Tag: food

Funny cooking pictures and quotes!

People who love to eat are always the best people. Julia Child
People who love to eat are always the best people. Julia Child

I spotted these funny pictures and quotes on some windows in the Horton Plaza shopping mall food court, in downtown San Diego. I’m not sure if this particular eatery closed down or is soon to debut. I saw no sign. But I had a good laugh!

If you are what you eat, then you might as well eat something good. Ratatouille
If you are what you eat, then you might as well eat something good. Ratatouille
Life is grate!
Life is grate!
Bake the world a better place!
Bake the world a better place!
Rock and Roll (some dough).
Rock and Roll (some dough).

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Photos of cool pancake fundraiser on the OB Pier!

The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier was the place to eat an awesome pancake breakfast this morning!
The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier was the place to eat an awesome pancake breakfast this morning!

This morning a very cool local event took place. The annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast was held near the end of the long OB pier!

Proceeds from the breakfast are used to fund the OB Food and Toy Drive, which benefits many families in the beach community who could use a helping hand. This tasty event is put on each year by the Ocean Beach Town Council!

Enjoy a few photos!

The Annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast raised funds for the Ocean Beach Christmas Food and Toy Drive.
The Annual Ocean Beach Pier Pancake Breakfast raised funds for the Ocean Beach Christmas Food and Toy Drive.
The Ocean Beach Town Council puts on the cool event. Some people bought tickets at the foot of the pier from Team Pancake members!
The Ocean Beach Town Council puts on the cool event. Some people bought tickets at the foot of the pier from Team Pancake members!
Here comes the OB Pier Pancake Breakfast Shuttle!
Here comes the OB Pier Pancake Breakfast Shuttle!
A long line of hungry folks waits near the much-beloved Ocean Beach pier cafe, which has been a cool place to go for many years.
A long line of hungry folks waits near the much-beloved Ocean Beach pier cafe, which has been a cool place to go for many years.
Various tables in front of the WOW Cafe had sumptuous, mouth-watering goodies ready to go.
Various tables in front of the WOW Cafe had sumptuous, mouth-watering goodies ready to eat.
A few people were lucky to enjoy breakfast right at the edge of the pier. This might be one of the most scenic dining spots in San Diego!
A few people were lucky to enjoy breakfast right at the edge of the pier. This might be one of the most scenic dining spots in San Diego!
These hungry guys have their hands full of super yummy pancakes, eggs and sausage!
These hungry guys have their hands full of super yummy pancakes, eggs and sausage!
There was even live music just outside the pier's unique cafe high over the Pacific Ocean.
There was even live music just outside the pier’s unique cafe high over the Pacific Ocean.
Tables were arranged near the end of the pier for the special, super popular annual event.
Tables were arranged near the end of the pier for the special, super popular annual event.
I tried not to stare drooling at the food as I walked nonchalantly by.
I tried not to stare drooling at the food as I walked nonchalantly by.
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins is a powerful politician, but here she's speaking to a Queen! Toni said she's happy to be back in San Diego, where it's cooler than Sacramento.
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins is a powerful politician, but she’s addressing a Queen! Toni said she’s happy to be back in San Diego, where it’s cooler than Sacramento.
Unfortunately, I had already eaten breakfast. Looks delicious!
Unfortunately, I had already eaten breakfast. Looks delicious!

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Preparing for another delicious day in Little Italy.

Typical early morning deliveries in Little Italy include kegs of beer and boxes of spirits.
Typical early morning deliveries in Little Italy include kegs of beer and boxes of spirits.

Another early morning stroll. Today: through Little Italy. Trucks were lined up on India Street, delivering to many popular restaurants. You like Italian? You like a friendly neighborhood with history and character? This is the place to go.

Food delivery truck advertisement promotes San Diego Restaurant Week, September 20-27.
Food delivery truck advertisement promotes San Diego Restaurant Week, September 20-27.
Pulling the dolly up a ramp, getting ready to retrieve potatoes and other fresh ingredients for a tasty Italian meal.
Pulling the dolly up a ramp, getting ready to retrieve potatoes and other fresh ingredients for a tasty Italian meal.
Plaque in sidewalk on Date Street declares A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat. Old New York Proverb
Plaque in sidewalk on Date Street declares: A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat. Old New York Proverb
A second plaque further down the sidewalk proclaims Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso. Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick. Spanish Proverb
A second plaque further down the sidewalk proclaims: Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso. Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick. Spanish Proverb
Little Italy street banner shows actor Danny DeVito enjoying a drink.
Little Italy street banner shows actor Danny DeVito enjoying a drink.
An umbrella and chairs that will soon be arranged for casual alfresco dining.
An umbrella and chairs that will soon be arranged for casual alfresco dining.
Lady inside Little Italy eatery is busy preparing for another delicious day. Buon Appetito.
Lady inside Little Italy eatery is busy preparing for another delicious day. Buon Appetito.

