#Culver Creek

[chris-makes-art]

La Ballona Creek - Acrylic and Pencil on Canvas - 9" by 12"

[errantce]

the full staff of the willow creek general hospital : from left to right

first row : kingston rudd (chief physician) | zoe huang (chief nurse) | alfred carroll (surgeon)

second row : solani brown (medical assistant) | kaito honda (nurse) | daniel madrid (medical receptionist) | stephanie culver (paediatric nurse) | rodney watters (theatre nurse)

[haveyoureadthispoll]

Before. Miles “Pudge” Halter is done with his safe life at home. His whole life has been one big non-event, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave “the Great Perhaps” even more (Francois Rabelais, poet). He heads off to the sometimes crazy and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young. She is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart. Then. . . . After. Nothing is ever the same.

[biblioattic]

You Belong to Me: How two slices of Irondequoit became part of Rochester

The City of Rochester’s boundaries are the result of numerous, sometimes contentious, annexations of land from the surrounding villages and towns. A patron recently asked us about the narrow, spidery corridors of land belonging to the City that follow Culver Road and Densmore Creek across Irondequoit. When and why were these odd strips of land transferred to the City? Two strips of the city…

[d34drapunzel]

just some playlists created by me, enjoy:

[rockislandadultreads]

Banned Books Week: Let Freedom Read!

To celebrate our freedom to read this Banned Books Week, we will be shining a light on the most challenged books of 2022. Here are the two titles tied for 5th.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

First drink. First prank. First friend. First love.

Last words. 

Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words—and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet François Rabelais called “The Great Perhaps.” Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young, who will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps. 

Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. A modern classic, this stunning debut marked #1 bestselling author John Green’s arrival as a groundbreaking new voice in contemporary fiction.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that the perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

[stuff-diary]

Looking for Alaska

TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2023

Looking for Alaska (2019, USA)

Directors: Sarah Adina Smith, Rachel Lee Goldenberg, Brett Haley, Ami Canaan Mann, Clea DuVall, Megan Griffiths, Rashaad Ernesto Green & Josh Schwartz

Writers: Josh Schwartz, Warren Hsu Leonard, Stephanie Savage, Ashley Wigfield, Kirk A. Moore, Leila Gerstein & Kendall Rogers

Mini-review:

There are a lot of good book-to-movie/TV adaptations. However, there is something that's a lot rarer: an adaptation that improves on the original in pretty much every way. Looking for Alaska is one of those. Going for a miniseries instead of a movie means that everything is much more fleshed out, from the characters to the setting and the themes. The show also perfectly captures the atmosphere of the novel. I've always felt that atmosphere was what made this book so special and popular, and this adaptation made me feel exactly the same. I must admit, though, I still don't like Miles as a lead character, like at all. But, since the other characters get as much focus as him, I didn't dislike him as much as I did in the book.

What's more, the cast is absolutely spectacular. They all nail their roles. I seriously can't think of many teen movies/shows with such fantastic acting. Kristine Froseth and Denny Love are particularly showstopping and I was really surprised (and disappointed) to see they didn't get any award nominations. They're truly that good. Lastly, I want to talk about the setting. I just loved Culver Creek, the pranks, the locations, everything. I honestly wish they would have turned this into some sort of anthology where we follow a different set of Culver Creek students in each season. Seriously, the setting has so much potential. Anyway, this is easily one of the best book adaptations I've ever seen, and I'm really glad I decided to watch it.

[criminol]

The Unsolved Murder of Cindy Bringhurst

Cindy Bringhurst was aa 14-year-old schoolgirl from Idaho. She was described as caring and babysat in her spare time, Cindy was a member of the French Club at school and enjoyed cooking, dancing, basketball and football.

On 4th June 1983, Cindy was babysitting a 2-year-old girl close to her own home, Cindy’s mother was friends with the girl’s mother and she had babysat before. At around 11.45pm, the mother of the child realised her purse had been stolen which contained her keys and address, she quickly phoned Cindy and reminded her to lock the door which Cindy confirmed she had done. This was the last time anyone heard from Cindy. When the mother of the child returned at around 1.45am, after finishing her shift at a nearby bar, Cindy was gone. The 2-year-old was unharmed and there was no sign of a struggle. The police were called and a search for Cindy began, though no sign of her or clues as to what may have happened could be found.

When Cindy’s body was found about a month later submerged in a creek, the case was ruled a homicide. Some reports state she had been strangled though others state the advanced decomposition of the body made it impossible to establish cause of death.

What happened to Cindy, or who was responsible for her death, has never been discovered. The case remains unsolved.

