Ringing In the Holidays

December 18, 2005

At some point late last night, Will kindly suggested that maybe I should ease off on the festive drinks and enjoy some water, and the next thing I remember is that I'm getting persuaded by Dave Brokaw to have another shot...and I've been paying for it all day. Oy!

Last night, a band of merry folk gathered to celebrate the upcoming holidays...god bless us everyone!

The first part of the evening was a dinner at Levende Lounge, a great restaurant and one of my favorites in the Mission district. The staff were very accomodating for our large group, and we had a great fixed menu set up for the evening. All the food was delicious as usual-- the pomme frites, mac & cheese, mini lamb burgers, bacon-wrapped pork, pecan encrusted seabass, tilapia ceviche, mint chocolate sorbet, and on and on and on.



Will, Key & Katharine

Tony, Beth, Renee & Matt

Trent & Shelly

Shaun, Whitney, Ashley & David

Courtney, Brokaw, Gail, Bea & Anna

Wendy & Pete

Bea, Katharine, Wendy & Shelly

Dapper Dave

Many "small" plates and 11 bottles of wine later, we wrapped up the dinner portion of the evening and continued with the festivities at Loft 11, where Wendy had set us up with a guest list and no cover. The last time I had been here was over a year and a half ago for Kenny's birthday, where we had rented a party limo and had a pretty entertaining time. I have a sneaking suspicion that I've only had a good time at this bar because of the huge group of friends with me and all the alcohol pumping through our veins.

Bea & Will at Loft 11









The aftermath of Jaeger bombs











The set-up of Dr. Pepper shots...trouble!

Lots of great dancing moves were unveiled on the dance floor, and big-fish-little-fish-cardboard-box was in the house. I haven't seen that much cheesy dancing in one place in years.

The quote of the evening may be from Brokaw: "Alcohol has no effect on me". I can definitely blame Brokaw and Wendy for the bulk of my misery today, they were my shot compadres. Lemon drops, Jaeger bombs, Kamikazes, Dr. Peppers and Chocolate Cakes (???) ...ugh...what were we thinking?







The original itinerary included a late-night trip to Do-Re-Mi in Japantown for some rousing karaoke. My fuzzy memory recalls that a small group of us did try to go to Do-Re-Mi late last night, but we didn't stay long enough to actually partake in any sing-a-longs. So, a taxi dropped Brokaw, Shaun and Sostak at a party at the Albion house (go party boys!), took Anna home, and then Will and I back to 512. Yowza.

It was a great evening, thanks to everyone who contributed to my fuzziness...now back to nursing my poor, aching head...

Thrasher

December 17, 2005

Yesterday afternoon, I slid out of work early to meet up with Will downtown, where the SF office of his company, Nuance, was having a holiday happy hour at the Pied Piper bar in the Palace Hotel. I enjoyed a couple glasses of single-malt scotch (MacAllan 12 and Glenmorangie) and met a bunch of folks who get to work with Will all the time dealing with "compooter" stuff. There were definitely some conversations that were way over my little biotechie head (...platforms, technical support...blah..blah...).

After that tab closed out, we joined some of the Nuance-rs for post-happy hour drinks at a pub called the Old Ship Saloon in the Financial District (Battery @ Pacific). The history of this bar is quite interesting, as it was a landlocked ship called the Arkansas, that was converted into a saloon (in the infamous Barbary Coast district). I was relieved to finally fill my belly with a pub burger to counteract the scotches. I had a very rousing conversation with some of Will's co-workers about dining out in San Francisco. I love meeting fellow Foodies, I'm always amazed how passionate people are about good food (and if you read this blog at all, you'd know that I'm one of them).

So, after that part of the night said it's goodbyes, Will and I headed over to Slim's, for the Thrasher Magazine's 16th Annual Skater of the Year (S.O.T.Y.) party. We met up with Wendy, Anna, Ashley, Pete, and Dave. Dave came up from LA for a weekend of festivities in SF and had hooked all of us up with tix for this party. Apparently, his sister, knew a guy who worked for Thrasher and liked license plates from the Northwest Territories, who had met Dave and gone biking, and was Dave's hookup.

Wendy, Dave & Anna discussing what they think of Chris Cole

Video clips of why Chris Cole is the Skater of the Year

Anyway, the funny part was none of us know much about the whole skater scene and we were clueless as to who Chris Cole was. Turns out he's a pretty rad skater. There was a line-up of punk bands: Manic Hispanic, Time Again and Mercy Killers. I've actually seen Manic Hispanic before, when they played at one of the crazy Incredibly Strange Wrestling parties years ago (Mucha Lucha!).
Celebratory balloons that just wouldn't fall...

Pete impregnated with one of the balloons that finally fell

Wendy & Pete with their VIP passes

Best Ever Series

December 13, 2005

Last night, I bowled my best series ever, bum ankle and all.

