Best April 16th Ever
It started out rocky, but got smooth real quick. Our reservations at a Laguna Beach brunch hotspot were exchanged for an impromptu meal at the Five Crowns in Corona del Mar, where I dined on stilton-cheese topped salad and eggs benedict. I washed it all down with a spicy, salt Bloody Mary. The day was gorgeous and we walked it all off with a stroll around the impressive houses of the Corona del Mar area, imagining ourselves on those balconies, languid in our riches, soaking up the sun and bathing in our imagined wealth.
After a quick change out of the our Sunday finery, we drove up to Universal Studios for a spur of the moment excursion. I was hesitant to believe that Universal on Easter Sunday would be a good idea, but it was I that would be proven quite wrong. Every ride was free and clear, and we waited no more than 10 minutes for an attraction. Though we got there around 5 pm, we still saw and experienced the entire park in about 3 hours - unheard of on a normal weekend! There was much delight in the "4-D" adventures of Shrek, and a few pounding hearts during "Backdraft" and "Jurassic Park" but I think the best ride of the night was "The Mummy". I screamed so hard during the entire ride, I've nearly lost my voice.
After the park closed at 8, we meandered over to the University City Walk. I suggested a dinner at Buca di Beppo, which was appreciated by all involved. Our table was great, the food smelled fantastic, and I didn't think it could get any better. But again I was proven wrong, for who happened to be seated immediately across from us but current American Idol frontrunner Chris Daughtry himself! My dad and his wife recognized him right away; since my back was to him, it took me a minute or two, but he was exceedingtly gracious and gregarious and let us all take photographs with him. He threw his arms around me and snuggled up close for our photo, which actually came out a lot differently than we had posed, since I guess the camera we used has a weird delayed-shot feature. No matter...the shot looks more natural that way, and just looks like two friends chatting with their arms around each other...sort of like in US Weekly. It will be up in my pictures section soon, no doubt.
Interesting side note: Chris wore a great little cap which we playfully demanded he remove. He was game for it and delighted us all with his adorable bald pate. He wore a lime-green zipped hoodie sweatshirt that was surprisingly soft, and he was a firm hugger. He was shorter in person than I expected, and seemed like exactly that which he was: a normal guy experiencing sudden fame, intense and good-natured, and he was handling it well.
We ordered so much good food that it was a requirement we take it all home. Since Dad and his wife are visiting from out of state, all the wonderful Buca di Beppo came home with me. I literally have 6 take out containers. SIX. That's like...six full meals, if you have ever been to Buca di Beppo. Maybe more. Awesome. This has to be the best April 16th of all time.
After a quick change out of the our Sunday finery, we drove up to Universal Studios for a spur of the moment excursion. I was hesitant to believe that Universal on Easter Sunday would be a good idea, but it was I that would be proven quite wrong. Every ride was free and clear, and we waited no more than 10 minutes for an attraction. Though we got there around 5 pm, we still saw and experienced the entire park in about 3 hours - unheard of on a normal weekend! There was much delight in the "4-D" adventures of Shrek, and a few pounding hearts during "Backdraft" and "Jurassic Park" but I think the best ride of the night was "The Mummy". I screamed so hard during the entire ride, I've nearly lost my voice.
After the park closed at 8, we meandered over to the University City Walk. I suggested a dinner at Buca di Beppo, which was appreciated by all involved. Our table was great, the food smelled fantastic, and I didn't think it could get any better. But again I was proven wrong, for who happened to be seated immediately across from us but current American Idol frontrunner Chris Daughtry himself! My dad and his wife recognized him right away; since my back was to him, it took me a minute or two, but he was exceedingtly gracious and gregarious and let us all take photographs with him. He threw his arms around me and snuggled up close for our photo, which actually came out a lot differently than we had posed, since I guess the camera we used has a weird delayed-shot feature. No matter...the shot looks more natural that way, and just looks like two friends chatting with their arms around each other...sort of like in US Weekly. It will be up in my pictures section soon, no doubt.
Interesting side note: Chris wore a great little cap which we playfully demanded he remove. He was game for it and delighted us all with his adorable bald pate. He wore a lime-green zipped hoodie sweatshirt that was surprisingly soft, and he was a firm hugger. He was shorter in person than I expected, and seemed like exactly that which he was: a normal guy experiencing sudden fame, intense and good-natured, and he was handling it well.
We ordered so much good food that it was a requirement we take it all home. Since Dad and his wife are visiting from out of state, all the wonderful Buca di Beppo came home with me. I literally have 6 take out containers. SIX. That's like...six full meals, if you have ever been to Buca di Beppo. Maybe more. Awesome. This has to be the best April 16th of all time.
posted by The Semi-Pro Chef at Sunday, April 16, 2006
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