The Chip Shot

Last week, I drowned my bogus Bigfoot sorrows in Georgia Bigfoot Cocktails. Well, one, actually. They’re pretty strong. This week’s cocktail recipe highlights yet another of my small obsessions. Coffee. I simply adore a good cup of coffee. My favorite purveyor? Caffe Calabria. You can literally walk in there and have a cup of coffee made with beans that were just roasted that morning. They also supply a number of restaurants, but I won’t ask them which. It’s a little game I play; a test for my palate. I’ll have a cup of coffee somewhere and just KNOW if it’s Calabria coffee. I’m proud to say I haven’t been wrong yet.

I first discovered today’s drink at a hip-crazy-cool, billiards-themed nightclub, now long defunct. The place was huge. One half was taken up with at least half a dozen beautiful pool tables with purple or gold or red felt, no boring green. The walls were also painted a warm gold and displayed elaborately framed reproductions of paintings by Van Gogh and other expressionists.

The other end of the club was darker with a stage for live music, a dance floor and tall bar tables. Separating the two and kind of forming an island in the middle was a beautiful curved and immaculate bar. One night, while waiting for a friend, the smiling, friendly bartender made me one of these.

So, without further ado, allow me to introduce:

The Chip Shot

1 oz Tuaca
1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
1 oz (or so) Hot Coffee

Serve in a brandy snifter and float a whole coffee bean on top for garnish.

TIP: If you order this out, do not let them try to put it in a double glass or one of those glass Irish Coffee cups. INSIST on the brandy snifter. Catching those esters is half the joy of a Chip Shot.

Cheers!

Oh, and incidentally - the slick billiards club? It’s an all-you-can-eat Japanese buffet now.

Yep.

This Weekend in San Diego

Lots of cool stuff going on this weekend. I wish I could split myself into two for some of these. In order to enjoy any of the activities below, you will find it helpful to be living or working in San Diego (as am I) and to have slightly retro sensibilities (as do I). If you are and if you do, you may run into me at any of the following:


TONIGHT! August 21, Thursday

Screen on the Green - Bye, Bye, Birdie FREE!
Oh, how I love this movie. One of Ann-Margaret's very first roles and the is at her dancey, perky best. The San Diego Museum of Art projects films on the East Lawn under the stars. Bring a blanket and a wrap and a picnic for maximum joy.

Cinema Under the Stars - To Kill a Mockingbird
Feel like a classic flick in the open air but musicals not your thing? Check out this amazing film version of one of the best books ever written. You can also catch this on Friday night.

Steve Tyrell at Anthology
This jazz vocalist in the classic style has recently lent his smooth yet gravelly tones to a Burt Bacharach tribute. I think Steve's is the voice that Burt Bacharach would choose to have been born with himself. If you like this kind of thing, its a perfect pairing at a perfect venue. Two performances Friday as well.


Friday, 8/22

Cinema Under the Stars - To Kill a Mockingbird
See above

Steve Tyrell at Anthology
Two performances.

Sondre Lerche at House of Blues
Just TRY listening to this guy without smiling. You can't do it, can you? So cute you'll want to squish him like a bug.


Saturday, 8/23

North Park Historical Society Walking Tour
A walking tour of the bungalow neighborhoods of North Park, specifically what is called the "Dryden District" after early 20th century architect David Owen Dryden.

Cinema Under the Stars - A Hard Day's Night
I don't know about you, But I am prone to occasional bouts of Beatlemania on the weekends. I recommend this to relieve symptoms and to counteract the drearifying effects of your oh-so-serious day job. Also screens Sunday.


Sunday, 8/24

Cinema Under the Stars - A Hard Day's Night
See above.

House of Blues Gospel Brunch
Each and every Sunday, just like Jesus likes it.


ONGOING

Device Gallery - "Fantastic Contraption"
Edgy new gallery in Ja Lolla. Definitely worth checking out. Current Exhibit ends September 2, 2008.

Spring Awakening at the Balboa Theatre
The Tony Award-winning musical runs only through the 31st. Why should you go see it? Ten reasons - eight of which are Tony Awards. The other two? The venue is the historic and beautifully restored Balboa Theatre and they let you sit on stage, if you like. No, really. How cool is that?

Thursday Night Thing at the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art
First Thursday of every month.


