Well, not breakfast, that was a toasted English Muffin before heading out to three stores for various groceries, and two more for booze.
Big Food Stop Number One:
RedBones BBQ on Davis Square. Four different sauces… ask for the sampler of all four sauces. Regular, Hot, Sweet (dark from what looks like molasses), and Vinegar — each good which is hard to find. Both Pucci and I had the pulled pork sandwich plate which comes with beans and slaw (all three HEARTY portions). Sandwich plate is $5.99 at lunch — and if you are seriously hungry, or just want to box up leftovers for dinner, go for the combo, which is whatever ribs they have handy, chicken, sausage, beans, cole slaw and dirty rice. It is a heaping plate of food. Excellend beer selection
Big Food Stop Number Two:
Minado — Japanese Seafood Buffet Restaurant. $29.95 on the weekend evenings for all you can eat (cheaper during the week and at lunch). The picture below doesn’t even show the other two lines (deserts and hot dishes).
I was gobbling down oysters on the half shell, mussels, clams, sushi, sashimi, asparagus wrapped in beef, rare koke beef, dumplings, tempura, octopus salad… and then there were the things I passed on… whole king crab legs (too much work), a hibachi station, soups, desserts, salads… five locations on the East Coast.
Dinner was with Netta and the three kids — oops, I mean Netta, her husband and the two kids, along with two friends of their and their kid. A full table with eight, but the place is huge.
Got a ride home from Netta after she dropped the rest of the family off — even got a little quiet time with a nightcap (scotch for me, rum toddy for her).
And tomorrow the food continues with Pucci making a pot roast. Think I’m coming back to Seattle larger than I left.
Early to bed (not), early to rise (definitely). Up at 5:30 (again — two days’ running).
Champagne and cranberry juice, muffins and cream cheese in the Board Room before the flight. Flight was on time, and the seat next to me was open, in the row behind first class so there was leg room.
The “T” to Alewife to meet Netta for a dinner date with the family, Max, Leah, Joel. A lovely brisket for dinner, nice wine, and Rum on the Rocks before and after.
Pucci shows up at 10:30 for a late supper at Netta’s place, then we are back to Pucci’s new house.
Under the topic of modern miracles comes soda pop machines that take credit cards in addition to the dollar bills and traditional coins.
Today is up in the air. Was thinking maybe of the JFK Presidential Museum since I’ve never been there. That would add another presidential museum to the collection of Harry S Truman, Gerald Ford, and Richard Nixon.
Dinner at Pucci’s duplex today — with god knows who. Guess I should make some calls and find out.
LATE EVENING UPDATE
Did the JFK Museum today. Lovely I.M. Pei building. Did the intro video then went to have a salad at the cafe (not anywhere the quality of the MFA cafe).
I got strangers to snap this picture of me after my tour (when I was waiting for the shuttle that I’d just missed).
Comments on the museum: powerful. Tears were welling up when I got to the section dealing with his assassination. I couldn’t watch all the archival footage. I saw those news reports live. Hell, I even made a scrapbook of clipping about the assassination. It’s a good thing that the glass pavilion was shortly after than section; the light and air of the open hall provided relief.
Took the T to Alewife — which was easy since I was at the other end of the Red Line — no transfers getting to Pucci’s stop. He had a student from 4 to 5 — yet another cutie.
Dinner was with Netta, Joel, Lia (daughter, not friend), Max and Murna (Joel’s cousin who helps with the kids). a six pound (yes, six pound) chicken done to perfection. Add all the trimmings and good wine (not to mention a ton of scotch), and you have a good meal.
Netta and Lia ran me back to the “T” station for the two transfer ride back to the Hampton. It’s kinda fun to be out and about on the subway system on a Saturday night — lots of cute guys out there.
Home (well, hotel) by 10:30. Tomorrow is the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) with Pucci — and I think lamb for dinner — though I feel I should take him out since he did dinner tonight.
Maybe it’s the weather that makes me sleep in on the East Coast. By the time I got up at 10:30, Jill was getting ready to shove off to visit friends and friends children leaving me with the late morning and early afternoon “at leisure” as they say in the travel brochures. Plenty of time to reprogram my spare MP3 player for Jill’s return trip (she forgot her Zune), figure out how to finally get my phone to sync with my Exchange server contacts/calendar, strip and remake the guest bed, put away the clean dishes, add the dirty ones, and get all the soiled linens into the laundry basket.
