Happy summer, everyone! I've missed you, darlings, but as you'll see from this post, I've been frolicking about, conjuring up content for you. There's soooo much to tell, and so many photos. So what I'll do is give you the brief overview and a few of the photos here -- then you can head over to Webshots and see the full album. How's that?
Fourth of July Weekend
The official start of the season, and what a treat -- my cousin Dana came for a visit from Chicago for a friend's wedding. We camped out at the Claremont, shopped in Berkeley and brunched at Bette's Oceanview Diner. (Read the full Bette's post here.)
While Dana went to the wedding, I dined on Tagliatelle with Rabbit Ragu Balsamico, Porchetta (basically pork and more pork) and not one but two desserts at Oliveto. I've become something of an SF snob lately, so it was great to have such a delish meal over in the East Bay. The hostess was on to me, though -- she said "I love your dress. You got that in the city, right?" Right you are.
Martha's Vineyard
The Vineyard is one of my favorite places on Earth. I had three goals for this trip and I'm pleased to report I achieved them all:
1) Spend quality family time with the 'rents, Uncle Robby, Helen, Ray and little John
2) Get a nice tan
3) Finally finish Calvin Trillin's The Tummy Trilogy
The first two were easy. The last one had been a challenge -- I'd been reading that book for about five months or so, as you may have noticed in my Recent Reads column on this page. Why? Trillin chronicles his gastronomic adventures so vividly that I'd read three or four pages and have to put the book down because it made me too hungry. I'm even seriously contemplating a trip to Kansas City just to sample some of Arthur Bryant's BBQ, especially the burned edges of the brisket.
We dined at Bleu in Mashpee Commons prior to catching the ferry at Woods Hole. The Vineyard menu included Lobster Rolls at the Edgartown Yacht Club, Ice Cream at Mad Martha's, Murdick's Fudge (Uncle Robby's fave -- we taste-tested it ourselves in the car before anyone else could have at it), a lovely albeit long dinner at L'etoile, and a day that included both breakfast and lunch at Espresso Love. There was also a delicious dinner at the Schapiros' place in Chilmark featuring super-fresh local fare. Fish, salad, freshly-baked bread, and fruit pies for dessert. Then there were beautiful morning runs and tennis games to keep my caloric karma balanced.
New York, New York
Hot town, summer in the city. Made my obligatory (yes, it's such a chore) trip to Nellie M. to make some choice additions to my wardrobe. Did you know Citizens of Humanity makes petite-size jeans? Oh, the humanity - no shortening!
Then Mom, Dad and LeBro James and I went to BLT Steak for my NY birthday celebration. Best. Popovers. Ever. We ordered so much food that they had to open the leaves of the square table to make it round so it could hold everything.
The next day, there was a Cupcake Chowdown on the Upper West Side. Read all about Magnolia vs. Crumbs here.
Birthday Weekend in Wine Country
In my younger years, I developed something of a reputation for throwing memorable birthday bashes. Yes, why not celebrate me! However, this year I decided to forgo the big production number in favor of a Napa Valley getaway. I stayed for three days, and on Saturday Rebecca and Greg came up to spend time with the birthday girl.
The weekend included a breakfast at Bouchon Bakery, brunches at 25º Brix (the Yountville outpost of TWO's David Gingrass) and Redd, and dinners at Go Fish and Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen.
I stayed at Villagio Inn & Spa, which has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. (Thanks to Vezeo for the tip!) I had a 90-minute wrap and sports massage, and my hypothesis that it would be wonderful was proven correct. The resort is right on the main drag of Washington Street in Yountville. Walking-distance neighbors include a few Thomas Keller establishments (French Laundry, ad hoc and the aforementioned Bouchon), Michael Chiarello's NapaStyle and Bistro Jeanty.
On Monday back in San Francisco, JoJo organized a birthday dinner for me at Sushi Groove South. What a blessing to have such great friends. Bring on the Cilantro Rolls!
The 3-day affair turned out to be the perfect way to celebrate the big 4-1. That's right, Dara Torres and I are gonna take on the world this year. 41 and fabulous!
Click here to see my "How I Spent My Summer Vacation 2008" photos Webshots.
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