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Monday, April 30, 2012

SUNNY SIDE ATTITUDE/Dessert Series Continues






GUEST BLOG: By Kate Carpenter, Baker/Owner

A new beginning in a lifelong journey with food

Since I was a kid I have loved watching my mom cook. She

knows her way around the kitchen ancreates amazing meals and treats. In college my appreciation for food continued. As a cafeteria worker, I cut cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon until my hands were puckered.

I graduated SDSU with a degree in journalism but continued working in the food industry. From the college cafeteria I went to one of the most popular delicatessens in the area: D.Z. Akins. The Jewish style deli is famous for its mile high corned beef on rye and fresh pickles on every table. I didn’t get anywhere near the kitchen, but I ate everything in sight.

Eventually I landed a job in journalism, and somehow made my way into the position of food editor. I happily reported on local cooking classes, interviewed cookbook authors, announced new cookbooks of all varieties and even went away for a weekend junket in California’s pistachio country.

All along the way I collected recipes. My bookshelves became heavy with cookbooks and brochures and handouts. I clipped recipes from magazines and newspapers and printed anything and everything.

Ten years of journalism later, I jumped into public relations. We always liked our restaurant clients best, knowing journalists and food are meant for each other like peanut butter and chocolate.

My 14 years in PR was amazing. But when the economy and personal circumstances created an opportunity to bow out, I did.

Sunny Side Kitchen was born Nov. 1, 2011. It’s an exciting new beginning in a lifelong journey with food. Please, join me!

Note: Sunny Side owners Kate and Bob Carpenter can be found at Farmer’s Markets all over San Diego County. Check their website for locations.


Sunny Side Kitchen

970 West Valley Parkway, Ste 437

(between Date St & Tulip St)
Escondido,
CA 92025

760-470-2468

http://www.sunnysidekitchen.com

Sunday, April 29, 2012

FIFTIES DESIGN IS WONDERFUL--PERIOD.



WE EAMES TO PLEASE—Yes, this blog is big on craftsman bungalows, art and décor, but if someday (soon) we land the lottery and can afford a penthouse condo along San Diego’s waterfront, we’d furnish it in 50s décor. For like-minded individuals here’s a starter RESOURCE LIST of places in San Diego to shop or stroll this wonderful world of MID-CENTURY retro design and furnishings.



Boomerang for Modern. Since 1985. Check BfM’s website for other Mid-Century friends.

2475 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619-239-2040

www.boomerangformodern.com


Klassik. Mid-century, Danish modern

989 West Kalmia, Little Italy, 619-92101

www.klassikdesign.com


Design One. Mid-century furnishings and art

3789 ½ Park Blvd., Uptown, 619-501-2057

www.designonemodern.com


Atomic Bazaar. Eclectic selection vintage & mid-century

3816 Park Blvd., Uptown, 619-534-8397

www.theatomicgazaar.com


Ambianic. Mid-Century collectibles

4219 Park Blvd., Uptown, 619-279-3722

www.ambianic.com


Nest Vintage. Retro furnishings

830 25th Street, Golden Hill, 619-756-7491

nestvintage.com


Mid-Century Design. Retro furnishings

3795 Park Blvd., Uptown, 619-295-4832


Resource: Terrific Mid-Century Blog: www.modernsandiego.com

Idea source: David Skelley, Boomerang for Modern.

