Downtown Mountain View

Dear Fellow Reader,

I am sure as you can tell, I am sometimes at a loss for creativity with these titles. Somedays they come to me and somedays they don't. Well today, creativity did not come to me. So one could predict that this post is going to be about what I did in downtown mountain view, and they would be correct. 

But first things first...

I reached Gold Level status at Starbucks this week. #life#is#good

So here are some really nice photos of downtown mountain view and Castro Street. be prepared to be amazed. 

Nice huh?

I ate lunch at this good California Mexican fusion restaurant and got this chimichanga with a verde sauce and crema. I went with a good friend I attended vo-tech with in high school and we split queso fundido. Its like fondue, but from god. 

We walked around this music store and there was a piano that was there to play and it made me miss the days of piano lessons. I took piano lessons for about 8 years and every once in a while I find great joy in sitting down at the piano and playing some tunes. 

Then I found the section with the saxophones and french horns and it made me miss the days of band class and marching band. 

And Look! GELATO!!! I like gelato, but it has to be good gelato. This gelato was what I would call good gelato. I got half creme brûlée and half tiramisu. It was heavenly. 

And thus ended my fun day in downtown Mountain View. Audios fellow reader. 

Double O Seven

Dear Fellow Reader,

Today is the birthday of Ian Fleming! You Don't know who Ian Fleming is? Then your dead to me.

Okay, not really. He is the author of the 007 James Bond Spy Novel Series that was then made into what is probably the best film trilogy there ever was. I am a huge bond nerd. I mean, who isn't? James Bond films are the best. True cinematic classics. I decided to take this time to show my appreciation for bond today in this post.

So who are the actors that portrayed James Bond?

From L to R:
Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig

Who is the best?

Connery hands down. Suave, Smooth, British, and Bad Ass.

I also made a list of my top 10 favorite bond films. Many people say its a matter of opinion, but its not. because I'm right.

#10 GOLDENEYE- 1995
Bond- Pierce Brosnan

Number 10 of my list is the 17th bond film Goldeneye. This was Pierce Brosnan's first spin at playing the man of the hour and Judi Dench's first crack at playing his boss, M (both were marvelous successes). The first adventure not based on the writings of Ian Fleming, It revolved around Bond preventing a former double O agent from using a satellite weapon to create a global financial meltdown. It is tense, thrilling, and has an action packed ending. 

#9 FOR YOUR EYES ONLY- 1981
Bond- Roger Moore 

The 5th film Roger Moore stars in as James Bond, It had the secret agent seek a lost mission command computer with a love interest accompanying him to avenge the murder of her parents. After Moores 4th film "Moonraker" which was flat out cartoonish and hard to take seriously, this film grounded Bond in a much more terrestrial, gritty and realistic adventure. This film has more of an emphasis on romance rather then action, but overall an entertaining film. 

#8 THE SPY WHO LOVED ME- 1977
Bond- Roger Moore 

Roger Moore in top form in what many consider to be the strongest of his bond films. Here is the story of a megalomaniac who plans on obliterating the world and creating a new civilization under the sea. Bond joins forces with a Russian spy and they run into one of the most iconic bond villains, Jaws, a 6 foot 7 mass of muscle with metal teeth who kills with his bite. 

#7 THUNDERBALL- 1965
Bond- Sean Connery 

One of the most iconic bond battles ever debuted in this Connery classic. Emilio Largo, one of SPRECTRE's elite members, leads a plot and hijacks two warheads from a NATO plane and theatens widespread nuclear destruction to extort 100 million pounds. The movie is often criticized for often being too long and at times too slow. But if anything, watch for the incredible underwater battle scene.

#6 YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE- 1967
Bond- Sean Connery 

Finally Bond meets face to face the villian of all villains, Blofeld. Shot in the beautiful mountains of Japan, Bond goes to Japan to investigate missing American and Russian aircrafts that go missing during the Cold War (they found one landed in the Sea of Japan). Bond gets transformed into a Japanese man, gets trained as a ninja and discovers Blofelds secret volcanic layer where SPECTRE has been hijacking planes in order to provoke a nuclear war. 

#5 DR. NO- 1962 
Bond- Sean Connery 

The first ever film appearance of 007. No, it might no be as thrilling or intense as all the others, but theres no denying a classic such as this. There is a great story line, the start of all the funny bond humor and some fine acting on display. 

#4 CASINO ROYALE- 2006
Bond- Daniel Craig 

Daniel Craig's first try as being the big man. Casino Royale was the first bond adventure that Ian Fleming wrote and, in my opinion, the most interesting read. High tensions rise when risk takers bet it all in a very expensive card game, the villain expects to win and take home the loot that he owes, but things don't turn out as planned. I also thought it showed Bond with emotion. After his love is killed he hands in his resignation to his boss, showing a little human in him. But, to no prevail, at the end of the movie bond goes back in action and seeks revenge for the death of his lover. A very entertaining 007 flick. 

