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Ikebana Sneak Preview
November 26, 2015
— 1 Comment
I was lucky to catch up with Patricia Deridder at the Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson as she prepares for this weekend’s big Ikebana exhibit. She is the founder of the gardens, a teacher, and still a student, of Ikebana. She has organized a group of masters who will show their work over the weekend in the gardens. This very special treat will give the public an idea of the different schools of Ikebana and the individuals who live here and practice these special arts. There are monks in Japan who do this practice as meditation. Anyone involved in this way of looking at flower arranging will discover elements of mediation or merging with nature.
I am thrilled to have this artful peaceful alternative to Black Friday shopping offered in my neighborhood. If you happen to be in Tucson this event is offered with the regular entry fee, or to members as part of our membership. This is a wonderful opportunity to be immersed in nature carefully and beautifully crafted by artists. I am excited to learn more and enjoy the show. The three pieces I watched in progress all came out beautifully.
flower show in progress
freestyle
formal arrangement
flower show in progress
flower show in progress
Patricia does a final edit
freestyle
flower show in progress
Ermanos for Gourmet Tasting
November 22, 2015
— 2 Comments
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- bar
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- skylight
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- fun space
We tried a new brunch place yesterday and have found a new favorite business in Tucson. Ermanos on 4th Avenue serves brunch on the weekend, which is when we like to go out to eat. We arrived early before the crowds which was lucky because I convinced the chef to make me an off the menu food sampler. She created a wonderful cauliflower creamed soup that had butter but no cream in the ingredients. This rich and luscious starter was accented with an herbal oil, green and brightly basil scented. I was really surprised when she told me there were no potatoes or cream in the smooth rich dish. She happily shared her recipe so I can knock it off at home. This is one main reason I dine in restaurants (finding new recipes to make), so I am especially pleased when there is no resistance to sharing recipes. Chef Claire was gracious s well as creative in her approach. She took very good care of me and my tastebuds.
cauliflower soup
My tasting board included black eyed pea hummus to die for, some perfect home style corn tortilla chips adorned with fresh pico de gallo, a seasoned cubed pear, and some fried avocado with sauce. The flavors were very exciting, each bite a contrasting taste sensation. I enjoyed this flight of food while sipping my flight of wine. It was an explosion of tasty thrills.
vegetarian ceviche
bites with flights
The hip, cool setting and the vast selection of wine, beer and fresh food on the menu attracted us in the first place. They feature local musicians often, and hold special events for beer releases, etc. They run the kind of local business we like to support. The reason we have instantly become loyal customers is the exceptional service. Our server Alberto Noeggerath is knowledgeable and very helpful. Since I rarely drink wine these days I was happy to put myself in his capable hands when selecting three reds to taste in my flight. I also tasted a cava sparkling that rounded out the flavor party at my place setting. All the wines were to my liking, but the zinfandel from Wilcox that came highly recommended was the star of the flight. I would almost order a glass of that next time if it were not for the fun of flighting. The option of tasting and trying new gastronomy with attentive, happy help from the staff makes Ermanos a great dining destination for us. We plan to return often in the future.
Regular customers were arriving as we finished, and we spoke to a couple who were as enthusiastic as we are about the place. We are big fans who recommend Ermanos for party time, gourmet time, or homestyle, homegrown down home downtown Tucson time. This place is perfect for everyone who likes eating and drinking.
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- excellent menu
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- Bob and the beer menu
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- to go
Bob loves beer, and I love dining. We both love fabulous service.
chef Claire Ferguson
server Alberto Noeggerath
Bob ate biscuits and gravy and four beers in a flight.
biscuits and gravy
beer and wine flights
We had to try the beer float for dessert. Loved it!
beer float
Tucson’s Japanese Garden
November 4, 2015
— 1 Comment
family crests
family crests
lotus and koi
architectural accent
lotus and koi
Yume Japanese Gardens
architectural accent
water garden
gravel
gravel
Yume Japanese Gardens
gravel
gravel
tea house
architectural accents
lotus and koi
koi
color
bamboo
I recently joined Yume Japanese Garden in my neighborhood. This choice little private garden space provides peaceful surroundings and privacy in the center of the city. When I visit I enjoy sitting for meditative times in the little tea house shelter. I plan to bring tea and art supplies with me in the future because the space is energetically serene and beautiful. The artful surroundings invite creativity. I think it would be a great setting for composition of poetry or drawing. I plan to make it my picnic spot/ art studio this winter.
