M Magazine 2023 Feb Almaden

THINGS TO DO

February 1st – 26 th

A Young Yu: Mourning Rituals

Cantor Arts Center, Stanford

A young Yu’s work engages with Korean folklore, ritual, and dance, reinterpreting and regenerating it for contemporary, diasporic contexts. Mourning Rituals is a performance-based video reimagining the Korean ssitkimgut ritual, during which the spirits of the deceased are cleansed and guided into the afterlife.

4 th

Lunar New Year Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

Kick off the Year of the Rabbit at the annual Lunar New Year celebration bringing together Chinese and Vietnamese traditions. Create your own branch of beautiful flowers to symbolize health, prosperity, and good fortune in the coming year, signifying the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Be thrilled by the magnificent and ever-popular Lion Dance by Yun Yee Tong USA, as we welcome in the new year together.

10 th Forest Therapy

Hidden Villa, Los Altos Hills

Decades of research show that forest bathing may help reduce stress, improve attention, boost immunity and lift mood. Forest Therapy is a practice of spending time in a forested area for the

purpose of health, wellness and happiness. The walks start at 9:00 am and we will meet at the main parking lot in front of the information kiosk. Please come and experience Forest Therapy at Hidden Villa. $45.

11 th Rustem Hayroundinoff Piano Concerto

Historic Hoover Theatre, San Jose Rustem Hayroudinoff has performed to critical acclaim in Japan, the USA, Latin America, Canada, Russia and Europe. He has recorded for Chandos, EMI and Onyx Classics. His CD of the complete Rachmaninoff Preludes was selected by Classic FM Magazine as part of its ‘Essential Rachmaninoff Collection’ together with the recordings of Arthur Rubinstein and André Previn. Hayroudinoff’s disc of the complete Rachmaninoff Études-Tableaux was hailed as a ‘benchmark recording’ and became BBC Music’s Instrumental Choice of the Month, as well as being nominated for the Best Instrumental CD of the Year. BBC Radio 3’s ‘Building a Library’ selected the disc as the finest existing version of these pieces.

Cinema Paradiso (Film In Concert)

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts

Young Salvatore Di Vita discovers a refuge from his life in his war-torn Sicilian village…the Cinema Paradiso movie house, where projectionist Alfredo instills in the boy a deep love of films. When Salvatore grows up, falls in love with a beautiful local girl, and takes over as the Paradiso's projectionist, Alfredo must convince Salvatore to leave his small town and pursue his passion for filmmaking. This beloved film features one of the most unforgettable of all movie scores by Italian maestro Ennio Morricone. The film won a BAFTA award for Best Original Score.

11th – 26 th Falstaff

California Theatre, San Jose

Women take charge in Verdi’s hilarious and beloved comedic masterpiece, Falstaff. Adapted from Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor and scenes from Henry IV (Parts 1 and 2), this rollicking production offers a joyful look at one of the Bard’s most popular characters — the boisterous knight Sir John Falstaff and his misadventures at the hands of four witty women.

February 21st – 26th My Fair Lady

16 th – 17 th PHILADANCO

Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose

Renowned for its vibrant and highenergy performances, The Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) is set to bring down the house with works from a diverse collection of multi-award-winning choreographers. Globally acclaimed for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers, and captivating stage presence, the innovative dance company has bridged cultural divides by showcasing the contributions of multicultural choreographers and performing for sold-out audiences of all ethnicities and communities worldwide.

21st – 26 th My Fair Lady

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts

Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?

March 2 nd – 5 th

Hershey Felder as George

Gershwin Alone

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

This musical masterpiece tells the story of legendary American songwriter George

Gershwin. George Gershwin Alone reviews the composer’s brilliant and prolific partnership with his brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin, incorporating beloved songs ranging from the popular hits “Fascinating Rhythm,” “I Got Rhythm,” “’S Wonderful” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” to excerpts from his groundbreaking musicals Porgy and Bess and An American In Paris, and a complete performance of “A Rhapsody In Blue.” Felder’s exploration of Gershwin’s short but extraordinary life illuminates the master tunesmith whose work shaped a distinctly American style of music.

March 8 th – April 2 nd

Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer

Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto

Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer traces Hamer’s inspiring gospel journey to justice, from sharecropper to cofounding the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and becoming an outspoken voice for African American voting rights. Featuring songs including “This Little Light of Mine” and “We Shall Not Be Moved,” this incendiary call to action will ignite audiences to rise up and do their part to fight for what’s right.