Early photos of San Diego’s big Greek Festival.

Classic images of Greeks and ancient Greece are sprinkled about the festival.
Classic images of Greeks and ancient Greece are sprinkled about the festival venue.

I enjoyed a wonderful long walk this morning. But it seems my poor old brain forgot some important information. Because when I arrived at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church at 3655 Park Boulevard, I learned that San Diego’s big annual Greek Festival wouldn’t begin for over an hour!

I was allowed to walk about the area behind the church where the festival takes place and snap a few photos. Folks were setting up tents and preparing food. All the people I spoke to were very friendly. According to one, this annual festival is about 40 years old! The three day event features Greek food, music and dancing, and draws thousands from around San Diego. It will be open until 10pm tonight, and again tomorrow from 11am to 8pm.

My legs wanted to continue walking, so here are some photos of morning preparations…

Each year a Greek Festival is held at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
Each year a big Greek Festival is held at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
An hour before the event opens, preparations are being made for coming crowds.
An hour before the event opens, preparations are being made for coming crowds.
Flags, decorations and colorful wares are a feast for the senses outside St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
Flags, decorations and colorful wares are a feast for the senses outside St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
Orthodox religious icons displayed by one tent include familiar Christian symbols.
Orthodox religious icons displayed by one tent include familiar Christian symbols.
Icons of Mary and infant Jesus appear as if they're gilded in the San Diego morning sunshine.
Icons of Mary and infant Jesus appear as if they’re gilded in the San Diego morning sunshine.
Looking up at the church from the parking lot behind it, where the festival is held each year.
Looking up at the church from the parking lot behind it, where the festival is held each year.
Lots of people will be following the arrow to Greek coffee and pastries.
Lots of people will be following the arrow to Greek coffee and pastries.
One fun area contains tables, umbrellas and eventually yummy food. Unfortunately, I was much too early!
One fun area contains tables, umbrellas and eventually yummy food. Unfortunately, I was much too early!
Pita bread is stacked up waiting at one end of this Greek Deli tent.
Pita bread is stacked up waiting at one end of this Greek Deli tent.
An ancient scene seems to have sprung from the pages of the Iliad. Are those Greek warriors stirring up some Nescafé?
An ancient scene seems to have sprung from the pages of the Iliad. Are those Greek warriors stirring up some Nescafé?

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A hike down to the grinding rocks at Mission Trails.

Visitors enjoying Explore Mission Trails Day head down Grinding Rock Trail.
Visitors enjoying Explore Mission Trails Day head down Grinding Rock Trail.

About 60 miles of hiking trails through a wilderness environment can be found just 8 miles from downtown San Diego. Seriously!

This morning I enjoyed a very short walk (about a mile) at Mission Trails Regional Park. I went on the occasion of Explore Mission Trails Day, an annual event that showcases this amazing, enormous urban park.

The relatively easy hike was from the Visitor and Interpretive Center to some grinding rocks on the banks of the San Diego River, then back. Led by our guide, Linda, a small group learned what life was like for the ancient Kumeyaay people, who’ve lived in this dry, rugged area of Southern California for thousands of years, long before Europeans arrived. The Kumeyaay lived off the land. The very land where we walked.

