Author Archives: surrealist11

Unknown's avatar

About surrealist11

Writer. Born David J. Evangelisti in Colorado. David has lived in New Mexico, Colorado, Ohio and California. Enamored with movies from an early age, he enrolled in San Jose State University’s Journalism program. While studying journalism, public relations and filmmaking, he wrote and directed two films: “A Day in the Life of a San Jose Cockroach” and “Theft of a Shopping Cart” (in the vein of Vittoria De Sica’s “Bicycle Thief”). David earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, concentration in Film, from San Jose State University. He began working in the areas of sales and marketing as a writer. In addition, he has written travel articles, travel memoirs, advertising copy, comedy bits, feature film scripts, personal essays and short stories. To date, he has written three unproduced feature film scripts: “Treading Water”, “The Other Cinema” and “A Sympathetic Lie”. From 2003-2004 he was an official taster for the Royal Academy of Wine Tasters. The Royal Academy attempted to create an unbiased wine rating system available to every winery, vineyard or wine distributor across the United States and around the world. This blog is a compilation of the following: a slang dictionary; personal essays; comedic rants; travel memoirs; literary journalism; feature articles; recipes; restaurant reviews; wine reviews; slice-of-life vignettes.

“How to Blow Smoke”: The Art of Smoking Meats…

This guide or cheat sheet is a combination of many hours of hard work smoking various meats, researching and reading “how-to-smoke” via websites, TV programs and the trial and error method. Good luck — “Blowing Smoke”.

Posted in Food Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“A Desert Vacation: La Quinta Resort & Club”…

Bella has been working weekends for the past few months due to her responsibilities as Chair of a local music organization.  As a result, she is LONG overdue for a golf and spa resort vacation.  I suggested she may like … Continue reading

Posted in Food Reviews, pizza, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“A White Christmas in Connecticut”: Photo Essay…

Well, I can’t dance like Danny Kaye but I have been tempted to “attempt” a karaoke of Bing Crosby.  It’s been nearly thirty years since I’ve seen snow during Christmastime.  Bella and I are crossing our fingers that we might … Continue reading

Posted in Food Reviews, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Holidays in Cambria”: Photo Essay…

We haven’t been to Cambria in nearly three years and it’s hard to name a much better spot to get into the holiday spirit than ever-so-charming Cambria, CA.  We have less than 48 hours this year so we’ll have to … Continue reading

Posted in Food Reviews, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Irving and David Go to the Circus”: Venice, CA

My college mentor, Doctor Irv, was in town with his wife Irina for a convention.  I met the doc 21 years ago during my college years at a local swim, tennis and athletic club where I was a personal trainer … Continue reading

Posted in Travel | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment