Monday, July 30, 2007
Comic Con!
Our annual visit to the Comic Con, also known as (in Superman's terms), Geek Mardis Gras. The following set of photos were from Thursday 7/25. We've been going since 1992 (Bert correct me if I'm wrong) with only a few breaks in between. This is Harbor Drive approaching the Coronado Bridge.
Mural on Harbor Drive depicting the contribution of immigrants to the city's economy (you can see cannery workers):
Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres...you can also see the Coaster train coming through:
Man, we got to the parking structure across from Petco Park ($10) before 8 am and we had to park on the 3rd floor! The past few years, we were able to find parking at ground level. Superman got lucky and got a spot (and saved $2) underneath the Convention Center. People are just getting here earlier and earlier each year. This is the view from the parking building, Convention Center on the left and Downtown (part of it at least) to middle and the right. Look at that line of cars! Yikes!
This was a flash drive I saw the the Giant Robot booth. Funny.
Here is Bobby Rubio, creator of Alcatraz High. After a 2 1/2 year stint for Nickelodeon ("Avatar - The Last Airbender"), he just got a new job as a story artist for Pixar in Emeryville, CA. Their newest movie (well, the little bit he could tell us) will be "Up" to be released in either 2009 or 2010. He joins his former high school classmate, Ricky Nierva at Pixar. A really nice guy and local San Diegan, we always make sure to visit Bobby's booth during the Con:
Jabba the Hutt...Yes, there were also many Princess Leia clones (white robe and brown danishes on their heads) in gold bikinis.
Other than the crappy wait in the hot sun outside of the Convention Center, the lines inside were to be expected. Although the doors were supposed to open at 10 am, there was a 10 minute delay. Never make geeks impatient! The wait was also bearable because we hung out with Superman but later went our separate ways once we got on the ground floor.
Bert and I initially went to a few booths but later split up on the floor to pursue our own interests -- he had spotted several booths selling graphic novels for 50% off. So, I went off to visit Giant Robot, Top Shelf, Drawn & Quarterly, Slave Labor Graphics, Ugly Dolls, Toki Doki, and J-List. We bought one copy each of Bobby Rubio's "Alacatraz High" (issue zero). I also found Issue 11 of Optic Nerve by Adrian Tomine. I hadn't realized it was available...Ironically, Thane had just waiting over an hour in line to get in (he barely got in at 12:30 pm) so he met us plus Superman for lunch in the Gaslamp. I didn't take any pictures of the restaurant or food since it was the Gaslamp. Same old same old. 
Sorry it's blurry -- Darth Vader choking one of his "officers" using the Force.
I always wanted one of these!!!! This was at the Peanuts booth:
It was starting to get more crowded on the floor. Can you believe, 50 aisles of this stuff?
Passing by NASSCO on our way home on Harbor. We had to make sure to pick up TC on time for her piano lesson.
Canna lilly on our way to the Convention Center:
Sunday was Kids Day at the Con so this year, we hung out with Superman and his god-daughter, which was great because TC and her are friends.
Mural on Harbor Drive depicting the contribution of immigrants to the city's economy (you can see cannery workers):
Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres...you can also see the Coaster train coming through:
Man, we got to the parking structure across from Petco Park ($10) before 8 am and we had to park on the 3rd floor! The past few years, we were able to find parking at ground level. Superman got lucky and got a spot (and saved $2) underneath the Convention Center. People are just getting here earlier and earlier each year. This is the view from the parking building, Convention Center on the left and Downtown (part of it at least) to middle and the right. Look at that line of cars! Yikes!
This was a flash drive I saw the the Giant Robot booth. Funny.
Here is Bobby Rubio, creator of Alcatraz High. After a 2 1/2 year stint for Nickelodeon ("Avatar - The Last Airbender"), he just got a new job as a story artist for Pixar in Emeryville, CA. Their newest movie (well, the little bit he could tell us) will be "Up" to be released in either 2009 or 2010. He joins his former high school classmate, Ricky Nierva at Pixar. A really nice guy and local San Diegan, we always make sure to visit Bobby's booth during the Con:
Jabba the Hutt...Yes, there were also many Princess Leia clones (white robe and brown danishes on their heads) in gold bikinis.
Other than the crappy wait in the hot sun outside of the Convention Center, the lines inside were to be expected. Although the doors were supposed to open at 10 am, there was a 10 minute delay. Never make geeks impatient! The wait was also bearable because we hung out with Superman but later went our separate ways once we got on the ground floor.