We gathered at the kiosk near the parking lot for an easy morning nature walk.
We gathered at the kiosk near the parking lot for an easy morning nature walk.
Hiking through common, aromatic Southern California sagebrush toward distinctive mountain, South Fortuna.
Hiking through common, aromatic Southern California sagebrush toward a distinctive mountain, South Fortuna.
We pause under a coast live oak, which produces acorns and shade valued by the native Kumeyaay.
We pause under a coast live oak, which produces acorns and shade valued by the native Kumeyaay.
Large nest created by a woodrat (also known as pack rat). The Kumeyaay would bang a nest with a stick and hope to capture a snake, to eat.
Large nest created by a woodrat (also known as pack rat). The Kumeyaay would bang a nest with a stick and hope to capture a snake, to eat.
We cross a small wooden footbridge and take in nature's sights and smells on a beautiful day.
We cross a small wooden footbridge and take in nature’s sights and smells on a beautiful day.
These tiny pinkish white flowers are flat-top buckwheat. Their tiny seeds are edible. The blooms attract butterflies.
These tiny pinkish white flowers are flat-top buckwheat. Their tiny seeds are edible. The blooms attract butterflies.
It's easy to forget you are in the San Diego city limits in this open wilderness.
It’s easy to forget you are in the San Diego city limits in this open wilderness.
Water erosion visible in the gradually descending dirt trail. As the morning was overcast and cool, no snakes were out sunning.
Water erosion visible in the gradually descending dirt trail. As the morning was overcast and cool, no snakes were out sunning.
Yucca fibers were used by the Kumeyaay to make nets, sandles, baskets and other useful things.
Yucca fibers were used by the Kumeyaay to make nets, sandles, baskets and other useful things.
Linda, our tour guide, talks about the ancient history of this region and its indigenous peoples. The Kumeyaay moved about depending on the season and availability of resources.
Linda, our tour guide, talks about the ancient history of this region and its indigenous peoples. The Kumeyaay moved about depending on the season and availability of resources.
Dodder is an orange colored parasitic plant. According to Kumeyaay legend, a woman who failed to guard a camp against invaders ran away, and some of her hair snagged in the bushes!
Dodder is an orange colored parasitic plant. According to Kumeyaay legend, a woman who failed to guard a camp against invaders ran away, and some of her hair snagged in the bushes!
A patch of poison oak! Leaves of three, let it be!
A patch of poison oak! Leaves of three, let it be!
We approach the San Diego River, but first pass beneath a large arching tree. If you see a native tree in San Diego, there's probably water nearby!
We approach the San Diego River, but first pass beneath a large arching tree. If you see a native tree in San Diego, there’s probably water nearby!
Smooth boulders on the bank of the San Diego River in Mission Trails Regional Park.
Smooth boulders on a bank of the San Diego River in Mission Trails Regional Park.
Family investigates the life-giving water. The Kumeyaay at times would follow the river all the way to the coast, where some witnessed the landing of explorer Cabrillo.
Family investigates the life-giving water. The Kumeyaay at times would follow the river all the way to the coast, where some witnessed the landing of explorer Cabrillo.
Many mortar-like holes in the nearby boulders are where Kumeyaay ground acorns, seeds, roots, herbs and other edible resources found in this arid environment.
Many mortar-like holes in the nearby boulders are where Kumeyaay ground acorns, seeds, roots, herbs and other edible resources found in this arid environment.
Walking stick leans up near some Yucca fiber creations brought by our guide. The basket on the right was made with willow branches. Natural salicylic acid found in willows kept out insects!
Walking stick leans up near some Yucca fiber creations brought by our guide. The basket on the right was made with willow branches. Natural salicylic acid found in willows kept out insects!
Starting back up toward the Visitor Center during a very cool hike in San Diego! If you go for a hike, bring water and sturdy shoes!
Starting back up toward the Visitor Center during a very cool hike in San Diego! If you go for a hike, bring water and sturdy shoes!

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Glean Queens of San Diego need your help!

Got extra fruit. Got time. Help fight hunger and have a load of fun, too!
Got extra fruit? Got time? Help fight hunger and have a load of fun, too!

Do you love to be out in the San Diego sunshine, among friendly people and fragrant fruit trees? Do you hate to see delicious, nutritious fruit just lying there on the ground, beginning to rot? Do you, perhaps, own fruit trees in your backyard and struggle to give the abundant harvest away? Would you like to help some hungry people?

If you’re looking for a fun opportunity to volunteer and make a positive change in the lives of San Diegans, read on! Some fantastic ladies whom I met at EarthFair need your help! They’re the Glean Queens!

These three ladies are making the world a better place. Join them!
These three ladies are making the world a better place. Join them!

The Glean Queens have undertaken a very important project. It’s called CropSwap. The perfectly named CropSwap (part of their organization ProduceGood) solves a huge problem. The problem of tragically wasted food–locally grown fruit, to be exact.

Sunny Southern California is thick with citrus and other fruit trees. Many residents have them on their property. Many of the established trees provide more fruit than a family can possibly use. Why should the excess become useless garbage?

Help save nutritious oranges, lemons, limes, avocados, tangerines...you name it!
Help save valuable, nutritious oranges, lemons, limes, avocados, tangerines…you name it!

