Local Eats-D Dogs

There is a new restaurant downtown and we are happy to report they stay up late....well at least until midnight. This is perfect for a late night nosh when you get out of the theatre, which is exactly what we did. We met the owners Laurie and Daryll, who couldn't be more friendly and welcoming. They didn't tell us this, but I think that their theme is 'oversized.' I came to this conclusion after seeing the super surround bar, huge t.v. screens and the 'big ass fan' (we asked them, and yes, that is the name of the brand) in the corner. Oh, and they also serve vast amounts of beer from a wide selection. We saw one pair of gentleman sharing a 100 ounce beer (but they go up to 160 ounces, in case you were wondering) served in a glass version of what looked like an old petrol pump. We tried the parmesan garlic fries, a hamburger and custom built hot dogs, which were all excellent. We will gladly give them our business in the future. Welcome D Dogs. Stay awhile.

Build you own or choose a Specialty House Dog

Wraparound bar

Top of the 100 ounce

My custom Dog with some Bright green relish

Cheers!

M2E

The Fox Theater

We had a wonderful evening watching Hitchcock's film 'North by Northwest' at the Fox Theater Friday night. When Hitchcock made his notorious cameo right in the beginning of the film, the audience acknowledged it with a round of applause.

 I had never seen this film, and was really intrigued by the very progressive attitude of the female lead. Her role in the film and actions seemed quite forward for the time period. I also swooned over Cary Grant and appreciated his wit and snappy comebacks for every situation.  There is only one person that I have met in real life that is that quick with a quip and he was with us that evening. Nod to the brilliance of a quick wit here. 

The symbolism in this film was also fantastic. I know what a train going into a tunnel means and I giggled when I saw it. Current films don't use innuendo and mystery to this degree. I for one, like to use my imagination as I am so rarely asked to do so.  Bravissimo.

Box Office-The Fox Theater

Promenade-The Fox Theater

Mount Rushmore backdrop in bar

Blue is my favorite color neon

Lobby Bar at the Fox Theater

Lovely lights and painted ceilings

Great center seats for only $12

Rawr!

Does this make anyone else dizzy?

Let's all go to the lobby

It's strange to walk out of an old movie and see and old car, but there it was, right on cue.

Note to self: we need to move 'See Mt. Rushmore' higher up on the bucket list. 

So many things to do.......

Cheers!

Hitchcock Friday Film Festival

 More to Explore is going to the Fox Theater tonight to see North by Northwest! It is the first film in their new Hitchcock Friday Film Festival series. If you have not been to the Fox theater yet, now is the time because tickets are only $12 a person. This wilted flower from the past has been beautifully restored into a lovely theater once more.

 

We apologize that the above link is not active. If you want tickets, go here.

 

We hope to see you there. I'm easy to spot as I always have a camera in front of me. I hope to capture some great photos of this iconic building tonight.

Who's excited?

Cheers!

One Mission to rule them all

Of all the buildings in downtown Riverside, the most significant is certainly The Mission Inn. Over the years, I have seen it dually transformed by both neglect and restoration.  I even own a table sold off by the Mission in the 90's, right before Mr. Roberts stepped in, when funding was becoming critical. Ask almost any resident and they can tell you about a visit to the Inn, even if only to take guests down to see the lights at Christmas. Since my first visit at age twelve, it has been a re-occurring backdrop in my own life for family weddings, engagement parties, holiday dinners, overnight stays and of course Christmas light viewings.

Entrance to Kelly's Spa

Next time you find yourself downtown, wander in, order something refreshing and sit a spell. You just might meet someone who is new in town and you can tell them all about it.

Cheers!
M2E

Riverside Arts Walk-JUNE

Last Thursday was so much fun for my friends and I as we wandered around downtown for the Riverside Arts Walk.

First, we headed to the Riverside Arts Museum and browsed all the photography exhibits. The Photographers Artist Network had a showing from the super talented photography duo, Nancy and Paul Speaker. Paul is particularly adept at panoramic photos and it was a treat to see them displayed.

If you want to learn more about photography, PAN is the group to join. They have monthly meetings, field trips and connections to exhibition space for photographers. If your goal is improving your photography skills, they will also give constructive criticism to your work at a meeting or online. I am one of their newest members, so I hope you see improvements in my photos in the future.

Across the space was the work of the Poly High Photography Club, who showed a diverse collection of photographs. It was a delight to see. The young photographers were there ready to talk about their work, smiling at the crowds.

Art!

Atrium of the Riverside Art Museum

Old art

Performance Art by World to Dance

Support your local artist!

Downtown Rooftops

Fox Theater

I also traded some art with local artist, Raymond Argumedo that I met last month at Artswalk. If you are curious to see photos, or what prompted the swap, you can read more about it here.

Don't miss out on the next one, this event happens every month on the first Thursday from 6pm-9pm.

Cheers!

Art Planning

Hello JUNE! 

We meet once again at the Riverside ARTS Walk in downtown Riverside. 

I love to walk around outside when the weather is warm, and the sun doesn't rest until 8 o'clock. 

It is this Thursday from 6pm-9pm.

There are a lot of talented people in this town. Support your local artists!

© 2013 Jon Roach Brosius

Map of downtown galleries

© 2013 Julie Ann

I hope to see YOU there!

Cheers

Riverside Arts Walk

Last week was the first Thursday of the month, so I headed downtown for the Arts Walk. The weather was warm and the streets were full of people, although I generally avoid recognizable faces in my photos. I always love to take pictures of architecture and there is a wide variety of buildings downtown.

Life Arts Building

Future Mystery Photo?

Riverside Ballet Arts

First Congressional Church

Universalist Unitarian Church lawn displaying art for sale

Riverside Public Library

Because it was close to Cinco de Mayo, there was a special presentation of mariachi singers and various dance troupes performing on the corner of University and Lemon in brightly colored costumes.

Beautifully Embroidered Costumes-So much work!

Young dancer waiting to perform

mystery pirate on an adventure

I did see a lot of art that night, on the streets, in a few galleries, and lastly in the Riverside Art Museum. I just joined the museum and wanted to see the photographic display from the members of PAN-the Photo Artists Network. This sub group of the museum is made for photo enthusiasts like me! I plan to learn as much as I can about taking better photographs and will share that knowledge here.  I had a moment to sit down and talk with member and longtime resident, Marscia Thomas. She showed me how she colors black and white photographs with colored pencil with amazing results. Every artist needs more than one creative outlet and when she is not shooting, she is coloring her photos. So cool. 

Luck was with me that night as I fell in love with a cat woman art piece done by local artist, Raymond Argumedo. I have the whole triptych now and I'm thrilled to give a shout out to some local talent. He is a featured artist in the Collaboration X arts group supported by the Riverside Arts Council. This guy has a nice smile and a large body of work. Seriously, he paints a lot.  I'm jealous. No, really I am. If you like black edged artwork found in graphic novels like I do, check out Raymond's work.

© 2013 by artist Richard Argumedo

Cheers!

Walking in Downtown Riverside

© 2013 Julie Ann

© 2013 Julie Ann - Riverside City Hall sign

© 2013 Julie Ann - Riverside Promenade

© 2013 Julie Ann - Riverside Promenade

© 2013 Julie Ann - Riverside Courthouse

© 2013 Julie Ann - Riverside Downtown