Review: Tristan & Yseult at Berkeley Repertory Theater

california, sf bay, theater

Today, we saw the Berkeley Repertory Theater's production of "Tristan & Yseult".. . Synopsys:. King Mark rules with his head, until he falls head over heels for his enemy’s sister. Based on an ancient tale from Cornwall, Tristan & Yseult revels in forbidden desires, broken hearts, grand passions, and tender truths. It’s another marriage of gorgeous music and ingenious staging from the acclaimed creators of…

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Review: The Barber of Seville at San Francisco Opera

california, opera, sf bay

I saw The Barber of Seville at the San Francisco Opera today.. . The stage had a beautiful modern rendition of Seville, Spain. It was elegant and classic at the same time.. . The performers' costumes were richly detailed and appropriate for the opera. I especially enjoyed the small touches, like the rising moon, the bicycles that Figaro rode, the beautiful balloons, and the car…

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Review: Evita (San Jose Center for the Performing Arts)

california, musical, sf bay, theater

I saw the musical Evita at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts today.. . Evita had a few memorable songs, like "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," but I found it boring.. The show was too long, and I wondered when it would finally end.. . The overall story was relatively weak, making it difficult to follow many songs. Maybe it was the San…

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Halloween, Almaden Winery

california, halloween, sf bay

Today, we had fun trick-or-treating in our neighborhood at the Almaden Winery.. . Inna dressed as a Blue Monster, and I was Ted the Bear.. . . . . . . . Our neighborhood had many well-decorated houses.. . . . . . . . Alex collected tons of candy, and we had fun exploring the neighborhood at night, seeing all the fabulous costumes.. .…

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Review: Sarah Brightman's Dreamchaser Concert

california, concert, sf bay

We saw Sarah Brightman's Dreamchaser concert at SAP Center in San Jose today.. . I really liked "La Luna" and "Nessun Dorma" (though Nessun Dorma is written for a tenor - not a soprano voice). I also wanted "Scarborough Fair," the "Phantom of the Opera," and "Time to Say Goodbye.". . The guest tenor, Erkan Aki, had a voice and was the show's highlight. There…

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Bouchon Bistro, Yountville

california, napa, restaurant

Today, we had our lunch at Bouchon Bistro in Yountville, CA. Bouchon Bistro and Bakery is run by the legendary chef Thomas Keller (owner of French Laundry, the only 3-Michelin-star restaurant in the area).. . Inna ordered the French Onion Soup (which was delicious), and I ordered the Carrot and Squash Soup. My Carrot and Squash soup was exceptional, too. . . . . My…

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Pancake Heaven at Solbar, Calistoga

california, calistoga, restaurant

We had a delicious breakfast and lunch at the Michelin 1-Star-rated Solbar Restaurant in Calistoga, California.. . I love the Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup and have enjoyed them a few times. These are my all-time favorite pancakes anywhere!. . . . . . . . . . Inna ordered the "Bodega Bay" - an English Muffin with Dungeness Crab - and it was also…

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Relaxing at Indian Springs Resort & Spa in Calistoga

california, calistoga, spa1 comment

We arrived at Calistoga's Indian Springs Resort & Spa late in the evening, around 11:15 p.m.. . . Given the light traffic, the evening drive was not very exhausting. Luckily, we had just enough time to dip in the hot thermal pool of Indian Springs.. . . . . . Saturday, October 19, 2013. . The next day, we got up early and went for…

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