Diversification

These days it's prudent and wise for the small business person to reach out and cover as many bases as possible. I wonder what the aroma of the place is like? Chinese food? Deep fried dough? Do they have more than one deep fryer? We're gonna have to stop here next time we're in the area. Maybe when my car needs its next smog check.

Really???

Who knew?

New Year's Morning 1-1-11

New Year's Eve 2010

We indulged here at the house. Steak and Lobster. Grilled vegetables and salad. Ice cold Champagne.

Happy New Year Everyone!

O Come Let Us Adore Him...

Christmas, 1957

It was blue-gray and snowy outside, inside it was warm and swirling with colored lights, smelling of pine and my father's pipe tobacco.

What is that thing my father is assembling? Looks like something that cuts wood; he liked making stuff.

My grandfather built the little manger in the background. We cast the characters of angels, baby Jesus, wise men, etc. in rubber molds using plaster of Paris that we painted when dry. The manger and its inhabitants made an appearance every Christmas. I don't know what happened to it, hopefully one of my sisters has it.

Have a merry and memorable Christmas!

C minus

Nothin' says Christmas like supper at Tom Bergin's - Fáilte!

Tom Bergin's bar and restaurant is the oldest Irish establishment in Los Angeles and holds many great and embarrassing memories for me and many of my friends. But last night was magical.

Cozy back room, fire in the fireplace. Decorations all around.

Larry with his Guinness. Sláinte mhaith!

And to top it all off, Christmas Carolers. They even sang, "Christmas in Killarney" - a carol I would have never guessed they knew, and a carol I don't think I've heard since I was 10 years old. It really was lovely!

When was the last time you visited Bergin's? One of the best bars in L.A. in my opinion - and such a great old restaurant in the back room..