Carmel's Casanova!

One of the greatest treats about living a half hour from Carmel-by-the-Sea is exploring all the nooks, crannies, shops and restaurants hidden in the side streets.  Wednesday I met my friend Jackie at Casanova's for lunch -- it was a glorious day and we had such a wonderful time!

We felt most welcome!

So many details to soak in!

I love the old European atmosphere!

We were seated in one of the inside patios...

...next to a fountain with the enchanting sound of trickling water.

Van Gogh's Table room is a small room for private dining, sequestered by old doors. This is the actual table Vincent van Gogh  ate at while residing at Auberge Ravoux in Auvers-Sur-Oise, an artist's village, near Paris.

Wine in an old tub

The Wine Cellar...

...and veggies by the bin.

An old stone sink ~ and interesting mosaic tile work above.

Some of the details... lace on the doors and windows, windows peering into other rooms, scarves over the lamps, and water brought to your table in glass carafes.

I imagine talented hands find that accordion to entertain guests with a song from time to time!

A nice walk through town on my way back to my car, took me past the Carmel Fire Station.

Leaving my beloved Carmel, via Ocean Avenue.  I used to live just four blocks from this arch.  I'll be back soon!

Enjoy my pictures, BUT to experience the real ambiance of Casanova's go on a TOUR with the video on their website:  Casanova's!  (Double click to see it on your full screen and really enjoy the details!)

Wicked!

Thrilled to learn that "Wicked" was back on stage at the beautiful Orpheum Theater in San Francisco, I picked up tickets for my daughters and me to go!   I saw it a couple of years ago with a friend, but it was a first for Ash and Lys.  So a couple of Sundays ago, I drove up and we headed downtown.

The Orpheum Theater is a beaut!  It opened in 1926 and is a dazzling example of French Gothic architecture.  It's enjoyable just to sit back before the play starts and study the carvings on the walls and beautiful inlaid ceiling.  The picture below doesn't show all the elaborate detail.

The production of "Wicked" was even better than I remembered. The singing was spectacular!  Here is a sample of the songs and storyline:
Scenes from Wicked

I marvel at how actors in theater productions perform the same show over and over but still manage to make each performance fresh and give it their all.  This was no exception. 

We topped off our day by heading to Ghiradelli Square after the show, enjoying the site of Alcatraz Island in the distance at dusk, and sharing stories over hot fudge sundaes. 

 Lovely day!

Happy Month of Love

February is the month of LOVE!  I've had some dreamy Valentine's Days, some lonely ones, some ultra romantic ones, some just-another-day ones.  But in the end, it's not about what kind of Valentine's sentiments I get, its what kind of Valentine's sentiments I give.  So here's to sharing lots of love this month!