It’s hard to believe that it has been five months since I returned from Cuba. At least, I’ve a good amount of time to process the experience and formulate a few final thoughts on what I now see as a life-changing trip. Continue reading
First, my apologies for abandoning the blog for so long. It has been an eventful few months (in a good way), and I’ve put this on the back burner for a while. I’ve had plenty to write about but not time. One example: the play, Red, at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. I can’t say it’s fresh from it’s Tony-winning Broadway run, but it did make it out west more quickly than most. Continue reading
There’s a fascinating (and frustrating) article in the New York Times today that serves to illuminate one of the most complex issues in the art world: art valuation. And it’s not only a complex issue, it’s also contentious since many art lovers bristle at the idea of viewing art as a commodity whose value is measured in filthy lucre rather than in terms of inspiration, innovation, aesthetic heft, or emotional depth. My own position is more nuanced. Continue reading
Thanks to Apple ending web hosting, I’m being forced to reinvent the site. That’s not such a bad thing. I’m going to be using WordPress, which will allow me to bring more features to the site. But it will take some time, so please be patient. More soon!
I recently returned from a few days in Chicago. We had one really cold day (I’m sure the locals would have a hearty laugh at my description of 40 degrees F as cold). Despite the weather, we took a river tour of Chicago’s architecture on our second day there, which I highly recommend. Continue reading
Intermission by Edward Hopper, 1963. Photo courtesy of sfmoma.org.
SFMOMA just acquired a piece by one of my favorite American artists: Intermission by Edward Hopper. Continue reading
[For the first two installments, go here and here.]
My primary motivation for visiting Cuba had everything to do with art. Naturally, I’ve seen the Cuban art that makes it to the US, but what of the art that doesn’t, which is of course most of it? Continue reading
Although I love dining out in all its permutations, I’ve determined that I could never be a restaurant critic. I don’t pay enough attention to the details of a meal and instead focus on the overall impression, especially when I’m with good company and having a nice conversation with wine and spirits and warm fuzzies. Who remembers what that 4th course was in that context? And after a nice Armagnac, who cares? Continue reading
Other than New Orleans, I’ve never visited another city where music is such an inextricable part of the traveler’s experience because of its significant role in the cultural of Cuba. Havana provides its own soundtrack, and it’s a really good one. Continue reading
Per Diem Restaurant
Is there such a thing as old-world industrial opulence? Here are a couple of pics from one of my favorite new spots: Per Diem in the Financial District. It’s all about decorating around that chandelier! Continue reading