While I had every best intention to introduce a family member from the East Coast to the incredible views and pork sliders at Nelson's Terranea...well, you know what they say about the best laid plans.
Monday was the day. Perfect for patio seats nearthe Pacific. The sun was bright, the day was clear, and the weather was warm. However, on the East Coast, a blizzard was brewing. Before heading out, we checked online for flight info. Ugh. Ugh and double ugh. 45 minutes later - mission accomplished on a new flight schedule for Wed, however, the sun was about to setting. We agreed to go the next day.
Tuesdaywas cold and grey. Upon arrival to Terranea at the valet, announced Nelson's was closed due to a private party.
Undeterred to enjoy some of the best that PV has to offer , we headed a little further down the road to Trump's. It had been awhile. Even so, there was a perfect 4 top waiting for us - with a great view of the sunset. Better yet, there is a Happy Hour menu. Who knew? This was an easy call. We are a family of calamari lovers. Order a cold beer, calamari, fish tacos and chicken sliders. Wow. A smorgashborg of yumminness. Trump still has the best, perfectly breaded and cooked calamri rings and tentacles with spicy aoli sauce. While I do miss the bed of Asian slaw from several chef ago - it was still top notch. The fish tacos - 3 generous portions, fresh lettuce, sweet onion - really good! There were 4 blackened chicken sliders on each corner and a pile of fries in the middle of the plate. Generous portions! While good - the tacos and calamari were great and there was way too much food to finish.
We left very happy for the experience and knew another East Coast family member would really enjoy this. I also mentioned it to a couple of friends and neighbors so I can see more Trump in my future!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Terranea
While I have mentioned Terranea Resort several times in my various blogs -thought it was worth mentioning Nelson's again. Taco Tuesday is truly a reason to celebrate at the on start of the week. Sit and relax with great views of the Pacific ocean and catch the sunset as you enjoy a casual dinner. The Taco Bar is really very good - especially the freshly made salsa and guacamole. The first time I went with neigbhors they had pork which was out of this world - the last couple times - it was steak and chicken. They say they alternate to change things up but someone on staff told me it takes 16 hours to prepare the pork - so with labor charges - I would gather the pork tacos are way less frequent. Taco Tuesday - $15 all you can enjoy and $4 Margaritas or $4 Hefenweizen during Happy Hour.
While I am no longer a big meat eater, I do enjoy it occassionally - which lead me to enjoy a recent Happy Hour and select an appetizer that Pork Sliders - wow - amazingly good - the shredded pork I love with coleslaw in a mini Hawaiian bun. The rich meat, in a sweet bun with coleslaw that was crisp, and fresh was the perfect combo. You could enjoy this and nothing else for dinner - while it's not exactly spa cuisine, it is not overfilling. just right.
Highly recommend both - but now I think Happy Hour with the $4 beer and my new favorite - the $7 sliders.
While I am no longer a big meat eater, I do enjoy it occassionally - which lead me to enjoy a recent Happy Hour and select an appetizer that Pork Sliders - wow - amazingly good - the shredded pork I love with coleslaw in a mini Hawaiian bun. The rich meat, in a sweet bun with coleslaw that was crisp, and fresh was the perfect combo. You could enjoy this and nothing else for dinner - while it's not exactly spa cuisine, it is not overfilling. just right.
Highly recommend both - but now I think Happy Hour with the $4 beer and my new favorite - the $7 sliders.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
You Need to Know: Katherine Wagner
Title: CEO of the Business Council for the Arts, a nonprofit arts advocacy organizationWhy you need to know her:
Because Wagner and her team at the Business Council for the Arts are using culture to reel in Dallas commerce. The council has dedicated itself to merging two things Dallasites love: art and economic development. “All of our members … subscribe to the idea that you need a strong arts and culture center to create a strong economy,” says Wagner, noting that the arts employ people, boost tourism, and keep dollars in North Texas.
With about 100 members and an annual budget nearing $400,000, the council busies itself organizing research and awareness projects like an economic impact study, Public ArtWalk Dallas, and the Leadership Arts Institute. Membership fees range from $800 to $3,000 and are assessed on a sliding scale, depending on a company’s annual revenue.
Wagner, who headed the Dallas Visual Arts Center for a decade, grabbed the council reins from longtime CEO Pat Porter last year. Now she’s focused on creating new programs and expanding existing ones to further mesh the business community with arts organizations. Dallas has entered what Wagner calls a modern-day renaissance. She says, “We really need to grab ahold of it, maximize it, optimize it, and enjoy it.”
