Writes of Passage

253 5th Ave N,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

… more pix on Reddit

St. Pete opera at Palladium Theater, which is at the above address.

This opera was by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), premiered in 1926.

The background is set in Beijing. Turandot is a princess, any prince wants to marry her, must answer three riddles, or face death.

Calaf is played by Simon K. Lee from Busan, South Korea; Turandot by Kelly Slawson of St. Louis, MO. Liu by Chelsea Lehnea who is the most attractive of the cast. … I know it’s an opera where and when the casting is limited, and I for one, visualize a love story with younger and attractive couple … so, it’s hard to see two middle aged persons playing the parts… Oh well. What do I know.

Movie director Zhang Yimou had staged it live in the Forbidden City in 1998, Zubin Mehta conducts. I remembered watching a clip, the young Chinese soldiers are warned not to interact with the ballerinas or the operas singers.

There is a young lady outside of the theater who is a fire inspector, to guard our safety per city/local regulation, “making sure the doors are open …” She agreed to the photo, that I can post on social medial.

We’ve lunch at Terra Gaucha and light dinner @ Allelo.

We parked at the garage by the James Museum. There is a small commotion when we go to retrieve our car: a white Nissan Rogue is in front of us and isn’t moving for a long time. When we lightly beeped it, it got upset. A young woman in a slimy out fit – low top and high front side cut of a long skirt came out … She claimed that they’re trying to pay but unable.

1. didn’t we all pay at entrance? We did.
2. maybe they came in early and at that time, the garage didn’t require payment up front?

As we’re out of the garage and on the street, it veneered to the right and waited for us to catch up, then throw something hard at our car. Talking about being rogue, or road rage?

1108 S Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, Florida

… more pix on TA

This is, perhaps the 3rd time we’re here. All is great, as usual. There is a long  table for about ten of military people, all male, young and dressed up in camouflage. I made a mental note, to ask the restaurant, to pay for part of their meal, to thank them for their service, then forgot all about it with our friends. The next thing I know, there is another table with four middle aged men in civilian, perhaps paid for the meal because the camouflage go to their table to shake hands before leaving. Oh well, hope I’ll have another chance.

It’s funny to note, some dinners do ask if they can take some food with them. I thought it’s a common sense at a buffet that either you eat or leave, without a doggie bag. Oh well.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
150 Central Ave,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

This museum was opened in 2018. The eagle statue was done by Vic Payne (1960-) in 1996. I didn’t go in, just passing by after parking.

“Legends tell os the capturing of the golden eagle by the Plains Indian who believed the feathers were infused with the wisdom of the great mystery. The capturing of these eagle feathers was also a test of manhood for adolescents to become warriors. These coveted feathers, when displayed in the war bonnet, symbolized the capture of the essence of the Great Spirit. – Vic Payne

300 Beach Dr NE., Ste 128
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Downtown St. Petersburg

This is our second restaurant on Beach Dr NE, after Parkshore Grill.

Definitely will return: it’s better than Parkshore Grill next door.

It has a sizable outdoor section that looks out to Tampa Bay, with sofas and regular tables. The indoor decor is tasteful, dominates by a big mural, which was done by artist Annette Gloomis (?). High ceiling, with three exposed fat pipes. Fresh flowers on the tables, handbag hooks under the tables.

Allelo is short for Allelomimetic -> allelomimetic behavior.

Stems, tableware and utensils are all really good: especially they use smaller spoons for desserts – thank you!

We’ve 4 glasses 2021 red from three countries:

1. Portuguese Touriga Nacional Herdade do Rocim: smooth, the best of the three
2. French Syrah Domaine Faillenc St Marie Corbières: ok
3. Spanish Garnacha Camino de Navaherrero Bernabeleva: too dry

The asparagus (sunflower, aleppo, pecorino butter) is yummy. The sauce is light and lively. Too bad we weren’t hungry after the big lunch at Terra Gaucha.

We’re able, however, to squeeze in a piece of tiramisu – it’s to die for, with prominent dark rum taste; and I love the coarse texture – I don’t like my food being massaged too much. The cake is made in the house.

I like the wall paper in their bathroom too -:)