Energize Me

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Long day for me today with Six GayMenSpeak video storytelling interviews to record; but with a sunny day in San Francisco starting eat, took advantage and got Dino out early for our us time then it was time to prep for interviews. But first I need the quad shot to start me off.
So decided I would grabb coffee at this great little neighborhood spot called Café Sophe

It’s the kind place we walk by in our busy day-to-day lives and don’t think to stop if it’s just not in our “plan” but this morning since I was recording videos over at the offices of IEP, I knew that Cafe Sophie would be open and stopped in. After getting a welcome like I was a regular, i opted for a killer strawberry, poppyseed muffin and quad shot mocha — boy was I pleased.

Now this is what nieghborhood bussiness’s and cafe’s are all about; Friendly welcomes, smiles and humor to start a early morning. Make me look forward to coming back.

Put it on the “hidden gem” in the Castro list. <a href=”https://bitetheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140608-101426-36866783.jpg”>20140608-101426-36866783.jpg

Cafe Sophie is at: 3463 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
http://cafesophiesf.com/http://cafesophiesf.com/

A little cheese plate…

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Got a chance over the weekend to visit friends and meet some new folks and get Dino into the mix with some big dogs.

Was nice not cooking but I offered to bring a cheese plate… Just a little something i tossed together. Thanks Brad & Lance everything was great. Wore poor Dino out too.

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PurpleStride time again! We’re walking for Pancreatic Cancer on June 22 at Crissy Field

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Last year we walked with our friend Yolanda and her husband Wes.

Yolanda & Wes

Yolanda & Wes

 

Since then Yolanda’s courageous 6 year journey ended and we saw her on to a new adventure. With her passing, we all were left with a space in our hearts from her touch. But come June we will be grabbing our sneakers again and walking in the PanCan.org‘s   5k PurpleStride here in San Francisco. We (Paul and I) set a small goal for ourselves – but would love to beat last years goal of $600.

Yolanda rarely ever stepped back from a challenge and knew the meaning of take a bite our of life with two hands! Don’t let her legacy and those of the so many others with PC be for nothing. Take part, Take a bite!

 


 

Consider donating if you can – you can to donate to our walk donate page here: Frank & Paul’s 5K Adventure or if you are up for a great day at Crissy field with a bunch of fun folks – consider joining Yolanda’s Team and walk with us.

My Students create this PSA last Spring

and this fall they went wider and did one for the South Bay too!

When the classmates stopped over this weekend

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Had a chance to visit with some of the folks who are (were) in my Phd Program who graduated last weekend. Since many of them were from out of town – instead of  meeting at a resturant I offered up my place.. Opted to put out lots of pick foods. Here is a quick sample of what we noshed on while dishing the process… Recipes to follow this week once grades are in, but much of it was “almost homemade” style.

When Turkey & Fixen’s isn’t about Thanksgiving

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A few weeks ago, we got a hankering for a full out turkey dinner.. but I really didn’t want to fuss with a full turkey, brine, etc. Decided to play around with an old recipe that uses the 1/2 turkey breasts with bone in. Since my household isn’t much a dark meat one – this is perfect for when I don’t plan on making any stock or soup.

Cooking the turkey this way is quick and  pretty low maintenance. After taking the breasts our of the package, I rinse and pat well to dry.

The in a small bowl I mix a stick of butter, 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and fresh and dried hers. Mix well – it should have a consistency like mayonnaise. Gently raise the skin off the breast and coat, then do the same on the skin side. Give its a generous covering.

To cook – I happen to like stuffing that has the turkey drippings in it – but the breast will dry out if you check on it too often – so I put a small rack over the stuffing while it cooks – this allows the stuffing to cook and have a nice crunch top with all the drippings to blend in it too.

Cooking time will very and I find that its as easy to make two at one once (one on the stuffing and one in a second pan) the one in the second pan actually is what I use for drippings for the gravy. I usually cook mine uncovered at 375 degrees for 15 min, open the oven , remove them and baste, then lower temp to 350 or 325 for another 90 min. checking by thermometer for doneness. Thermometer should be around 165 degrees that gives you time to remove, cover and let sit while you make the gravy.

Toss on the grill some baby carrots, broccoli sprayed with olive oil cooking spray to get slight char on, maybe some baked mac & cheese you got from Tower Market and doctored up some with more cheese and a bread crumb strusssel and dinner is served in less than 2 hours.

You will have plenty for lunches !

 

Wireless charging with @InPofi

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Got a chance to see InPofi’s wireless charger/case kit at MacWorld this year and after checking out some the other vendors decided to go back and purchase the kit.

I have to say can’t be happier. The case fits smooth and snug. The low profile chargers are quick and efficient and the fact that they offer two means I could leave one of my office and one in the kitchen. They come in several colors.

If your are on the fence on wireless charging-jump. Its worth the plunge.

Also on Amazon;

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Sometimes you just have to go “Greek”

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My always ready to grab a meal out pal,  Ralph and I  decided to hit Orexi over in the West Portal. We’ve walked by several time and had heard good things about it – so after a rough week, and Paul being out of town – we figure why not.

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We are sure glad we did. From the moment you walk in, the experience was welcoming. The smells rich with grilled meats and herbs, friendly people and very welcoming hosts.

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We started with some of the starters that just looked too good to ignore; grilled Calamari (squid), Greek Sardines and of course Saganaki (grilled cheese) – these each were so good that we could have stopped there. Each had its own distinct flavor and richness that essentially made for a lot of bread dipping afterwards.

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For our main course Ralph opted for the chicken (which he raved was amazing!), and after spying someone else eating it – on site alone, I went with the lamb chops.  Again it was a win win.

We had heard that some folks felt they had a tendency to rush courses – which I hate, so we mentioned up front that we were not in a hurry and to place the entree order accordingly. The server was happy to oblige and followed through as promised.

While not cheap – I do think the food is well worth it and when you want a nice atmosphere or a date night or a special occasion that allows you to have some fun in.

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Orexi 243 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127 (415) 664-6739