Sydney Opera House, La Scala, Palais Garnier in Paris, Bolshoi Theatre, Teatro Colón, Vienna State Opera, La Fenice, Hungarian State Opera House, and Teatro di San Carlo, The Royal Opera House in London
La Scala (for short) is, by many, the top opera house in the world.
Another restaurant with ‘Brick’ in its name – hopefully this owner/manager isn’t going to be nasty as Hales Blackbricks, can take genuine and constructive critics.
Probably won’t return.
Love their decor – high ceiling, industrial. The last booth by the bathroom is angled. I don’t know they did that to shield the bathroom entrance or needed to be. In any case, it looks good. Two big open windows connect their outdoor area. The length of the bar looks out to a garage.
The service is good. The pretty young girl has red and purple nail polish – maybe I should go for the purple, to match my hair.
The food is a little trying. The bacon burnt end is on the sweet side but is tender. The brisket is thick and dry. With the butter knife, cutting became a chore. The ribs is a little softer than the brisket, but have it better many other places.
The young girl, the maitre d’ and a lady in black pants came over, asking how’s everything – they certainly care.
This Samsonite carry on luggage set was purchased in 2003 at Costco. I still use it on all my trips. Heavy? Yes but they’re durable and rather handy: 21 years and counting, in 2024.
I often walked from Frankfurt Hbf to Renate’s home in Bockenheim, in which many paths are pebble stoned, or I chose to.
I haven’t been to a Saks for a few years. The one I used to go was on 5th Avenue in New York. It never impressed me. Sandwich between Bergdorf Goodman and Macy’s, Saks, I think their Christmas light show is the standout. Walking into this small one – two floors with cloth and cosmetics, I’ve a little wow feeling – maybe it’s the time of the day – afternoon; maybe it’s not crowded; or maybe I shop online for too long and glad in a physical store … The overall feeling is refreshing. Their decor is mute and light. Staff is ready to help.
Tampa RiverWalk is a 2.6 miles long open space pedestrian trail along the Hillsborough River. The part we go often is from ArmatureWorks (where we park and dine) to Straz (concerts and shows), which is 0.8 miles, and is a good place to watch sunset. It’s serene and scenic.
Skateboards, bikers, strollers and dogs are part of the crowds on the trail, and taxis, tiki boats, jet skis fill the river.
The second piece is Beethoven’s 5th and last piano concerto: the Emperor. I’ve listened to this piece many times, and tonight it sounds beautiful as I know -:).
We’ve been to a few concerts that were conducted by Michael Francis (1975?-): a likable young man, with humors, a graduate of Cardiff UniversitySchool of Music.
The pianist is Spanish Javier Perianes (1978-) who’s pretty short, who doesn’t have a list of impressive schools. I enjoyed his playing. When it was done, he returned quickly to give a Chopin encore, without much claps. While he was playing the Chopin, Francis stood at the side of the stage – I thought that’s a nice gesture.
At the beginning of the concert, of course someone would go to the stage and give a speech. Tonight it’s a chubby woman… who probably spent years climbing or paid handsomely to be in that position. She opened up by bragging that TFO Florida Orchestra is world class. But her presence really cheapens the evening. Mostly, she thanks the sponsors. I even saw Rick Steves (1955-), the travel guru’s name on the screen.
After conductor takes stage, people are still allowed to come in. The ushers are volunteers. I joked to one, “you should go to New York.” One of my tennis buddies Susan who’s a retired teacher, does the usher circuit, from MSG to baseballs … and gets paid in 3 digits even event.
We stopped here before the concert. It’s very similar with Ulele @ Armature Works: high ceiling, industrial, exposed brick walls, open kitchen; good service and pretty good food.
Location: by the water
Seatings: indoor and out
Food: very good
Service: very good, well trained
We went at 5 when they just opened. When we left at 7, it was packed. We stayed a bit longer bec it was raining, and our concert didn’t start till 8. We could have another toffee cake – it’s that good. But didn’t bec people are waiting.
We’ve
– charred sour dough bread – good
– crab salad: wonderful
– meat charcuterie – fine
– special – fish amandine – good
– special mezzaluna pasta – great
– Spanish autopsy – yummy
– warm toffee cake – to die for
– chocolate tart – average
Our server said his name is MJ. A handsome kid, better looking than Michael Jordan … still love you Mike
We shared a bottle of Meleto BTL Chianti. Nice stems. They left the cork on the table – Should they put it on a small plate?
Big spoon for desserts
Ok I’m a dinosaur
They’re on RESY, may charge $25 for no show. No place for handbags.
As we flew into Atlanta to change flight, we’re treated to their newest Centurion Lounge that just opened that moment.
Opening hours: 6am to 11pm daily.
The place is huge, easily double the space to other centurion lounges. A gentleman in suit showed me around – thank you. They’ve two outdoor terraces, one whisky bar with 34 (?) American whiskeys. Chef Deborah Vantrece curates nice layouts, from fruits to bakery to sausage … my most favorite is the pinkish cheese grit with a hint of spicy – the most delicious grit I’ve had salty and spicy
The decor is modern. With green-wall at the entrance, to books and luggage to enclosed meeting spaces.
Staff are fresh, friendly and energetic – do keep it up.
The only speck is the lacking of tea spoons – love their utensils by the way. “No worry,” I told the gentleman: the cruise ships use regular spoons for their desserts – is this the trend or what?
The shower has 15 minutes limit.
It’s a sunny day and I got a few sunrise videos and pix, before they put down the shades.
… and the operas, by year it was first premiered
salty and spicy