The Mini-Masterpieces show has been extended to the end of January 2023. The show is at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda California.
I've refreshed my little corner with some small paintings for the show's extension.
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| Engineering and construction paintings, flower paintings |
CoWaBunGa
After visiting the Diego Rivera exhibit at the SFMOMA for the third time, I was tempted to sketch in his style. What is so great about Diego Rivera's artwork is the depth of color that he infused into his paintings. Here are a few of my sketches, in homage to Diego Rivera:
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| Allegory of California, Diego Rivera, 1930 |
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| Edsel Ford, Diego Rivera, 1932 |
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| Billionaire's Folly, Rivera-like, Jeng 2022 |
Ramen and motorcycles?!? What's happening here, why are my two favorite things here in the same place and time? I thought at first this was a bit too clever for its own good, but after trying the Tonkotsu Ramen, I was convinced. This is a real ramen shop and the silver-flaked, 70's motorcycle helmet display wall just adds to the ambiance.
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| Roji Ramen, on Piedmont Ave in Oakland, 12/2022 |
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| Tonkotsu ramen with chasiu |
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| Agadashi tofu appetizer |
On Piedmont Avenue, there is a little restaurant tucked into a wedge floor plan. This location has been turned over many times, previously a hamburger diner during the pandemic. The recent update to this venue is Charm Thai Bistro and it lives up to its namesake. The decor is modern, tasteful, and beautifully lit.
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| Charm Thai Bistro, 12/2022 |
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| Seafood Curry and Vegetarian Pad Se Ew |
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| Spicy Basil Wings |
One of the classic dim sum restaurants on the San Francisco peninsula is Hong Kong Flower Lounge in Millbrae, California. When I worked in Millbrae on the SFO BART Extension, my coworkers and I would sometimes enjoy dim sum here when we celebrated a big milestone in the design and construction of the BART system. We recently visited while we were in Millbrae and it's just as good as before.
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| Hong Kong Flower Lounge, 08/2022 |
CoWaBunGA
Sometimes, you just have that craving for a good oyster on a half shell or in an oyster po'boy. If you're in San Francisco's Ferry Building, you can stop by the Hog Island Oyster Company and get your oyster fix. The fun part about stopping here is that you can sit at the counter and watch the chefs shuck oysters right in front of you - they're very skillful.
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| Hog Island Oyster Co, 10/2022 |
CowABunGA
We heard about Yojimbo when my art friends complained about all the leftovers they had to carry home whenever they ate at Yojimbo. Well, they also said the food was great for the value. Later on, the Art Jam members established a special relationship with Yojimbo when Darv donated a cache of Miyazaki art pieces as part of Art Jam's art challenges.
Yojimbo recently opened another location on Santa Clara in Alameda. The new location is quite dramatic and has much more room for the owner's artwork and animation collection. I was adventurous and decided to have the Chef's choice sushi, Darlene chose the "make-your-own" Bento Box with grilled salmon and spicy tuna roll. Delicious!
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| Yojimbo, upper dining area, 10/2022 |
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| Sushi, Chef's choice |
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| Make your own Bento Box, grilled salmon and spicy tuna roll |
