Goodbye Green Bean. We will miss you. Until we meet again.

Friday morning I found out that one of my beloved coffee shops burned to the ground. At roughly 4am, the Green Bean Coffeehouse in Greenwood caught fire. Hours later, it was in total devastation -- the roof has collapsed and all within had seemingly been lost.

I first heard about the fire on the radio that morning. No mention of the Green Bean; rather a short notice stating that 85th St was closed due to a three alarm fire. It wasn't until I received an email from a friend that I learned the tragic news. Since then, I've slowly gathered updates via various posts on Facebook, online articles from local news sources, and information from friends who were there.

For those of you who don't know, the Bean and I had a long history together. A few months after it first opened, I began volunteering there as a barista. I spent two years watching the shop grow into a neighborhood favorite, meeting the locals, and pulling shots of espresso. But most of all, I witnessed the amount of community and love that was fostered in that cozy place. People came in for the lattes and scones, but left with a daily dose of care and hospitality. "Sit long, talk much" wasn't just a decorative quote on the wall -- it was the cafe's mantra.

After the fire, everything in the Green Bean was destroyed. Everything but the soul of the place. Those pieces still live in the hearts of the staff, volunteers and customers of the beloved Bean. Over the next few weeks, I am sure there will be ample discussion on what to do next. I know the community will come together and the legacy of the GB will continue. After all, that is what the Green Bean does. Draw people together.

Stories of Life and Food (and Pizza)

During my sabbatical, I've been catching up on things that-I-like-to-do-that-I-never-really-have-time-to-do-while-working. Teaching myself photo-editing, playing video games, and reading. They are some of the activities that I find leisurely and relaxing.

Most recently, I read "A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table" by Molly Wizenberg. I first learned about Molly from her blog "Orangette". I discovered her blog back while working at my old job. In the latter months, the work day often was a bit slow, and I passed my time reading various technology and culinary blogs (they were independent of one another). In many ways her blog is what I aspire mine to be. Not neccesarily because of the popularity, but more because she draws you in with her stories of food and life. I would love my blog to have the same traits -- that I can share my tales and photographs of my travels and food related adventures with you, the reader.

Anyway, few months ago, Molly penned some of her life stories and published them onto the pages of a book. And at the end of each chapter, she includes recipes from the particular experience. Much like her blog, her book is a breezy yet insightful look at some of the experiences that have shaped her food related life.

I tell you all of this is because I just finished reading her book a couple weeks ago. (I would have probably finished it sooner, but B book-napped it while I was in the middle of it, and managed to finish it before I really could tell it was gone.) Both B and I really enjoyed it. But one of my favorite things about the book is that with the recipes that Molly's included in each chapter, not only can we read about the experience, but we have the opportunity taste it as well. And that makes for an unique literary experience.

So if you're looking for some light reading, I recommend "A Homemade Life". Be warned though, you might want to eat something before cracking open the book. Otherwise, you might be hungry afterwards.

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PS- In case that wasn't enough, I have one more reason to be a big fan. Recently, she and her husband opened a pizza restaurant in Ballard called Delancey. And it's my new favorite pizza place. Her husband Brandon, much like many from New York, has a deep love of pizza. So much so he decided to research some of the nation's most iconic and popular pizzas, and develop his own. The result? The best pizza crust I've ever had. It's smoky and slightly charred from the wood-fire oven, thin but not cracker crispy, with a bit of chewiness that I love. Top that with some fresh ingredients, and you've got a pizza winner. Mmm... just thinking about it makes me want to go back again. If by chance you go and visit, I highly recommend the homemade fennel sausage. Plus there is an appetizer of the best ever fresh mozzerella. I can't remember the name, but WOW. Order them both. You'll thank me later.

Cozy Day in Seattle

Fall has officially arrived here in Seattle... This isn't entirely bad -- I do love the sunshine here in Seatown, but something can definitely be said for autumn in the Pacific Northwest too. The leaves are turning golden hues and rosy reds and there's a crisp bite to the air. In response, t-shirts have been replaced with fleece jackets, iced lattes with hot mochas, and AC with crackling fires.

Speaking of the latter, B and I decided to wrap up our Sunday yesterday with a cozy fire and even cozier meal. We had a bunch of tomatoes from the garden (which by the way, anybody out there have a recipe for green tomatoes?) and a bagful of leftover hot dog buns from Saturday's football tailgate. With a little help from Mr. Tyler Florence, we were able to tranform these ordinary items into a warming, roasted tomato soup.

First we converted the hotdog buns into croutons -- typically I like my croutons a bit more dense, but the airiness of these actually were nice in the soup. The crutons are the Robin to the soup's Batman. It plays an active role in the dish, but it was definitely the sidekick of the duo.

With the tomatoes we threw the batch into the oven at 175 degrees for almost two hours. Depending how much you like it roasted, feel free to cook it longer or turn up the temp a bit higher. Afterwards, we pulled them out, combined them with some sauteed onions and garlic, chicken broth, and butter. After simmering for 30 minutes, we zipped it in the blender and WALLAH! (is that how you spell "wallah"?)(update: With a twinkle in her eye, B pointed out it's not "Wallah", but rather "Voila". I knew she was a smart one.) : Tomato soup fit enough for a king. Or two food lovin', hungry people.

