mango curry

Another successful meal at Himalaya. I had forgotten how much I liked their mango curry, and how much a bit of garlic naan bread completes the meal - more so than the rice. The tandoori paneer was a nice sideshow. 

The Pirate Hunter

To make a 400-page story short, Captain Kidd was not a pirate but a privateer who was dealt the worst fate possible. For the most part he executed his commission from the king and other high-ranking backers honorably, but the legal apparatus of the British Admiralty - for whatever reasons - had him hanged from the start. Given everything wrong with that system, we now know that he would have been better off going into hiding with his wife and child.

best hotel soap of 2025

A fragrance so intoxicating that it moves the soul and prompts the soul to obtain more. 

picturesque & unusual

The kinds of picturesque and unusual foods available from Buena Bodega. The potato chips with Indian spices were perhaps the most unusual - and distinctive - potato chips I've ever had.

take me to the river

A bike ride to that point in Casitas Springs where the levee and the bike path converge. This is always a good spot to stop and check out the river.

Vegan Chef Challenge

As part of the annual Vegan Chef Challenge, we tried Paradise Pantry's Maitake Banh Mi and Roots & Greens Garden Soup. The Banh Mi was top-notch and delicious. The soup - despite the fact that this place consistently makes great soup - had a peculiar spice or flavor that was a bit too floral for me. That flavor aside, it was good.

a winning combo

A winning combo: broccoli stir fry and pineapple curry at Moons Thai. Thankfully both winning choices are available as lunch specials.