March 9 th – April 22 nd

Clue

San Francisco Playhouse

Murder and blackmail are on the menu as six mysterious guests arrive at Boddy Manor for an unusual dinner party. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects and race to find the killer as the body count rises. This uproarious comedy whodunit should leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to solve the mystery. San Francisco Playhouse Co-Founder and Producing Director Susi Damilano helms a starry cast of theatre veterans who personify the game’s iconic characters, including Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard.

March 18 th – 19 th

Symphony San Jose presents:

Nakamatsu Plays Grieg Piano

Concerto

The California Theatre, San Jose San Jose’s own Cliburn gold medal winner Jon Nakamatsu reprises the first work he ever played with Symphony San Jose: Grieg’s Piano Concerto. The program ends with Florence Price’s pioneering Symphony No. 1, skillfully incorporating spirituals, folksong and syncopated African American dance rhythms into a classical structure.

March 25 th

Benjamin Grosvenor

Piano Concerto

Louis B. Mayer Theatre, Santa Clara Now among the world’s most admired pianists, Benjamin Grosvenor became the youngestever winner of the BBC Young Musician Competition at age 11. At 19, he was the youngest British musician ever signed by Decca Classics; his first album won the Gramophone award for best instrumental album of the year. He has also won the Classic Brits Critics’ Award, UK Critics’ Circle Award for Exceptional Young Talent, and a Diapason d’Or Jeune Talent Award. Grosvenor has been featured in two BBC television documentaries, BBC Breakfast and The Andrew Marr Show, as well as in CNN’s Human to Hero series. Since 2011 he has appeared eight times at BBC Proms.

Two Days in Dana Point

dana Point is paradise. My husband and I discovered this on a recent road trip down Hwy 1. We passed through many quaint and beautiful beach towns along the way and we stopped at a few, but Dana Point, our final destination, was the place we fell in love with. The one town that provoked me to hop on Zillow to ogle the real estate and to see if there was any chance we could afford a modest pile of bricks on… or near … or at least less than 15 minutes from a beach. The answer is “no.” No, we would not be moving to Dana Point without a winning Lotto ticket. But we would be back to visit, soon and often.

On our most recent trip, we had two days to spend before heading back to the Bay Area. Dana Point has everything you need to enjoy a relaxing, fun-filled two-day getaway. There are beautiful hotels, excellent dining options, and so many activities, from surfing, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing to more relaxing and low-key activities like wine tasting and chilling at the spa.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many great options for accommodations in Dana Point, depending on what you’re looking for. The vibe in Dana Point is definitely posh – and there are certainly some absolutely super luxurious and expensive places to rest your head during

your stay. But there are also very comfortable and affordable places too. We were lucky enough to get invited to rest our heads at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel , and needless to say: It. Was. Lovely. Our compact ocean-view room was outfitted with the standard Ritz-Carlton creature comforts like high thread-count super plush bed linens piled onto a sumptuous bed, robes, slippers, plus a small but swanky bathroom that looked like it was carved from a block of marble. And the view – of course a magnificent view – from the French doors that opened to our own little step-out patio with a fire pit and two chairs where we would witness a glorious sunset in the evening with a glass of wine. It was pretty fabulous. Treat yourself. You only live once.

WHERE TO EAT

One thing we noticed as we headed further south on our road trip was that the further south we went, the better the food got. We were hard pressed to eat anywhere where we didn’t like the food, and we can be picky. These are our favorites in no specific order – highly recommended and not to be missed:

Glasspar Restaurant

This is such a great restaurant. The vibe, the food, the service…everything was amazing. The restaurant is very busy, so we had to wait a few minutes for a table, but it’s worth the wait. Everybody in the place – families, couples, large parties celebrating a special occasion – were all lively and having a good time. The menu is vast, but don’t be afraid to ask your server for suggestions – we trusted our server’s advice on some of his favorite menu items and he didn’t steer us wrong. I ordered the sweet molasses bread (I can always tell if a restaurant cares about their food by the bread – a first impression is everything) and it was warm, pillowy, a tiny touch sweet and, with the sea salt butter, I could have been satisfied with just that bread all night. Also excellent was the charred octopus – the best we’ve ever eaten, and we’ve tried octopus on every menu we’ve ever seen it – the perfect char with the acid from the pickled beans, the duck fat from the potatoes – it was perfectly balanced. We will make the trip again just to eat that octopus. Other highlights are the seared scallops,

the grilled sword fish, and the fresh tuna crudo. The cocktails and desserts are good too. Tip: Definitely save room for the chocolate with toasted coconut cake – it's divine! Glasspar Restaurant. 24961

Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point

Coastal Kitchen

We’d passed Coastal Kitchen’s inviting exterior with its bright blue umbrellas on the way into Dana Point and were excited about checking out what they had to offer. Inside is an open dining room decorated in soothing nautical blues –just as inviting as we had anticipated. We sat in a cozy booth in a sunny corner and perused the menu. We started with the smoked trout dip on toast – creamy smoked fish sprinkled generously with chives on crisp toast points –scrumptious. And the Parker House rolls. Golden brown on top and soft in the middle, drowning in herbed butter – can carbs get any better than this?

For entrees, the Hubby had the halibut topped with rock shrimp, swimming in a light lemon butter sauce. I ordered the crab salad made with generous chunks of lump crab meat delicately breaded and fried on top of fresh greens and plenty of thinly sliced grapefruit and avocado. Both were delicious. Coastal Kitchen. 34091

Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point

Raya

Raya is the ocean-view fine-dining restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton. As expected, the view was sublime. And so was the food. The chef brought out one amazing course after another including fresh raw oysters, ahi tuna ceviche, crispy shrimp in a sticky sweet/tart piloncillo sauce served atop a slaw with candied pumpkin seeds, seared scallops on top of parsnip puree with star anise dashi, a rich pork belly dish in a delectable mojo verde sauce, earthy roasted parsnips, and for dessert: a beautiful granita on top of fresh strawberries and a creamy panne cotta and warm churros with chocolate ganache and ice-cream. All of it stunning. Everything was creative, beautiful, and absolutely delicious, and we remembered why chefs may be the most brilliant of artists. Raya. 1 Ritz Carlton

Dr, Dana Point

WHAT TO DO

After spending nearly a week on the road and with Dana Point being the final point of our road trip, we wanted to relax –basically enjoy beautiful surroundings, explore a little, and eat some great food. What better way to relax than a sunset wine tasting cruise? We headed out to

the wharf to set sail with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching (34675 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point) , which is about a 5-minute drive from the hotel – we were pretty tired of driving so the short distance was a plus! We boarded the boat and proceeded to relax with a wine tasting flight of organic wines to be enjoyed with a sampler platter of cheeses, crackers, and fruit. We sipped and nibbled while a live singer strummed his guitar and serenaded us as we watched a marvelous sunset. It was the perfect ending to a long day on the road.

Since Dana Point has been trademarked the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World® and because we enjoyed our experience with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching so much, we returned bright and early the following day to join them for a dolphin and whale watching tour. This is a great way to enjoy the sun and sea, and if you love wildlife, it is the trifecta way to spend the day! We truly enjoyed this exciting experience. The staff aboard the boat were so kind and knowledgeable; they genuinely want you to have a great time. There was also a guide/expert on the boat who talked about the types of whales and dolphins we might see and who was familiar with the who’s who of dolphins on this tour. Soon enough, we began to spot the dolphins; there were several pods and two types of dolphins according to our guide, and she knew a lot of them by name. They playfully swam alongside the boat and some of them showed off by leaping

Glasspar - Charred Spanish Octopus

Ritz Carlton patio

into the air! Best of all, we got to experience a rare sighting of Patches, a white spotted dolphin with an extremely unique condition called Leucism which results in her unusual coloration. This rare sighting caused much excitement on the boat, so while we didn’t see any whales on this trip, all were satisfied with the thrill of seeing Patches!

There’s a lot to explore in and around Dana Point. A short drive north is Laguna Beach where there are lots of cute boutique shops,

galleries, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a nice stroll and you can pop into any of the many shops selling clothing, jewelry, and home décor. There is as a consignment shop and bookstore worth exploring as well. In San Clemente , there is an impressive outlet mall if you want to do some discount shopping. You can spend an hour or two exploring Dana Point’s Lantern District . You won’t miss it since there is a big sign marking the entrance to the historical spot. The walkable

mile-long stretch features restaurants and bars and is a fun place to stop for cocktails.

If you love the outdoors and you enjoy a good hike (or a nice stroll), visit the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center , located at the end of Scenic Drive. The Nature Interpretive Center offers tours and public guided walks are offered at 9 a.m. on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturdays of every month. Many of the trails in Dana Point feature beautiful ocean views.

