It's Beautiful In Ocean Hills

Every morning I take Pepper for a short walk around 7am.  It's beautiful out in the early morning.  The jacaranda trees along Leisure Village Drive are in full bloom, and except for the mess they make on the street, they are stunning.  Greenbelts are brown due to the lack of water, and front yards also have a lot of dead grass.  That will all change soon.  Each village will be re-landscaping the front yards to reflect the dry conditions of our climate.  Lawns will be dug up, trees will be replaced, and plants will be changed, so that we will have drought tolerant plant everywhere.  It's expensive, but think of what we'll be saving:  lots of water (I don't know how much) and lots of gardener costs.  We will not need the constant trimming of bushes.  Drought tolerant plants grow slower and don't require as much attention.  When it's all complete, Ocean Hills should look gorgeous.

Several weeks ago the Ocean Hills Garden Club opened a dozen or so homes for public viewing.  Wow, was I surprised.  Most gardens reflected a change from traditional plants, to succulents other drought tolerant plants.  They were beautiful too.  So many people feel that a succulent garden is going to look sparse, but no, that is not the case.  I just planted a small area in my yard with succulents.  Thanks to help from Jan, my garden expert, and Lupe, my gardener who did the heavy lifting.  I have a beautiful little succulent garden.  Instead of traditional mulch, I used the new rubber mulch (at the suggestion of Jan), and I just love it.  Many residents of Ocean Hills are doing the same thing as I did.  They're slowly transforming their backyards to succulents, while the front areas will be re-landscaped over the next few years by the community.  What a beautiful place to live!

What Do You Think Of The Brexit Voting Results?

I have an English friend, Carol, who I have been discussing the Brexit vote with.  It's complicated, and although there are some Brits with strong feelings one way or the other, many Brits see both sides of the issue and feel very conflicted.  For those who have not heard about Brexit, it refers to whether or not Britain should stay in the EU or withdraw and go it alone.

Thursday night Britain voted to leave the EU.  The vote was close, but it's effects were immediate.  The pound plunged to it's level in almost 40 years.  Cameron is set to resign as prime minister.  The American stock market opened -600 points on Friday morning.  I was listening to Alan Greenspan talk about the situation on CNBC Friday morning and here's what he said.  He feels that the Brixit vote is just the tip of the iceberg.  Since real incomes are stagnant throughout Europe, other countries may also be inclined to leave the EU.  He feels the global economy is in serious trouble.  Since we live in a global world, this will effect the American economy and our financial markets.

Some British analysts feel that the vote to leave the EU may put the UK into recession.  Britain decided they don't want Brussels telling them what to do.  They want to restore power to Parliament and control immigration.  Fear drove many Brits to vote to leave the EU.  They fear the EU will control the number of refugees from Syria, Libya, and other war torn nations they are required to take in, and they feel that they already have a huge population of immigrants from the Middle East, which they feel has changed their country.

It will take years to unravel their participation in the EU.  It's hard to see how this will end up, but immediate reactions of analysts warn that financial markets may be unstable, the pound will stay low, and the euro is also lower.  Sounds to me like a good time to visit Europe, and a GREAT time visit England.  The pound hasn't been this low in years.  Pack your bags.  There are unintended consequences to everything that happens, and discounted travel for Americans visiting the UK is one of them from the Brexit vote.

A Taco Is Just A Taco: Wrong

Finally, The Taco Stand has opened in Encinitas.  It's just next to Honey's a popular breakfast spot.  I've been watching and waiting for it to open for several months.  Finally it opened, and the wait was definitely worth it.

Everything is made from scratch.  There's a woman in the front feeding dough into a tortilla making machine, making sure each one is perfect before she puts it on the griddle to cook.  Then she stacks them, until ready to turn them into several variations on the street taco.  Each taco is priced at around $2.99, so a lunch of 2 tacos and a drink is well under $10.  I ordered a carne asada taco and  el pastor (pork) taco.  The el pastor was delicious.  The meat is carved, just like you see at Mediterranean restaurants for gyros.  The pork has a slightly sweet flavor, possibly from cinnamon.  It's really delicious.  The carne asada was well seasoned and also really good.  Fran had a chicken taco which she loved.  Other choices are a fish of the day taco and shrimp taco.  They also have a killer quesedilla, homemade chips and homemade salsa.

Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating and counter seating make this a great place for a casual lunch.  You often think a taco is just a taco, but at The Taco Stand, the food is just a cut above.  Try it.

An Immigrant Success Story

I get angry when I hear people demean immigrants and feel they've come to the US for a free ride.  For most, that couldn't be farther from the truth.  Take Hamdi Ulukaya, a Turkish immigrant who came to America in 1994 to learn English and go to business school.  His family business in Turkey was sheep and cow farming, and making yogurt and cheese.  Business school did not work ut, so on advice of his father, he started a small cheese manufacturing facility.

Hamdi's cheese business was struggling to stay above water, when in 2005 he stumbled across an ad for a yogurt manufacturing plant near Utica, New York.  Against the advice of his friends, he bought the plan, hired a few workers, and Chobani was born.

The rest is history.  Chobani is getting ready to go public, and their loyal employees will share in the wealth, some expected to net over $1 million.  My point is that Hamdi Ulukaya came to America for the opportunity it offered.  He took that opportunity and ran with it.  He wasn't looking for a handout, just a better life.

Hamdi is just one example of millions of immigrants who are great contributors to American society.  Many years ago a housekeeper and nanny of mine, Lila, left our house to start her own business.  Within three years she had two flower shops in Los Angeles!  Another nanny that I had for many years came from Guatemala.  She came to America (I'm not sure how she got here) to earn money to send home to her family, to help support her little girl, and hopefully, accumulate enough money to bring her daughter here.  She finally did that, after 10 years, and her daughter came here and went to high school, on to college and then graduate school, and is now a registered dietician.  I could go on and on, but I won't.  Immigrants add to the culture the cuisine, and the economy of our country.  They're what we, or our ancestors all were at one time or another.  We're not called the "Land of opportunity" for nothing.  America gives you opportunity.  What you do with it is up to you.  Let's keep America the land of opportunity for all, keep it diverse, keep it interesting.  That's what I want.

Hedy Lamar: Inventor in Hollywood

When you think of Hedy Lamarr, born Hedwig Kiesler in Austria, you most likely think of one of the most beautiful women in the world during her time, and a Hollywood movie star.  Hedy was much more than that, as you're about to find out.

Hedy was a 26 year old thriving Hollywood star, when in mid September of 1940, Nazi U-boats hunted down a cruise ship trying to evacuate 90 British schoolchildren to Canada.  Numerous children drowned.  Lamarr, a Jewish immigrant from Nazi-occupied Austria, was horrified, and decided to fight back, but in an unusual way.  She sat down at a drafting table at home and drew out a revolutionary radio guidance system for anti-submarine torpedoes.

Many considered Hedy Lamarr a genius.  As a young child, Hedy accompanied her banker father everywhere, absorbing his detailed explanations  of how streetcars and other modern marvels worked.  He love was acting, which she pursued instead of a technical career.  A bad marriage at a young age left her trapped, from which she was able to escape.  She came to the United States, where she teamed up with musician and composer George Antheil, who also had an aptitude for machines.

Many of the ideas that Lamarr brought to the collabaration were gathered from her father-in-law in Austria.  She collected loads of classified intelligence, which she later used with Antheil to develop a radio system where sender and receiver could communicate without fear of jamming.  (It was a frequency hopping system).  In the end, the system they invented was too sophisticated to incorporate into the clumsy torpedoes the United States deployed during the war.  Their invention is considered the forerunner of GPS, Wi-Fi, cell phones and Bluetooth.!

Lamarr did a great deal to help the war effort.  She sold war bonds, raising over $25 million ($340 million today).  In later life Lamarr felt cheated of credit for her developments.  She is called an inventive genius by Richard Rhodes, author of Hedy's Folly.  A great beauty, and a great brain.  This combination lead Hedy to a life of artistic accomplishment in film and theatre, and mechanical invention in the world of science.