Bert and I initially went to a few booths but later split up on the floor to pursue our own interests -- he had spotted several booths selling graphic novels for 50% off. So, I went off to visit Giant Robot, Top Shelf, Drawn & Quarterly, Slave Labor Graphics, Ugly Dolls, Toki Doki, and J-List. We bought one copy each of Bobby Rubio's "Alacatraz High" (issue zero). I also found Issue 11 of Optic Nerve by Adrian Tomine. I hadn't realized it was available...Ironically, Thane had just waiting over an hour in line to get in (he barely got in at 12:30 pm) so he met us plus Superman for lunch in the Gaslamp. I didn't take any pictures of the restaurant or food since it was the Gaslamp. Same old same old. 
Sorry it's blurry -- Darth Vader choking one of his "officers" using the Force.
I always wanted one of these!!!! This was at the Peanuts booth:
It was starting to get more crowded on the floor. Can you believe, 50 aisles of this stuff?
Passing by NASSCO on our way home on Harbor. We had to make sure to pick up TC on time for her piano lesson.
We went to the Comic Con again on Sunday the 29th. We were so tired from the previous night's activities (Reunion dinner). We picked up TC from my mom's house at 7:30 and once again, headed downtown to the Con."Coming Together", one of many sculptures in San Diego by late French sculptor, Niki de Saint Phalle:
Canna lilly on our way to the Convention Center:
Sunday was Kids Day at the Con so this year, we hung out with Superman and his god-daughter, which was great because TC and her are friends. This was part of a sculpture (there was an explorer behind her/him pointing). Is it me or do you detect a package there? Dude does NOT look like a lady!
A decorated Darth Vader helmet display. We liked the Carmen Miranda one the best!
More Darth Vader helmets:
Where they find this chick? The role she was born to play! She's supposed to be Rose McGowan's character in "Planet Terror" (first movie from Tarantino and Rodriguez's homage to sleazefest flicks"Grindhouse"). As expected, many clogged the aisles at this uhh, interesting sight.
Utilikilts, based in Seattle, WA. These skirts are pretty expensive - $200 and up. Touted as being comfortable and practical, Bert wouldn't wear one though. 
A relatively blood free Gloomy Bear. Normally, his claws and mouth are bloodstained from killing people:
Simpsons memorabilia for sale:
Domokun, a popular cartoon character (mascot of NHK TV station) in Japan.
Bobby Rubio drawing Katara from Nickelodeon's "Avatar: The Last Airbender" for TC.
The Con T-Shirt. The only sizes they had left were L, XL, XXL. I was bummed, I wanted one too.
Peter Mayhew, aka Han Solo's trusty Wookiee sidekick Chewbacca from Star Wars. I didn't even realize he was there until Bert pointed him out. I wish I could have seen him standing up (he's 7' 3"). I believe he was shilling autographed photos of himself - $20+ a pop.
Evil Ice Cream:
View from the escalator:
Star Wars scene made completely of Legos:
Pee Wee Herman doll at the Spike & Mike Festival of Animation booth. I used to have a Pee Wee Herman watch!
A decorated Darth Vader helmet display. We liked the Carmen Miranda one the best!
More Darth Vader helmets:
Where they find this chick? The role she was born to play! She's supposed to be Rose McGowan's character in "Planet Terror" (first movie from Tarantino and Rodriguez's homage to sleazefest flicks"Grindhouse"). As expected, many clogged the aisles at this uhh, interesting sight.
Utilikilts, based in Seattle, WA. These skirts are pretty expensive - $200 and up. Touted as being comfortable and practical, Bert wouldn't wear one though. A relatively blood free Gloomy Bear. Normally, his claws and mouth are bloodstained from killing people:
Simpsons memorabilia for sale:
Domokun, a popular cartoon character (mascot of NHK TV station) in Japan.
Bobby Rubio drawing Katara from Nickelodeon's "Avatar: The Last Airbender" for TC.
The Con T-Shirt. The only sizes they had left were L, XL, XXL. I was bummed, I wanted one too.
Peter Mayhew, aka Han Solo's trusty Wookiee sidekick Chewbacca from Star Wars. I didn't even realize he was there until Bert pointed him out. I wish I could have seen him standing up (he's 7' 3"). I believe he was shilling autographed photos of himself - $20+ a pop.
Evil Ice Cream:
View from the escalator:
Star Wars scene made completely of Legos:
Pee Wee Herman doll at the Spike & Mike Festival of Animation booth. I used to have a Pee Wee Herman watch!
Meet one of the newest Uglydolls, Uglyworm. What sucked this year about the Uglydolls booth was that they did not a lo of the colored plush toys. Instead, they were colorless (all white), deemed as SDCC exclusives. They did NOT have the $10 Little Uglys, just the big size ones that cost $20 each. That was way too much to pay, so I bought the mini keychain size Uglys instead ($5 each). TC and I have Gato Deluxe, Uglyworm (pictured), Toodee, Chuckamucka, Big Toe, Peaco, Moxy and Babo.
