our August week in the Napa Valley always includes some fine dining and lots of casual dining. In this blog post, I include highlights of our meals. Each year we seem to have more good choices of places to eat. It is hard to decide...maybe next year, we should stay up in the Valley for two weeks. LUNCH AND SNACKS With Louie with us, all our lunches are outdoors. This year we even included

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-76068928411910777262011-08-23T16:47:00.000-07:002011-08-23T17:08:55.477-07:00

In the last month or so, I read a review of the relatively-new Café Attila in San Ramon. I was intrigued to read that the Café had, for several years, been a pastry shop and had relocated to a larger area. They still are creating their magnificent pastries but, in their new location in San Ramon Square, are also serving a Bistro lunch. Today, Joanne and I gave Café Attila a try. It's in a strip

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-30382755092756479242011-08-22T12:17:00.000-07:002011-08-22T15:51:20.820-07:00

Saturday, I continued celebrating my birthday, this time with Mary Ann, who took me to see Billy Elliot and for dinner afterwards in San Francisco. Our day was, in my estimation, a perfect day in downtown San Francisco. Two San Francisco museums have been paying tribute to Gertrude Stein this summer. Both museum's exhibits close on September 6, 2011. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-57062549358708147942011-08-17T16:46:00.000-07:002011-08-17T17:22:50.981-07:00

We spent last week in the Napa Valley, making Yountville our home base. One of our favorite "attractions" in town is the French Laundry's gardens that are right on the main street. It is OK to wander through them, but they discourage taking a dog through the gardens; we kept Louie on the outskirts when we visited. I love looking at what Chef Thomas Keller is growing for his renowned French

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-15500883620499637642011-08-05T16:51:00.000-07:002011-08-05T19:30:18.411-07:00

When I was in Toronto in July, Jarka, knowing that I love gardens and am studying Horticulture, managed to take me to a different garden just about every day. One day, we went to two different gardens.Given the warm summer weather, this was a perfect activity for us.In Toronto we visited the Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens and the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.Edwards Gardens is a public

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-36919262587034345462011-08-05T15:56:00.000-07:002011-08-05T16:37:27.747-07:00

I got to spend a day in and around Santa Cruz this week with Diane. When Diane lived here many years ago, I'd visit frequently and fell in love with the beaches, restaurants, and the laid back lifestyle.But now that she's no longer living in California, it is only rarely that I get to visit with her and to go back to some of our favorite Santa Cruz area haunts.We started our day in Capitola at

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-67066083688994100292011-08-03T16:21:00.000-07:002011-08-03T16:35:14.961-07:00

A few months ago, our landscapers, with my permission, redid the planted strip between my driveway and that of the house next door.The reason they asked for my permission was that, over the years, I had planted hundreds of flower bulbs and set up planter pots filled with flowers among the rather ugly decades-old green plants that were originally planted there.Flowers make me happy and growing

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-47647805745400615302011-07-18T16:09:00.001-07:002011-07-18T16:42:07.935-07:00

I've been in Toronto for the past week, visiting with my friend Jarka and doing a lot of sightseeing. Jarka is the perfect host, assuring that my every waking moment was filled with activities. On our first full day together we went downtown on the subway, starting our day at the Eaton Centre, an extensive shopping galleria. On one side of the Eaton Centre is a flock of suspended sculptures of

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-87718527852638863072011-07-07T17:10:00.000-07:002011-07-07T17:23:58.517-07:00

I came to San Francisco in the early 1970s. So did writer Armistead Maupin.In 1976, he was writing for the San Francisco Chronicle and began a series of columns on San Francisco life called "Tales of the City."I, and all of my friends were regular readers/followers of his columns...it didn't matter if we were gay or straight; we lived here and in one way or another, we related to the experiences

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-16197625242547241192011-07-04T16:13:00.000-07:002011-07-04T16:49:16.256-07:00

Our last evening in Las Vegas was our most memorable.We first had an early dinner at the Carnegie Deli in the Mirage.Remembering the last time we ate at the Carnegie Deli, we knew that their sandwiches are larger than most "normal" people can consume. We ordered just a simple Corned Beef on Rye (not one of their fancy combination sandwiches) and willingly paid the extra $3 to share it.But, we

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-44978735518421128822011-06-30T16:15:00.001-07:002011-06-30T16:15:11.876-07:00

To back track to last night, we had dinner at The Palm in Caesar's.This was my choice for my birthday dinner. The Palm is known for its steaks and enormous lobsters. The smallest lobster they serve weighs 3 pounds. I can eat one myself!To our delight, they have a summer lobster special at all their restaurants: A 4-pound lobster dinner for two, with two salads and two side dishes for $95.We

