Food & Drink JUNE 2021

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Not big on "meat substitutes", but Amy's Veggie Loaf is exceptional!!! When you are craving meatloaf and don't want to eat meat, THIS IS YOUR ANSWER!!!

Two things bug me, though. Pricey!!! Found this on sale at Safeway for $4.99! Second thing is this perticular frozen dinner is hard to find. I look for it in stores where the clientele tend not to give a crap about something called a veggie loaf. That's the tip of the day.  :)

C. Weir  June 2021

Elevation 66 is a local micro brewery located at 10082 San Pablo, El Cerrito 

Recently have been dropping in since Covid restrictions have been lifted and one can now sit at the bar. WHOO-HOO!! Finally getting back to almost normal!

We like Contra Costa Kolsch, Ramble Tamble Red Ale & East Bay IPA.

Growlers are 32 oz or 64 oz.

Stop by! Friendly staff, beer and food. 

S.Weir June 2021

Buy this all the time. All you have to do is nuke it. I usually cook pasta to eat with it.  This is better than Safeway or Lucky's freshly made Chicken Parmigain from their deli. Trader Joes wins again! Easy and delicious. Found near the packaged salad section. 

S. Weir June 2021

Have you ever had the real air popped chips? Pop Chips are GOOD! Light and airy and tasty! Invented in San Francisco, btw! Started with Keith Belling trying to hide eating a bag of greasy chips, but that's another story.

These chips are horrible! Fake tasting Southwest Ranch. UGH. Why did I buy them? I couldn't find Pop Chips and was thinking well it is Lays, right? WRONG.

Never again. Never. Not even on sale.

S. Weir

This is better than some take out! Sure, it's frozen, but big deal. Nuke it! Haven't seen it for a while so hopefully they haven't discontinued it as Trader Joe's does some products...

C. Weir June 2021

This is sold in a pouch. For what it is, it's ok. Probably wouldn't buy again. Rather go to Chaat House in Berkeley on 4th Street.

C. Weir June 2021

BY KWAME ONWUACHI with Joshua David Stein

2019

Alfred A. Knopp New York

I bought this book over a year ago and started reading it, but didn't finish I am sorry to say. These days get easily distracted.  He was a contestant on Top Chef. I love Top Chef and have loved what I read so far. Take me to the beach so I can finish reading please. Oh! Can I bring a thermo of spiked lemonade? 

-S.Weir 06.2021

BY EMERIL LAGASSE

2010

Harper Collins

I've had this book since 2011. Bought the book as I shop at farmer's markets and am always looking for recipes. 

When living in San Francisco many years ago always went to the Sunday Civic Center Farmer's Market which is still happening. :) I walked to the market through the Tenderloin  and that was always interesting...

At that time, there was one vendor, who would mark his produce down at the end of the day. I loved getting those deals. 

That's when I discovered Emeril's tomato jam.. At the time I though, who in the hell would eat tomato jam? 

After making it with all those extra tomatoes, I understood. 

Seriously, it's really yummy!

-S. Weir 06.2021

EDITED BY PATSY JAMIESON

2004

The Countryman Press

Woodstock, Vermont

I love Eating Well magazine and when I saw this book I knew I had to have it. I got it at Oakland's White Elephant Sale right before everything was shut down because of Covid.

There are great recipes in this book. Healthy and tasty recipes.  For example, Curried Chicken with Sweet Potatoes & Califlower,  Classic Lemon Tart, Tuna & Bean Salad in Pita Pockets, Mashed Garlicky Potatoes. YUM. All recipes have  normal ingredients and easy to follow instructions. What time should I expect you for dinner?

-S. Weir 06.201

BY BARBARA KINGSOLOVER 

 with Steven L. Hopp & Camille Kingsklover

2007

HarperCollins Publishers

Not sure how long ago I bought this book as haven't reread it in years. When I pick it up, I remember how much it has influenced me.  This is the "seed" of healthy sustainable eating. Her story is about only eating food they grew & bought locally. You are what you eat.

I learned of the slow food movement that started in Italy in this book. (& where did I get breakfast today? Burger Ding! Why? I have no kitchen at the moment and didn't plan ahead. All it would take would be some fruit or cereal and milk, right?)

For years, I've strived to eat locally & sustainedly. It's hard to do when I see  a bag of chips or my favorite beans in a can (Rancho Gordo did not see this) or buy chicken on sale from God knows where... 

However, as time goes by and the  intention is out there, it becomes easier and easier a little bit each time I shop. 

It is unrealistic for a lot of us as you need time, dedication and easy shopping. Options aren't always available. Added I often fall back to something quick and nukeable. 

The important thing is to at least think about where the produce comes from and is it affordable? Is it's seasonal, it probably is. 

This is a great quote from the book, "If every restaurant got just ten percent of it's food from local farmers, the infrastructure of coporate food would collapse."

Can we live without corporate food? I don't think we can or can we? I would miss my packaged snacks. Guess, some habits are hard to die or are they? 

-S. Weir 06.2021

BY ALICE WATERS

with Bob Carrau & Christina Mueller

2021

Penguin Press

Haven't got this book yet, but getting ready to buy it. I love Alice Waters. She is a local hero! This book is about the slow food movement. Do you see a theme on this page of reviews? :) 

-S. Weir 06.2021

BY CHRISTIE JOHNSON

PREORDER Now 

Storey Publishing,

Available June 22, 2021

Watched a zoom presentation on Botanicol Colors Friday morning.

I don't sew. Period. But she made me want to pick up a needle and thread. 

-S. Weir 06.2021

 This is 2021 and here in the Bay Area it's all about many things, but housing is a big issue. It's ALWAYS been a big issue!  

Thanks to greedy developers and politicians many laws have been passed to create high density when there are never discussions about resources.

Guess what? We are going into a drought! BUT they KEEP building. I'm thinking it's because they want the property taxes and are poed over Prop 13.

I told a friend once he really benefited with Prop 13 as he paid little property tax. He told me I did as well. Guess what? He was right.  We are charged a percentage of the   value, not the market value...otherwise....