Star Sightings - None really. Sorry, Peter Mayhew doesn't count. I wonder if Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk, TV) counts?
You see more movie and TV stars on Saturday (which we avoided because it's the Con's busiest and craziest day).
Interesting outfits - The Cardboard Samurai, various members of Hogwarts School of Wizardry, including a girl in a Slytherin outfit holding a sign that said, "Free Beatings". We saw a black Green Lantern, a lot of Supermans, a group of teenagers who went as characters from Avatar (they had really nice handmade costumes), Pokemon, Dragon Ball Z, plus the plethora of Darth Vaders, storm troopers, girls dressed in Japanese school girl uniforms, Sailor Moon characters, Jack Sparrows and various other Pirate-related outfits.
The girls enjoyed themselves. We took them to a drawing workshop where they learned how to draw faces how and where to place the eyes, nose and mouth. The original 1:30 workshop was cancelled but they hung out in the room until the next one, resting as well as drawing with the materials provided.
Thane and I were talking about how the Con didn't seem to have as many costumed people as before. Perhaps it was that the Con has grown in scope and size since the past decade that the number of sightings is few and far between, diluted by the sheer magnitude and larger number of "normals" (or non-costumed) of this event. We're jaded Con goers I suppose.
Update - Here is a rant by David Walker, creator of one of my favorite 'zines, Badazz Mofo. I remember seeing his 10- years ago in a dashiki and a giant afro wig. He's been MIA for the past few years working on other project. He sums up what's been hapenning at the Con this last decade. When Bert and I started going in the early 90's, the convention center was half the size it was now. It was mostly Comics - rows and rows of booths selling Golden and Silver Age comics, not movie-related toys and big Hollywood companies touting their latest flicks. At the time, we were both into Sandman (courtesy of Supe) which is produced by Vertigo, an offshoot of DC. I was also into Yikes! by Steven Weissman. The Con was also a place to meet favorite authors - I remember standing in a long line to meet Clive Barker , author of "The Books of Blood", "Weaveworld", "Imajica" and director of "Hellraiser". I had him sign several of my books.
Bert was still into actual comics back then since the graphic novel had not yet come of age or was a relatively new format. There were more people dressed up in Star Trek outfits. This year, I didn't even see one Klingon! Anyways, it's sad in a way that the Con has gotten so large as to dwarf the original intent of the convention. And I'm not even a hard core fan - I was just someone who went to support my future husband's interests.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Remember the Aztecs!
Class of 1987 20 Year Reunion Mix
(compiled by yours truly as a CD to be given to every guest)
plus liner notes that never made it to the inside cover.
The hardest part of putting this together was coming up with songs that most people would recognize, as well as enjoy, and was representative of most genres of music (no country music lovers at our old school). Another criteria was that the songs had to have been recorded between the years 1984 - 1987 (I did cheat with one song, though). I think it went over well and most people seemed to be happy to have a musical memento of the event. For quality control, I listened to rough drafts of this mix (some songs had to be cut or I had bad copies of them) so much so that my daughter now knows the words to "Just Like Heaven" & "Lips Like Sugar"!
KEY:
songs in blue - I actually like and enjoy these songs/bands
songs in brown - yuk
songs in green - don't like but included it for variety
Just Like Heaven The Cure (1987)
I love this song! Written by lead singer Robert Smith for his wife; from their 1987 album, "Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me".
When I Hear Music Debbie Deb (1984)
No dance at our school was complete unless this song was played, along with "Let the Music Play" (by Shannon) which ends the CD.
You Give Love a Bad Name Bon Jovi (1986)
I couldn't stand Bon Jovi - I considered them a pussy rock band, but they were hugely popular. I couldn't stand their look - gross and hairy chests, teased hair, acid washed jeans, and fringed leather jackets . This song also gained a new following because of the butchered American Idol remake by Blake, the beat boxer. From the album, "Slippery When Wet".
Control Janet Jackson (1986)
This was for the r & b crowd. Janet was coming out on her own. The beginning of her collaboration with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Lips Like Sugar Echo & the Bunnymen (1987)
Waaaay better than the weak-ass remake by Coldplay. Love Ian McCullough's voice. From their eponymous fifth album.
Walk Like an Egyptian The Bangles (1986)
This song was kind of gimmicky, but was included for the awesome whistle solo. Just kidding, I included it because it seemed like something fun and corny to put in.