There is a gift shop, an art gallery, and a small display for education in Japanese culture. Currently the museum space is showing examples of Japanese versions of coats of arms. The tightly packed show informs and enlightens the viewer about families and history. Special events are planned to share cultural experiences. I plan to attend the tea ceremony this month, and am very excited about the big flower show over Thanksgiving weekend. Classes in Japanese language and flower arranging are offered as well. I am curious about the flower arranging, which sounds like fun.
I have been a member of Tucson Botanical Garden for many years, but my new membership is an different and welcome way to enjoy gardens. Yume is located just south of Tucson Botanical Gardens, in the same block. I had been curious in the past, but was inspired to join when the TBG thew out the members for 3 months. I am really savoring this opportunity to continue my garden visits with a new twist. There are sometimes concerts of Japanese music held in the evenings. I am both learning and feeling lucky to have this great opportunity so close to my home. If you live in Tucson or visit I highly recommend spending time at Yume Japanese Gardens.
Urban Agriculture in Tucson
July 14, 2015
— 3 Comments
Ophelia Camera Shy
In Tucson we have a harsh climate and sparse rain, both of which make gardening a challenge. Arizona had thriving agricultural crops until the ground water became too scarce and too deep to pump to the surface for many growers. Around Phoenix one can find large citrus groves abandoned, full of dead mature trees. It is a sad sight. Our large pecan groves are starting to compete for water with the surrounding residential users. Since the water is finite this problem will only increase with time. Our state needs to be very conservative with water, finding solutions to feed the population without depleting the water table. We are lucky that Nogales, Arizona is the main port for Mexican produce into the states. Most of the year we are able to buy deeply discounted produce from Mexico which is brought to Tucson by the Santa Cruz County Food Bank to save it from the landfill.
In Tucson there is a thriving urban agriculture movement. Small growers and producers are encouraged to bring produce to market through some innovative programs operated by the Community Food Bank Southern Arizona . The Food Conspiracy and Native Seed Search are strong supporters of local gardens as well as purveyors of local products. This enriches our community by supporting options that decrease food waste and the costs of food storage and transport. What could be better than allowing fruits to ripen on the vine, then harvesting them for dinner in your own back yard? Not everyone can have a garden, but those who do add to the beauty and sustainability of the neighborhood.
I like to garden, but many folks around town enjoy keeping hens for eggs. My neighbor Heidi had 6 lovely chickens in her back yard for many years. Suddenly the city zoning department demanded that she remove the chickens and tear down their home. This was in response to some complaint which can’t be traced to any neighbor. There are laws on the books that are never enforced unless somebody complains. The chicken rules have been ignored, then randomly enforced when complaints are made. This has become some kind of political football. Finally after many years of working on a new proposal that is more friendly to small time egg farmers the issue will come to a vote by our city council. The final touches of the zoning committee will be presented to the mayor and council for review and decisions. The Tucson Clucks are organizing and hoping that all their illicit coops will be permitted to stay in place. I think it is not only reasonable, but good for the city to promote food growing that does not disturb neighbors. Roosters will still be outlawed because of the potential noise, but responsible chicken owners will no longer be outlaws.
Doing a Rain Dance
June 24, 2015
— 4 Comments
monsoon clouds
The Aztecs worshiped the sun, but in Arizona we worship the rain. Our rainy season is dramatic and somewhat predictable. Summer heat draws moisture up from the Sea of Cortez to form clouds. The monsoon season lasts from late June until August, shifting slightly from year to year. Winter rains are scattered at best, but in the heat of our dry summer we are guaranteed to get some rain. Tropical style thunder storms fly around, dropping a big loads of water and filling the sky with lightening. They can be dangerous because of lightening strikes. Almost every year someone here is stuck by lightning on a golf course. The most severe safety issue that comes with rainy season is flash flooding. Washes fill with water and swell so quickly that anyone in the bed has to hustle in order to avoid being swept away. The rivers that flow through the city can flood the banks and cause damage along the shore, but normally it just carries debris and silt down from the mountains rapidly. Hiking this time of year carries with it risk that other seasons just don’t have. There is erosion of the soil because the surface becomes so compacted that the rain does not sink into the earth when it begins to rain. If we are lucky we will have many afternoons that run in to thunder storms for a few hours. It is rare that it would rain all day. These tropical events are short and sweet.