159 - 147 - 183 = 489

I think my previous personal best series was 460. It was a nice rebound from last week's all-season low series (in the mid-300's). Consistency at its best.

Only one more week of the Fall/Winter Genentech Bowling league left, and I'm afraid that I am not in the running for any trophies this season...how very disappointing. I guess the mantle at home will have to wait for another season to add another to the collection.

Master Fit

December 11, 2005

Waking up this morning was not a delightful experience--muscle-achy, head-achy, cut-achy, dehydrated-achy--not a good sign.

I had a noon appointment in San Jose at Mel Cotton's Sporting Goods with a fella named Luis, who is a certified, master bootfitter. You see, I bought a pair of ski boots a couple seasons ago in a rush, through a friend of a friend who works for Salomon. These boots were not-so-comfy, as my monster tree-trunk calves make my leg slide up and I end up with arch pains due to skiing on the balls of my feet. So, seeing as I am much more comfortable with snowboarding and am ready to mix skiing back in, I was finally going to remedy the situation of the oh-so-painful ski boots.

Anyway, there's something called America's Best Bootfitters and Master Fit University, which provide accreditation and training, respectively, for custom bootfitting. I had no idea this existed. Mel Cotton's happens to have staff that is certified as master bootfitters, and that dude is Luis.

So, I was running late, of course, and only left myself 45 minutes to get to San Jose from the city...ambitious, I know. Shockingly, I hit parking-lot traffic on the 101 S right at Monster Park. As usual, it was all over nothing (the real accident was in San Mateo, but everyone was freaking out and trying to get off early and causing major issues).

When I finally got to Mel Cotton's, it was an absolute breeze. Luis solved my problem at the first try in 10 minutes. Removed some liner, moved the buckles, inserted heel cups under my insoles and PRESTO!, fits like a glove. And it only cost $5. I can't believe that it took me so long to do this...shameful.

After that, I headed to my sister's place to play with my niece, Olivia. She's almost 3 years old and is quite the little person.

Olivia, with her ruby-red Wizard of Oz shoes, by the Christmas tree

Olivia hauling around her goods

Christmas will be very entertaining with Olivia this year, as she finally gets it.

GBC and the Marina

December 11, 2005

Early yesterday morning, Will and Abe left for Tahoe to get some snow legs before their big CAT-skiing trip to interior BC after Christmas. I, on the other hand, stayed cozy in bed and then spent the morning doing all the fun little things that I needed to do.

Ashley convinced me to do a mountain bike ride that day with her and Sandy, so we convened at 512 just after noon. Sandy used to live in San Rafael and knew of a good ride with fire roads, single-track (illegal, as we later found out) and great views. And the other plus was that Tully, Sandy's doggie, could come on the ride with us because it wasn't a state park.

View of San Rafael and Mt. Tam as we start the big climb

Ashley ahead on some of the single-track before it gets really sketchy

View of Mount Tam as we climb up the fire road

I'm not going to lie to you, the climb to the ridge was a be-otch, anyone who actually enjoys that kind of torture really is a masochist. It was a really good work-out (or really, I should say, I got worked).

That said, it was a bee-oo-tiful day and the views were spectacular. It makes sense that you have to climb a lot to get that view. On top of the ridge, you could see Mount Tam to the right, and the bay to the right. My favorite single-track (legal) ride is China Camp, and you could see the road leading to China Camp State Park from the ridge.

View the bay from the top of San Pedro Ridge, China Camp to the right

Sandy and Ashley...go GBC!

Tully hanging out on the side of a fire road

I now know what "illegal" single-track means. These are areas of trails that are not maintained by anyone (like say, in a state park) and they are about half the width of a typical single-track trail. Which means that there's very little room for error. I was glad that I didn't choose this ride to try out my clipless pedals, but in converse to that thought, clipless pedals help you ride through more technical sections without coming off your pedals and using your power. Oy!

Novice rider (Bea) + illegal single-track (sketchy) = a big bail & sliding 20 feet down a big ravine

Big bail = sprained right ankle and scratches all down my left side

It took me a good chunk of time trying to climb out of the ravine with it's steepness, the handicapped ankle, dirt and leaves providing no traction, as well as getting my bike back up on the trail. Yowza. If I wasn't already challenged riding on the trail, I could now add sprained ankle into the mix. And the trail was so narrow that all the wild bushy stuff kept hitting my legs and my cuts...ow!

The aftermath of falling off sketchy single-track and into a ravine

I was relieved to get back to the fire road, and from there it was a sweet downhill ride to our start point. I knew I was ready for the ride to end, as all I could think about was going to Starbuck's and getting a yummy grande chai tea latte with soy.

The whole ride took about 2.5 hours, a significant ride, as I usually do the 1.5 hour rides. Go GBC!