Restaurant Openings Around San Diego

Every few months I try to give you an update on restaurant openings, closings and re-openings.  There are many new restaurants that have opened recently, and more on the way.  Let me start by saying I have been to none of these restaurants, but there's a few I can't wait to try.  Here's what I've got for you.

Fireside is a new restaurant in Liberty Station from The Patio Group.  It should be great.  The menu is wood fire and charcoal driven, and it features lots of local fruits and vegetables.  Liberty Station is hot now, and this new addition should give us even more choices in the area.

Red O.  This restaurant will open sometime soon in the UTC area.  I have been to the Newport Beach location (in Fashion Valley) and I would call it "upscale Mexican."  The owner and chef is Rick Bayliss, one of the most well respected Mexican style cooks in the country.  Can't wait for this one.

Herb and Wood is located in Little Italy.  It's the latest restaurant from Brian Malarkey, so you know it's gotta be good.

The Taco Stand.  This is just about to open in Encinitas and I've been watching it's construction for months.  I'm excited.  It's a Tijuana inspired taco stand, with locations already in downtown San Diego and La Jolla, and now Encinitas.  I can't wait to have lunch there after a Saturday walk with Fran.

MotoDeli.  This is a motorcycle themed sandwich shop on Coast Highway 101.  I tasted their food at the recent food festival in Encinitas, and it was delicious.  Sandwiches and soups is just about all they make, but it's delicious.

Vigilant Brewing Company.  Located in Del Mar, right near the racetrack, this restaurant is just what Del Mar needs.  It's owned and operated  by Charles Koll, formerly of Prep Kitchen and Milles Fleurs.

Cucina Sorella.  This is the newest addition to the Urban Kitchen Group.  It's in the heart of Kensington, and they will focus on handcrafted pasts and shareable plates.

The Grill at the Lodge at Torrey Pines.  This restaurant, which has changed hands many times since the hotel opened, will reopen in June, 2016.  They have expanded the patio, with outdoor fire pits and additional seating.  We'll wait to see how the food is.

Rosati's.  Rosati's opened in Encinitas about six months ago in the center with Michaels and Big Lots.  I have heard good things about it, and now I notice they are opening in Vista.  Another Italian choice.  Yippee.

Well, that's all I have for now.  I will definitely try the Taco Stand soon,  and Red 0 is on my list, although it may be a while before opening.  Let me know if you are aware of any openings or closings that I should report on.  Happy eating.  (I stole that from Jacques Pepin).

I Can't Keep Up With All The Supermarket Openings

When I was a kid there were three supermarkets to choose from.  A&P, Ralphs, and Safeway.  Our town also had a small deluxe market called Jurgenson's.  That was IT!  We've come a long way in the past 75 years.  Today San Diego is home to the following supermarket chains:  WalMart, Target, Costco, Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons, Stater Bros., Gelson's, Bristol Farms, Frazier Farms, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Smart and Final, Winco, and most recently Aldi.  Whew!  That's a lot of supermarkets, and I wonder how they all survive.  Many of them are just barely hanging on, but others are packed whenever you go there.

Supermarkets seem to break down into several categories:  Traditional supermarkets, like Ralphs and Vons, Natural Food Markets, like Whole Foods and Sprouts, Deluxe supermarkets, like Gelson's and Bristol Farms, Discount markets, like Costco, Winco and WalMart, and Speciality markets, like Trader Joe's.  Now we have Aldi, a low cost supermarket that has just opened in Vista.  I have not been to see it yet, but will do so soon.  Here's what I know about Aldi.