Added our neighborhood council president recently passed away. RIP Mary.

No one knew! We had been wondering why we hadn't heard anything about the council. I am sincerely hoping that the neighborhood council can begin meetings again and get a website! There is way toooo much happening and we need to be ready.  Really, really hoping to hear from them soon!!! 

“Let's make no mistake about this: The American Dream starts with the neighborhoods. If we wish to rebuild our cities, we must first rebuild our neighborhoods. And to do that, we must understand that the quality of life is more important than the standard of living. To sit on the front steps--whether it's a veranda in a small town or a concrete stoop in a big city--and to talk to our neighborhoods is infinitely more important than to huddle on the living-room lounger and watch a make-believe world in not-quite living color.

-Harvey Milk

Ok! I love Apple. I hate paying for Apple, but I love Apple. Everything is made BETTER. All the products talk to each other. It's wonderful!!!

When my old iMac could not upgrade to the latest software I was concerned. THEN the iMac wouldn't turn on/boot up. I'd go to Youtube and follow the instructions of reboot. It worked for a while, but it's "Dead Jim."

Then my air book WOULD NOT upgrade to Big Sur without glitching on 1 minute to go. 

UGH. I haven't tried to upgrade it since as it totally FREAKED ME OUT.

Thus, after much research decided to buy a new proMac laptop. Surprise! Surprise!! 

The bloody ports are different and there's only TWO of them. Guess I should have spend MORE $$$ to get more? Hell no. I did order the adapter to plug in phone, etc...

So over all I'm pretty happy EXCEPT have to make a comment. The sales department isn't so great. 

First person disconnected me and never called back. THEN I got a patronizing asshole. He continually told me I had the "entry level". I'd like to have jammed that up.... He told me I should have bought another product for cheaper since I'm entry level. and didn't use Final Cut Pro & Logic Pro. WTF? Is that guy using Final Cut Pro for his TICK TOCK uploads? Why would a normal person give a rat's ass?

He went on and on. Why did I let him? I was freaked as the first person disconnected me and I wanted to get my adapter to connect my phone and back up from old iMac.

The saving grace was the next day I talked to Support. Support was supportive! The agent was professional and courteous. That agent should get a raise as he was what Apple has always meant to me.

I keep wondering....what would Steve Jobs say about the sales department???

How could you do this to me Dish??? I am heartbroken!! Dish Network eliminated the local sports channel 419, NBCSBA on April 1st. We MISSED opening day of the SF Giants. Unfreaking believable!!!!

They claim to have done their best to have negotiated with NBCSBA with no results. 

Dish claims  no one is watching the station and they could raise the prices to get the station back, but that isn't fair to the people that don't watch NBCSBA.

(so...who watches all the foreign language, religious, jewerely, knifes, off the wall sports, etc, but WE pay for all that! Who in the hell wrote THAT copy???)

The thing is I can't get drop Dish and move on. WHY? Because I stupidly made a deal for 2 yrs for a slightly lower monthly rate. It won't end until May 2022. :( I scream and I cry.

They won't let me leave without a penalty. Damn IT!!!

So in the meantime I am researching WHERE to watch the SF Giants without paying an arm and a leg since still under contract. 

I'd almost break down and pay MLB, but they BLACK OUT local. WTF?!

YouTube makes you download another app. HELL NO.

I miss my team!!!! I miss the game!!! I miss the BEST announcers in the world: Kruk and Kuip !!!

In the meantime, I thought, WAIT A MINUTE!! What the hell is wrong with me?? Buy a ticket and go to the ballpark, fool!!

Well...was going to for the game this Sunday, but rain is predicted (which we need) and don't want to deal with that and all the covid restrictions. Added always take mass transit and that's still not running like it should...BUT can deal with that. 

SO next opportunity, Play BALL at Oracle Park! Give me peanuts and cracker jacks...

Is the fiber line worth installing???? Good question...I guess so. Calling AT &T they said the service guy wouldn't be in the house for more than 10 minutes. It took this guy THREE hours!!!!

Added he had to call another AT&T guy to run the line through the tree.

I told the guy if he HAD to drill we only wanted ONE hole. (so sick of all the guys cutting holes and not asking...no more. I am going to become one of those grumpy old men giving them hell left and right.) This guy left sawdust and didn't even OFFER to clean up the mess.

Added AT&T sends an "Home Expert" to the door. I stupidly let him in. He asks a few questions about internet and THEN try to sell us new phones. WTF?!!!!

He then asks to use the bathroom. REALLY???? He was damn lucky to get into the house with COVID!!! Turned out that day we had to call a plumber and we said sorry. He was not happy.

So later the guy installing the line that took forever wants to use the bathroom He HAS TO GO REAL BAD. Again we told him that we were calling the plumber right after he leaves ...but he HAD TO GO REAL BAD. So we told him ok, but DO NOT FLUSH.

Later, I got into the bathroom and that MFer left the lid up. Again...WTF?!

So we connect everything EXCEPT the printers. I put many hours into trouble shooting and attempting to get support from AT &T. One guy finally says, "Oh just go on YouTube and that will explain how to connect". BULL! Already did that.

So another guy adds a different frequency. Who would have thought that? But the thing is printers STILL won't connect wifi. URK!

ADDED on occasion when streaming something, a pop says NOT CONNECTED- NOT WITHIN RANGE. Seriously???? It's less than 12 ft.

I give up. Really. BUT I think AT &T should give us more than the 50$ debit card for getting the "new" fiber line. I can't bare to call them AGAIN. 

Amazon Prime is pretty awesome, but I don't want to pay for the service. Love the 2 day FREE shipping, Whole Foods deals and delivery,  and streaming Also, the Prime credit card has a 5% back deal. I just don't want to pay for it.

IF I can dump Dish, then hell yes, but that's another story.

IF you don't have Prime, you should check into it...especially if you shop online and have to pay for shipping.

So...you've been vaccinated. Have you been out? Where did you go? Were you in a crowd? Are you still taking precautions?