Images: Top: Boomerang for Modern; Lower: Atomic Bazaar

Saturday, April 28, 2012

ARCHIVE / CHEESE, PLEASE WITH AMAZING CRAFT BEER




SAN DIEGO SIZZLES—What is extremely tasty about San Diego County’s love affair with all things craft beer is the fact so many brewpubs and restaurants are jumping on board by creating amazing adventures in pairing local cuisine with remarkable local craft beers.
For example, this Sunday Cueva Bar, an energetic neighborhood restaurant with a gregarious crew led by chef/owner Oz Blackaller, is hosting “Artisan Cheese and Craft Beer Pairing, featuring cheese from local shop Venissimo in Mission Hills.
The pairing is a co-op between Cueva Bar, Venissimo and Eric Barajas from tasting event planners BeerNerdz.
First seating is sold out, but according to Westcoastersd.com (this blog’s source for all things craft beer) there is space still available for the 6 to 7:30 pm seating.
PAIRINGS PLANNED:
--Green Flash’s Saison Diego with Humboldt Fog goat cheese
--Alpine Beer Co & New Belgium Brewing Co.’s recent collaboration Gouden Vallei that’s paired with a homemade house cheese.
--Ballast Point’s Sculpin IPA with Barbers Cheddar
--Alesmiths Old Numbskull Barleywine with a collection of four different cheeses.
Price: $40 per person.
Location:
Cueva Bar, 2123 Adams Avenue (University Heights), San Diego CA 92116, 619-6612 & Email: cuevarestaurant@gmail.com
Participants:
--Cueva Bar: www.cuevabar.com
--Venissimo: www.venissimo.com
--BeerNerdz: www.foodnerz.com
Image caption: BeerNerdz Eric Barajas (left) with Cueva Bar’s Oz Blackaller.
News and image courtesy of West Coaster, www.westcoastersd.com
Disclaimer: While this blog does not have advertisers, we do network for news with the following publications: San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles, West Coaster Craft Beer Monthly and Blog and North Park News.

Friday, April 27, 2012

NEIGHBORHOOD MANDOLIN ORCHESTRA SELLING OUT PERFORMANCES

STRINGS ATTACHED--The New Expression Mandolin Orchestra, founded and directed by Chris Acquavella, returns to NEM’s live stage for its second season concert, April 28th, 7 pm at New Expression Music store in North Park (San Diego), 4434 30th St., 619-280-9035. It sold out last season, so if you are interested, reserve your tickets now.

These folks performed here a few months back to a standing room only crowd. $15 general admission, $10 studentsFor a YouTube view of a recent performance go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPphW2xnbuA

New Expression Music Store is housed in 8,000 sq. feet of space in the Morse Alarm Building. NEM has been serving the folk community in San Diego since 1972. They have a huge staff of teachers who are not only superb musicians in their own right, but are also experts in teaching students to become accomplished players. The retail store, just to your left inside the store features guitars, banjos, mandolins, autoharps, violins, ukuleles and many other instruments for beginners or pros.

http://www.sdoldtimemusic.com/Image courtesy of Gary Payne, first chair to the left of conductor.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

ARCHIVE / SIDEWALK SENSATIONAL IN SAN DIEGO



SKATE BOARD CULTURE: Ramp It Up: Skateboard Culture in Native America at Balboa Park’s San Diego Museum of Man makes its West Coast debut Saturday, April 28.

Originally created by the Smithsonian Institution, Ramp It Up showcases the vibrant impact skateboarding has had on Native American communities. Come learn how skateboarding developed, from its origins in Native Hawaiian communities, to the Southern California surf culture, to the rest of the United States and beyond.

See the athletes who pioneered key moves in the sport. Explore the stories of Native-run companies that are leveraging skateboarding to teach their heritage and bring their youths together. As part of this installation, SDMoM will also have a half pipe mini-skate ramp inside the museum that will be open selected hours for public free skate and professional demonstrations.

All activities are included in the price of SDMoM admission. See www.museumofman.org/rampitup for more details about upcoming public programs,including professional skateboard demonstrations, and ramp operating hours.

Source: Ramp It Up: Skateboard Culture in Native America is organized by the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian and circulated by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

FENWAY FANS GET THE SAVE BY COMING TO AID OF AUTISTIC MAN SINGING NATIONAL ANTHEM

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION—A lot of us love baseball because the so-called national pastime is participation sport as well as a spectator event. Folks who don’t have a clue about the game can join in the festive atmosphere and have a good time—chatting among ourselves.

Every now and then a reason for having hope about mankind comes into play. This time at Fenway Park in Boston, where an autistic man was having difficulties singing our national anthem.