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-12195997361556529542011-06-29T17:50:00.001-07:002011-06-29T17:50:45.640-07:00

Determined to stay cooler than I was here yesterday, I spent most of this morning in Las Vegas swimming and relaxing by the Bellagio pool. There are two big pools and several smaller ones, as well as many jacuzzi hot tubs...something for every water lover.First thing in the morning is the time to swim laps. As the day goes on, one has to compete with kids playing, bathing beauties floating on

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-61795027331661291362011-06-28T21:28:00.001-07:002011-06-28T21:28:05.248-07:00

Today was the day that we transitioned from the natural canyons of Zion to the artificial " canyons" of Las Vegas.We did one last hike to the lower Emerald Pool before leaving the park. As we hiked, we had waterfalls dripping down on plant-filled rock walls on one side and a deep canyon with a pool of water on the other. Very dramatic..And, as we were moving out of our room, the local wildlife

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-10417089781466350862011-06-27T16:12:00.001-07:002011-06-27T16:18:16.951-07:00

After experiencing the afternoon heat in the Park yesterday, our strategy for today, our only full day in Zion, was to get out early. It worked perfectly and we were on the shuttle on our way to the Temple of Sinewava by 8:30. At this time of year, early morning temperatures are in the low 50s. By noon, they are close to 100 degrees.At the Temple of Sinewava, we did the Riverside Walk, a

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-85377809780941843432011-06-26T16:12:00.001-07:002011-06-26T16:29:46.357-07:00

We got to Las Vegas this morning at 8 a.m. and a little over two hours later (about 170 miles) we were in Zion National Park in southwestern Utah.Weather is very hot and sunny. Yes, it's dry heat but at about 100 degrees, it's still hot.After a stop for lunch in Springdale, right by the park's south entrance, ( good Mexican food!), were drove to the lodge,our home for the next three days.To get

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-18972988328530367272011-06-22T17:08:00.001-07:002011-06-22T17:12:03.370-07:00

It's been a little over a year since "Tea Culture" was published and I'm still being invited to speak at an amazing variety of events. Today I joined a friend's book club for afternoon tea and talk about "Tea Culture" which was this month's book selection. For me it was a perfect opportunity to meet new people, share a meal, and sip tea.They were a great group with lots of questions about

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-40247148964458804402011-06-07T15:48:00.000-07:002011-06-16T12:02:35.612-07:00

While most of the second part of my week in Boston was with family, I managed to slip away for a bit of wandering around on my own. I stayed in Brookline with cousins Jonathan and JR. On my first night, I revisited their neighborhood Spanish Tapas restaurant, Taberna de Haro. It was a warm night and I sat at one of the sidewalk tables, enjoying two tapas: Pisto (Slow-braised eggplant, peppers,

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-2044771114126422872011-05-27T09:02:00.000-07:002011-06-05T17:09:32.358-07:00

As many of you already know, I lived most of the first half of my life in and around Boston..These days, I try to get back for a visit once and year, but it often turns out to be closer to every two years. Fortunately, many friends and family come to visit me so we do stay in touch. The first part of my visit was with Amy, who lives south of Boston. The evening that I arrived, Amy and George got

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-26313921455736311842011-05-19T16:55:00.000-07:002011-05-20T17:05:45.029-07:00

In mid-April, my local hospital, John Muir Medical Center's facility in Walnut Creek, opened a new building, the Tom and Billie Long Patient Tower.As a neighbor and a patient of this medical center, I've been following the progress of this new building for over a decade.Just before it's April 17, 2011, opening, there was a big community open house where we got to tour the building. It is a

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-5405020654038256082011-05-19T16:00:00.000-07:002011-05-19T16:32:19.638-07:00

Well, last Sunday was Animals on Broadway in Walnut Creek.And, as he has for the past 9 years, Louie was there to take part in the doggie walk as well as to partake of the festivities and free samples from the many booths that lined the street in the Broadway Plaza shopping center in Walnut Creek. Many animal rescue organizations had booths at the event and brought dogs along in hopes of finding

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-29117040950032523762011-03-25T13:53:00.000-07:002011-03-25T15:38:15.701-07:00

There are just a few more days of the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show which opened this week on Wednesday 3/23/11. The show closes this Sunday, 3/27/11.For one reason or another, I've not been to the show since its early days in the mid 1980s, when it was at Fort Mason in San Francisco.This year, because I am studying Landscape Design, and because I was intrigued by the pre-show press about

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-46124514802685919102011-03-23T15:23:00.000-07:002011-03-23T15:48:37.132-07:00

Today's excitement in my city was the opening of a Fresh & Easy grocery store. As luck would have it, this Fresh & Easy is in the shopping center closest to my house. Just a bit over a mile away, I can actually walk to it, if need be. More significantly, this shopping center has been without a grocery store for about 5 years. The rumors of the arrival of my neighborhood Fresh & Easy started a