Oh Sheila Ready for the World (1985)
Hey, this band played at our Grad Night in Disneyland, along with Bobby Brown (who had just gone solo from New Edition), Glass Tiger and...get ready for this...Wang Chung!!! Very Prince protege-like. On my friends always thought the lead singer said in the intro (say in mock English accent), "Like they always say...What's good for the goose, is always good for the gander...Oh SAILOR (it was supposed to be "Oh Sheila!")! Ha ha.
Bizarre Love Triangle New Order (1986)
Good dance song although the band was boring in concert. One of their more popular and upbeat choices. I really would have liked to include "Thieves Like Us" (which was in the "Pretty in Pink" soundtrack) but I chose a more well known song.
New Sensation INXS (1987)
A fun dance song - it was this or "Never Tear Us Apart" but that was too gut wrenchingly slow. Both are from the album "Kick". Too bad Michael Hutchence died the way he did.
Dress You Up Madonna (1984)
I called about 5 people to try to get this song. No one, ABSOLUTELY no one had the album "Like a Virgin". Thane and my brother saved the day by sending me copies of the mp3. The copy I had on my computer had a skip to it and being the perfectionist that I am, could NOT include it on the cd unless it was perfect. The inclusion of this song was also a bit of an 'in-joke' in that Thane used to play this song in a band called Feedback. We got so sick of this song!
Rebel Yell Billy Idol (1984)
OMG! Billy Idol!!!!! He played the Del Mar Fair that year. One of my friends in high school actually followed his limo to LA. once after one of his concerts at the Sports Arena. Dude, what happened to him? Love this song - verry cool song, very 80's!
Point of No Return Expose (1987)
Another Latin freestyle song by East Coast trio Expose. Not much of a fan but they were popular.
Strange Love Depeche Mode (1987)
From their album, 'Music for the Masses' - one of my friends, N, suggested that this was when the band started to 'suck' or go downhill. I wanted to put "People are People" but that came out in early 1984, when we were still in 9th grade. So many choices. I also messed up on the title, not realizing until after all was printed that "Strange Love" should have been one word. Yeah, nobody cares about these details!
You Make Me Feel So Good Book of Love (1986)
Such a happy, bouncy song! I loved this song! Not sure how many other people knew of Book of Love, but they're in here!
Pride (In the Name of Love) U2 (1984)
This was a much better song than "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and the excruciatingly and mind numbingly boring, "With or Without You" from the best selling "Joshua Tree" album. Although this song was from my personal favorite album, "The Unforgettable Fire", this song had that spark, those glorious chiming guitars from The Edge and lyrics that celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. U2 jumped the shark (for me) after "The Joshua Tree".
Fight for Your Right Beastie Boys (1986)
Most of the party-type jock people were into the Beastie Boys. I wasn't a big fan but included it nevertheless to get at least one rap-type song in. "Brass Monkey" was also a choice but it didn't end "cleanly" so this song it was. From the album, "Licensed to Ill".
Head to Toe Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam (1987)
Don't like the chick's voice - too nasal. Thanks Ronin for letting my rip this song from your cd though! You have a very diverse and vast collection!
Kiss Prince (1986)
Although "Erotic City" would have been a great choice, it was too long - nearly 8 minutes. Plus, looking back on it, the lyrics are pretty vulgar ("F--k so pretty you and me, Erotic City come alive" & "We can f--k until the dawn", etc). I didn't want any of the alumni having any problems especially if they played this cd and their kid(s) heard it. I wrestled with many Prince choices. "Take Me With U" was a contender, but "Purple Rain" was also too long and too slow. I picked this minimalist, catchy and bass-free tune instead from Prince's "Parade" album.
Let the Music Play Shannon (1983)
This is the song that I considered a "cheat" because it was released in 1983. Shhhh! Don't tell! Another really popular freestyle genre choice and a dance floor staple during our high school dances.
Songs that didn't make the cut:
Be Near Me - ABC
Take on Me - A-Ha
The Dance Electric - Andre Cymone
Sex Shooter - Apollonia 6
Digging Your Scene - The Blow Monkeys
Boy, I Touch Roses, Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes) - Book of Love
I Feel for You - Chaka Khan
She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult
Hot Hot Hot!, In Between Days, The Love Cats, A Night Like This - The Cure
Lookout Weekend - Debbie Deb
Blasphemous Rumours, Master and Servant, Somebody - Depeche Mode
In My Dreams - Dokken
The Show - Doug E. Fresh
Anything, Anything - Dramarama
Notorious, A View to a Kill - Duran Duran
Bring on the Dancing Horses - Echo & the Bunnymen
And My Beat Goes Boom, What is a DJ if He Can't Scratch, Egypt Egypt - Egyptian Lover
Human Beat Box - Fat Boys
Desire - Gene Loves Jezebel
I Miss You, Meeting in the Ladies Room, The Men All Pause - Klymaxx
Rock the Bells - LL Cool J
Blue Monday, Elegia, Perfect Kiss, Shell Shock, Thieves Like Us - New Order
Take a Chance - Nuance
Secret, If You Leave - Orchestral Manoevres in the Dark (OMD)
Tricky, Erotic City, Raspberry Beret - Prince
It's Tricky, You Be Illin', Walk This Way (with Aerosmith) - Run DMC
Rock You Like a Hurricane - The Scorpions
Give Me Tonight - Shannon
Glamorous Life - Sheila E.
