It feels as though it's been a crammed few weeks. The festivities of Halloween, a quick zig up to Seattle to get our Pink Martini fix, a visit from our Australian board member, and now, a quick zag up to Point Reyes to take a deep breath, and disconnect from everyone/everything (except for some dear friends). The *Man* has been relentless and complete slave driver the past few weeks, which has thrown a bit of the proverbial wrench into our equation. We've been finding it difficult to keep up with board members and partners (ahem, that would be family and friends to the uninitiated), and we're hoping that changes right quick. The holidays are almost upon us, and it would be a shame to let the whims and habits of the man 'crimp our plans'. So with a steaming mug of good strong java, the sunshine beaming down on the wood plank deck and calm Tomales Bay waters in front of us, we put our weary paws to keyboard and resolve to get that chin up, prepare for the onslaught, and ENJOY the moment. Each one as it comes. The Binkomonster castle is actually getting ready for a holiday shindig of epic proportions. Our current tally shows that we will be playing host to 12 compadres on this forthcoming Turkey day. We'll then be moving the party to another locale in SOMA for desserts and a continuation of the festivities. Then of course the Christmas madness begins, and is capped off by a visit from a long absent Binkomonster partner (ahem, we're looking at you Mz. Lorraine!) for the New Year. It's all good, and it will be great to have three floors of cheer, conversation, good food, friends, wine, crazy cats, cocktails, and laughter. We can't think of a better plan for seeing the year out.
Now, what would an entry in the Binkomonster blog be without the usual patter of restaurants and drinks? We aim not to deprive you dear readers. Though we'll be honest, for all the activities of late, our restaurant visits have been perhaps less in frequency. You see, we've been enjoying the food from the Binkomonster Bistro and kitchens much more (and trying to hone the skills of the cooking staff for the impending holidays). And it happens to be awfully convenient. When the *Man* has sapped our collective strength and humor, there is nothing like throwing some Gin, Campari, and orange bitters into a tall frosty shaker, pouring out the resulting Negroni, and padding out to the lush and green patio to collapse and gaze up at the Castro. It might further be easy to see that after another Negroni or two, the desire to leave the Castle in search of sustenance (when our own larders are stocked with all manner of Camembert, bread, Trader Joe's tasties, etc) is, um, well, rather nonexistent. It also doesn't help that we've been on a bender of sorts lately, capping off our evenings watching marathon sessions of NewsRadio (finally on DVD! Hooorah!)
As for the establishments that we *have* partaken of, two in particular have landed on our top ten. PJs Oyster bed is a particularly fun find. Tucked away in the Sunset, it's a warm and cozy little place that serves great Cajun/style food. The oyster shooters here are the best that we've sampled ANYWHERE. Really. And the trouble is? You can slurp them down waaaay too easily. The voodoo shrimp (mmm, hot, spicy, flavorful!) And then there is dessert. The Bananas Foster is AWESOME (and totally the reason why we need to limit our excursions here). Number two on the list we offer up begrudgingly. Why? Well, a number of reasons. It's numero uno on our best bars list (frankly we think it to be the best bar in the world, and hey! we don't even have to go anywhere except in our backyard). It's so wonderful, that it has become a satellite office for the Binkomonster staff. So you'll forgive us if we want to keep this gem to ourselves. After all, how can we have board meetings if a joint is overrun with legions of those looking for the 'next hip scene'?
Give us a hint! At least a clue? You say... Awright. Berbon and Branch (we mutter in hushed tones).
Yes the misspellink is on purpose. And we're not giving a link neither. Hee.
Ahem. The CTO. In her shiny tiara. Halloween. 2006. Post-cocktail.
