The Delta English Experience

La nouvelle In-flight dining experience

(Todd English)

I was thrilled to see that there was a Todd English Meal option on board Delta Airlines.  While I missed the opportunity to dine at Fig when I was in Boston, this was the perfect opportunity to have a taste of the cuisine  English.  

There was only one option available, the mushroom orzo.  But considering the alternative (turkey sandwich) it was a fairly good bet.

  

(Mushroom Pea Orzo by Todd English)

From the menu: "Orzo Pasta with a medley of Diced Red onions, Green Peas, Sautéed Button nd Shitake Mushrooms, Chopped Parsley, Zest of Lemon and Shredded Parmesan Cheese accented with Kalamata Olives, Romaine Heart Leaves, and Pita Bread."

The verdict?  It's OK.  There were burst of flavor here and there possibly hampered by the limits of airline food preparation.  Anyway, Todd is so cute I'll eat anything he feeds me! It cost $8 (same as the turkey sandwich).  It's great to see Delta have guest chefs on the menu. 

(Rande Gerber)

Another contributing celebrity to the Delta dining experience is Rande Gerber (I don't care what you say, he'll always be Mr. Cindy Crawford to me).  Rande contributes two cocktails – a margarita and a “mile high” mojito.  I don't really like to drink on long haul flights so I did not get to try it.

  

(Delta economy class amenities)

Delta has a limited amount of economy class amenities.  It consists of an eye mask, earphones and ear plugs.  It is a snazzy shade of red, though.

Viaggio a Milano

A recessionista takes on Milan.



“How can we go, we haven't got a dime? But we're going, and we're gonna have a happy time!”

My friend and benefactor suggested we go to Milan for my birthday. He picked the most favorable dates based on an ancient Chinese calendar. That's when I quoted him the aforementioned lines from an old Carmen Miranda and Andrews Sister's song.

With my business reeling from the effects of the American recession, I certainly had the time but very little means to get my ass and my standard-issue 40 pieces of luggage to Milan for a week at the financial and fashion capital of Italy (read “shopping”).

Well, I'm not exactly sure how “The Secret” works but apparently, the universe wanted me to go to Milan as well, so, armed with my old expiring airline points with additional points supplied by my benefactor, it worked out nicely. 

I was given a budget for a hotel, and while it certainly was not enough for the Le Meridien, Bulgari, Principe Savoia or the Westin Palace, I located a nice family owned hotel right by the Public Gardens. By all accounts it looked tacky, but hey, I'm getting my ass to Milan and I'm not complaining!

And we're off!

The Next Best Thing

In praise of the potty topper.

This is the coolest thing for using public bathrooms.
It was actually created for lil' kids but adult asses can use this too.

I was going to steal some of those flimsy paper toilet seat covers at Starbucks for an upcoming trip until I ran into these potty topper seat covers.

It's Genius!

It;s not GREEN, though....

This is the underside. It's coated with a thin film of plastic.

There are also two sticky things to keep the cover in place while you struggle to make a deposit.

These are not flushable, so save yourself the embarrassment of overflow by trashing this on your way out.


The top side is some sort of sueded paper to carress and comfort your bottom. It is printed with a pleasant pattern to put you in the mood.

Shown above is the Disney Princess pattern. I heard there was a DORA the Explorer version. There is nothing I want more than to sit on Dora's face.

Avenue Q

At Segerstrom Hall, Orange County.

I missed this show when it went on tour in Los Angeles about 2 years ago so I was determined not to miss this go-around at the Orange County Performing Arts Center's (or OCPAC) Segerstrom Hall. It's a 1 1/2 hour drive from where I live and involves crossing 3 freeways.

(Box Office)

At least two of the original cast members from Broadway was in the show and at least one from the Vegas run at the Wynn.

(Breezeway from parking lot to Segerstrom Hall)

The OCPAC is an amazing and inspiring space that seems to be holding up well against the test of time.  

(Henry Moore sculpture)

They have a Henry Moore!  Not sure about the donor's list on the base though.  They could have moved that to the back of the piece.  Nobody wants to see that.  I don't care if you put in money to buy this piece or helped build this place, you should just give the money and shut up.  I mean, if you're not giving enough money to have the place named after you, then just go spend your money on a tiara.

(This is a sculptural piece built into the architecture)

(Interior of Tier 3 Row L seat 134)

The interior is not your regular seating.  It's built on a Tier system instead of the regular orchestra, mezzanine and balcony configuration.  The best way I can describe it is like slices of pizza haphazardly stacked together.

(Striking a pose at the mirrored grand staircase)

Finding Fashion

Accidental discoveries at the Norton Simon Museum.

I was not prepared for the immense volume of art at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. The collection boasts a wide range of art pieces from prominent artists such as Van Gogh, Zurbaran, Degas, Matisse, Rodin, to mention a few.

As I walked through the galleries, I realized that the collection is a rich source of fashion inspiration.  Here's a sampling:

(Patience Escalier by Vincent Van Gogh)

A  jaunty little summer hat for spring/summer.

(Harmony in Blue by Henri Matisse)

On Trend for 2009: Sheer!

(The Black Shawl by Henri Matisse)

On Trend for 2009:  Lace!

(Autumn: Chestnut Gatherers by Georges Lacombe)

Perfect for Fall 2009 color palette.

(Saint Francis by Francisco de Zurbaran)

Hoody!

(Homage to the Square by Josef Albers)

Hermés recently did a scarf line based on Alber's work.

(Jeanne Hebuterne by Mondigliani)

Jeanne was Mondigliani's wife and frequent model.  Mondigliani died at age 33 from tubercular meningitis and the next day, Jeanne threw herself out of their 5th storey apartment.  She was nine months pregnant with their child.

(Detail from works by Tocqué, left and Rubens, right)

Lovely rich fabrics and embroidery.

(not identified, sorry!)

Wear it now: Bubble skirt!

(Music by Jean-Honoré Fragonard)

Her yellow dress is on trend for color and she's trying to rock the one-shoulder look but either she's having some fit problems or she's an exhibitionist.

(Portraits by Rembrandt, left and Verspronck, right)

On Trend for 2009: Ruffles!

(Joerg Fugger by Giovanni Bellini)

I love this collar treatment!

(Baron de Mortarieu by Ingres)

This is the hottest guy in the museum!  Love the crisp tailoring and I'm still trying to figure out the collar.  This guy eventually became mayor of his town and the medals were painted in later.

(Young Man with Red Beret by Jan Lievens)

The proper way to wear a kaffiyeh.

(Ragpicker by Edouard Manet)

Dressing like this was anathema in the 19th century, but this is totally acceptable today.  I mean, maybe clean denim  jeans and a crisp white shirt.  Viva boho chic!

The Norton Simon has a great detailed website, click here.

La Balanga 1975

Roberto Cavalli, isdatchu?


"La Balanga" was the Bimbo Jet Band's successful follow-up to their worldwide dance hit "El Bimbo". These songs were further popularized in the Philippines by it's own specific and unique dance steps, probably concocted by the local record company, which involved holding hands and making circles in the air.  Ask me to show you sometime.

This is the first time I've seen this video from French television on YouTube.



It's an explosion of animal prints. Grrrowl! 

It's important to note that Roberto Cavalli rose to prominence around this time. 

Hmmm.... are these Cavalli's handiwork?

Then there is the lone male dancer to add a dose of testosterone (who are they kidding!) to the scene.

Afros and cutouts everywhere! Cavalli gone wild!

To view the whole video, click here.

Be sure to wear your Happy Slip!

This girl is punny www.happyslip.com