365 Degrees

A Nowruz Celebration

Nowruz (Persian New Year) is probably my single favorite holiday. It's a celebration of Spring, renewal, and love. It doesn't require gifts, it's totally secular, and its most important  traditions fill the house with light and fragrance. It's pretty perfect, as holidays go.

Of course, when Iran is in the kind of turmoil it's in today -- crippling sanctions, horrific inflation, and an oppressive, deeply corrupt government -- the joy of Nowruz is somewhat clouded over by the knowledge that people "back home" are really suffering.

Still, I set up my Haft Sinn, gathered a small group of loved ones, and made the traditional meal. As the two Americans, two Israelis, one Kiwi, and I made a toast to the new year, I couldn't help but make a wish:

I hope, so deeply, that within the next few years,  it will actually be possible for the same six people to sit down to just such a meal together in Iran. 

With that, I say, Eideh Shoma  Mobarak, and may you have a wonderful year ahead!

Verdant Bounty

I'm having a few friends over for dinner later this week and, of course, I'm making Persian food. As I unloaded my shopping bags this afternoon, I had to pause and take in the scent and colors of the herbs and vegetables that will go into our meal. 

Summer is really pretty.

[023/365] Blending

Yesterday, I was over at St. George Spirits while Dave was working on the blend for the Lot 10 Whiskey. 

The application of art, science, instinct and skill in craft distilling is totally enchanting. So, too, is the resulting elixir.

[022/365] Sprung

At the Jack London Square market today, this herb caught my eye. Do you know what she is?

Leave a comment, and tell me what you'd do with her.

Update: This is mature cilantro that has gone to seed. It's slightly more pungent and bitter than the leaf cilantro we're used to.

[019/365] Anew View

Every now and then, you're in the right place at the right time to catch a view through a window you never even noticed was there.

[017/365] Geeking Out

Have you seen this graphic? It makes me very happy. And whenever I think someone is deserving (clearly, you all are), I share it with them. Usually, a debate about whether we're truly geeks or dorks ensues.

This was one of those nights when the debate disappears down a rabbit hole I couldn't have predicted. Arguments about whether sci-fi is better when it inspires suspension of disbelief, or when it's truly (frighteningly) believable. Questioning whether greatness requires obsession, whether in wine-making, mathematics, or marketing.

My brain was buzzing, and it wasn't just because of the Gavi.

[013/365] Bee's Knees

Oakland, you rock my world.