PS That's my sister!!! Way to go sis!
Friday, July 30, 2010
I was sent this link from my mother this morning.
These are the songs she remembers singing during World War II when she was a little girl.
I actually remember her singing some of these songs growing up although I can't recall the occassion.
It's great to see something positive being done for our troops who so much to our country.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MtdIO23MKM
These are the songs she remembers singing during World War II when she was a little girl.
I actually remember her singing some of these songs growing up although I can't recall the occassion.
It's great to see something positive being done for our troops who so much to our country.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MtdIO23MKM
Friday, June 4, 2010
BP oil spill
In June of 2008 I wrote the following:
My response to Daniel Henninger's comment, "This is the year Americans joined the real world of energy costs. Now someone needs to explain to them why we -- and we alone -- are sitting on an ocean of energy but we won't drill for it," is simply one word: Good. Good that we won't drill. If Mr. Henninger needs an explanation, then surely his mind has been affected by the asphalt jungle. As a resident of Palos Verdes in Southern California, I walk the coastline daily. It is one of the most inspiring, uplifting, calming, rejuvenating experiences one can enjoy. To roll the dice on more drilling is foolhardy. We shouldn't be consuming so much oil anyhow. Our dependence on oil causes wars, damages the environment and fuels the fires of economic downturns like the one we are facing now. When "How much does it take to fill up your gas tank?" is the most common question asked these days, it's time to get our heads on straight. No to Mr. Henninger's mantra of drill, drill, drill.
My thoughts now...
In 2008, I responded to an article on offshore drilling. I was opposed. One respondent felt drilling was a God-given right. “Even the cavemen used or consumed their God-given resources. If they didn't, where would we be today?” What kind of thought process is that? In light of the worst environmental disaster in US history, God given resources includes 1) health (i.e. the well-being of the BP clean-up workers), 2) commerce (such as tourism and fishing industries) and 3) the stewardship of delicate eco-systems (wetlands, coastline and sandy beaches, et al).
It’s not about oil. God-given resources are about choices. Deep water drilling without disaster and mitigation planning lacks common sense. It is greedy. Fines are a slap on the wrist.
Let’s start levying penalties directly correlating to profits. Oil companies will stop viewing safety and environmental violations as an acceptable way of doing business.
While we are stymied on the current disaster, it is noteworthy to add that other countries are leap years ahead of us in alternative energy and energy conservation. Let’s get America moving in the right direction and not get further mired in oil like the floundering, dying state birds of Louisiana.
Some lessons are learned the hard way.
My response to Daniel Henninger's comment, "This is the year Americans joined the real world of energy costs. Now someone needs to explain to them why we -- and we alone -- are sitting on an ocean of energy but we won't drill for it," is simply one word: Good. Good that we won't drill. If Mr. Henninger needs an explanation, then surely his mind has been affected by the asphalt jungle. As a resident of Palos Verdes in Southern California, I walk the coastline daily. It is one of the most inspiring, uplifting, calming, rejuvenating experiences one can enjoy. To roll the dice on more drilling is foolhardy. We shouldn't be consuming so much oil anyhow. Our dependence on oil causes wars, damages the environment and fuels the fires of economic downturns like the one we are facing now. When "How much does it take to fill up your gas tank?" is the most common question asked these days, it's time to get our heads on straight. No to Mr. Henninger's mantra of drill, drill, drill.
My thoughts now...
In 2008, I responded to an article on offshore drilling. I was opposed. One respondent felt drilling was a God-given right. “Even the cavemen used or consumed their God-given resources. If they didn't, where would we be today?” What kind of thought process is that? In light of the worst environmental disaster in US history, God given resources includes 1) health (i.e. the well-being of the BP clean-up workers), 2) commerce (such as tourism and fishing industries) and 3) the stewardship of delicate eco-systems (wetlands, coastline and sandy beaches, et al).
It’s not about oil. God-given resources are about choices. Deep water drilling without disaster and mitigation planning lacks common sense. It is greedy. Fines are a slap on the wrist.
Let’s start levying penalties directly correlating to profits. Oil companies will stop viewing safety and environmental violations as an acceptable way of doing business.
While we are stymied on the current disaster, it is noteworthy to add that other countries are leap years ahead of us in alternative energy and energy conservation. Let’s get America moving in the right direction and not get further mired in oil like the floundering, dying state birds of Louisiana.
