As for my physical health, that is another story. A week at the gym (at least) to undo this damage at the delectable SHERMAN’S DELICATESSEN & BAKERY in Palm Desert (that is, if I still frequented the gym). Another location tempts in downtown Palm Springs.

Howzabout a gargantuan cream puff followed by eggs, potatoes & knockwurst??? That cream puff is too much even for someone of my girth. My own personal Bakery Hall of Fame has another item ready for the pedestal. Yumalicious!

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Altar of the Unique Foodie

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Walking the streets of Manhattan, one notices a Jewish deli on every other corner (it seems). In San Diego, however, it’s a horse of a different color. Dig deep, though, and enthusiasts will find a gem in the rough somewhere, able to supply pastrami and corned beef sandwiches until the stomach would likely burst. Many have specialty bakeries as well, tantalizing frequent visitors with sugar overload. Located in FLower Hill Promenade at Del Mar close to the racetrack, Susie Reese and I have discovered just such a den of temptation – MILTON’S DELI.

Fortunately we use opentable.com to make a reservation for brunch on Sunday morning (damn… it is bursting at the seams just like my pants in another hour or so!). In fact at this time the parking lot options are a challenge as well. After looking over the deli foods and baked goods in the lobby cases, the next step involves getting settled at a comfortable table and perusing a many-faceted menu. Excellent service, too.

Susie chooses a tasty cheese omelet featuring havarti. Bill opts for a couple of scrambled eggs and a plain bagel accompanied by a huge vessel of the best homemade banana pudding in the universe (hyperbole you say? I think not).

We may or may not have enjoyed a pre-entree bakery item with coffee. Susie could have tackled a small, cherry hamentaschen and Bill might have devoured a cherry strudel worthy of royalty. Just sayin’.

Following the late morning feast, the satiated patrons visit those naughty bakery cases for additional breakfast selections for tomorrow. A few rugelach, a couple of macaroons and a vanilla cupcake make the grade.

As we proceed to the exit doors, these travelers vow to return for some additional mischief at some point. Corned Beef Hash? Muffin Tops? Or perhaps a green bagel on the next St. Patrick’s Day ? Oh, the possibilities!

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Land of the Smudged Menu

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Taking a stroll down TEA LANE in Fallbrook, CA with players from 413 PROJECT (described as a “Southern California Repertory Theatre” centered in San Diego and Los Angeles (LA)) for “High Tea” and a showing of Jane Austen’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY. The tea experience proves less than anticipated and the play presents as an earnest, yet uninspired dramatic rendition of the novel.

Regarding the High Tea, perhaps the analysis best focuses on expectation vs. reality. Their two choices of tea are just fine. The dainty desserts and savories, though, register both in the hit and miss columns. There are cucumber and ham salad sandwiches, along with avocado toast (it is Fallbrook, the avocado capital of the universe, after all); for Susie and I, almost none are extraordinary. In addition, the soup or salad advertised on the website never emerges from the kitchen. The scones are delicious accompanied by jelly and creme fraiche. I yearn, though, for jam and lemon curd. Other dessert offerings less successful include cherry cheesecake, fudge and lemon madeleines. Oh, well! (sigh)

The space itself seems appropriately Victorian with flowery adornments and apropos furniture. We are seated at a table of four, dressed with tablecloth and fresh flowers plus 3-tiered dainty trays and requisite tableware for a dining room of that era.

The staff appears pleasant, yet ill-prepared at times for the event’s trimmings. For example, all guests are seated – slowly – while in the midst of a sudden flurry of activity after waiting out front on the sidewalk until the specific time of opening. Also, a guest who arrives after a long freeway trip who asks to use the restroom is informed that it is not available because the actors need that space at the moment. Not only that, despite a large party of home-schooled children in attendance, there are no special considerations with food and drink as is customary in these circumstances at other tea parlors. Perplexing.

As for the literary drama itself, since the actors identify as “volunteers”, my comments will skew to the general. One portrayal is entirely professional, while several have their moments yet do not achieve fully realized, rounded characters. Furthermore,  still others seem somewhat unprepared or ill at ease, and a few more appear to be atrociously miscast. A mixed bag for sure, but this reviewer admires the committed performers swimming in the stilted, blooming language of the era; they often struggle with rhythms and cadences of the speech, but even so, they soldier on.

SENSE & SENSIBILITY is essentially a coming-of-age story involving the Dashwood sisters who make their way in a society that frowns on their circumstances. They live, they love, they succeed, they fail while engaging in a reproving society overly concerned with appearances. It is a demanding script even for a highly professional group of players. The language is – well – early Jane Austen. It is a tough slog for even the inveterate theatregoer (one can imagine the challenge for the youngsters in attendance).

Therefore, in short, I stumble and fall as I stroll down TEA LANE, but I recover and divert to life’s new, invigorating experiences which may be just around the corner.