#3 SKYFALL- 2012
Bond- Daniel Craig

Next is what I would consider one the more darker bond films. Created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the James Bond franchise, Skyfall is beautifully shot and has some incredible action scenes. Elements of the film were borrowed from previous films (such as the iconic Astro Martin BD5) but did so intelligently, with unexpected twists and beautiful cinematography. It also dove in the past and childhood of James Bond and featured some phenomenal performances, particularly Javier Bardrem's psychopathic maniac of a villain. 

#2 FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE- 1963

Bond- Sean Connery 

The second film of the series, it introduced many of the refined elements of the bond we know and love, including the post-intro music video. A cold war thriller, it has bond travel through rendezvous with a Russian turn coat to seek a decoding device and being targeted for assassination by SPECTRE. The whole thing is brilliant. With the latter part of the film being confined to the Orient Express it kept the action and suspense unusually intimate. 

#1 GOLDFINGER- 1964

Bond- Sean Connery 

This is the time capsule Bond movie, the one that explains to future generations why we've been obsessed for 50 years and counting with British agent 007. In his third go-round in the role, Sean Connery is danger and sexual swagger incarnate, wearing a tux under his wetsuit and ordering a martini "shaken, not stirred." Indelible images include Shirley Eaton's death by gilded body paint, Honor Blackman's innuendo as flygirl Pussy Galore, Harold Sakata's lethal aim as the hat-throwing Oddjob and Gert Frobe's master villainy as Auric Goldfinger (he's out to rob Fort Knox). "Do you expect me to talk?" an anxious Bond asks after Goldfinger straps him to a table with a laser heading right to his crotch. "No, Mr. Bond," comes the classic reply. "I expect you die." And how about the gadget-loaded Aston-Martin, the Shirley Bassey title song, and the stylish way director Guy Hamilton delivers the whole Bond package? Its bloody brilliant. 

Enjoy Bond Day fellow reader! 

Rom Coms

Dear Fellow Reader,

Well, it has been 10 days since I posted. Yea, I know. I slacked, again. I think its something you guys are just gonna have to get over, I'm just so damn busy throughout the week that when I get home all I wanna do is go to the hot tub or sleep! But I have some nice downtime this weekend so I figured I would give some TLC to the blog. 

Well this week got me thinking about an interesting topic. My roommate and I have different tastes in movies. She's more into the cheesy sappy romantic comedies that no matter what have a happy ending. I on the other hand, am not. I just never got into them. So she asked "What romantic comedies do you like?' and it took me a while but I came up with an answer. 

I divided my answer into four- The Ace, King, Queen, and Jack. So here goes nothing.

The Ace:
Annie Hall- 1977
Staring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton 

There are Woody Allen haters and Woody Allen lovers. I am somewhere in-between. Typically I like the movies that he doesn't star in more, but Annie Hall is definitely an exception. 

Woody Allen plays his typical character, an overanxious hypochondriac with an inept social life. But its Diane Keaton who really makes this film amusing. She plays a young night club singer who combines being earnestly sweet, uproariously funny and slightly insane. The film chronicles their relationship and shows that love can be formed even between the oddest of couples. 

The King:
Lost in Translation- 2003
Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson 

Writer/Director Sofia Coppola crafted this heart warming masterpiece of two lost souls who found each other in a foreign landscape. Its not a in-your-face kind of movie, its quite the opposite. It is a low key and mild story on how two unlikely people, both unhappy in their current relationship, find happiness with each other while living in Tokyo. It blends humor, wit, love and two powerhouse performances from the film's dynamic duo. 

The Queen:
Shakespeare In Love- 1998
Staring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench 

The story of how Romeo found his Juliet..kind of. A young and down-on-his-luck William Shakespeare is at a loss for inspiration for a new play until he meets Viola De Lesseps, a wealthy young lady who has a passion for theatre. They form a passionate relationship that helps Shakespeare write his tragedy that they perform for the Queen, Romeo and Juliet. It is endlessly witty and sweetly romantic. The cast is phenomenal and Gwyneth Paltrow, in an academy award winning performance, shines as a young lady who must disguise herself as a man in order to perform in the theatre. 

The Jack:
Silver Linings Playbook- 2012 
Staring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver 

Everyone's family is slightly crazy, so we can all channel our inner family narcotic-ism and relate with this hysterical and touching rom com. Pat is released from a rehab facility after being treated for bipolar disorder and can't get over the break up of his ex who cheated on him. His father has OCD and their family has a love for the Philadelphia Eagles. Pat meets Tiffany Maxwell, a woman who lost her husband and her job, and they form a relationship. They enter a dance competition and even though they don't win they realize how much they mean to each other and end up together. Its a wonderful feel-good movie. 

