Reclusive street artist Banksy is in Los Angeles this week because his first film “Exit Through the Gift Shop” is up for an Oscar. He’s been busy.
Review: Sitka and Spruce
16 FebSo, I had read lots of wonderful things about Sitka & Spruce before actually eating there myself. Lots of reviewers thought it was pretty much amazing. Now, admittedly, it’s the type of place I would like. Nestled in the rear of the new Melrose Market, the restaurant is the anchor of a building devoted to seasonal, local ingredients. There’s a butcher shop, flower shop and sandwich place all offering local, delicious things to eat. But the restaurant is the real star.
We picked a bit of an odd time to come. Valentine’s night, for one. Sitka and Spruce is not usually open on Mondays, but they’ve made an exception over the recent weeks for taco nights, which feature Mexico City-style tacos. The restaurant space itself is tiny, so it added to the casual feel of the evening. Much like Fremont’s Revel, the space has a large butcher table that both chefs and customers utilize. You get to watch everything that’s going on in the kitchen.
For starters, we selected guacamole and chips. Chunky, and delicious (Darcy liked it even more than I did). The tacos themselves were delicious (I opted for the flank steak, while Darcy had tacos al pastor). I thought both were good, and seemed really authentic. Nothing was overly pretentious. The food was simple, but showcased superior ingredients.
Complimented by really kind and friendly staff, the restaurant totally lived up to the hype I’d heard about it. With a menu that changes daily, I’m excited to go back and experience something completely different. Check it out, fellow Seattleites.
Today’s Odds and Ends
15 FebFive short, but really interesting stories from the news today.
1) Mayor Bloomberg Drinks His Beer How?: New York City’s super-rich mayor visited the Brookyln Brewery yesterday. Nothing abnormal there. Another interesting photo op. Then, he was asked how he likes to drink his beer. His answer stunned the world (well, hard-core beer drinkers). “I actually put ice in my beer. Most people don’t,” the New York Post reported. Yes, Mr. Mayor, most people don’t. That’s an understatement.
2) Moving Video in Support of Gay Marriage: Following the moving speech of 19-year-old Zach Wahls before the Iowa House, 80-year-old Jean made the following video. It’s moving and you should watch it. Hers is the experience of so many other Americans.
3) Who Told You This Was a Good Idea?: Apparently, someone on the New Zealand police force did. I think, they were wrong. Dead wrong. The ad has been pulled, but not before the damage was done.
4) Just a Bad Idea: I’ll let you judge for yourself.
5) And Finally: Don’t underestimate the power of the alpaca.
Snickerdoodles!
15 FebLast night, Darcy and I decided to make some snickerdoodle cookies (for no reason in particular). For a recipe, we consulted with Foodista…
Watch the cookies take shape…
The dough almost looks good enough to eat as is
You form the dough into 1 inch balls, which are then rolled in cinnamon-sugar
8 minutes later... perfection and delicious snickerdoodle cookies
HORROR: CBS News’ Lara Logan Sexually Assaulted in Egypt
15 FebCBS News’ chief foreign affairs correspondent Lara Logan is recovering in the United States today from a “a brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating.” Logan was reporting from Tahrir Square on Friday, after ex-president Hosni Mubarak stepped down from government. At some point, she became separated from her crew and was surrounded by a mob of at least 200 people. A group of women and some Egyptian soliders rescued her from the assualt.
Before this recent attack, Logan and two CBS cameramen were detained in Egypt for a day. She returned to the United States, but flew back to Cairo shortly before Mubarak’s departure. Since joining CBS in 2002, Logan has covered events in locations ranging from Afghanistan to Iraq.
She is not the first reporter t0 come under attack in Egypt during the protests. CNN’s Anderson Cooper left the country following a beating, two FOX News reporters were also assaulted and a crowd swarmed CBS News’ Katie Couric during a report. In all, more than 140 reporters have been attacked during the protests and one Egyptian reporter died.
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