Mike's Green Grass, Corks and Forks: November 2012

Friday, November 30, 2012

Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year

To all Our Family and Friends

Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year

Mc Colgan Family--MJ, Linda and Mike- "Inspiring Greatness!"

THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE

02/10/2013 - 01/30/2014 (Water)

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2013 is the Year of the Snake, which begins on February 10, 2013 and ends on January 30, 2014.

The Snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 Animal Signs.
It is the enigmatic, intuitive, introspective, refined and collected of the Animals Signs.

Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means that your family will not starve. People born in the Year of the Snake are keen and cunning, quite intelligent and wise. They are great mediators and good at doing business.

Therefore you should have good luck if you were born in the Year of the Snake

Enjoy some Highlights below for our family during 2012

Sweet 16 game in Phoenix

Dan Majerles in Phoenix

Magic Johnson

Pope

Vatican

Grgich Party July 4

Before the wedding in Connecticut

Arnold Palmer and MJ

Mike Grgich, Ryan and MJ

"Kiss Legends Golf Tournament Keeps On Rockin!"

The 4th Annual Pacific University's 2010 Legends Golf Classic hosted by Tommy Thayer was recently held at the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, Oregon. My son MJ (3 times National Special Olympics Golf Champion) and I were guests of Tommy Thayer. Tommy has his roots in Portland and is on the Board of Pacific University. The University was founded in 1849 and is one of the finest liberal arts, education and health profession universities in the country. There are 1485 undergraduates and 1728 graduate students. This year the tournament rocked and was bigger and better than ever. Celebrity's like Chili Davis, Tommy Armour III, Geoff Bodine, Sean Fister, Gene Simmons and many others were treated like royalty for two days of golf and fun.

The tournament kicked off with a silent auction fueled by the famous Kiss Goodnight cocktails (Black Cherry Vodka and cranberry juice.) A 4 course sit down dinner featuring 2008 Desert Wind Ruah Bordeaux blend, 2009 Duck Pond Pinot Gris and 2005 Duck Pond Semillon Desert Wine was perfect with the entree grilled flat iron steak with parsley red skin potatoes, baby carrots and wild mushroom demi-glace. The emcee was acclaimed sportscaster and Monday Night football broadcaster Lisa Guerrero.

The live auction was full of energy and raised lots of money for the university. 3 people bought signed Kiss guitars for $15,000 each. Gene Simmons sweetened the purchase with invitations and back stage passes to a future Kiss concert.

The highlight was a special concert with Tommy Thayer and friends. Jake Blades of the famous band Night Ranger, Danny Seraphine original drummer for Chicago, Johnny Lee Urban Cowboy fame and biggest hit Looking for Love, and Ray Kennedy famous song writer with Dave Mason, Brian Wilson and Fleetwood Mac entertained the crowd with lively music, dancing and fun. Former LA Ram Leroy Irvin and others joined this vibrant group on stage to help Tommy and crew do a few songs. Kiss favorite "Rock and Roll All Nite" had everyone dancing and smiling into the wee hours with many "Goodnight Kisses."

Golf the next day was highlighted by a clinic with one of the top rated teaching professionals Tommy Masters. He is rated as one of Golf Magazine's top 100 instructors. Long drive Champion Sean Fister also hit some long bombs. He told us that he has hit the ball over 500 yards and can carry it 360 yards. A putting contest, lunch and cocktails preceded the 1:00 Shot gun that filled both the North and South courses at the Reserve. A brief opening ceremony featured Tommy and Gene wishing everyone good luck. Gene had the cameras follow him around for his Family Jewels program and has not played much golf before so it will be a very interesting future TV segment.

We got paired with some great golfers and good guys. Eddy Goldenberg and Alan Skuba from Palm Desert and Dr. Brett Johnson a local dentist. We had the good omen of starting out on lucky number 7. Having played in many of these kinds of events, I know it was going to be a good day when Eddy nearly aced the par three number seven. We finished 15 under par and won the Pro-Am with each of us getting Callaway drivers. I was lucky and made a 50 foot putt on one hole to secure a one stroke victory. Alan Skuba is a long time manager with Big Horn in the desert and his long time friend Mack Wiebe rode along with us. Mack is the proud father of Senior Professional Mark Wiebe and had some good tips for Alan to lead us to victory. A final awards presentation was held and followed by a golf ball drop. 500 people bought a chance to win closest to the hole when a helicopter dropped the 500 balls on the putting green.