Seems like some people are and some aren't. That bugs me. If you follow CDC advise they say to keep social distance and continue to wear a mask. Are you? I sure as hell hope so. Aren't you tired of all this? We have to follow CDC advise or we will never get out of this hell. 

Think about that, ok? Thank you.

Weir Sister's pappy says this book holds your interest and  YOU won't want to put it down.

Cousin says the best book he read this year would have to be the latest book (book 18) in a series called Eagles of Empire by Simon Scarrow.  It’s historical fiction about the Roman Legions.  Lots of violence and intrigue but surprisingly little sex.

The author got all kinds of crap for this novel. She got more grief for writing in spanish. I liked it as I got to learn more phrases in Spanish. 

She researched this story will REAL people.

Would love to see an episode on Oprah that included the author and members from a group that wasn't happy about the book but it's on Apple TV. Who has that??

I loved the story. Interesting and educational as  it was about what people go through to get out of horrible situations. 

Jamie Oliver is awesome! He has a cooking show on PBS around this book. Great mac & cheese recipe!! Got to hang out with this cookbook for months since the library was closed due to Covid. 

Need to buy it as there are some wonderful veggie recipes waiting to be made!

Actually just started reading this book, but had to include it. LOVE her stories of Davis, SF and Sacramento. I'm slowly reading it to absorb every word. 

Started reading this book and could not put it down.One of the best books I've read in years. Love this writer!

Netflix

A workaholic woman gets stood up at the altar, meets up with her father (Frazier) on a cruise. Movie is watchable.

Netflix

A few good laughs and that's about it. Although scenery of Napa is ALWAYS nice to see.

Netflix

Reminds me of Woody Allen-isck, sort of. I am not an Adam Sandler fan, but he's almost tolerable in this film.

Worth watching the screwed up family.

Netflix

Merry Streep. I didn't understand the financial  details. Sure they were ripoffs, but it was so damn boring..... 

Netflix

Coen Brothers

This film is a series of short stories. One of the best films I've seen in a while. Grab the popcorn and let me know your favorite story. I won't say anymore except it's a damn good movie!!!

Netflix

A side of New York I  don't think many people know....or do they?

Like I said I am not an Adam Sandler fan, but in this film I'm respecting him. It's  dark and maybe that's why. I respect his dark side.

UGH. not worth the price. Never saw this product in a store. Purchased from Imperfect.  Rubbery when cooked  and followed instructions throughly. I’m damn near done with meat substitution. Just eat a vegetable…hell 

Trader Joe’s wafer bar reminds me of a Twix, ONLY BETTER. Always think that I’ll just eat 1/2. That never happens. Hope they keep them in stock!

Bought on impulse. YUM. If you see, grab it.

Didin’t notice any last time I was there….

Did you know that IF you take that little piece of soap and leave it your soap dish, it will stick to your new piece of soap? That way it won’t go to waste! 

2019

Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Brandon Stanley,  Kathy Bates

Directed by Clint Eastwood

True Story!

Movie starts out slow, but hang in there and keep watching! Richard Jewell was a suspect of planting a bomb in the Atlanta Summer Olympics in 1996. He was accused in the press and harassed by the FBI. Thank God he had a decent lawyer! Really felt for his mother played by Kathy Bates. 

Wish there was a guy like Richard Jewell riding on Bart. That’d stop a lot of BS since Bart does nothing about a guy smoking in-between cars, etc….

I’m thinking TAYLOR FARMS had a recall on lettuce, but I’m not going to verify it like some news sources, right?

Bought 2 for $6 recently only cuz seemed easy, quick and healthy. The Roasted Garlic Chopped Kit sucked! I love garlic, but this was way overpowering.

Avocado Ranch Chopped Kit also sucked. The corn was dried labeled as “crisp” sucked as well. Would I purchase again? Hell, no

2011

Ewan McGregor, Eva Green, Lauren Tempany 

Don’t watch it.

You don’t want to watch a movie like this during a pandemic. No.

I should have walked away, but was trapped as you could predict what was going to happen next. I only watched it to check out Ewan McGregor. 

 1997

Directed by Quentin Tarantino (One of my FAVORITE DIRECTORS)

Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster 

Smuggling money for an arm’s dealer. Sounds easy, sounds simple, but it fu*king isn’t.

My mind was blown! 

Worth watching just to check out Samel Jackson’s hair!! I had to draw a picture.

I’m now even a BIGGER fan of Quentin!

The package said it was good for a few more days. UGH. Old lettuce way past it’s prime, red onions soggy, falafel pieces stale. UGH. Wish I would have brought it back and demanded a refund.

But lets give Trader's Joes a shout out for not caving into social media whims. Bravo!!!!!! Wish more companies had balls to stand up for what they believe in as well. This is AMERICA. EVERY VOICE COUNTS. 

2019 

 Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom Jr.  

 I’m sorry I didn’t know who Harriet Tubman was. I do now and want to read and know about her. What a BRAVE WOMAN!!!

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”- Harriet Tubman

2505 San Pablo Ave

Richmond, CA 94805

(510) 374-6538

Finally made to El Tućan. They have been open since November of last year and honestly the long lines have kept me away. 

FU*KING YUM!! Anytime I’ve drove by the lines are long. Went by on a Sunday and the line wasn’t that bad so waited about 10 min in line and everyone was wearing a mask.

After ordering, the wait was at least another 10 minutes. Ten minutes to be a little close to people eating out in front on the patio, but hoped for the best and immediately used hand sanitizer, but it was worth the wait! We got pollo and veggie tacos at $2.75 each. You can’t beat it.

Berkeley Nosh had a great review as well as Richmond Standard.

 by Valeria Ray

My cousin sent me this book as I was talking about trying to grow tomatoes here in the bay area. We don’t get a lot of sun or heat during the summer, so it can be a challenge to those of us that don’t know what variety will work. 

This year I planted Tommy Toes. Tommy Toes are supposed to survive with a lot of heat so maybe that was a wrong decision. I ordered the seeds since they were cherry size. They are growing and green, but not red yet. I had one red one and something took a bite out of it. Wondering if it was one of the big ass raccoons I saw last night in the backyard around 10pm?

