Category Archives: Wine and Cheese

Food and Coffins

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Tips, Furniture, Wine and Cheese and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There are a variety of different schools of thought when it comes to feng shui.  I practice Compass School Feng Shui, which is directly connected to the compass directions of the earth.  Under the Compass School, there are two kinds of feng shui.  I am certified in Yang House Feng Shui, which is feng shui for the living.  But there is also what is known as Yin House Feng Shui; feng shui for the deceased.   Consultants certified in Yin House work primarily with funeral homes and cemeteries in planning the ideal environment for rest of the dead, as well as creating a serene place for the living to deal with the departure and separation of loved ones. This also includes finding the right coffin for the individual, as this is the main environment for the deceased’s body.

There are many cultures and individuals who have very distinct plans for the type of coffin they would like.  On my recent trip to San Francisco, I visited the De Young Museum and was astounded by what I saw around a corner:  A coffin in the shape of a cocoa pod.   Beginning in the 1950’s in the Accra section of Ghana, an artist and craftsman by the name of Seth Kane Kwei began making custom coffins, each specified to the wishes of its future occupant.  The cocoa pod below was commissioned from Kwei in 1970, when Ghana was one of the world’s leading cocoa distributors.   The one pictured below is on permanent display at the De Young.

Each one is made using various soft woods native to Ghana, and then formed into a cylinder-canoe shape.  Artisans then craft the vessel using European furniture construction techniques to the client’s specifications, taking sometimes three months to complete.  Each coffin is upholstered inside, usually with satin or velvet.  And many of these coffins are food or food-related items, the most popular being onions, cocoa pods, fish, chickens and boats.   The Southbank Centre in London has many of these unique coffins on display, although some are of British origin.   On display is a replica of a yet-to-be-used coffin, commissioned by a woman who wants to spend eternity inside an egg.   I love the symbolism of rebirth and purity that both the egg and the cocoa pod represent.   Unlike most of its counterparts, this one is made of elm.

Below is another version of the cocoa pod coffin, but in shades of yellow and green.  I love the symbolism that each of these caskets offers.  For example, the onion (pictured at top) was revered by the ancient Egyptians.  They believed that the various layers of the onion symbolized eternal life, sometimes burying Pharaohs and other royals with the revered vegetable.

Photos Courtesy of the Southbank Centre, London

For the wine connoisseur, this a large cork coffin, complete with a wine opener sticking out.  This was commissioned by the County of  Cork in Ireland.

This next  model looks pretty traditional from the outside, but it was the inside that moved me.  While I do not condone having coffins in one’s home under normal feng shui guidelines, I couldn’t help but be enamored with the Vinters Vessel.  Made by The Old Pine Box Company of Edgewood, New Mexico, they offer a beautiful all pine coffin with a wine rack inside.  The lower two-thirds of the box houses nineteen bottles of wine, and top third used as storage space for glasses.  When needed as a funerary box, the inside framework can be removed to create a free standing wine rack, so that one’s wine collection may be displayed.  Each casket comes with a hand-painted emblem with grapes and the Latin phrase  Sono Meus Vita, meaning Celebrate My Life.  This coffin retails for about $1400.00.   For more information, please check out their website http://www.theoldpinebox.com/vintner.html   If  one wants to place this beautiful box inside their home, I suggest either a wine cellar or library, but make sure that it’s always filled with wine, and kept free of dust.

The Vinter’s Vessel.  Photo Courtesy of The Old Pine Box Company

As for myself, I’m not sure what kind of coffin – if any – I’ll be acquiring yet.  But if I had to select a food-shaped one, I would probably go with a man-sized bottle of Louis Jadot Beaujolais,  mostly due to the delicious taste of the wine and the prettiness of the label.