According to the USDA, a whopping 40% of crops go to waste. And here’s another shocking statistic: 20% of San Diegans have difficulty getting enough food to eat.

CropSwap coordinates fruit tree owners and volunteer pickers, and arranges the collection of excess fruit that would otherwise be wasted. The fruit is then delivered to San Diego food banks. An excellent (and common sense) idea!

So all you fruit tree owners and future volunteer pickers in and around San Diego! Click here to visit the ProduceGood website and learn how you can personally help, in a very tangible and rewarding way, to fight hunger!

You can easily make a positive difference in San Diego!
You can easily make a positive difference in San Diego!

Spread the word!

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Kite, hot dog, balloon, ice cream cone and cow.

A kite is flying above the grassy park near Seaport Village. Another typical day.
A kite is flying above the grassy Embarcadero Marina Park North near Seaport Village. Just another typical day.

I looked through a bunch of old photos on my hard drive recently and found some fun random pics of Seaport Village. Here they are!

Seaport Village is a tourist destination on San Diego Bay that many locals love.
Seaport Village is a tourist destination on San Diego Bay that many locals also enjoy.
People walk near the Marriott Marina on the sun-drenched Embarcadero.
People walk near the Marriott Marina on the sun-drenched Embarcadero.
One of the fountains of Seaport Village, a favorite San Diego attraction.
One of the fountains at Seaport Village, a popular San Diego attraction.
Colorful, playful buildings contain specialty shops and places to eat.
Colorful, playful buildings contain specialty shops and places to eat.
Scrumptious hot dogs and more at the popular food court!
Scrumptious hot dogs are easy to find at the food court!
Carefree, easy fun at every turn. These guys are by the Seaport Village carousel.
Carefree, simple fun at every turn. These guys are by the Seaport Village carousel.
Surrounded by a multitude of delights, some people look at cell phones.
Surrounded by a multitude of delights, some people look at cell phones.
These people are living! Laughing with arms high and licking ice cream!
These people are living! Laughing with arms high and licking ice cream!
A cow rests in the shade. It's been a busy day!
A cow rests in the shade. It’s been a busy day!

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Chefs flood the streets of downtown San Diego!

Chef carries a frying pan outside on a downtown San Diego sidewalk.
A friendly chef carries a huge frying pan outside on a downtown San Diego sidewalk.

Chefs have taken to the streets of downtown San Diego! They can be seen almost everywhere! Cooks on every corner–but where’s my breakfast?

Chef in restaurant window happily flings some pizza dough into the air.
Chef at restaurant window happily stirs the sauce and flings some pizza dough into the air.
Cook on Sixth Avenue proudly shows his chalkboard menu.
Culinary artist on Sixth Avenue proudly made a chalkboard menu.
Chef tosses a mosaic pizza at base of artistic Little Italy Landmark Sign.
Chef tosses a mosaic pizza at base of the artistic Little Italy Landmark Sign.
This smiling chef has prepared a tasty slice of pizza!
Another smiling chef has prepared a tasty slice of pizza!
This Kansas City Barbeque pig is a Top Gun chef. I bet he likes to ham it up.
This Kansas City Barbeque pig is a Top Gun chef. I bet he likes to ham it up.

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San Diego’s 2015 Lunar New Year Tết Festival.

One of several friendly guys in a traditional costume worn by ancient warriors.
One of several friendly guys in a traditional costume worn by ancient warriors.

Here are pics of the 2015 Lunar New Year Tết Festival. The annual event is put on by San Diego’s Little Saigon, and is being held this weekend in a large section of the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot. These photos were taken shortly after the gates opened, and workers were applying some final touches in preparation for later crowds. Because I was so early, I missed afternoon attractions like the traditional Lion Dances and firecrackers. But there was plenty of cool stuff to see!

Tết, or Vietnamese New Year, is celebrated at the same time as Chinese New Year. The event marks the arrival of spring based on the Vietnamese variation of the Chinese lunisolar calendar.