Pucci showed up at 3:30, just after Jill returned to the apartment – and off we went to Whole Paycheck and Cambridge Wine and Spirts. The 12-year-old Macallan was on sale for $39.95 which was all I was planning on buying, but then a bottle of Germain-Robin brandy caught my eye… damn, there goes another $23.99 (down from $29.99).
Cocktails at 5:30 with Pucci, his GF, me… before dinner at Netta’s place in Arlington. Lamb shanks over couscous, which was supposed to go with a Caesar salad – except Pucci forgot to make that in all the excitement over the lamb.
The large Le Creuset pot on the right side of the stove used to belong to Julia Child – sent from the company to Julia as a promotional item. Netta used to work as her archivist and found it in the basement of her house. Julia’s comment… “you want it, take it, the damn thing weighs a ton.” That French Oven held 10 lamb shanks and all the fennel and garbanzo beans, rosemary, the works.
What a meal, even without the salad. So much for greens today.
Pucci grabbed all the bones to make a lamb stock for tomorrows pork dinner which will include a whiskey reduction sauce.
Another chill day here outside the city (well, Boston that is).
Today’s big project was doing a sample issue of Sign of the Times — A Chronicle of Decadence in the Atomic Age as a Libboo book. Almost got it right the first time, but need to rescan the cover at a higher resolution, fix a bad piece of code, and try adding the original graphics to the issue. Right now, it’s just all the text. Not bad for a first effort, but it’s going to be some serious work to convert all nineteen issues.
All this coding was done to the smell of a crock pot full of Moroccan Spiced Stew which was the original plan for dinner, Netta and Ashly joining us here. But wait, change of plans. We are now going to Netta’s for a fish dinner with tapenade except for Ashley who will be having the stew because she’s allergic to fish.
Great dinner, good wine, and back home to work on the project some more.
Normally my domestic trips I don’t do weekends, as to not annoy my business partner in the wine shop. Made an exception to see Pucci. His schedule is freer on the weekends as he teaches most afternoon/evenings during the week.
Got the rare upgrade to first on the Seattle-Boston run – rare because Seattle is the major Alaska hub with LOTS of 75K fliers who spend way more for their ticket than I ever do. A rare upgrade, but a lovely one:
I love going to visit Pucci – he LOVES to cook (and I brought wine).
We had a lovely Garzon Albarino from Uruguay to go with the chicken.
The next afternoon found us at MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) for a Dutch Masters exhibit that ends in a couple of days:
And a couple of Gaugin’s in another wing – including one from his Japanese phase (just at Van Gogh had):
Not bad – as was the blue cheese burger with tater tots:
And Fernando got the chicken pot pie which looked great as well.
Total forgotten what Fernado’s husband, Steve had – he was a bit camera-shy.
Suddenly, this post is all about food, because for Tuesday’s lunch, we (Pucci and I) met up with Jill at the Red House for Manhattans and oysters:
The first dozen was $6, the second (and beyond), $12. Still an expensive lunch considering we each had two dozen (and a couple of cocktails for me), and I was still hungry in an hour or so – which meant I hit up Pucci’s Noodles from lunch the other day:
Here is the recipe:
Delicious hot, or just from the fridge.
The Tuesday night adventure was for a recital at the Winchester Community Music School with one of Pucci’s groups – the Mo-Town group. This was during the sound check:
It was great to see him play – though piano isn’t his best instrument – that would be the Bass. Would love to see him in a “gig” environment (a.k.a. bar).
My final day in Boston I was greeted with snow:
But Pucci had a student move his lesson so he gave me a ride to the “T”:
And after one transfer, I was in the Admirals Club lounge having a little lunch:
That was just the starter – fresh house-made guacamole – several rounds of soup followed. And then it was on to the plane, sadly, in back, but at least I was in the free booze section:
And soon, I was home…for twelve hours before the next adventure.
Lazy Sunday morning, drinking coffee, hanging out in bed, reading the Sunday paper. Pucci’s at the gym (as usual).
Off to the MFA (Boston Museum of Fine Arts) using Pucci’s membership card while he’s at rehearsal. Started with a lovely lunch of New England Clam Chowder with Apple Smoked Bacon, and the Crab Croissant served with a salad of mixed greens, a a glass of the Wolf whatever Australian Shiraz. Made the art much better.
A nice Leger, some old art, a really nice piece of furniture:
Then you add what I think is a Cezanne — whoever it is it’s the wife in a blond wig, some Russian textiles, and some nice Greek pots.