Cocktails at Cliff House

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Tips, Restaurants, Vegan/Vegetarian, Wine and Cheese and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Since we talked so much about the wood element in the last article, I thought I’d devote this blog to another of the elements:  Water.  In feng shui, the water element is associated mainly with the North, which is the Career area of any room  But water is also associated with wealth and prosperity for many reasons.  For example, if one’s career is thriving, then one will have more earned income, thus providing more prosperity.  Water abundance isn’t always monetary, either.  Being around water in general  (be it an ocean, lake, river or fountain)  tends to rejuvenate the human spirit, thus creating a sense of calm and comfort.  It makes people feel safe and reminds us of the womb.  This leads into another reason – waterfront property.  Nearly all major cities in the world have a large body of water directly attached somehow.  Also, most residential waterside property tends to be more affluent in nature, which raises the chi in those areas.  Unfortunately, this also raises the cost of living and mortgage rates for homes near the water.  Despite the costs, however, this is no shortage of those wishing to acquire condos by the beach.   From a biological standpoint, humans are comprised mostly of water.  It makes complete sense why we, as a race, tend to flock towards water whenever we can.  It’s not just limited to humans, either.  Those seagulls in the photo above were enjoying the ocean as well, but they paused so I could capture their image.

For my birthday this year (I’m turning thirty again – it’s a good age to be for awhile), I went to visit my best friend Wendy.  She lives in San Francisco, one of my favorite cities in the world.  After a purely luxurious day meandering through Golden Gate Park, we decided to have some cocktails at the historic Cliff House.  The original Cliff House was built-in 1863.  Over the years, the building was completely rebuilt twice – once in 1894, and again in 1909, both due to destructive fires.  The current Cliff House has undergone a variety of architectural facelifts throughout the years, before being renovated to its original glamour in 2004.   Below are two vintage postcards showing the second and third variations of Cliff House.

Two very distinct versions of Cliff House. On the left is the late Victorian model. On the right, its Edwardian counterpart, which the restaurant resembles today. Historic images provided by Penny Postcards: http://www.usgwarchives.org/special/ppcs/ppcs.html

The renovations to Cliff House also included a modern addition, the new Sutro Wing.  They cleverly managed to combine both vintage and modern styles throughout the design and decor of the structure.  Below is a photo of their lounge, facing inward, where we had drinks.  The rounded supports above tend to create a canopy-like feeling over the guests.  The railing overlooks into the lower level, which features another bar and more dining.  I really liked the dining chairs used here as well.  This is a prime example of a good feng shui dining chair.  Beautiful, comfy, and not too heavy.  It also has a mostly solid back – important for security and back support.  For more on how to select a proper dining chair, take a glance at the article here:   https://fengshuifoodie.com/2012/06/16/finding-a-place-to-sit/

And now onward to the provocative and intoxicating items that we sampled.

Old Fashioned – One of my favorite beverages.  Made with modest ingredients, and mixed extremely well.  I love the orange hue the liquid displays.  Strong, tasty, and sophisticated.

Pear Martini – One of the specialty drinks favored by Cliff House.  Using Grey Goose Le Poire, this makes for a refreshing and mildly sweet cocktail.   Pleasingly alluring.

On the left is a glass of Brassfield Estate Pinot Grigio.  A crisp and enticing white wine, perfect for drinking at the seaside.  On the right is The Bird of Paradise.  This champagne cocktail, which includes St. Germain and pineapple juice, tastes exactly like passion fruit with bubbles.  So good was it, in fact, that I had two of them.  Enchanting and tropical.

Of the savory food offerings available, we went with the Buffalo Wings and the Garlic Fries.  The wings were sauceless, with heat-inducing spices rubbed into the skin.  Served with bleu cheese dressing, these were mouth-watering.   The fries, covered liberally with crushed garlic, were the perfect accompaniment to our intoxicating beverages.  And being a native Californian, I asked for ranch dressing to accompany the fries  (Californians like their ranch).

