Browse Author: beakatude

“Quiet Nights” two years later

dianakrall

Just got back from seeing Diana Krall in concert at the Davies Symphony Hall.  It’s part of her “Quiet Nights” World Tour and it had been close to 2 years exactly since we last saw her at Hollywood Bowl.  This was a more intimate setting and the crowd wasn’t nearly as rowdy but I think it was because of the venue.  Anyhoo, she was as charming as usual and her piano-playing skillz still amaze me.  She also talked about her life as a mom and said that her twin boys are 2 1/2 years old now.  When we last saw her, she just had the babies and was just getting back to work.  My how time flies.

As we were walking to the Muni station on our way home I was reflecting on how we’ve been here in SF for two years now.  In fact, my work anniversary is tomorrow!  It’s crazy how long we’ve been here and yet I still feel like a n00b.  I guess the LA in me will never die.

All in all I’m happy to be where I am and I’m enjoying life in the best way I can.  I actually like the colder weather, LOVE going out to eat up here, and work has been quite the learning experience for me even two years later.  In just the past week I’ve made knee extension splints, a middle finger splint, and hospital pants held together with Velcro!  Yep, I was putting my sewing skills to use once again.

It’s been a fun two years and going to this concert was a great way to celebrate.  I wonder how many more years we have left here…

Bikes and Brisket

bikes

On Sunday, the boys drove across the bay to ride their bikes around Bear’s Loop and came back exhausted and sweaty.  It was almost 90 degrees out there and the hills were pretty steep.

Koa and Jack

yay dog

Later in the evening we went to the Sokol-Juns’ for smoked beef brisket that Ryan was working on all day.  Koa even got to hang out and Jack seemed to get a big kick out having the dog in his house.  Koa got to sniff the cats through the screen door and Wilby and Maru looked pretty anxious about having the dog in the house.

Mai Tai Friday

Conga Lounge

On Friday afternoon we went back to Conga Lounge for another round of Happy Hour.  An old friend, Dr. Mai, was in town for the week so it was the perfect excuse to go out.  We took advantage of their $5 Mai Tais and discounted appetizers for a fun evening of goofiness and laughter.  Ah…that was just what I needed after a rough week.

Brother & Joy in SF

Ferry Plaza

I’m a little behind on my postings but I guess it’s better late than never.  Last weekend Brother and Joy came up and we had a good time eating, drinking, exploring, and drinking some more.  On Saturday morning we went to the Ferry Plaza to check out the Farmers’ Market.  We got to taste lots of yummy fruits and samples and checked out the cute stores inside.  Unfortunately the peanut monster attacked the Brother again and he ended up having to yak in a quiet corner into a plastic bag.  Poor guy.

red carpet

Later that morning we headed up to Napa.  We stopped for lunch at Genova and then headed to Nickel & Nickel for their Cabernet Release Party.  They served 11 wines along with a spread of cheese and appetizers.

Jes & Brother

It was set in one of their underground cellars and even had valet service and a red carpet entrance.

Wine in a Box

We went home with a pretty wooden box filled with our favorite wines and a good buzz that lasted the rest of the afternoon.

Ad Hoc

We tried to stop at Mumm for a champagne tasting before dinner but they were running so behind that we decided to head out before the waitress was able to say hello to our table.  For dinner we went to Ad Hoc, which is another one of Thomas Keller’s creations.

Lamb and Potatoes

It’s a casual restaurant offering a different menu each day and serves everything family style.  It was complete with a salad straight from The French Laundry garden, succulent lamb and potatoes, savory cheese with honey, and two different desserts!  The Bangs joined us but they had to get a separate table across the walkway.

Chinatown Breakfast

On Sunday, we ventured out to Chinatown for jook and fried dough at Washington Bakery & Restaurant.  Mmmm…that really hit the spot.

Fortune Cookie Factory

We also walked around looking for cheap t-shirts and visited the Fortune Cookie Factory.

Bi-Rite Creamery

Afterward, I took them to Bi-Rite Creamery and then Fisherman’s Wharf for some snacks before their flight back to LA.

Here are more photos from the weekend (including Debbie’s birthday dinner).  And here are photos from our day in Napa.  It was fun seeing you two again!!!  Come back soon!

Surprises for Debbie

cousins

On Friday night, Brother and Joy flew up to visit and our first stop was Vaso Azzurro in Mountain View where Debbie was having a surprise bday dinner with friends.  I told Pish that I would be there but we told no one that I’d be bringing some extra guests.  Debbie was genuinely surprised to see us and it was a lot of fun being there to celebrate her special day.  It’s always great to see the cousins again.

Vegas Weekend

The Venetian

Over the weekend, Jes and I went to Vegas to visit Kev, Karrie, and their little twin girls. Unfortunately there was a failure in planning so we ended up spending most of it at the Palazzo while the Wus were in LA for a family event. Our suite at the Palazzo was amazing. It had a double-door entrance, two bathrooms, a living area, separate bedroom, and bar. Ok, it was ridiculous. It turned out to be a nice refuge since it was a stinky 108 degrees outside!!!!  I think I took a total of 8 naps over the weekend.  Aaaahhhh…

bouchons

We spent Saturday and Sunday hanging out at the pool, window shopping, and had some pretty tasty meals. We went to Bouchon for brunch and had the chicken and waffles and chocolate “bouchons” (chocolate cake supposedly in the shape of corks). Both dishes were sooooo yummy. We also had dinner at Le Cirque and had such a good time eating, drinking, watching the fountain show from the window, and enjoyed the service. I had a really savory pork belly and fillet mignon topped with foie gras. *drool* We also had a wonderful spaghetti carbonara at Batali’s San Marco that I still think about every once in a while.

Karen & Katelin

On Monday, Kev was back from LA and picked us up for a day at his house. I FINALLY got to meet his little girls who just turned two years of age.

Karen and Jes

They have such distinct personalities and of course they were suspicious of their “Uncle Jesse”. Karen finally warmed up to him but Katelin wasn’t as amenable to him. We got back Monday evening and the Bangs seemed to have a decent time with Koa. They reported that he was pretty easy to take care of but always seemed “bummed out”. I reassured them that it wasn’t them and that it was his usual demeanor. What can I say? I have a lazy dog that sleeps all day. Thanks for your help, Bangs!!

Here are photos of the weekend.