Blood & Roses - The Smithereens
How Soon is Now?, Bigmouth Strikes Again, Cemetry Gates, Ask - The Smiths
Head over Heels - Tears for Fears
EZ Come EZ Go, Gettin' Better, Little Suzi - Tesla
Chili Sauce, Jungle Love - The Time
Roxanne Roxanne - UTFO
Dreams, Loves Come In - Van Halen
Barbara's Bedroom - Whistle
Dear God - XTC
and much more that I can't remember!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Not enough time!
I wish there were more hours in the day...
I could get more shit done, like cooking, cleaning and fixing the house...
but most importantly, finishing reading 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' before Thursday.
This is a busy week! Comic Con on Thursday, Reunion Mixer on Friday, Reunion Dinner/Dance (although I won't dance) on Saturday and Comic Con w/TC on Sunday.
What the hell am I going to wear for the reunion!
Aaaaagh!
Gotta go! I could be reading right now instead of blogging!
I could get more shit done, like cooking, cleaning and fixing the house...
but most importantly, finishing reading 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' before Thursday.
This is a busy week! Comic Con on Thursday, Reunion Mixer on Friday, Reunion Dinner/Dance (although I won't dance) on Saturday and Comic Con w/TC on Sunday.
What the hell am I going to wear for the reunion!
Aaaaagh!
Gotta go! I could be reading right now instead of blogging!
Arena Rock
For those of you that have digital cable with extended channels, you probably know that you can get channels with various genres of music...you can even get radio stations (but radio sux anyways).
Well, my favorite is ARENA ROCK (which is written in Iron Maiden letters). It's my favorite dinner music and I am not kidding you. My 6 year old knows who Ronnie James Dio is (she finds it funny when she flashes the "evil eye" sign at me). I sit with my back to the TV. Our game is for me to correctly name the band, song and album and if I'm pretty good, the year. The only ones I can't get are the hair bands from the late 80's and early 90's. I'm usually (but now always) accurate with the early and mid 80' stuff. Aldo Nova or Asia anyone? How about Ozzy Osbourne and early Van Halen?
Holy Diver!!!!
Well, my favorite is ARENA ROCK (which is written in Iron Maiden letters). It's my favorite dinner music and I am not kidding you. My 6 year old knows who Ronnie James Dio is (she finds it funny when she flashes the "evil eye" sign at me). I sit with my back to the TV. Our game is for me to correctly name the band, song and album and if I'm pretty good, the year. The only ones I can't get are the hair bands from the late 80's and early 90's. I'm usually (but now always) accurate with the early and mid 80' stuff. Aldo Nova or Asia anyone? How about Ozzy Osbourne and early Van Halen?
Holy Diver!!!!Friday, July 20, 2007
Bite Me!
So off we went to the porno shop:
Just kidding.
We were on our way to Bite, the new Bar & Bistro in Hillcrest. Read the Night and Day review here and a couple of other blogger's reviews here and here. My friend had suggested this new place after reading about it in last week's Night & Day in the paper. Bite doesn't take reservations but our name was still put on a list. I was concerned that we would find a long line outside because it was a Friday night in Hillcrest and it was Pride weekend. We originally meant to be there by 5:45 but arrived 15 minutes late due to no parking spots in this congested part of town. We eventually found a spot 3 blocks away and fortunately for us, the restaurant had many open tables, much to our relief! Our receptionist was a doll and he seated us immediately. Below, in the car heading west on University Avenue, about to go under the Georgia Street Bridge .
Bite is located at 1417 University Avenue and is the site of the former Living Room. It occupies both 1417 and 1419 (next to Mama Testa) and has an outdoor patio, a lounge area in the front complete with a fireplace and plasma screen (we snuck in a few minutes of John Waters' "Hairspray" on our way out) and ultra sleek and clean lined furniture. 
The Chef, Chris Walsh was formerly at California Cuisine (another excellent restaurant, just down the street from Bite), Cafe W and Confidential, recently opened Bite on May 5th on University near Richmond. A busy street which is home to many other eateries, a dance club (Rich's) and a bar (Alibi's is just on the corner), Bite is sure to attract many customers with it's tapas style menu boasting Northern Italian and French influenced cuisine, ultra modern decor and great service. The color scheme was a deep red, dark espresso with crisp white and cream accents. The leitmotif were circles which are repeated in many forms such as painted patterns on the wall, a stand in the women's bathroom (maybe the men's too?), mirrored circles and starburst mirrored decorations (for lack of a better word).