The weather was perfect and Pacific University benefited from very generous patrons. My partner Alan Skuba summarized the day when he said on our last hole, 'I can't believe we are on the last hole already. It is days like this that you never want to end." Tommy said he promises to make it even bigger next year. Great event Tommy! MJ and I are looking forward to "rockin" with you and Gene again next year!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Forbes Island: The Floating Restaurant James Bond Would Love!

Linda and Mike L McColgan's culinary journey continues at the enchanting floating restaurant Forbes Island off of famous Pier 39. The 3 minute boat ride to this unique San Francisco restaurant tells your mind that you are going to experience a very special dining experience. James Bond would enjoy this special place as you are right on the water in an intimate setting overlooking Alcatraz and the beautiful vistas of the San Francisco Bay.

Originally built in Sausalito, in 1975 by Millionaire Houseboat Designer, Forbes Thor Kiddoo as a private floating home. The 40 foot Lighthouse is the only privately built Lighthouse in the United States and is equipped with an authentic Fresnel Lens on loan from the US Lighthouse Society. The Fresnel Lens was built in France in 1820 and was first lit using whale oil.

The menu at Forbes Island has a variety of entrees to choose from including the Seafood Special of the day, lamb, steak and ribs.

The service is special and the ambience of the city lights makes one feel a sense of heavenly peace. When they say water view, this restaurant is over the top being on a floating island with a unique underwater dining room.

The restaurant is small and very busy so reservations are recommended. They also specialize in private and memorable special events.

From the web site,

"AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME"

"Forbes Island provides a fantasy experience, beneath the sea or on the white sand patios with incredible views of SF Bay, Downtown, Alcatraz, Sea Lions, Coit Tower & the Golden Gate Bridge."

For more information and to make reservations go to

Click here: Forbes Island

Capture the Magic of San Francisco: Capps Corner

Capps Corner is located next to Club Fugazi home of the famous Beach Blanket Babylon show. Steve Silver created this "one of a kind" show in 1974 and it is the longest running musical revue in American history. The show continues to be updated with current look alike stars performing such as Adele and Lady Gaga so seeing it once a year is always fun and different. The Christmas Holiday show is also a special treat.

For a magical time in the "City By The Bay," dinner at Capps Corner and then attending the show makes for a perfect San Francisco evening.

Since 1963 Capps Corner has been serving friendly food for many famous people. Legend has it that local resident and baseball great Joe DiMaggio often ate here. Your memorable meal always begins with a tureen of minestrone soup, sour dough bread and salad served family style. Dishing out the soup and salad for your guests puts you in the mood for a hearty, happy dining experience.

Everything on the menu is very good and makes you understand why many famous people have dined here. The atmosphere is friendly and gives you a feeling that you are in a live movie. I especially like the homemade ravioli's and meat sauce that is better than fantastic.

For dessert Capps serves classic spumoni ice cream. This long time Italian favorite is a perfect ending to a great meal. Spumoni is a molded Italian ice cream with 3 layers of of cherry, chocolate, and vanilla with a fruit nut layer between them. It is fun to share an order as it is a large proportion and very colorful ending to a great meal.

From the web site: "In 1963 local boxing promoter and raconteur Joe Caparole turned a former Basque restaurant with a turn of the century back bar into Capp's Corner. Joe offered hearty portions of pastas, seafood, and roast meats served family style on long checker boarded tables in an atmosphere keeping with his colorful personality. Along with the pasta came his stories and innate hospitality that made Capp's a lively and welcoming place. The Corner soon became a gathering place for the famous and the infamous.

A North Beach restaurant of the old school, the traditions and character remain today. We serve familiar Italian dishes—linguini with seafood, veal tortellini, lasagne Bolognese, and leg of lamb roasted with rosemary and garlic. Fine Art, San Francisco memorabilia, and pictures of our friends and patrons—the great and not so great—grace the walls, while a clock remains earthquake stopped. Since 1963 Capp's has been a friendly, comfortable, and popular destination to eat, drink, and live."

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: Capp's Corner

"Healthy Decadence" The Plant Cafe Organic

"Tuesday Lunch With Linda In The City By The Bay" recently stopped at the Plant Cafe Organic at 3 Embarcadero. The restaurant is very unique with Bay views and a menu that has fresh local fun food.

Our server Moez was very helpful in selecting some menu favorites. The chef started us out with two of the favorite appetizers. Shitake spring rolls with carrots, tofu, cabbage, basil cilantro rice paper wrapper, and roasted onion peanut sauce were prepared to perfection. There were 4 large pieces and the presentation was elegant and pleasing to the eye. The crab cakes with tomato and avocado salsa with avocado crème fraiche was also delicate and presented in picture perfect form.

