12499 USF Bull Run Drive,
Tampa, FL 33617
… more pix on Reddit.
A gorgeous Saturday, perfect for tailgating.
The venue is at Yuengling Center @ University of South Florida in Tampa, built in 1977, with 10,411 seats.
The musician is Billy Strings (1992-) – great performance, great music, great crowds.
Many young people among the concert goers – great news, ensure the longevity of the music.
Day 15 – Sunday, Feb 4: South Shetland Islands, 65 nautical miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula
… more pix & videos on Google Maps: Deception Island, & Whalers Bay.
Waking up to a rather overcast skies, I went to the bow and took some spectacular videos. As we’re sailing into Whalers Bay, the scenery is even more beautiful and tranquil. It did perk me up – for more than two weeks on the ship, I was a little weary.
This would be our last landing of the trip.
Deception Island is a small island in the Bransfield Strait, 620 miles / 1,000km south of Ushuaia, Argentina. It is close to Antarctic Peninsula but is in South Shetland Islands. Long video
This island is the caldera of an active volcano, that had ruined the scientific stations in 1967 and 1969. Because of its natural harbor, it was a whaling station in the 20th century, as early as 1906. Argentina and Spain have their research station during the summer months, but it’s administered under the Antarctic Treaty System. Each year, it sees about 15,000 tourists. Walk the beach, visit the ruins, climb up to Neptune’s window for the vintage view. I saw the cutest seal, playing hide and seek with me.
The group in red outfit is from Brazil. This is the only time that we ‘ve a company. We were the only one at all other landings.
I would love to go kayaking one more time but it was canceled due to the weather. By 10:20am, the wind was picking up, that forced us to return to the ship earlier than planed.
… more pix on Reddit.
WOW Wow wow … the violinist Julian Rachlin (1974-; Vilnius, Lithuania) is a conductor and, a better performer: enthusiastic and energetic – gotta to go to his concert, and bring your glasses or binoculars. His large and intense movement and facial expression are the highlight of the evening. I’d like to know
Oh gosh … everyone should go to his concert!!! Unfortunately at his age, he’s not going to have any break through and becoming that hot commodity. So do go while you can.
Tonight’s program:
Sarah McElravy plays both violin and viola. She’s pretty, with a narrow waist but lacks virtuoso flair: holding her viola very low, I feel she looks like a cowboy performer than a soloist of classical music. Up class, the stage light is harsh on her.
The surprise piece: every now and then, they insert a small piece in the program. This time, it’s Krzysztof Penderecki (1933-2020). Without prompt – like no applause, she returned, followed by conductor Rachlin, to give us the surprise – a contemporary piece. Can do without it. The reason of this piece: McElravy said she and Julian Rachlin performed at Penderecki’s funeral, per his wish.
Bathroom issue: the toilet water is brown, which is unfortunately … yucky.
One of our neighbors is volunteering as the usher and he found us from the second floor – we were playing bridge on Monday mentioned this concert.
The real surprise is after the intermission: a spectacular performance by Rachlin when he conducts Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, New World Symphony while he was in US, and was premiered Carnegie Hall in New York in 1893 – a lot of Americana in it. Rachlin is on fire … I normally listen to concert and tonight, I’m on the edge of my seat, watching! What a treat, his movement is dramatic and flashy (hence my tennis elbow wonder…) thank you conductor. I sure will come for more. As soon as the last note ends, a man yelled out: BROVA and the applause is thunderous.
They allow patrons to bring their glasses to the seats … and one broke. Someone has to come in with broom to clean it up.
Our dinner at Steelbach is good too: a good prelude to the weekend.
1910 N Ola Ave
Tampa, FL 33602 @ Armature Works
A Michelin guide restaurant
… more pix n videos on Google Maps, Yelp, TA
Will return for the window alcove that looks out to the outdoor section.
High ceiling, exposed pipes; love the ambiance and decor, especially the brick walls and unique lighting features. Very good service, decent food, great wine. What not to love?
Out booth has a handsome door that sets against the brick wall. It’s pretty poetic -:). But it’s also next to the bar. When we first sat down, shortly before 6pm, the restaurant isn’t too busy. The this little area is the commingle place for the staff, who chat, and are affable toward each other, like back slapping. Pls just be mindful, that we’re inches away and seated, which means short distance with our eyes meeting their lower back …
The wine is awesome. They’ve two wine menus: Captain’s List with hard leather binding runs to 4 digit; and soft leather binding, which is for people like us, from the other side of track -:) We ended up with La Jassine, Côtes-du-Phône Village, 2021: it’s yummy.
Foods, we’ve
Their beef is grass fed, which is leaner than usual. Both steaks came with butter in the ramekins. It’s definitely a personal choice. For me and my two companions, we prefer the fatty marbled steaks, even they claim theirs are marble too:
We partner with local producers to raise Steelbach’s grass-fed, pasture plus-nished beef. Our steaks have excellent marbling and premium flavor and are cooked over 1000-degree oak and mesquite open fire grills.
WebMd wrote .. : “No studies have proven that grass-fed beef is better for your health.”
I googled grass fed cow government, got the following
~ USDA grass fed: This program requires that ruminant animals be fed only grass and forage, with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning. Animals certified under this program cannot be fed grain or grain by-products and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season.
~ NIH: Grass-fed vs. grain-fed beef systems: Although many consumers perceive grass-fed beef as more environmentally friendly than grain-fed beef, there is a dearth of research available to address these consumer claims. … Consider environmental footprint (water, land, greenhouse gasses, and energy)
~ American Grassfed.org
~ Penn State.edu
~food insight
… afterward, we walked to the Straz center, for A SUPER thrilling concert!
12974 S US Hwy 301
Riverview, FL 33578
… more pix on Google Maps, Yelp
Will return.
Dark decor, decent service and great steak for that price range.
I don’t think they take reservations. When we walked in at 4:30 this Saturday, there are many people waiting. We were told: 25 minutes. I really doubt with the among of people waiting. But true to her word, our table for three was ready within 25 minutes.
I ordered namesake T-Bone steak, turned out to be excellent. It comes with two sides, salad and yam.
“Sugar and butter?”
“Butter only.”
The warm wheat bread is delicious but the butter tastes bit sweet.
Lava cake looks delicious but I was too full after the tbone.
The extras: one of diners in our group asked for an extra iced tea, bread and butter to take home. The staff said yes without missing a beat. What’s your opinion on this? Do share.
As we were leaving, I heard the hosts repeating the 25 minutes again – perhaps this is the result of their cooperate office’s research? Amusing.
