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.