Ferry to Waiheke Island, followed by a coastal trek: steep up, steep down, repeat. Revived by a fine mid-afternoon lunch of grilled fish overlooking the water. Waiheke’s own Passage Rock Pinot Gris made the revival complete.
Category: Eat
Tiny bananas and grand dames
Our urban walk took us to a different community center today, where we stocked up on veggies at the Sunday farmers market. A truck served a decent flat white and a long black, which we sipped while nibbling those tiny bananas you only find near where they’re grown. At lunch, the cafe seemed to be attracting characters straight out of British sitcom archives: namely, Mrs. Slocombe (Are You Being Served?) and Violet (Vicious).
Dinner and hard truths
Snowy walk to meet friends for a “modern take on authentic Mexican food.” Because people are afraid to go out lately, the restaurant has had to shorten its hours. We received great service from our server, and we chatted at the end of our meal. She shared her well-founded fear of being dragged off by ICE goons on her way from work because of the color of her skin, despite being an American-born citizen.
Taking a rain check
It was a gloomy day out there: rain, icy sidewalks, and the downtown towers barely visible. ‘Too much like England,’ a friend teased, suggesting we postpone our walk until tomorrow. It was a fine day to stay in and tip the fridge: Japanese curry for lunch, and a strata for dinner.
Snowbird prep
In about two weeks we become snowbirds, which means it’s time for the ‘Clustering of the Rolling Plant Racks’ and the ‘Tipping of the Fridge.’ Our plants are now all connected to the drip irrigation system, while some are also periodically misted. Tonight’s dinner features carnitas I made and froze a month ago; other delights will be making encore appearances in the coming days.
A tale of two fishes
My walk included four stores for a few last-minute items. Here, I eschewed the lutefisk, preserved in sodium hydroxide and favored by descendants of Norwegians who want to re-create a better time when there was no refrigeration. I did pick up a tub of pickled herring, though, preserved in vinegar.
Goodies at the museum
Our local farmers market is a more modest affair during the winter. Instead of being outside, it’s held in the lobby of the Mill City Museum. Picked up bacon sausages from a local farm, along with some crusty bread and savory croissants from a small local bakery.
Our local haunt in Kanazawa
After a day of sightseeing, we returned to this Izakaya from last night. With just 14 seats, we were the only tourists among a bar full of friendly, local characters. Sumo wrestling played on the television, while the walls displayed sumo-themed photos and memorabilia. At one point the barman held up his phone so we could all sing Happy Birthday to an absent customer.
At least the catenary shone
Our neighborhood izakaya, Zen Box, is closing, sending me on a quest for decent replacement ramen. Today’s nameless stop scored a 2/10. It was supposed to be tonkotsu; the broth had the color, but none of the required texture or flavor. I took a photo, but here’s something more palatable: new copper catenary for a light rail extension, which I saw while cycling to that nameless place.
Dinner and a play
It’s Sausage Saturday! That means sausage and cabbage for dinner, but we’re mixing it up a bit. We’re having red cabbage instead of the usual green, and swapping the movie for a stage play: I’ve cued up a National Theatre (of Great Britain) production of Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land” starring Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart. Of course there’ll be ice cream in the intermission.