Writes of Passage

… more pix n videos on old Google in 2023, Yelp & TA, Insta

Will return for food and the location. The service is as usual: so so, cold and slow.

Ok, the food first. We’ve:

• Fried calamari
• Salmon
• Grouper
• Fish taco
• COD sandwich
• Coral reef pasta

All are very good. Their chunky marinara is wonderful (not sweet), and so is the calamari. The salmon is fine.

The service is cold and slow. A lone receptionist was on the phone for a long time before getting to us. Our server was slow while other serving staff were chatting loudly by the station near our table.

The surroundings are enchanting.

Tight park spaces.

… more pix on Yelp, TA, Insta

We frequent here, and I really love to give them 5 stars, but I couldn’t: there is something that just doesn’t warrant the full count. This time is the rushing and the rice.

The food first. We’ve

• Croquetas
• Filet steak
• Mahi mahi cayo
• La completa YBO-D
• Paella Valencia
• Palomilla-din

Our reservation was at 5:15, but we arrived at 4:45. At the time of the reservation, I asked for a balcony table. Maybe it was too early to open that section. But they sat us by a door, the worst table in the area. Why? It wasn’t busy, with many available.

My paella rice isn’t fully cooked.

The server began removing the entry plates and utensils while most of us were still eating.

St. Pete opera

… more pix on Reddit

The most recent La Bohéme was Feb 2026 at Sarasota: a love story worth experiencing again and again.

All is good: very good production; very able singers; and so-so audiences.

Latecomers are allowed, and so are the drinks. The site manager told me that the opera company told him to accommodate latecomers.

This is their last few shows before the major renovation. One hope is that they screen in the little corridor to the left: sitting out there for a mere five minutes, I was being eaten alive. Oh well, it proves that I’m still attractive to the bugs -:)

Lanai is so popular in Florida, why NOT?

Drinks at Christiane’s is good.

442 2nd St N,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

… more pix on google, yelp, TA*, instan

Will return: a few steps away from the opera house.

Actually, quite a few opera goers come here.

Quirky decor, Bormioli Roccous glasses; two TV screens showing beautiful landscapes and cityscapes; tasteful wall arts.

We’ve:
– Camino de Navaherreros 20
– Meatball
– Dijou board
– Eggs

All is good, and the buttered bread that comes with the meatballs is super yummy, and I finished them all – blaming the two girls -:) I’m so stuffed.

They’ve indoor and outdoor sections (5 tables, four bar chairs). Will try their wine station next time.

1315 Oakfield Dr,
Brandon, FL 33511

… more pix in Google, Yelp

A very busy post office – well, we went during lunch hour at 1pm.

Clean. Large.

I used the self-serving, which was a breeze.

1513 W Brandon Blvd,
Brandon, FL 33511

… more pix on Google, Yelp, TA*, FB, Insta

Will return.

We’ve
– XLB
– Scallion pancake w/ beef
– Beef tendon noodles (knife cut)

All are good, but the last two there’s something I’d like to pick on.
They shouldn’t add haixian / Hoisin sauce on the pancake: on the side is better as they’ve. Also, the pancake is too oily, like fried crispy dough pancake 油饼.

The soup of the noodles has MSG: so they doubt if their cruliary skill? Can’t image anyone can ruin a beef soup.

Love their green flat blows/plate. It looks better with their logo. They’ve a few branches, started in New York, which I used to go. It called Kung Fu XLB. Wondering why would they change to Kitchen in Brandon?

The decor is better and bigger than their New York shop.

The wall art by the bathroom is beautiful. Appreciate spacious and clean bathroom.

112 Pauls Dr,
Brandon, FL 33511

… more pix on Google, Yelp

This oriental market is, in fact, quite large, which I didn’t realize the last time, when it was an in-and-out trip.

An ordinary Asian supermarket, pleasant and clean. Some sections are not labeled. When we checked out, the line was unusually long, but management didn’t bother to lengthen the second cashier.

Bistro

A great wine tasting: good wines plus a story.

Michael Carpenter of Redd Collection is the owner of a wine store in Culver City, CA. One day in 2013 he received an order to ship 115 bottles of 2008 Varvaglione “Papale” Primitivo di Manduria. As he sloppily wrote the address, he realized it was the Vatican, home to the Pope, and some cardinals.

Pope Francis (1936-2025) was about to take the helm on March 13, 2013. (As usual, he died on the job. I’m wondering who actually rules the Vatican, toward the end of each Pope?)

The best part was when John, my first pickleball partner, donned a pope robe and came in … oh my!!

We tried four Varvaglione wines:

1. Chardonnay 2021, $25
2. Primitivo 12E Mezzo Salento 2020, $25
3. Salice Salentino 2017, $35
4. Primitivo D1 Manduria Papale 2021, $43

A wonderful wine tasting

酒好 故事更好

话说加州Culver City一店接到一单115 瓶2008 Varvaglione “Papale” Primitivo di Manduria的单. 店员抄写下地址后 发现 爱嘛 这不是梵蒂冈吗
嗯 是
2013年新教皇Pope Francis 登基
想送点什么给115个主教… 想到这酒
这115瓶也是够折腾的 来自意大利 南方的Varvaglione (酒庄成立于1912年) 在加洲没呆几天就打道回府.
一邻居是酒庄弟弟的娃 安排的这次品酒会

快结束时 临时教皇隆重亮相

Terminal A
Newark International Airport St,
Newark, NJ 07114

… more pix n video on Google & Yelp

New Jersey’s major airport is often considered the third-largest public airport in the tri-state area, after JFK and LGA.

We arrived in the evening, and leaving Terminal B was smooth. However, when we leave from it, it’s super difficult!

Terminal A isn’t available for drop off, due to construction. We have to take the airtrain from Terminal B, then walk 12 minutes or take the 4-minute bus. The system costs $3.5 billion to build?!

The security control is a joke. The Pre-Check and Clear are not obvious. And it’s the first time that my little ball pen, was questioned. Seriously? Seriously!

Charging outlets don’t work at the gate.

Bathroom has line.

UA lounge is full and closed to One-Time pass, which is what I’ve “read the fine print,” and the staff said rudely. Hmmmm… any time when someone reminds you to read the fine print, it’s usually a good sign that you never have to deal with them again. … a.k.a. “I hid the trap in plain sight, and now I’m going to use it to get out of holdin up my end of the deal.” Less of a fair contract and more like A legal ambush.

This is my first time using ewr, and it will be the last. Thank you.

7th Ave & 54/53 Streets
New York

As we’re searching for an Uber ride to EWR Newark, this one jumps out. With a little extra time and the location right behind our hotel, the Hilton, we decided to give it a try. Uber car costs around $120 per trip. This fixed-route, pre-booked ride is part of the Uber group.

It’s a good decision.

$20 pp from Midtown to Newark airport. We’re the first to get on. Luggage is stored in the back, lying flat; the space is very limited. Since we’re the first, ours are at the bottom. With a few pickups, it takes an hour to get to the airport.

The minivan takes about a dozen passengers and offers USB charging outlets.

Our driver, Casandra, is cute. She curses other aggressive drivers, but meanwhile, sweetly announces the trip, and asks us to tell our besties about their service. She makes two trips a day.