Retiring a pair of ramshackled Vans with Luke Mitrani

Met up with the Squid last week for some cruising at the Volcom Brothers Skatepark in town.  After filming numerous lines of Luke throwing down airs in the bowl, I didnt expect to look down and see his whole foot sticking out of the top of his shoe after a haggard duck tape job fell apart!  Squid submitted and retired his weathered ass kicks...

A final backside air ''shocka'' for these old and tired shoes...

After all, do you really even need shoes to skate?  You'll find the answer in Squids most recent skate edit...  One Love

Join the Frendly Gathering June 2-June 5

Nude on Sand

 

Edward Weston (1886-1958), Nude on Sand, Oceano 1936

Shots from Transworld Snowboarding Good Wood 2012

A fun week testing out around 80 snowboards with good friends! The full internet wrap up is over on the Twsnow features website. Also look for the magazine report on the Good Wood reviews in the Transworld Snowboarding October 2011 Issue.

Produttori Del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo 2009

Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo 2009 -  Was dancing nicely in the glass the other night.  Really pure and expressive Nebbiolo.  Do Bianchi said it to be lighter than the 2007 but not as much as 2008.  For me it was definitely showing better than the 2008 I had a while back, but I'm yet to have a taste from the successful 2007 vintage.  Jeremy, surprisingly paired it with a spicy Mexican dish that you can read about in the Houston Press.

Fine Sushi at Sugarfish in Marina del Rey

After escaping from an early May snowstorm in Mammoth Lakes, I hitched a ride to Los Angeles for some fun in the sun.  Last night had some extraordinary sushi at Sugarfish in Marina del Rey.  It was my first real California sushi experience and having the sushi served the second it was prepared with the rice still warm and at a perfect consistency. The menu gives you a good feeling when you read the following...

''We keep sushi simple. You won’t find trendy flourishes with clever names at SUGARFISH. All you’ll find is pure, traditional sushi and a devotion to its classic preparation—right down to the eye-opening flavors of our own house-made soy sauce and ponzu.'' 
 
SUGARFISH Marina del Rey
4722 1/4 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: 310 306-6300 

Venice Beach skate park.

Recent tastings over in the Berkshires

Here is a photo and some recent notes of whats been flowing over in the berkshires at Blantyre, sent by Sommelier Luc Chevalier.

Marcassin , “Marcassin Vineyard”1999

Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast,California

Right from the start the intensity of the fruit are prevalent, open 1hr before, marvelous ruby red, transparent, chocolate on the nose, superb silkiness and a touch of cinnamon  

Good to have with fish in a red wine sauce, duck, fowl and chicken in a natural jus.

 

Chambertin Grand Cru, “Clos de Bèze” Camille Giroud 2001

Pinot Noir, Côte~de~Nuits, Burgundy, France

Also open 1hr before, Purple color, somewhat of a barn smell at the beginning, opens up well to a earthy flavor, wild grass, black fruit and excellent acidity.

Recommending paring with games of all sort and blue cheese as well.