Teich.Net :: All In

I had never had a deep dish pizza until a few years ago. I have since tried only a few to date and am far from an expert on the subject. Actually, I am a little disturbed when I think too hard what exactly is going on in a stuffed pizza, though I have no qualms with large quantities of cheese in other forms. I usually prefer the complete opposite in pizza, opting for thin the crust and light toppings common in Italy or at The Cheese Board Pizza or even Pizzeria Delfina (though that too leaves a bit to be desired). However, I can’t suppress my enthusiasm when a particular friend calls every so often to see if we’d like to join them for a Zachary’s Pizza for dinner.
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Anyone who’s been concerned about signs of aging in the last few years has probably heard of Strivectin-SD, the “miracle” wrinkle and stretch mark cream marketed as possibly “better than botox.” I have actually had a tube sitting in my bathroom for about a year. I had no idea what it was when I received it as a gift–what exactly is a present like that supposed to say?–and used it on my face diligently for a few weeks. I have to admit that I did actually notice a difference, though I’m still young enough or vain enough that I’d like to believe it’s not yet a necessity. However, if you’re hooked, or want to try it, a “fix” has just gotten a lot less painful for your wallet: though a 6oz tube still retails for $135, Costco is now selling two-packs–enough for facial use for twelve months–for $67. With younger skin at such a steep discount, perhaps it’s time I started banking some wrinkle-free years.

For anyone interested in the next chapter of Kirk’s story, here’s the good (would it be too sappy to call it heart-warming?) initial report from his new family:

… We had a great first night. Kirk and Spy continue to get along and Kirk got to meet our neighbor’s dog, Sadie. Sadie is an older golden retriever but still spunky and she and Kirk got along fine! Kirk slept in our room in a large crate that we used for Spy when we first got him. He didn’t paw at the crate door or whine and was still asleep when I left for work. He was even snoring a bit last night. I think he’s going to work out great. I revisited our dog training book on the way to work and am looking forward to working with him.

Our son, Damian, has really taken to Kirk and spent a lot of time petting him last night, which he didn’t do much with Spy when we first got him. I think they have a special bond …

… We’ve named him Angus. He and Spy were licking each other’s faces this morning. Too cute!

Yesterday I posted information about Kirk to Craigslist. 151 people have looked at his pictures and several have emailed asking to meet him. After spending time this morning watching him play with Spy (a big, beautiful 3 year-old German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix), testing him against the kids, walking him, and thinking on all that’s involved in having two large dogs, the first family into the fray have just taken Kirk home. He arguably has the best personality of any foster dog we’ve had (we’ve been lucky) and we’d have kept Kirk ourselves if it wasn’t so clear that he needs a canine companion and a bigger space to run. We are sad to see him go, but are also a little relieved not to have too much more time to get attached and truly happy to see him with such a good family. We wish them all the best.

About a week ago, the yearning to get a dog got too strong. Usually it’s kept in check by my overly developed sense of guilt about leaving a dog home alone and the lingering ambition to move to Europe, but every few months we start to wonder if we could make it work. It’s not so hard to think we could. Doggie day care isn’t so outragious and the border collie down the street couldn’t be happier than when the Smilin’ Dogs van pulls up. For many of the dogs in need of homes, certainly what we can offer is better than the alternative. For anyone struggling with the same rationalizations, we have a solution: spend some quality time with someone else’s dog. For us, that most often comes through fostering a dog in need.
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If ever there was an event to make me feel like a real gourmet glutton–with all the good and bad that phrase implies–it’s a visit to the Warehouse Sale at le Village on a day when not too many other people are out shopping. On such days, I can peruse the goods without being jostled or needing to rush or having to wonder whether my finds are really worth the hour-long checkout line. Saturday was just such a day. My haul: an obscene amount of chocolate, cheese, more cheese, butter, Petit Suisse yogurts, roasted peppers, and dried mushrooms.
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I’ve been to Piperade exactly once so far. It was just over a week ago with my sister, husband, and in-laws. We had a great meal and I already find myself recommending it to friends. I really ought to go back and validate this suggestion before posting, but with our schedule already quite full in the coming weeks, here are some notes on our first visit for those interested now.
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Michael Bauer of The San Francisco Chronicle included La Folie in his recent roundup of “The Magnificent Seven,” saying this four star destination is better than ever. With one truly memorable dish from my last meal there a a few years ago and not a single thing to really “wow” in the new dining room, I beg to differ.
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Kate of Accidental Hedonist recently had a lovely post about Pesto, including history, methodologies, and a recipe. The quintessential summer dinner of my childhood was fresh pasta with pesto made from our garden and grilled salmon, plus black olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese on the side. It remains a staple in my kitchen, often spread on hunks of fresh bread with cheese and other accoutrement. With these warm memories, I found myself with too much to say on the subject of pesto for Kate’s comments section, so will share my thoughts here instead.
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I want to love Tallula, I really do. I tremendously enjoyed the Indian Fusion cuisine at Tabla in New York City a few years ago. There were familiar Indian ingredients and flavors, but the food was fresh and light. It was exotic and exciting and delicious and I couldn’t get enough. I hoped Tallula would be like that.
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