Monday May 07th 2012, 10:19 pm
Filed under: Jibber Jabber
If there’s anything that Crystal and I agree on, it’s that we don’t make it out to Paso Robles enough. This is the region which I’m most captivated with at the moment, and being on the cusp of summer heat syrahs, grenaches, and cab francs are what I crave (in addition to the expected roses, and whites).
Usually I’m fairly good at booking our travel itinerary, but I did procrastinate this trip and nearly freaked out when I looked for hotels a week ago. There was nothing available in Paso Robles, and the nearest available Holiday Inn (San Luis Opisbo) was going for $300 a night. Not sure if I should book in Morro Bay or SLO, I turned to a couple alternative sites - specifically airbnb.com and vrbo.com. Many of them required multiple night stays, but I was able to find “The Guest House” which was willing to make an exception - it turned out to be above and beyond.
Steve, our host, was most accommodating and produced more then a few laughs through the weekend. We unpacked Saturday then gone about our business.
We bolted over to Booker Vineyards where they had their annual release party. The wine, people and dogs flowed freely. Unbeknownst to us, Paso is a very dog friendly town. Booker was exceptional. The wines which we obviously adore, and tasty tacos to keep our stomach noises at bay. They also provided the opportunity to taste some barrel futures as well as some library wines. Finally, we met a couple from Palo Alto who brought their rescued dog down with them. Definitely bringing Cassie next year, already looking forward to it.
After Booker we crossed the road to Venteaux. Hidden off of Booker Road, this hidden gem was one of our favorites this weekend. They’re also dog friendly, and had the most accommodating tasting room host. Our conversation drifted from wines, to dogs, to wine, to life, and so forth. Memorable follow up to Booker.
I also introduced Crystal to Epoch in Templeton which Justin Smith is the consulting wine maker. I enjoy Epoch because in my opinion they produce an approachable wine, meaning they’re great now or years from now. Where as Justin’s Saxum label need to sit for years before they’re anywhere near approachable. Epoch’s wines are much brighter, and show beautiful early.
Finally, we arrive at Terry Hoage, a winery I’ve been attempting to visit the past two times I’ve been in Paso. I guess third time’s a charm. What a treat. A fantastic experience with such wonderful wines. Our host here also introduced us to Basil a Thai restaurant downtown. Although we originally had plans at Artisan, our palettes quickly wished for a simple dinner of Thai…and so we did.
Wine tasting is easy to take too seriously, and often we forget to have fun. To contrast this seriousness we decided to pass on the serious food and order something comforting.
Thai food hit the spot. So hit the spot. Hot soup, pad thai, curry…yum. Then embarrassingly, I will have to admit we passed out sometime around 7pm - while it was still bright outside. How awesome is that?!
I woke up early Sunday morning. I mean, how many more hours do you need then 10? This was my view around 7am.
I allowed myself to take a stroll around Steve’s property and got an up close view of the hive Crystal spotted from our balcony the day prior.
Crystal also woke up shortly after and greeted Bailey, Steve’s chocolate lab mix, early in the morning. Bailey definitely added to our weekend - what a fun dog.
If every morning could be so enjoyable. Coffee, fresh air, a view, and no a worry in the world.
Crystal also balled up and enjoyed the morning on the balcony.
Before breakfast we went for a quick stroll. Once past the foxtails behind the house, it opened up to a mile loop which took us through undeveloped lots. We chatted about building a weekend home, then settled on just renting Steve’s place as it was more practical.
What a view. I would still rather have the Pacific Ocean.
Before we left, Steve offered us to taste some of his side projects. Specifically a 2011 Zinfandel. I was stunned, this definitely was not an amateur effort. Excited to see what he’s done with this in another year or so. After we bid our goodbyes, we found our way to Starr Ranch where we had a whimsy experience.
Ryan our host and part time winemaker showed us a memorable morning. In fact, this was our second favorite new winery of the weekend. If you’re into stars, astrology, karma, and the such you’ll enjoy Starr Ranch. Even if you don’t, like myself, you’ll have a good time. Good wine is just good wine. Good wine with stories and philosophy behind them are just so much more.