Aldi is a high volume store, with only 1,400 products.  The typical supermarket carries 40,000 products.  With less products there is higher turnover, keeping food fresh.  Aldi takes no coupons or credit cards, just cash or debit cards.  Customers deposit 25 cents in a machine to rent a cart, then return it at the end of their shopping.  This keeps the supermarket from spending lots of money retrieving shopping carts and replacing carts that are left in the parking lots.  Their staff is well paid, and are well trained to multi task.  Most of their food items are private label, thus they control the packaging.  Packaging is designed for optimum efficiency.  Checkout is lightening fast.  All fruits and veggies are pre packaged, to avoid having to weigh items at checkout.  Aldi customers also bring their own bags (or buy them at Aldi) and bag their own groceries.  I've been told that all this reduces the cost of good 20%-50%, and quality doesn't suffer.  I can't wait to go try it out for myself.  They're opening on June 17, in San Marcos.

My husband Ron will probably love Aldi.  One of his big complaints about supermarkets today is that there are too many choices.  He doesn't want to have to choose between 10 different kinds of peanut butter, or 50 loaves of bread.  I, on the other hand, love all the choices.  I guess that's really the reason there are so many supermarkets.  Everyone has different shopping needs, and with so many choices, there's something for everyone.

One final note.  Our local Ralph's is closing on June 19.  It's in Oceanside, at the corner of Cannon and Melrose.  A rent hike has forced them out, and for the 1,632 families living in Ocean Hills, it will be a big loss.

The Broad Museum: A Must See

If you are an art lover, specifically a lover of contemporary art from 1950-present, do whatever it takes to get to the Broad Museum.  You won't be disappointed.  This museum in downtown Los Angeles was designed by the architectural firm Diller Scofidio and Renfro, and is made of 2,500 fiberglass reinforced concrete panels and 650 tons of steel.  It includes 50,000 square feet of gallery space.  It was designed to use natural light, and the viewing of the artwork is wonderful.  Oh, it was designed by a woman.

Built by philanthropists Eli and Edyth Broad, the museum is home to nearly 2,000 works of art and holds one of the most prominent collections of postwar and contemporary art worldwide.  The Broads began collecting contemporary art in the early 1980's.  Their goal was collect living artists who represented the art and culture of their time.  With in-depth representations of influential contemporary artists such as Basquiat, Kruger, Twombly, Ruscha, Koons, Johns, Sherman, Warhol, Lichtenstein and Rauschenberg.  The collection enriches and inspires an appreciation of contemporary art.

Entrance to the museum is free!  If you plan ahead, you can make a reservation for exact date and time.  Reservations are taken on the first of every month for the following month.  If you don't reserve a time you will wait in a very long line.

A couple of other nice features of the museum are the wonderful small gift shop, the second floor, which is the storage area for artwork not yet hung, and the phone app that gives an audio tour of the museum.  The storage area can be seen from various areas of the third floor.  Hundreds of pieces are hung on racks, and will eventually be hung in the museum.  Right now they are adding about one piece per week.

I went to the Broad with a group from Ocean Hills.  A great group of men and women, and lunch afterwards at Taix, one of the oldest restaurants in LA.  Taix opened in 1927, and is still turning out delicious French food.  Our bus driver Lenny gave us a tour of downtown LA as we approached the museum, and I can't believe  how the city has changed  since I lived there.  The area around the museum is a plethora of culture.  The Dorothy Chandler, Disney Hall, MOCA and the Broad Museum are all within a few blocks of each other.  Take a day trip to downtown LA and enjoy some of the great things it has to offer.

What Is A Libertarian?

The two main political parties are a mess right now.  No one is happy on either side, so it's logical to think outside the box and see what other political parties are offering.  I decided to take a closer look at the Libertarian Party, which will be on the ballot in all 50 states come November.  After checking them out, I'll stay right where I am, but have learned a thing or two about what they stand for.  Here's some of what I learned.

They believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized.  They feel each person has the right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, without interference from government or any authoritarian power.  Everyone has the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as it doesn't interfere with the rights of others.

They oppose government censorship.  They favor the right to engage in or abstain from any religious activity that does not violate the rights of others.  They advocate individual privacy and government transparency.  They want to end government's practice of spying on everyone.  Sexual orientation and gender identity should have no impact on the government's treatment of individuals, regarding marriage, child custody or military service.  The government should not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships.  Government should be kept out of the matter of abortion, leaving the question to each person.

