Facade

Facade, the completed piece!

It took so much longer than ever anticipated to make

this commissioned piece.

But I am pleased with how it turned out.

The story that built this piece is as layered as the paint,

and as blurred as the many brushstrokes.

What she will do with it now, I don't know!

Encinitas Street Fair 2010

If you find yourself in north county San Diego, this weekend is also the Encinitas Street Fair (April 24-25, 9am-5pm) on the historic Highway 101 (between D & J Streets) in downtown Encinitas. This quintessential beach town hosts 450+ artists and craft vendors, live music and a beer garden.

I'll be swinging by on Sunday afternoon, particularly to see Maggie Marsek's booth. Check out Maggie's original photography and shadow boxes.

* photographs by Maggie Marsek

Little Italy Art Walk - 2010

It's once again that time of the year when San Diego turns into a mini-art-meca (24-25 April) for the Mission Federal Art Walk, bringing in internationally and nationally renowned artists, as well as amateurs, to the streets of downtown's Little Italy. It's known as the largest fine arts festival in southern California, promoting the appreciation and procurement of original art. In addition to the 300+ artists showcased, there is also music, dance, and entertainment. On various street corners you can pull up a chair, grab a nibble from one of the many local restaurants and cafes and relax to the sound of live music.

My art will still be shown, and for sale, at Maida (1910 State Street). Many of the local galleries and businesses will be open and showing additional local art. Be sure to peak in!

Chicken, Asparagus, Walnut & Raspberry Salad

Now that it's spring, the farmer's markets are stocked with fresh green produce (asparagus, artichoke, pea shoots, etc). I had bought a large bunch of asparagus and created this delicious sweet salad (a variation from one I normally make with granny smith apples).

* chicken (cube, pan fry with course pepper, sea salt and garlic powder)

* asparagus (grill or steam)

* spinach (chopped)

* goat cheese (crumbled)

* walnuts (chopped)

* raspberry dressing (drizzle)

(would be great with fresh raspberries too!)

Earthday Organicfest: San Diego

Celebrate Earth Day tonight at the Blind Lady Ale House on Adams Avenue! The Surfrider Foundation is hosting Earthday Organicfest from 5pm-midnight. There will be a handful of organic beers on tap, rolling surf films on the big screen and great company. Come enjoy this great event- the Blind Lady is a fun venue and $1 from each beer will go towards our local Surfrider Chapter, which helps protects our local bodies of water!

LuX@Night: Robert Lobe

Meet resident artist, New York based sculpture Robert Lobe, tonight at the Lux Art Institute in Encinitas. Robert uses metal to create pieces that depict shapes, items and textures from nature, specifically the woods.

Lux@Night

Sponsored by Supervisor Pam Slater-Price and the County of San Diego Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 7-9pm Lux Art Institute $5 suggested donation

Enjoy music, merry-making, and the opportunity to meet artist-in-residence Robert Lobe and view his exhibit of metal sculpture. Free and open to the public. 21 & over.

St Thomas from the Noonan's Eye

I was poking around facebook this afternoon while I tried to kick a mild fever. I came across my friends', Jacobe & Summer Noonan, album from St Thomas. Jacobe is a talented artist himself, and his website is definitely worth checking out: http://jacobenoonan.com/home.html But, I always enjoy their photographs and how they capture images on their many vacations. They have an eye for angles, details and silhouettes. Here are a few of my favorite from their St Thomas album!

Alice in Wonderland

This weekend I caught the much talked about flick, Tim Burton's Alice and Wonderland. I felt it necessary to watch it in 3D, which definitely enhanced the visual effects, especially for scenes like Alice falling through the rabbit hole. The movie was a fantastic artistic film. As for the general plot and flow of dialogue, it was good but nothing to rave about. However, the design aspects were so creative and incredible! Tim Burton did not let the audience down through his highly crafted depiction of Wonderland, leaning on Karen O'Hara and Peter Young for set decoration, Colleen Atwood for costume design and Valli O'Reilly's make-up team. Johnny Depp did a fantastic job playing the crazy Mad Hatter character, and his make-up was insane- it looked like the Mac counter on acid!

Jaynes Gastropub

Last Wednesday, I finally made my way to Jayne's Gastropub (on 3oth Street near Adams Avenue). I have been meaning to do this for some time, and I was happy when my girlfriend wanted to swing by after work for a quick catch-up. While a handful of gastropubs have emerged in San Diego, I had an inkling that this place would stand out above the masses. And I was right! Rather than yet another burger joint, Jayne's is more like a bistro, serving delicate upscale versions of traditional bar nosh and main dishes. I happened to pony up to the small metal bar for their daily Happy Hour, which includes a short food menu and good drink specials. I got a delicious crisp Riesling, while my friend enjoyed a Manhattan from their newly crafted cocktail menu (they just recently got their full bar). The atmosphere is a welcoming, casual neighborhood gathering spot. Conversation flowed between staff and guests, and the friendly attitudes just enhanced the entire experience. Temptation was too great, so we decided to order a little snack while we sipped our beverages. We got pulled pork quesadillas, which while tiny, were full of flavor and juicy meat. We also got a slider with fries, which was tasty, but I wish I had listened to the bartender and got the croquettes instead. Beyond the small bar, there is a long rectangular dining room and quaint outdoor patio enclosed by ivy covered walls. To me, the decor comes off as a London flat meets Victorian tea room. I was immediately a fan of the faux animal busts! I look forward to heading back to enjoy a proper dinner!