For our entree, we decided to split the signature Plant Burger. It is house made from lentils, mushrooms, beets, cashews, and bulgur wheat. It is served with roasted onion, leaf lettuce, tomato chutney, aioli, mixed greens and herb roasted potatoes. It was very good and more than enough to be split with two people.

For dessert, the chef prepared an assortment of the most popular sugar sensations. Raw Raspberry Cashew Cheesecake with coconut, pecan-date crust, and blackberry pepper sauce was only to be topped by the Concord grape sorbet and Eggnog Sandy with hazelnut, caramelized apples, bourbon caramel, and cranberries that definitely gets you in the Holiday mood.

The Blue bottle French press coffee is also a great ending to a "healthy and decadent" lunch experience.

From the web site, "the Plant café organic, at Pier 3, is a casual upscale café and restaurant. Situated on San Francisco's Embarcadero, minutes walk from the Ferry Building, it offers both open and covered outdoor seating along the waterfront and Embarcadero. Sourcing ingredients from many of the same farms you'll find at the nearby farmer's market, The Plant prepares local seasonal fare, with the Pier 3 location offering a large selection of fresh sustainable seafood and refreshing cocktails.

Powered in part by rooftop solar power, the kitchen and cafe are separated 'from the full service restaurant and bar by a covered outdoor underpass. Our kitchen and cafe provide mezzanine seating above for casual intimate dining with views of the bay. The full service restaurant and bar denote a casual elegant atmosphere for any occasion, whether it be a lively weekend brunch, large dinner party or private dinner. With adjoining covered heated outdoor patio, diners inside or out enjoy views of the Bay."

For more information and to make reservations at one of their 4 locations go to:

Click here: The Plant | Cafe Organic

Tuesday Lunch with Linda Series- Perry's

In an effort to visit all 3000 San Francisco restaurants, Danville residents Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey took them to Perrys at 155 Steuart Street.

Our experience at Perrys was average as only a few tables had window views and the blue and white checked table clothes were symbolic of a nice picnic but not a fine dining experience. The place was bustling with patrons and the menu was your normal burger and salad experience with special blue plate entrees each day.

Linda had the Chinese chicken salad which was very good. I ordered the Turkey breast sandwich. The turkey was moist and tasty and the proportion was enough to take home for another lunch tomorrow. They also had home made chips that were seasoned perfectly.

We also sampled the corn bread that was served warm and more than enough for two people.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays from 3 to close bottles of wine are half price with a variety of appetizers.

From the web site,

"The Beginning – Perry’s on Union Street.
Perry’s, for over 40 years an institution on Union Street in San Francisco, is known for its classic American food, its warm personable service and its bustling bar. Perry’s signature dishes include traditional Cobb Salad, Tomato Bisque, a selection of Prime Steaks, and of course, the renowned Hamburger. Perry’s also serves a fantastic weekend brunch, both Saturday and Sunday, with offerings such as Corned Beef Hash, French Toast, and a variety of classic egg dishes.

In its fifth decade on Union Street, Perry’s remains an enormously popular San Francisco establishment. The original location attracts multiple generations of Perry’s customers, making themselves at home at the cozy neighborhood bar and restaurant to enjoy terrific American food, a well-made drink and friendly conversation.

When Perry Butler initially opened Perry’s in 1969, he brought Union Street the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood saloons of New York’s Upper East Side. The blue and white checked tablecloths, hexagonal tiled floor, wood-paneled memorabilia clad walls, and menu of American classics produced an atmosphere that was comfortable, inviting and cool. Customers quickly transformed into friends, and just as quickly the modest, neighborhood restaurant became a San Francisco sensation.

Perry’s on the Embarcadero opened in 2008, following the same mantra of all-American favorite dishes combined with welcoming service that Butler first made a hallmark in 1969. The décor is warm – murals reminiscent of the memorabilia made famous at the original location, combined with exposed brick walls and its breathtaking views of the Bay – Perry’s on the Embarcadero is the perfect place for a business lunch, to meet after work for drinks, enjoy dinner with friends and family, or dig into brunch on the weekends. Perry’s on the Embarcadero is also conveniently located less than a mile from AT&T Park, making it a popular stop before and after Giants games.
Perry’s at the Design Center has been offering Perry’s fare to the businesses and residents of Potrero Hill since 2010. Located in the Galleria Atrium of the SF Design Center, Perry’s serves coffee and breakfast, lunch and happy hour Monday through Friday."

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: Perry's San Francisco