The following YouTube clip says in 2 minutes why we love the game and gives hope that we do care about our fellow man. It's called human kindness and proves life is a participation event.

So to save you from downloading a site from the Internet go to You Tube and enter the following phrase: "autistic man singing national anthem gets some help"

Thanks to Michael Evans at San Diego Home/Garden for sending this to this blog. 


 Image: Screen shot captures the moment when the singer faltered and the sign language interpreter realized the entire stadium was there to back up the singer.


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO BAY BRIDGE TIME LAPSE

SPANNING TIME—Beginning in 2009 to the present here are four time lapse photos of construction progress on the new San Francisco/Alameda County area Bay Bridge every year on April 14 through today.

 The 75-year-old span’s new eastside will open for traffic Labor Day 2013.

 Website to explore construction progress place the following Internet address in your search engine http://baybridgeinfo.org/construction-cams#.T4dgQppSQbUin June of 2011. 

 Video of inside the new Bay Bridge: http://baybridgeinfo.org/media/video/inside-bay-bridge#.T4eBJppSQbU
Images courtesy: CalTrans: Top to lower: April 2012, April 2011, April 2010 and April 2009

Monday, April 23, 2012

EXCELLENT CUISINE FOR A GREAT CAUSE/UPDATED

Foodie Update: Dine at Little Italy’s Bencotto Italian Kitchen (750 West Fir St. @ India St.) on Monday, April 23rd and 100% of your check will be donated to Rady Children's Hospital, in appreciation for Rady's service to the owners' family this past year. Feel free to throw in a little extra donation; they do great work.

Mangia Bene!
 

















UPDATE: Matt Gordon, Chef at Urban Solace in North Park attended this dinner for Rady Children's Hospital.  He report having a great meal and the night raised $9,200 for Rady's Children Hospital. What a terrific idea that was by Bencotto management--Ed.

Source: Little Italy Merchants Assn.  Images: Bencotto Italian Kitchen website

Sunday, April 22, 2012

SUNDAY REVIEW / APRIL IS THE COOLEST MONTH FOR POETS

POETRY MONTH—Yes, it was Thomas Stearns Eliot, a Nobel Prize winner, who penned in his “The Waste Land,” the popular line: April is the cruelest month. But, here we’re a bit more optimistic because April is the coolest month as poetry is celebrated across the country and California during National Poetry Month.

One of the leading national poetry websites belongs to www.poets.org, whose editors have compiled the list of small presses (see below). Click on the website’s California section and you’ll be reminded that Carol Muske-Dukes is the state poet laureate. Also, available on the site is networking opportunities with a roster of groups such as the Independent Writers of Southern California.

Not on the website, however, is D.G. Wills, the bookstore popular with poets and non-poets like (7461 Girard Avenue, La Jolla, 858-456-1800). Dennis Wills has been in business for more than 20 years. The bookstore is right out of central casting, including being next door to a wonderful coffee house. What else does a budding poet need?

Since you asked, poets need to be published. And, the following list of small presses will give you that chance. But be smart about it. Go the old fashioned route. Don’t call or email. Go to the website of each journal and do your homework as to what they focus on publishing. Then write a cover letter to the editor describing your style of poetry. Enclose your poetry with self-stamped envelope and patiently wait for fame and fortune to come knocking.In the meantime, for the latest in California’s poetry scene wander through the websites of these wonderful journals. Sample what they publish. After all, it is Poetry Month.

CALIFORNIA SMALL POETRY PRESSES & JOURNALS

Apple Valley Review--www.applevalleyreview.comThe Apple Valley Review, a semiannual online literary journal, was founded in 2005. It is published in the spring and fall of the year. Each issue features a collection of new poetry, short fiction, and essays.

Avec Books--www.avecbooks.orgAvec Books publishes innovative contemporary poetry that deals with the Central California region. The journal also accepts articles and editorials relating to Central California poetry.

