Daily Archives: 02/27/2010

(Community Matters) just because some never imagine doesn’t mean it isn’t true:

1. today in Austin a rally was held in response to a gay bashing downtown last Saturday night,
2. the governor of Virgina issued an executive order rescinding employment protections for LGBT Virginians, and
3. in Alameda County, CA, parents are suing to exclude gay students from protections against bullying

not to mention marriage, survivor benefits, military service, immigration . . . .

(Community Matters) the update I sent friends today who’ve donated to HelpHaiti – for which we’ve matched their contributions dollar for dollar:

Another brief update.  Welcome to new friends on this list.  I periodically send these personal updates to friends who have given to HelpHaiti.  As always, if you prefer to be taken off these periodic emails, please let me know.

The three $50k challenge grants we issued from your contributions and the match monies to Partners in Health (@PiH.org), Concern Worldwide (@Concern) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) have gone very well.

PiH_org challenged students on several university campuses to raise $50k against the match this week.  They exceeded the challenge and we’re thrilled to double the money raised by the students, i.e., again doubling your already matched monies.  Similar success by @Concern.  A group of Irish writers and musicians planned a fundraising event for NYC last week.  It was expected to bring in a few thousand.  Once @Concern let them know about the EF/AV HelpHaiti challenge grant, the momentum changed, they enlisted the Irish consulate’s aid, and they raised $57,000.  I haven’t heard final results from CRS but know they inquired about opportunities if they exceeded the match.

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(Community Matters) Cameron Lockley and I toured El Arbol restaurant today.  They’re going for “a mid-century classic Argentinean restaurant, both in atmosphere and gastronomic offerings.”  It’s that cool, white contemporary building on the southwest corner of 35th St. and  Glenview – across the intersection from Burger King and diagonally across from Jefferson Square – which has been under renovation for 2 years.

GM Victor Farnsworth (formerly from the Four Seasons Hotel) guided us through the 3 story and large patioed property – recently, extensively renovated – design by Joel Mozersky (The Belmont, Uchi, La Condessa and Antonelli Cheese Shop).

Also chatted with Chef Chad Dolezal. Chef comes back to Texas via Portland and has landed at El Arbol after a stint at Bess Bistro’ (which we’re not holding against him).  We talked briefly about the availability of seasonal, local food product – he’s developing his sources.  We’re not the Pacific northwest but making progress.  They’ve built a gargantuan 6-station grill.  Excited about their beef and about their seafood, of course, obtaining the latter from Roberto San Miguel.

I can’t wait to dine on the second floor, 4 to 6 of us in one of the booths. I’m ordering a Coco Pisco cocktail and the citrus cured seasonal white fish w/ spicy Peruvian peppers as starters.  Then, even though I’m not a big beef eater, I’ve gotta try the Eye of Ribeye – hopefully with someone who’ll split the 14oz steak.  I understand house sommelier, Crockett Moore (who I don’t know) is building an impressive list of Malbecs, so gotta let him introduce us to their best.  ok, maybe an Alfajores for dessert with a glass of port.

The outdoor dining should be perfect this spring.  Victor said the staff is finalizing their brunch menu now, so they should be launching in the next couple of weeks.

(Community Matters) Julie Speed in NY

I don’t recognize this painting – it must be new.

Have I seen a white cake?  and the red remanded to plates.  The hall reminds me of her house.  Julie’s been especially prolific the last several months.

I’d love to make the opening but am booked.  I’ll make the show though