There are recipes in the book as well and look simple and easy to make. I look forward to trying a few of them provided II’ve got the other ingredients.

Thanks Cousin!

Our hearts and prayers go out to all the men and women along with their families and friends that were killed unnecessarily by law enforcement. 

How long have we been shelter in place? It's at least 110 days ore more...? 

Yesterday went for a walk by the bay. It was wonderful. It's been way to long not to venture out. Added it's kind of scary out there during these times. Please be careful and safe if you are out there.

IF you go out, PLEASE wear a mask. Protect yourself and others. I keep thinking we'd be in Phase 3, if EVRYONE would wear a damn mask, ok? THANK YOU!

Need to say that with all the horrific things happening out there, we still need to believe. I'm gonna try to do my best along with my sisters. 

If you like mushrooms, you will love SnackYard's Shitake Mushrooms! They are crunchy, tasty and hard not to stop eating. (Damn near ate the whole bag!)

Note: Rereading this sounds like a commercial at a drive-in movie. That's about the level I'm at to do anything with what is happening out there. Thanks for reading.

Is it going to really happen? Will Buster decide NOT to play? Would you play? Scary times! 

At least I get to boo the Dodgers! :)

Baseball could really work wonders after being stuck at home all this time.  

Fire up the grill for hotdogs and play ball!

1983

Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood

I really don’t like Kevin Costner. I like Michael Keaton and Kevin Spacey. ( I don’t care what your judgment call on Spacey is as I say not freakin’ guilty, but that’s another story)

However in this movie Kevin Costner shines! A bad guy that is actually good. His relationship with a kid is outstanding. It’s seriously worth seeing!

2016

I bought this book on impulse at Costco. I read the reviews and thought it would be a good cookbook in my big ass collection. I was wrong. After looking at recipes recently, I’m convinced she jumped on the band wagon of plant based eating. The book is titled Vegetables , but there are several meat recipes. I guess it’s worth keeping as long as I got room on the bookshelf.

The zucchini quick bread and the picked jalapeño and cucumbers are great recipes. Maybe I should go through it page by page and helpfully find more useful recipes or put it in the Goodwill box or sale on ebay?  I think I could get at least make about $7.00. That would almost buy a pint.

2019

Series on EPIX

Gariel Bryne, Elizabeth McGovern, Lea Drucker, Adel Bencherif,

 Emile De Preissac, Nastaha Little,

 Daisy Edgar-Jones

Who doesn’t like War of the Worlds? My favorite movie version is with Tom Cruise. It’s so brilliantly done!! 

There are subtitles, so if you can’t see like me, watch it a screen where you can see them.

The series on EPIX is another version and filmed in France so you get a European version. There are only eight episodes, but read they are working on the second season. YIPPIE!

2019

Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin &  Bill Murray

One comment: Damn. 

1975

by Masanobu Fukoka

I’m not finished reading this book. How did I find out about this book? I follow Alice Waters on Instagram (I’m OceanFIshes 3 btw). She said something like it never got old/current today. 

So True! Masanobu Fukuoka is one cool dude. I’m with him. NO pesticides!! And like him I have paid the price of loosing my first major planting in my back yard of tomatoes a few years ago. Am I still gardening? Yes! Am I using pesticides? NO. 

If you like farming, this is an excellent enlightening read!

Who wants to go out and shop under these conditions? You go in and the bleach is gone. The TP is gone. Depends but, there might be a few boxes of pasta and maybe eggs. It sucks. I hate it. Did we see this coming? I had no idea. 

The last few times I went out I was still shopping for the week. What was wrong with me? My last visit to the grocery was motivated by beer. The beer supply was running low. I went in and no eggs, no bleach, no pasta, no TP, no napkins, no dried beans, no flour, no yeast, no sugar, etc. Never, ever, ever, did I think we would be like Russia, looking for product. 

So at the beginning of the month, started looking at delivery. I went to Costco's website for same day delivery. HA HA! Every day I would go in and see if I could get a delivery time and it wasn’t happening. 

Just hoping that people respect what is going on out here and keep 6 ft back. This is day 30 and I miss shopping, meeting friends, hanging and doing anything but staying home. Wondering how long the cold items sit out. Nothing was poiled, but honestly I don’t think I would have picked what the personal shopper selected. 

I made two mistakes. One was allowing substitutes. I shouldn’t have as ended up with Jenny O turkey. It’s ok and I shouldn’t be picky as lucky to get anything right? The brand I wanted was on sale. That’s another thing. Anything on sale is long gone. PERIOD.

Just hoping that people respect what is going on out here and keep 6 ft back. This is day 30 and I miss shopping, meeting friends, hanging and doing anything but staying home. m wondering how long the cold items sit out. Nothing was spoiled, but honestly I don’t think I would have picked what the personal shopper selected. 

Would I use Raley’s again? Maybe, but why didn’t the delivery guy have on a mask and gloves? First delivery is free, but you need to tip them. I’m hoping to pick up at Lucky’s next round as it’s easy to get to and feels like there is more control. That’s probably illusional, but hell we all need something.

2007

Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee

I’ve watched this movie at least 3 times

and it never gets old. Josh Brolin, who I never really liked until this movie, plays Liewelyn Moss. He’s out hunting and finds a drug deal gone bad….

Javier Bardem plays the creepy Anton Chigurh who is a killer. Tommy Lee plays a sheriff.

Be prepared for violence, but if you take public transit it should be no problem. Not that it’s always violent out there, but there is always the possible potential these days.

Rotten tomatoes audience score is 86%

S.Weir

Popeyes replaced KFC in the neighborhood about a year ago. Never went in, but always thought about it after seeing the commercials and reading about their chicken sandwich.

However, none of those items were listed on the menu. Were those items Seasonal? Regional? Ended up ordering chicken sandwiches, mac & cheese, coleslaw and a small jambalaya. as Brown Sugar or  Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen amongst many others wanted to order a po boy  sandwich, black eyed peas and greens.

However, none of those items were listed on the menu.Were those items Seasonal? Regional? Ended up ordering chicken sandwiches, mac & cheese, coleslaw and a small jambalaya. 

