Linner Beats Brunch

Earlier today, I posted on YouTube a video extolling the pleasures of linner (and the subsequent drunk shopping that often occurs, afterwards).

Today was a fairly typical Sunday for us. Rather than rushing to meet anyone for brunch, we slept in and had a leisurely morning. We walked the dogs. We finished laundry. We took care of groceries. We made plans for linner.

Getting to brunch takes way too much energy. You must either get up early or rush through the morning. I used to delude myself in thinking I could complete my chores after brunch, but who was I kidding? Once I got a few Bloody Marys in me, all productivity was gone.

Linner is so much more civilized. Everything has already been accomplished. You meet friends in the mid-afternoon for a lovely meal with cocktails or beer. If you meet around 2pm, you might still be able to take advantage of the brunch menus. If the mood strikes, you can also partake in drunk shopping as you stagger on home.

We met a friend for linner at Hopleaf. We love Hopleaf. It features an overwhelming selection of beers on tap, mostly Belgians. The menu, while not extensive, is quite good. I focused on the Belgian IPAs (Houblon Chouffe is my favorite) as I enjoyed a Duck Reuben. We had great seats at the bar and attentive service from the bartenders. It made for a perfect Sunday afternoon.

My New Year Celebration

What a great start to the new year.  Rob and I headed out to San Francisco last Thursday to hook up with some friends.  One of them had scored some free VIP tickets to Cavalia....sort of a horse based Cirque du Soleil.  The shows was a solid "good"....with parts being great.  Regardless, it made for a great start to the weekend.

On Friday we headed up to the wine country.  We first made a stop at Gundlach-Bundschu, a Rhine-style winery in Sonoma.  We discovered this a few years ago. We had rented a limo for a tour of wineries, and the driver had suggested this winery.  We all fell in love with it.  The trip this weekend was mostly so that John could exchange a few bottles that had been sent in error.  However, after a fabulous tasting, Rob and I couldn't resist signing up for their wine club!

We then headed over to Guerneville on the Russian River.  We had rented a home through VRBO.  The place was situated high above the river, pretty much hanging on the side of the hill.  The house was great; the view was spectacular. After a major grocery run, we settled in for the weekend.

I was head chef for the weekend.  We ate, drank, and hot-tubbed our way through the new year celebration.  Entertainment included Scrabble, Killer Bunnies, and "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert."

I have a superstition that how you spend the New Year is how you will spend the year.  I try to avoid bars, clubs, and the TV.  I want my year to be full of love, loved ones, good food and great wine.

If my superstition holds true, 2011 will be just awesome!