Boccalone ~ Foodie Review

There are some moments in life that feel like a little crystal of perfection. For me, this was one of those moments.

Setting the scene:
Saturday, the Embarcadero Farmer's Market, Ferry Building, San Francisco, California, mid-July, gorgeous day, a warm ocean breeze, everyone on the pier happily enjoying themselves.
Bins of brightly colored veggies, fresh-made cheeses, pots brimming with flowers and food vendors, (that scent!) with wares that easily rival that of a five-star restaurant.

The players:
People, right out of an episode of Prairie Home Companion, where all the children are smart and the women good-looking (I paraphrase!)...the men were also good-looking! 

The sound:
Low murmurs of delight from shoppers enjoying the abundance of fresh produce, live music filtering through the crowd.

We are wandering through the crowd, where all are moving in and about each other with ease. With my dear brother on my arm, (an indescribable comfort), I am searching the pier for one of my favorite food vendors, Boccalone (mouth is watering!). I am anxious to share this incredible gastronomic "find" with my foodie brother. We spot Baccalone and happily wait in the long, but well-mannered line and are finally rewarded with a Salame Pepato Chub, (loosely translated, a peppery, chubby, tasty pork, yummy...)  in my language, perfection on a bun. Italian charcuterie divine! With apologies to my non-carnivorous friends, I could eat this amazing little Pepato Chub and depart for heaven with a smile on my face. If you are one of the lucky ones living in SF you must go and brave the line. It is worth it! If you live elsewhere, put this market on your To-Do list with Boccalone at the top!

1 Ferry Bldg #21, San Francisco, CA~ there are potatoes being roasted under the grilling meats!

Each "chub" is hand-cut right before your eyes with juices sopped up by the ciabatta roll, their award-winning, tasty pork, topped with only a smidgen of arugula. 

 With a side of those indescribable drippings-infused rosemary new-potatoes

A sunny spot by the pier, my brother by my side, music in my ear and a salame chub....perfection!

   Homesick for San Francisco just right now! Miss you Scott. Bon Appetit!

Sunday Meditation

"Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love" They reflect a shift in how we think, releasing the power of the mind to the processes of healing and correction. What changes, primarily, is how we hold an experience in our minds-how we experience the experience. ~Marianne Williamson
                                                                                                    

Thunder Dog

Sonic BOOMS! We've got 'em. Like it or not, we have to live with the nerve-shattering, blast that comes from our local jet-jockeys breaking the sound barrier. Understandably pets, babies and those unfortunate souls on the mid-night shift HATE them. In an effort to find a way to calm my terrified dogs I tried a homeopathic Bach remedy called Rescue Remedy, which would work if I knew when the blasted blast was coming. But I am not on the air force's "need to know" list nor a psychic. So I needed a quick fix for Guinness, who shakes uncontrollably and practically glues himself to my lap. Enter the Thundershirt! Honestly, this is the best product ever. The Thunder Shirt hugs him nice and snug and he relaxes almost immediately, then usually falls fast asleep. Here's the little rascal after today's earth-shattering boom sporting his shirt. Maybe they should make one that will lower my post boom blood pressure?
Notice that relaxed look on his face.

The shirt is easy to put on, with lots of Velcro for a snug but flexible fit. According to the website, it works on the nervous system of your pup. If you have this problem...if you're my neighbor I know you do! Seriously, it works for real thunder and those awful fireworks too, oh and vacuum cleaners and other loud noises. I would like to personally "thunder hug" the inventor of this great product. The best part, no need to ever drug my terrified pup...definitely the best part.

Minutes later....

You can find the Thundershirt on their website , look for their current Free Embroidery promo! No, I am not getting paid to endorse their product, but dang I would go on the road just to pass the word to other dog owners. So, pass the word my friends!! Finally, a product that does what it promises!

Happy Days! Cheers! Victoria, Guinness and Zen