This past four days could be termed "how to do DC in 72 hours". Rene and I had a whirlwind trip, fully facilitated by my generous siblings who transported us and our luggage all around the District. Every day was packed with adventure and thankfully the weather was mostly cooperative.
We arrived in DC late on Thursday evening, delayed in the air because of thunderstorms over the airport. My sister Marlene waited patiently for us at the arrivals gate. Friday morning we were ambitiously up at 7am (4am California time) to get to the Hart Senate Building by 9am to pickup House and Senate tour tickets. Once again Marlene was our driver. We sauntered into Senator Lieberman's offices and asked if we could get a private tour with one of their interns, even though we didn't have a reservation. Sherry, the intern at the desk, suggested that we return at 2pm but she couldn't guarantee a tour. When we did return at 2pm there were two interns ready to give us a private tour. How's that for service?
After our early morning arrival at the Hart building we headed over to Teaism to meet up with my folks and cousin Tracey for breakfast. My parents were in town for a week babysitting grandson Sam-a-liscious. It was a quick cross-over visit but we managed to do some quick catching up.
Marlene, Rene and I then headed over to the National Gallery of Art west building to check out the American art and architecture. Then back we went to the Hart Senate Building for the House and Senate tour. Our two-on-two tour lasted two and a half hours. The interns Alex and Aaron were thorough in their details of architectural and historical information. It was an amazing afternoon.
In the evening we met up with Matt, Rachel and baby Sam for Jazz in the Sculpture Garden on the Mall. Unfortunately I had about one pitcher of sangria too much so the evening became quite blurry. Oh yes, summer in the city.
Saturday we managed to get out of bed at 10am. So much for an early start. Once again the sibs drove us to our destination. Rene and I took the metro into DC and visited the Renwick and Corcoran Galleries. Then we worked our way to the newly rebuilt Eastern Market to pick up sweet desserts for our BBQ dinner back at Matt and Rachel's in Maryland. The evening was spent cooking, chatting and eating.
Sunday we again got up at 10am and got a ride to the Metro. Unlike the previous two days which were mild for DC summers, Sunday was significantly more hot and humid, although nothing like Houston. We took the metro to Arlington National Cemetery where we witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Extremely impressive ceremony. At the height of our dehydration we took a cab into Alexandria, VA, wandered the streets for historic plaques and then found a fantastic seafood restaurant for brunch. With our flight leaving in three hours we met up with Marlene and Mandeep via Metro in Rosslyn. They generously took us back to the airport where we sat for three hours waiting for our delayed flight. Once in the air we had 36 channels of cable television to distract us on JetBlue as we returned to Oakland.
Showing posts with label Teaism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teaism. Show all posts
July 27, 2009
September 12, 2008
Change of Scene
You may be wondering why my family is now in the picture. I neglected to mention that we are all in Washington, DC for my brother's wedding on Saturday. It is an all-hands-on-deck affair as we are doing almost everything except the catering, with the exception of cupcakes of course.
Yesterday we were at Rachel's (Matt's partner) Mother's house, the location of the ceremony and reception. The tent is setup and we were working on the flowers, rolling silverware in napkins and generally spending time together. Then the cupcake baking in the afternoon at Teaism. Today it is back to the house for more flower arranging, hanging lights and setting up tables and chairs. This evening a party at Rachel's brother and sister-in-law's house.
My mom arrived on Monday. I got here Wednesday. Dad and my two grandmothers arrived yesterday afternoon and today the Plotkin side of the family (mom's kin) arrives in full force.
More photos to come.
Yesterday we were at Rachel's (Matt's partner) Mother's house, the location of the ceremony and reception. The tent is setup and we were working on the flowers, rolling silverware in napkins and generally spending time together. Then the cupcake baking in the afternoon at Teaism. Today it is back to the house for more flower arranging, hanging lights and setting up tables and chairs. This evening a party at Rachel's brother and sister-in-law's house.
My mom arrived on Monday. I got here Wednesday. Dad and my two grandmothers arrived yesterday afternoon and today the Plotkin side of the family (mom's kin) arrives in full force.
More photos to come.
September 11, 2008
Dad and Grandma Explore the Crackberry
Of course my dad is the original crackberry addict. Here he tries to get his mother addicted.
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Mom and Lucy Hit the Road
As me and Mom get ready to head to Teaism to make cupcakes for Matt and Rachel's wedding cake, Rachel's dog Lucy wanted to go to. Here she is in the car taking my seat.
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June 26, 2008
Cooking for a Crowd
Last night was I cooked up a thank you/good bye dinner for my DC hosts before moving on to San Francisco. As I mentioned in the previous post Meals Make Memories the menu was inspired by meals I had in the past two months after returning to the States from London.
Guests:
My sister and brother-in-law Marlene and Mandeep
My brother Matthew and his fiancee Rachel
Rachel's Mom Ann
Matt and Rachel's roommate Tyeliah and her friend Jody
Downstairs neighbor Richard
Here's what I served and the locations with links to posts on my blog which they commemorated
Jerk salmon, catfish, prawns and portobello mushrooms - Jamaica
Spoon corn bread - Maryland
Asian coleslaw - Teaism influenced
Steamed baby artichokes - Virginia
Strawberries with fresh maple/vanilla whipped cream - Virginia & Maine
Marlene also brought mouth-watering pastries that we shared.