So, after the biking debacle, we headed back into the city, whereupon I seemed to pass 5 hours or so rather quickly doing relatively nothing.

I decided to join Ashley and Whitney and go to a party that their good friend, Carrie, was holding at her house in the Marina. That's right, I went to a party in the Marina...I wrapped my ankle with athletic tape (Heather, you'd be so proud of my novice wrap job) and rallied.

Carrie lives in a rad house on the corner of Marina Blvd and Scott Street, with a lovely view of the Golden Gate Bridge from her rooftop. It was a good time, and we even managed to talk to people we didn't know, which is not our usual practice.

Rich, Whitney and Ashley

Three Santas and some festive elves

Flip-cup, keg stands and more

Ashley regulating her beer intake...

Shaun and Anna, showing up late and watching all the drunk people

I pulled the chute around 2 am, and got my poor, hurt, tired butt into bed...apparently, my body enjoys reminding me that 29 is right around the corner...

Nutcracker

December 10, 2005

Last night, I dragged Will to the Nutcracker performed by the San Francisco Ballet.



Jenny organized this night (thanks Jenny!) for a big group of us, including: Nate, Chris McT, Kerry Soo, Patrick, Geoff, Nicolette, Francesco, Manu, Josh and Margo. "Get Better" wishes to Emily Sliman, who caught a bug and couldn't make it.

View from the balcony seats

Kerry Soo, McT, and Patrick pre-show

Nate and Jenny pre-show

My first "Nutcracker" experience was two years ago, and I had mixed feelings on that production. I was quite happy to discover that the SF Ballet created a new version of the Nutcracker that debuted last season. I really liked this "new" Nutcracker. The transition into Clara's dream and the entrance into the battle between the Toy Soldiers and the mice was seamless and very entertaining. I loved the dance of the sugarplum fairies, and the ending had resolution as Clara returned home after waking from her dream (instead of flying away in a golden swan boat with the Nutcracker prince in the other version).

At intermission, they had delicious milk, cookies, and Ghiradelli chocolates. I loved seeing all the families with their little ones all dudded up in their velvet dresses, mini-stoles, little suits and shiny patent leather shoes.

Outside the War Memorial Opera House with the "snow" and toy soldiers

After the show, we headed over to Sauce for a late dinner, only a 10-minute walk away. You may recall that Will and I had the dessert sampler at Sauce last weekend, so I was excited to go back and try the food.

(Note to the reader: It seems that this blog is turning out to be more of a chronicle of what we're eating these days. I apologize and bear with me, but it's hard not to try all this good food in San Francisco.)

(Note to Genentech: I will need a salary increase immediately to fund my blog entries.)

On that note, I started with the bacon-wrapped scallops as a starter, while Will had the portabello mushroom bisque, both delicious. For my entree, I had the bacon-wrapped meatloaf (do you sense a theme here?), while Will had the roast chicken "mac & cheese". Also quite tasty. Which, unfortunately, left no room for dessert. Ah well...

Josh and Margo sharing a Guiness milkshake for dessert

700 Sundays

December 7, 2005

It's another Wednesday night out on the town...what's up with Wednesday...could it be the new Thursday which was the new Saturday?!?

Tonight, Will and I went on a hot date.

It all started last week when I read a review in SFGate (website for the San Francisco Chronicle) about Billy Crystal's one-man show that won a 2005 Tony Award called "700 Sundays". It all sounded very entertaining, and 10 minutes later, I was clicking on the buy button for two tickets.

As a prelude to hot date going to a Billy Crystal show, Will and I went for an early hot date dinner at Roy's Restaurant. Will had recently gotten a little "reward" for his commendable work at Nuance (or for being a stud?) and it was a a $50 voucher for Roy's. I had always heard good things about Roy's, particularly their molten chocolate cake, but was weary of going to a really expensive chain restaurant. They have locations scattered around the country.

That said, the food was phenomenal. We started with the hamachi tartare as appetizer, and I had the Shellfish combo (tiger prawns, scallops and caviar, pineapple rice), while Will had the mahi-mahi. Yowza. And we had a little bit of room for their famous molten chocolate cake. Kenny, we have a new winner. Chow has nothing on Roy's chocolate cake.

We wrapped up dinner and headed over to the Golden Gate Theatre for "700 Sundays". The GG Theatre is located in the sketchy Tenderloin district and it's so painful to try to find parking. This specific area is tricky because of how all the streets are angled and intersect with eachother and Market street, but particularly because you want to find parking, but not get mauled by homeless people or crack-addicted hookers on your way to the theatre. We found a spot after 10 minutes of "circling", and only had to walk 1.5 blocks! Score!

