I'm here in Chicago for business, but also tacked on a couple of extra days to visit a friend who lives in downtown. Her question to me was, "Where would you like to eat?" I replied, "Somewhere with outdoor dining!" She introduced me to this fabulous French restaurant in a charming part of town near a park with "lightening bugs" (bugs that light up like sparks!) called Chez Joel.

On a pleasant summer night, you can eat al fresco -- but we had to wait an extra 20 minutes for a table, even though there were plenty of seats indoors. Believe me, it was well worth the wait. The spacious patio, featuring lively French music, was filled with tables - lit with candles, creating a cozy atmosphere. For starters, we couldn't decide between the cheese & fruit assortment plate or duck and chicken liver pate plate...so we ordered both (accompanied by a plentiful basket of slices of baguette)! Excellent combinations, actually. Surprisingly, the servings were generous -- which was surprising to me because each plate was reasonably priced: $7.95! Perhaps it's because I'm used to eating in California. But I thought it was a great price for what we got. I ordered the steak au jus with pomme frites for my main course - $20.95 (in the SF Bay Area, the same meal would easily cost $28-30). It was juicy and cooked just right! The pomme frites were definitely the highlight -- fried to perfection: thin and crisp. Makes my mouth water just to thinking about them! For dessert, we ordered the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream (which was actually a lava cake...scrumptious and decadent!)

I would certainly return to Chez Joel during my next visit to Chicago. The food was excellent, the service was superb and the experience was overall...just delightful! :)

After watching the previews for Hellboy 2, I was immediately captivated by the remarkable and fantastical creatures (similar in appearance to those seen in the movie Pans Labyrinth). That's why I was anxious to see it on opening night (plus, it was my husband's turn to pick a movie...and just so you know, the ladies will also enjoy it)!

Hellboy 2 has a strong story-line with interesting character development; witty dialogue, humor... and more romance than you'd expect to find in a comic book adaptation -- and it doesn't come off as THAT cheesy or forced.

The movie is a visual smorgasbord with cutting-edge special effects, action sequences, and artfully choreographed fight scenes.

It's not often that a sequel is better than the original, but this is definitely an exception!

Go check it out if you're interested in a fun, action-packed fantasy adventure!

The vibes are good here. Poised to open March 4, Nick's On Main is billed by new owner Nick Difu as an American bistro. Black ceilings meet stark white walls, a traditional background for servers in long black aprons. But there's more going on here than theme.

The word is out. Folks already are dropping by, something they feel comfortable doing. The snug and intimate space once occupied by A Matter of Taste at 35 E. Main St. in Los Gatos now is holding the dream baby of Difu, who has garnered a faithful following during the seven years he was chef at local eateries Cafe Marcella and 180.

For the past 2 1/2 years he had been trying to get the empty building, now owned by Todd Hill of Los Gatos, for his restaurant. Well-wishers and the curious stream in, cell phones ring. It's some two weeks before the long-anticipated opening. Difu sits at a small, linen-clad table, handling the endless details of new ownership, his cell phone at the ready above a sheaf of papers. Men on ladders are putting on finishing touches.

Los Gatos resident Lisa Leese, who has spent the past months with Erin Perrucci shepherding design ideas from paper to reality, frets over some lingering details. She wipes down a shining black wall with a feather duster, a cell phone shouldered to her ear.

"I'm worried about these chairs," she says, pointing to where she wants a chair rail along the wall. Difu acknowledges her with gratitude and relief. "The details I had to worry about were taken
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over by Lisa and Erin," he says. "There were two things they said must be done - take out the old bar and paint the ceiling black. They were right, and it's perfect."

"I want people to come here and feel at home," Difu says. "It's going to be loud, and it won't cost a fortune. The food will be bistro or country style with an Italian twist - simple food with abundant flavors." And the wines are decidedly local Italian - Testarossa, La Rusticana, Perrucci.

The Italian influence is no accident. The east wall of the restaurant is covered in framed black and white photos. They represent the Cali clan - the Sicilian parents, aunts, uncles and cousins of Difu's mother, longtime Los Gatan Ann Cali. Among the scenes is one of the hay and grain store in Cupertino known by locals for years at Stevens Creek and Saratoga Road as "R. Cali and Brother." The brother was Difu's grandfather Joseph, and "Nani," his grandmother, is the reason for his cooking. "From her I learned about food and what it does for you. Every time I left her house, after a Sunday dinner of rabbit stew and meatballs, I felt good. All of us six grandkids felt that way."