I was entranced by the waves crashing below us outside the window.  Our table overlooked these two impressive rocks emerging from the seas.  In addition to the beautiful scenery and tantalizing items, another impressive aspect here was the service.  The hostess was welcoming, and our server, Josh, was jovial and attentive – we wanted for absolutely nothing.   He also invited us to stay and listen to the live jazz being played later – which we did.  I didn’t catch the name of the three-piece ensemble, but their melodies were as enticing as the breathtaking view.

If one doesn’t live close to a body of water,  I suggest visiting an ocean or a lake at least once a month to boost one’s sense of tranquility and well-being.  Even stopping by a fountain or koi pond for a few minutes can help to improve serenity.  Another way to add more water energy to your surroundings is art.  A beautiful painting or photo of a watery landscape can help tremendously.  Just make sure the art in question is beautiful and serene.  A painting of ships battling at war on the ocean, or of the Titanic sinking, are two examples of sha art.  Sha is the word for negative chi, and should be avoided.  It’s also important to drink lots of water, at least eight glasses a day.  Most of us don’t drink enough water, and this makes our bodies work harder to keep us healthy.  Not consuming enough water can result in various illnesses and discomforts, which is also a lack of abundance and prosperity.  I strongly suggest embracing more water energy in your life.  And, if you happen to be in San Francisco, stop by the Cliff House for some cocktails – and a glass of water – and maybe some garlic fries, or dinner…

Cliff House

1090 Point Lobos, San Francisco, CA 94121

415 386-3330

Hours:  Please refer to the hours located here:  http://www.cliffhouse.com/home/pdf/CH_Hours_Res.pdf

Note:  For Sutro’s at the Cliff House, and the  Sunday Brunch, reservations are strongly encouraged.  All other areas (including where I sat) are walk-in.

http://www.cliffhouse.com/

Wine: An Old School Perspective

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Tips, Furniture, Lounges and Bars, Wine and Cheese, Wineries and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, I was introduced to an unusually captivating wine merchant known as Municipal Winemakers.   While I was waiting for my friends to arrive, I grabbed a glass of their robust MCS, and perused my surroundings.  The tasting hall here promotes comfort in an artistic and environmentally-conscious fashion.  A large warehouse door (pictured above) opens up to the outside world letting in light and fresh ocean air. Surplus wine bottles and tasting glasses are stored in upcycled file cabinets. The seating is a mixture of reclaimed wood benches, padded folding chairs and classic science lab stools.  Bookshelves constructed of wooden crates are laden with 1980’s textbooks and vintage high school trophies.  One of the many items that captured my attention was the illustrious chandelier (pictured below).  This is actually constructed using a wine bottle washer, which is the large metal frame holding all the bottles in place.   Lovely and enigmatic, this piece is a wonderful example of water, metal and fire elements.  This also helps to counteract the negative influence of the beams present.  I am not a fan of exposed beams in any environment.  From a feng shui standpoint, they create negative influences in health and relationships.  The fastest way to alter the beams here would be to paint them and the ceiling the same color; thus making them symbolically disappear into the ether.  However, the various lighting in the space helps to soften the unfavorable effects of the beams.

On the right we have a more detailed image of the wine bottle chandelier.  On the left are the metal lanterns inscribed with Dan’s in primary red, which hang about most of the ceiling.  My guess is they reclaimed them from somewhere, but I’ve no idea where.

The momentous piece of art above is actually raised a bit, encompassing paint and other materials.  The gold pieces in the ore are shards of brass veneer from vintage high school sports trophies.  From a feng shui perspective, the environment at Municipal captures most of the five elements beautifully:

  • Wood –The art hanging about the walls, and the plants located directly outside.
  • Fire – The nostalgic wood-burning stove situated in one corner of the room.
  • Metal – The art, tables,chairs, chandelier, roof, and file cabinets.
  • Earth –  The rich colors of browns, grays, and earthy reds.
  • Water – The glass bottles, the horse painting in the bathroom, and the blue and slate gray hues.