Cindy’s disappearance was one in a string of murders in Pocatello, Idaho during an 8-year-span including those of Patricia Campbell and Tina Anderson, who went missing from a park, Linda Smith, who was abducted from her home, and Lynette Culver.

[gravelish]

Baldwin Hills and Santa Monica (LA)

9 February 2023

This morning was another 30 mile ride (though it took only half the time of the previous one). It was flat, with the exception of the steep climb up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (obvious on the profile), the ascent from the beach to the top of the bluff in Santa Monica, and a few rollers on Northvale Road just north of Culver City on the way back.

I got off to a messy start. My planned route hadn’t synced with my bike computer properly, so I was doing it by feel and with occasional stops to check Google Maps on my phone. It doesn’t help that this part of town has some major arterials that are hard to cross, a light rail line with very few crossings, and that a key bridge over Ballona Creek was completely shut down for construction! But I eventually got myself to Jefferson and warmed up my legs on Hetzler Road (the Baldwin Hills climb).

The views from the overlook were great. Downtown, with snow capped Mount Baldy in the background. The hills north and west of LA, from Malibu to Griffith Park. The ocean in the distance to the west - where I’d be headed next.

My route to the beach was on the bike trail down Ballona Creek, another concrete channel that seems to be more storm sewer than creek. It was pretty busy with dog walkers, parents biking with their kids to school, and occasionally a more serious cyclist out for a morning training ride. The Ballona Creek Trail intersects the bike path that follows the beaches at the south edge of Marina del Ray.

The ride north to Santa Monica was familiar territory from a ride I did back in 2020 (Palos Verdes Peninsula). The trail runs the perimeter of Marina del Ray before joining the beach north through Venice and on to Santa Monica. I left the beach at the Santa Monica Pier and after a little sightseeing, headed east through downtown and picked up the Exposition Corridor Bike Trail that follows the E-Line. It’s a good trail, though it crosses some major arterials. There were always crosswalks and lights, but sometimes there were some awfully long waits. And the trail sort of vanishes in Culver City, although I understand they are working on that.

Probably the diciest part of today’s ride was the final leg on Venice Boulevard - and making the left onto Fairfax. Traffic wasn’t actually too bad and if it had been worse, I probably could have found alternatives. Admittedly, it’s always interesting to be making a complicated left on a busy multi-lane road and be riding next to a self-driving car (but it behaved itself quite well).

[awalkoflife-arc]

a closed starter for @deeplyflxwed​​ / alaska’s favourite bad boy.

She’s experiencing a moment of quiet reflection, sitting by the lake with no one around, but nature. Alaska exhales and a breath of smoke departs from her lips, as though it’s almost grateful to have escaped. Here, she can smoke in peace, away from the prying eyes and the judgement, free from the authoritative gaze that she hated so much. There’s a bonfire party that’s currently underway. It’s on the other side of the reservoir, but from this distance, she can’t even hear it. There’s live music - some corny, country band - an abundance of s’mores and when it gets dark, there’ll be a firework display, yet she’s not interested in any of it. Her social battery is drained, she’s tired and right now, there’s only one other place she would rather be. Her thoughts travel to him; to the comfort he can provide without even having to try. Nate Jacobs is her anchor --- he brings her back to the surface when it feels like she’s drowning, he helps ground her when life gets overwhelming and sometimes, he helps her simply just to breathe. He’s the one person who she suspects might be able to see right through her, a thought which is both terrifying and thrilling. At Culver Creek, he’s the guy every girl wants to be with and she’s the girl everyone wants to be. It’s a fucking cliche, really. Alaska knows this. But their friendship isn’t. He’s her safe space, the person that’s outgrown the jock status and privileged rich kid persona that was immediately attached to him. Without Nate, she’s not so sure she would be sitting here right now. Greener pastures were calling to her, but what could possibly be greener than the boy who silenced all of her troubles with a single smile?

[linus-wickworth]

August 2022 Reading Wrap-Up!

1. Beside Myself by Ann Morgan. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6-year-old twins Ellie and Helen switch identities for a day -- but when Ellie refuses to change back, Helen loses her self-confidence and her identity.  25 years later, Helen risks being pulled into her sister's dangerous orbit once more.

2. A Very, Very Bad Thing by Jeffrey Self. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Marley doesn't just want to be labeled the gay kid, but he doesn't have much else going on. He doesn't have any hobbies. He's the only kid he knows without a passion. A new kid comes to town who has the potential to finally make life interesting in Marley's small town. One problem: he's the son of the country's most famous, most bigoted television evangelist.

