Twinkling Toes?

In Germany, I believe. Obviously, a musical city.

Cypress, Walnut Creek

This place has been open for about a month, in place of the former VeSu restaurant. The chef is from the former Virage, a French restaurant, on the other end of town.
Theme is French-California stylish.
We went to celebrate our 46-ish Anniversary.

Warm greetings upon entry, and a Kindle-like wine list pad to study. Fun, of course, but not connected to the bar. Oh well, it's geeky enough.

Super (too?) friendly waiter. Droned on and on about the specials while DW#1 was fiddling with the Kindle wine list. Got through that, ordered the escargots for an appetizer. Sobon Zin and Domaine Pinot Meunier red wines accompanied.

Service was a bit slow, but the cremini mushroom tops with escargots were well worth the wait. A basket of French bread to help with the butter sauce was delicious and welcomed.

We continued with the sea bass dinner and the knife-sliced beef carpaccio. Both were excellent, tasty, beautifully presented. Again, service was a bit slow.

Piano at the bar was a welcome distraction. Noise level is a bit above pleasant, but okay.
Staff continued friendly. Nice to see.

Dessert was crackers, fresh fruit, heavy sweet cream with fruit drizzle. Excellent.

Tab for two, with wine and tip, about $100.

Highly recommended. California cuisine with a definite French touch. Next time you're in town, let me know and we'll go. Split the tab? :)

The Importance of Eyes

We've had a few questions about eyes (left eyes) today, but all has turned out well. So, here's a chance for you to rest your own eyes.

And, of course, our all-time favorite for study and peaceful contemplation:

And, to all a good night! :)



Don't Mess With My Grandma

I was most impressed, of course, with the graceful placement of Christmas lights on the porch railing. Obviously, a welcome family to the neighborhood.

Apologies to Edward Hopper (1882-1967)



 In case you forgot the original:

Shanghai China

(Wondering why the Party didn't change the name "Shanghai.")
I've been to China only once, and that was to Shanghai, perhaps the most cosmopolitan of the mainland cities. It was sometime in the early 2000s. Very exciting and accessible city.
Here's a pair of pics from Shanghai, looking over the Bund, across the river, to the Pudong New Area. Top was taken in 1990; bottom in 2010.
Wow!

Click to enlarge.

America's Porous Borders!

Two immigrants, captured on digital chips, moments after crossing the (Saranap/Lafayette) California border!