His menu reflects what it takes to feel good. There are braised short ribs, Nani's meatloaf, Scottish salmon, steak, rack of lamb and seafood linguine. But perhaps what Difu enjoys creating the most is duck confit with cassoulet, the classic French dish of white beans and pork sausage. The beans are cooked with mirepoix, a mixture of vegetables and herbs sauted in butter, and the sausage is steeped in a ragout of tomatoes, carrots and onions. The duck is covered and slow-cooked for four hours, then placed before serving in a very hot oven for crisping ($21). An average entree a la carte runs $17-$25. A similar menu at lunch is about $15. "On every table there'll be a red rose, symbolizing ... I don't know what. Just a single red rose ... for color," Difu laughs. He says he'll make anything anyone wants with a little notice. "We'll be very visible, saying hello a lot, coming out to roam the room and greet you," he says. "Here you won't get lost. We'll know you." The vibes are good here. Poised to open March 4, Nick's On Main is billed by new owner Nick Difu as an American bistro. Black ceilings meet stark white walls, a traditional background for servers in long black aprons. But there's more going on here than theme.

The word is out. Folks already are dropping by, something they feel comfortable doing. The snug and intimate space once occupied by A Matter of Taste at 35 E. Main St. in Los Gatos now is holding the dream baby of Difu, who has garnered a faithful following during the seven years he was chef at local eateries Cafe Marcella and 180.

For the past 2 1/2 years he had been trying to get the empty building, now owned by Todd Hill of Los Gatos, for his restaurant. Well-wishers and the curious stream in, cell phones ring. It's some two weeks before the long-anticipated opening. Difu sits at a small, linen-clad table, handling the endless details of new ownership, his cell phone at the ready above a sheaf of papers. Men on ladders are putting on finishing touches.

Los Gatos resident Lisa Leese, who has spent the past months with Erin Perrucci shepherding design ideas from paper to reality, frets over some lingering details. She wipes down a shining black wall with a feather duster, a cell phone shouldered to her ear.

"I'm worried about these chairs," she says, pointing to where she wants a chair rail along the wall. Difu acknowledges her with gratitude and relief. "The details I had to worry about were taken

over by Lisa and Erin," he says. "There were two things they said must be done - take out the old bar and paint the ceiling black. They were right, and it's perfect."

"I want people to come here and feel at home," Difu says. "It's going to be loud, and it won't cost a fortune. The food will be bistro or country style with an Italian twist - simple food with abundant flavors." And the wines are decidedly local Italian - Testarossa, La Rusticana, Perrucci.

The Italian influence is no accident. The east wall of the restaurant is covered in framed black and white photos. They represent the Cali clan - the Sicilian parents, aunts, uncles and cousins of Difu's mother, longtime Los Gatan Ann Cali. Among the scenes is one of the hay and grain store in Cupertino known by locals for years at Stevens Creek and Saratoga Road as "R. Cali and Brother." The brother was Difu's grandfather Joseph, and "Nani," his grandmother, is the reason for his cooking. "From her I learned about food and what it does for you. Every time I left her house, after a Sunday dinner of rabbit stew and meatballs, I felt good. All of us six grandkids felt that way."

His menu reflects what it takes to feel good. There are braised short ribs, Nani's meatloaf, Scottish salmon, steak, rack of lamb and seafood linguine. But perhaps what Difu enjoys creating the most is duck confit with cassoulet, the classic French dish of white beans and pork sausage. The beans are cooked with mirepoix, a mixture of vegetables and herbs sauted in butter, and the sausage is steeped in a ragout of tomatoes, carrots and onions. The duck is covered and slow-cooked for four hours, then placed before serving in a very hot oven for crisping ($21). An average entree a la carte runs $17-$25. A similar menu at lunch is about $15. "On every table there'll be a red rose, symbolizing ... I don't know what. Just a single red rose ... for color," Difu laughs. He says he'll make anything anyone wants with a little notice. "We'll be very visible, saying hello a lot, coming out to roam the room and greet you," he says. "Here you won't get lost. We'll know you."