3. If We Were Us by K. L. Walther. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sage Morgan and Charlie Carmichael prove to everyone at Bexley School that their close friendship does not hide a romance when new student Nick Morrissey and Charlie's twin brother, Nick, stir things up.

4. The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time by Mark Haddon. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Despite his overwhelming fear of interacting with people, Christopher, a mathematically-gifted, autistic fifteen-year-old boy, decides to investigate the murder of a neighbor's dog and uncovers secret information about his mother.

5. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mary is a lonely orphaned girl sent to a Yorkshire mansion at the edge of a vast lonely moor. At first, she is frightened by this gloomy place until she meets a local boy, Dickon, who's earned the trust of the moor's wild animals; the invalid Colin, an unhappy boy terrified of life; and a mysterious, abandoned garden.

6. Looking for Alaska by John Green. ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

Miles is fascinated by famous last words - and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the 'Great Perhaps'. Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.

7. Mallee Boys by Charlie Archbold. ⭐⭐⭐1/2

Sandy knows that life at 15 is hard, but it's even harder when your mum died a year ago and nothing's gone right since. His brother Red is 18 and working the farm. As Sandy and Red deal with girls, dirt biking, footy and friendship, both have to work out who they want to be, without their mum. It turns out this is going to be one hell of a year.

8. Punching Bag by Rex Ogle. ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

Rex Ogle describes his struggle to survive; reflects on his complex, often paradoxical relationship with his passionate, fierce mother; and charts the trajectory of his stepdad's anger. Hovering over Rex's story is the talismanic presence of his unborn baby sister. Through it all, Rex threads moments of grace and humor that act as beacons of light in the darkness.

9. Bloom by Kevin Panetta. ⭐⭐⭐1/2

After graduation, Ari is desperate to move to the big city with his band, but he has to find someone who can replace him at his parent's struggling bakery, so when he meets Hector he thinks his prayers have been answered.

10. A List Of Cages by Robin Roe. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Adam lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn't easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can't complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian - the foster brother he hasn't seen in five years...

11. Sleepless by Thomas Fahy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Terrified by the gruesome nightmares and unexplained bouts of sleepwalking that seem to be affecting her and many other students at Saint Opportuna High, Emma and her friends become even more unnerved when, after several deaths, they begin to suspect that something is causing them to kill in their sleep.

12. Colin Fischer by Edward Miller. ⭐⭐⭐1/2

Colin Fischer is 14 and he has Asperberger's syndrome. Much of the world is a mystery - he can't read his classmates' expressions without looking at a chart, the colour blue is really off-putting and he has no idea why his parents like to hug him. But when a gun goes off in the school cafeteria, Colin knows he can work out who did it.

13. Spin Me Right Round by David Valdes. ⭐⭐⭐1/2

Meet Luis. He's out, he's proud ... and, although he doesn't know it yet, he's about to travel back in time to save a closeted student called Chaz from a tragic end.

14. Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Late on a hot summer night in the tail end of 1965, Charlie, a precocious and bookish boy of thirteen, is startled by an urgent knock on the window of his sleepout. His visitor is Jasper, an outcast in the regional mining town of Corrigan. Rebellious, mixed-race and solitary, Jasper is a distant figure of danger and intrigue for Charlie. So when Jasper begs for his help, Charlie eagerly steals into the night by his side, terribly afraid but desperate to impress.

15. Plague by Michael Grant. ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

A deadly, flu-like epidemic and a plague of flesh-eating creatures threaten the lives of the children at Perdido Beach while Sam, Astrid, Caine, and Diana each struggle with doubts and uncertainties.

16. Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff. ⭐⭐⭐1/2

After his best friend, Hayden, commits, suicide, fifteen-year-old Sam is determined to find out why--using the clues in the playlist Hayden left for him.

17. Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Today is Leonard Peacock's birthday. This birthday, he has decided, will be different. Alone, as ever, in his house, he wraps five presents: four are for the people who matter most to him, and one is for himself - a gun. He plans to kill his former best friend, and then himself, but first he will say goodbye four times, in his own unique and special way.

18. 96 Miles by J. L. Esplin. ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

The Lockwood brothers are supposed to be able to survive anything. Their dad, a hardcore believer in self-reliance, has stockpiled enough food and water at their isolated Nevada home to last for months. But when they are robbed at gunpoint during a massive blackout while their dad is out of town, John and Stew must walk many miles in the stark desert sun to get help, and they have only three days before their time runs out.

