TRAVELS WITH JIMMY TEE-STATUESQUE CITIES

We are taking a bit of a diversion in this segment – rather than describing a specific location in detail, we are highlighting a series of destinations which have sponsored community art with a unifying theme – in each case, a collection of identical animal castings inventively decorated by a series of artists. In general, these works of art are on public display for a number of months and then are sold through an auction or bidding process – and then disappear from view. In the more successful programs, either the city acquires a few of the statues and maintains a permanent public display, or a bank or major corporation will purchase a statue and put it on public view in their lobby. The number of artistic displays varies from half a dozen or so to 30 or more, depending on the available budget. Overall, the programs provide for a most enjoyable photo tour of each city during the period when the eclectic statuary is featured. Here we go!

SAN FRANCISCO -- HEARTS
What else could it be? There were beautifully decorated hearts throughout the financial district on my recent visit to San Francisco. The city did it right, and acquired a number of the decorative hearts for permanent public display. Four of them are at the four corners of Union Square, with the highlight being the Tony Bennett heart. Others are on display in the lobbies of major office buildings. Great choice, and a project well done!

CATALINA -- BISON

As you may know, Santa Catalina Island has had a herd of bison roaming the mountains since the 1920’s, so that animal was a natural for the city of Avalon to display. I really enjoyed this sequence, as the artists were given free reign to use their imaginations in decorating the featured bison statues. The US flag bison was one of my favorites. Others included the purple quilt bison, the blonde bison with eyelashes and lipstick, and the Catalina Island landscape bison. As in the following sections, I have only displayed one or two photos, although there are many more in my files.

SEDONA -- JAVELINAS

The Sedona sequence was perhaps the best of the individual city displays, as they had several dozen javelina pairs along both sides of the main street downtown. It was a fun, colorful, and compact exhibition which was easy to view as you walked through the shopping district. The statues were whimsically decorated, fit in perfectly with the Southwest atmosphere, and gave an element of class to what basically is a long strip mall. However – unfortunately – great as this exhibition was – Sedona did not acquire any of the statues and they disappeared into private collections. The only javelina statue on display is the pink pair which is owned by the Pink Jeep Company and sits in front of their office. Sedona really missed an opportunity here – they should have acquired all the javelina statues and retained them as permanent public art.

SALT LAKE CITY -- SEAGULLS

Again, an obvious choice, but again, one which complimented the city. I particularly liked the Scrabble seagull, as I could relate to both the artistry and to fond memories of some well-fought games. My visit to Salt Lake City was after the major seagull displays had been auctioned off, but I did get to see a couple of interesting variations of seagull art.

Well, that’s it for now. I will have additional cities to highlight in future articles – and if anyone has observations, recommendations, or a favorite sequence that I have missed, please let me know.

To Additional Adventures in Healthy Living,

Jimmy Tee

TRAVELS WITH JIMMY TEE - San Fransisco Tidbits

Almost everyone has been to San Francisco a number of times, so I am not going to describe the City by the Bay – rather, in this short article, I will offer a few dining suggestions which will enhance any visit.  As you know, San Francisco is an exciting destination, with a number of the nation’s top restaurants covering a multitude of cuisines and price points.  Here is where we ate on our last visit.

This was a brief trip – just an early morning Saturday flight up from San Diego and a late evening Sunday flight back.  A short stay, but what a great time, with a wonderful variety of dining experiences.

From the airport we went directly to the Palace Hotel, the pre-eminent San Francisco landmark for over 100 years.  After checking in, we confirmed our reservation for breakfast/brunch at The Garden Court.  This spectacular setting is one of the most beautiful rooms anywhere, with classic chandeliers, a ceiling of stained glass, large round tables spaced comfortably apart, and palm trees scattered throughout.  I had my favorite breakfast of Eggs Benedict and Orange Juice, but there also is a full buffet available.  Yes, The Garden Court is a bit expensive, but with great service, excellent food, and a fabulous setting, it definitely is worth it to splurge!

After perusing the boutiques around Union Square, we taxied to Swan Oyster Depot for a late afternoon treat.  Swan’s is another San Francisco institution, having been in business for almost 100 years.  The setting is the opposite of the Palace Hotel – just a narrow, nondescript room with a counter, some 21 bar stools, and a long line waiting to get in.  Of the various times that we have been to Swan’s, our average wait was over 30 minutes (you definitely need to allow for this).  However, once seated, the fun begins.  Oysters on the half shell and a beer are all we ever order, but we order several helpings with different oyster varieties.  Other guests partake of their crab, shrimp, lobster, and clam chowder dishes.  I happily recommend Swan Oyster Depot for an intriguing experience and a chance to savor a unique part of the San Francisco dining world.

The next day, after our morning Starbuck’s (one on every corner), we went to Yank Sing for Dim Sum (as I remember from Hong Kong) or Deem Sum (as they display it).  You are in a casual Chinese restaurant, but one which has a James Beard Award, a Zagat rating, and a Michelin Guide commentary.  Just peruse the dishes as they come by on the carts and select what appeals to you.  A marvelous selection of delectable Chinese hors d’oeurves, all reasonably priced – until you get the final bill and find that you have ordered twenty wonderful selections at $5 each!  A great taste treat, but do not let your eyes overpower your stomach.

Finally, I wanted to offer one other suggestion for a casual evening which we have enjoyed several times – Morton’s Steakhouse.  It’s just off Union Square and offers the usual presentation of huge servings of beef and accoutrements.  However, while we do partake of the formal meal, on this occasion we sat at the bar off the main dining room and ordered Lobster Bisque followed by Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.  This is one of the best combinations ever, in our view.  A truly wonderful meal in elegant surroundings --  casual but refined (!) – and about 1/3 the cost of the protein-carbo packed main courses!  Give it a try – it’s a great way to visit Morton’s.

Obviously there is much more to San Francisco than described above, but this may give you a flavor of a most enjoyable brief weekend visit.

To Additional Adventures in Healthy Living,
Jimmy Tee