MLB 2016 Regular Season One Week Away!

This blogger is very excited about the MLB 2016 season. Next Tuesday is the day. On April 4, 2016 all teams will be 0-0 and ERA's for all starting pitchers will be at 0.

The new season brings new hope to teams that have not won in a long time, especially if those teams have improved their rosters from 2015. Everybody in the baseball world has their picks for the playoffs after all the trades have been made.

Here are my picks for each division. Keep in mind, I am a SF Giants fan.

American League

• In the American League East the NY Yankees come in first and the Boston Red Sox overtake the Toronto Blue Jays in the last month of the season to finish in second place.


• In the American League Central, I see the Kansas City Royals repeating and I am going to pick Minnesota to finish second in the division one more time, even though Cleveland may give them a chase.


• In the American League West the winner is a more difficult choice. I put Houston in first place for 2016 and the Texas Rangers in second place which is a reverse of 2015. The Seattle Mariners could surprise everyone with their improved lineup.

National League

• In the National League East the New York Mets are the team to beat after last year. I am going with the Washington Nationals to finish second just like last year.


• In the National League Central it is a tough call. On paper the Chicago Cubs are the team to beat, but its's crazy to bet against the St. Louis Cardinals. Until the Cubs finish first, I am going to select the very reliable Cardinals to finish first in 2016 and the Cubs to finish in second place.


• In the National League West where my beloved San Francisco Giants reside, I put my heart and feelings aside and pick the LA Dodgers to finish in first place, again. I am placing the Giants in second place. Both teams will need to play well. All teams have improved, especially the Arizona Diamondbacks. This year any team can and will beat a team that is not ready to give 100% in all 162 games.

Those are my predictions. One more week and the fun begins!!!

Fish Face Food Review

I went to Fish Face for the first time. It is located at the lofts on R Street in Sacramento, CA. The R Street lofts are for artists and most of the retail stores and restaurants in the building are run by residents. I am not sure if that is true for Fish Face. The official name is Fish Face Poke Bar.

I liked the fresh flavors of the food. It was tasty, light and filling. Nice causal setting where you can chill or watch a game if one is on the TV behind the bar. Not a cheap place to eat, but fish and other ingredients in the meal are not inexpensive. The bowl below with a pint of beer cost $21 before the tip. The bowl size was medium so if you go larger be prepared to pay a little more.

I give it two thumbs up. Here is the link to their home page:  http://www.fishfacepokebar.com

Put Down the Politics and Enjoy NCAA March Madness!!!

March Madness is here and a totally good time. If you are tired of the crazy stuff in the news like who is leading in polls to be president, the state of the economy or what movie star has whacked out recently, check out this fun tournament.

One of the many good things about March Madness is you don't have to be an expert in basketball to enjoy. These college players across the nation from all conferences have such a great energy it is easy to jump on the bandwagon and appreciate their hard play. I am rooting and cheering for Gonzaga. The Zags played great defense against Utah. In several instances Utah could not get a good shot.

This blogger suggests putting down the politics and enjoy the highly charged, positive energy of NCAA basketball.

What team do you think will go all the way? What team are you cheering for? Go NCAA March Madness!

El Nino brings Rise to Sacramento River

The rains in California have been steady this week. So has the rise of the Sacramento River. Check out my album on Flickr showing how much the Sacramento River has risen.

Great Coffee Spots in Sacramento, CA

Starting the day off with a good cup of coffee is a must for this blogger. The coffee scene has changed dramatically over the past several decades. Starbucks gets credit for getting specialized coffee to the masses. The market has exploded with small roasters and great tasting coffees in nearly every large city and small town across America since that first Starbucks store at Pikes Place Market in Seattle. We have come a long, long ways from drinking canned coffee in the morning. No offense to those who still drink it that way! I'm just saying we have a lot more choices now.

Here are a few of my favorite places to pick up or sit and enjoy a good cup of coffee in Sacramento, CA. I have included links to their web sites so you can find locations easily.

Excellent Espresso 

1.  Temple Coffee Roasters has several locations in Sacramento. They offer public classes on coffee.  http://templecoffee.com


2. Insight Coffee Roasters also has several locations in Sacramento. I was at one of their stores on a recent Saturday and observed one of their classes. I drink black coffee and really like their brew. I always seem to want a second cup, it's that good.http://www.insightcoffee.com


3. Chocolate Fish may seem like a weird name for a coffee establishment, but their flat white is awesome. http://www.chocolatefishcoffee.com


4. Old Soul in Midtown is right in the middle of Midtown. This cafe has friendly staff and comfortable couches and chairs to enjoy.  http://www.oldsoulco.com


5. Naked Coffee Lounge in Midtown is a popular spot for state workers to grab a cup as they get off light rail near the 16th Street stop. http://www.nakedcoffee.net


6. Yellowbill Cafe and Bakery serves Chocolate Fish Coffee. Their bakery items are excellent. http://www.yellowbill.com


7. Peet's Coffee and Starbucks have many locations in Sacramento. http://www.peets.com and Starbucks link:http://www.starbucks.com

The next time you visit Sacramento and need to get the day started right these establishments will get you going. Fresh bakery items are available, too. Most of these establishments have outside sitting for those nice evenings when you want to enjoy a roast. 

Cheers!

Having Fun in Berkeley, CA-Pictures of the Day

I was in Berkeley, CA to celebrate my daughters birthday and to watch college basketball. The Bears were playing the Trojans and Haas Pavilion was packed. The Bears played well and won. Here are just a few pictures of the day.

Iyasare Restaurant Review

5 Star Review-$$$

I took my daughter to Iyasare in Berkeley for a birthday celebration. The staff was very friendly and the Japanese dishes were excellent. Food is not a passion of mine, but it's easy to understand why Iyasare ranked in the top 100 places to eat in the Bay Area.







We ordered Hamachi-Sashimi, Portobello and Konbu, Kakiage with Shrimp and Buta Asari. I won't even pretend to know what I ate. My tastebuds told me yum, yum, yum! I have included the link below so you can check out the food and drink options.

To visit Iyasare web site click HERE.