If rest and relaxation is what you need, reserve some time at the spa. The RitzCarlton spa offers amazing massage services. If time allows, spend an entire day with the works – massage, facial, and pedicure. You’ll feel like a new person.

If you’re looking for a getaway that will please all your senses, Dana Point has it all. A drive from the Silicon Valley along Highway 1 is the way to go. Make time to stop along the quaint beach towns of California and extend your trip. It’s worth the while and the drive. z

Dana Point

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BEAUTY YOUR BUCK

Our favorite beauty products under $100

Arbonne Genius Nightly Resurfacing Pads

These resurfacing pads exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of dark spots and skin discoloration. With only a few weeks’ use, you will notice sun spots fading and a more even skin tone. $95 at arbonne.com.

essano Vitamin C Super Glow Facial Oil

This easily absorbed facial oil contains natural ingredients and extracts, including turmeric and jojoba oil to even out skin tone and lighten the appearance of dark spots, as well as blue sea kale leaf extract which helps produce collagen by stimulating skin cell activity, and meadowfoam seed oil which contains more than 98% long-chain fatty acids - leaving skin feeling extra soft. $19.99 at Rite Aid.

Amarte Ultra Veil

This water-resistant sunscreen is super light and goes on without feeling sticky or oily. It contains antioxidants and botanical extracts that promote collagen and elastin for anti-aging effects while protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays. $56 at amarteskincare.com.

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil

This mild cleansing oil gently removes make-up and impurities without drying out your skin. Formulated with traditional Korean herbs, it does wonders eliminating blackheads and clearing out the pores. The pleasant herbal scent makes you feel like you’re at the spa. $38 at us.sulwhasoo.com

G. M. Collin Bota-Peptide Eye Contour

Works like a charm diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, hydrating the delicate area around the eyes, and soothing puffy eyes. You’ll notice the difference after only a few applications. $54 at amazon.com.

EO Ageless Skin Care Transformative Night Serum

Thesis Organic Unscented Cream

The IT Cosmetics line offers good quality at an affordable price over department store brands of skin care. This hydrating, anti-aging cream contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane and peptide-lipid complex to help repair and rejuvenate skin. Super absorbable and moisturizing. $52 itcosmetics.com/skincare.

This serum is loaded with botanical antioxidant and antiaging ingredients, including Argan, Meadowfoam, Pumpkin, Rose, Tsubaki, Avocado, Macadamia, Hemp, Sunflower and Carrot Seed Oils. The lightly rose-scented oil soothes and repairs skin as you sleep. $39.99 from eoproducts.com.

This rich cream is made with raw shea butter, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, sea buckthorn and rosemary extracts, and that’s it – there are no added scents, chemicals, or preservatives. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin. Use it on face and body after a shower and it immediately locks in moisture. We love the way it just melts into the skin leaving it feeling soft and supple. $32 from instagram.com/thesisbeauty/.

RAINY DAY FUN AT GREAT WOLF LODGE

By CHRISTINA HOWELL

it’s a great time to come in from the rain and enjoy some howlin’ good rainy-day fun at the Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca! The newest location of the chain of national indoor entertainment resorts - and the only one in Northern California - is the ultimate for water park fun, featuring an enormous indoor water park and everything else for parents and kids under one roof! Rain or shine Great Wolf Lodge won’t disappoint!

A Swimming Good Time

If you’re missing the pool or the outdoors in during these rainy months (like we were), there’s no better place to bring out the swimsuits and enjoy the crown jewel of the resort: 95,000 square feet of water slides, splash pads, a lazy river, a wave pool and much more in the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park. At a toasty 84 degrees year-round, no jackets or warm clothes are necessary – come prepared to comfortably roam the water park, enjoy lunch, and splash the day away. Parents can even enjoy alcoholic refreshments from the park’s bar (which opens at 11:00am - not that we were counting the minutes).

All ages can enjoy the water park, from the littlest of adventurers at Whopping Hollow and the Cub Paw Pool to thrill seekers willing to brave the 20-foot free fall drop on the Wolf Tail. Unique to the Northern California Lodge is Sequoia Splash

for two to five riders to twist, glide and raft through the river’s bending curves! Maximum weight of any individual rider is 250 lbs.

Pro tip: The water park opens at 9:30am and the line to get in starts around 9:00. If you’re inside within an hour of opening, you’ll have your pick of location and chairs to set up shop and enjoy the slides and attractions with minimal waiting and crowds. By noon it’ll be pretty busy.