Next we ventured out to Justin, a winery Crystal really wanted to visit. I’ve never had anything outside of Justin’s Justification and Isosceles, so this was a learning opportunity for their other wines. We discovered probably one of the best value California cabernet sauvignons on the market as well as a few other wines which intrigued me; Isosceles Reserve, Savant an Focus.
After Justin we went to another big Paso name, Tablas Creek. Although I wasn’t a big Tablas Creek fan the first time I visited this is a place that continues to impress and wow me. As my personal appreciation of wines grow, my appreciation for what Tablas Creek is doing also grows. I’m glad I gave them a chance, and will continue to look forward to what they produce in the future. At this particular tasting, their grenache blanc was a surprise and we picked up a clipping for my folks.
Finally, we dropped into Adelaida Cellars where they poured us an outstanding example of Paso Robles Pinot Noir and a Syrah. If you enjoy port they also have a delicious dry port. At some point I left my Persol’s here, and was happy that they contacted me this morning to inform me that they’re shipping them up. *phew*
Due to the small fact that we needed to return to the San Francisco Bay Area that afternoon we decided to put a stop on wine tasting and take notes for the next trip. Ate a quick and light lunch at Farmstand 46 then headed onto HWY 101 North.
Paso Robles continues to surprise and impress. I haven’t grown tired of the area and continue to think it holds incredible promise. Looking very much forward to our next weekend, and hopefully more then a weekend, in Paso Robles.
Monday May 07th 2012, 1:26 pm
Filed under: Jibber Jabber
We celebrated Sunny’s birthday in Sonoma a couple weekends ago and although nearly everyone else did a day trip we decided to make a weekend out of it, and to bring Cassie along. One of the expectations in adding a pooch to our pack was the ability to travel with her, and although we’ve done plenty of day trips with her, this was the inaugural ‘big’ trip with an overnight component.
Sonoma was a heat sink this weekend and made our bones sweat. Didn’t do a whole lot of drinking the first day, but hung out at Chateau st. Jean’s impeccable picnic grounds for most of the day. It is also worth nothing that they do not allow dogs on the property, including its picnic grounds but was gracious enough to allow Cassie to romp round as long as she didn’t make a big scene. The weather was ridiculous, and dogs plus cars were just a bad idea.
We visited Mayo Family afterwards and was very proud of Cassie as she got along with both of the vineyard dogs on property. Mayo also produced wines which I thought were of great value. Shame it was not a shade cooler, we were just not in the mood to taste - surprise!
As we checked into the hotel for the evening Cassie was also on her best behavior. So far so good. Because you have to be ’serious’ when you taste wine, we wanted a casual dinner - especially as we were limited to outdoor sitting with Cassie. Crystal found this Peruvian joint in Santa Rosa called Sazon. Located in a gritty part of the neighborhood, it was the highlight of my trip. A hidden gem in a choppy area.
The following morning I found Crystal snuggled up with Cassie and our dog looking very content. I took her out to relieve her in the morning and let her bounce around the limited balcony area as if I ever had a dog that liked to soak up the sun it was Cassie.
It was a lazy morning, and both of us were recovering from the day prior. We got some tacos in the same neighborhood as Sazon then had to visit the Foster’s Freeze across the street. Worth it.
We trolled over the Merry Edwards in Sebastopol to pick up Crystal’s allocation then rather then the usual stop at Iron Horse we dropped into Hartford Family based on Merry Edward’s recommendation. Hartford had a lengthy tasting list and made very polarizing wines. We enjoyed some, and despised others. They had a rich buttery oaky chardonnay, but poured a crisp California style bright stainless chardonnay behind it. Strange place, but a haven from the afternoon sun.
Rather then stopping at a third winery we decided to call it a day and head back toward town. It took a few years, but we realized we really did not enjoy tasting in summer heat. Flying Goat Coffee in Santa Rosa had what we had on our hearts - coffee, or caffeine for the matter.