The vibes are good here. Poised to open March 4, Nick's On Main is billed by new owner Nick Difu as an American bistro. Black ceilings meet stark white walls, a traditional background for servers in long black aprons. But there's more going on here than theme.

The word is out. Folks already are dropping by, something they feel comfortable doing. The snug and intimate space once occupied by A Matter of Taste at 35 E. Main St. in Los Gatos now is holding the dream baby of Difu, who has garnered a faithful following during the seven years he was chef at local eateries Cafe Marcella and 180.

For the past 2 1/2 years he had been trying to get the empty building, now owned by Todd Hill of Los Gatos, for his restaurant. Well-wishers and the curious stream in, cell phones ring. It's some two weeks before the long-anticipated opening. Difu sits at a small, linen-clad table, handling the endless details of new ownership, his cell phone at the ready above a sheaf of papers. Men on ladders are putting on finishing touches.

Los Gatos resident Lisa Leese, who has spent the past months with Erin Perrucci shepherding design ideas from paper to reality, frets over some lingering details. She wipes down a shining black wall with a feather duster, a cell phone shouldered to her ear.

"I'm worried about these chairs," she says, pointing to where she wants a chair rail along the wall. Difu acknowledges her with gratitude and relief. "The details I had to worry about were taken
Advertisement
over by Lisa and Erin," he says. "There were two things they said must be done - take out the old bar and paint the ceiling black. They were right, and it's perfect."

"I want people to come here and feel at home," Difu says. "It's going to be loud, and it won't cost a fortune. The food will be bistro or country style with an Italian twist - simple food with abundant flavors." And the wines are decidedly local Italian - Testarossa, La Rusticana, Perrucci.

The Italian influence is no accident. The east wall of the restaurant is covered in framed black and white photos. They represent the Cali clan - the Sicilian parents, aunts, uncles and cousins of Difu's mother, longtime Los Gatan Ann Cali. Among the scenes is one of the hay and grain store in Cupertino known by locals for years at Stevens Creek and Saratoga Road as "R. Cali and Brother." The brother was Difu's grandfather Joseph, and "Nani," his grandmother, is the reason for his cooking. "From her I learned about food and what it does for you. Every time I left her house, after a Sunday dinner of rabbit stew and meatballs, I felt good. All of us six grandkids felt that way."

His menu reflects what it takes to feel good. There are braised short ribs, Nani's meatloaf, Scottish salmon, steak, rack of lamb and seafood linguine. But perhaps what Difu enjoys creating the most is duck confit with cassoulet, the classic French dish of white beans and pork sausage. The beans are cooked with mirepoix, a mixture of vegetables and herbs sauted in butter, and the sausage is steeped in a ragout of tomatoes, carrots and onions. The duck is covered and slow-cooked for four hours, then placed before serving in a very hot oven for crisping ($21). An average entree a la carte runs $17-$25. A similar menu at lunch is about $15. "On every table there'll be a red rose, symbolizing ... I don't know what. Just a single red rose ... for color," Difu laughs. He says he'll make anything anyone wants with a little notice. "We'll be very visible, saying hello a lot, coming out to roam the room and greet you," he says. "Here you won't get lost. We'll know you."

The old black-and-white photos covering one wall at Nick's on Main tell the story of Chef Nick Difu's family in the South Bay. The fact that most are set in Cupertino might surprise Los Gatos diners who have come to think of Difu as one of their own.

Difu made his name working as a chef in other people's kitchens in downtown Los Gatos, not far from his new restaurant.

Now that he has his own place at last, he wants it to feel like home. So he brought with him photos of his family of Sicilian immigrants and the big R. Cali Brothers feed and grain mill they owned in the heart of Cupertino. He knows he owes his success to them: It was at his grandmother's table, surrounded by family, that his love of food and cooking was born.

"I grew up at a time when there still were orchards and there still was the family dinner," Difu says, "and I want that back."

Dinner at Nick's on Main, which opened in early March, is definitely a convivial affair in the spirit of those noisy, cheerful family dinners. When all 35 seats in the tiny dining room are occupied - which they are most evenings - it can feel like an overcrowded party.