Indoor Adventure Park

The fun continues indoors with a huge selection of activities for all ages:

● Howler’s Peak Rope Course is very popular for the 6 and older crowd. Suit up with a harness and test your courage as you climb your way up and across bridges, paw prints, ladders, and rope walls. Minimum 48” and athletic shoes are preferred.

● Howl-in-One Miniature Golf is a fun 9-hole course for all ages. Putt your way through the sleeping bear’s tent, into the campfire, and through the logs, enjoying fun trick shots to complete the course.

● Ten Paw Alley is a bowling blast! With bumpers, shorter lanes, and smaller

balls perfect for little hands, the whole family can enjoy a full round of bowling with updated and interactive screens to score each frame.

● MagiQuest: The MagiQuest game is sure to keep your kids busy and active around the resort. Once you’ve picked out your special wand with a unique topper (if you choose), you’ll find magical green leaves at almost every step. Wave your wand at the leaf and collect gold coins, light up a colorful crystal, open a treasure box, collect runes, even slay a dragon! Kids will love completing their quests while discovering new treasures and surprises at each wave of the wand. You can bring your wand back to continue your game, picking up where you left off each time you return to the Lodge.

● Northern Lights Arcade: This colorful and busy game center is filled with the latest and most fun arcade attractions including ride-on games, virtual reality games, pony and fire truck rides, prize grabber games and much more! Collect tickets at almost every game and pick out prizes at the newly renovated prize

shop. Bring your Paw Points card back again and again to keep playing at each visit! Northern Lights Arcade is open 24 hours, but Happy Hour is from 11:00am – 5:59pm. Enjoy 25% off games during these hours.

● Moonstone Mine Mirror Maze is an interactive mining experience featuring a challenging maze. Follow the story through this tricky experience – walk slow! At the end you can mine for treasure at Oliver’s Mining Co.

● At Oliver’s Mining Co., pan and sift to uncover beautiful gemstones – maybe even discover the special moonstone! Kids will have a blast finding their special gems and can take them all home in their keepsake bag.

● Build-A-Bear Workshop: Create special Great Wolf Lodge animals with unique outfits and accessories. A classic favorite brought to life for your favorite little wolves at the Lodge!

Tasty Eats for All Ages!

The Great Wolf Lodge makes it very easy to get everything you need under one roof – from a full-service restaurant and bar to quick order bites like bacon cheeseburgers with the works, crispy chicken sandwiches, loaded nachos and Greek salads – there is something for everyone. The Great Wolf Lodge does an excellent job of providing kid-friendly meals at each restaurant. The servings are generous and healthy options are included.

Make reservations at Barnwood and enjoy delightful locally-sourced menu options for dinner, from a selection of high-quality offerings. The grandparents and kids alike enjoyed a full spread for Saturday’s dinner including:

● Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Sesame soy glazed, ginger carrot slaw, cucumber, mint, and cilantro

● Garlic and Parmesan Calamari

● Grilled Sustainable Salmon: Potato, corn & edamame hash with salsa verde

● Braised Short Rib Bolognese: Rich tomato red wine sauce, boneless beef short rib, bacon, mushrooms, and Parmesan

● Kids Mac & Cheese and Kids Chicken Tenders served with fresh fruit, veggie sticks, French fries, and choice of milk or juice

The Watering Hole’s drink selections are endless from craft cocktails and mocktails to an extensive line of beer (draft and canned) and wine (by the glass or bottle).

We tried the Tropical Tango, which is a delightful concoction of tequila, watermelon, and other tropical flavors, rimmed with Tajin.

We enjoyed a plentiful breakfast buffet at the Campfire Kitchen, with everything from bagels and lox, biscuits and gravy and fresh, warm cinnamon rolls to Spanish frittata, campfire potatoes, chef’s special breakfast scramble and both turkey and pork sausage. Breakfast is busy and the line can get long. Early is best here. Aside from the hot selections, enjoy fresh fruit, juice/milk, yogurt, granola, and assorted pastries.

Dunkin’ Donuts on-site is another very popular breakfast option with a line to show for it on busy weekend mornings. Enjoy coffee and donuts early and quickly or earn it by standing in line.

Sweet Treats

A stop at the Wood’s End Creamery for ice cream, frozen yogurt and sweets makes for a great mid-afternoon break or nightcap. Choose a cup or cone of your favorite ice cream (look for classic flavors like mint chocolate chip, cookies n’ cream, strawberry, vanilla, and salted caramel for example), and load it up with toppings to make your favorite sundae or keep it simple with a delectable cupcake. Sprinkles, gummy bears, marshmallows, and a cherry on top make a very special treat!