They favor the repeal of all laws creating "crimes" without victims, such as the use of drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes.  They oppose reduction of constitutional safeguards of the rights of the criminally accused.  The rights of due process, a speedy trial and legal counsel and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, must not be denied.  The only legitimate use of force is in defense of individual rights, against aggression.  They believe in the right to bear arms, and oppose the prosecution of indivuals for exercising their rights of self-defense.  They oppose all laws at any level of government restricting, registering or monitoring the ownership, manufacture, or transfer of firearms or ammunition.

This is just a fraction of what I learned by reading the platform of the Libertarian Party.  The protection of individual rights is the only proper purpose of government.  As to national defense, Libertarians believe we should maintain a sufficient military to defend the United States against aggression, and we should avoid entangling alliances and abandon any attempt to act as policeman for the world.

There's much more to learn, so go to the Libertarian Party website if you want to learn more.  Much of what they stand for appeals to me, but there's a lot that doesn't.  We have alternatives to the two main parties, and I believe that one day we will have a third party that can be competitive.  In the mean time, it's good to know what alternative parties stand for.

Great Breakfast, Lunch and Bakery in La Jolla

I discovered Sugar and Scribe, a fabulous bakery and breakfast and lunch spot on Fay Avenue in La Jolla one day while waiting for a table at The Cottage, across the street.  The Cottage has long been a favorite breakfast spot of mine, but after discovering Sugar and Scribe, it will be hard to choose where to eat in La Jolla.

Sugar and Scribe started in 2010 in Pacific Beach by Maeve Rochford, as bakery only.  Shortly thereafter she opened the La Jolla location, which has a full service dining room and patio area for breakfast and lunch.  Maeve is originally from Ohio, but her mom was Irish, from which she draws inspiration for the almost all Irish menu.  The bakery goods are gorgeous to look at, and include fancy wedding cakes to die for.  Recently I joined Fran, Jan and Debbie there for a lovely lunch, and some sweets to take home.

We were there for lunch, so I'll talk about that first.  I ordered the chicken puff pie.  I was expecting something like a chicken pot pie, but this was different.  The pastry was different, very flaky, and the filling was a mixture of chicken, mashed potatoes, cheese and veggies.  It was delicious, and served with a side garden salad with lots of freshly shaved parmesean cheese and balsamic vinegrette dressing.  The grilled cheese sandwich that Debbie ordered was loaded with four cheeses, and served on thick levain bread.  (similar to sour dough bread).  Also on the lunch menu are several sandwiches, like a blat, salads, guinness braised beef stew and shepherds pie.  Everything was delicious.

Breakfast items contain Irish and non Irish items.  Lemon curd pancakes, biscuits and gravy, house made granola, brioche french toast, and eggs benedict are just a few of the breakfast choices.  Of course you can get eggs any way, erie hash sounded interesting, and the quiche looked delicious.

If you have any room left, be sure and order dessert.  If not, take something home.  Beautiful fruit tarts, cheese cake, pot de creme, cupcakes, brownies, and home made marshmallows are just some of the enticing choices.  I recommend one of the dozen or so flavors of cupcakes.  All are piled high with frosting.

  So next time you're in La Jolla, try Sugar and Scribe for an Irish breakfast or lunch.  You won't be disappointed.

Muhammad Ali, Dead At 74

You can't get away from coverage of the death of Muhammad Ali this weekend, and for good reason.  He  was arguably the greatest fighter ever, and possibly the greatest athlete ever.  More importantly, he was a great and courageous man.  The things he did in the 1960's most people would never consider.  Changing his name and religion, declining to fight in Vietnam and getting stripped of his title and losing several years of competition at the height of his career show the strength and character of the man.  He had principles, and he stood by them, regardless of how it effected him.  How many of us would do that?  Then, at age 42, he developed Parkinson's.  Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he raised millions of dollars to fight the disease, and traveled the world to speak out for those with Parkinson's.  I admired him as both and athlete and a man, and the world will miss this giant.