COMING SOON:

Fritz Blitz 2008 - "Best of the Blitz"

Horrible, Horrible, Horrible

Authors note to D. and to PW: I strongly advise against reading today's post. It's a downer anyway. -- Cocktail Maven


Something awful happened today.

172 people boarded a plane in Spain bound for the Canary Islands. Moments after takeoff, only 19 were left alive. There is no end of bad news in the world. You don't even have to look for it for it to plop in your lap on a daily basis. Wars. Atrocities. Extinction. Ignorance. Much of it washes over me. You learn to filter these things out just to survive, but for some reason, my mind keeps wandering back to this tragedy.

I know the families of the dead will suffer the loss of loved ones for a long time, for the rest of their lives, probably. I know the suddenness of their loss must only increase their anguish. I know this, I know what it is to lose someone. I know, and in no way do I intend to diminish their pain when I say that it is the plight of the surviving 19 that touches me most. It is the surviving that horrifies me.

We have all heard that statistically, we are much, much safer and less likely to come to harm travelling by plane than when travelling by car. However, despite the instructions provided by the air host/hostess, and in spite of flotation devices and oxygen masks, deep down we all know that were something to go awry, likelihood of survival is - let's face it - negligible.

But what if you did survive a plane crash? What if YOU, out of 172 people, were one of the blessed few who walked away? What do you do with that? How do you reconcile the memory of the man across the aisle who hoisted your bag for you with the memory of watching him die mere moments later, completely powerless to help? How do you compartmentalize something like that and move on with your life? How do you even decide what to do with the rest of it?

I hope I never have to find out.

PROMPTuesday #18 - Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word

San Diego Momma's PROMPTuesday #18:

William Carlos Williams’s poem “This is just to say...” is basically about people who know they are supposed to say I’m sorry and apologize — but skirt the apology itself. Here’s the poem:

This Is Just to Say

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

So the PROMPT for today is to wrote your own version of the poem.

William Carlos Williams happens to be one of my very favorite poets. Knowing myself unworthy to emulate him, I decided to use this exercise as a chance to come clean on something. I dedicate this effort to my darling husband.

This is just to say

I have used
your razor
that was
in the shower

for which
you had
bought
a new blade

forgive me
it was so sharp
and I
so hairy

Into the Void

I've been scribbling on napkins as long as I can remember. Raised as an only child, I relied on an active imagination and volumes of books to keep myself amused. Occasionally, I would commit my own fancies to paper.

My first poem was written when I was about seven. To this day, I believe it remains my mother's favorite. Shall I share it with you?

I called it:

Today

It may begin a happy day
And then it might end in sorrow
but there's not a more important day
than the day before tomorrow

There you have it.

I've been thinking about that poem quite a bit lately. Probably because - thanks in large part to the inspiration of San Diego Momma's PROMPTuesdays and the fine examples of my clever husband and writerly friends - I have resumed my napkin scribbling.

Well, the napkins are usually computer screens and there's rather more typing than scribbling, but you get the idea.

Today I took a big, scary step for me. I submitted a new poem for publication. Not only that, but I submitted it for publication in the most prestigious poetry periodical I could imagine. The editors may hate it. They may scratch their heads and wonder where I got the gall to submit in the first place. That's okay. It was important that I do it. It was important that I do it today.

I've heard it said that if you reach for the stars, you may never get them, but in the process of reaching, you might well take hold of the moon. So I figure, even if the stars laugh and point at my waggling fingers, at least my fingers are out ther waggling. Who knows what I'll come back with?

I should have a better idea "within within 1-3 weeks".

Mini-Vacation

Weekends.

I believe, that as much as circumstances allow, each and every weekend should be embraced as the mini-vacation it is. My husband, on the other hand is rather more industrious than I think one ought to be between 5pm Friday and 10pm on Sunday. I understand that there are always things that need doing for which our workaday lives often do not leave room. Typically such tasks involve pruning shears, paintbrushes, and. . . uh-oh! I do believe I just heard a saw outside.

I am afraid to check. I don't want to get involved.

After all, it's Saturday, it's very hot, and I'm on a mini-vacation.

At least for as long as I can get away with it.

If you need me, I'll be on the sofa with a pillow behind my back, an iced coffee and a good book. I say that, of course, hoping you won't need me.