Noise levels soar as wine flows, diners relax and laughter fills the room. Difu makes the rounds frequently, checking in with regulars and making newcomers welcome. Service is warm and friendly, if sometimes absentminded.

The food is at once homey and sophisticated - meatloaf, chicken ravioli, grilled rib-eye and baby back ribs,
Advertisement
transformed by top-quality ingredients and bold flavors. It's the sort of soul-satisfying fare you wish your grandmother had cooked.

Yet classic sauces such as the veal demi-glace and beurre blanc on the rib-eye show Difu's training at the California Culinary Academy. Asian accents such as the Mongolian barbecue sauce on baby-back ribs reflect his tenure at Hawaiian chef Roy Yamaguchi's mainland restaurants.

The short wine list emphasizes California wines, most at moderate prices. It includes uncommon wines from a trio of small Los Gatos vintners: Perrucci Family Vineyard, Black Ridge Vineyards and La Rusticana d'Orsa. The delightful sauvignon blanc from Kathryn Kennedy Vineyards in Saratoga ($9 glass/$34 bottle) and elegant pinot noir from Thomas Fogarty of Woodside ($11 glass/$43 bottle) would be pleasant matches with much of the menu.

Nick's is housed in a distinguished 115-year-old stone building with white Corinthian columns out front and brick walls within. The high-ceilinged room, which formerly housed A Matter of Taste, has been redone in classic black and white. A long stemmed red rose provides a spot of color on each of the white-linen-draped tables dressed with black napkins. Wine bottles and cookbooks crowd a marble-topped sideboard.

The Lilliputian tables are spaced only inches apart, and the line of settings for two bisecting the dining room might as well be a single communal table. One evening my companion and I found ourselves deep in conversation with our neighbors about their favorite area restaurants before we had received our menus.

By the time we had wine and full water glasses, there was barely room for the basket of delightful house-made focaccia sprinkled with herbs and pepper flakes plus a little dish of tomato-infused oil for dipping. When appetizers arrived, it took some juggling to fit everything on the table.

Diners who have followed Difu from the now-closed Cafe Marcella to the Wine Cellar and on to 180 before it was sold last year know to order the panko-crusted abalone ($15) as a starter.

With good reason, this dish, with its light but crisp breading and delicate lemon chive and butter sauce, has been a cornerstone of the 37-year-old chef's repertoire since he was executive chef at Cafe Marcella.

The tuna Tar Tar tower ($13) is also an excellent choice. The cylinder of chopped raw tuna, bathed in a soy and ginger dressing and topped with marinated cucumbers, is drizzled with chile oil and lemon for a refreshing contrast of flavors and textures.

Salads are fresh, crisp and nicely dressed. I particularly liked the well-balanced pepper, fig and balsamic vinaigrette on a salad of mixed greens studded with nuggets of toasted almonds, dried apricots and Point Reyes blue cheese ($7).

"Not Your Traditional Caesar Salad" ($7) is a tad too salty with all the bacon, capers and anchovy, but I like the combination of butter lettuce, spinach and radicchio in place of the usual romaine.

Among the entrees, Nani's meat loaf ($22), an homage to Difu's Sicilian grandmother, was pitch-perfect with a terrific light texture and beautiful crust, which comes from pan-searing before serving. It's another of the chef's signature dishes that Los Gatos diners expect wherever he goes, and one he says will never leave the menu. Served with whipped potatoes, savory wild mushroom gravy and sauteed broccolini, it's comfort food defined.

A mildly spicy, chile-spiked hoisin sauce, also part of Difu's longtime repertoire, lifted rosy slices of duck breast ($24) to new heights, while a broth of braised artichoke, fennel and asparagus brought the essence of spring to pan-roasted Alaskan halibut ($25) accented with lemon herb oil.

But slices of properly chewy grilled rib-eye ($32), crowned with a salad of tomatoes and red onions, suffered from a surfeit of salt, and the accompanying pommes frites could have been more crisp.

The spark of unexpected flavor that Difu brings to most of his savory dishes is missing in the desserts ($7), despite the fact that all but the apple tart are made in-house. From the popular bread pudding with buttery rum sauce to the velvety flourless chocolate cake, the sweet course tends to be pleasant but predictable. The cheesecake, topped with a mosaic of fresh berries, stands out for its intense vanilla flavor and almost fluffy texture.

