Wah. My heart sank a little bit when I heard the foghorn go off last night, and sure enough, this morning’s workout in Alamo Square was a misty one. But, as I look out the window, I’m chanting Burn Baby Burn. Would love one more sunny afternoon. I wanna boogie, disco inferno style. Hey, it’s Friday.
This week’s issue continues on my 510 touring, this time to a couple places I visited in Berkeley in the late fall, Zut! on Fourth and Gather (I know, I lagged on writing these spots up—too damned busy, yo!).
Apropos of Fourth Street, this Sunday is a special gathering at Books Inc. Fourth Street, a book signing and panel discussion with LEGENDS OF THE GOURMET GHETTO. L. John Harris (who just released Foodoodles: From the Museum of Culinary History) will be moderating a panel that includes Joyce Goldstein, Victoria Wise, Alice Medrich, and Bruce Aidells, who will tell stories and talk about their latest books, their first books, and the formative years of the California Cuisine movement as it emerged in North Berkeley—they will leave lots of time for Q&A. It’s at 5pm, and once it wraps up, everyone can go around the corner and munch on special dishes created in honor of “The Legends” at The Pasta Shop and Café Rouge.
This week has had me all over town, starting on Tuesday saying G’Day at a special Victoria Australia dinner held at Murray Circle, featuring visiting guest chef Guy Grossi from Melbourne. You wouldn’t have believed the 2kg rock lobster (you can do the conversion on your own) he showed us during a demo, which he used to stuff tortellini. Host chef Joseph Humphrey’s kitchen reportedly had a lot fun taking a break from their usual local/sustainable groove and using many imported ingredients, like the oh-so-tender Ausab Farms baby abalone that they barely cooked on the plancha.
Wednesday I was delivered a brand-new Acura TSX Sport Wagon to drive in conjunction with a piece I’m writing for the Foodie 411 site about Dine About Town. The wagon was delivered in a trailer, total race car style, and only had 13 miles on it. (I know, my life. It’s ridiculous.) I couldn’t stop laughing—I felt like I won the car or something. Suffice to say, I have been having fun getting around town in that thing. Sadly, the new car smell will be leaving my life tomorrow. I’ll let you know when my first post is up on Foodie 411 next week!
Have a groovy weekend, y’all. Beep beep.
Australian southern rock lobster. (“Look into my beady eyes.”)View tablehopper Newsletter from Friday, Jan 28 2011