Stopped in to the member’s desk — got a ticket to the special exhibition “Fashion Show” — it would not have been worth the $23, but free, there was actually one designer that I like — who made stuff out of recycled materials — of course I can’t remember exactly who, might be Maison Martin Margiela. Basically that whole show was a bunch of peoples 2006 runway shows from Paris.
Next up, martinis and the Superbowl. Do we care who wins? No.
Netta is coming over with Lamb Shanks ala Julia Child, who she used to work for as her archivist. Wish me luck. Damn — turns out it’s Todd English’s Lamb Shanks with Fennel. Turns out Todd has too many lamb shank recipes to track down that one.
The wine is a 1998 Domaine Paul Lautard, Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Jill, eat your heart out (kidding!).
My East Coast contingent has been begging for a visit so off I go (it doesn’t take much convincing, just a decent fare and hopefully an upgrade or two).
Paid more than I’d like (close to $500), but I was able to use my last two MVP Gold Upgrades for a guaranteed First Class on the Monday night red-eye to Boston, coming back through Portland on the dinner flight.
Uber’d to the airport since who knows what state I’ll be in on my return.
One of the things I really like about Alaska Airlines is their on-time rate (and best in the US for fuel efficiency):
That would be (clockwise): green leaf salad with ranch and cheese cubes, molasses cookies (which I packed away for later – actually had a spare zip-lock bag courtesy of the TSA), chili, Yankee pot roast soup, whiskey/diet. On the red-eye, it’s always a crap shoot of what you will get served on-board, definitely not a full meal.
And no, that isn’t a potato, that’s a dark roll to go with the Caesar Salad.
For the first couple of hours the service up front was great, even with just one attendant working the section, but as three quarters of the cabin went to sleep – service quality died. Snack basket make a quick trip down the aisle missing me (had to go ask – and I’m in the first row aisle with the light on. Forget more drinks without asking even though there were several of us waiting TV. It seemed that the Fall Fashion issue of Elle was more important than customer service. And yes, I know flight attendant’s main duty is to protect our safety.
That said, I did log on and leave comments after I returned home about the flights going and coming, and the STARK difference in service levels in the same cabin. I’m used to the crew at American, United, Delta on the red-eyes and long international flights being happier sitting there with their reading material, but not on Alaska (usually). The return crew were all 20 year plus at Alaska and were fantastic on the dinner run from Boston to Portland. In less than 24 hours after my comments were submitted (on a weekend!) I got this response back:
Good Morning Mr. Souder,
Thank you for completing our survey regarding your flight. As a valued passenger, I sincerely apologize that you didn’t receive customer service that met or exceeded your expectations while seated in first class. Being unhelpful or unfriendly, even if it is on a “Red Eye”, is certainly not our norm or something we condone at Alaska Airlines. We strive to provide exemplary service on each and every flight to all of our passengers and it sounds like we fell short.
By taking the time to contact us and giving us your feedback, you have not only given me the opportunity to hear your concerns, but also an opportunity to be proactive in preventing a similar situation from occurring again. I would like to offer you the following compensation of a $50.00 e-certificate which you should expect via email within the next 10 business days.
I am confident that on a future flight you will enjoy the high level of service that Alaska Airlines is known for and that you deserve.
Saint Jill picked me up at the airport in Boston on my very early arrival – hence the name, “Saint Jill“.
After a long nap it was out for “loooobsterrrr”….Belle Isle Seafood here we come. Not cheap, but a ton of lobster (could have used just a tiny bit more mayo):
Then toss in spinach and cheese for a one skillet meal:
Served over spaghetti… not a bad meal, all and all:
Hooked up with Pucci after he got off work – staying there because Saint Jill’s place is small, I snore, and Murphy sheds. Aisling is out of town so it’s a long night of drinking and catching up.
Breakfast/Lunch at Strip T’s – I opted for the Turkey Rubin with Pucci opting for the buttermilk fried chicken:
GREAT pickles – but a seriously non-OSHA bathroom in the basement, labeled with a sign saying, “Use Extreme Caution Using This Restroom” – certainly worthy of a picture:
Yep – the toilet is up several steps.
Pucci needed to go back to work so he dropped me off in Harvard Square where Jill was to meet me for a little culture. Kind of fun hanging out on Harvard Square – under the watchful eyes of Dewey, Cheetham, & Howe right about the Curious George store:
Lovely fall day…
Turns out Netta was also floating around after a doctor’s appointment (same thing as Jill was doing) so we all met up at Starbucks…
Great to hang out and catch up, but soon Jill and I were walking across the quad to the museum:
The Harvard Art Museum was having a showing of a pop artist that Jill likes. Name is Corita Kent…no photos of the exhibition (forbidden) but one of the inside:
All that culture made us want a little snack at The Russell House….