Still, when the check arrives, tucked into a dog-eared copy of "Food Lover's Companion," there's not likely to be any question that you've dined well - if not quietly - at Nick's on Main.

Nick's on Main35 E. Main St., near College Avenue, Los Gatos (408) 399-6457.

The old black-and-white photos covering one wall at Nick's on Main tell the story of Chef Nick Difu's family in the South Bay. The fact that most are set in Cupertino might surprise Los Gatos diners who have come to think of Difu as one of their own.

Difu made his name working as a chef in other people's kitchens in downtown Los Gatos, not far from his new restaurant.

Now that he has his own place at last, he wants it to feel like home. So he brought with him photos of his family of Sicilian immigrants and the big R. Cali Brothers feed and grain mill they owned in the heart of Cupertino. He knows he owes his success to them: It was at his grandmother's table, surrounded by family, that his love of food and cooking was born.

"I grew up at a time when there still were orchards and there still was the family dinner," Difu says, "and I want that back."

Dinner at Nick's on Main, which opened in early March, is definitely a convivial affair in the spirit of those noisy, cheerful family dinners. When all 35 seats in the tiny dining room are occupied - which they are most evenings - it can feel like an overcrowded party.

Noise levels soar as wine flows, diners relax and laughter fills the room. Difu makes the rounds frequently, checking in with regulars and making newcomers welcome. Service is warm and friendly, if sometimes absentminded.

The food is at once homey and sophisticated - meatloaf, chicken ravioli, grilled rib-eye and baby back ribs,
Advertisement
transformed by top-quality ingredients and bold flavors. It's the sort of soul-satisfying fare you wish your grandmother had cooked.

Yet classic sauces such as the veal demi-glace and beurre blanc on the rib-eye show Difu's training at the California Culinary Academy. Asian accents such as the Mongolian barbecue sauce on baby-back ribs reflect his tenure at Hawaiian chef Roy Yamaguchi's mainland restaurants.

The short wine list emphasizes California wines, most at moderate prices. It includes uncommon wines from a trio of small Los Gatos vintners: Perrucci Family Vineyard, Black Ridge Vineyards and La Rusticana d'Orsa. The delightful sauvignon blanc from Kathryn Kennedy Vineyards in Saratoga ($9 glass/$34 bottle) and elegant pinot noir from Thomas Fogarty of Woodside ($11 glass/$43 bottle) would be pleasant matches with much of the menu.

Nick's is housed in a distinguished 115-year-old stone building with white Corinthian columns out front and brick walls within. The high-ceilinged room, which formerly housed A Matter of Taste, has been redone in classic black and white. A long stemmed red rose provides a spot of color on each of the white-linen-draped tables dressed with black napkins. Wine bottles and cookbooks crowd a marble-topped sideboard.

The Lilliputian tables are spaced only inches apart, and the line of settings for two bisecting the dining room might as well be a single communal table. One evening my companion and I found ourselves deep in conversation with our neighbors about their favorite area restaurants before we had received our menus.

By the time we had wine and full water glasses, there was barely room for the basket of delightful house-made focaccia sprinkled with herbs and pepper flakes plus a little dish of tomato-infused oil for dipping. When appetizers arrived, it took some juggling to fit everything on the table.

Diners who have followed Difu from the now-closed Cafe Marcella to the Wine Cellar and on to 180 before it was sold last year know to order the panko-crusted abalone ($15) as a starter.

With good reason, this dish, with its light but crisp breading and delicate lemon chive and butter sauce, has been a cornerstone of the 37-year-old chef's repertoire since he was executive chef at Cafe Marcella.

The tuna Tar Tar tower ($13) is also an excellent choice. The cylinder of chopped raw tuna, bathed in a soy and ginger dressing and topped with marinated cucumbers, is drizzled with chile oil and lemon for a refreshing contrast of flavors and textures.

Salads are fresh, crisp and nicely dressed. I particularly liked the well-balanced pepper, fig and balsamic vinaigrette on a salad of mixed greens studded with nuggets of toasted almonds, dried apricots and Point Reyes blue cheese ($7).

"Not Your Traditional Caesar Salad" ($7) is a tad too salty with all the bacon, capers and anchovy, but I like the combination of butter lettuce, spinach and radicchio in place of the usual romaine.