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-49933849913541017192011-03-12T20:08:00.000-08:002011-03-22T20:16:29.103-07:00

While most of the newer California desert resorts have been built in towns outside of Palm Springs, like Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Rancho Mirage, we have always preferred to be right in Palm Springs, staying in the historic downtown district where we can walk to town and many other attractions. While we do spend time in the other communities, we also, even in our brief week's stay down here,

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-5053008897242516102011-03-08T17:26:00.000-08:002011-03-11T21:28:32.336-08:00

Amazing how a bit of sun and warmth can change one's perspective...no need to rush, do what you want, eat when you want, and on and on. I guess this can be said for any vacation away from home, but the added warmth and sunshine here in the desert makes it especially wonderful.This is what morning looked like Monday. It was a bit windy so the palm trees were swaying but it didn't keep us from our

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-21735485804163027232011-03-06T19:36:00.001-08:002011-03-06T20:03:17.101-08:00

We left the house a bit before 7 a.m. It was raining and it did rain for several more hours as we drove south and east to Palm Springs. Eight hours and two food/pit stops later, we were in Palm Springs for our annual not-long-enough visit. It's warm and clear here and I'm hoping to relax and acquire enough of a sun tan so I won't look like I've been hiding under a rock for several months.This

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-43208384472320659042011-03-03T11:15:00.000-08:002011-03-03T11:55:50.388-08:00

We Olive is a store dedicated to olive oil and all things olive. It's a small California chain of 10 stores that specialize in California Olive Oils. Some of the stores are company owned; others are franchised.The Walnut Creek We Olive has been open about 18 months. Owners Christine and Miki Livitski have created a beautiful store in the older part of Walnut Creek's downtown. Last week, I hosted

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-23304074983327377642011-02-23T16:32:00.000-08:002011-02-23T17:10:03.185-08:00

I left the house before the sun came up, just to make sure I was one of those who got into the main auditorium for today's Apple Stockholder Meeting at Apple Headquarters in Cupertino.Traffic moved along and I was there an hour before the doors of Building 4 opened. Already, there were people lined up in front.Fortunately, it was a clear sunny day today, so we were not standing out there in the

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-8263625092194455252011-02-14T16:57:00.001-08:002011-02-14T17:34:17.514-08:00

This past weekend it was That Time again...that special time when we get together with Arlene & Jim and Colesie & Frank to cook a meal together. As you regular readers know, we have been doing this for about 30 years...every few months, we get together at one of our homes and prepare a dinner.The host makes the main course and the others bring first course and dessert. We eat, we drink, and we

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-69870436437509449402011-02-13T18:57:00.001-08:002011-02-13T19:51:25.245-08:00

"The Agony and The Ecstasy of Steve Jobs" is a one-person, two-hour monologue performance created and performed by Mike Daisey.Through the end of February it is being performed at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. If you haven't seen it yet, you have two more weeks before it closes.As a longtime MacManiac, longtime Apple computer and all things Apple fan, as well as a former Apple employee, there

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-36101974179396343482011-02-05T20:44:00.000-08:002011-02-05T21:24:48.545-08:00

I read a review of Table 24 in my local newspaper a few weeks ago and was intrigued.The reviewer described this restaurant which opened in October in Orinda's Theatre Square as a wonderful new addition to family dining, with much the same spirit as the Chow restaurants in Lafayette, Danville, and San Francisco.So, tonight, after a movie at the Orinda Theatre, Jim and I headed around the corner to

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-6817293446841891492011-02-03T15:10:00.000-08:002011-02-03T15:40:28.499-08:00

Last week, Melia and I headed to Teance in Berkeley, in the busy Fourth Street shopping district, for a "formal" tea tasting.Teance's business is primarily a wholesale and online tea and tea accessory business, based in Emeryville, California. This Fourth Street location is its only retail outlet. In addition to its lovely store, with tea pots and other accessories attractively displayed and a

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-64147087779858426952011-01-27T17:24:00.001-08:002011-01-28T12:03:14.424-08:00

Today was the first day exhibits at Macworld 2011 in San Francisco. Of course I was there...this year with Joanne and Linelle.The crowds gathered outside the exhibit hall in Moscone West waiting for the 10 a.m. opening.Some did a bit of shopping at the MacWorld boutique.The show is quite small this year and what we saw most of was cases and other accessories for the iPhone and iPad.The only

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-91621482784713063792011-01-24T14:46:00.000-08:002011-01-24T14:55:11.469-08:00