Bear Star Press--www.bearstar.comFounded in 1996, Bear Star Bear Star Press is located in the foothills of rural northern California and publishes poetry (& occasional literary fiction) by writers living west of the central time zone. Each year they award the Dorothy Brunsman Poetry Prize ($1,000 and publication) to a writer from the region.

City Lights Publishers--www.citylights.comSince 1955, City Lights has been an independent publisher of cutting-edge literature and books on compelling social and political issues. The publishers formed City Lights Foundation, a nonprofit educational and cultural organization, with the goal of advancing literacy and the literary arts. Book lovers can make a pilgrimage to the City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco to check out the best that's published in a wide range of subject areas.

Fourteen Hills--www.14hills.netSince its inception in 1996, Fourteen Hills has held an impressive reputation within international literary magazines for publishing the highest-quality innovative poetry, fiction, short plays, and literary non-fiction. A publication of San Francisco State University's Creative Writing Program, the biannual journal is committed to presenting a great diversity of experimental and progressive work by emerging and cross-genre writers, as well as by award-winning and established authors.

Kelsey St. Press--www.kelseyst.comKelsey St. Press has been publishing innovative writing by women since 1974. The Press administers the Frances Jaffer Book Award for a first book of poetry. In the mid-1980's Kelsey St. initiated a unique series of collaborations between visual artists and poets. Kelsey St. coordinates the collaborations and then documents the results.

Mary--www.stmarys-ca-edu/eternal/mary/index.htmlSaint Mary's College's online literary journal of contemporary poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction by established and emerging writers.

New American Writing--www.newamericanwriting.comFounded in 1986, New American Writing is a literary magazine that emphasizes contemporary American poetry. The magazine appears once a year in early June and is distinctive for publishing a range of innovative contemporary writing.

Poetry Flash--www.poetryflash.orgPoetry Flash is a poetry review and literary calendar for the West. Poetry Flash started the annual Watershed Environmental Poetry Festival with Robert Hass. Heyday Books and Poetry Flashhave collaborated to produce a series of poetry books intended to showcase, document, and celebrate poetry in California and will release four volumes annually.

Poetry International--www.poetryinternational.sdsu.eduSan Diego State University's annual literary journal surveys a wide range of contemporary poetry in America. Each issue also includes a translation section which features poetry from many countries of the world translated into English. San Diego State University Press publishes the journal.

Red Hen Press--www.redhen.orgFounded in 1994, Red Hen Press is a nonprofit literary press which publishes 16-20 high quality innovative titles a year in poetry, literary fiction, creative non-fiction, counter culture and education, including The Los Angeles Review.

Rattle--www.rattle.comPublishing out of Studio City since 1994, Rattle is an independent, national poetry journal. Each issue features interviews with two contemporary poets, and a tribute section with poetry written by a specific ethnic, vocational, or stylistic group. The journal also features the annual Rattle Poetry Prize, which offers $5,000 for a single poem.

Small Press Distribution--www.spdbooks.orgFounded in 1969 in Berkeley, SPD is the only wholesaler in the country dedicated exclusively to independently published literature. SPD gives the public access to the broad spectrum of literature published today by distributing books to bookstores, libraries, and readers.

The Threepenny Review--www.threepennyreview.comThe Threepenny Review is a quarterly review of the arts and society. Each issue contains new poetry, short fiction, personal memoirs, and essays on books, film, theater, dance, music, architecture, visual arts, television, and politics.

University of California Press--www.ucpress.eduAs the nonprofit publishing arm of the University of California, the Press publishes a full spectrum of distinguished works, including poetry. The University of California Press also offers electronic versions of almost all of its journal titles and over 500 books online, many of them out of print.

ZYZZYVA--www.zyzzyva.orgStarted in 1985, this long-running and well-respected journal publishes only West Coast writers and artists, featuring poetry, fiction, art, photos. Published triannually.

Source: www.poets.org


SUNDAY REVIEW—A new online literary review appearing exclusively on Pillar to Post (www.tomshess.blogspot.com).