Now while the metal, water, and fire elements are displayed here quite well, the room is lacking a little wood and earth energy for my liking.  Even though they have a lot of wonderful wood furniture – which is best material for furniture in my opinion – it cannot be considered a wood element because the wood is dead.  However, the sheer amount of art from various craftsmen, displayed around the environment, helps to foster the creative wood energy.  As for earth, the main examples here are in the form of different colors.  But I do love the classic globe perched atop one of the file cabinets.  So here symbolically, the earth is also present.

And now on to the wine.   I sampled six delicious wines, and fell for each one of them:

  • 2011 Bright White – an arid riesling with hints of tart citrus.  Perfect for a summer day.
  • 2011 Sweetness Reisling – Sweet and clandestine, this white wine has an alluring bouquet with hints of honey and orange.  Intoxicating.
  • 2011 Rose – A refreshing, subtly sugared beverage.   Cool and crisp.
  • 2010 Bright Red – An amazing classic red blend with strong hints of dried herbs and cranberry.  It reminded me of good holidays past.
  • 2010 Grenache – Chocolate nuances abound in this rich and robust elixir.  A must for any red wine aficionado.
  • 2010 MCS – My favorite of the group.  A complex blend of Mouvedre, Carignane, and Syrah grapes.  This is a bold and brazen red that will make your head turn.  A bottle of this came home with me, and I’m saving it for a special occasion.

In addition to their retro-esque decor, another aspect I love about Municipal are the hours.   The tasting room is open from 11:00 to 6:00 daily – where as most tasting rooms close at 5:00.  And on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, they stop tastings promptly at 6:00, but remain open until 11:00, transforming into a wine bar!   Wine, by either the glass or bottle, is available to drink on the premises.  Pre-made cheese plates from C’est Cheese are available if one is feeling peckish, and classic board games lie about for one’s leisure  (A very studious couple was playing chess in the corner)  Unlike my other wine adventures, I visited Municipal twice in one weekend.  I experienced the wine bar environment on Friday night, and then returned Sunday afternoon for tastings.  They also offer free local delivery to patrons who arrive on a bicycle.  The metropolitan class of Municipal Winemakers will leave you with a feeling of warmth and abundance.  I’m very much looking forward to my next visit.

Municipal Winemakers Tasting Room

22 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101

805 931-6864

Hours:  Open Daily from 11:00 – 6:00,  Wine Bar:  Thursday – Saturday 6:00 – 11:00

http://www.municipalwinemakers.com/

The Feng Shui of a Burger

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Los Angeles, Restaurants, Vegan/Vegetarian, Wine and Cheese and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In Ancient Egypt, the onion was highly revered as a perennial icon.  The people of that time believed that the many layers, rings, and orbicular shape of the onion symbolized eternity and longevity.  Part of this was probably due to the face that onions were one of the few foods that did not spoil during colder months.  And of all the vegetables to be recreated in various precious metals by Egyptian artisans, the only one ever  to be made out of gold was the onion.  My own personal love of onions came out about when I was a kid, in the deep fried form of onion rings.   Those golden circles of deliciousness were so good (especially at Carl’s Jr.).  I also remember dried onions atop the ever-popular green bean casserole.  Yum.

Earlier in the week, I visited the Toluca Lake location of The Counter, an international burger chain.  Unlike other burger establishments, The Counter lets patrons custom design the sandwich of their dreams.  From fried eggs to Gruyere cheese, the multitude of different combinations is astounding.  And it’s very easy to do – The Counter provides a check sheet, and patrons mark off what they want on their sandwich.  Being able to create a burger to one’s exact specifications is an excellent feng shui experience – you create the ideal burger for the environment of your stomach and taste buds.   Some locations offer different toppings than others, including what they call their MP Selections, which differ from location to location.  Here’s what I went with:

  • Multigrain Bun
  • 1/3 Beef Patty, cooked Medium
  • Brie Cheese
  • Burmuda Red Onion
  • Lettuce Blend
  • Grilled Onions (Did I mention I love onions?)
  • Roasted Green Chiles
  • Basil Pesto