You’ll have a hard time keeping kids away from the Great Wolf Candy Company. The bright and colorful candy shop invites wolves of all ages to fill up a cup from their bulk candy selection (jellybeans and lots of gummy candies!) or choose from an assortment of other sweet

treats including cotton candy, your classic wrapped favorites and Dippin’ Dots.

A Place to Gather and Celebrate

At the end of an eventful, fun-filled day, it’s time to head back to you comfortable room at Great Wolf Lodge. The clever and cozy décor of the resort’s 500 cabin-style rooms vary greatly in size in configuration – all built for family fun. The family suite with two queen beds and a pull-out sofa sleeper suited our group of five, but the collection

of Premium Suites (think themed rooms, bunk beds and separate private bedrooms) may be a better option for bigger kids and groups. The Deluxe KidsCabin Suite is the biggest of the five premium suite options, sleeping up to 13(!), making Great Wolf Lodge the ideal place to gather with friends and family for a big celebration (the resort excels at celebrations – you’ll notice all of the birthday parties there by the festive door décor!). The walls are thin so asking the front desk for any options at the

time of your stay might help avoid restless nights. Also take advantage of less busy and less expensive weekdays.

Year-Round Family Fun

Our family of three generations were all able to enjoy the Great Wolf Lodge experience. The grandparents enjoyed seeing all of the fun to be had by the grandkids, with plenty of places to sit down and rest, plus great grown-up food and beverages. The kids, needless to say, had never-ending fun at every turn. The beauty of the lodge is everything being contained in one space. A quick run up to the room for a nap, change of clothes, quiet breather, or a forgotten MagiQuest wand make the sheer convenience worth every penny – especially with small kids (or grandparents…. or both).

Whether you’re looking for a place to keep warm and active in the winter or beating the heat in the summer, the lodge never fails to bring the fun no matter what time of year. Make sure to keep an eye out for special seasonal celebrations like Snowland in the wintertime and Howl-o-Ween in October to bring your wolf pack back for action again and again! z

Crème Brûlée with Caramelized Blood Oranges

In this elegant dessert, a thick layer of vanilla custard is topped with a brittle sugar crust and caramel-coated slices of blood orange. You can caramelize sugar under the broiler, but a kitchen torch works better.

Makes 3–4 crèmes brûlées

Ingredients

1½ cups (12 fl oz/375 ml) heavy cream

¼ cup (2 oz/60 g) granulated sugar

Pinch of salt

½ vanilla bean

4 large egg yolks

For the caramelized blood orange

1 blood orange, ends trimmed, peel cut off, fruit sliced, and any seeds removed

Sweets Sweets

to the

Make something sweet for your sweetheart this Valentine's Day! This delectable recipe is from the Newlywed Cookbook by Williams-Sonoma and it's loaded with recipes for the romantic at heart.

2 Tbsp (1 oz/30 g) granulated sugar

3–4 tsp superfine sugar

Preparation

Caramelizing Sugar: Prepare a kitchen torch or preheat a broiler. To use a torch, direct the flame over one section of sugar at a time, moving on only when each section becomes caramelized, until all are evenly browned. To use the broiler, preheat until very hot. Place the sugartopped custards on

a baking sheet and slide under the broiler about 3 inches (7.5 cm) from the heat source. (Watch carefully to prevent burning.)

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Have ready 3–4 ramekins, each ½–1 cup (4–8 fl oz/125–250 ml), and a baking pan large enough to hold the cups in a single layer.

In a saucepan, stir together the cream, granulated sugar, and salt. Using the tip of a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the cream. Add the pod and bring to a very gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Turn off the heat, cover, and let stand for 20 minutes.

Place the egg yolks in a bowl. Gradually whisk in the warm cream mixture. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring pitcher. Divide the mixture evenly among the custard cups. Place the cups in the baking pan. Pour hot water into the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the cups. Bake until the custards are firm

at the edges but still tremble in the center when shaken gently, 30–35 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven, transfer the cups to a wire rack, and let cool.

Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the custards and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.

To make the caramelized orange, in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon water. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the syrup turns a deep amber caramel. Remove from the heat, add the orange slices, and swirl the pan to coat them.

