My Top 5 Obsessions This Week

This week is a double header. A recent trip to Amsterdam has inspired me as always as I have a true love for this amazing city and have been visiting for almost 20 years.

1) My love for the canals knows no bounds and a canal boat excursion is even great in the rainy November weather. The beautiful Hermitage Museum Amsterdam is located in the old Amstelhof built in1683 on the banks of The Amstel River. We checked out the latest exhibit on Catherine The Great "Self Polished Diamond " Do not miss this. The audio tour with the beautiful cameos and jewelry she so lovingly collected.

2) One of the newest additions to the skyline is the modern A'DAM  building with a revolving bar and restaurant called Moon and Europe's highest swing Over The Edge lets you swing out high above The Amstel River.

3) Christmas time in the city is a joy to behold with all the delish speculaas cookies and hot cappuccinos. Shop til you drop but save a bit of an appetite for The Vlaamse frites at the well known Manneken Pis. Share any size a you will be treated to the buttery crunchy goodness with your choice of sauces. I prefer a War Sauce or a Curry and Peanut Sauce. Enjoy!!

4) When you are craving a beer, head to some of my favorite Dutch bars. Mixed crowds of Gay and Straight mingle at Barderij and 'T Mandje. Mostly locals with lots of history. sing, dance,drink beer and enjoy the moment.

5) A wonderful way to wrap up an evening of shopping in The Kalverstraat is a dinner at Humphrey's. A three course pre fixe meal of fine European fare in this rustic chandelier'ed establishment will make you want to come back and visit Amsterdam again and again.

My Top 5 Obsessions This Week

Hello again my semi- costant readers. I have some new favorites this week. Food, wine and a new find on Netflix. So here goes:

1) I checked out a mostly vegetarian Chinese Dim Sum spot in the Mission on 16th and Mission in SF called Big Lantern. The Chive Dumplings and Meatless Sesame Chicken are standouts. Huge portions and a spicy kick make this a perfect place on a rainy night.

2) Ram's Gate Winery in Sonoma is a great first stop or the perfect end on your way back into the city after a day of wine tasting. Breath taking vistas and beautiful decor make this winery several notches above the others. A crisp Chardonnay and a lovely Pinot by the fireplace and some of their delicious food pairings are a perfect end or beginning.

3) If you have not seen the Australian series on Netflix "Glitch " yet, waste no time and binge the first season. Eerie and palpably suspenseful, this story about a group of people who have risen from the dead in the sleepy little town of  Yoorana have made the constable's life a living hell. Award winning show and cast are a delight to watch. A must see!

4) A remix of my favorite Dolly Parton song "Jolene" by Pentatonix is pristine. A haunting new version with Dolly vocals make this classic song even more timeless. Check it out on iTunes.

5) A final entry is the new book The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North is a captivating read. The story is about Harry August and each time he dies, he is reborn in exactly the same place, a child with all the knowledge of a life he has lived countless times before. I expect to see movie rights on this soon.