The chicken sandwiches were good. The mac & cheese was runny and tasted like it had some kind of foodie chemical. Yuk. The jambalaya was ok. I thought it had more rice than chicken.The star was the coleslaw and second was the chicken sandwich. Would I go again? Yes, for a chicken sandwich under 4 bucks and a side of coleslaw. Didn’t notice if they had lemonade, but would order one if they did to wash it all down pretending to be in the south for a few minutes. 

Visited Feb. 2020     

- S. Weir

2008

Sean Penn, Josh Brolin

If I was teaching Activist history there would be an assignment on Harvey Milk. It’s so hard to believe bills were being written to pass to discrimination against sexual orientation.

Many years ago still living in the midwest I remember hearing about the murder of Harvey Milk and the lawyers said the guy that murdered him ate too many Twinkles. (junk food). Ok, really? WTF??? We all snickered thinking, that’s the biggest bs EVER!!! Added it was horrific. A crazy x-city supervisor comes in and murders Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk in cold blood. 

Harvey Milk is a personal hero of mine. I love the fact he fought so hard for gay rights! Another scary part is it wasn’t THAT LONG AGO. People don’t you remember that creepy Anita Bryan from Florida? I stopped drinking orange juice for a while as her “Christian” values pissed me off.

My favorite Harvey Milk quote is: “Let's make no mistake about this: The American Dream starts with the neighborhoods. If we wish to rebuild our cities, we must first rebuild our neighborhoods. And to do that, we must understand that the quality of life is more important than the standard of living.

(take that you  greedy pricks) 

-S. Weir

David Talbot

Between Heaven and Hell

Who would want to read about having a stroke and recovering? Right? BUT…YOU have to read this book. Written with humor and truth David Talbot tells it like it is.

If I have ever have a stroke I hope I am as lucky as him and end up on Davis campus in SF at the highly accamiled stroke ward.  

Easy reading as it’s so well written!!!

S. Weir

Why is there an image of bullet holes? Cuz some website builders that use templates 

CHARGE EXTRA for KEY WORDS. WTF? I gotta reconnect and use DREAMWEAVER. This is extortion!!!!!!!!!!! 

S. Weir 3.16.2020

Look at the above image. This was BEFORE corona virus hoarding. I'm so done with that. I've been out 3 different times to stores in the past 2 weeks. At Target there were old expressionless zombies rolling carts around with hand wipes and TP. I was stupid. I went in just to do my usual shopping. 

 Thursday I went in Trader Joes thinking that I'd beat the weekend crowd. HA HA it was damn close to a nightmare!!! You could barely get down the aisles. People had carts loaded. AGAIN, I was just doing my normal shopping.

Saturday morning I was out of bread so decided to go to Luckys. I went in and there was a truck in front of the store loading up bleach and TP. I thought, wtf? They better be working for the nursing home down the street. Yeah, sure, right?

When I left I went by the TP aisle and there was hardly any TP left. Rice was almost gone, soups, and tortillas. Frozen pizzas damn near empty. I went over the the bread aisle and they were restocking. A staff member told me that's all they had left. I ended up getting hotdog buns thinking, well hell I got hotdogs at home.

 Sooner or later I'm gonna have to go out. I'm not going to until I absolutely have to as this is crazy. There is a special kind of crazy out there. I've never seen anything like this. Have you?

(BTW, I'm not adding links to CDC, etc. Look it up, you got time sitting at home)

S. Weir 3.16.2020

2019

Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden

At the beginning of this movie, I thought, “oh crap, really? It’s gonna be a silly ass musical.” BUT I was so wrong! I never realized how sad and hard his life was in the beginning! Elton was in so much pain when he first started out in the business.

I forgot how much I love Benny and the Jets! 

Rotten Tomatoes says 89 % liked the movie . That sounds about right.

S.Weir 

02.11.2020

2019

Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors, Rob Morgan

Watched this movie on a plane and I want to sit in a dark room and watch it again. The emotions convened in the movie jump off the screen. These are my feelings as well. All of us that live here in the bay area KNOW this. I love the scene where one of the main characters is on the bus listening to a conversation with 2 women. They are saying how SF is so uncool and they are moving to LA. They go on to say how much they hate San Francisco. The main character jumps in the conversation and asks the woman, “Do you love San Francisco?” They tell him that they are here aren’t they? He replies, “you can’t say you hate San Francisco unless you love it. “ Right on!!! 

I’ve been thinking that all this new population (tumble weeds is what they are calling them I read recently) are just here for the $$$$$$$MONEY. It’s the new Gold Rush. 

However, some of us moved here cuz we fell in love with San Francisco. It’s never been easy living here, but the payoff has always been well worth it. As time goes on though, all this greed and high density and moving everyone into garages ,attics and crawl space, along with all the new construction for luxury living only is total BULLSHIT.  

SO this movie is the pure essence of what is happening in the bay area.

One of the best movies I’ve seen in a while besides Once Upon a Time.

S.Weir 

02.11.2020

2019

Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, Elisabeth Moss

I love this story. Women whose husbands were in the mob get sent up. Their stipend pay from the mob leaders didn’t even cover rent! Thus they take manners in their own hands. Get a bag of popcorn and enjoy the movie!

S.Weir 

02.11.2020

2019

Leonardo DiCaprio,. Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie 

Not going to spoil it. Go in blind. DO NOT READ ABOUT THIS MOVIE!! If I had the honors to be  at the opening, I’d stand up with tears in my eyes and clap like a mad woman! I’d beg Quentin to have lunch with me so I could tell him how much I LOVE this movie!!!!

S.Weir 

02.11.2020

2018

Liam Nelson, Laura Dern, Emmy Rossum, Tom Bateman, and William Forsythe.

Fu*king wow!! WHO would have guessed? I was thinking Liam Nelson. Ok sure same ol' crap, right? So Wrong! YOU will so surprised along with getting a laugh here and there. Beautiful scenery , but remind me NEVER to move to the mountains. 