Some lessons are learned the hard way.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Grey Whale Spotted
My evening walk lead me in a different direction. Rain had washed out the dirt path of Ocean Front and so undeterred, I turned back and headed towards the lighthouse. As I neared the Point Vicente Interpetive Center, I saw a group of onlookers standing outside the building looking out towards the ocean. There is a little outdoor amphitheater and trekked up the steps and noticed the onlookers were of varying age, size, ethnicity, dress and I thought it was wonderful how admiring nature is universal. "See any whales today" I asked? The middle-aged Japanese couple next to me said "Yes...look over there" and almost on cue, a plume of water was spotted and you could hear everyone ooh and ah. What joy it brought. It had been 8 minutes since the grey whale had popped up before. A young Indian father lifted his beautiful little girl on the stone wall so she could see better. She looked through her binoculars made of two empty roles of toilet paper tied together with string. She was so cute as she earnestly pointed to the waters exclaiming, "Pappa, I see something!" A volunteer who helps track grey whale activity stated that there were 8 grey whale sitings today and one finn whale. What a great way to enjoy the sunset on beautiful Palos Verdes peninsula
Here's info on the
Point Vicente Interpretive Center:
This beautiful park, located adjacent to the Pt. Vicente Lighthouse, offers recreational and educational opportunities to the public..The Interpretive Center opened in 1984 with a mission to present and interpret the unique features and history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The almost 10, 000 square foot newly expanded Interpretive Center, re-opened on July 15, 2006, features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Peninsula, with a special emphasis on the Pacific gray whale. This premier whale watch site provides spectacular opportunities to view the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale, from December through April.
Here's info on the
Point Vicente Interpretive Center:
This beautiful park, located adjacent to the Pt. Vicente Lighthouse, offers recreational and educational opportunities to the public..The Interpretive Center opened in 1984 with a mission to present and interpret the unique features and history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The almost 10, 000 square foot newly expanded Interpretive Center, re-opened on July 15, 2006, features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Peninsula, with a special emphasis on the Pacific gray whale. This premier whale watch site provides spectacular opportunities to view the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale, from December through April.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Who to donate to, to help Haiti?
I asked my mother which organization she was going to donate to, or had already donated to, to help Haiti. We went through out list together. There are a lot of great organizations out there - - I want my money to be used with immediate affect and a "boots on the ground" non-profit that focuses on what the news reports indicated are most pressing - much need water, food, medical care, sanitation and shelter. I have selected Unicef for starters since their focus is on protecting children.
(from the Unicef website)
Five days on, UNICEF and its partners are intensifying emergency operations to protect the health and safety of children at risk. One critical concern involves children who have become separated from their families and may find themselves without shelter, food, water or other basic necessities. Because children are particularly susceptible to diarrhoeal diseases, they urgently need access to safe water and proper sanitation in the immediate aftermath of disasters such as the Haiti earthquake.
VIDEO: Watch now
To help meet the needs of these and other children in Haiti – where almost half the population is under 18 years of age – UNICEF is sending supplies to the quake zone as quickly as possible. Besides supplies that were already in the country, aid is coming from UNICEF's pre-positioned regional stocks in Panama. Additional shipments are being dispatched from the agency's central warehouse in Copenhagen, Denmark.
This is what I like about Unicef - immediate and swift action.
(from the Unicef website)
Five days on, UNICEF and its partners are intensifying emergency operations to protect the health and safety of children at risk. One critical concern involves children who have become separated from their families and may find themselves without shelter, food, water or other basic necessities. Because children are particularly susceptible to diarrhoeal diseases, they urgently need access to safe water and proper sanitation in the immediate aftermath of disasters such as the Haiti earthquake.
VIDEO: Watch now
To help meet the needs of these and other children in Haiti – where almost half the population is under 18 years of age – UNICEF is sending supplies to the quake zone as quickly as possible. Besides supplies that were already in the country, aid is coming from UNICEF's pre-positioned regional stocks in Panama. Additional shipments are being dispatched from the agency's central warehouse in Copenhagen, Denmark.
This is what I like about Unicef - immediate and swift action.
Future donation considerations include Heifer.org - their focus is on rebuilding and self sufficiency. Catholic Relief Fund may be another - I think this is very appropos since the population is largely in Haiti, in addition to the good work they do. Doctors without Borders I will also give to, althought I did not see a special fund dedicated to Haiti.
This time, I am dependent on organizations to provide aide. I've helped with house-builds in Mexico and in Long Beach, I've soliciting donations for the Tsunami, donated time for the Red Cross but the time that I felt most useful, was when I flew myself to San Antonio to provide hands-on help at one of the shelters to the evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. The feeling of contributing and of providing some level of comfort to those who have suffered devastating loss, is a gift.
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