Chez Shea

I ate at Chez Shea for the first time last night and it had broken its way into my top 3 by the second course. I had escargot, which was just perfectly executed, and a wild boar tenderloin, medium rare, with broccolini. I can't say enough good things about the meal, the atmosphere and the service. Also, they have a selection of reasonably-priced wines in most varietals and from most regions. The view of the bay, as seen over the market, is unique and the perfect complement to the dim, intimate interior.

Yakima

Crossed the mountains for the big winter soiree and wine tasting. My favorite wine of the trip was the 2005 Dark Star from Kana Vineyards - a Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre blend. Sue and Nate's party was a definite change of scenery for us. Seeing Sue and Nate and a very-mobile Harper was a pleasure, as always. Jaime enjoyed her big dose of cultural learning in the Valley.

Sculpture Park

Took a walk this morning to Starbucks and the sculpture park.

More of 415

For those of you who have been to the place I am sure you are getting exhausted with condo pics, but I am getting requests for more condo pics (and by requests, I mean my family wants to see it). As requested:


From the outside, fourth floor, only one lit.



The view on the first sunny day, with Mt. Rainier.

Vancouver

Just returned from Vancouver, where Jaime and I spent the night at the Fairmont. Nate Hill, who lives in BC about half time for work, recommended Glowbal for dinner, where we had salads and a satay platter full of lamb, scallops, yam frites, etc. It is in Yaletown, the Belltown of BC. Then we had drinks at Section (3) and then at the hotel Opus. Opus is reportedly the place where celebrities hang out when they are shooting in Vancouver. We didn't see any celebrities but we did pay $18/shot for Patron. If you can't be a celebrity, pay like one.

A couple of random scenery pics...

DNA Art

If anyone is looking for a housewarming gift for me, an idea:


www.dna11.com

415

For those of you far away, who can't help with the housewarming, a couple of pics:


More to come, when I have a chance.

Keys

I got my keys today and moved my first load of boxes into the new place. It feels more like home, from day one, than any other place I've lived. I am taking a couple more loads down tomorrow night and then Chris and Jaime will help me finish things up on Saturday. Jaime might have gotten a little ahead of us by inviting a few people over for early housewarming drinks Saturday night, but at least that gives us a goal to meet.