After culture and cuisine, it was time to walk over to Jill’s Mom’s place for cocktails and dinner…forgot to take a shot of her view of The Charles from her 3-bedroom condo, but I did get some food shots!
By the third bottle we finally found an old white that wasn’t off…
Amazingly it was the oldest (2000 Cheverny) that was OK, while the 2004 Pouilly Fume and the 2001 Latour Pouilly Fuse were both off but in different ways. The Cheverny went quite nicely with the Oysters (yes, more oysters) on the half shell:
Followed by some appetizers (grave lox, salamis):
Followed by the salad course (greens, pears, beets, Blue Cheese dressing):
Then the main: (swordfish, roasted potatoes, asparagus):
Back to Pucci’s after dinner – and in the morning Jill swung by to take me lunch and then to the airport – lunch Greek at Demos. This would be the lamb shish kebab salad.
Yes, I drank be, 4 different 4 ounce samples. Then it was off to the airport.
Contrary to rumors, terminal C for Alaska isn’t too great – they are off in a little wing with its own TSA checkpoint and little in the way of food/drink:
I had to walk to Terminal B to use the American Admirals Club – which is huge and the food good:
But, it’s a 15 minute walk in each direction. Oh well, walking is good for me. And there was also good food on the dinner flight home starting with a nice salad:
Then the main course:
And ending with dessert:
Not a direct flight home – I connected in Portland. Good thing I took a cab home!
Another week, another flight, another breakfast in the Alaska Lounge…
This picture is for my sister…while that plane is at my gate, it’s the departure before mine:
Got the upgrade to first days ago, so that means lots of pictures of the new Alaska First Class menu that they are rolling out, starting with the hot sweaty nuts:
Continuing with the salad (that would be Murder on the Orient Express in the background):
Onto the Cod in Miso:
Followed by what may be the best gelato I’ve had in years!
My flight arrived a little early, grabbed my luggage, struggled with surge pricing on Uber before abandoning Uber to grab the last train to Alewife – free as opposed to $50-60 door to door. I have time, I’ve been drinking and on holiday. Who cares if I don’t get to Pucci’s until 2am – he left the door open, and he sleeps soundly. Grabbed an Uber from Alewife that was $10. Much more reasonable!
When I visit Pucci, we have a system. He gets up in the morning and goes to the gym, I sleep in until eleven or so, then get up for my breakfast/his lunch:
Crab and arugula omelets. Yum. Pucci has students today, though not as many as usual since half are on break, so after a liquor store run, Jill picks me up and we are off to check out Pucci’s favorite local wine store, The Spirited Gourmet:
Well over twice the size of my shop, it includes a deli counter for sandwiches, sliced cheeses and meats, imported food goods. We probably have the same size wine collection.
Next up is the Red House, which is turning into a ritual. They have 2 for $1 oysters from 12-5pm. Yep, that’s $6 a dozen, so Jill and I both got a dozen:
And then we added the mussels and frites ($9) before we headed out.
Pucci taught until 7PM (usually 9PM), so we had a nice rack of lamb off the grill for our dinner:
The following day, it was Pucci’s Homemade Chili, with a lovely Garzon Pinot Noir Rosé (also from Uruguay):
Before we headed to the Red House for cocktails (me) and oysters for dessert. Yes, oysters almost immediately after chili.
The last supper, sadly, I was having too much fun and forgot photos…here’s the appetizer spread:
With this amazing Greek Caviar Spread:
No pictures of the guests (Pucci, Jill, Netta, Joel, Susan), but I did get one of Murphy the Wonder Dog patiently waiting for something to hit the floor.
I was up at 6am the next morning so Pucci could run me to Alewife before his run to the gym.
An hour+ later I was at the airport, settled into the Admirals Club, one terminal over from mine:
And soon I was on the plane home – I’d gotten a 1am notice that I’d been upgraded…NICE.
Today’s menu was a beef in mole which was “interesting” – like they were trying too hard, unlike the flight attendant who on a 6-hour flight, served it all at once, rather than in courses (well, the nuts and gelato came out separately).
I returned to my house to find a riot of color in my front yard. What a nice welcome:
Another week, another trip – wonder where next week will be?
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