Cartoons Are Shorter Than Expected

2014, we started you right. Namely, we started it with a trip to the happiest place on earth. Yes, Disneyland, which is still happy, after all these years.

I had been to the park many times in my youth, but had not visited since senior year of high school (I will leave it to the reader's imagination to decide how long ago that may be). Josh, on the other hand, had NEVER been to any Disney park, ever. A travesty from his youth, something that had to be remedied. 

I was wondering if the park would still hold that immense sense of wonder and excitement it had when I was young. After all, I've been through a lot of "real world" experience since then. But yes, it is still magical. Even with crying children and snarky teenagers and over-priced food. The rides have become even better in the past decade. And California Adventure is a whole new world (haha) that mixes fantastic new rides with beer vendors. Finally. I teared up several times, and had a smile on my face after every single ride and show. 

But the best part was when Josh got to meet Donald Duck. THE duck to end all ducks. Not only did he meet Donald, but he shared a duck dance with the guy (it involves a lot of tail waggles). After the pictures were over and we were walking away, we were both struck with the same thought. We always thought Donald would be taller.

A grand adventure deserves a grand wine. Try something like Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame 1993 ($290). When we bought this wine at our local liquor store, the cashier had to ask "You do know how much this costs, right?". Yes, yes we do. And yes, it was worth every penny. 

Score: 5s all around.

Recommended: Yes. With a Disney vacation. And a duck.

Maybe We Should Have PBR Instead?

Today was a sad day, my friends. Today, the restaurant Josh and I loved so much - the first restaurant we ever ate at in the Haight, the restaurant we went to on the day we moved in to our apartment together - has closed. Technically, it will reopen in a few months, but only technically. We've talked with the staff, and it sounds like the owners are going for a complete remodel and new menu in order to try to turn a profit. So the name will be the same, but nothing else.

We loved this place because it was like home. It was unpretentious and flawed. The booths had rips in the seats. The paint was peeling. But everyone was so gosh darned nice. The wait staff was charming and sweet. The food was dependable and delicious and even healthy at times (tempeh sandwiches, vegetarians rejoice!). It was totally affordable in a city that is increasingly not. It had art on the walls from the 70s and a beaded curtain in front of the stairs that led to the bathroom. It felt like this city should always feels - freewheeling and comforting at the same time. And it had pitchers of PBR.

Change happens, and no one can deny that turning a profit in the restaurant biz is hard. It's really hard. We get it. But it doesn't make it easier to let go. We just hope the new place doesn't become too hipster. Please, don't start cooking with lard and truffles. Please.

To celebrate what was, and mourn our loss, we drink one of the finest champagnes we've ever had - the  1993 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame ($290). You've probably guessed we love our Veuve, and it's true. This champagne is amazing, delicious, and worth every penny. We actually bought this for Valentine's Day at the liquor store down the street. When we asked the cashier to retrieve it from the locked mini refrigerator, he asked if we realized how much it cost. We assured him we did (maybe we shouldn't wear torn jeans and sweatshirts when buying fine wine? Oh well, it's the Bay Area, we could be Dot Com billionaires for all he knows). If you have the money, buy this.

And to all our favorite wait staff from All You Knead, this glass is for you.