I have one personal Muhammad Ali story, that will show the softer, more loving side of the man.  In the 1990's Ron and I were on our way to Louisville for a horse race.  Because of weather, our flight was delayed, so we went to the Red Carpet Room (United) at LAX.  We sat down, and who was sitting next to us but the man himself.  We were a little in awe of him and were not sure how to approach him, but he made it easy.  Even though he could not talk at this time, he put us at ease with a MAGIC trick.  Muhammad was a lover of magic, and was very good.  He had several tricks ready, and within a few minutes, Muhammad was playing to the crowd.  Kids, parents and grandparents all gathered round to watch  Ali perform his magic.  He just had a way of relating to people, a twinkle in his eye.  He had the group of stranded travelers in the palm of his hand.  He was no longer able to wow us in the boxing ring, but he wowed us at the airport that day.  I will never forget that encounter with Muhammad Ali, and feel lucky I was able to meet him, brief as it was, and realize that greatness and courageousness comes in many forms.  No longer able to fight, talk, or walk very well, he was still a giant of a man.  Ali, you will be missed.

The Urge To Try Something New

Over Memorial Weekend, Ron and I had the urge to try a new restaurant.  Since gastropubs are all the rage now, especially in Oceanside, we decided to try one of the new gastropubs.  We tried Urge.  It's on the corner of Vista Way and Coast Highway, where A16 used to be.  What a pleasant surprise.

Urge has one location in Rancho Bernardo that opened in 2015, and the Oceanside location opened in January, 2016.  It's actually called a gastropub and whiskey bank.  Besides classic comfort foods which they've taken to another level, they have wonderful salads, soups, and entrees, all using locally sourced produce.  They have an enormous and eclectic selection of some of the worlds finest whiskeys.  That has no appeal to me, but they also serve locally crafted beer, ale and wine.  There is really something for everyone at Urge.

I loved the mix of people at Urge.  Often gastropubs cater to the younger crowd, but not this place.  Lots of families with children, senior citizens and young men and women.  Everyone felt welcome.  I tried the fish and chips, which was delicious.  The fish was fried in a beer batter, and was crisp and fresh.  It was served with delicious french fries and home made cole slaw.  It was enough to split.  Ron ordered a plain hamburger.  They had many fancy burgers on the menu, but he wanted just an old fashioned burger and fries.  It was cooked to perfection, and he ate the whole thing.  Unfortunately we had no room left to try the drunken carrot slab or fried butterscotch bread pudding, but I know what to do next time.  I will split my meal with someone, or order off the shared plates portion of the menu.

Shared plates included crispy calamari, beer cheese fries, stuffed medjool dates, and crispy brussels sprouts.  Soups and salads sounded delicious, and included tomato bisque, chicken tortilla soup, and wild spinach and farro salad.  There is something for everyone to enjoy at this great new gastropub in Oceanside.

Chocolate Roll

Ron continues to bake, and his latest creation is a real winner.  We have made it twice already.  The first time was difficult, the second time was so easy.  The dessert is light and refreshing, and will impress your guests.  Try it and you'll make it again and again.  I just made it for a St. Paddy's Day party, and use green food coloring to make it more festive.  So delicious, I hope you like it.

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  Ingredients

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  

  • 5 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream, whipped
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    
    
    

    
    
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Directions

 

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line one 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease and flour lightly.
2. Separate the eggs. Beat the whites with the cream of tartar until stiff. Gradually beat in 1/2 cup of the sugar.
3. Sift the remaining sugar, cocoa, and flour together. Beat the egg yolks until thick and fold the flour mixture into them. Stir in vanilla. (The egg yolk mixture will be very stiff). Carefully fold the egg yolk mixture into the beaten egg whites. Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan.
4. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 20 minutes. Let cake cool for 5 minutes. Turn cake onto a towel sprinkled with confectioner's sugar, peel off parchment paper and roll cake up with the towel. Let cake cool completely. Unroll cake and spread with the whipped cream. Roll again. Serve with Foamy Butter Sauce or Fudge Sauce. For variation, you can add 2 tablespoons of rum or your favorite liqueur to the whipped cream. Serves 8.