Lady of Leisure (That’s How I Roll)

Today I cleared my schedule for 2 hours to be a lady of leisure and meet Susie for a midweek lunch date. It was so nice to catch up and chat just 1-on-1 after having to cancel on her twice in a row (the first time to get my walking cast and the second because I was ill) and then ‘share’ her at her birthday party.

{Susie and me at her birthday party in mid January.}

I don’t know what took so long, but I finally today introduced Susie to Michi Sushi, my absolute favorite sushi place in the Bay. The reason it doesn’t get a lot of posting action here is mainly because it’s quite pricey and therefore I don’t frequent it as often as I’d like. Rolls are generally $20 – $25 per 6 – 8 pieces. I saw one of there for $35. Steep, absolutely. However, the quality, freshness, flavor, and service make it worth the splurge every now and again. It especially helps to go with a group so you can try more, as one roll is usually more than enough for one person. Proof? When Susie and I each ordered a salad and a roll, our server asked if we were really hungry, and kindly suggested we start with only one roll and two salads. Such good advice! I think next time we could even get by with just one salad and one roll between the two of us… I know it doesn’t sound like much, but as evidenced in this blog, we can both really pack it away so believe when I say we were stuffed. Ooh, and the portions help justify the cost, too.

Here’s an example of their menu. Check out those crazy names (and prices)! :P

(Source)

And here’s what we had, two salads and the Alex Smith on Fire Roll:

The salads were wonderful as was the roll. Next time, tho, I think I’ll try one with less tempura crunchies… Only because I love them so much and ended up eating so many of them! By the way, the salads were $14 each and the roll $23, so lunch came to $33 each with tip.

Double Digits!

With the half marathon only one week away and coupled with the success of my 8.5 mile run the weekend before, I was gunnin’ to run at least 10 miles on Saturday. I figured if I could complete 10 without knee or calf pain, I’d have a good chance of completing the Rock N Roll Half on October 2!

For all the running I do, I’ve never run over 9 miles at one time. My plan was to run the same route as my 8.5-er and simply run an extra mile out past my usual turn around point on my out and back course.

Success!

Next time I do a long run like this, though, I am definitely bringing food! I remember around mile 7.5, the clouds were starting to burn off, the sun came out to say ‘Good morning!’, and I felt the endorphins and runner’s high kick in. However, it only lasted for one mile. Right around mile 8.5, when I passed the 1 hour mark and usually when I’m about done with my run, I was FAMISHED. My little bowl of Peanut Butter Puffins just wasn’t doing it and I found myself wishing I’d brought a granola bar or gel or something to keep me going. (Water’s not an issue along this course because fountains are plentiful.) I noticed on the half marathon course there will be a Gu energy station around mile 9 — good thinking, guys!

When I got home I immediately scarfed down the last watermelon of the season, 1/2 bagel lox sandwich + runny egg. Mmmmmmmm!

I had just enough time to shower, run up to Ikea to stock up on supplies for a little home improvement project — here’s a sneak peak of the overall makeover which I will showcase in a later post:

Then it was off for wine tasting, lunch, and a little shopping with the girls!

After raving about it for the past year (see here and here), I finally got Kristi, Gina, and Sarah to my favorite South Bay restaurant, Nick’s on Main in Los Gatos. Sonja’d been there before with me and of course couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go again. Our reservation was for a late lunch at 2 pm. However, Sarah and I arrived fashionably late, closer to 2:30, due to losing track of time while wine tasting at Savannah Chanelle beforehand. Oops!

Top photo left to right: Sarah, Sonja, Gina, Kristi, Mindy, and the chef/owner, himself — Nick! Lucky him, he got pose with us ;)

The eats n’ treats: We started off with 2 orders of crab risotto for our table to share because it’s really that freakin’ phenomenal. Gina ordered salmon, Sonja and Kristi shared a Kobe Beef burger, Sarah got a salad, and I got meatloaf with mashed potatoes — and it all fantastic as always! In addition to creating a few more fans, I enjoyed going with a group so I could try some new dishes. I will definitely be back with Shaun for that burger and of course, more risotto!

NIck’s on Main – 35 East Main Street Los Gatos, CA – (408) 399-6457

Parents’ Weekend

Well, well, who do we have here strolling the campus of my alma mater just two days ago?

Mom and Dad strolling SCU

My parents paid me a little visit over the weekend. Although they only live up in Washington and we talk just about every other day, I probably only see them about 2-3 times per year so we always pack a lot in whenever they’re in town. Remember this whirlwind of activities from last year?

My dad, who refers to himself as the “ghost visitor” of my blog because he never publicly comments, had a few things that he’d seen me post and wanted to try while in town, namely bocce ball.

He was hooked!

Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos

Here’s a little sampling of the additional fun we had, including a visit to two new picturesque local wineries. As you can see, I gave my new camera quite a workout!

View from Monte Bello’s Ridge Winery, a new favorite for its wines AND setting!

Ridge Vineyards at sunset

More wine tasting and sights from Ridge and Pichetti

Pichetti

Shopping and lunching in downtown Los Gatos

Wine tasting at Enoteca La Storia in Los Gatos

More wine tasting at Unwined and dinner at Tee Nee Thai