Just before serving, sprinkle each custard with a thin, even layer of about 1 teaspoon superfine sugar and caramelize (see note at left). Set the custards aside to harden for a few minutes, then top with some of the caramelized orange slices. z

This recipe is excerpted from The Newlywed Cookbook: Favorite Recipes for Cooking Together by Williams Sonoma. (Weldon Owen, 2018)

PISMO BEACH GETAWAY

With the nest newly empty, the hubby and I are left to our own devices to figure out how to have fun without the kids. This trip was for only two days, so there was no time to waste. And because we’re accustomed to chaos, we decided to bring our two pups. We are used to taking care of other people but now the dogs would do, and the truth is, we rarely leave home without them.

Because we only had a couple of days, we thought proximity would be key. Just a little over three hours from the Bay Area is the funky beach town of Pismo Beach. We started out early, made a quick stop for lunch in Paso Robles (note to selves: plan a separate trip to Paso Robles) and arrived in Pismo Beach in no time – let the vacation begin!

WHERE TO STAY

Since we were traveling with our two dogs, finding pet-friendly accommodations was a priority. More and more hotels are now opening their doors to pets, and Vespera Resort in Pismo Beach is one of them. Not only do they allow dogs, but they welcome them! Four-legged guests become instant members of the Pismo Pup Club and are showered with amenities like bowls of fresh water, comfy pet beds, and toys to play with.

Vespera Resort is one of the few hotel properties in Pismo Beach with an enviable beachfront location. It is adjacent to the boardwalk and pier, and it’s within easy strolling distance to all of the shops and restaurants in the very walkable downtown area. The vibe is Hamptons chic with light wood floors and soothing shades of cool blues and greys. A beachfront swimming pool and hot tub, an outdoor cocktail spot, and the on-site restaurant round out the resort. Everything you need to enjoy your vacation is at your fingertips. Our standard ocean view room on the third floor was immaculate and tastefully minimal in décor. The room featured a small, littleused balcony with a view of the pool and the beach just beyond. We spent most of our time outdoors walking the dogs on the beach, strolling around town, and enjoying the hotel’s lawn area along with the other guests. This outdoor space has a lot to offer including access to the restaurant and bar, lawn games, and lots of sitting areas with fire pits. The atmosphere was always jovial with families playing cornhole, couples enjoying sun set cocktails, and kids (and dogs) making friends. It was THE gathering spot just before sunset.

WHERE TO EAT

There are lots of food choices in Pismo Beach and we spent a great deal of time debating where we should eat during the short time we were there. We enjoyed almost every spot we

tried with only a couple of misses. Here are our favorite spots:

For breakfast, do not miss dining at Vespera’s on-site restaurant, Pequín . The Huevos Rancheros were incredible, made with flavorful asada, tons of melted cheese, complimented by half of an avocado and a little bit of pickled red onion – this dish was created with love, and it showed! The breakfast burrito and the churro waffles were tempting. Breakfast is definitely their specialty.

If you like fresh seafood, add Cracked Crab to your list of must-eat spots. Their menu depends on what is fresh caught that day. We ordered the crab cocktail which arrived at our table like an ice-cream sundae with generous pieces of crab piled high into a sundae glass, like a huge scoop of ice-cream. There was a corn salsa/salad(?) in the bottom of the glass, and I wasn’t crazy about it, but the crab was very fresh and with a squirt of lemon juice, it was perfect. We also ordered the clam chowder and it was pretty solid. We tried their corn fritters, but they were a bit dense and quite heavy. Definitely come here for the fresh seafood.

For the best clam chowder, eat at Splash Café . Their award-winning chowder is truly top-notch. It’s perfect as is, but order it fully loaded with cheese, chives, and bacon in their famous bread bowl if you’re feeling

extravagant. Either way, the creamy chowder with plenty of clams is lip smacking. They also serve excellent fish n’ chips and other fried seafood items. You may have to wait to get a table at this popular spot but it’s worth the wait. On our way out of town, we made a lastminute stop at Old West Cinnamon Rolls, and we were so glad we did. We ordered the original, the pecan, and the maple bacon. These decadent rolls were out of this world! The original was a good base line, but the pecan and the maple bacon were over-the-top tasty. The maple bacon was as good as it sounds, and probably the favorite, but the pecan roll, piled high with candied nuts, was no slouch. There’s a big menu of different roll flavors, toppings, and frostings – it’s really hard to choose. They also sell cinnamon roll mixes so you can make them at home. We wished we had ordered more as we pulled away, but the line was long and it was time to go.

