Blog-lag: posting the past as the present...?

I meant to post an entry about last weekend when I went out for a bite and caught some "new" music. I've decided not to turn this blog into one of those places to criticize restaurants, etc.. because lord knows how much I despise yelp and it's ilk. Anyway.. I HAVE decided to use it for, at the very least, my own entertainment and yours.. GOOD, now that matter is cleared up and to just blurb about what's going on in my 'hood (a week ago).

This (last) Sunday, Polarchip (my Sister's name will remain anon at her request) invited me to check out some "new" music at SF Sound. What is "new" music? Let's just call it "experimental" for the sake of keeping it simple. Before I get ahead of myself, I'll tell you about the restaurant where we ate before the show. We walked into this place called Maverick, a block away from SF Sound's Theater, because it looked cute, small, and near enough to run to the concert if it got too late. I had a little wine, and ordered a few of their "first dishes". Pretty much, I just got a whole bunch of their appetizers and skipped getting an entree. Ribs, asparagus spears, and some spinach graten. The ribs were ok. Not as tasty as the Malaysian place that Sis and I found. Asparagus is asparagus is asparagus. The spinach and white bean graten was pretty damn delicious though. It all added up to a big meal in the end. I think Sis would agree when I say probably the best part were the little salads or greens that accompany the dishes. Tasty tasty! El.. I mean.. Polarchip shared her "ceviche styled" scallops and potato leek soup. David had what I thought was an interesting take on vegetable lasagna. They make their own pasta to order, and it was as much fun to look at as it was to taste. It was interesting.. next time, photos?

I'm not trying to plug Maverick, but I AM recommending getting a little wine and food before exposing yourself to experimental music for the first time. I guess... it takes the edge off? It's nice to not be hungry when you're trying to open your mind to something new, y'know? Anyway.. I took a few mental notes... some associations I made with the sounds that I heard. Here's the short list:

An 8 yr. old having a tantrum at a piano keyboard.
Psychadelic hearing test. (I felt like involuntarily raising my right hand several times)
Instrument dissassembly plant where the musicians are still connected.
The future sound of car doors left open or keys left in ignition.

Visit http://www.sfsound.org for a taste.

My favorite (and not just because he's a friend of David and "Polarchip") was "the eye (unblinking)" by David Bithell. It was entertaining just as much as it was educational. Maybe because I'm a sucker for a light show? It could have been that it was very playful and light compared to the serious air surrounding some of the other pieces. I had a fun time and got a great introduction to the genre. I also really enjoyed the improv session that a few of the musicians played in the first half of the concert. I'd do it again. I think. A special mention too, before I forget, was that it was really nice to meet Chippy's friend Ellie. I know how fond of her she is, and it's always nice to meet the people in her life that make her feel all goopy and sweet inside.

Thursday-Gra : Big Night Out

Went to Nola's in Palo Alto last night. It was a birthday party for a friend of mine, and we had the big private room upstairs. It's a cool little spot.. we fit 15-16 people in there. On to the food: The crab cakes were pretty awesome, and the appi platter was pretty grub too. Unfortunately, I wasn't too excited about the blackened catfish I ordered for my entree. It looked like people were enjoying the flank steak and the etouffe. That was probably a better bet. We ordered up about five huge pitchers of sangria too.. so all in all it was great fun.

As if that wasn't enough partying for the night.. I had another friend who was celebrating his b-day the same night. I caught a ride back up to the city and met up with him at Hemlock. This bar over on Post and Sutter is pretty cool. It's dark, they have pool, and they serve PBR in bottles. 'Nuff said. I think the star of the night had to go to Mr. Pickles. Mr. Pickles is (now a very fat) female chihuahua. The awesome part is that she's registered as a service animal so Mr. Pickles can go to Giants games, out to bars, restaurants, etc. Sis.. you should probably look into this.

After Hemlock we checked out R-Bar and Blur. We stopped by Vertigo but it was dead. R-Bar was alright but the people were a little on the obnoxious side.. a bunch of loud English dudes dressed like frat boys. My praise for R-Bar is that they serve Olympia in cans there. Blur was cool. Definitely more chill than R-Bar. They have free lollipops and Shannon the bartender is pretty cool. Big night out.

Congratulations! It a new baby blog!

Thanks to your inspiration, my darling Sis, you are the proud Aunty of spankin' new blog. All because of a little vinegarette recipe that you love. And without further ado.. here it is:

1 clove garlic (more for better breath, less if you don't have it around)
1 to 2 tsp. Dijon style mustard
Pinch of basil and/or oregano (totally optional, but tasty)
Couple dashes of pepper (white, black, cayenne, just to give it a little kick)
A squeeze of lemon
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/4 c. good olive oil

I made you a bottle of your very own so you can leave it at work! :)