So there you have it. The romantic comedies in this world that I actually enjoy. That's all for now fellow reader. 

A question from a reader!!!

Dear Fellow Reader,

Guess what everyone?!?!? A reader wrote a question to me. Do you know what that means??? People like me!! And there are human beings out in this world reading my blog! 

But anyway the question was very interesting and I enjoyed developing my answer. The question read:

"What are the ten books that you have read that you feel has made an impact in your life?"

Isn't that just a great question? I think so. 

I don't love reading. There I said it. I used to hate reading actually. But there are some books that I completely adore and here they are! 

1.STONE SOUP by Marilyn Sapienza- The book that was read to me every night before I went to bed. i loved the story, the pictures, and it was definitely my first classic.

2.CHICKEN SOUP WITH RICE by Maurice Sendak- This taught me that reading can be exciting and also taught me the months of the year. And my favorite soup my nana would make is chicken and rice soup, and it was heavenly. 

3. THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX by Kate DiCamillo- The Ultimate adventure novel, and the first book that I could not put down.

4 & 5. MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING by Julia Child & KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL by Anthony Bourdain- The books that helped spark my love for cooking, and helped me realized i want to be a chef for the rest of my life.

6. OUT OF AFRICA by Isak Dinesen- I was never a huge biography guy, but during my sophomore year of high school I came across this story of a Danish author who ran a coffee plantation in Nairobi and became obsessed with her life. The story really sucked me in and took me on an adventure (and her life is incredibly fascinating). Then one day while I was flipping through the channels I saw a movie called "Out of Africa" and realized it was all about Karen Blixen (her pen name is Isak Dinesen) and I fell in love with the movie as well. Its a really good book, and movie too!

7. THE EXORCIST by William Peter Blatty- I read this when i was in 7th grade. it was gruesome, terrifying, and even gave me nightmares. It was horrifying, but sucked me in. It is one of the many reasons why i love horror films.

8. THE ENGLISH PATIENT by Michael Ondaatje- This was the book that taught me how to critical read. Its an incredibly complex and beautiful story, and has so much meaning and very moving. Reading this was one of the best decisions i ever made. Its another book that was turned into a movie and the movie is incredible, one of my favorites.

9. HAMLET by Shakespeare- I am not a Shakespeare kind of guy at all. But this was the first tragedy that i thoroughly enjoyed and made junior year english less painful.

10. THE GRAPES OF WRATH by John Steinbeck- The book i chose as an independent reading project. I knew that this was a classic so I figured choosing it as an assignment would force me to read it. About two chapters in I knew why its considered one of the greats. Its a period novel with great history of the US during the depression with incredibly vivid detail. it has a great plot that's balanced by Steinbeck's beautiful vignettes. This is a book everyone must read before they die. 

I like hearing from you, fellow reader. please keep the comments and questions coming! 

When Disaster Strikes......

Dear Fellow Reader,

Well, yesterday disaster stuck for me in the kitchen. I had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

For starters, I missed my bus. I was all ready to go (keys in pocket, jacket on, the whole nine yards). That is until I looked down and saw that my badge was not on my pants and I had that "oh s**t!" moment and ran as fast as I could (no seriously, I do not think I ran as fast as I did yesterday then in my whole entire life) up four flights of stairs, all the way to my door, unlocked my door, ran through the door, launched for my badge that was on the kitchen counter, launched back out the door, slammed the door, then back down four flights of stairs, all the way to the stop only to find no bus in sight (man, it must of been exhausting just reading that!) So as I was trying to catch my breath I called the cab service to rent a cab (The lady on the phone must of thought I was having a stroke). So ten minutes later the cab arrived and I was off to work.

Then I got to work and things were fine until about the lunch shift. We had so much noodles to prep for tomorrow it was unreal, and I was put in charge to cut and pre-cook all of them. The second incident happened when the tilting skillet was getting cleaned out and tipped over and left my pants drenched in water. Oh, and the soap bucket was next to it and fell on my pants as well, so my pants were not only wet, but also soapy. After I got that all cleaned up, I needed to start cooking some rainbow chard for lunch service, while continuing to cook these damn noodles. I cooked the noodles in one large pot with a spicket and the tilting skillet. Well while I was straining my second batch of noodles I forgot I left on the heat on my chard and the pot burned and ruined the batch. So I quickly had to run and grab a new pot to cook a fresh batch. Then i completed straining my second batch and starting filling up the pot with fresh water for the third.

Now here is where things get super crazy. In the kitchen we have a fosset on the line so we can fill up big pots without having to carry huge jugs of water. Well the top of the fosset came loose, blew off, knocked my glasses off and water was shooting straight up in the ceiling. Yea, it was just peachy. So that took an additional fifteen to twenty minutes of my time that I could of used to cook my noodles. My goal was to have all noodles done by 1:30. They were not done until 2:45. After all the noodles were cooked and put on sheet pans and in the fridge, I cleaned up my station, grabbed my things and left the kitchen before anything else would happen to me. I got on the bus (I didn't miss it this time) and plugged in my iPhone and listened to some calming music until I got back to my apartment.