NO, my daffodils are not in bloom yet, although some Narcissus and Iceland Poppies are, but I couldn't resist showing off this beautiful bouquet of daffodils that a friend brought to our house the other day...he also brought lunch!! Now this is the kind of friend we all should have.At any rate, on this day when temperatures were well below zero in Boston, where much of my family lives, I can't

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-31479913661829486922011-01-20T11:20:00.000-08:002011-01-20T11:39:35.730-08:00

January is a traditionally slow month for restaurants.For many many years (as long as I can remember and I've been a customer since they opened in 1997), the Walnut Creek Yacht Club has offered a lobster dinner for the price of the year. So, this January, a 1 1/4 lb. Lobster, with Regatta Fries (garlic fries), Cole Slaw, and Drawn Butter (no substitutions) is priced at $20.11! Your only choice

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-38219373785209862262011-01-16T16:33:00.000-08:002011-01-17T18:54:55.014-08:00

Today was the first day of the Winter Fancy Food Show. It is in San Francisco at Moscone Center for two more days, through Tuesday, January 18, 2011.Harriet & I go just about every year. I go to get feeling for food trends for the coming year.It's a great show, filling both the North and South Halls of Moscone. At just about every booth there is food to taste. Harriet and I just walk every aisle

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-75876093477281839662011-01-10T13:35:00.000-08:002011-01-12T12:28:36.176-08:00

I started off 2011 with a 4-day visit to the Phoenix area.This is the first time I've been there in Winter and, to my surprise, it is cold in Phoenix in early January, especially when it is dark. Temperatures were in the low 40s overnight and no warmer than the low 60s at the warmest part of the day. I spent my entire visit in jeans, wearing a jacket. But, it was nice to be away and to visit

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-51734226361565323452010-12-26T14:05:00.000-08:002010-12-26T15:27:32.806-08:00

Well, Christmas is over! I'm just back from my day-after shopping and am actually considering putting away my gift wrap and writing some thank you notes.It's been a lovely December of celebrating and I still have a few more celebrations this week, but, I thought I'd take the time to send my good wishes for happy celebrations with family and friends and good cheer as we approach the end of 2010.

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-67637062346450009592010-12-04T13:43:00.000-08:002010-12-04T14:00:26.284-08:00

Yesterday, December 3, was the two-year anniversary of Ted's murder. Finally, this fall, the murderer was sentenced to spending pretty much the rest of his life in jail. We, his friends, are relieved that this man will never be walking the streets for over 30 years.All very tragic, but, Ted's death has nurtured the friendship between Ray, Mary Ann, Liz, Jim, and me. We all have connections to Ted

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-29659336387263536772010-10-24T14:46:00.000-07:002010-10-24T15:08:46.753-07:00

It's been raining all day today...not all the grapes have yet been harvested in the Napa Valley so this is not a good thing for grapes but it is nice for those of us who have done some fall planting.But, today, from Noon until 6 p.m., it is Dog Fest at Sports Basement in Walnut Creek.Until 4 p.m. there are adoptions, vendors, dog photographs, a best Halloween costume contest, an agility course,

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-64920595090786209632010-10-20T11:36:00.000-07:002010-10-20T11:55:55.298-07:00

Jimmy Buffett came through town this past weekend for his annual show in the Bay Area. This year's tour is called "Under The Big Top"As always Jimmy was in great form, even though it was drizzling through part of the show (not on Jimmy though, but certainly on us) and it was cold enough out that Jimmy was wearing jeans rather than his usual shorts...the man is no fool at 62, almost 63!And, the

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-27974649848182160562010-10-05T16:02:00.000-07:002010-10-05T16:49:26.137-07:00

Last Saturday, I swam a mile at Mills College in Oakland for the Women's Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) in Oakland California's annual Swim A Mile for Women with Cancer.This was my 13th time to do the swim and it marked 13 years since my own Cancer diagnosis.So far, I've raised nearly $2900 for the WCRC, thanks to the very generous donations to sponsor me by friends and family.WCRC provides

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-64770918085467133112010-08-27T16:34:00.000-07:002010-08-30T13:00:02.286-07:00

In the past year, at least five restaurants serving Fusion cuisine have opened in Walnut Creek. My description of Fusion cuisine is that it is a combination of Asian and American foods and preparations.While I think that the large number of Fusion restaurants in Walnut Creek might be a bit too much of a good thing, this is not stopping me from trying them. In June I wrote about Vanessa's Bistro 2

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-49136509315929892892010-08-12T16:59:00.000-07:002010-08-12T18:01:55.538-07:00

Mary Ann joined us for our first full day in the Valley, arriving in time for breakfast with us at the Vintage Inn.After breakfast, we headed to Mumm Napa Valley for a tour and tasting. We missed the first tour of the day, which is at 10 a.m. and for which there is no charge and no included tasting. For the rest of the day's tours, there is a charge of $20 for the one hour tour which includes

