Sorry I did not get a blog done for the early morning readers on Monday. Things happen, even to bloggers!!!

So, last Friday, my friend and I went to the Horton Grand Theater for the 4 pm matinee of the show "HIT". It was quite enjoyable. This is a small, comfortable theater. The show was put on by Lambs Players Theatre. The main character was played by Cynthia Gerber and she was on stage for most of the show. Lots of lines and several costume changes. Very well done. Her brother, played by Chris Bresky was a fun and upbeat young feller. The boyfriend was Mike Buckley who was rather handsome and I enjoyed his sticktoitiveness. A minor character, Uncle Slavo was well done by David Heath. I saved my favorite for last. Sam is played by Season Duffy who gives a masterful performance as a woman in a new "job" that is typically a man's profession. Her clothes were wonderful and I want to know where she got the purple plaid tights. She is energetic and forgetful, and fun. Go see it, I think you will enjoy it.

Then we wandered over to The Merk for dinner. This is an Italian bistro next to Croces and associated with the Keating Hotel. Unlike the Keating, the prices are not outrageously high!! It is a nice setting, with a lovely ambience. The music is nice and it is background so you can actually carry on a conversation. We were warmly greeted by a pert young lady who had us laughing. Once seated, our waitress, Lindsay, introduced herself and told us about the specials. I had a glass of wine, and
they were what I called poppin fresh twisted rolls, warm & tasty. My friend ordered linguini with Romano. I had penne with meatballs. The pasta was cooked just right, the meatballs were delicious and the tomato sauce had a little spiciness to it. The linguini dish was brought out on a serving cart with a large wheel of Romano cheese. Lindsay proceeded to scrape the inside of the wheel getting a good portion of cheese, then she poured in the hot linguini, added a few spices & oil and tossed it in the wheel well. It was yummy (yes we did taste both entrees) and the at the table preparation added some charm to it all. We had cannolli for dessert. It was tasty, but not spectacular. Upon leaving we made sure to tell Lindsay about my blog and I certainly hope she reads this. This is a good restaurant and we will be returning.

So, Friday was delightful and walking thru the Gaslamp after dinner I noted a large number of tourists (speaking other languages). Hope that is a sign of things to come and that the economic mess does not detour tourism to our fine City.

On Sunday morning I met some friends at Soleil @ K (in the Gaslamp Marriott) for breakfast. It was very nice, but the best part had nothing to do with location or food, it was visiting with friends and spending a long time in the restaurant without any pressure to "move it on out". It was basic good breakfast fare and they leave the pot of coffee on the table. This is so nice. I wish all restaurants would do so for breakfast service.

So long