Sorry for the blurry quality - I didn't have the flash on. Empty at 6 pm, but it picked up steadily as the night wore on. We spent a good two hours here! The waitstaff was just fabulous. They were attentive, knowledgable about the menu and made personal recommendations but weren't pushy about it (like how some waiters could be if they are trying to sell you something expensive). With a mix of Amy Winehouse and some 70's oldies playing in the background (points for playing Heatwave's classic,'Boogie Nights'), we were seated in the booths against the wall just three tables away from the front window.
Blurry. Perhaps the W on the wall is a holdover from Chef Chris Walsh's days at Cafe W?
Our complimentary amuse bouche was tuna tartare on cucumber rounds garnished with chopped chives and served on two chive slivers:
My Strawberry Mojito ($7.50) which I nursed this evening. I probably could have had another, but I'm not a heavy drinker and I wanted to enjoy the food.
My friend's Bellini ($8.00), made with fresh peach puree on the bottom, some sort of Italian prosecco (forgot the brand) and a scoop of peach sorbet, garnished with a peach slice! This was quite the sexy drink! Tasted smooth with the sorbet mixed in. I just realized, my friend used her knife to mix the sorbet in her drink (only forks and knives are provided); the drink could have used a swizzle stick. 
The menu was divided into four sections: Field (salads and appetizers), Farm (meat), Ocean (seafood) and Sweets (desserts). We started off with our Cheese Plate ($13.00) - crackers below:
The cheeses were Humboldt Fog, a bleu cheese (forgot the name) and a cheese made of sheep's milk served with assorted fresh sliced fruits and candied pecans. I'm not a fan of bleu cheese or Humboldt fog, but I wanted to be open minded, so I tried a piece of the Fog...It tasted like stank feet. I think I would rather eat a balut than eat bleu cheese or Humboldt Fog. Maybe I don't have a sophisticated palate, but I like what I like and I didn't like this! I did enjoy the champagne grapes and sliced nectarines though! There was also a small block of fig paste (lower left hand corner) that went well with the crackers and fruit.
Our Grilled Flatbread served with white bean cannelini "hummus" ($8.00), which wasn't really a hummus because it wasn't made with garbanzos. The flatbread was nice and crisp. The garnish in the dip bowl was a sliced red pepper with sprigs of lemongrass.
The first of our Ocean small plates was this--- "PEI " (Prince Edward Island) Black Mussels in a saffron tomato infused broth served with focaccia toast ($10.00). This was sooooo good! We used the bread to soak up the broth. This could have been a meal for just one person! That was the fun part about tonight - we got to have a little bit of everything by sharing our choices. Check out the steam!
The second plate was the Bay Scallop and White Corn Fritters served with a passionfruit vinaigrette ($8.00). The little green leaves you see are lemongrass sprigs (I asked); the stems were hidden. I never would have thought of using that because when I've used lemongrass in the past, I just smash the lower portion (the woody part) to infuse broth. I had a nice conversation about the garnish and the plates we had so far with a gentleman whom I believe was Sam, the co-owner (and former partner at Cafe W) while waiting in line for the bathroom. (FYI - he told me the bathrooms are unisex even though the doors are labeled 'Men' and 'Women' - I actually contemplated using the Men's room while waiting for the Women's side to free up. Fk that gender separation, if you gotta go, you gotta go!). He said the Chef liked using unusual but edible garnishes. 
The fritters were light and crunchy and not overly greasy. They were great for mopping up the passionfruit vinaigrette. Light and fresh, this was quite different using passionfruit for a sauce instead of some sort of citrus. 
Our first Farm choice was the Dolcetto Braised Beef Short Rib paired with polenta and mascarpone cheese and grated parmesan, served with haricorts verts and bacon ($15.00). Another waiter, towards the end of our meal asked us which entrees we enjoyed the most and when we mentioned this, he suggested pairing the dish with the same wine in which the meat was braised. Tip for next time! The Night & Day reviewer last week didn't like the polenta - said it was "too buttery" and couldn't take another bite. This didn't taste too buttery to me. I liked the coarse mouth feel of the polenta paired with the creamy mascarpone. We wanted more!
