Great Night Out

Fox Theater Marqui with Paolo Nutini
Originally uploaded by galaxygoo1

I've been listening to Paolo Nutini 's new album over and over. Especially when programming. I'll put on my headphones, and zone out on his tunes and my code. It's really been helping me focus while I learn a programming language (java).

When I saw he was playing at the Fox in Oakland, I had to get tickets and convince some friends to go with me. They'd never heard of him, so they had to trust me. Their trust was well placed. Paolo is amazing.

Denise and I met up at Luka's, for dinner before the show. The food was really great, but not the biggest treat on location that night. It turned out that Paolo Nutini and his band had the same idea, and were hanging out in the back room. It's funny, but I didn't recognize him at first. Mainly because it didn't seem likely to me that he'd be there. I did notice him though, and thought that he looked a lot like Paolo Nutini.

At one point, Denise had gotten up and I was sitting by myself.

I'm sort of lost in my thoughts, and there's Paolo Nutini. Walking right toward me. Just a few feet away. I recognize him, and thoughts quickly fly through my brain...oh wow! That's him!...oh, I should look away...but he caught me mid-thoughts...and I just smiled. I was just happy.

And he smiled back...a lovely, happy smile.

If Denise had been sitting across from me, I would have quickly looked away and pretended I hadn't seen him, out of politeness. Part of that whole give-the-celebrity-space thing that we do. But I was by myself, and looking away would have been strange somehow.

After dinner, Denise and I walked down to the theater, where we met up with Nicole. And then the show started. I have to say that Mr Nutini did not disappoint, and my friends trust in my musical taste was affirmed. The show was great!

I really liked how he completely changed some of his songs--giving them an all new style. It's not often that you get to hear a musician do a creative cover of their own song. Nice!

All in all, it was a fantastic night out!

Fresh Pasta

Fresh Pasta
Originally uploaded by galaxygoo1

This is the freshest pasta I've ever cooked! They sliced it up right there at Pasta Gina. Seriously yummy!

Pasta Gina is one of those things that make living in Noe Valley so wonderful. Delicious fresh pasta (and sauces), and they sell some of the best olives around, too!