Among the entrees, Nani's meat loaf ($22), an homage to Difu's Sicilian grandmother, was pitch-perfect with a terrific light texture and beautiful crust, which comes from pan-searing before serving. It's another of the chef's signature dishes that Los Gatos diners expect wherever he goes, and one he says will never leave the menu. Served with whipped potatoes, savory wild mushroom gravy and sauteed broccolini, it's comfort food defined.

A mildly spicy, chile-spiked hoisin sauce, also part of Difu's longtime repertoire, lifted rosy slices of duck breast ($24) to new heights, while a broth of braised artichoke, fennel and asparagus brought the essence of spring to pan-roasted Alaskan halibut ($25) accented with lemon herb oil.

But slices of properly chewy grilled rib-eye ($32), crowned with a salad of tomatoes and red onions, suffered from a surfeit of salt, and the accompanying pommes frites could have been more crisp.

The spark of unexpected flavor that Difu brings to most of his savory dishes is missing in the desserts ($7), despite the fact that all but the apple tart are made in-house. From the popular bread pudding with buttery rum sauce to the velvety flourless chocolate cake, the sweet course tends to be pleasant but predictable. The cheesecake, topped with a mosaic of fresh berries, stands out for its intense vanilla flavor and almost fluffy texture.

Still, when the check arrives, tucked into a dog-eared copy of "Food Lover's Companion," there's not likely to be any question that you've dined well - if not quietly - at Nick's on Main.

Nick's on Main35 E. Main St., near College Avenue, Los Gatos (408) 399-6457.

I'm fairly new to the Bay Area and have enjoyed eating at restaurants from Marin to Santa Cruz. I must say that despite the fact that San Francisco has some superb restaurants, Nick's On Main tops them all! The food is absolutely decadent...everything we tried from the abalone appetizer (which melts in your mouth), tuna tartare, meatloaf, and rib-eye steak -- we were smiling the entire meal!

Nick, the owner of the restaurant, is extremely personable and he made sure to welcome all of the guests. Seriously, that's how it felt -- like we were guests in his house and he was an old friend. He's a genuine guy that really cares that everyone "enjoys" the experience dining. The service amongst the waiters and staff was impeccable!

The restaurant has a European flair, although it's considered to be an American Bistro.

The only downfall is that it gets very crowded and noisy (like REALLY noisy -- they need to install some acoustic dampening material). But, the good thing is that if you're okay with a late dinner, you can avoid it and eat in peace! :)

Either way, the food is absolutely wonderful and I am still savoring the taste!

Next time, I'll definitely have to save room for dessert!

Bargain prices for all sorts of books! If you're a book collector, you'll find some fantastic treasures...you just needs a little time to dig!

I love walking through downtown Los Gatos because it has several unique and upscale clothing boutiques. Bella Rosa is no exception. In fact, I think it's the best one on the strip - although it's really really expensive. Given the affluence of the town, however, this should not be a surprise.

B Street & Vine is a great place to enjoy an evening of jazz. The restaurant/wine bar has a pleasant and welcoming vibe. All of the servers were extremely friendly and helpful with their menu recommendations. If you're looking for a special place to take a date...I would highly recommend this place -- it literally takes the idea of wining and dining seriously!

I was looking for a local cobbler nearby my workplace and dropped by Victor's Shoe Repair on Monday -- it was closed! Went to another one down the street...which was also closed, which leads me to believe that people in this business choose to rest on Monday so they can stay open on Saturday. Ok, I suppose that's fair.

I returned the following day (Tuesday) to find Victor (the owner) with a bright, welcoming smile! He asked me, "What do you need Madamoiselle?!" I had a belt that needed an alteration, a handbag strap that needed reattachment, and a pair of boots that needed to be resoled. He said everything would be ready on Thursday (in only 2 days)! Great timing...and perfect for my trip down to LA. His prices weren't unreasonable - not expensive, but not cheap. The only thing was that I wasn't able to negotiate down the charges, even though I was certain that I could get away with it! Needless to say, his gregarious personality was worth it, and I happily returned today to pick up my belongings.