After we got our caffeine jolt Crystal fist-bumped all the way back home.
It was an eye-opening weekend. First time we were in Sonoma where wine wasn’t the primary focus. Although I don’t wish to undersell rearing children, a dog has become much more of a responsibility then I ever realized. This being said, I wouldn’t give it up for the world. Cassie behaved beautifully, and if anything only enhanced the weekend.
Friday April 13th 2012, 9:34 am
Filed under: Jibber Jabber
We typically visit Crystal’s aunt’s for Easter brunch and participate in a small Easter egg hunt. This year they were traveling so we were at a loss when it came for food.
Naturally the first thing I did was turn on the television to catch the Paris Roubaix race. Tom Boonen took his 4th win with an unreal break a way. Probably one of the most exciting finishes in recent history. Crystal was also cheering him on, it’s a start I guess.
Soon after the race Crystal fell asleep, Cassie decided to join her.
Because we don’t typically cook Easter dinner for just ourselves we were a bit confused. Finally decided on a small rack of lamb.
Wednesday April 11th 2012, 8:30 am
Filed under: Jibber Jabber
Toby contacted me a few weeks ago asking if Sportiva had any interest in participating in Campbell’s annual Easter parade. My response was, well…do you care if we put the Sportiva logo and a call to action on the sides of the cars? “No, not at all, they’re your cars!” Toby replied and so we brought down the Gallardo and the F360 for a romp down Campbell Ave.
Tru makes a vocal appearance around 7:00/7:01, then Justin does as well a few seconds after but the GoPro didn’t capture his voice. Great seeing everyone and we had fun doing it.
So, you think this racks up any points in the community service and good karma department?
Wednesday April 04th 2012, 8:37 am
Filed under: Jibber Jabber
You can tell a lot from how one keeps their desk. A lot of what? I’m still not sure, but I do find what and how people keep their desks interesting. Are they committed to work, family, hobbies, organized, disorganized, genius, efficient, inefficient, and so forth. If I had to describe my main desk it is work centric and impersonal. Although I’ve been meaning to, I don’t have photos strewn about - we live in a digital age these days, and everything on my desk with the exception of anti-bacterial gel, lotion and the stray gumball is work centric. It’s cluttered, but not overwhelmingly ‘messy’, as in I can still actually see my desk.
Paul Smith just posted photos of Paul’s original office on Floral Street. From his Facebook page:
Before our London Head Office, Paul’s office was located above the Floral Street shop in Covent Garden.
Paul’s current office is famed for its crowded arrangement of books, toys, paintings, photographs and objects. His office above number 43 Floral Steet was exactly the same.
Since moving to another location Paul’s office has remained as it was when he left in 2003 - frozen in time.
Monday April 02nd 2012, 10:48 am
Filed under: Jibber Jabber
Sia convinced me to take the Stumpjumper out this weekend to ride Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto. I figured I might as well have fun with the GoPro and mounted it on my front left suspension fork (yes, this took awhile to figure out and I was a bit sketched out as there was a lot of moving parts). The only section I was able to successfully record was our first ‘practice’ loop which is a super chill section of the preserve, just in front of the main parking lot.
When we finished this loop I couldn’t get the GoPro to record the single track on the opposite of the road. I didn’t spend too much time on trouble shooting, but it could be as easy as not having enough juice (it hasn’t been charged since the Elise through Napa videos).
Overall, the GoPro is great and I’m slowly getting the hang of this video editing mess.
Sunday March 25th 2012, 3:08 pm
Filed under: Jibber Jabber
Just because the holidays are over, it doesn’t mean the fun stops. Around this time every year the REI dividend ‘check’ arrives and it’s always fun to put it toward something else on the want (not need) list. The only actual outdoor trip I take annually is the Sykes trip and since that’s coming up there’s always a way to improve the experience. Last year it was the Vibram Five Fingers, this year it’s going to be an ENO hammock. Forget finding even ground, then dealing with clearing it. All I have to do is make like a bear and find two trees or mountain points and letting the ENO Strap system do the work - hopefully speaking anyways.