THINGS TO DO

You can easily pass two days beach bumming, hanging around town and simply enjoying the resort amenities, but it’s fun to explore.

A short drive away is Pismo State Beach Butterfly Grove. Here, we saw hundreds and hundreds of butterflies flitting around and settling in the trees. What we thought were leaves, we discovered through the telescopes, were actually hundreds of butterflies settling on the branches. This is a beautiful and peaceful place to enjoy nature and admire butterflies.

Driving around nearby Grover Beach, I discovered some cool thrift shops on Grand Avenue. There are several secondhand shops where you can find antique home goods and vintage clothing and accessories. I discovered a few treasures including an antique gold bracelet with pearl and shell charms, a hand knit sweater in a beautiful shade of blue and a beautifully weathered bamboo-handled leather bag. If you are looking for one-of-a-kind fashion or vintage/ antique home goods, stroll Grand Avenue’s second-hand shops and you’re sure to find a treasure or two.

The end of our trip came all too soon. Fortunately, Pismo Beach is not so far away that even a day trip is not impossible. I’m sure we’ll be back soon.᯽

Reinventing Myself

THEY SAY THAT DATING IS LIKE RIDING A BICYCLE.

Or maybe they don’t. Maybe I just made that up because the idea of dating again 21 years after my last first date was more intimidating than navigating my less than harmonious divorce. Yet, after nearly a year of sequestering myself away from all things dating related, curiosity was getting the best of me. I decided that the time had come to leave behind the cocoon of isolation I had built around myself and to once again entertain the possibility of entering into a new relationship.

Emerging from a protective space is a precarious thing. It is a process of discovery where our hopes are put to the test and our vulnerabilities are on full display. We enter the arena in which we battle ourselves on the most infinitesimal of levels: are those actual wrinkles in my armpits? Did the skin around my elbows just collapse? A million small insecurities evidence themselves as we prepare to place ourselves under that ultimate microscope of scathing scrutiny — the dating world. So, there I was, an all too prevalent cliche — the woman of “a certain age” who is suddenly confronted with the daunting task of re-entering a vastly different dating scene than the one she’d left behind. Over the years I observed the dating scene from the smug security of my seemingly solid marriage, thankful I would never have to maneuver my way around the online dating world. I jokingly imagined how heavily I would doctor my profile photos and felt confident with the knowledge that since I am both a skilled photographer and an expert photoshop user, I would have the resources to make myself look like an online goddess. But really, why was I even pondering alternate realities when I was in such a stable, secure relationship?

Queue the universe laughing maniacally at my expense.

I will spare you all the months of mental and emotional self-sabotage which followed the dissolution of my marriage. But as unpleasant as the experience had been, from there grew this rapidly evolving idea — a small whisper of growing insistence which daily informed me that the life I had crafted for myself over the past few decades was ultimately

By LISA WHALEN

out of alignment with my personal goals and values.

My year-long isolation had been one of deep personal examination. I came to terms with the version of myself who was in a relationship in which I was unseen, unheard and undervalued not only by my former partner, but more importantly, by myself. I needed to rebuild from the inside out, and I knew that this rebuilding was the key to not only creating the life which I truly desired, but also to finding a partner who reflected those same values.

And here’s the thing: rebuilding is SERIOUSLY hard! In fact, it can be quite brutal at times. The level of personal honesty I’ve had to embrace along the way has, at times, felt like an evisceration of all the things which define me as I’ve come to understand who I am outside of a relationship.

So, what has been the result of all this relentless reinvention? An expansive world of discovery where I am learning what it truly means to be the person I now choose to embody, and to do so within the context of a relationship with someone who is equally as interested, supportive and engaged in my interests and passions as I am in his. A world where I am learning what it means to be seen, heard, and valued by another because I first learned how to do those very same things for myself. An opportunity to learn how to serve and be served within a partnership on a deeper, more intentional level than I have ever allowed myself in the past, and the knowledge that the ability to trust within a relationship ultimately begins with trust and belief in myself.

After the year-long process of reinvention, and no sooner than the thought of dating entered my mind, I was introduced to someone new by thoughtful friends and just like that… I’m dating.

It is a joyous thing to open oneself up fully to the possibilities of the journey which lies ahead and doing so on your own terms makes the journey even more meaningful. There is no one “right” way to re-enter the dating world, and no one can dictate your experience for you. It is yours and yours alone, and that’s as it should be. There is no one more qualified than you at being you, so put your fab self out there and enjoy your journey! z