Elements of an excellent birthday, partial list
First full day in San Francisco, 32 years to the day after the one in which i first entered this world, included the following events:
(with Chris and Rob:)
Breakfast: a cappuccino and a chocolate banana scone at Four Barrel.
Brunch: huevos rancheros at Mission Beach Cafe, which is secretly uncrowded and easy to get into on weekday mornings.
Hike: up to the top of Twin Peaks following Bill Choissir's narrative at Chris's recommendation. Lots of stairs! Amazing views! And beautiful, clear weather -- almost too hot, but with a nice breeze at the top.
Lunch: assorted cheese sandwich (or is it a sordid cheese sandwich?) from Rossi's Deli (the one across from the Castro Theatre), picnic-style at the top of the south peak, called Noe Peak by almost no one anymore.
Afternoon tea: finishing above sandwich after a hike break while heading towards...
(with Chris, Rob, and Kat:)
Cocktails: at Blackbird, per Matt's recommendation. Lots of lovely oak-stave-aged cocktails, among other things! I had a nice tiki drink, for the summer of.
Dinner: a cactus taco from Casa Mexicana, despite northern California's utter failure to understand the taco, in order to tide me over until 8 and Joy could make...
(with 8, Joy, and Matt:)
Supper: a classic 8-style chickpea, potato, and tomato glub with a fresh CSA-veggies salad, some amazing tiny tomatoes, and the usual measure of excitedly flaming disaster :)
(with 8, Joy, Matt, Kate, Kempy, and Jack:)
More cocktails: invented several using a variety of fresh fruits (strawberries, nectarines, tomatoes) and exotic aromatized fortified wines and aperitif liqueurs (Cocchi Americano, Amaro Ciociaro, Cynar), including a collaboration with Joy based entirely on her sense of smell.
All in all, a perfect hobbit-like affair, including no fewer than 6 meals and the requisite mountain adventure. A++, would celebrate again! I feel very lucky to have such wonderful friends and opportunities. *hugs to all!*
(with Chris and Rob:)
Breakfast: a cappuccino and a chocolate banana scone at Four Barrel.
Brunch: huevos rancheros at Mission Beach Cafe, which is secretly uncrowded and easy to get into on weekday mornings.
Hike: up to the top of Twin Peaks following Bill Choissir's narrative at Chris's recommendation. Lots of stairs! Amazing views! And beautiful, clear weather -- almost too hot, but with a nice breeze at the top.
Lunch: assorted cheese sandwich (or is it a sordid cheese sandwich?) from Rossi's Deli (the one across from the Castro Theatre), picnic-style at the top of the south peak, called Noe Peak by almost no one anymore.
Afternoon tea: finishing above sandwich after a hike break while heading towards...
(with Chris, Rob, and Kat:)
Cocktails: at Blackbird, per Matt's recommendation. Lots of lovely oak-stave-aged cocktails, among other things! I had a nice tiki drink, for the summer of.
Dinner: a cactus taco from Casa Mexicana, despite northern California's utter failure to understand the taco, in order to tide me over until 8 and Joy could make...
(with 8, Joy, and Matt:)
Supper: a classic 8-style chickpea, potato, and tomato glub with a fresh CSA-veggies salad, some amazing tiny tomatoes, and the usual measure of excitedly flaming disaster :)
(with 8, Joy, Matt, Kate, Kempy, and Jack:)
More cocktails: invented several using a variety of fresh fruits (strawberries, nectarines, tomatoes) and exotic aromatized fortified wines and aperitif liqueurs (Cocchi Americano, Amaro Ciociaro, Cynar), including a collaboration with Joy based entirely on her sense of smell.
All in all, a perfect hobbit-like affair, including no fewer than 6 meals and the requisite mountain adventure. A++, would celebrate again! I feel very lucky to have such wonderful friends and opportunities. *hugs to all!*