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Altar of the Unique Foodie

Theatre Curtain Calling… Reviewing the Situation

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When I spot the sign for GREAT MAPLE adorning the restaurant in Old Town Pasadena, I have no intention of being a sap by leaving for another establishment. (OK  I’ll stop!) Really, though, I begin envisioning all kinds of dishes in which the maple flavor could be dominant. Well, because I surmise that this is the restaurant’s niche, a cursory look at the menu reinforces my initial impression.

It is a contemporary space featuring crisp  surroundings, an outside patio, extensive seating with a designated space for large parties and… a large, full-service bar, too!   The establishment teems with anxious, famished patrons, waiting patiently. This might be the norm because Susie and I are handed the de rigueur buzzer for notification purposes.

After 15 minutes I’m buzzed…and tickled that we’re on our way to nourishment. A few minutes later we’re excitedly perusing the “cast of characters” from the “program”. Susie chooses fried chicken accompanied by two of their signature doughnuts for her brunch entree. Instead, I elect an Eggs Benedict dish with fingerling potatoes to tease the ol’ tummy.

The wait for the kitchen’s bounty is too lengthy in my opinion. However, when the food finally arrives, both of us are pleased. The plates are full and we savor the unique approaches to flavor as well.

It seems as if this is a toddler in the chain restaurant business, offering only a few locations. Almost forgot. I desperately want to try one of their unique desserts, but it’s impossible to stuff this turkey anymore today. Another visit, though, is a foregone conclusion.

(N.B. Also visit the Norton Simon Museum and 26th Annual Chalk Festival while in Pasadena, Los Angeles (LA).)

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Land of the Smudged Menu

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Opa! (that’s the extent of my Greek phraseology). What a delightful pleasure visiting the grounds of ST. SPYRIDOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH in North Park, San Diego for their annual GREEK FESTIVAL.  

Actually it is a huge community event boasting a host of activities plus some luscious Greek main dishes and pastries as well. There is a large dining hall, a wine bar, a beer garden and so much more. Take a tour of the church. Learn how to dance in the folk tradition. Listen to authentic Greek music.

If you are itching to spend some of your dollars (or drachmas), jewelry, apparel, books, etc. are plenty inviting.

As for that food, it satisfied our expectations to the nth degree. Greek chicken, pastitsio and tiropita all settled comfortably into our innards. Susie Reese and I also selected a few pastry items to share at home while sipping with coffee. (Of course there was baklava!)

As for parking, we used the lots at the San Diego School District offices (Normal & Park Blvd) and took their shuttle over to the festival (leaving every 10 minutes). Earlybirds get on the premises for free, but regular admission fee is only $3.00.

Still searching for something to do tonight or tomorrow? Investigate at sdgreekfestival.com.

My mind’s eye is now replaying the movie “Zorba the Greek” starring Anthony Quinn. I’m there…shhh!

Eventaholic…Stepping Out to Those Unique Adventures Ripe for Dabbling

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Dreaming of some trendy Taiwanese bakery items and flavorful iced teas? Consider a stop at OH MY PAN BAKERY & TEA HOUSE in downtown Pasadena as a replenishment getaway.

It’s a small establishment with other satellite locations as well. Friendly counter service rules the day in this contemporary, clean, yet fairly nondescript space. Very reasonable prices for some highly unusual baked selections are the norm.

Susie chooses a Strawberry Creme sweet roll and some Chocolate Chip Russian tea cakes (cookie girl that she is). Bill opts for an Almond Creme pastry and a Pineapple one. The lady also sips on some Pineapple Iced Tea. These visitors from San Diego snack for awhile at the cafe before leaving with a goodie bag slotted for tomorrow’s breakfast.

Taiwanese style bakeries like 85°C Bakery Cafe and Porto’s (along with this one) serve as the latest trend hitting our shores in droves. So if you want to be hip like Susie and me (ha!), give it a try.

(N.B. Also visit PASADENA PLAYHOUSE for BELLEVILLE while in Pasadena, Greater Los Angeles (LA).)

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Altar of the Unique Foodie

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“Somethin’ Sort of Grandish” is happening on East Grand in Escondido. It’s that time of year when many of us need to get our Irish on. So, I stake my pot of gold on O’SULLIVAN’S IRISH PUB.

A pint of Guinness is right up my alley, how about you? There’s a choice of 18 beers to tap including “Green Flash” (of course!). On the shelf live a full array of spirits guaranteed to joyously fill the jigger. Later they may provide liquid encouragement for the red-faced hangers-on to dance their own jig. There even might be some live Irish music emanating from the tiny corner stage.

Service with a smile is a “Necessity” in this small meeting place. An air of conviviality can be found while relaxing at the bar itself or at some limited table seating within the establishment. An outside patio in the back is also available. Street parking on Grand or the large lot to the rear surely should accommodate your vehicle.

Even if your name isn’t Murphy, you might wish to give Jameson or Bushmill a shot. Of course, an extensive food menu with goodies such as a “banger” or “boxty” could also be on the table if you wish. Either way, the rainbow is within your grasp. Slainte!