What a meal!
Guests:
My sister and brother-in-law Marlene and Mandeep
My brother Matthew and his fiancee Rachel
Rachel's Mom Ann
Matt and Rachel's roommate Tyeliah and her friend Jody
Downstairs neighbor Richard
Here's what I served and the locations with links to posts on my blog which they commemorated
Jerk salmon, catfish, prawns and portobello mushrooms - Jamaica
Spoon corn bread - Maryland
Asian coleslaw - Teaism influenced
Steamed baby artichokes - Virginia
Strawberries with fresh maple/vanilla whipped cream - Virginia & Maine
Marlene also brought mouth-watering pastries that we shared.
What a meal!
June 25, 2008
Meals Make Memories
Hard to believe but I've been back in the States for almost two months. Looking back on the past eight weeks the highlights are the meals I've shared with friends and family. Tonight I'm thanking my generous house-hosts with a meal of dishes inspired by these adventures. Here are some of the dining inspirations...in no particular order...
- Jerk highlights from my Jamaica adventure and wedding caterer tasting with Matthew, Rachel and Ann
- Sandwich assembly party with the Century Bike Ride group
- Giant stir fry to commemorate the world's biggest stir fry I made for mom, dad and grammie in Stamford
- Maine delights from the picnic and bbq with Sharon Dee-Dee and Jamie
- Ice Cream indulgence adventure with Matthew at Marlene's house
- Garrison Keillor Picnic with Rachel, Matthew, Mandeep and Carol
- Tapas with Damon in Philadelphia
- Johnny Rockets with Sam in DC
- Salad extravaganza with Grandma, Aunt Patty and Ben Greenfield in Stamford
- B. Smith southern delights with John in the DC train station
- Hot dog indulgence with Grammie in Stamford
- Pizza and Cold Stone Creamery with Karen and Rachel in Stamford
- Diner dining with Lori and Jessica to sooth poison ivy in Stamford
- Wheat-adventures with Marlene in Virginia
- Fish Tacos at TGIF with Brechin in Philadelphia
- Delectable eats at the Native American museum with Julie and John in DC
- Teaism with Bernie during our bike ride side-track
- Corn bread spood bread at the Hinton birthday extravaganza
- Tacos with Peyton
- Home cooked fancy feasts with Matthew and Rachel in DC
- Scones and tea with Grandma in Greenwich
- Fish cakes at the wedding I photographed with Geneve
- Lebanese Tibernia with Matthew and then again with the Bike Group
Now to do some shopping for tonight's meal.
May 31, 2008
A Half Century in DC
The big DC century bike ride went well yesterday. We started at 7.35am at 
Roosevelt Island in the center of the Potomac River. Here are the eight of us getting the bikes ready. The big excitement was figuring out how to carry all the fantastic sandwiches we had packed. Mine went into the back pocket of my shirt which made it super warm and delicious at snack time - cheese and avocado never tasted so good.
When we first departed from the parking lot our group began to spread out and I thought that would be the last I'd see of all of them - except my biking buddy Bernie since we had promised to stick together. But to our surprise we stayed in a group for the entire first leg out to Mount Vernon and back to DC - 30 miles. Matt did an amazing job keeping us together and moving at a good pace.
Even though Ike the Bike has smaller tires I was able to stay with the group and at one point was even leading the pack at 16.5 miles per hour! Bernie said that I falsely advertised myself as a slow cyclist. I too was shocked. I think the speed had to do with being in a group and the fact that I've been training on a deceivingly challenging route called the Capital Crescent Trail - plus, knowing that I was only going 30 miles with Bernie while the rest of the group was going for 100.
At mile 30 Bernie, who was being coerced by his buddies, tried to convince me to go another 10 miles with the group. I saw that peer pressure working its magic and said no thanks. I knew it was going to be a hot day and I was conserving energy for our DC tour. Bernie finally agreed and we split from the group. It turned out to be a good choice for us since we had a fantastic day visiting all kinds of DC sites.
First we stopped at Arlington National Cemetery. Parking our bikes at the visitor center we walked in our designer biking duds to the Kennedy Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with about 300 eighth graders.
We then visited the Korean War, Vietnam Veterans and World War II memorials. Our timing was perfect for the Vietnam Veterans memorial ranger talk and we ended up having a 40 minute private tour of the wall.
Next we tootled on our bikes along the Mall. Stopped out Teaism for lunch, stopped at
The White House to call my good friend and Bernie's daughter Karen, and then made our way to the Kennedy Center and my new favorite view from the terrace level.
We were feeling strong, although hot and grubby so instead of picking up Matt's car at Roosevelt Island we decided to ride to his place and get to 50 miles on our trek record. This last 7 miles was along the Capital Crescent Trail and as I mentioned that deceivingly hard trail was very challenging. It kicked our butts. Plus, we decided to go an extra mile past Matt & Rachel's turn-off so that we could get exactly to 50 miles. Oy.