[tsmom1219]

US has its first national strategy to reduce plastic pollution − here are 3 strong points and a key issue to watch

Trash litters the banks of Ballona Creek in Culver City, Calif., after a storm. Citizen of the Planet/UIG via Getty Images by Sarah J. Morath, Wake Forest University Plastic waste is piling up at a daunting pace around the world. The World Bank estimates that every person on the planet generates an average of 1.6 pounds (0.74 kilograms) of plastic waste daily. To curb this flow, 175 nations…

[bookstocinemas]

The Book to Mini-series adaption "Looking for Alaska" will win your heart

"Looking for Alaska" is a master-piece that stands out as one of the best book-to-series adaptations. I vividly recall the days when I was completely immersed in John Green's "Looking for Alaska". Each day, I eagerly anticipated the next twist in the story. The world of Culver Creek felt so relatable, brimming with emotions. When I began watching the series, it felt like I was reliving the book all over again.

The story is narrated by Miles, an unassuming boy who enrolls at Culver Creek. From the moment he steps onto the campus, the journey of self-discovery, fun, pranks, and the coming-of-age for each character unfolds in its own unique way. The series perfectly captures the atmosphere of Culver Creek. As soon as Miles arrives, he is given the nickname "Pudge" by his roommate, Chip. Just like in the book, the characters vividly portray the pleasures and pains of teenage envy and rivalry.

The relatability of the characters is what makes this story resonated so deeply with me.

As Pudge and Chip's friendship develops, the series reveals how they evolve from being mere acquaintances to the best of friends—practically brothers. Chip is an emotional yet strong character who stands firmly for what is right. Many of the pranks they pull off are successful, thanks to him. Together, Chip, Pudge, and Takumi form a close-knit group.

We are then introduced to the heroine of the story, Alaska Young. She is moody, spontaneous, secretive, bookish, a feminist, and carries a tough past. She’s flirty, dreamy, and ultimately unattainable. One detail I absolutely adored about her is that she named herself when she was young.

Pudge feels butterflies fluttering in his stomach when he first meets Alaska Young. Initially, he’s drawn to her confidence and her strategic mind when it comes to planning pranks. Though unspoken, she naturally assumes the role of the group's leader, while Chip is the one who brings their plans to life.

With time progressing, the group begins to grow, and their bond appears to be stronger. The story further prospers with an assignment given in the classroom. Everyone ponders the topic chosen by Alaska Young: That’s the mystery, isn’t it? Is the labyrinth alive or dead? Which is he trying to escape—the world or the end of it?” 

Till then, readers presumably assume that we have a decent assumption about the character of Alaska. But as we keep going forward with the story, we sense that unlikeable characters from Alaska keep appearing to others, including Pudge. Even though others might not be ready to accept the hidden Alaska, Pudge thinks otherwise; he feels the need to understand her more and struggles with choices'. No matter what, Pudge still supports Chip and Alaska. Pudge goes through the grey area of knowing the real Alaska. He trusts her and gives her the assurance that he is there for her in any circumstances. Yes, Alaska Young has a dark past. And she struggles with it, holding the wound deep. Pudge walks with her, even though darker shades of Alaska keep appearing. 

"Looking for Alaska" becomes more than a teen drama when Alaska dies.

A big story turn happens in the middle, which is unusual compared to other novels. In most of the stories, big turns either take place at the end of the novel or right upfront at the beginning. 

"Looking for Alaska" is sadly deemed a teen story, but for me, it was more than a masterpiece. It answers the important questions about life, uncertainties, traumas, and kindness. And how the real story of a person is hidden underneath the layers of their heart. And everyone, including Alaska, wanted to know how to break the labyrinth of suffering. It's still a mystery.

But Pudge finds the answers. 

Pudge narrates the reason for the heartbreaking question to Takumi. He quotes, “If only we could see the endless string of consequences that result from our smallest actions, but we can’t know better until knowing better is useless." They couldn’t have known, though they wish they had. The irony is ever-present and well-placed. Pudge realises that he will never discover Alaska’s last words, nor will he ever know whether she chose to end her life or if it was an accident they might have prevented. He will carry these questions and the uncertainty that comes with them for the rest of his life.

Overall, the actors did a fantastic job. The direction and the production team also justified the book. It's a must-watch for book lovers. 

Series rating - 4.5/5

Megha Shinde, Author & Poet, Books 2 Cinema

[jasmineway]

Vespertine // 7-20-2024

This is the story of Vespertine, a polarizing, mesmerizing, and fantastic meal of intrigue hidden in the heart of a lesser known corner of Los Angeles.

This is also the story of one of my most treasured evenings in no small part due to my fantastic company, the kind and beautiful Nicki.

Architecture

The setting was as much as a character as the meal itself, and we began our adventure in awe as we pulled up to our destination.

