All Dogs are Beautiful

There is a small private school near my house called Realms of Inquiry. I walked by there with Floyd just now and there were a few students in the yard, each of them no more than 7 years old. One of them shouted, "That sure is a beautiful dog you've got there!" To which another young child said, "Emmy, all dogs are beautiful!"

Peaches

Last night could only be described as a night of party kids, hipsters, drag queens, lesbians, go-go dancers in cages, douchebags and a sexy performer that blurs the line between male and female. In a past life, this would have been a typical Friday or Saturday (or Wednesday or Thursday or Tuesday) night for me, but since today I am slightly older, mildly wiser and live further away from the epicenter of the "eclectic" lifestyle, nights like these are rarer, yet no less enjoyable.

John, my beautiful and witty neighbor Syd and I were at In The Venue to see the one and only Peaches, a singer that can only be described as raunchy goodness. Peaches is everything Madonna was trying to be in her last tour, but could never be because she's Madonna, and Peaches is the real deal. The show was packed with her provocative electronica music, several costume changes, crowd surfing and backup musician hotties. My favorite outfit involved a flashing light crotch thong over a nude leotard. If buying a CD called Impeach My Bush makes you a bit sheepish, Peaches may not be for you, but if you like to let loose once in a while, check her out. She puts on an awesome show.

While last night made me nostalgic for those crazy, carefree days of my early twenties, it also made me really happy to be exactly where I am, and grateful for the journey that got me here.

Cookie Cutters Belong in the Kitchen

Today a Hispanic female, Judge Sonia Sotomeyer, was nominated to the Supreme Court and I was thrilled to hear the news, not just for its historical significance, but because her credentials and experience appear to be top notch. It's exciting to see some of our longest held institutions finally reflecting the evolving diversity of this country.

Starts with a Gal, Ends with a Kis

Sadly, Memorial Day weekend is drawing to a close and it's back to the daily grind in the morning. It was a relaxing and productive weekend though, and now we're set for the next two weekends in a row which will be busy busy.

John and I saw this comedian, Zach Galifianakis, at a benefit for 826 Valencia in SF about 4 years ago, and just this past weekend caught a movie/documentary he made in 2006. It is mostly footage of his stand-up routine shot at the Purple Onion in SF and some behind the scenes interviews. If you have a Netflix account I highly recommend watching it, especially since you can easily stream it straight to your computer. Though he's much funnier live, the movie is at times laugh-out-loud hilarious. Here's a short video of part of one of his routines. I love the bit about reading the bible in public places. If he comes to a city near you, don't miss him!

In other entertainment news, I am seriously obsessed with the angelic voice of Susan Boyle. I can't watch her without getting wheepy! What an inpiration. Go Susan!!!

Girl on a Swing

Check out this cool video that John shot of a little baby being pushed on a swing. This is just a few blocks from our house.

Alice Waters in Training

On the menu for last night's Sunday dinner: A Chez Panisse inspired meal of citrus-herb marinated whole chicken, brined overnight, slow roasted and smoked on the grill. We also had a golden and red beet salad w/ goat cheese and fennel salt.



I was a bit nervous since I had never smoked anything on the grill before, but the chicken turned out fantastic!!! The meat was so moist and flavorful, and it didn't hurt that I got a fresh & organic bird from Whole Foods. The brine I used was a simple salt brine. I then marinated it in a mixture of lemon & orange juice and their rinds, herbs (rosemary, sage & thyme), garlic, honey & olive oil. I roasted the chicken on the grill for about 2.5 hours, keeping the temperature a constant 200 degrees. I put mesquite wood chips wrapped in aluminum foil next to the one burner I had on, for the smoky flavor. It was a long process, yet so easy to make.


I heard an interview a few months ago with my all time (s)hero, Alice Waters, where she chided President Obama for saying that he doesn't like beets. I couldn't agree more with Ms. Waters! He obviously has never had my roasted beet salad with mixed greens, goat cheese, and fennel salt, drizzled with olive oil and lemon. Yum! Beets, though really a winter root vegetable, are available locally in Utah year-round, and are relatively easy to grow in a backyard garden. While they do take a while to roast (about 1.5 hours), they are well worth the wait. We are growing both golden and red beets in our garden, as well as an heirloom variety, the Chiogga beet, which is red and white, like a peppermint candy. Can't wait to harvest those!

The Amazing Adventures of Wayne & Maxey

I never thought I would ever have anything exciting enough to say to have a blog, but here goes nothing. Check back in from time to time to find out the happenings with me, updates on John and Floyd & our travels, our urban farm, friends, music, food or whatever we get ourselves into.

My first ever post will be about, what else? My latest adventure in my culinary journey!