I can't think or write about food on this blog without mentioning Jonathan Gold. He's been my guru since I "discovered" his genius for food and writing in the 1980's when he wrote the "Counter Intelligence" column for the LA Times.
He's equally articulate at describing the best "roach coach" in town with the tastiest carnitas tacos or the finest French restaurant with the most delectable foie gras.
Yesterday, Gold became the first food critic in history to be honored with the Pulitzer Prize, the highest award in the field of journalism. Think Oscars for writers.
When I check out of Hotel Hope next weekend, I plan to celebrate my homecoming and Gold's prize by visiting one of his favorite LA food spots. (See the April 11 posting.)
Showing posts with label Jonathan Gold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jonathan Gold. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Life's Synchronicity
Near Synchronicity: Less than 12 hours after meeting City of Hope CEO Michael Friedman, a book club friend sent an email invitation to an event sponsored by the University of Tulane. I peaked at the published 28-name guest list and saw that Dr. Friedman (Class of '68) and his wife Dr. Elizabeth Short plan to attend. But I won't be there because I'll be checked in at "Hotel Hope" during the event.
Double Synchronicity: I attended a cooking class last night at the Pasadena Buddhist Temple. Several months ago, I invited a woman I met at an Alhambra sushi bar. She has become a regular at the class, but we've never managed to show up on the same night. Until last night. I shared my latest diagnosis and treatment news with her, and she volunteered that she had just completed her second mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She was back to teaching yoga classes less than four days later. What a woman! Two of her yoga students, who also attended last night's class, said that Amini is gifted at helping her students get in touch with their needs. Sign me up!
Four months ago, at this same cooking class, I became reacquainted with an old friend I first met at Mommy and Me Class in Pasadena 17 years ago. She is now a nurse in the hematology department, specializing in bone and stem cell transplant at (you guessed it) City of Hope.
The Power of Two: I plan to attend a writers' group in Encino this morning. After the meeting, I'll play homage to two of the gurus in my life. I'll follow the advice of Jonathan Gold, my favorite food critic, and get takeout food from Alcazar, an Armenian restaurant that Gold considers the best of the best.
And to follow the lead of guru Paula, the Encino double dipping will help me come close to unleashing the "power of three" by grouping two activities together. And just to add a little dose to the "freaky factor," it turns out that Alcazar is just a few steps down from the restaurant that's hosting the writing meeting. (Cue "Twilight Zone" music now.)
When I recently shared similar stories with Skye, she asked, "Do you think these things happen to you more often, or are you just more aware of them?"
I think part of it is being unafraid to go to a sushi bar alone, striking up a conversation with the couple sitting next to me and letting things unfold from there.
What do YOU think?
Double Synchronicity: I attended a cooking class last night at the Pasadena Buddhist Temple. Several months ago, I invited a woman I met at an Alhambra sushi bar. She has become a regular at the class, but we've never managed to show up on the same night. Until last night. I shared my latest diagnosis and treatment news with her, and she volunteered that she had just completed her second mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She was back to teaching yoga classes less than four days later. What a woman! Two of her yoga students, who also attended last night's class, said that Amini is gifted at helping her students get in touch with their needs. Sign me up!
Four months ago, at this same cooking class, I became reacquainted with an old friend I first met at Mommy and Me Class in Pasadena 17 years ago. She is now a nurse in the hematology department, specializing in bone and stem cell transplant at (you guessed it) City of Hope.
The Power of Two: I plan to attend a writers' group in Encino this morning. After the meeting, I'll play homage to two of the gurus in my life. I'll follow the advice of Jonathan Gold, my favorite food critic, and get takeout food from Alcazar, an Armenian restaurant that Gold considers the best of the best.
And to follow the lead of guru Paula, the Encino double dipping will help me come close to unleashing the "power of three" by grouping two activities together. And just to add a little dose to the "freaky factor," it turns out that Alcazar is just a few steps down from the restaurant that's hosting the writing meeting. (Cue "Twilight Zone" music now.)
When I recently shared similar stories with Skye, she asked, "Do you think these things happen to you more often, or are you just more aware of them?"
I think part of it is being unafraid to go to a sushi bar alone, striking up a conversation with the couple sitting next to me and letting things unfold from there.
What do YOU think?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