The stitching jobs on both the belt and handbag strap were straight and even. The boot heels were replaced and the boots polished! Just like new...and rather than having to throw out any of those things, I spent a total of $28!

Thanks Victor, I'll be back very soon...

The opening scene from "Horton Hears a Who!" looks so realistic that a viewer could be convinced that he was watching a nature documentary on The Discovery Channel - A shimmery droplet of dew glistens in the light as it trickles down a soft leaf...and subsequently a dramatic sequence of events take place in the wild Jungle of Nool, leading to the introduction of the classic main character: Horton.

The movie, Horton Hears a Who!, is a clever and witty adaptation of Dr. Seuss' children's book. Each of the characters (and boy, there are a lot -- try counting all of the Whos!) are distinct in their personalities -- my personal favorite was the little critter Katie. Her wide eyes and gasping expressions stole the spotlight!

The visuals in the movie are absolutely amazing and the attention to detail is insane! How did they get that fur to look SO real?

Horton is a great movie for both children and adults! I took a 7-year old, who loved it. But my husband, who is a full-grown adult, found it equally amusing and entertaining. It's nice how these animated movies now cater to all ages.

I'd definitely see this movie again!

While watching this film, viewers typically fixate on the main characters. But if you observe closely, you'll notice all of the excruciating details that make the movie a visual wonderland. My favorite sequence is from the overcrowded Whoville. The environment is completely chaotic with hundreds Whos running amok. It demonstrates how many tireless hours were spent on each and every one of the characters. Obviously, it required intensive character creation/development, rendering and animation. Kudos to the artists, like Brent Wong, whom I admire and respect immensely.

Ok, so Chuck E. Cheese is for your kids...but where can you go to have a good time and let loose with your friends? City Beach is a great place to hang out and partake in all sorts of fun activities. It's also a nice location to have a team-building event with your company. A host will take care of your group and organize games and food. Feel free to make as much noise as you want -- they won't reprimand you for it, in fact, they encourage it! Unleash your inner child!!!

Joel and Suzie are extremely friendly and take the time to explain to me how they've carefully groomed my little Shih Tsu, Chloe. They both specialize in working with small toy dogs, and even groom Bill Cosby's show dog!

Chloe is often difficult to work with because she mats easily. But after being at Super Pups, she always comes out looking pristine: silky, soft, and lovely-smelling.

The only down-side is that it's a little expensive at $65 (I think I paid $55 last time)! I make an exception because Chloe's hair was a total mess, and when I arrived, I asked Joel to urgently groom her within 3 hours and she was done in 2!

Not only does Rayshine Harris have an amazing, unparalleled acrobatic talent (whether he's on the floor or on stilts!), but he also has a captivating personality. He's highly approachable and very eager to show off his skills! You've got to see him in person!!!

The first time I visited MoLAA was for a visiting exhibit of Botero's work. The space seemed small, but the featured collection was impressive. I returned last year and they had renovated the building - the exterior colors are a bit bold and almost garish, but the interior design and lighting presents the artwork very well. The museum has lots of cultural/educational programs, presentations, and even features salsa dancing lessons!

I'm personally a fan of trying different types of food of different cultures. My husband, who loves BBQ, is in heaven at this Brazilian restaurant! An incredible selection of meats -- lamb, pork, beef, chicken...makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

Sino's bar is a scene and a bit of a meat market. The club-like entrance was bumpin' with loud hip-hop music. Fortunately, they have a way of muffling the sound in the dining area towards the back of the restaurant, and you can actually carry on a conversation. I was impressed! It's a fun place to take a date. The food was remarkably tasty, especially because you wouldn't expect authentic Chinese food at a place like this, but it's actually pretty good!

I was surprised to find RNM on Haight Street...it's an artsy-cool Bohemian district, but the restaurant itself is fairly upscale, although the prices aren't outrageous. The food was tasty and unique! The foie gras with pomegrante melted in my mouth! :)

I expected the clientele to be 20-30 somethings, due to the look and feel of the restaurant. Surprisingly, there were a lot of older (50+) people dining. Not that it would deter me from going, but when I walked in the restaurant, I expected it to be more of a hip bar scene. Maybe it'd because I went on a Thursday night?!