Set in the Waffle Building in Culver City, the entire space is devoted to Vespertine, and our evening's ups and downs where just as much metaphorical as they were physical as we changed floors and settings throughout our meal.

Despite the urban, office-park coordinates, the obligatory Fine Dining Garden still had a presence, though one well in line with its industrial surroundings. Florals later debuted in our meal were inlaid in concrete; bamboo curtains darted across brutalist structures; babbling creeks subbed with puddles jutting through white limestone. This is herb sanctuary a la Rian Johnson's The Last Jedi.

Reception, Seating and Welcome

The team had accommodated our demanding work schedules, and they had even sat us a few moments early when we arrived in advance of our 8pm seating. The waiting area is on the ground floor, and there seemed to be exactly enough seats for the parties currently queued. We would have three different seats throughout this evening, none of which were uncomfortable, but all of which were distinctively 'weird' or unexpected in some way.

We were shortly recruited into the a paradoxically claustrophobic yet large elevator (given the unfriendliness of the otherwise metal stairs to heels often worn to fine dining, our hostess commented on her surprise that so many people decline this option...), after which we exited to the top public floor, the kitchen.

Catching no sight of his signature hairstyle in the open floorplan, I'd later confirm ours was only the second dinner since reopening without Chef Jordan present. This means I'll have tentative descriptions of the three courses in which Nicki's pescatarian menu diverged from mine, until my (soon to be signed) menu finds its way back to me.

This building has the privilege of being uniquely tall vs. its surroundings, and the panoramic views of the city were breathtaking at the cusp of sunset. After a brief kitchen tour (and photo), we descended aforementioned metal stairs to the Mezzanine, where our first seating took place.

I can't say I've ever been seated at a gliding acrylic plane before, but Nicki and I shared the first of many laughs when they tucked us in for the ride ahead. While every seat had a light-filled view, I cannot feign envy for any of those seated in the middle.

As the sun set, ambient lighting created shadow puppets on the ceiling, which added an extra visual enhancement to the impassioned course announcements.

Service and Experience

Our main server was Brian, who was by all means, an entertaining and attentive host. Our speakers painted visual storytelling on our plates with spoken histories that imbued upon lived memories; at a certain point, I felt I was paging through a scrapbook filled with treats and fondness experienced throughout the chef's life. It is a testament to the clear admiration and commitment to vision by the entire team that no part of this or the intense atmospheric tones (that were not overpowering - looking at you, Avengers Campus) came across corny, or condescending, as could be easy to occur. All this is to say that the servers were excellent, when it comes to food, inquiries, and helpfulness. We felt welcomed, respected, and enjoyed our interactions.

That being said, for a $400/plate meal, I do think it should not have been necessary for my friend to have to ask for a (filtered) water refill, much less the subsequent two times. What the team is trying to accomplish is very deserving of its Michelin accolades--the creativity in the meal was evident--but I could see some small misses in hospitality* causing disproportionate challenges in their pursuit of a third star; food notwithstanding.

(*not offering by default the elevator to ladies wearing heels and dresses vs. the see-through glass / metal staircase, not scoping for empty glasses proactively and filling them without being asked, the bathroom soap situation... more on that one later)

Beverages

Nicki opted for the Dynamic pairing, which included a mix of unique spirits, wines, and zero-proof pairings throughout the meal. These were all fantastic selections, and the most interesting and thoughtful beverage pairing I have ever had the joy to taste throughout a meal. As a non-drinker I was a bit disappointed that no soft drinks were available for purchase (I'm not a big juice person outside of brunch, and learned my lesson from overdoing liquid calories at Melisse), and opted out of a ceremonial tasting bubbly (they do not provide a beverage list to choose from, but the verbal report marked the cheapest by-the-glass beverage starting at ~$70, which is more than I am willing to invest in something I would not have opted for). That being said, having tried tastes of all 10 of Nicki's curated pairings (2 of which were served to us both and integrated in the base meal), I have a great deal of deference and encourage entrusting the team via a pairing (though I still think all juice will be Too Sweet for a 12 course meal).

As a side note: I can understand not providing a written menu at the start of a meal to keep the surprises ahead--but if you are going to preface the meal with written supplements, this becomes a tacky practice. Diners (at least me) will feel much better reviewing the long list of everything they are getting, rather than immediately being confronted with what they will not, lest they opt to heavily enrich their entry fee.

The Meal

While the above may be the longest preamble to the dining experience itself yet in this blog, it serves to show just how much of the Vepsertine experiences transcends the food alone to a whole body experiential album. You are visualizing; smelling; hiking; seeing; thinking; being asked to go on a journey and soon, initiating one. We are in the Waffle House; and the storm is just beginning.