You Saw It Here First: Georgia Bigfoot Cocktail

So, in honor of today’s inconclusive press conference around the suspected bogus Georgia Bigfoot story, I am inventing a cocktail to both mourn his demise and celebrate my hopes for future legitimate breakthroughs in Bigfoot cryptozoology. I think the occasion calls for something BIG and STRONG and, of course, involving peaches.

You know, Georgia? Peaches?

Onwards.

First, let us begin with a base that is distinctly southern and quintessentially American:

• 1 jigger Kentucky Bourbon (I like Maker’s Mark)

Next, of course, the peaches . . . Nothing too girly, because we want those rough and rugged Georgia mountain types to drink this too. Let’s try:

• 1 jigger Peach Brandy

There you go! I think we’re on the right track. Three solid ounces of alcohol sounds big and strong to me. What’s missing? Ah, yes! Bitters to represent the bitterness of my disappointment once the Georgia Bigfoot is debunked.

• 2 dashes of bitters

And finally, let’s throw in some Ginger Ale to make the cocktail nice and refreshing after a hard day of Bigfoot hunting. Putting it all together, we have:

The Georgia Bigfoot Cocktail
Fill a highball glass half way with crushed ice. Add:
1 jigger of Kentucky Bourbon
1 Jigger of Peach Brandy
2 Dashes of bitters
Top off with Ginger Ale, stir and enjoy!

VARIATIONS:

The Canadian Sasquatch
There are many reported sightings of such creatures in British Columbia as well. Substitute Canadian Whiskey for the Kentucky Bourbon and drink a toast to our northern neighbors.

The Hairy Bigfoot/Hairy Sasquatch
If the original is still not manly enough for you, you might like the burn on this version. Simply skip the Ginger Ale and serve it in a double glass. Works either neat or on the rocks according to your preference. Then go get your back waxed.

The French Pedicure
For the more genteel I've devised a this Champagne Cocktail version that is also quite tasty:
Drop a sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne flute and add
2 dashes of bitters
1 Jigger of Peach Brandy
Fill glass with chilled champagne

Cheers!

Steppin' Out With Your Own Big Feet

I have designated Thursdays for listings the heppest (no I did NOT misspell that ) things to do over the upcoming weekend. In order to enjoy any of the activities below, you will find it helpful to be living or working in San Diego (as am I) and to have slightly retro sensibilities (as do I). If you are and if you do, you may run into me at any of the following:


TONIGHT! August 14, Thursday

2nd Annual Toast to Hillcrest
Hillcrest's fledgling History Guild has put together it's second 21-up tasting event. A fun opportunity to sip and sup your way through Hillcrest.

Screen on the Green - The Parent Trap FREE!
The San Diego Museum of Art projects films on the East Lawn under the stars. Bring a blanket and a wrap and a picnic to this one, too. Incidentally, we're talking about the 1961 version, with Hayley Mills. Little Miss Lohan is nowhere to be found, which is just fine by me. . .


Friday, 8/15

Spring Awakening at the Balboa Theatre NEW!
The Tony Award-winning musical opens tomorrow and runs through the 31st. Why should you go see it? Ten reasons, eight of which are Tony Awards. The other two being:

1. The historic Balboa Theatre (beautifully restored and only just recently reopened)
2. They let you sit on stage, if you like. No, really.
   

Saturday, 8/16

Bird Park Summer Concert - "The Hayriders" FREE!
Some of the band selections over the past two years have been dubious, particularly knowing how many REALLY talented bands are underutilized in San Diego. Haven't heard these guys, but for me, even bad rockabilly is a rockin' good time. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and something to nibble on.

Hostelling International Midnight Madness Bike Ride


Sunday, 8/17

The Wizard of OZ at the San Diego Symphony Summer Pops
They'll be screening a special print of the film that only includes dialog and sound effects. The San Diego Symphony will provide the musical soundtrack LIVE. I love it when they do this!

House of Blues Gospel Brunch
Each and every Sundays, just like Jesus likes it.


ONGOING

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn LAST CHANCE!
The San Diego Reperatory Theatre stages this musical version of the Mark Twain Classic. Closes August 17th.

Thursday Night Thing at the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art
First Thursday of every month.


