Ann Whatever

In December one of my favorite galleries closed up shop. I blame it on the economy (as is the fashion of these times) and also the location. Long Beach isn't really the hub for contemporary pop art. For a last hurrah DDR Projects put together a group show of what the curator thought was some of the best up and coming artists. I admire that John looks out for and takes care of the emerging artist rather than following the trendy artists.

Another visit to Santouka for a little r & r. Ramen and rice.

We debated back and forth about how to spend New Year's Eve. Did we want to dress up? Did we want to do Vegas (hells no)? Was one of our friends throwing a party?

Finally we decided to keep it casual and just us two. Disneyland would be a clusterfuck, but not Knott's. So, it was off to Knott's to celebrate 2010 with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang.

Beforehand we filled our bellies with fried chicken at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. This was so good, crispy fried chicken. I really enjoyed the rolls with some butter and their signature Knott's Berry Farm jams and jellies.

And we couldn't leave without sharing a boysenberry pie. I hope everyone's new year is off to a great start.

Kukula had a show of her new works at the Corey Helford Gallery last month.

No trip to San Diego is complete without feasting on the regional favorite - carne asada fries. Those of us who venture south always say "they need to bring these to L.A." to which I respond, "Oh heeeeell NO!"

The thing that makes America great is our regional cuisine. Like how Cincinnati puts chili on spaghetti; Chicago deep dish is only great in Chicago; beignets and chicory coffee should only be purchased in New Orleans; and let's not forget all the variations of barbeque we have. Regional cuisine is the soul of that area.

Now He's never had carne fries. We could have gone anywhere in SD, but I picked Lucha Libre Taco Shop because it's listed on the Atlas Obscura site for it's fun, yet bizarre decor.

As far as carne fries goes, these were gourmet. I've always been just fine with the greasy spoon, B-rated Mexican shop carne fries, but Lucha serves up some great carne fries. He also partook in another SD regional specialty - the California burrito. Think a burrito with everything PLUS fries inside. He loved that. And, because it was bacon-wrapped, He got me a TJ dog. It must be love...

Living in L.A. we tend to forget and/or never experience good restaurant service. You'd think with all the actors in town they can at least pretend to be nice to everyone. Instead, you end up in a fancy restaurant getting attitude from the Host/Hostess and waitstaff (except for the fine folks at FIG) because you're not some agent who can get you "somewhere".

It's with this bitter taste in our mouth that He and I sat down to dinner our last night in San Diego at Blue Point. And get this - everyone was friendly. Friendly, personable and attentive.

You mean we can have more bread?

Yes and not only bread, but also a complimentary amuse bouche (salmon tartare). The cheese plate was ordered because if "cheese plate" is written on a menu we order it. I got a beet salad because I needed a beet fix, while He got a rich lobster bisque. He picked this place especially for the great reviews on the salmon, so I had to get it.

As if there was any doubt.

Craving subdued courtesy of Cups La Jolla

We stopped by Chocolat to pack together a picnic lunch for our adventure to La Jolla. Chocolat is this gelato, creperia, panini, salad place run by a very colorful and vocal group of Italians. It appeared to be the meeting place for the Italian community in the Gaslamp; the staff and the patrons seemed to know each other very well.

Still high from the Prosciutto binge at Syrah, He got a Prosciutto and Gruyere panini. I opted for the portabello and brie panini. Nothing chocolate for us this time. Next time around though, I promise.