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-21894077032649247502010-08-11T17:29:00.000-07:002010-08-11T20:47:08.077-07:00

We've been back in the Napa Valley for our annual week away with Louie.We tend to do a lot of the same things each time we come here for an extended stay...in a sense, after all these years, it's become a bit like a home away from home. Of course, in addition to our old favorites, we make new discoveries and sometimes those discoveries are that a favorite place is no longer there. One such

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-73543528927129634182010-07-08T14:25:00.000-07:002010-07-08T15:34:09.824-07:00

Now that "Tea Culture" has been published, more and more friends and acquaintances are telling me about places to have tea. And, ever since I started the project a few years ago, my tea "radar" has been even more sensitive to all things related to tea.So, when Molly suggested that we have a tea lunch with her friend Bea, I suggested that we try out Numi's Tea Garden in a warehouse district of

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-33484358511444497902010-07-07T11:17:00.000-07:002010-07-07T16:30:57.867-07:00

Davis is my favorite college town in California. I am there often and always making new discoveries.Most recently, I was tipped off to a relatively-new place for tea and light meals: Tea List.After one visit by myself, I realized that Tea List is a true "find" and a very special place.Owner, Nahid Aram, has scouted the world for the finest of teas. She does her own importing, assuring excellent

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-42652117144616032872010-06-29T13:48:00.000-07:002010-06-29T14:33:42.712-07:00

Dixie, Jean, Sue, and I usually celebrate one another's birthdays by taking the Birthday Girl out to lunch at a restaurant of her choice.Yesterday was our celebration of Dixie's Birthday.We all swim on the Walnut Creek Masters swim team and have been friends for more than a decade.This year, Dixie chose our local Mary's Pizza Shack. None of us had ever been to Mary's until a few months ago when

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-76649849415120317402010-06-28T14:42:00.000-07:002010-06-28T15:17:15.236-07:00

This past Saturday, it was our turn to host our cooking group. At this point, we've been cooking together, every three or four months, for at least 30 years, we think longer.So we gathered at our house on a warm summer's night and got started on an evening of eating and drinking.While Arlene prepared the first course, an amazing Raw Kale salad, we snacked on Red Pepper Feta Dip, Dolmas, Greek

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-6898459179203937232010-06-24T19:53:00.000-07:002010-06-24T20:34:23.990-07:00

The day dawned cool and a bit foggy. I'd set the alarm for 5 a.m. My goal was to leave the house by 6 a.m. to get in line for new Apple iPhone 4 which went on sale today.I got to the Apple Store in Walnut Creek at about 6:15 a.m. The line went almost around the entire block.I debated since I had not pre-ordered and had no idea what kind of inventory the store would have. I quickly checked at

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-14698500291441583732010-06-22T14:01:00.000-07:002010-06-22T14:46:54.186-07:00

I love sandwiches.When I am out to lunch, if there is a Tuna Melt on the menu, that's what I will order. In fact, a few years back I wrote an article that evaluated Tuna Melts in restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area.My second favorite sandwich is the Croque Monsieur, a French version of a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. And, what a version it is...traditionally, the filling is sliced ham

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-83295323780646579392010-06-21T15:32:00.000-07:002010-06-21T15:48:14.966-07:00

Yesterday was father's day and, while Louie and I wanted to have a special dinner for Jim, we had limited time to prepare it.As is our usual Sunday morning routine, we have coffee with friends at Whole Foods most Sunday mornings. It's our version of a "salon" where we meet, sip tea or coffee, maybe have a pastry, oatmeal, or one of their yummy breakfast egg sandwiches, and catch up on life and

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-90924610708309488252010-06-07T15:56:00.000-07:002010-08-27T17:12:22.703-07:00

Walnut Creek is rapidly becoming the East Bay/Contra Costa center for Asian/Fusion restaurants. It seems that a new place opens just about every other day.While I exaggerate a bit, I personally think it is getting a bit overdone...more so than Italian did a few years back.Jim and I already have our favorites, but are always willing to give the newcomers a try. We've been to Elevé which we

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-14056000649378976412010-05-28T16:33:00.000-07:002010-06-01T16:21:54.455-07:00

My sister, Virginia, lives in Virginia, close to Washington D.C. (Fairfax County). At the end of our busy days, we mostly just wanted dinners in comfortable local spots.I know that many visitors to the D.C. area choose to stay in Fairfax County where there is easy access to the Metro into Washington D.C. but where hotel rates may be less expensive than staying in Washington. With this in mind,

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-42877967588180891652010-05-28T15:11:00.000-07:002010-05-28T15:58:35.146-07:00