COMING SOON:

Fritz Blitz 2008 - "Best of the Blitz"

Of Monsters and Very Large Feet

For as long as I can remember I have fallen in love with monsters.

Literary, rather than literal, of course.

I am sure it began with the fairy-tale variety; with beasts, frogs and bears who were really princes in disguise. Add to that a lifelong diet of classics in which nobles behave monstrously and presumed monsters are revealed as truly noble. Now, it is safe to say my girlish infatuation has deepened into a love for the ages.

So today it is reported that a mythical monster for our modern world may have been discovered in the Georgia woods. I am naturally skeptical, but oh my stars, I don’t want to be.

The story is that two men who lead bigfoot tracking expeditions, claim to have found the body of a hairy, 500 pound, 7 foot 7 inch man/ape. With very large feet. 16 3/4 inches long, to be exact. They also claim to have seen his “brethren” (their words from the press release at searchingforbigfoot.com) alive and well in the vicinity of the body. A press conference will be held on Friday, August 15th in Palo Alto at which the two men promise to provide photographic and DNA evidence of the find. Ah, for the luxury of being a press-credentialed master of my own schedule.

I must say, as much as the discovery fires my imagination, the romantic in me balks at the inelegant details as I imagine them unfolding: A monolithic yet lifeless carcass, abused by the elements, stretched on a stainless steel table. Harsh lights and sharp implements. Laboratory tests and sample collection.

Where I crave the Tarzan of Edgar Rice Burroughs or the Quasimodo of Victor Hugo, I find I may have to settle for Frankenstein’s monster, or rather, a poorly written, modern version in the vein of Clive Barker or Robin Cook.

Looks like I’ve been handed my Latest Obsession.

PROMPTuesday #17 - Get Specific

San Diego Momma's PROMPTuesday #17:

So, for this exercise, get specific with your writing. As written in the Observation Deck, Never just say ‘red dress,” say ‘ultra revealing micro mini with fringe.” Today, write a paragraph or a poem about anything, perhaps your first car, and describe it to the smallest detail. Or, start a sentence to flesh out an adjective, like, “He was so lazy that….”

Once, twice up in the air, then solidly in my palm as I push the screen door aside and step out. The chair shifts slightly when I lower myself into it, sighing. No deadlines here. No keyboards or computer screens. My thumb slides over the universally orange and pockmarked surface nestled in my hand, keeping time with the rhythmic "creak-creak" of the abused and exhausted floorboards beneath me. Across the street, a squirrel jogs in short bursts along a telephone wire, tail so high and bushy, he looks electrified. His is the only visible movement tonight, save mine. I smile and plunge a too white, manicured nail-tip into taut skin and begin the slow striptease of summer fruit.

Author's Note: This one also yielded a poem version with which I am rather pleased. Thanks again, San Diego Momma! -- Cocktail Maven

PROMPTuesday #16 - Give 'Em a Piece of Your Mind

San Diego Momma's PROMPTuesday #16:

write a letter of complaint. Write it to your grocery store, your breakfast, your toilet paper…anything you find lacking, subpar, or freaky.

Dear Jack,

I am pleased that your fast-food restaurant chain is responding to the nation’s obesity epidemic by developing menu items for the more health-conscious among us. I find it very comforting to know that, in a pinch (no groceries in the house, no time to cook) I can visit the Jack in the Box just down the street and grab one of your yummy new Acapulco Chicken Salads and actually ENJOY a fast food meal. However, I do believe you may wish to consider providing psychiatric evaluations for the chefs and market testers who designed this latest offering. Surely, only an unstable mind would conceive of pairing a delicious, healthful salad with a dressing that boasts TWENTY-FOUR GRAMS OF FAT.

For comparison’s sake, I reviewed the nutrition information for some of your other menu items. Here is what I found: At 24 grams of fat, one serving of your Cilantro-Lime Salad Dressing has more fat than a junior bacon cheeseburger or a medium order of fries. 6 pieces of your latest mother’s-worst-nightmare snack food, breaded and deep-fried macaroni and cheese (who comes up with this stuff?), surpasses the fat content of the dressing by a single gram, as does the Cheeseburger Deluxe, the Supreme Croissant, and the Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuit.

Clearly, someone forgot to consider the target market for your salads.

Regards,

Thankful for Low-Fat Balsamic Dressing in San Diego