Eat, Eat, You're Skin & Bones!

My sister came up for a visit last weekend and it was GREAT. Fortunately my sister and I actually like each other a whole lot (though we wouldn't make for any good dramatic films involving awkward holiday homecomings with tears and bitter recriminations that end in the realization that even though we fight we love each other and we're all we've got - how unfortunate). We started the weekend right with a trip to the Triple Door to see The Portland Cello Project. I'd heard of them from the sister but hadn't listened to them -they were great! And it was actually like seeing about 6 mini concerts because every few songs another guest artist would come out and there would be 2-3 totally different kinds of music. There was pop (covers of Justin Timberlake, anyone?), classical, trumpet-infused folk, soulful delicate folk, modern indie girl rock, and straight up cello. We also went to the symphony (yeaaaah comp tickets!) where we heard Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain, a 20th century violin concerto (interesting, and ultimately enjoyed it) and Stravinsky's The Firebird. The funny thing is that, though I've been in the symphony hall plenty, I've only done it as a performer, so I had no idea how to go about entering through the front door - I honestly didn't even know where the entrance to the hall was. My main reason for attending was The Firebird. I'd never heard all of it, but I do love the ending - I think "rousing" is a good word for it. Verdict: Awesome (I would be the worst music critic ever). In between concerts there was a LOT of eating. Man, do Sis and I love to eat and boy are we good at it. And Liz got to come along for the gastronomic ride. The best discovery was a Puerto Rican restaurant on Market called La Isla. I pass it all the time and don't know why I've never been in, but we LOVED it. Shrimp, rice and beans have never tasted better. They have a plantain sampler plate! Their margaritas are EXCELLENT (and pretty sturdy)! Their happy hour is AWESOME! ($2 plantain plate, anyone?) They bring my favorite flavors into one place: garlic, cilantro and margarita. Damn, I love eating. That was a good weekend.