700 Sundays Playbill

The show was really good. Billy Crystal is one funny man. I've always loved him since seeing him in one of my favorite movies "When Harry Met Sally". "700 Sundays" was a homage or tribute to his family, particularly his father and growing up. Their family has a very interesting history and I had no idea they had such involvement in the bluegrass jazz movement in the '50's. It was also very sad and touching at times, as he discussed the passing of his father at age 15 and the following years.

More than anything, I was really impressed with his stamina. It was a 3 hour show! There was a 15 minute intermission, but damn, he's amazing!



After the show, we headed back to Lavonda the Honda, and discovered that sometime during the show, someone had decided to have a rest on the hood of my car and left their "print". Ah well, what do you expect from parking in the Tenderloin...

The Goblet of Fire

December 4, 2005

Abe, Will and I went to see the newest installment of the Harry Potter films tonight, "Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire". I am a huge fan of this series and have read all the books so far. It makes me sad to think that there's only one more book and like everyone else that reads these books, am very excited to see what happens.

Here are my brief thoughts on the film:

- entertaining...as always
- Damn! Hermione is becoming a little hotty!
- I cried like a baby when I read the ending of this book, and as expected, did the same during the movie
- wished there was enough time to cover all the details of the book, so many great details that had to be glossed over
- I am not looking forward to the next film because Harry was such an annoying hormonal teenager in Book 5.


On another note, I finally saw the last of the Star Wars' prequels the other night on DVD, "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith". Umm...I've always like Ewan McGregor and Yoda kicks ass.

46 Stairs To Jello Shots

December 4, 2005

It's Sunday morning, almost the afternoon, and I just woke up...an indication of how good last night was?

It's been a nice and festive weekend in the city. Even as Thanksgiving leftovers are being lamented over, the Christmas tree vendors are out and there's a lot of pressure to get your holiday shopping done. Bear with me, I forgot to bring along my trusty Canon S400 to document the events, so read on if you don't absolutely need visual confirmation.

Will and I decided not to go to Tahoe this weekend, even though it was the first weekend for our ski cabin. He still has a cast on his hand for another week or so (doctor's orders!). According to Wendy and Abe, who made the Friday night drive for Saturday snow enjoyment, the snow was quite good due to the recent dusting on the Sierras, and there weren't too many snow bunnies vying for room to shred.

FRIDAY NIGHT

On Friday night, Will and I went for dinner with my friend, Beth Weintraub, and her love, Tony. I met Beth about 1.5 years ago. She had the displeasure of having ACL reconstruction surgery a day before me and we did our physical therapy at the same wonderful establishment, Active Care. Beth and I bonded over our knee recoveries and our desire to return to yoga. It was extremely helpful to have a friend who knows exactly what you're going through as you bust your butt. Anyway, Beth is a very successful artist who creates beautiful modular art pieces using intaglio etching. You may have seen her pieces recently in the MTV Real World Austin house...

Anyway, the four of us had a double date at one of our favorite spots for SF trendy hipsters, wacky but yummy sushi, and sake cocktails, Sushi Groove South on Folsom in SOMA. Dinner at this joint always include ordering their tuna tartare salad, crabmeat salad, techno roll and the kamikaze roll.

After dinner, Will and I headed over to Hayes Valley to meet up with a bunch of folks celebrating Aaron Ingber's birthday. They had late dinner reservations at Sauce, a newer addition to the neighborhood that is known for their comfort food and amazing desserts. To our good fortune, Bombay Sapphire was hosting a promotional event and some super famous bartender/mixologist was showing off his talents and serving up complimentary gin martinis. Yummy and free, no need to tell me twice!

And while the rest of the folks having a late dinner, Will and I partook in the Sauce Dessert Sampler, a magical combination of their signature desserts:

- cinnamon sugar doughnuts with vanilla bourbon dipping sauce
- PB&J (pan-seared sponge-cake layered with homemade strawberry preserve, Franglico peanut butter and vanilla ice cream center)
- chocolate cookie dough and vanilla ice cream bon bons
- fresh strawberries and whipped cream

SATURDAY NIGHT

Most of Saturday was spent catching up on life and preparing my holiday cards/newsletters, a task that challenges my organizational skills and patience every year. Will has been an angel and instrumental in the success of this year's newsletter and I'm sure he can't wait for me to be done!

On Saturday night, HeatherB from my frisbee team, was hosting an annual holiday house party at her pad, complete with a full bar, bartender, sweet DJ, Chick-Fil-A, and holiday cupcakes. Heather lives on the top floor of a typical Victorian building and there are a whopping 46 stairs that greet you as you go through the door but these party hosts had the brilliance to reward all comers with Jello shots at the top of the stairs.

Many rum & cokes and fancy dance moves later, we hauled our butts to Baghdad Cafe, a Castro dining establishment that is a staple in anyone's top list of places to go and eat in the wee hours of the morning. There's nothing like munching on Southern fried chicken at 3:30 AM...