[Not from Ad Hoc, but still pretty good, July 2008.]
For ages I’ve been dying to go to Ad Hoc restaurant in Yountville “for the temporary relief of hunger.” It’s one of Thomas Keller’s ventures; originally it was a stop-gap until he finished his burger joint but was so successful I don’t know if [...]

[San Francisco, looking west, February 2008.]
I wrote out some cards last night — thank-yous, which are my very favorite kind — and as I put my return address in the left corner I got that same little thrill out of writing “San Francisco, CA” I always do. I live here now, and have for [...]

[My true love, roasted cauliflower, November 2008.]
The air smells delicious up north especially when it rains, as it did on Saturday; on the drive back to West County I rolled down the window for a minute to let in all the good smells in of water and damp roads and grass and earth. Today [...]

[Trees, Pierce Ranch, November 2008.]
Yesterday I went to Pt. Reyes with some old pals and walked along a nearly-deserted Keyhoe Beach and took photos and caught up and it was just lovely. We stopped at Cowgirl Creamery on the way — my first time! mon dieu! — and I bought some cards and R [...]