Be warned the menu descriptions are minimalist ("they didn’t list out all the ingredients or anything. It’s more vibes" - N), and thus many descriptions are things I either tasted or vaguely remember being rattled.

Course 1: WILD SCALLOP

“passionfruit, aji amarillo”

This is the first of many plates that opened with us being presented a bowl of flowers. Still traumatized from the Alinea vase, I was pleasantly surprised to learn all flowers were edible and the meal began with one of the greatest fruity concoctions I could not begin to tell you the ingredients for. The flowers were soft and supple; the horseradish below. The cold stoneware was perched in what felt like wet, white kinetic sand perched on top of another plate, and the concoction paired perfectly with the light champagne presented to Nicki.

Pairing: CHAMPAGNE AUBRY 'a jouy-les-reims’ brut, premier cru, champagne, French nv

Course 2: SUMMER

"peas, wildflowers"

These hipsters, I'm telling you. Nicknamed 'Chef Jordan's Flower Pot,' he forages all of the florals himself, which have been painted on the walls of the stoneware with almond paste. The center base holds kiwi, crunchy 'puffs, 'or texture,' and green jelly made of reduced pea pod exterior to help everything stick together on the spoon. This one was just fun, and I enjoyed every bite of it.

Pairing: KIWI WITH OXALIS AND VERBENA [NA; that's it, no description]

Course 3: DEEP OCEAN

“sweet prawn, quince”

Yes, this was served in a hand-relieved ice block with a wreath that would make even a Christmas door jealous. The shrimp in these are apparently from a very very deep trench, so deep that you don't need a permit to fish there, and just one father-and-son boat even dare to try. The visual was beautiful. The flavors, tart, sweet and tangy. The fish was cold and raw. This was the first plate that perhaps wasn't quite there in its harmony, but I enjoyed it nontheless.

Pairing: KUHEIJI ‘kyou den’ junta daiginjo, okayama, japan 2022

Course 4: OBSIDIAN MIRROR

“smoked mussel, plum”

They said when the Mayans discovered obsidian, it was the first time they had seen their own reflection, and believed they were looking into the eyes of the gods (or perhaps their ancestors). I am willing to overlook the existence of fresh water for this storytelling, and chose to look unto myself in the void.

This dish was made sparkling by crushed iridescent kelp, and the oil slick broke like wet volcanic sand as we were invited to breach the surface with the provided polished muscle shells.

There is something very carnal about eating an animal with its skeleton made pretty, an oxymoron glamorizing the violent nature of our place in the food chain. As I broke into the surface of mussel whipped into panna cotta to eat, I carved, breaking into my image of my self.

Pairing: WENZEL ‘alte Reben’ furmint, Burgenland, austria 2021

Course 5: DEEP SEVEN

"red papaya, indian mallow"

The shell was a transition to even stranger utensils; our hands. The story of this fish is that it is a rare fish, a very fatty fish, fatty to the point that it inevitably catches fire in the process of cooking and rare in the sense that they definitely definitely weren't trying to catch this fish intentionally and just one or two get caught in the traps when fishing other fish and we just happened to get to eat some as it's almost never for sale. Sure.

The akamatsu was indeed the closest thing to what I can call the wagyu of fish so while I hope my conscience can survive, 10/10, would eat again.

Pairing: RHUBARB KOMBUCHA WITH RED CURRANT

Course 6: COTURNIX QUAIL (for N: CABBAGE*)

"heather, sacred pepper"

This was a breast of quail, served on a bed of herbs, cooked excellently and meant to be eaten as tiny cutlets dipped in an emulsion featuring the quail egg. It was soon to be followed by a quail dolmeh, with leaves revealing a mixture inclusive of the rest of the quails less supple meat. Sustainably, even the au jus produced in cooking would be used to flavor the following course. This was delicious.

Pairing: COMTE ABBATUCCI ‘ministre imperial’ corsica, France 2020

Course 7: PORRIDGE BREAD (for N: OAT PORRIDGE BREAD*)

"heirloom peel corn oats" (for me: quail fat-fried crust*)

What can't I say about how much I love bread? This was delicious. Classically, made with ancient grains, but they did not tell us which. A bit rich and I wish I had had the option of butter and no meat fat as a palette cleaner, but this was more a fritter than a bread course. A crispy, meaty donut if you will. Delicious, spongy and crisp, I still missed a true-neutral bread course but wouldn't trade this one.