The sauce selection is also served on the side, because sometimes burgers can be too dry or too moist.  My creation was absolutely ambrosial in its taste, and cooked to perfection.  But how is this burger feng shui?  Well, first, lets look at the colors, and how they represent the five elements.  The brown shades of the meat itself and the multigrain bun are very earthy.  The purple of the Burmuda onion is fiery.  The grilled onions have a slight metallic sheen to them.  The brie would also be metal, because it’s white.  Then there is the lettuce, roasted chiles, and basil pesto, all of which symbolize wood in their green hues.  Color-wise, water is not represented.  However, I had a glass of water with my meal, so I wasn’t completely without the water element.

Let’s look at the yin and yang of the ingredients of the burger.   I’ve mentioned yin and yang theory before, which is the belief that opposite components interact within and opposite each other in a complimentary way, and cannot exist without their opposite counterpart.   This theory presents itself all the time in life, especially in food.  In this sandwich, the thick yin of the burger mingles well with the sharp yang of the Burmuda onion.  The yin of the melted brie gently opposes the yang of the basil pesto.  These flavorsome combinations are evident in all cuisines.  Yin and yang can also be attributed to how food is prepared.  My burger is very much yang, as it was fried, the onions grilled, and the chiles roasted – all of which are yang food preparations for yang foods.  Also, look at the texture of the ingredients.  If the food is soft in consistency, it is yin.  But if it is hard or crunchy, than it is more yang.  I would say the burger is much more yin in its texture, as everything in the burger except the Burmuda onion was soft.  The Burmuda onion wasn’t exactly hard, but it had more of a crispness to it, making it more yang in its structure.

And of course, a burger needs a side dish.  Upon my server’s suggestion, I went with the Parmesan Cheese Fries.  Fine shreds of Parmesan  and garlic aioli completely transform the common potato to Pharaoh status.  Although they are fries, I suggest using a fork with them rather than ones hands, as the aioli brings a greasy goodness to the dish.  Fresh rosemary adds a wonderful, savory wood element  as well, adding a yang touch to a yin food.  For my beverage, I selected the Menage a Trois Blend.  A fantastic red combination with hints of raspberry and blackberry.  I’m not sure on the year, but I think it’s a 2009.   The wine accompanied the meal flawlessly.

One  thing that I really like about this branch of The Counter are the pictures on the walls.  Photographs of a rock band and their instruments hang on the Eastern wall.  I love the creative fire energy this brings to the metal-dominated interior.  My favorite of the display is pictured above.  My server, Pamela, was absolutely golden in her service.   Personable and charming, she took care of my every need to ensure that I had a great dining experience, including walking me through the burger checklist.   Should you be visiting this specific location, I advise sitting in her section.  Parking options abound in Toluca Lake, but I usually find free parking on some of the residential streets – just check the signs for restrictions.  On my next journey here, I plan on trying The Counter Cobb, and perhaps the yin energy of a chocolate malt.

The Counter Toluca Lake

10123 Riverside Drive, Suite A, North Hollywood CA 91602

Hours:  Sunday – Thursday 11:00 – 10:00,  Friday – Saturday 11:00 – 11:00

http://www.thecounterburger.com/Toluca_Lake_CA/

Drago Centro

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Folklore, Happy Hour, Los Angeles, Lounges and Bars, Restaurants, Wine and Cheese and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In traditional feng shui folklore, the dragon is a powerful symbol of strength, success and immortality.  This creature is considered very yang in its energies, and is also a prime example of fertility.  Chinese dragons were not ferocious and cruel as portrayed by other cultures; these large flying beasts were considered benevolent and kind.  Many emperors would use the dragon as their own personal emblem.

When I think of dragons, I think of the large, modern sculpture outside of Drago Centro.  Bright orange in color, this stair-like construct adds a wonderful fire and metal element to its surroundings.  Granted, it doesn’t look literally like a dragon, but it has that feeling.