People around ticket booths at Lunar New Year Festival in Qualcomm Stadium parking lot.
Ticket booths at Lunar New Year Festival in Qualcomm Stadium parking lot.
People check out colorful displays after entering the annual festival on a sunny weekend.
People check out colorful displays after entering the annual festival on a sunny weekend.
In 2015 the Chinese New Year begins the latest Year of the Goat.
In 2015 the Chinese New Year begins the latest Year of the Goat.
Model of Chua Mot Cot, or the One Pillar Pagoda, symbol of Vietnam's rich culture and history. It was built in the reign of king Ly Thai Tong almost a thousand years ago.
Model of Chua Mot Cot, or the One Pillar Pagoda, symbol of Vietnam’s rich culture and history. It was built in the reign of king Ly Thai Tong almost a thousand years ago.
Model of Bến Thành Market, which was established by French colonial powers in 1859, developed from early 17th century street vendors near Saigon River.
Model of Bến Thành Market, which was established by French colonial powers in 1859, and developed from early 17th century street vendors near Saigon River.
Bridge over pond at Little Saigon's Tết Festival which celebrates Lunar New Year in San Diego.
Bridge over pond at Little Saigon’s Tết Festival.
Models of two thatch-roofed houses elevated on wood columns at Mai Chau provide excellent examples of highland village house construction.
Models of two thatch-roofed houses elevated on wood columns at Mai Chau. These are excellent examples of highland village house construction.
Art on display near entrance includes water buffalo and flowers.
Art on display near entrance includes water buffalo and flowers.
Getting a bamboo cottage house ready for a throng of festival visitors.
Getting a bamboo cottage house ready for a throng of festival visitors.
Decoration near a stage at the Lunar New Year Tết Festival.
Decoration near a stage at the Lunar New Year Tết Festival.
Guys work to get everything ready shortly after the gates open on Saturday.
Guys work to get everything ready shortly after the gates open on Saturday.
One of many interesting booths. This one encourages hosting exchange students.
One of many interesting booths. This one encourages hosting exchange students.
There were delectable edibles of all types in a huge food court area.
There were delectable edibles of all types in a huge food court area.
Young man selling treats pumps up a balloon.
Young man selling treats pumps up a balloon.
Lots of tasty barbeque was getting ready on this big grill.
Lots of tasty barbeque was getting ready on this big grill.
Lady demonstrates Chi Gong stretches on a large stage.
Lady demonstrates Chi Gong stretches on a large stage.
Many colorful tables contained delights of every sort.
Many colorful tables contained delights of every sort.
A big carnival area includes a Ferris wheel.
A big carnival area includes a Ferris wheel.
Just walking along in the morning as the fun event begins.
Just walking along in the morning as the fun event begins.
These guys are doing their best to promote the event on Instagram.
These guys are doing their best to promote the event on Instagram.
Adjusting a flag, one final touch at the 2015 Lunar New Year Festival in San Diego.
Adjusting a flag, one final touch at the 2015 Lunar New Year Festival in San Diego.

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Wasted grocery food turns to art in Balboa Park.

A little diving in San Diego grocery store dumpsters yielded lots of good food.
A little diving in San Diego grocery store dumpsters yielded lots of good food.

A unique event took place today. It was extremely unusual, fun and enlightening.

Rob Greenfield is an activist working to persuade grocery stores to donate expired foods to local food banks and hunger relief charities like Feeding America. His effort is called Donate Don’t Dump. To raise awareness, he has created unusual, colorful works of art in various cities, using perfectly good food he’s found while dumpster diving.

As part of my walk today, I took a few pics of Rob and his friends creating a fantastic bit of artwork on the grass in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

He told me that some grocery chains are better than others at donating their expired foods. He explained food retailers have nothing to fear from lawsuits should someone sicken from food poisoning, because of the federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.  $165 billion dollars of food is wasted each year, enough to fill two Rose Bowl stadiums every single day, according to Rob!

Once the art had been admired, bystanders were invited to eat! The food was great!

Wasted food includes vegetables, baked goods and expired packaged items.
Wasted food includes vegetables, baked goods and expired packaged items.
Rob Greenfield checks salvaged food to be assembled into activist art in Balboa Park.
Rob Greenfield checks salvaged food to be assembled into activist art in Balboa Park.
Rob Greenfield explains his goals on a bench, with Casa del Prado arches in the background.
Rob Greenfield explains his goals on a bench, with Casa del Prado arches in the background.
Laying out the food articles into an elaborate, very colorful design has begun!
Laying out the food articles into an elaborate, very colorful design has begun!
A crowd watches near the Botanical Building as the food creation nears completion.
A crowd watches near the Botanical Building as the artistic food creation nears completion.
Rob Greenfield explains that more needs to be done to save perfectly good food.
Rob Greenfield explains that more needs to be done to save perfectly good food.

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