Pairing: BRASSERIE CANTILLON gueze 100% lambic anderlecht, france 2020

Course 8: PINE FED LAMB (for N: MOREL MUSHROOM*)

“yeast fudge, magnolia” (for me: lamb, cherry, emulsion*)

This was an exceptionally sweet cut of lamb, but one of my three bites was so tough no amount of chewing would rescue me from my suffering and it finished its evening gently tucked into my napkin. It was tasty, but the chewiness took me out of the meal and I think was the only 4/10 dish as a result. Nicki's mushrooms looked excellent.

Pairing: HEIWA SHUZOU ‘Aka kid’ wakayama, japan

Transition

At this point we were whisked to settle in one floor deeper, and descended from the mezzanine to the ground floor once again, this time enshrouded in velvety benches and spinning coupe chairs. From this point on, we would experience the sweet back-end of our tasting menu, warm in a setting evocative of 'dark and sexy gala,' and 'night at the Natural History museum' with sweeping ceiling elements that sang an ode to paleontology. All pairings from here forth were shared with all diners. (be proud, I resisted a dino-rs pun)

Course 8: RED EARTH

“heirloom corn, strawberry, temescal”

This was earthy, smoky, spicy, flowers, berries? I gazed into the void once again, to meet my own eyes.

Pairing: DOUGLAS FIR TEA INFUSION [NA, no description, served throughout dessert] Mine: fantastic natural non-caffeinated tea refined as Christmas Tree in a Cup. Authentic in the way of Persian preparations of mint tea, with fresh mint. No springs in site. We drank many, many cups of these]

Course 10: CARAMELIZED PANCAKE

“scotch, woodruff”

Sourdough pancake cooked in lamb fat (for Nicki: browned butter) served with fresh whipped cream, a pool of unfiltered maple syrup, and pink raspberries, which had all been painstakingly separated without managing to get crushed.

I loved eating this, but I'm not sure I loved eating this right here. It's everything I could want at brunch, but it was a bit heavy and incongruous with the rest of the meal, which had otherwise so thoughtfully dialed the intensity in proportion to the weight of the courses. I liked this one the most of all the deserts, but I do think no individual desert was a home run on its own. Without the tea it could be obtrusive and heavy.

Course 11: ICY BIRCH

“parsnip, reduced milk”

Despite its appearance, this time the bowl was not ice, though the hat topping the bites were. Frozen aloe vera invited you in to crack the glass ceiling and drop into a rich, gelatinous jam with nutty flavor. The texture of this cream, panna-cotta, what-have-you was distinct in American dining in its nod to bastani, and Nicki and I both had a laugh upon discovering the name the next day and now insist on calling it "Chef Jordan's Ex."

I hope you are happier now, Chef.

Pairing: SPARKLING REDWOOD [NA, cold, 'redwood shoots?' - another delicious juice drink]

Course 12: LAYERS

“black currant, sheep’s milk”

You didn't think you would get out of this meal without yet another reflection into the void, did you? The final course was yet another spectacular display of culinary engineering albeit at the slight expense of mouthfeel and taste. Despite the descriptor, many flavors adorned the wall of this stoneware, from almond butter to Tonka bean (think vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel in flavor), all of which generally worked together but could be overwhelming. One ring had the texture of fresh coconut but was frozen to a degree that both our teeth hurt with a small bite; going from frozen ice to 'peanut and jelly swimming pool' with the recommended all-layer eating style was a bit jarring and this may have worked better had I waited a bit longer.

The purple coloration was butterfly pea tea reduced and powdered along each layer as it was built. It was stunning, but I can't say I enjoyed eating it (even if it was not a negative experience!).

Closing and Quirks

They served the above before asking if we needed anything else and dropping the check, after which there was no further standard interactions. I did pop to the ladies room to discover some extreme nonsense in terms of hand hygiene (there was a powdered mix next to the sink, which I thought may have been dehydrated soap, but upon closer inspection seemed to be salt...), and thankfully the staff were happy to oblige when I requested their health-code-compliant kitchen soap instead (there was no natural place to comment on this, but I think there's a boundary between provocative and weird, which should firmly err conservative when it comes to a bathroom much less a restaurant that encourages eating with your hands).

I also reached out asking if I could come back later to get my menu signed, which the team could accommodate but only by mailing me my menu some time later. I hope it finds its way to me.

Final Impressions

This was, all said and done, a spectacular meal. It was one of the most memorable dining experiences I've had in my life, and showed solid potential to grow into an even tighter experience with even greater acclaim.