Drago Centro is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles.   Housed in the base of a highrise, Drago offers a bustling oasis amidst the rampant energies of downtown.  Upon entering, one can see some of their fine wine collection in a massive glass vault.  The restaurant is decorated in modern taste, with earth tones throughout.  They also use real slate and marble whenever possible in the decor.  The use of various earth element suggests to the diner that they are in for a very wholesome and grounding meal.

Rather than dine in their chic and stylish restaurant, I prefer the social interaction of the Lounge area.  The Lounge is dominated by a bar hued in greens and yellows (pictured above).  A marble-topped table extends the length of the space, with further seating outside.   There’s also has a special Lounge menu that changes periodically.  The food and beverages offered are choice and sophisticated.  Here’s what I had on my most recent visit:

Le Ostriche – Four mouthwatering oysters are presented on a white plate, served on a bed of salt.  I get these every time, and they are absolutely excellent.   The shell left over from the oyster is also another example of an earth element.  Seashells are not a water element, as you would think.  I could explain why, but it might ruin one’s appetite for the oysters, and everyone should try them.

La Pizza Margherita – A Classic!  Tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese create the perfect balance atop a flatbread.  Fresh basil, a must for any margherita, embellishes the creation, adding a savory wood element to the meal.   Basil can be considered a wood element for two primary reasons.  One, its green in color, and green is associated with wood.  Two, basil is a plant, as are trees.  Hence, the wood element is present.

El Diablo – This drink takes yin and yang theory to a new level.  One of the basics in many Chinese philosophies,  yin and yang theory deals with how opposites are dependent upon one another, and both must exist together to achieve perfect balance and harmony.   And within each side of these contrary forces dwells a part of its exact opposite.   For example, night is dark, but there is bright moon present for light.  Hence, darkness (yin) with a little piece of light (yang) within it at all times.

The yin of the lime juice and cassis liqueur, with the yang of the ginger beer and tequila in the El Diablo, create a good balance of ingredients.  Also, two ingredients are alcoholic and two are not , illustrating another example of symmetry.   It also has two ingredients that are no stranger to one another (limes and tequila) paired with two items that are usually not comrades (cassis and ginger beer).

The fire element is also present in the beverage, both in its name and color.  As for its taste – its sheer perfection.

Calamari –  Tendrils of luxurious calamari breaded and served upon a napkin.  Notice in the picture above how it looks as if the calamari is within a flower, with how the napkin is folded.  This little touch suggest to the diner that they are eating something natural, beautiful and fresh.  A delicious aioli filled with enticing herbs  is served alongside.

Il Tramezzino – A luscious pressed panini served with provolone and prosciutto.  But what really make this sandwich auspicious is the black truffle butter used.  Wrapped in brown paper, the smell of truffles add a powerful aromatic chi (good energy) to the air.

Some other things I’ve tried there recently were:

  • Planeta Chardonnay – Sadly no longer offered on their Lounge menu, this was a very nice white wine, with hints of crisp pear.  It may still be available, just not on the Lounge menu.
  • Castelvero Barbera – A divine red that warms the soul.
  • The Derby – Vermouth, bourbon, and orange curcao trio together well in this vintage inspired beverage.

Another touch I really like here, oddly enough, are the place mats.  They’re of a woven mesh, pseudo-square in design, witch lends a subconscious stability and appeal to anything served upon it.   Drago does provide free parking, or one can take the red line to the nearby 7th Street Metro stop, and then proceed two or so blocks.  The Lounge menu is served throughout the day and evening, seven days a week, with most of the items averaging in the $6.00 – $7.00 range.  In fact, I have a feeling I’ll be there again next week…

Drago Centro

525 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071

213  228-8998

Hours:    Lounge open Monday – Saturday  5:00pm – 10:00pm,  Sunday 5:00pm – 9:00pm

http://www.dragocentro.com/