On the Sixth Floor of Macy's on Union Square in San Francisco, chef Hubert Keller has opened his third Burger Bar.Jim and I discovered the first Burger Bar at the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas right after it opened a few years ago. And, we were hooked on how good the food is and how much fun it is to eat there. Since then, whenever we are in Las Vegas, we take time for a lunch at Burger Bar.The

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-10126119400769879732010-05-26T17:05:00.000-07:002010-05-28T15:11:04.502-07:00

Virginia and I spent another whole day in Washington D.C. during my recent visit.On this day, we took the Metro to Metro Center for our first stop: The New York Avenue Sculpture Project. As a member of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, which is responsible for this project, I have been following the progress of this outdoor sculpture project which they are creating. The first phase of the

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-85079398021239530022010-05-25T14:25:00.000-07:002010-05-25T17:24:31.500-07:00

I am just back from a week and a half in Washington D.C. and Virginia. My sister Virginia, who lives in Virginia, and I spent two whole days in Washington D.C. where the weather mimicked the cold, rainy days that I left behind in Northern California. None the less, as "tourists" we were out and about and busy.Whenever I am in D.C. I spend time at the Smithsonian museums. And, each time I visit, I

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-85659234087500640262010-05-09T11:40:00.000-07:002010-05-09T11:45:53.778-07:00

Ted would be 68 today. I still think I am going to see him on Sunday mornings at Farmer's Market and, later, for coffee at Whole Foods.Last night we carried on our Ted Birthday tradition with a pizza dinner at Skipolini's. Ray and Liz are now part of our celebration of Ted's life and his memory.Ted, you are always part of our lives.

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-26857452741914463942010-05-04T16:38:00.000-07:002010-05-04T17:23:11.471-07:00

Melia and I like to meet from time to time for a cup of tea and an hour to two of conversation.We meet everywhere from Whole Foods, to Peet's, to one of our homes. We like to try new places. And now that Tea Culture has been published, I feel I have an obligation to try more and more tea places because people are asking me for recommendations and advice on where to have tea and what kinds of tea

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-41032697037966115072010-04-13T16:19:00.000-07:002010-04-13T16:30:09.132-07:00

From my days of writing the Where-To-Guide newsletter, I am still on the media contact list of many publicists.I just learned that Nike is opening a new Clearance Store in the Marina Square Shopping/Outlet Center in San Leandro..in fact, the store opened today!Since I love Nike clothing and accessories, I always stop at the Clearance Store in Vacaville CA, when I go to Davis, Sacramento, or Tahoe

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-665128821561738352010-04-08T15:09:00.001-07:002010-04-08T15:26:34.564-07:00

Many of you know that I have been awaiting the release of my new book, Tea Culture.Well, it is finally here...in bookstores and on online booksellers in the entire English-speaking world.Having seen the book in all its stages of production, I had a pretty good idea of what it looked like. But, when I finally had a copy in my hand, I was surprised and delighted at how beautiful it actually is.In

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-7376065932788845412010-04-03T14:04:00.001-07:002010-04-03T14:50:15.849-07:00

Well, this morning dawned a bit overcast and cool. But that did not stop me from my mission: It was off to my local Apple Store for its 9 a.m. special opening for the first day of the iPad.While I had not pre-ordered an iPad, nor was I planning to purchase one today, those crazies of us with Apple in our blood, attend these events, whether we are buying or not. So there I was, camera in hand,

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-23002896815228437722010-03-19T14:19:00.000-07:002010-03-19T15:08:42.706-07:00

Carole Terwilliger Meyers' Weekend Adventures and Family Fun books have been an importance resource to me in my travel writings since her very first Northern California guide in the late 1970s.Meyers main emphasis is on travel and adventures in Northern California.Whenever I am setting out on a trip, I always consult her books...I never throw away even the oldest ones because they might just

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-10375066668926540222010-03-18T14:24:00.000-07:002010-03-20T11:21:14.147-07:00

On our first full day in Palm Springs, Jim went out for his usual several-mile morning walk. Along the way, on Palm Canyon Drive, he noticed a restaurant called Cheeky's. He looked at the menu, was tempted, but kept walking another few blocks. Then, he decided that he was hungry and returned for breakfast, ordering the breakfast sandwich of Cornmeal Fried Green Tomato, Bacon, and a Fried Egg.