desert
I catch water from my roof in a rain container in my backyard. It is empty and ready to receive. For those who live in cloudy places it is hard to explain the full significance of these first glimpses of our holy rainy season. It holds promise and humidity for the future. We know that we spend more water resources than we can afford, but for a brief period every summer we can immerse ourselves in storms and lightening, floods and washes overflowing. Water, water, everywhere….but not for long. Here is to a glorious monsoon that sinks into the ground and makes everything bloom with happiness.
ocotillo
Codepending with the Cops
May 17, 2015
— 1 Comment
TPD
In a co-dependent relationship each side wants the other to be different. One striking example today is the relationship between the public and the cops. Police departments across the country are found to be engaging in all kinds of costly and illegal practices that are not in the best interest of the taxpayers. One such practice is the use of public safety disability systems to pay off and retire problem (and criminal) cops. We foot the bill for all the retirement and disability payments retired cops are given, whether they are valid or not. Obviously we want to protect, heal and compensate those who are legitimate victims of on the job injuries. To do otherwise would be irresponsible and thoughtless.
Since this system is so easily deceived by bogus medical claims it only makes sense to examine the system for fraud. Tucson has unreasonably high disability figures compared to the national average for cops, which drains our coffers in an unsustainable way. Either we are really doing something that injures our employees more than other cities, or we are being taken for a ride much more than other cities. I sense that it may be a little of each. If they do nothing to take care of themselves they will not be healthy as they go through their careers. Obesity, drug addiction, depression, mental health issues, and low back problems would naturally arise from a work life sitting in a patrol car all day or wearing a bullet proof vest to compress the spine. There are significant risks to health besides getting shot or killed. I think this problem needs to be addressed. They have direct exposure to the worst of general public all day, every day. None of us could do that without experiencing a loss of optimism and bliss. PTSD is as real for the cops as it is for the people who go to war.
In Tucson our police department is drastically understaffed by the city council. They loose more to retirement and atrophy then they can replace by training because they are so far behind in the process. The lack of personnel leads to highly impaired service. I hear people say they can’t get through to 911 after holding for 5 minutes to report gun shots next to their home. I don’t try to call 911 because I have never had a response, and am not expecting that situation to improve by itself. I do report and send in pictures of suspicious activity and crime I see on a phone app. This is a way for me to contribute to better law enforcement without wasting my own time. I think most of the crime in my neighborhood goes unreported. People have no faith that there will be a response or a solution.
To provide protection under the law for our city Tucson needs:
- Engagement- Citizens and cops need to work on the same side to improve our neighborhoods
- Evidence- Citizens need to know that they are being heard and that evidence we provide is being considered and used to stop crime
- Ethics- Taxpayers need to know that our law enforcement budget is spent with return on OUR investment in mind.
TPD
Principle Based Community Rejuvenation
May 12, 2015
— 5 Comments
Truckload sale
Tucson, the city I call home, is a large sprawling city in a valley. Development has taken place in spurts, causing a race to the distant suburbs, followed by a race back to downtown. There are significant advantages to life in a university town with a very mild climate. Economic opportunity as well as cultural and educational enrichment are the city’s gifts from the University of Arizona and even from Pima College. I live in a neighborhood close to the university and downtown as yet untouched by urban renewal that has vastly improved the city center. Our new trolley system and upscale development along the route it serves has revitalized a sagging economic scene downtown. I am pleased that we finally have desirable business and residential options for students and others who want to live close to the university. With a long history of serving the community, the Food Conspiracy has grown to meet the needs of the downtown neighborhood.
The Food Conspiracy Coop was founded in 1971 by a small group of people who met in the alley behind the present storefront once a month to divide bulk food. We used the bed of a pick up truck, in which the food was delivered, to weigh out and package our orders. It was as crude and basic as you might imagine, but it worked. Soon we rented the building, but had no store. Later we opened the storefront to the public, but retained the values of our cooperative. Today the Coop is a vibrant and vital part of the new downtown. By sticking to the Roachdale pioneer Principles developed in 1837, the business has survived, thrived, and expanded. The statement of cooperative identity defines the purpose: “A cooperative is an autonomous association of people united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations, through a jointly-owned and democratically controlled enterprise.”