S.Weir 

02.11.2020

2009

Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron

Even if you are not a sports fan you may find this movie entertaining.  Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for Best Actress in her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy.  She plays the wife and mother of a well-to-do family who takes in Michael Oher played by Quinton Aaron, a black teenager living on the streets of Memphis Tennessee.  Based on a true story the movie follows the trials and tribulations of Michael Oher coping with life in a predominantly white prestigious school.  Lacking in education and athletic skills Michael through the guidance of Leigh Tuohy, son S. J. Tuohy (Jae Head), Coach Cotton (Ray McKinnon), and academic tutor Miss Sue (Kathy Bates), transforms into a football player achieving national interest.  I found this movie funny and heartwarming.  It reaffirms my belief that people are essentially good.

Guest Critic: Cousin Bill  02.12.2020

2014

Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons

Highly recommend this movie to anyone who strives to be more than they are.

The movies principle character Andrew Neiman played by Miles Teller, is a jazz drummer attending a prestigious music school.  His goal is to become the best in his field.  

The schools jazz orchestra conductor Terence Fletcher, played by J. K. Simmons, won an Oscar as best supporting actor for this role.  Fletcher is passionate about the music and his unusual motivational techniques are reflected in his memorable quote “There are no two words in the English language more harmful than good job.”

 I found the movie, considering the subject, extremely entertaining.

Guest Critic: Cousin Bill 12.21.2019

2018

Starring Mahershala Ali as Dr. Shirley & Viggo Mortensen

This movie was great!!! I wanna marry a guy like Tony Lip. He is one cool open minded dude! Takes a NYer!!!! 

He takes a job driving Dr. Don Shirley on a tour in the south in the early 60’s. I was so afraid for them each town they visited. 

It reminds me of what I’d like to do sometime. Take a diverse group in a car with California plates and head to the southern states. Would it be ok? I’m thinking mostly….

I’m wondering if any bands out there are named Sundown law? I had no freakin’ idea. Scary Shit! 

The Green Book won best picture for 2018. I gotta agree.

78 % liked it on Rotten tomato but what do THEY know? It should said 100%

S. Weir 12.21.2019

2018

Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, and Edgerton,

Ever heard of conversion therapy? Holy CRAP!!!!  Baptist parents force their son into therapy as being gay IS A SIN! I kept yelling, "GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE! HEAD TO THE CITY!!!!"

I believe that each individual has the right to be FREE, YOU & ME here in the USA. I don't care what your religion, sexual preference is or

what your favorite tv show is....just don't force me to like or do what you do. FREE TO BE YOU AND ME as our rights slowly disappear....but that's another story. 

This movie reminded me of how much I hate  righteous religious groups. God loves EVERYBODY, ok?

S. Weir 12.21.2019

Live Schreiber plays Ray Donovan. He’s a fixer for the rich. 

It’s been on since 2013, but never watched it. Not sure…why…but recently gave in and WOW!!

Unbelievable bullshit and his family! The father is one BIG asshole. How many times has he been in prison? And his brothers!! Damn already.

I’m going back to Season 6 to see what the hell happened to the guys they beheaded. As soon as I find out about the beheaded guys, I’m going back to the series 1. Are you catching my drift? Seriously entertaining!

OMG! Just read that there might not be a Season 8. NO! This can't happen!

S. Weir 12.21.2019

“macOS Catalina gives users powerful ways to do amazing things. So you can create and discover like never before.” 

That’s what it says at Apple.

I hate it. I don’t give a crap about Apple TV, hardly watch podcasts, etc. 

I just wanna use my laptop for writing and some surfing. I’d also add in photos but since the MacAirBook has limited storage, screw that. Besides any editing software isn’t freakin 64 bit.

I was stupid not to read all the fine print. I lost my Microsoft 2011 Word and DISH app to use on demand doesn’t work with Catalina. Damn it! I’m really poed.

I am close to buying a pc. Maybe a Dell. It’s just that Apple runs so much smoother provided you shell out your hard earned cash for subscription software these days. UGH. It would be ok if my business (not) would pay for it or my mommy. (long gone) 

Please tell me how everyone gets around this this MONEY PIT OF INCOMPATIBILITY as it totally sucks!!!!

I’ve been using Mac Pages. It’s ok, but I want WORD back! Step up to the plate Microsoft. Give us an update for 64 bit already!! Doesn’t Bill Gates have enough $$$$$???

S.Weir 12.21.2019

by David Change and Peter Meehan

First time I read Momofuku was online from the library. I love reading cookbooks with narrative. This is David Chang’s story and it’s a damn good entertaining read. 

I was talking to our guest critic, Cousin BIll, about reading Momofuku. To my surprise he me sent me a copy! I’m rereading the recipes at the moment & hopefully will be making a few soon.

I just checked out his list of restaurants.  Fuku is in Santa Monica. That is going on my list for next visit. I love fried chicken! 

If you haven’t read Momofuku please pick up a copy at the library or your favorite bookstore. 

S.Weir, 12.21.201

TRIPLE ROCK BREWERY AND ALE HOUSE

BERKELEY, CA
I revisited Triple Rock after not having been there in the last several years.
Martin Luther King day we went there for lunch. I ordered a nice IPA and a fried chicken sandwich and sat by the window in front. It took a while for a waiter to come and my impression was it wasn’t his station or usual job and wasn’t exactly happy to wait on the table. We got talking and enjoying our beer. We noticed other people were coming in after us and getting their orders. Then another really
nice waiter noticed we’d finished our beers and asked if we wanted another and we said a course and halfway through our second beer I noticed people who had came in after us were finishing up. Finally our food came and our sandwich was way over fried. Looked like it had been out and was forgotten. I assumed it was a holiday and they were off their game. A couple
of months later on a Sunday we went in to have a beer and decided to maybe just order an appetizer this time. We got the dynamic duo which was a hummus platter. There was a different beer selection. This IPA was ok but not as good as the one before. Our appetizer arrived and the pickled vegetables were so acidic I only ate one and had a couple pieces of the pita triangles with a little cheese. I don’t know. I like the new area they annexed. It’s a good beer drinking friendly area. I may have to rethink the food.