Closeup of that mouthwatering and oh-so-tenderbeef short rib:
Our other Farm plate was the Grilled Flat Iron Steak served with pommes frites and bearnaise sauce ($14.00). The steak was too rare for my tastes so my companions finished that off. The frites were also too salty and a tiny bit soggy:
As for Sweets, we each ordered one! My dessert was the Bittersweet Chocolate Tart with Espresso ice cream garnished with fresh fruits ($7.00). As with our mini plates, we all shared and enjoyed our dessert choices. Again, I got this particular dessert for the crust and because it was chocolate! I love crust! Although I couldn't finish this dessert, I did finish off the ice cream and most of the crust. The chocolate was definitely bittersweet, the way I like it, and was NOT warm, which is a plus for me. I do not like hot desserts like pies. I liked how my ice cream wasn't a melted puddle midway through the tasting.
My other friend had the Farmers Market Strawberry Cobbler with Vanilla ice cream ($7.00) which she enjoyed very much and proclaimed it as her favorite dessert that night:
Our other friend had an item that wasn't on their online menu, the Bread pudding with a scoop of Lemon Blueberry sorbet on top($7.00). I wish I remembered the "official" name for this but the only thing that pops up in my mind is 'bread pudding'. Two of our waiters said it was their favorite. It was good, but I'm not a bread pudding fan. That sorbet on the other hand was quite intense - yum!
Bite will definitely get another visit from me which is great because Bert and I can try some other items on their menu. The prices were reasonable given the high quality of the ingredients. The presentation of their dishes was meticulous and again, I stress the quality of the ingredients. I like this trend of small plates as opposed to honkin' big-ass portions that most restaurants tend to serve so as to give the diner the feeling that they're getting "more for their money" (like all chain restaurants). What good is it if your meal is bland and flavorless?
Just kidding.We were on our way to Bite, the new Bar & Bistro in Hillcrest. Read the Night and Day review here and a couple of other blogger's reviews here and here. My friend had suggested this new place after reading about it in last week's Night & Day in the paper. Bite doesn't take reservations but our name was still put on a list. I was concerned that we would find a long line outside because it was a Friday night in Hillcrest and it was Pride weekend. We originally meant to be there by 5:45 but arrived 15 minutes late due to no parking spots in this congested part of town. We eventually found a spot 3 blocks away and fortunately for us, the restaurant had many open tables, much to our relief! Our receptionist was a doll and he seated us immediately. Below, in the car heading west on University Avenue, about to go under the Georgia Street Bridge .
Bite is located at 1417 University Avenue and is the site of the former Living Room. It occupies both 1417 and 1419 (next to Mama Testa) and has an outdoor patio, a lounge area in the front complete with a fireplace and plasma screen (we snuck in a few minutes of John Waters' "Hairspray" on our way out) and ultra sleek and clean lined furniture. 
The Chef, Chris Walsh was formerly at California Cuisine (another excellent restaurant, just down the street from Bite), Cafe W and Confidential, recently opened Bite on May 5th on University near Richmond. A busy street which is home to many other eateries, a dance club (Rich's) and a bar (Alibi's is just on the corner), Bite is sure to attract many customers with it's tapas style menu boasting Northern Italian and French influenced cuisine, ultra modern decor and great service. The color scheme was a deep red, dark espresso with crisp white and cream accents. The leitmotif were circles which are repeated in many forms such as painted patterns on the wall, a stand in the women's bathroom (maybe the men's too?), mirrored circles and starburst mirrored decorations (for lack of a better word).
Sorry for the blurry quality - I didn't have the flash on. Empty at 6 pm, but it picked up steadily as the night wore on. We spent a good two hours here! The waitstaff was just fabulous. They were attentive, knowledgable about the menu and made personal recommendations but weren't pushy about it (like how some waiters could be if they are trying to sell you something expensive). With a mix of Amy Winehouse and some 70's oldies playing in the background (points for playing Heatwave's classic,'Boogie Nights'), we were seated in the booths against the wall just three tables away from the front window.
Blurry. Perhaps the W on the wall is a holdover from Chef Chris Walsh's days at Cafe W?
Our complimentary amuse bouche was tuna tartare on cucumber rounds garnished with chopped chives and served on two chive slivers:
My Strawberry Mojito ($7.50) which I nursed this evening. I probably could have had another, but I'm not a heavy drinker and I wanted to enjoy the food.
My friend's Bellini ($8.00), made with fresh peach puree on the bottom, some sort of Italian prosecco (forgot the brand) and a scoop of peach sorbet, garnished with a peach slice! This was quite the sexy drink! Tasted smooth with the sorbet mixed in. I just realized, my friend used her knife to mix the sorbet in her drink (only forks and knives are provided); the drink could have used a swizzle stick. 
