Q-Tips Reviews

BIG EYES – BIG EYES is based on the true story of Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz), who was one of the most successful painters of the 1950s and early 1960s. The artist earned staggering notoriety by revolutionizing the commercialization and accessibility of popular art with his enigmatic paintings of waifs with big eyes. The truth would eventually be discovered though: Keane’s art was actually not created by him at all, but by his wife, Margaret (Amy Adams). The Keanes, it seemed, had been living a lie that had grown to gigantic proportions. BIG EYES centers on Margaret’s awakening as an artist, the phenomenal success of her paintings, and her tumultuous relationship with her husband, who was catapulted to international fame while taking credit for her work.

Q-TIPS SAY: See it! Based on a true story. Big Eyes has some humor during, of all places, in the courtroom. A tad slow at the beginning but the pace does pick up. Mrs. Q says: See hubby as the controlling, lying, conniving, SOB that he really was. There are many types of abuses, this is just one of many types.

DOGS THAT KNOW WHEN OWNERS ARE COMING HOME (and other unexplained powers of animals)
by Rupert Sheldrake

Mrs. Q says: Is it just that they know the routine or is it something else?
Great book about not just dogs, but cats, birds, horses that even tho the routines change by their masters/owners they have some type of sense that their owners are coming home.

What about when the owner misses their train, or comes home in a cab, or those in the Armed Services who arrive home earlier/later than expected? Are the animal’s senses such as hearing, smell that keen that they hear, smell the owners coming? Or is it some other sense that is involved? This is an excellent book and enjoyable reading, especially for animal lovers. If what you read in this book is true, it puts a whole new perspective on our animal friends.

“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town. Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor tohoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

Q-Tips say: Long slow moving movie at times. Mrs. Q says: The movie really does not pick up till Bilbo Baggins put on his ring to become invisible. I know you will see it if you are a Tolkien Hobbit fan. Interesting ending for BB. Not for little ones since some fighting scenes are very graffic with heads are cut off and flying everywhere.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center– 100 Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, (831)459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM July and August open on Mondays also. Adults $8, Seniors (65 and older) $6, Students (with ID) $6, Child (3-16 years old) $6, 2 and under Free. Plus they offer FREE DAYS but not during April, May, June, July or August.

Q-Tips Say: GREAT Discovery Center for little and big kids. Very Hands on for kids – they offer all types of programs for all ages and levels of education and families. The little ones get a “treasure hunt” map to mark the creatures they find. If they can’t find one, there are young marine students who are eager to explain and assist. If they don’t know the answer, they happily go ask a “seasoned veteran” for the answer. They offer tours for inside and outside the Discovery Center.

Mrs. Q says: Great place to take the kids. Get the “treasure hunt map” and let them have fun learning about marine life, eco system and science.

Mrs. Q asks? Did you know that they mark certain marine life for tracking purposes with “hair dye”. Who would have thought! Go and enjoy, we did.

BOVINE BAKERY 23 Kentucky St., Petaluma, CA 94952, (707) 789-9556, thebovinebakery.com

Q-TIPS SAY: DEEEELICOUS!! Organic, handmade pastries, organic coffee and espresso. Great cookies, Mrs. Q had the oatmeal/raisin/coconut and Mr. Q had the chocolate chip and also Peanut butter. Went back twice and enjoyed our cookies as our dessert after dinner. Others placing their orders said the absolute best cakes,cookies and gluten free baked goods. When back in Petaluma we will be back for our cookies and other baked items at Bovine Bakery.

Mrs. Q says: They offer a 10% discount for those silver tipped hair kids (you know who you are).

SAX’S JOINT -317 Petaluma Blvd S, Petaluma, CA 94952, (707) 559-3021, saxsjoint.com

Q-Tips say: Don’t miss this one! The diner is decorated in bubblegum pink, black and white checkerboard, and chrome, and play a steady stream of ’50s and early 60s music on the jukebox. A walk back in time to the 50’s and the “Movie Grease.” They have a section with Elvis posters, etc. Perhaps Elvis is still with us and alive and well in Petaluma and dines here?

The waitstaff wears pink handkerchiefs in their ponytails, black eyeliner “cat eyes,” and make friends with all the customers, and they treat the customers like family than clients. Open for breakfast, made your way, and lunch and dinner. We went for Breakfast. Everything is home made and delicious and reasonably priced.

Mrs. Q says: Enjoy the walk back in time, but go for the good service and excellent food.

