Painting & Pinot!

I have never been an artist… but our Painting & Pinot event allowed me to feel like one! It was a beautiful evening with E&A members. I set up a delicious cheese platter with brie, goat cheese, soft swiss, charcuterie, chocolates, fruit, and had some yummy wines and bubbly fruit juices. Wine & Canvas came and taught the painting “September Rain”. We followed Carmens instructions and had a wonderful time chatting, listening to music, and painting the night away. At the end of it all, it was surprising to see how many great paintings everyone had created. There literally was no bad ones! What a fun way to spend a Wednesday! Events And Adventures Santa Clara

Only An 8 Mile Round Trip......

I assumed I wouldn't feel anything. I mean, there were no hills, no climbing, nothing at all that should cause worry.  Fine, it was an 8-mile round trip, but I've walked more in a day holiday shopping. Walking (or hiking) the newly completed East Bay Bridge this morning turned out to be a marathon event in many aspects.  First, there was already a group of 25 or so at the start time ready to embark. Another 10 or so arrived soon after and the huge group made our way under the Oakland maze and next to newly planted landscaping. I kept running back and forth from the front to end of the lines just to catch up with everyone.  Actually, it was more difficult to just keep going as the picture opportunities didn't stop. If you weren't focused on the beautiful modern structure holding the bridge, then you could see a new perspective of San Francisco.

Add to it the old bridge which is still standing and you have interesting views of new and old. It was a perfect day: clear and sunny but with enough fall breeze that it wasn't too hot either (Why didn't I remember sunscreen?).
We made our way back and ran into more E&Aers who decided to come late and do the walk as well.  They knew they would run into us and it was great motivation to keep going as we got a big hug and smiles from them.  Then, it finally happened.  Was it my quads or my knees that started screaming first? We were almost off the bridge, why now?  All of a sudden, lunch seemed like a great idea.  Forget lunch, anyplace to sit was a great idea.  With plenty of conversation for distraction we made our way back to Bay Street in Emeryville for a nice lunch.  I kept calling them with reservation updates as many weren't certain if they were going to stay.  I was more than pleased (and not surprised at all) that a huge group all joined me.
Events And Adventures San Francisco

Great Holiday Traditions!

Tamale making is a tradition in Mexican culture. During the holiday season, large groups of families and friends get together to mix the masa, wrap the tamales with their favorite fillings, and then steam them… All the while sharing the work, food, and laughs. What a great tradition.

This year I decided to bring that tradition to my E&A family. We got together on Sunday and made over 100 tamales! Lisa opened her home while we cooked, ate tons of delicious foods, and spend the day laughing and enjoying eachothers company. It was so much fun watching George attempt at mixing the masa, having TJ teach the group how to spread the masa on the corn husks, and sharing our hard earned tamales. Everyone was able to bring home a tub to eat & share with family and friends over the holidays.
I love traditions! Events And Adventures Santa Clara

Happy Veterans Day and So Many Awesome Events!

Happy Veterans Day and Thank You to the Men and Women that have served and continue to serve our country! 

I am so ready for another week of Awesome Events! There's Trivia Night, Night Roller Rink, Midweek Mingle, Billiards, SF Bulls vs Idaho, Hiking, Dancing and 49ers vs Saints Free BBQ in San Francisco and Trivia Night, Volleyball, Painting & Pinot, Dog Walk, Scuba Certification Course, The Ballet, Saturday Afternoon Happy Hour, Jazz Under the Stars and Hiking in Santa Clara!Signing up now for my favorites...woohoo!

Events And Adventures San Francisco

More & More New Members!

 The new members icebreaker was a blast. It was great meeting so many new people! We learned lots about each other by throwing the ice breaker ball around… Everyone found out about George’s giant family, 12 brothers & sisters! Great tips were given to all the newbies from our amazing host Robert. And afterwards we all went bowling and hung out with members old & new. It was a fun night had by all!  

Events And Adventures Santa Clara

Very Cool Movie Theater!

Walking with the manager of the Oakland Parkway last Wednesday into the black box theater turned movie house, I looked for the best places to reserve for our E&A group.  Plenty of clean dining room tables and some chairs underneath the balcony.  Balcony?  What's up there?  Wow.  Couches.  All kinds of couches and cushioned chairs each with perfect views of the screen.  That's it.  Back downstairs to meet the others.  

The Oakland Parkway is more than just a movie house.  In addition to the variety of films including two documentaries, a Hollywood blockbuster, and a foreign film, they have a full kitchen , weekly specials, beers on tap, and they serve it to you at the above mentioned couches.  Feeling adventurous?  Go for the secret dish, which is different with every order.  Alvin got roasted chicken with wild rice and veggies while Catherine got a turkey melt.  Another person got a bucket of fries with cheddar cheese and bacon.  

I sat down to the movie with my salad and then popcorn, and I realized that I'm not sure I cared what movie was about to start.  No one next to me on the couch?  Thank you, I will put my feet up. Just like home, but better: bigger screen, and all my E&A friends watching and chatting with me. Events And Adventures San Francisco

Wine Tasting!

I really never get nervous anymore.  Nowhere, playing music, in front of new people, first dates. Never. Then I had my first E&A wine tasting event. Within moments of entering the lovely home of member Matt Voss, I learn that he is the owner of Jamber, an excellent and cool wine bar in SF! (Really, check out his great place or look at the events in future months to be at his restaurant). Why did I pick Zinfandel to start the wine series!?

Then all the fun people started to arrive and I soon forgot to be nervous and jumped right in the great night.  I had wine sheets prepared with information to help articulate what each person thought of the wine, and kept the evening in a place where everyone could just enjoy (or not enjoy in the case of a few) the wine and food.  

The first wine was divided down the middle.  Some really hated it and some liked it. I was not surprised the way everyone could discuss and know what they were tasting.  We tasted all of the wines "blind," meaning we did not know the label nor the price, nor even what area of California it came from. I told them only that they were all likely Zinfandel. I added a special bottle from my own collection, but before doing that, when everyone was involved in the discussion, I poured a little of #1 back in their glasses. All of sudden, we had a huge change in the perception of the wine. "This is elegant!" "Delicious!" "This one is more complex." I waited and waited until I couldn't resist anymore and told them it was the exact same wine, from the same bottle that I poured first. Lesson learned, always, and I mean always, taste the wine you tasted first. You will always perceive it differently.  Eventually we got to the end and I revealed the wines. Surprises were everywhere.  One of the most expensive, from Napa Valley was the least favorite, while the cheapest, was considered decent before the reveal. My special bottle was the favorite of a few (including  my unbiased opinion). Amid much laughter , new discoveries about what we like and dislike, and plenty of food, we all agreed that this event needs to happen again. Nervous? Who's nervous?
Events And Adventures San Francisco