-C. WEIR July 2019

Haven't been in a while as the food wasn't that great. Last visit we ordered a  chicken sandwich  & waited forever. The people at the table next to us came after we did and got their orders first and it was a lot of food.

 Finally they brought our sandwich. It was freakin double fried! It sucked but we were hungry and choked that piece of crap down. Added the waiter was totally lame and had the attitude of not giving a rat’s ass…duh! It’s your job buddy!

Last visit we ordered an appetizer of pickled vegetables. It was pretty horrific. Bitter as some people can be these days.

This was months ago and honestly not thinking about going back anytime soon for food. Beer maybe. Food no way.

-S. Weir July 20

I don't live there so how in the heck can I comment on this place? I'd probably like the beer and people watching.  

Maybe I would order an appetizer  as it's always nice to nosh when sipping your favorite brew!

-T. W. July 2019

Damn already! This series blows my mind as it’s so on the money! It takes place in UK 15 years into the future.. We all know that UK is always 20 steps ahead of us and this series speaks volumes!

Watching the first episode I felt like I could have cardiac arrest as you could see the event happening. TOTALLY SCARY!! That’s what makes this series so awesome! It’s freakin fiction, but it could easily be real with current happenings.

Tune in just to look at Maxim Baldry who plays Viktor. He is so GOOD LOOKING!!!

Emma Thompson plays a politician that is basically an idiot and her activities, motions and decisions remind us of someone here in America…

It’s six episodes and I’ve seen five. 

YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS SERIES! It’s one of the best on HBO in a while.

(besides Little Big Lies)

-S. Weir July 2019

Best tacos ever! I always ate the super burritos at Gordos for years. I finally tried the crispy tacos and wow!! Delicious. Crispy grilled chicken goodness. Cancun’s in Berkeley was at the top of my list and now Gordon’s rivals them. When I was weary of Circe pizzas at Jupiter, Cancun was a short walk away.
One more favorite taco is at Talavera. . They have street tacos that come in threes and are delicious. The grilled chicken is perfectly spices and superb. It has wonderful carmelizwd onions on them.

-C. Weir July 2019

The ONLY reason I’ve been going in Rubio’s are the coupons from the “beach club” an online newsletter. They screw up the bill every time with a coupon. WHO trains the people? Added to the fact there is usually ONE person taking orders and the line is long.

Last time we got the burrito bowl as had a coupon for a couple of bucks off. Of course the guy rang it up wrong. The manager actually came looking for me and he to recharge me as the bill was so messed up. I should have looked at it, but assumed the cashier knew what he was doing, right?

For the price it the burrito bowl wasn’t bad. Tasty chicken, black beans, rice and salsa in a real bowl. For a franchise using real dinnerware that’s impressive!

We decided to sit outside, but it was dirty as hell. They don’t wipe off the tables. I thought I was at a Muni bus stop. 

Would I go back? if the coupons was decent, probably! Check out their website for deals.

It’s a little better than your normal Mexican franchise. It’s just hard to even go in there when I got a taco truck within 2 blocks and a 10 minute drive to some really excellent independent Mexican food restaurants that I’d always rather support anyways…

Madame

 2017

In Paris, a rich couple have a high society dinner party. The son from Harvey Keitel 's first marriage shows up and throws the guest list to 13. Toni Collette the wife of Harvey Keitel asks Maria the maid to sit in as rich society to bring the number to 14 as she is superstitious. Maria and David Morgan played by Michal Smiley hit it off and one thing leads to another. 

Cast: Toni Collette as Anne Fredericks, Harvey Keitel as Bob Fredericks, Rossy de Palma as Maria, Michael Smiley as David Morgan, Tom Hughes as Steven Fredericks.

-Staci

Been thinking about “leadership”. How many good managers have you had? How many bad ones? What makes good leadership? I’d like to give a shout out to my fave manager ever! She was so awesome and always took the high road. I wish her well in her retirement. Take care, Cathy!

-Staci

Since management is mentioned have to comment on co-workers. I had a list and decided to take it down as everyone is a critic as we all know. :) I just have one comment.

 Be thankful every day you work with a damn fine bunch of people and ignore the assholes!

-Staci

Have you ever read Thug Kitchen ?

It is hilarious! I discovered Thug Kitchen at the library. 

I love finding great cookbooks at the library. You can check out the recipes before buying. If they are within my skill level that cookbook could end up on the shelf.

However, I have ODed. I am no longer buying any more cookbooks since the bookcase is overflowing and the two shelfs on the wall are overloaded.

I guess I’m a hoarder of cookbooks. Does everyone of them bring me joy? Hell, yes!

So glancing through Thug Kitchen Party Grub I just found a landlocked ceviche made with cauliflower.  

Just so happens I have a cauliflower I need to do something with. Oh wait, it calls for tomatoes. I just can’t get into tomatoes this time of year as they just don’t taste as good. 

However, I recently got a half way decent tomato from Mexico, but it’s luck of the game.  

Oh! I just found another recipe for roasted cauliflower and mushroom banh mi. Now that is a hell of a sandwich. 

BTW, this cookbook is vegan and out of LA. I hope they aren’t Dodger fans. If so, I guess I can get pass that since the cookbook is brilliantly written. :) . Some people will be delighted with Thug Kitchen while others say FTS. You gotta read it. They write like most of us think and talk…I think. 

Rodale Publishing

-Staci 

Oakland A’s Opening Day we had to check out Tanya Holland’s (execute chef/owner) Brown Sugar Stand. I never made it to her restaurant in West Oakland and have been looking forward to having a bite at one of her new locations. She recently opened new locations in downtown Oakland and SF Ferry Bldg. It’s so exciting. I’ve been a fan for a long time watching her on Top Chef. I even have her cookbook!

We had a hard time finding the Brown Sugar Kitchen at the coliseum. After asking several employees including the information booth (who knew nothing ) we found it up by the tree house location. The line was long, but moved quickly. We both got the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich. 

What a disappointment!! It was all under seasoned cabbage slaw, a very small chicken thigh on a huge roll. $17 for cabbage and bread. (Ball park food is way overpriced, but seriously?) Thank God for the 1/2 price concessions card. If you are a season ticket holder you can get concessions for 1/2 price and my buddy got me one. YIPPIE!!!

