My big fat Greek brunch

Sunday morning I joined my old friends Robert and Richard on one of our many weekend excur- sions to seek out and sample every crusty old diner Seattle has to offer.

This day we made our way on foot across Seattle's University Bridge and then under and a little west to the venerable Voula's Offshore Cafe. Situated on the north shore of the ship canal, this Greek diner was once the site of lunch breaks for Robert (who worked in the neighborhood) and me in the early days of our friendship (circa 1992).

Like any real diner, Voula's serves breakfast all day and is notable for its tasty food and (perhaps) the mural of the canal on its east wall. But don't take my word for it. Voula's was featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives," which you can watch here:



It was a beautiful day, a nice walk, and a satsifying meal.

Dinner out

Saturday evening I had dinner with an online friend who lives in San Francisco. We dined at Luna Park, where we were lucky to get seated right away. As we were finishing, a waiter brought a large, impressively decorated cake with candles to the table next to us. The cake was also shooting sparks form some sort of roman candle, and the ladies at the party seemed very tickled. After the birthday girl blew out the little candles, the waiter removed the cake. Was he taking it to be sliced? No, it turns out the cake was nothing but a hollow fake. Other waiters soon returned with individual desserts for the women at the party.

Come Saturday morning

Saturday started off at one of my regular breakfast hangouts in San Franscico, Boogaloos. I was joined by my old friend Michael who is always kind enough to host me whenever I visit the Bay area.

After the sun burned off the morning fog, I went for a walk toward the Castro and spent about a half hour sunning in Dolores Park. At first I thought I would lie out in my underwear. Instead I decided just to go for broke and lie under the sun naked, even though I was the only one doing so in a pretty busy park. But hey, it's legal in San Francisco, and I don't like tan lines.

Later in the afternoon, I met my friend Andy in the Castro for a late lunch. We did a little shopping and had an impromptu photo shoot (yes, I was nude) at Worn Out West, a used clothing store. Unfortunately, all the photos are on Andy's camera, and I won't be able to get any copies until we return to Seattle. So I'll have to post some of those at a later date.

Food for thought and action

Today I had lunch at Fare Start, a restaurant in Seattle with a mission to train homeless and disadvantaged people and help them find employment in the food service industry. The lofty goals were announced everywhere, from the table displays, menus, and T-shirts worn by the wait staff. But no charity was needed to enjoy the tasteful atmosphere or professionally prepared cuisine. It was an enjoyable lunch, and I expect to eat there again.