Photo: Thomas Van Stein
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
PRESIDENTS DAY
When I was a kid, we celebrated Abe Lincoln's birthday on February 12th....
and George Washington's birthday on February 22nd....
My father sketched these pen & inks while attending art college in New York City--and sold copies for 25 cents apiece to keep himself in pocket money.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
MONTECITO (OLD) WINE BISTRO
All I ask, at 5:33, when I amble into the Casket after a busy day, is a fresh glass of wine.
And unlike the crockies around me, who drink happy-hour plonk at five bucks a pop, I pay premium—fifteen smackers for a glass of wine that would cost $22 a bottle at the local supermarket.
On this day, the bar, as usual, is chock-a-block with wine uncorked yesterday, the day before, and the day before that…
And so, as usual, I try to work with Eddie the bartender on exactly what I can order that is fresh i.e. a bottle opened, not necessarily in front of me, but on this day.
“Let’s start with chardonnay,” I say. “Foley or Louis Jadot?”
“I have a half of bottle of each from yesterday.”
“And you can’t pop a fresh one?”
Eddie shakes his head.
“Okay,” I say. “Let’s try red. Any Ridge?”
“I have three bottles already open.”
“From yesterday?” I say.
Eddie nods. “And older.”
“That won’t work. How about Beringer cabernet?”
“Same.”
“Anything else I might like?”
“I’ve opened a bottle of Malbec,” says Eddie.
“I’ll try it.”
Eddie pours a taster.
I sip. It tastes like Welch’s grape juice without sugar.
"You sure you can't open a new bottle?" I ask.
"I'm sure," says Eddie.
I grab my jacket.
“Where are you going?” asks Thom Steinbeck.
“Lucky’s, for a fresh glass of wine.”
On the way out, I run into Brainy Bill, just arriving. “Where are you going?” he asks in surprise.
“They won’t open a fresh bottle of wine,” I say. “So I’m going to Lucky’s. The Casket can screw itself.”
But the Casket is already screwing itself... shut.
Montecito Wine Bistro - Montecito, CA
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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