Beautiful venue on the interior and exterior! During the holidays, the venue is decorated with gigantic Christmas trees that are sponsored by businesses and local charities. I went to see "Handel's Messiah" this past weekend, which has nearly a full house on a Thursday evening. The performance had superb acoustics and excellent lighting. The SF Symphony is a wonderful place to enjoy culture and music!

This place is my favorite restaurant in Northern California! It has the BEST Japanese tapas...izakaya style dining! Their unagi-rice bowl is super tasty and their fish is tender and fresh! Make sure you call early for a reservation because this place books up very quick! I would recommend at least 2 days beforehand --but it is totally worth it!

This is the most authentic yaki tori restaurant I've been to in the US. I lived in Japan for a year while teaching English and I've been looking for an izakaya style restaurant. As soon as you walk through the door, the restaurant staff greets you loudly and excitedly every time!

The restaurant is tiny, but decorated in such a way that tucks you away from the FV strip mall and transports you to Japan.

The food is flavorful and sumptuous -- grilled right before your eyes!

Although they have some normal stuff, they also feature some interesting delicacies! Give it a try! :) It gets crowded, so call ahead of time to make a reservation!

The Tech Museum of Innovation is a great place to take kids because there are so many fun and interactive ways to learn about science & technology: medical, environmental, space, etc. It's an amazing place for an adult to wander around too (as long as you visit on a weekday when it's not cluttered with boisterous kids running around).

The volunteer staff is helpful and friendly, ready and willing to answer any question.

There's also an IMAX theater to watch movies!

The Tech Museum is currently featuring BodyWorlds - an intense, but captivating exhibition of the human body -- definitely worth checking out!

San Jose Museum of Art is in the heart of downtown San Jose, close to lots of restaurants and other places of entertainment.

I visited on a Saturday afternoon. It was pleasant because there were no crowds, despite the fact that it was opening day for their featured "Miro" exhibit.

The entrance was bright with high ceilings and polite staff. The overall presentation of the artwork was clean with several local Bay Area artists on exhibition.

I was disappointed that the museum didn't showcase more renown artists. Even the Miro exhibit was marginal - a small room of lithographs. I had hoped to see more paintings or sculptures.

Essentially, if you're in the South Bay area and interested in visiting a contemporary art museum, but not willing to commute up to SFMOMA, this would be a decent, local alternative.

My only qualm was that everyone looked cross-eyed which was really distracting! All of the other CG elements were striking and realistic, however. I was told that it the movie is far more remarkable in IMAX 3D.

This boutique hotel is super artsy and swanky! Fantastic bar with dark, intimate lighting...

The hotel lobby houses some unique, funky-cool pieces of furniture that resembled something from Alice in Wonderland...

The rooms are a bit small in size, but don't appear that way because of all the mirrors...nice effect!

I'd definitely go there again. Plus, it's centrally located!

This chic can capture the Vietnamese accent like no other! Her hilarious depiction of an experience at the "Nail Salon" was classic! With her widespread impact on YouTube, I'm sure that we'll see a lot of her in the near future.

I'm one of those owners who spoils her pet, although not to the point where it's disturbing (so I think!). Bella and Daisy's dog bakery is pretty decadent (the stuff looks tempting enough for me to eat!), but it's a great place to take your furry friend to get a treat! The establishment is absolutely adorable!!!

The first time I learned about these guys was through Linkin Park's Projekt Revolution Tour! I like the intensity of their music, and also the fact that they are from OC! It's cool to see that they're touring, especially with the release of their new album. Can't wait to see them perform again!

How does someone who has suffered from a terrifying and traumatic experience cope or recover from such a nightmare? How could you ever expect that person to be the same? The Brave One gives viewers a compelling look at how an average woman shifts from being a brutalized victim to a fearless avenger of disturbing crimes.

Jodie Foster's portrayal of Erica Bain is authentic and emotionally heartbreaking. Her character's determination and conviction is inspiring. Although her actions are clearly unlawful, it's not hard to justify her behavior.

The movie's intensity is uncomfortable, but in a good way because it makes it very real.

If you're interested for something violently intense and emotionally engaging, this is definitely the movie to watch!

Kayaks, snowboards, and tents, oh my! This place has everything you need for any sport you're considering taking up! The salespeople are knowledgeable about the products and provide great customer service. Easy parking with a convenient location.