Once I got back to my apartment, I dropped my things, threw my dirty chef pants in the washer, put on my swimsuit and headed straight to the hot tub, where I spent a good twenty minutes just resting in the peace and quiet (it was amazing). I then came back, ate dinner, grabbed the pint of coffee ice cream from the freezer, put it a movie and ate the whole entire pint. It was very relaxing and what I looked at as the highlight of my day.

And thus ended my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

Thank you jesus for hot tubs and coffee ice cream. Thank you for your condolences fellow reader.

May the Fourth be with You!

Dear Fellow Reader,

Happy Star Wars Day! You probably didn't know that there was such a thing.

Every 4th of May is Star Wars Day, hence May the FOURTH be with you!

I know its great stuff!

You all need to go sit down and watch your favorite star wars film. Whats your favorite?

Is it the classic Episode IV: A New Hope?

Or is it the epic hoth battle in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back?

And of course everyone has their favorite sith lord!!

Mine is Darth Maul. Why? Just look at him. He's frickkiiinnn awesome!!!

Well Anyway, no matter what your favorite Star Wars moment is, make sure you take some time out of your day to day to appreciate it and all its glory.

That's all for know Fellow Reader!
May the force (fourth) be with you!

Sunday Funday

Dear Fellow Reader,

Hello! It has been almost a full week without a post. I know, I have been slacking.....just kidding, quite the opposite actually. This was my first official week at Google and I am seriously enjoying it. I enjoy my cafe I am working in, I am currently a prep cook and going to work my way up. So I have been doing everything from chopping potatoes to making mayonnaise. My cafe is not huge and we have a smaller staff but we all work hard and get the job done.

This weekend I didn't do much but catch up on sleep (I took a 3 hour nap yesterday. It was heavenly.) and visit the hot tub. I love hot tubs, man. They are so relaxing and very therapeutic. If I was president of the United States I would make it my personal goal that every house in the United States has a hot tub. Oh, and garlic presses. And world peace, of course. That's all #Hoffman2016

This morning my roommate and I got up to make a pancake breakfast. I don't do it a lot but every once in a while its wonderful.

Yes, I used pancake mix that only required water. Just because I got to culinary school doesn't mean I can't use convince products too! And for toppings we had chocolate chips, bananas, and fresh strawberries.

I made two. They turned out...eh. I mean they tasted fine but they were slightly deformed and kinda burnt (opps.) I hate making pancakes but I like eating them. Back home my mom would also cook pancakes for my brother, father and I and I don't know what she did but they came out perfect.

The first was a banana chocolate chip pancake.

The second a fresh strawberry pancake.

After I ate my fill of pancakes I figured since I was in the cooking lingo I would prep some chicken breasts that I will cook off for salads and sandwiches this week. Here's what I did for the marinade.

I crushed a clove of garlic to start.

I then rummaged through the spice cabinet and found this all purpose seasoning and thought it will do.

About a palmful will do.

Then I found Oregano. And said to myself "Okay, I will add Oregano"

Not as much this time though, just about half a palmful.

Then I poured in some olive oil.

Whisked it together and bam! There it is! (Sorry, I'm not Emeril, I won't say bam! again, even though by telling you I won't say it, I said it. Oh well, we all learn to forgive each other over time, I only hope you fellow reader will learn to forgive me.)

Add the chicken, turn to coat and allow to sit in the fridge for a few hours.

And now I watched my new favorite TV show I am addicted to, and am not ashamed to say it, Masters of Sex. Its amazing, no really it is. Its a fascinating story of how Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson changed the way the world looked at human sexuality.

It stars Michael Sheen, an incredible actor. I first saw him in the 2006 film The Queen, playing Prime Minister Tony Blair and how he handles the crisis of Princess Diana's death and the relationship he forms with Queen Elizabeth II, played by the divine Helen Mirren.

It also stars Lizzy Caplan. I never seen is anything before this but she blew me away. The chemistry between the two leads is irresistible and always leaves you wanting more.

My roommate and I have been binge watching it since last night. We finished the whole first season in 2 days. I know man, its bad.

I highly encourage anyone to watch it. It sounds weird, but incredibly fascinating (note: There's sex in it)

By the time we were done watching it was time for me to cook off the chicken breasts. I just sautéed them in some vegetable oil and butter over medium heat until they were nicely browned and fully cooked through.

I then sliced them up, placed them in a bag and put them in the fridge so we can eat it through out the week.

I am much more settled in and will be making some posts more frequently then I have been. Stay tuned fellow reader!