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-13551610266257179442010-03-12T08:36:00.001-08:002010-03-12T09:10:23.829-08:00

We woke Tuesday morning to palm fronds flying everywhere. We are told that palm trees rarely fall down but the fronds, some very big, do go flying when the winds kick up. There were wind warnings for the entire day.The wind didn’t stop me from a morning swim but I was fishing palm fronds out of the pool as I swam my laps.After a leisurely morning at the pool, we headed to Palm Desert for lunch at

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-51536322557934796752010-03-08T20:26:00.000-08:002010-03-15T14:21:09.097-07:00

Greetings from Palm Springs!There was fog very early this morning, a rarity in the desert but the weather turned coldish overnight and I guess the contrast between the cold and the warmth of the morning sun brought in fog.But, by 8 a.m., it was burning off as I headed out to the gym. Our condo backs up to Mount San Jacinto and is always a glorious sight, especially early in the morning.After my

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-21416227686227889682010-02-22T17:21:00.001-08:002010-02-22T17:42:06.548-08:00

One of my favorite Christmas 2009 presents was a gift card from Daphne's Greek Cafe. It is one of my favorite places for in informal quick lunch or dinner. I like them so much, I plan to have them cater a party I will be hosting.I am fortunate enough to have three Daphne's close to my home and office. When I am out and about and hungry for lunch, I usually stop at Daphne's. The food is fresh and

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-70168301991022359262010-02-15T15:45:00.000-08:002010-02-15T16:54:45.626-08:00

Since Tin's in Walnut Creek closed last year, I've been searching for a restaurant in Contra Costa County that serves authentic Dim Sum every day of the week. While I've checked out a few leads, none have been of the quality of Tin's.Today, I think I've found my place! It's Imperial in Concord, right across from the Park n Shop shopping center, almost directly across from Fry's. Imperial

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-46200639887287963362010-02-14T15:52:00.000-08:002010-02-14T16:30:06.377-08:00

Jim and I no longer have a Season Subscription to the SF Symphony. We now pick and choose our concerts, making it more pleasant to Jim, in particular, to assure not hearing "new" musical pieces, most of which he considers not musical.At any rate, last night's concert featured Charles Dutoit as guest conductor. The featured piece was Holst's The Planets. The other piece was Walton's Violin

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-5053676986340792282010-02-12T17:28:00.000-08:002010-02-12T18:00:16.119-08:00

It's a new new Macworld this year since Apple decided to no longer participate and several other big companies that make products for or in support of Apple products also withdrew.But, this did not keep me, Joanne and most Apple faithful away from the show.it's a much smaller show, occupying only Moscone North. About half the number of exhibitors as last year are present this year.All the same,

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-73436496690266251242010-02-10T11:27:00.001-08:002010-03-06T17:03:01.877-08:00

Do Sit Thai Cuisine, hidden away in a corner of the Palos Verdes Mall Shopping Center in Walnut Creek looks like, from the outside, the kind of place where I would not stop, or even notice, had I not heard something about it. Sometime last summer I did notice it as I was on my way to Louie's veterinary hospital (Geary Vet) which is right next door. Since Do Sit's location has been previously

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-58468655967560045832010-02-08T16:15:00.000-08:002010-03-23T16:52:45.035-07:00

Our January Cruise to the Panama Canal started and ended in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. In our 10 days at sea, we made stopped in five ports.Our first stop was at the Dutch Island of Aruba where I snorkeled off a catamaran. We were docked in the capital city of Oranjestad.On a half-day trip, we made two stops to snorkel off the boat. At one stop we had about half an hour to explore beautiful coral

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-69613519781783068062010-02-05T14:55:00.000-08:002010-02-06T11:46:41.863-08:00

In mid-January, before a Panama Canal cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, we spent a few days in South Florida visiting with friends and going back to favorite spots that I enjoyed visiting when my parents, who lived their retirement years here, were still alive. Although I never lived in Florida, from my visits over many years, I came to enjoy this area.Coming from cold and rainy California, the balmy

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-70188250515950757822010-01-13T16:18:00.000-08:002010-01-13T16:45:35.518-08:00

Yes, I am going backward in time a few weeks, but, since we had such a nice dinner on New Year's Eve, I want to pay tribute to it.These days, we don't go far on New Year's Eve and tend to shun the big deal fixed-price restaurant meals. As with most holiday meals in restaurants, they often don't live up to their price and fanfare.But, we like to go out, even it if it is locally.And, we are lucky

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-86279362838103052902010-01-13T15:17:00.000-08:002010-01-13T15:51:32.052-08:00

Last week was the occasion of another of our New Year's traditions: An outing to the Napa Valley for the annual Vanderbilt sale.Vanderbilt is a very special one-of-a-kind home decor and gift shop in St. Helena. Once a year, for several weeks, Vanderbilt has its annual sale. The sale usually starts during the first week of January and end before the ends of January. This year's sale ends on

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-66352320247383820232010-01-01T16:44:00.000-08:002010-01-01T17:24:03.430-08:00

Happy New Year to you all!Yes, I know I have been MIA the last month or so. No matter how much I try, the Holiday Season with all the entertaining, being entertained, shopping, visiting and everything else that goes with it, seem to take all my time. While I love it all, I am happy to be starting a new year and getting back to this blog.Jim and I have a New Year's Day lunch tradition of going out