Would this be a meal I would suggest to an entry-level patron looking for a superb food experience? No. The interesting concept and structural creativity asks for a lot of audience participation, and that can be a lot for first-time diners. Would I encourage any fine dining enthusiast who has done standard fare and wants cutting edge and evocative in the vein of Chef Achatz but a younger, modern twist? Yes, without hesitation. This is not the crowdpleaser meal I could find at JR or TFL that strays safe but impeccable with their menu. Vespertine asks you to stray from that comfort with avant-garde, bold, and innovative decision making, at the start of what I hope will be a standout run in the SoCal dining scene.

At $400 per person, I'm not even sure it yet offers comparable value in terms of dining experience relative to more established peers, though it makes a solid case as a total package.

With some refinement of the savory / dessert cohesion, and some strides in the good-but-not-exceptional service, I can see myself smiling fondly as I spot Vespertine on future Michelin lists.

Overall 8/10, would return in a few years as they continue to grow but still enjoyed the amazing experience we had last night.

[michaelbhen]

01 de junio de 2024 a las 10:04 p.m.

Estos dos últimos días he soñado con Mart [creo que mi cerebro tiende a soñar más cuando duermo por las tardes. Tomar nota de eso]. En uno de ellos soñé que él venía por mí a Panamá, y me llevaba a viajar por toda Sudamérica (algo vergonzoso, ¿no lo crees?); sin embargo, al despertar y mirar fijamente al vacío del techo por unos cuantos minutos, no dolió tanto como ayer. Ayer genuinamente sentí que no había avanzado absolutamente nada en mi supuesto proceso de sanación.

—Whatever.

Ahora estoy viendo una serie que me recomendó Gabriel; basada en mi primer libro de amor adolescente: «Looking For Alaska» (2005) —libro que, por cierto, me leí en cuatro días. Realmente adoraba mucho el aroma de sus páginas, aun cuando ya ha sido desaparecido por el tiempo y, supongo, por la cantidad de manos por las qué pasó cuando lo di prestado múltiples veces (si hay un consejo que puedo darle a quien sea que llegue a leer esto, quizá, sea no prestar sus libros. No. Prestar. Sus. Libros. Agh).

Por otra parte, me gustaría resaltar una de las palabras dichas por Dr. Hyde en el cuarto capítulo de la serie —específicamente en una escena que, sí mal no recuerdo, no aparece en el libro. No obstante, y de antemano, no me molesta en lo absoluto. De hecho, siento que le añade profundidad y vida, tango a este personaje, como al microuniverso de Culver Creek boarding school— en el que habla sobre su fallecido amor: Diego.

«—Ideas, Ms. Young. Ideas bonded us. […] and I wouldn’t give up any of my time with him. Not even the suffering».

Y eso es… no lo sé. Realmente lo sentí. Yo realmente lo sentí. Y lo entiendo. Siquiera yo, en mis circunstancias presentes, cambiaría el sufrimiento.

El dolor es lo único que me queda de aquellos que no pueden estar en mi vida.

[alyssalikestoreadbooks]

Looking for Alaska - John Green

"First drink. First prank. First friend. First love.

Last words. Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words—and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet François Rabelais called the “Great Perhaps.” Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young, who will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps."

Read Date - May 2024

Length - 221 pages

Genre - Romance, Realistic Fiction, Coming Of Age

Rating - 9/10

Stars - ★★★★★

Notes -  This book feels different from all the others i’ve read. Like there's so much substance to it, in a way i cant describe. The way the chapters are formatted is so smart because it leaves you there wondering what’s going to happen each minute, and you really get to take the time to stop and learn all the characters. I love the different dynamics between the friend group, and i like how they all have different lifestyles that are shown throughout the book. The anticipation was extremely good. The actual climax of the story is so soul crushing and brings tears to your eyes. Its something you dont expect to happen, and when it does, it’s just life changing.  its emotion invoking in multiple ways, and the way they tie The Labyrinth and The Great Perhaps into it, it really just hurts even harder. i had to put it down for a minute because it seriously hits you in the feelings and if you dont want to become a sobbing mess, you have to take breaks. i really like the mystery part of the story where the colonel and pudge are working to figure out what happened, and going through all the different signs. The foreshadowing was incredible, and i love how it pieced together. i adore the memorial prank. it so sweet and the rituals are so heartwarming and i love how they remember alaska. its so special. ive read reviews and some people hate the ending-- i loved it. It was something i considered but didnt expect, so knowing the truth about it brought me peace. I enjoyed this book more than others seemed to have, and i’m glad its apart of my library. and im not kidding when i say i teared up over the ending words being a last words quote?? OH MY GOD!!! perfect!! i love this book!!!