The new Whole Foods opened a mile down the road. Apart from the impressive wine tasting bar, it also has… a gelato serving case!

I visited twice, undercover and all. Took a few pictures (above). Tasted a few flavors (they were good and well made). Asked some innocent questions about their production (they make the gelati in the mornings on site, picking 20 from a book of 55 flavors).

Personally, I am thrilled that they’re doing this. The more people learn about gelato, the better it is for a new business. They’re doing all the work! The market will be primed for more gelato consumption.

Last July while attending a conference in Denver, K and I ate at the Appaloosa Grill on 16th St. The food was upscale American, the place was way too noisy, and there was a lesbian couple hogging the ladies room. But the art – oh the art! I fell in love with this one piece by the far wall – so much that I asked K to pose so I could pretend I was taking a picture of him when I really wanted to get the painting.

Months later, I’m still thinking about that lovable painting. I put my online sleuthing skills to the test and finally found it and the artist! Her name is Grey Girl and her maker is Jeremy Charles Burns. His style is sweet, playful and unpretentious. Isn’t she so lovely? I’m trying to save enough money to get her as a Christmas/Birthday present for myself. Next time I’m in Denver, I’ll have to see if he’s showing anywere. And head to Appaloosa for a lunch date.

We shall see! The new look is growing on me. Nyuk nyuk.

See any resemblance?

At a Ben Folds concert at the Fillmore Detroit.

I just returned from my Scotland trip* and it’s been a great first day back! When I got to the office, I discovered that my work cellphone finally gave up the ghost. This is the scene when I reported it to my manager.

Me: “Uh oh. My phone is dead. It keeps powercycling to no end. Simply putting the battery in makes it go nuts.”
Manager: “Are you trying to tell me you need an iPhone?”
Me: “What? Uhh no. I’m saying it’s broken.”
Manager: “When Brian gets back, he can get you set up with an iPhone.”
Me: “Oh. Okay.”

An hour and a trip to the Apple Store later, I’m slipping a brand new iPhone into its nice rose-colored rubber sleeve. Slide, tap, pinch. Bloop bloop! I love the sounds it makes.

Later that day, I met with one of the partners who had offered to split an order from La Divina Gelateria. They arrived last Wednesday! Flavors: Creole Cream Cheese, Bananas Foster, Honey Sesame Goat’s Milk, Creme Brulee, Pistacchio, and Coco Thai Sorbet. Interesting, smooth, subtle flavors. I’ll be tasting them again when they’re at serving temperature. Yum!

* post forthcoming