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-47471844986150657342009-11-19T16:37:00.000-08:002009-11-19T17:16:38.479-08:00

San Francisco's historic Palace Hotel is 100 years old this year. Actually, it is more than 100 years old but it was destroyed in the 1906 Earthquake and Fire and the rebuilt Palace is what is 100 years old. December 15, 1909, is the date the rebuilt Palace opened its doors. In celebration of the the 100 years, the Palace has been featuring a two-course lunch on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-66936445420679528302009-11-15T15:48:00.000-08:002009-11-17T06:55:40.355-08:00

To celebrate Debbie's birthday, I invited her to go with me on GraceAnn Walden's North Beach Pizza Lovers' Tour.I have known GraceAnn for more than 20 years and Debbie for even longer. Both of these wonderful ladies are special personal friends.GraceAnn is a food writer, cook, food expert, and all around bon vivant.One of her many activities is to conduct her walking tours through different San

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-85585386103506012162009-11-13T15:20:00.000-08:002009-11-13T16:19:12.229-08:00

What many people do not know about me is that I had a computer life long before I became an Apple Computer person. While my passion for all things Apple has been going on for at least 25 years, mainly because I think Apple is the most creative and innovative computer and computer-related things company that currently exists.But this does not mean that my heart cannot go pitter-pat for other

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-4858586162321800722009-10-29T16:12:00.000-07:002009-10-30T19:44:56.011-07:00

This past weekend our cooking group of three couples got together at Arlene & Jim's house in Mendocino for another of our marvelous home-cooked meals.On the way up, Jim and I made our usual pit stop in Healdsburg. We went back to our favorite the Flying Goat Coffee for pastries and coffee. While I occasionally take home a pastry or bread from the Downtown Bakery & Creamery in Healdsburg, I've

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-63617975390100979732009-10-23T15:29:00.000-07:002009-10-23T16:49:11.798-07:00

I was in Boston for a week at the end of September. Since I lived most of the first half of my life in the Boston area, whenever I go back, I am torn between seeing friends and family and just being a tourist. This visit I managed to do a bit of both and even attended a high school reunion, my first-ever high school years after half a century (Yikes!)This post focuses on the Friends & Family part

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-50896910071123166962009-10-22T15:28:00.000-07:002009-10-22T16:44:20.318-07:00

San Francisco's newest museum is the Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio. The Presidio was an Army base, possibly the most beautiful Army post in the entire United States. It was decomissioned in 1994 and is now a national park site and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It has restaurants, housing, a golf course, views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, and is home

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-4240444476976707022009-10-13T16:19:00.000-07:002009-10-13T16:54:35.514-07:00

I met Janet & Harriet for lunch in San Francisco the other day when Janet was at a two-day conference at the SF Hilton. Since Janet was the one with the tightest schedule, I decided that we should try the relatively-new (one year) Urban Tavern which is right in the Hilton, with its entrance at 333 O'Farrell Street. Not only was Urban Tavern the perfect location, it turned out to be a beautiful

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-32159736501408626952009-10-12T09:56:00.000-07:002009-10-12T09:56:32.604-07:00

Beverly Dubrin's WHERE-TO-GUIDE: SWIM A MILE 2009

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-76173751876989293412009-10-05T16:25:00.000-07:002009-10-06T19:20:27.757-07:00

On Saturday, October 3, 2009, I, once again, participated in the Swim A Mile for Women with Cancer. It is a fundraiser for the Women's Cancer Resource Center in Oakland, California. This year, I raised close to $4000 with contributions from friends and family. I thank all of you who sponsored my swim so generously. The swim takes place at Mills College in Oakland and goes on for two days. It is

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-91843621464437122972009-10-05T10:38:00.000-07:002009-10-05T12:31:22.112-07:00

Yesterday, Mary Ann and I went to the Sunday afternoon performance of "American Idiot" at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The show, based on Green Day's "American Idiot" rock opera, is an amazing production...it brought me memories of "Hair," "Rent," and "Tommy" with a bit of Cirque du Soleil thrown in (there is constant action all over the stage and up into the rafters). This is the world

Where-To-Guidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06063418385143985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6740019000560972843.post-39398045648830404562009-09-18T10:05:00.000-07:002009-09-18T10:19:49.124-07:00

Last Friday night we had dinner at the Lark Creek in Walnut Creek, one of our local favorites for a nice American meal. We chose Friday night because the Nightly Special is Shellfish Gumbo. That's what we both ordered and we were delighted.Here's the list of nightly classics, as listed on their web site menu, that are currently being featured. Actually, I like just about everything at Lark Creek.

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