The menu was divided into four sections: Field (salads and appetizers), Farm (meat), Ocean (seafood) and Sweets (desserts). We started off with our Cheese Plate ($13.00) - crackers below:
The cheeses were Humboldt Fog, a bleu cheese (forgot the name) and a cheese made of sheep's milk served with assorted fresh sliced fruits and candied pecans. I'm not a fan of bleu cheese or Humboldt fog, but I wanted to be open minded, so I tried a piece of the Fog...It tasted like stank feet. I think I would rather eat a balut than eat bleu cheese or Humboldt Fog. Maybe I don't have a sophisticated palate, but I like what I like and I didn't like this! I did enjoy the champagne grapes and sliced nectarines though! There was also a small block of fig paste (lower left hand corner) that went well with the crackers and fruit.
Our Grilled Flatbread served with white bean cannelini "hummus" ($8.00), which wasn't really a hummus because it wasn't made with garbanzos. The flatbread was nice and crisp. The garnish in the dip bowl was a sliced red pepper with sprigs of lemongrass.
The first of our Ocean small plates was this--- "PEI " (Prince Edward Island) Black Mussels in a saffron tomato infused broth served with focaccia toast ($10.00). This was sooooo good! We used the bread to soak up the broth. This could have been a meal for just one person! That was the fun part about tonight - we got to have a little bit of everything by sharing our choices. Check out the steam!
The second plate was the Bay Scallop and White Corn Fritters served with a passionfruit vinaigrette ($8.00). The little green leaves you see are lemongrass sprigs (I asked); the stems were hidden. I never would have thought of using that because when I've used lemongrass in the past, I just smash the lower portion (the woody part) to infuse broth. I had a nice conversation about the garnish and the plates we had so far with a gentleman whom I believe was Sam, the co-owner (and former partner at Cafe W) while waiting in line for the bathroom. (FYI - he told me the bathrooms are unisex even though the doors are labeled 'Men' and 'Women' - I actually contemplated using the Men's room while waiting for the Women's side to free up. Fk that gender separation, if you gotta go, you gotta go!). He said the Chef liked using unusual but edible garnishes. 
The fritters were light and crunchy and not overly greasy. They were great for mopping up the passionfruit vinaigrette. Light and fresh, this was quite different using passionfruit for a sauce instead of some sort of citrus. 
Our first Farm choice was the Dolcetto Braised Beef Short Rib paired with polenta and mascarpone cheese and grated parmesan, served with haricorts verts and bacon ($15.00). Another waiter, towards the end of our meal asked us which entrees we enjoyed the most and when we mentioned this, he suggested pairing the dish with the same wine in which the meat was braised. Tip for next time! The Night & Day reviewer last week didn't like the polenta - said it was "too buttery" and couldn't take another bite. This didn't taste too buttery to me. I liked the coarse mouth feel of the polenta paired with the creamy mascarpone. We wanted more!
Closeup of that mouthwatering and oh-so-tenderbeef short rib:
Our other Farm plate was the Grilled Flat Iron Steak served with pommes frites and bearnaise sauce ($14.00). The steak was too rare for my tastes so my companions finished that off. The frites were also too salty and a tiny bit soggy:
As for Sweets, we each ordered one! My dessert was the Bittersweet Chocolate Tart with Espresso ice cream garnished with fresh fruits ($7.00). As with our mini plates, we all shared and enjoyed our dessert choices. Again, I got this particular dessert for the crust and because it was chocolate! I love crust! Although I couldn't finish this dessert, I did finish off the ice cream and most of the crust. The chocolate was definitely bittersweet, the way I like it, and was NOT warm, which is a plus for me. I do not like hot desserts like pies. I liked how my ice cream wasn't a melted puddle midway through the tasting.
My other friend had the Farmers Market Strawberry Cobbler with Vanilla ice cream ($7.00) which she enjoyed very much and proclaimed it as her favorite dessert that night:
Our other friend had an item that wasn't on their online menu, the Bread pudding with a scoop of Lemon Blueberry sorbet on top($7.00). I wish I remembered the "official" name for this but the only thing that pops up in my mind is 'bread pudding'. Two of our waiters said it was their favorite. It was good, but I'm not a bread pudding fan. That sorbet on the other hand was quite intense - yum!
Bite will definitely get another visit from me which is great because Bert and I can try some other items on their menu. The prices were reasonable given the high quality of the ingredients. The presentation of their dishes was meticulous and again, I stress the quality of the ingredients. I like this trend of small plates as opposed to honkin' big-ass portions that most restaurants tend to serve so as to give the diner the feeling that they're getting "more for their money" (like all chain restaurants). What good is it if your meal is bland and flavorless?As Blaine Edwards and Antoine Merriwethers from "Men on Films" would say...
"Loved it! Two snaps up in a Z formation!"
"Loved it! Two snaps up in a Z formation!"
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