A few hours later Marlene generously acted as chauffeur and picked up the remaining riders from the 100 mile point. What a scene! Matt was delirious but still had to keep his wits while he rounded up the other riders. It was like wrangling drunken cats. At one point Matt was running along the C&O Canal tow path in his biking shoes yelling - stop here! Stop! He grabbed dad's bike and heroically peddled to catch a passing rider.
We were all so tired - I had done 50 and was brain dead and these guys were coming off of a 12 hour ride having done 100. Matt was amazing.
Marlene then hosted us all at her house with a fantastic dinner prepared by the WAGS (wives and girlfriends). We topped it off with cake for Bernie's birthday. At this point I Matt and I just wanted to sleep - and we were two of the youngest folks there. The "oldies" who had done 100 miles were chatting up a storm.
Roosevelt Island in the center of the Potomac River. Here are the eight of us getting the bikes ready. The big excitement was figuring out how to carry all the fantastic sandwiches we had packed. Mine went into the back pocket of my shirt which made it super warm and delicious at snack time - cheese and avocado never tasted so good.
When we first departed from the parking lot our group began to spread out and I thought that would be the last I'd see of all of them - except my biking buddy Bernie since we had promised to stick together. But to our surprise we stayed in a group for the entire first leg out to Mount Vernon and back to DC - 30 miles. Matt did an amazing job keeping us together and moving at a good pace.
Even though Ike the Bike has smaller tires I was able to stay with the group and at one point was even leading the pack at 16.5 miles per hour! Bernie said that I falsely advertised myself as a slow cyclist. I too was shocked. I think the speed had to do with being in a group and the fact that I've been training on a deceivingly challenging route called the Capital Crescent Trail - plus, knowing that I was only going 30 miles with Bernie while the rest of the group was going for 100.
At mile 30 Bernie, who was being coerced by his buddies, tried to convince me to go another 10 miles with the group. I saw that peer pressure working its magic and said no thanks. I knew it was going to be a hot day and I was conserving energy for our DC tour. Bernie finally agreed and we split from the group. It turned out to be a good choice for us since we had a fantastic day visiting all kinds of DC sites.
First we stopped at Arlington National Cemetery. Parking our bikes at the visitor center we walked in our designer biking duds to the Kennedy Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with about 300 eighth graders.
We then visited the Korean War, Vietnam Veterans and World War II memorials. Our timing was perfect for the Vietnam Veterans memorial ranger talk and we ended up having a 40 minute private tour of the wall.
Next we tootled on our bikes along the Mall. Stopped out Teaism for lunch, stopped at
The White House to call my good friend and Bernie's daughter Karen, and then made our way to the Kennedy Center and my new favorite view from the terrace level.We were feeling strong, although hot and grubby so instead of picking up Matt's car at Roosevelt Island we decided to ride to his place and get to 50 miles on our trek record. This last 7 miles was along the Capital Crescent Trail and as I mentioned that deceivingly hard trail was very challenging. It kicked our butts. Plus, we decided to go an extra mile past Matt & Rachel's turn-off so that we could get exactly to 50 miles. Oy.
A few hours later Marlene generously acted as chauffeur and picked up the remaining riders from the 100 mile point. What a scene! Matt was delirious but still had to keep his wits while he rounded up the other riders. It was like wrangling drunken cats. At one point Matt was running along the C&O Canal tow path in his biking shoes yelling - stop here! Stop! He grabbed dad's bike and heroically peddled to catch a passing rider.
We were all so tired - I had done 50 and was brain dead and these guys were coming off of a 12 hour ride having done 100. Matt was amazing.
Marlene then hosted us all at her house with a fantastic dinner prepared by the WAGS (wives and girlfriends). We topped it off with cake for Bernie's birthday. At this point I Matt and I just wanted to sleep - and we were two of the youngest folks there. The "oldies" who had done 100 miles were chatting up a storm.
July 17, 2007
Zooming to DC
Heading off to DC for three days to participate in the Americans for the Arts leadership think tank. I spend as much time travelling as I do in the actual meetings. Flying Wednesday, meeting Thursday and Friday, flying Saturday, return to London Sunday.
In between I am managing to see my siblings, their significant others and my folks. How's that for efficiency? Hopefully I'll be able to visit Teaism, my favorite DC tea/food shop.
Also trying a new airlines - Zoom. They just started their London/NY service and seem to have upgraded me for a portion of the flight. We stop over in Bermuda which, frankly, is the highlight for me. Let's hope we don't get lost in the Bermuda Triangle. Hopefully I can get off the plain and check out the airport shops.
In between I am managing to see my siblings, their significant others and my folks. How's that for efficiency? Hopefully I'll be able to visit Teaism, my favorite DC tea/food shop.
Also trying a new airlines - Zoom. They just started their London/NY service and seem to have upgraded me for a portion of the flight. We stop over in Bermuda which, frankly, is the highlight for me. Let's hope we don't get lost in the Bermuda Triangle. Hopefully I can get off the plain and check out the airport shops.
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