In addition to finding my REI dividend check this weekend I finally got my grubby hands on some real banh mi sandwiches. It’s been literally years, if not a decade or more since I’ve gotten real Vietnamese sandwiches from a hole in the wall East Side San Jose location (Yes, Lee’s Sandwiches hits the spot but it’s another thing entirely). Picked these up while running errands on Saturday and they really hit the spot. We consume a bunch of Italian cured meats, but the Vietnamese stuff doesn’t get enough credit. Pate makes everything delicious.
Finally, Crystal had a few of her friends over last night for a girls night in. Because I had nothing better to do I ended up playing private chef, waiter, and bus boy for them. Started the evening with a bellini bar - crushed honey crisp apples, puree mangos, and pulped grapefruit. Toast!
Saturday March 17th 2012, 4:42 pm
Filed under: Jibber Jabber
Late last year I committed to a Speedvagen build. Because I spend so much time in Sunnyvale these days, and the only real route I’m interested in riding contains a lengthy section of fire roads I figure if I were to build a new bike it would have to be a cyclocross as there’s no reason to replace the Kestrel. Speedvagen Cross bike deposits were due May 1, 2012 - I missed it by 16 days.
Looks like next year. Either way, because the ALS ride is in June this year, I’ll be riding the Kestrel. Looking forward to the day I can cross effortlessly from paved to gravel without missing a beat.
-Wallace
Ps. I’m an idiot. I somehow confused May with March. Need to stop working so much. Time to get my act together and send up a check. Thanks Vanilla Workshop!
Wednesday March 14th 2012, 7:16 pm
Filed under: Jibber Jabber
Maybe a couple of years ago or so I purchased new gloves. Something better fitted, something that would wear/age better, and something that greatly sufficient in every aspect which my previous gloves lacked. Through the years my old gloves sat in the door panel of my car, I was hellbent on benefiting a deserving beggar. As I left my meeting in West Portal this morning, just as I was about to turn onto 19th Ave there was a beggar begging in what was essentially storm grade downpour. Uncontrollable shiver, and unable to hold still if there was ever a more deserving benefactor I obviously have not seen him/her.
Well they’re gone, and hopefully this guy’s hands are somewhat warm. Onto the next item.
Saturday March 03rd 2012, 10:02 pm
Filed under: Jibber Jabber
Earlier this week Crystal’s mother sent her a care package, enclosed in that package was a Mochi Cookbook (I’m excited) and a toy for Cassie. The toy for Cassie was actually a toy from Crystal’s childhood, an Eeyore stuffed toy - which Cassie excitedly chased after.
So, during the week we’re not too sure what to do with Cassie and her separation anxiety. Due to the fact that both of our living situations share walls we aren’t willing to leave her at home in fear that our neighbors would begin plotting against us. As a result we took the easy way out and have been leaving her at Petsmart’s Doggie Daycare program which is actually really great. Most Dog Hotels bill anywhere from $30-35 per day, while Petsmart bills $22 per day, with every 11th day in a month free, and every now again we’d get a survey which knocks the rate down to $19 per day. Even so, it’s adding up and we need to start on addressing her separation anxiety.
What’s fun about the Petsmart program is that Cassie receives a Pawgress Report nearly every visit and these are essentially summaries of her day. They have been ranging from “Cassie had a good day” to “Cassie had a super fun filled day full of excitement!” What’s funny about these reports is that they often mention other dog names such as Stella, Coco, Zoe, or Thor and play pen items that Cassie often lounges on such as the kangaroo swing.
Stella is actually Cassie’s larger twin, I only know this because I ran into his owner and she surprised me because she didn’t greet me with a Hi, or Hello, but rather, “OMG THAT MUST BE CASSIE!!!” Imagine my surprise, then she went on to explain that the staff mentioned that there was a smaller dog that was the exact twin of Stella, but smaller and her name was Cassie.
So that’s one down, but who’s Coco, Zoe, Thor and the other dogs mentioned. And, what in the world is a kangaroo swing?!