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Land of the Bottomless Hangouts

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A gorgeous facility. A scrumptious meal. Fine Service. A fully stocked bar for pre-show refreshments. What’s missing? An outstanding professional show. Our second visit to a CENTER STAGE production at their showplace in Fontana disappoints when compared with our first experience in SHREK world at the same dinner theatre space. In this instance, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE fails in its mission of creating an illusion that this theatre fan is “On Broadway” (or at least in the neighborhood).

This Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller revue conquered the Great White Way in 1995 for a five-year run, thrilling audiences with its energy, vocal stylings and innovative dance choreography. The original New York production boasted a series of showstopping musical numbers featuring ridiculously talented triple threats.

The expectation for this theatre’s production tracks a different path for me. Certainly this venue lacks the resources of those producers in New York, and the casting talent pool available in Southern California obviously pales in comparison to a full Equity cast secured from across the nation. However, the talent available locally cannot be underestimated, given our close proximity to Hollywood.

So, the question of the hour…where are the regional standout performers? Sorry to say, they must have taken a hike. That’s essentially what bothers me about this production. There are, however, periodic red hot performances gracing the stage. To wit, Vonetta Mixon’s version of “Hound Dog” or Michael Lunder’s rendition of “Jailhouse Rock” both serve as examples of the few times when everything gels. Unfortunately, these are highlights rather than the norm. For example, Mr. Lunder’s dancing expertise dazzles, although in one number – curiously – he appears to be singing below his comfortable vocal range.

Could it be that some of these players may be just “phoning it in” (as the saying goes) at the end of the run?  There seems to be artifice on display instead of honest dramatic interpretation. Even so, actors do showcase admirable moments during the show, but the word “lacklustre” as a descriptor of their performance level rises to the surface occasionally as well.

Director/Choreographer Jeffrey Polk possesses an extensive resume, yet he comes up short with most aspects of the staging here. Not sold on Trini Garza’s musical direction either.

A note about the musical accompaniment onstage is warranted, too. Kudos to management for including live musicians in this instance. One caveat that occurs to this reviewer, though, appears obvious: namely, the level of musicianship often is not up to par. Unfortunate.

Todd Vigiletti’s stage design succeeds, then it doesn’t. The chosen projections do not integrate well within a consistent conceptual framework. Other technical credits are just fine except for some intermittent sound issues.

The verdict? Today’s stage show at SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE registers overall as a step back instead of a step forward. Anxious to check out the next scheduled offering, while allowing the smoke to obscure this one as it fades away and becomes a distant memory.

Theatre Curtain Calling…Reviewing the Situation

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Brunch at 3 CORNERS WINE SHOP & BISTRO today in Ocean Beach. Bottomless Mimosas…I’m in.

Before the entree Susie Reese and I are feted with a plate of chocolate chip bread, cinnamon butter and fruit compote. Spectacular!

Susie’s main dish includes short rib sliders and french fries. Bill, instead, focuses on the breakfast portion of the available entrees. He selects a version of Eggs Benedict with English muffins, mushroom spread, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce accompanied by breakfast potatoes. Both of us find our choices to be delectable.

Service earns a commendable rating. Restful ambiance rules during the experience. Five minutes from OCEAN BEACH PLAYHOUSE.

(N.B. Also visits I LOVE YOU BECAUSE… at OCEAN BEACH PLAYHOUSE while on the coast.)

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Land of the Smudged Menu

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Just need a small meal and perhaps a refreshing beverage before an evening event? Hmmm. We find ourselves in the Irvine area in this state of deprivation. The joint decision is to visit the YARD HOUSE, part of a national chain of restaurant/bars. This particular outlet happens to be located at the Irvine Spectrum.

The bar features an attractive environment, plenty of comfortable seats (e.g. many booths) and an atmosphere of conviviality if one is willing to ignore the constant, loud din which envelops all.

Gold star, of course, for the selection of beers on tap whether or not the visitor plans to drink a yard. Other beverages are plentiful as well.

The menu appears extensive with a variety of nibble food and entrees available for purchase at a reasonable price. Happy Hour boasts of half-price appetizers and limited reductions in alcohol costs.

Susie selects a couple of appetizers including Golden Fried Mac & Cheese and Pork Lumpia. My eyes dart to menu choices Tomato Bisque Soup, Chicken Tenders and the go to French Fries. As for Susie, her verdict registers blah. I appreciate my selections (except for the dry, slightly cold fries). Both of us, however, consider the food too salty and surmise that management may be trying to encourage the sale of more drinks with their instructions to the cooking staff.  Maybe these guests are too cynical. Ha!

A real sweetie waits on us, helping us celebrate the day. A+ for service.

On reflection, Susie and I regret our choice for  afternoon refreshment. Not particularly memorable in the final analysis. That Guinness, though, goes down the hatch easily!

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Land of the Bottoms Up Hangouts

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