Disney’s Club 33 – 10 years of Birthday Celebrations

When I first heard whispers about Disney’s Club 33 I was not sure if it was real or an urban legend.  I spoke to people that assured me it was real, but they had never been inside.  At that point, even the exact location within Disneyland was even a mystery. Disney's Club 33 Continue reading “Disney’s Club 33 – 10 years of Birthday Celebrations”

One (Little Piggy Goes to) Market, San Francisco

Recently, my friend Jack was travelling for work and asked for restaurant recommendations in San Francisco.  Years ago, I spent considerable time there for work.  Based on the location of his hotel and the style food that he likes, I recommended One Market for a short walk and delicious dinner.  Here is Jack’s review of One Market.  Enjoy!  

I arrived at One Market in the Embarcadero District of downtown San Francisco at 6:45pm on a Thursday night and asked the hostess for a table for one.  She looked me up and down — fat man dining alone.   “I think we can squeeze you in, sir.”

2016 SF OM RoseI’d hoped for a half bottle of rose, but nobody ever sells rose in a half bottle.  I compromised and ordered a full bottle of 2014 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Rose from the Williamette Valley.  The color was almost ruby, with a full bodied (for a rose), dried fruit taste.  There was nothing sweet about this rose, and at that moment, I resigned myself to drinking the whole bottle.

The food menu was somewhat limited, with starters capturing my attention far more than entrees.  Of particular interest in the starters column were thinly sliced lamb tongue, a pan seared foie graas, grilled octopus, and ocean trout.  My waiter recommended the ocean trout with an enthusiasm that indicated that the item was either fantastic, or on its last day in the walk-in.  I decided to order the lamb tongue, grilled octopus, and ocean trout, foregoing the foie graas as I was unsure of the penalty for consuming it in the State of California.  The last thing I need is to be part of some weird televised foodie sting.

2016 SF OM AmuseBThe amuse bouche was a new potato puck topped with domestic monkfish caviar.  Whatever.  I was not all that amused. Continue reading “One (Little Piggy Goes to) Market, San Francisco”

The Breadfruit Restaurant Review | Caribbean Dining in Central Phoenix

BreadfruitDowntown Phoenix is home to the Breadfruit & Rum bar, a little spot for Jamaican cuisine and beverages.  Walking distance, or a short pedi-cab ride, from the Phoenix Symphony, the Orpheum Theater, and downtown Phoenix attractions.

Rum2

Each dining experience at the Breadfruit is better than the last visit.

Continue reading “The Breadfruit Restaurant Review | Caribbean Dining in Central Phoenix”

Day Trip in Nogales, Mexico | Activities and Logistics Crossing the Border

Looking for a break from the Phoenix summer heat, I needed a road trip.  Several of my friends headed North this weekend for Sedona, Flagstaff, and Payson.  We headed South to Mexico!

With some US cash in our pockets, passports (or Global Entry cards), iced coffee, and a full tank of gas we were on our way.

Beautiful summer day in Nogales, Mexico
Continue reading “Day Trip in Nogales, Mexico | Activities and Logistics Crossing the Border”

Tea at Arizona Biltmore Resort

The right food and drink not only provide nutritional substance, but cleanse & calm the mind.  I drink a lot of tea of many different varieties.  High quality Tea is a thing of beauty.

My friend and I often share Tea stories, varieties, recommendations, and have enjoyed Japanese Tea at Nobuo for lunch earlier this year.  Looking for another great tea experience, we consulted TeaMap.com and started on the list.  Some of these locations have  closed, and others are quite a drive.  Another Tea enthusiast friend just had Afternoon Tea at the Biltmore Resort last weekend, and it was the perfect choice.

Biltmore tea seating for 5
Biltmore tea seating for 5 people

The Arizona Biltmore Resort is Waldorf-Astoria property built in 1929 in the art-deco style of design.  The atmosphere is old Hollywood glamour.  It was a stark contrast to Afternoon Tea at the American Girl Doll Cafe in Chicago last year, but both very enjoyable. Tea at the Biltmore is served in the main lobby, near the restaurant, by the front windows. Continue reading “Tea at Arizona Biltmore Resort”