What's new with us in San Diego, May 2010

Spring of this year has been exciting and busy for us, in addition to all of our really fun weddings....We bought a darling little house in San Diego, in the North Park neighborhood near Morley Field. It's a dream come true. The house is a 1912 Craftsman  Bungalow!  So adorable, and has been loved and cared for so much that we can just move in and call it home. It's a great thing, because all of our weekends are busy, no... VERY, VERY busy with weddings and elopements this time of the year--we are busy bees with no time for home repairs and remodeling, just unpacking.

Our son Ben graduated from college in Missouri with his Masters in Divinity while still in the reserves with the Navy.  He's ready to begin his work as a chaplain intern.  Ben is interviewing and is hoping for Houston or New Orleans. 

Jennifer Alphonsine, our daughter has just taken a new chef position in the San Juan Islands, Washington.  She relocated last month to the rural town of Friday Harbor and loves it so much.  Here is the update we just received from the Coho Restaurant where she is the executive head chef. 

From the Coho newsletter this month: We are so pleased to announce the appointment of our new Executive Chef, J. Alphonsine Haslet-Phillips.  Alphonsine began in March and has been slowly transitioning the menu to her fresh, lighter style of cooking.  "I wanted to work at a restaurant which had a philosophy that extended beyond the plate on the table, that cared about sourcing food for local, sustainably-grown seasonal ingredients," says Ali about her decision to accept the position. She developed her Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cooking style at several notable Seattle restaurants including Le Pichet, Dandelion, and Dinette. In her most recent position as Executive Chef at the West Seattle restaurant Circa, she expanded her philosophy of developing approachable and deeply flavorful meals that do not mask the individual ingredients.

We are very fortunate to have Alphonsine's expertise and deft hand leading Coho's kitchen. She loves being able to experiment with fresh, local ingredients that highlight the season; and every plate of food that goes out that door reflects her delicate touch and skill in spontaneous creativity.  We hope that you will come in for dinner and taste her cooking.

Anna Maria & Dave

Coho Restaurant's Owners

 120 Nichols Street Friday Harbor, Wa 98250 

  San Juan Island Washington State

Our youngest son, Anthony is keeping busy with his roofing business in Seattle where the rain is a blessing to his business.  He is also a new daddy with the newest member of his family, Ethan.   I managed to stop him long enough to pose for some pictures. Not easy!