- photos Megan*Christine

Outstanding in the Field: Catalina Island

I have this girlfriend who happens to go on the most amazing weekend staycations with her long distance beau. With the attitude of exploring new places, staying at the best hotels and partaking in creative dates, she was the one who introduced me to Outstanding in the Field. As soon as I heard about the events, I not only wanted her to secure a reservation, but I wanted one myself!

Outstanding in the Field began in 1999, and calls themselves a "roving culinary adventure." Moving to different locations nationwide, it aims to re-connect food with its location of origin. Using local ingredients from area farmers, culinary chefs prepare meals in outdoor settings. The spread can be found in fields, gardens, beaches and is an event not to be missed!

In June there is an event on Catalina Island, CA. It begins with a boat ride from Avalon harbor, along the shores of Catalina, to a beautiful cove where the signature table is set in the sand. To top it off the guest chef is Curtis Stone (the Australian chef now based in LA) - and I lurve him!

illy, my morning savior

After a fun-filled fantastic weekend in Vegas celebrating my girlfriend's bachelorette party, Sunday morning began with a trip to Illy in the Palazzo. Having been a fan of their espresso already, I knew that I was in need of a shot of java to get my day started. The Illy cafe consisted of glass walls and a sleek metal interior of high top bars and bistro tables. But what draws the eye inside is the rainbow of delicious gelato that lines the counter interiors. It is irresistible not to crave it! Once inside, the color continues up the wall with bright abstract images. In addition, espresso makers were strategically placed in recessed walls and artist espresso cups lined pillars, serving as cheery decor. I particularly liked the cups, they were so adorable! Illy left me with a smile on my face, and successfully lured me into the grocer today to purchase my own for home!

*storefront from Google Images, Cups from Megan*Christine

San Diego Easter

A delicious brunch, a little house hunting, sunny beach day and an afternoon earthquake. That about sums up a fabulous Easter Sunday in San Diego.

We enjoyed our brunch indoors, while the morning gloom had time to blow away. I paired our holiday staple, lox & cream cheese on everything bagels, with a spinach & asparagus frittata, along with fresh berries. The frittata was surprisingly simple to make:

* in a skillet saute onions, garlic and green onions
* add spinach once browned

* top with egg mix (eggs, parmesan cheese, a few dashes of nutmeg, splash of milk, S&P)

* cook over medium heat for a few minutes

* put pan in the oven (400 degrees) for 7-10 minutes until egg mix is cooked

* top with sliced avocado and parmesan cheese

After brunch, we went on a somewhat successful house hunt. Then we went to Solana Beach and let the pup run wild on the beach. We found a secluded cove and she was in heaven splashing around in the surf. Arriving home, I happily skyped with my little ones back East. They are beyond adorable, and my day was made just seeing their smiles =) But just as that ended, we felt the shocks of 6.9 magnitude earth quake coming from nearby Baja Cali in Mexico. It was strong enough to shake the house for a good 15-30 seconds. A wild Easter gift!

Easter Traditions: Bunny Cake

I was fortunate enough that growing up, the holidays were synonymous with family and feasts. Every Easter we would pile into the car and head north to Pennsylvania to see my Grandparents. While I have so many happy memories about those times, the sweet tooth in me loves to hang on to the Bunny Cake my Nanny use to make. As a child, this cake looked enormous to me and I felt like Willy Wanka in a vanilla factory. The original recipe called for a white cake topped with vanilla frosting, coated in coconut flakes and decorated with jelly beans and licorice. (My mother sent the original recipe, pictured) Since I am celebrating the holiday in San Diego without my family, I decided to try to make the cake on my own to stir up some happy thoughts. Given that my better half is a chocoholic, I decided to tweak the recipe to be chocolate rather than vanilla (or else I would be eating the entire Bunny). As many know, I am not the best baker, hence I don't own any of the tools. So a trip to Target, and I am set: baking pans, racks and ingredients. Since I wanted to ensure it was edible, I decided to use Ghiradelli dark chocolate brownie mix with chocolate chips, dark creamy chocolate icing, chocolate chips and jelly beans (I had debated using sprinkles as the fur, but my grocer didn't carry sprinkles). I got to baking, assembled per the directions, and out came a GIANT chocolate bunny. This cake is enormous still! It's the perfect reason to invite some friends over to help us devour it. Cheers to new memories with a chocolate bunny- I think my Nanny would be proud!

Friendship & Flowers

I was given this gorgeous bunch of flowers. It's such a treat to be able to spend a day catching up and being silly. Friendship is a wonderful gift.

I have no clue what kind of flowers these are?! But I absolutely love them!