Would I have ordered the sandwich at that price without the 1/2 price deal? Yes, but ONLY if someone would have split it with me. 

Giving them the benefit of the doubt, it was opening day and a lot of A’s employees didn’t seem to know their product (including the alcoholic pop lady)  Plus Brown Sugar Kitchen was at the"Test Kitchen" stand. Would I go back? Maybe. I’m not a pro food critic, but as a consumer spending my hard earned cash I would think twice. However, I am planning on checking out Brown Sugar in Oakland and the Ferry bldg. Will let you know. You can bet that the chicken sandwich will be a heck of a lot better. 

-Staci

My favorite place to order seeds online at the moment is Baker Seeds. I used to order from another company and didn’t have much luck growing anything. Maybe it’s me as I’m a 1/2 ass farmer. 

Last year I had blossom rot on my San Marzano tomatoes. I was devastated as I babied those seedlings from the get go. I didn’t even take a vacation in the summer for fear they’d dry up. No, I do not have a sprinkler system or a drip system. That’s way beyond my pay grade people! I freakin’ hand water those babies and usually early in the morning before anyone is out. It’s good to be out before someone is moving their stored construction supplies around or yelling as then my dog barks. Plus isn’t it better to water early in the morning so that it doesn’t evaporate doing the day? Water is a big deal in California, but that’s another story with many chapters. 

So far, I’ve got some swiss chard, radishes, job tears and lettuce in pots. Cherry tomato seedlings are growing slowly, but they aren’t Baker seeds. Also, planted some basil seeds from my Dad. Just transplanted them so hoping they continue to grow. 

I love reading the descriptions of their plants, the photos and reviews. If you want to grow something order from Baker Seeds as they are open pollinated  non  gmo seeds. 

-Staci 

A Million Ways to Die in the West- Damn Funny! Didn't get top ratings, but these people don't know what they are missing. Released May 2014. "I can't get that mustache out of my head!  Thanks Cousin for sending. 

Seth MacFarlane as Albert Stark, a sheepherder.

• Mike Salazar as 6-year-old Albert
• Charlize Theron as Anna Barnes-Leatherwood,[4] Clinch Leatherwood's wife who befriends Albert.
• Liam Neeson as Clinch Leatherwood,[5] an infamous outlaw and Anna's husband.
• Giovanni Ribisi as Edward,[5] Albert's best friend and Ruth's boyfriend
• Neil Patrick Harris as Foy,[6] an Old Stump inhabitant and Louise's current boyfriend.
• Sarah Silverman as Ruth, Edward's girlfriend and a prostitute.
• Amanda Seyfried as Louise,[7] Albert's ex-girlfriend.
• Christopher Hagen as George Stark, Albert's abusive father.
• Wes Studi as Cochise[8]
• Rex Linn as Sheriff/Narrator[7]
• Alex Borstein as Millie, a madam at a local brothel which Ruth works at.
• Ralph Garman as Dan
• John Aylward as Pastor Wilson
• Amick Byram as Marcus Thornton
• Evan Jones as Lewis, an outlaw and Clinch Leatherwood's right-hand man.
• Dylan Kenin as Pastor's Son, the son of a pastor who is killed by Lewis in the bar.
• Matt Clark as the Old Prospector

-Staci

Oracle Park prices. KA-CHING! Very pricey. Makes the Oakland A's with their 1/2 price concessions look damn fine.

-Staci

Stole this off facebook...I think from a respiratory therapist that lives near New Orleans. I love this idea. I do it the lazy way pouring salt on the weeds before it rains, but if it doesn't... 

-Staci

Old time clip art, but stands the test of time! Great to draw from! Dover Publications.

-Staci

1054 University Ave., Berkeley 

I don't eat beef anymore, but the Cheese Steak makes a mean chicken sandwich. Haven't been in a long time and am OVERDUE as it's so GOOD!!!!! I've actually ate the largest sandwich one can order. Don't think it will happen again, but you gotta try it!

Update June 2021

Recently used GrubHub for home delivery. Chicken cheese steak sandwiches were over salted!!!😩

Don't know IF we will be order anytime soon. Very Disappointing!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading this far.  We are in the transitional space setting up. So far I'm the only sister contributing . Hoping that my sisters will start working up some ideas  I've got some old movies and  books on here, but maybe you forgot about them and would like to revisit or check them out. 

Happy Spring! 

-Staci

What a s surprise!!! I love the bulgar salad! Trying to find a recipe. Stuffed grape leaves, hummus and lentil salad. I've had 4 meals with their flat bread. I love it . It's about 5 bucks, but so worth 

it! I would definitely buy it again. 

-Staci

Who doesn't love Nation's if you live in the Bay Area? I love their breakfast menu! For lunch, the chicken sandwich is awesome. They have great pies and shakes as well. Stop by! There might be a line, but it moves fast. 

-Staci

by Edward Espe Brown  - Edward Brown from the Zen Center, SF. I love this book. It's the "Here & Now" of the kitchen. 

-Staci

I am honored to write the first review for the weirsisters.com on Go Daddy. In 2001 while being unemployed, I set up the site using Dreamweaver and a different host.  Now I find myself hating Dreamweaver.  I love the WYSIWYG software,  However I couldn’t find anything that was free that I liked. I am OUT of it, but do what I can.

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy the Weir sisters. 

-Staci

The Comedian staring Robert De Niro, Leslie Mann, Danny DeVito, Edie Falco, Veronica Ferres, Charles Grodoin, Cloris Leachman, Patti  LuPone & Harvey Keitel is hilarious! Released in 2016, which is already old, but well worth watching! You will be pleasantly surprised.

-Staci

I'm not a wine drinker. I like BEER (BIER), but on occasion I love a glass of wine. Red or white doesn't matter. This was such a great find at TRADER JOES!! Don't faint! The price was under $4.00 per bottle. I bought a case.  It was several months ago and I haven't seen it since, but you can order it online. 

-Staci