This weekend we have a chance to see how well this mission is working at a Truckload Sale. I love the idea that on May 16 and 17 the truck will offer special deals for purchase from approximately the same spot on which we started this co-op 44 years ago in a truck. There are now gardens, a full kitchen, and an educational space. In honor of the 7th Rochdale Principle, Concern for Community, the sale will feature a beer garden to benefit BICAS. The store will offer 10% off, while the beef and veggie hot dogs and beer will flow in the back yard (parking lot). Garden tours will be offered both days at noon and 5 pm. Come on downtown to celebrate the ongoing success of the co-op.
Truckload sale
#WeekendCoffeeShare at Cafe Coronet in Tucson
March 28, 2015
— 9 Comments
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- vintage bar
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- Cafe Coronet
This is a perfect weekend to be in my home town of Tucson, so you are all invited to use your transporter cloaks to join me for coffee downtown Tucson at Cafe Coronet. I have recently been told how delicious the food is, so I decided to try it. The small bistro on Fourth Avenue has more space on the patio than inside the restored space. Today the U of A basketball team is playing in the NCAA finals, so the street fashion was distinctly Wildcat as students and others geared up for the game party. The Coronet patio is the perfect vantage point from which to take in the scene without being crowded. Pull up a chair and order a beverage of your choice. They pride themselves on the coffee as well as the cocktails. Today I sampled the Orange Blossom Special with Luksusowa vodka, Cointreau, Creme de Cacao, and a couple of shots of espresso.
Orange Blossom Special
The menu offers plenty of choices. I ordered the “Bunnies”, a selection of three different salads, chosen from a list of four. They combined to create a brunch just to my liking.
bunnies salad trio
If we were having coffee (and maybe a bite to eat) I would tell you that I have taken a big leap. I have committed to writing 30 poems in 30 days as part of the #NaPoWriMo program in April. I do publish my poetry, but I have not done so here, on my grown up WordPress blog. On one hand I am inspired to do it and feel it will be a super challenge from which I will grow. Another part of me is wondering why I did not just register my tumblr for the event, as I have in past years. It is symbolic in a way I don’t yet understand. Wish me luck, my coffee friends. I will continue to write a weekend coffee post (not necessarily in verse) to stay in touch with you. I enjoy our visits and don’t want to lose track of any members of the group.
#Weekendcoffeeshare
It is starting to heat up fast in Arizona, which is not a personal problem for me because I love the heat. My senior dog with kidney problems will need extra care and more frequent trips in and out of the house. She is holding out well even though we know she has more limits all the time. I am considering a radical change in schedule to leave me more time with her. If I go to the gym when I wake up in the morning instead of the middle of the day, which is my habit, my dog will be outside in the coolest part of the day. It may also be a good way to switch things up to be poetic every day. Perhaps by moving first and writing after vigorous exercise I will come up with a new approach. I listen to poetry while I work out very often, so it could be a source of inspiration. Have you ever turned your schedule upside down for results? How is your daily grind going thee days? Do you have anything new planned? Thanks for visiting my city this week. Fly over town and check out all the flowering trees and wild flowers that are blooming right now. These flashy colors appear and fade very quickly while we return to summer temperatures. There is horse racing at the Rillito Downs today, so take a turn up First Avenue to watch the excitement before you take the trip back to your home. You will see some true cowboy culture at the racetrack. The entire city is fixated on the basketball team, so if you will excuse me, I need to go Bear Down!!!
Cafe Coronet
Reforma Cocina y Cantina, Tucson
February 16, 2015
— 4 Comments
bar
We tried a new Mexican restaurant this weekend in Tucson. Competition is stiff for Mexican food here, so to be popular there must be some specific advantage to keep customers returning. Reforma has many features that set it apart from other dining options in the area. The sleek modern decor and elaborate bar are urban, with nothing indicating that this is Mexican. There are no sombreros on the wall, or folkloric costumes for the servers. The ambience they want to create is Mexico City, or Chilango style. I like the newly completed renovation if the interior space, but we chose to dine on the patio. On the weekends St. Philip’s Plaza hosts farmer and artisan markets. The sellers were packing to leave as we arrived, but it was still a lively scene, fun to watch from the dinner table.
