Since I was only a few months old, we have gone on an annual camping trip with some of my parents’ ski club friends. It started out as traditional camping complete with tents, outdoor cooking, smores and snipes but as we grew up it gradually evolved into golf and condos. This year, we met the group, affectionately know as the Over the Hill Gang down in Pismo Beach.
Unfortunately, we were only able to make it down there for a night, but we made the most of our time there. We met my brother and future sister in law and a couple others in San Luis Obispo to have lunch at the famous Firestone Grill. I forgot how delicious their tri-tip sandwich is and ribs were equally good. After filling our bellies and strolling down Bubblegum Alley, we headed down to Pismo to do some ATV-ing.
ATV-ing was quite an experience for a couple reasons. For me it was my first time going so it was a mix of fear and exhilaration. For the first 45 minutes or so I was really hesitant but after finding a few straightaways to race up and down I finally gained my confidence and was brave enough to take on a few hills. Just before we headed back we decided to go our separate ways and to meet back at a marker a few minutes later. Four of us stayed pretty close together but my brother and fiancee decided to go out on their own. As the time came to an end, we saw my brother’s fiancee waving to us near our meeting spot. She kept waving as we got near and we kept waving back to assure her that we saw her. It was only as we got closer that we saw that my brother was sitting in a dune buggy holding his head. It turns out that he flipped over his ATV and knocked his head and ribs on his way over. Fortunately after a couple hours in the emergency room, he was okay with only a super glued gash in his head and some bruised ribs. Not exactly the way we planned to end the day but at least it wasn’t more serious.
When we got back to the condo, it was dinner time. Another group of people spent the day fishing so they prepared fish tacos with some of their catch. They also brought several other kinds of meats complete with all the fixings, including La Vic’s orange sauce. One thing you can always count on at these events is good food.
After dinner we had a casual baby shower for the ladies to help welcome one of the next generation of the group. It’s really fun to see the group growing. This year we had one of the biggest turnouts in recent history so it was really great to see everyone and we can’t wait for next year.
Family, Lifestyle, photography
The first time I visited Angelique’s cubicle, I knew that we would get along. The Jordan Knight pin on her wall foretold of a friendship to come. A couple weeks ago, Ian and I were thrilled to be present to witness Angelique and Ron’s nuptials at the Old Mission San Juan Bautista. It was a gorgeous day and a beautiful setting both at the mission and at the reception site, Villa Montalvo. The food catered by Le Papillon only added to the elegant experience. The night was full of fun memories a perfect celebration of the newly wedded couple. Congratulations Angelique and Ron. We wish you a long, happy life together!
Bay Area, Lifestyle, photography, wedding
What an exciting day!
It started out with a brunch at our favorite place to commemorate special occasions, Astaria with the Nakasuji and Blohowiak families. It was a delicious and perfect way to start off an action packed day. Then it was off to the airport to welcome Gina home from India and to witness the proposal. The families hid at the cafe in the terminal while Riki and his photography and videography crew of Will, Joel and Ian perched nearby. Gina walked out, we heard the claps and the cheers of the crowds so we cautiously crept from our hiding place. By the time we arrived, it was clear that it was a yes and hugs were shared all around.
After a brief rest and some freshening up, it was time to celebrate at Fresca with more friends and family.
Congratulations Riki and Gina! We are so happy for you and so glad that we were able to share the day with you.
Bay Area, Lifestyle, photography
It all started with the Creme Brulee Cart (@cremebruleecart). Though we still have yet to try it, it was the catalyst for our now growing food cart obsession. So when we heard about the SF Street Food Fest in the Mission last Saturday, we had to check it out.
The festival had a nice mix of established restaurants and food carts (a.k.a. taco trucks) selling a wide variety of foods representing a wide variety of cuisines spreading across the globe. The beautiful weather and the great vibe at the festival made it easy for us to spend several hours eating, people watching and soaking up the sun.
Some of our favorite street foods include: Roli Roti for their porchetta sandwich (we waited for 50 minutes at the festival and it was worth it), Curry Up Now for their deconstructed samosa (Ian recommends ordering online), Hapa SF for their sisig tacos, and Seoul on Wheels for their Korean tacos.
Next festival: this weekend at the Eat Real Fest in Oakland. Hopefully this time we can get to the Creme Brulee Cart before it sells out!
Bay Area, Food, Lifestyle, photography
Call me cynical, but it seems like these days, it’s really hard to find a stranger that will do something nice for you if they’re not getting something out of it. Last week, however, my faith in humanity was restored at least a little bit.
A couple of Friday’s ago I took the train home from work. I was really tired, and the only thing on my mind was getting home to relax. I had my phone in my pocket but somewhere between the time I left my seat and the time I got to the front door of our apartment, my phone was gone. I called Verizon right away and they were able to suspend the service of the phone. (I guess that’s one advantage of not having a SIM card.) I also called Caltrain to report it because we had a friend who had left things on the train before and had gotten them back. I wasn’t overly concerned because it was a free phone, I just hoped it wouldn’t fall in the hands of someone who’d use my contacts for some unsavory business.
That night, my dad got a call from a lady who cleans the Caltrain. She said she found my phone and would keep it for us to pick it up. I have a friend who lives in the area so I asked him to pick it up next week during her working hours. He arranged to meet her mid-week. When they met, my friend tried to give her a reward but she politely refused. When my friend told me this, I was shocked. Again maybe I’m cynical but it was such a nice surprise.
Lifestyle