JACUZZI FAMILY WINERY – 24724 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, CA 95476, (866) 522-8693
jacuzziwines.com

Q-Tips say: GO AND ENJOY! You can’t beat it anywhere! FREE wine tasting. YES, FREE! Also, should you be fortunate to get “FRED” as your host, he is one of the long line of Jacuzzi Familia. Fred not only tells you about the wine, grapes and how they make the wines but will spend time telling you about the family history. He was happy to answer our many questions. Make a point to walk around and see the beautiful works of art they have inside and out. If you are a Senior Citizen, ask about their 15% discount.

So, you think they went from Italy right into wine making? NOT SO. The original Jacuzzi Family originated from Italy. The sons developed the propellers for airplanes. After one of the brothers got killed the Matriarch said, no more propellers. When Mama speaks, the family listens. They moved their family to Northern California and purchased a 161-acre farm land in Contra Costa County. The Patriarch with help from his older children, planted a portion of the open farm fields with grapes and applied for a license to make wine for home consumption. They took their propeller ideas and went into the Jacuzzi business. where they manufactured water well pumps and eventually, the bath and spa that bears their name which is now in Berkeley. That leads us to the delicious wine they make.

Thanks, Fred, for making our visit so enjoyable and patiently answering our questions and offering us free chocolate shots. Usually the cost is $5.00.

Mrs. Q says: FREE WINE TASTING and also FREE olive oil tasting. WHAT a DEAL! Of course, we could not leave without purchasing several bottles of wine, A Sagrantino, Giuseppina and La Dolce Vigne and some olive oil. So many wines, so little time. Go and enjoy, we did.

GIRL & the FIG – 110 W Spain St., Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 938-3634, thegirlandthefig.com

Q-Tips say: Go and enjoy! Nice ambiance, great drinks and service and a nice happy hour – the bar area was full.

Our choices were: Pastis-Scented Steamed Mussels & Frites– Garlic, leeks, herbs, grilled bread, Grass-Fed Steak Tartare- Traditional with raw egg, caperberries, lavender sea salt, toast, Bay Scallop Risotto- Carnaroli rice, cauliflower, confit leeks & fennel, shaved pecorino.

All delicious with our perfect drinks made for an enjoyable evening. Will go back when in the area.

JACK’S OYSTER BAR – 336 Water St., Oakland, CA 94607, Jack London Square, (510) 271-7952,
HOURS: Monday – Thursday 11:30 – 9:30, Friday & Saturday 11:30 – 10:00, Sunday 11:00 – 9:00
jacksoakland.com

Q-Tips say: GO FOR IT! The best Oysters we have had since we have been in Chicago at Shaw;s Crab House. Great drinks, service and cute ambiance. Not inexpensive but worth every penny.
We will go back when in Oakland.

Daily Oyster Special – Come in and enjoy or featured oyster for only $2.50. For every oyster you purchase Jack’s donates 10¢ to The Watershed Project.

Fixed-Price Menu – We offer a 3-course fixed-price menu for $16 from 11:30 to 3pm, M – F

Happy Hour Specials – From 3pm – 6pm, enjoy the featured oyster for $1.50 (for every oyster you purchase Jack’s donates 10¢ to The Watershed Project), $2 off House Cocktails, $1 off Linden Street Beers, and $1 off Happy Hour white, rose and red wines. Go and enjoy, we did.

The STINKING ROSE (A garlic Rest.) 325 Columbus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94133, b/t Broadway St & Vallejo St in North Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill, (415) 781-7673, thestinkingrose.com

Q-Tips say: If you like garlic, and we do, this is a must do in San Francisco.
Good food, drinks, and service. Everything has garlic,. They even have garlic ice cream and a garlic wine. We have come here just about every time we visit S.F. They have been around a long time. The garlic dishes we had were not overwhelming and perfectly done. They will serve the same dish without garlic – so they aim to please the customer and entrees are reasonable priced. Mrs. Q says: Yes, during prime cooking time, you can smell the restaurant a block away (that’s a good thing).

Appetizer
BAGNA CALDA Garlic Soaking in a Hot Tub, garlic cloves, oven-roasted in extra virgin olive oil & butter with a hint of anchovy. A wonderful treat for spreading on house-baked focaccia bread, served at your table in an iron skillet and enough for all to share.

Entrees:
Garlic Braised Boneless Short Rib, and garlic encrusted Baby Back Ribs, both $23.95, and a Pasta Dish. All we could say is: Deeeeelicious!!!

Servings were large and asked to take home the remaining delicious morsels.
Mrs. Q says: So if you enjoy garlic, or not, try “The Stinking Rose”.
There is also a “Stinking Rose” in Beverly Hills CA.