St Philip’s Plaza market
The cantina has an incredible collection of tequilas. The list of tequilas is presented on a digital tablet, and there are hundreds of choices. The house cocktails all feature tequila as well. I don’t drink much tequila, but decided to try a vampiro (vampire) which was an excellent idea.
house cocktails
cheers
Vampiro
Bob and brew
The salsa is very thick and smokey. The tortilla chips are either made in-house or procured very fresh. When the salsa agrees with my taste I know I will probably like the rest of the food. Our server John was quick to bring our drinks, answer our questions and take the order. Bob enjoyed a craft beer while we quickly polished off the first salsa serving. When I asked for more we were given two extra bowls of the delicious spicy paste. This won my affection for the server. I can be kept very happy for a long time with sufficient salsa, but when I have chips and no salsa I become the cranky customer quickly. We had only a few minutes before our meals arrived this time, barely enough to break into the second bowl of salsa.
We tried two sides rather than order appetizers because there were some interesting choices for vegetarians. The pickled vegetables were a sharp and flavorful accompaniment to my salad. Green beans, two kinds of chiles, carrots, and red onions were in the mix. The other side was esquites, dish neither of us had tasted in the past. This corn/ onion/crema combination was our favorite. Both of the side dish portions were so ample that we needed to take some home with us. Part of my salad with black beans, guacamole and fresh vegetables was also brought back to the house. Bob managed to eat all the beef with chile, green onions and lime. He really liked it. We both decided this is a place we want to try again. There are many other menu items that look tasty, including a great happy hour taco menu. We passed on dessert, but I noticed there are adult popsicles. If you like tortillas, tequila, and innovative cuisine I believe you will enjoy dining at Reforma. John is an attentive and competent server. He will make sure you do not run out of salsa.
chips, salsa, tequila list
beef for Bob
pickled vegetables
ensalada completa
esquites
Food for Ascension, Tucson
October 21, 2014
— 4 Comments
On 7th Street near 4th Avenue in Tucson stands a Moorish style building complex that has housed a dance/movement/or yoga studio as long as I can remember. Today the space is serving as a gallery, coffee shop, and farm to table restaurant as well as providing space for movement classes and other events. Today I tried Food for Ascension for the first time and I am very happy I did. This place has several qualities that set it apart from other restaurants in the area. The fact that all the food comes from no more than 150 miles away is notable. The pure plant based recipes sometimes include eggs, but substitutions can be made for vegans and the gluten free people. The menu is short but several daily specials as well as a good selection of small plates provide more than enough variety. I could not choose, so I ordered two entrees knowing I would bring some home with me. Servings were generous. My server suggested the half order of biscuits and gravy because she could tell I was going to have plenty of food. She was right about that.
biscuits and gravy
She brought a bottle of water, which I always appreciate, and I enjoyed the wonderful view while a waited for my root and seed burger. At this intersection it is possible to see a least a little of three different mountain ranges that surround out city. Being upstairs to dine is truly a pleasure, especially when the weather is perfect like it was for lunch today. The domes and the downtown skyline view, along with 4th Avenue bustle make ascension to the upper deck a super treat. Perched above the noise of the street with plants and servers who make you feel very well attended is like finding a secret hide away in downtown. I plan to go often to try everything on the menu.
root and seed burger
I can report that the innovation and care is obvious in the food preparation. Both burger and biscuits arrived hot and beautifully presented. I made my way through about half of each of them, and was super satisfied as well as stuffed. The root and seed burger had great texture, unlike the mushy veggie burger that can sometimes happen. This flavorful version had a nice char and crust on the outside which is a big plus. The fresh greens on the plate had a lemon vinaigrette dressing that made it work as a salad, but also was tasty when applied to the sandwich as extra stuffing. The oyster mushroom gravy on the sage biscuits was delightful. The sage flavor is strong in the biscuit, but it is complimented perfectly by the rich gravy. It is highly evocative of Thanksgiving, with no turkey involved. I loved both the dishes, and may have trouble choosing between them the next time I order. I packed the rest..well, the gravy was kind of gone…to take home for Bob to taste. I am excited to return with him next time because I know he will like it, and they do have some very rich desserts on the menu that will make him happy. I was way too full to try any of that today. I have found a new favorite spot, and am a little surprised it took me so long. Food for Ascension has been open for about a year. If you have a chance to try the food, as well as the fabulous ascension, I recommend it. Take the upgrade, Tucson!
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- Antigone’s Books and Catalinas
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- dome and downtown
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- courtyard
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- Catalina Mountains
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- Dome and Rincons
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