Don't let the amount of time involved intimidate you... It's pretty laid back. Most of time is either roasting the tomatoes in the oven or waiting for the soup to simmer. During that time you can watch a movie, clean your room, knit something, or play some video games. But if you're really in a hurry, you can crank the heat to 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes. And believe me, the end result is well worth it!

Ok, here's the recipe.

Roasted Tomato Soup

Recipe adapted from Tyler Florence

Prep Time:20 min

Cook Time: 2 hours

Serves: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds fresh tomatoes (mix of fresh heirlooms, cherry, vine and plum tomatoes)
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 small yellow onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 quart chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 tablespoons butter (we used this much, but in the future we'll probably halve it)

Directions

Preheat oven to 175 degrees F.

Wash, core and cut the tomatoes into halves. Spread the tomatoes onto a baking tray. Drizzle with 1/2 cup of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 1.5- 2 hours or until caramelized.

With about 20 minutes left for the tomatoes, add the onions and garlic to a large stock pot. Saute the two until caramelized. (Tyler says to roast the onions and garlic with the tomatoes in the oven, but the first time I did, the onions burned. Not pretty, but definitely roasted. I like my method better.)

Remove roasted tomatoes from the oven and transfer to a large stock pot with onions and garlic. Add 3/4 of the chicken stock, bay leaves, and butter. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until liquid has reduced by a third.

Use a blender (immersion blender if you have one) to puree the soup until smooth. Be careful not to fill up the blender -- hot liquid expands/explodes. I know from personal experience. If the soup is too thick after blending, return to the stove and add the remaining stock until it's the consistency you want.

Add croutons (see below) and enjoy.

Croutons

Two hot dog buns, cubed. If you wish, you can butter and season, but we found it was fine plain.

Place on baking sheet, and toast in the oven for 30 minutes. This can be done near the end of the tomato roasting.

A Husky fan's trip to Notre Dame

This past weekend, a friend and I headed followed the UW Husky football team to South Bend, IN via Chicago. With the way the Dawgs have been playing the past couple weeks, my expectations were a mixed bag. Since beating USC, I know we have the skills and abilities to pull out a victory, but after our loss to Stanford last week, I did not have complete confidence that we would win. The outstanding question in my mind was which Husky football team was going to show up in Indiana. The only way to answer that question was to wait and see.

But first, a quick thought about Chi-town. Although I've been to the Windy City before, I've never really looked around. This time arounds we did get to spend a few hours on foot tromping around the downtown core Friday morning. In addition, we were able to catch a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field as well. The city is great for photography. Perhaps it's because there seems to be so much around to see -- elevated trains, public art, old and new architecture freckle the cityscape. I would love to go back and spend a few dedicated days to exploring the city and surrounding areas. It's a fun city with vibrant energy.

I wonder what flavor this jelly bean is?

Next stop: Notre Dame

As for South Bend, we didn't really see a lot of it. We took an eastbound train from Chicago to the airport in South Bend. From there we proceeded to the Notre Dame campus.

Notre Dame Football. Love 'em, hate 'em, don't care... whatever your stance on the football program may be, you have to go. It is the embodiment of history and tradition. Everywhere you go on campus you are surrounded with the legacy and legend that is Notre Dame Football. From watching the players come out of Mass, to visiting the Grotto, to seeing Touchdown Jesus with his arms outstretched -- it is all part of the Notre Dame experience.

As for the game... well many Dawg fans' hearts were broken that day. But aside from the loss, WHAT A GAME. Duking it out through the wind and rain, thru four quarters and an overtime. Multiple lead changes and many defensive stops. And what of the question I had prior to the game? Well, the Huskies weren't perfect, but the team that defeated USC were the ones that showed up. They fought hard and with heart. It was all we could ask for.

Come and meet Jesus... Touchdown Jesus.

Inside the golden dome on campus.

Welcome to Notre Dame Stadium.

To see more pictures from the weekend, please go to http://picasaweb.google.com/photography.spencerchan/UWNDGame2009.

My Photography Demons...

I know I just talked about my new camera in my last post, and how I've been going out and taking pictures. But what I didn't say is taking photographs in and around Seattle is not easy for me. In fact, it's a major challenge. So I thought I'd share why this is with you.

When I travel, my camera is a constant companion. I have no problem toting it and its gear. I love taking snapshots of locals in their element and photographs of daily life. My eyes are alert -- my "photo-vision" is at work. However, when I board the plane/car/boat to come home, much of the photo-vision is packed away until the next trip. It's a combination of reasons, but here are what I consider my Big Two Photography Demons.

First, when it comes to Seattle, I've "been there, photographed that". The city and the subjects within aren't new and fresh to me. They are part of my daily life, so they aren't on my radar anymore. A prime example- right after I got my D300s, I made myself go outside to take pics. I wasn't very creative, so I ended up at Gasworks. Gasworks is one of my favorite parks in Seatown. But the thing is that it's really difficult for me to take pictures there. The reason being that I feel like I've photographed it all before. Now, I know that isn't true, but the "photographer's block" I experience is...

My second demon is my comfort level of shoot daily life pics drastically decreases when the people involved live in my neighborhood. Don't ask me why -- I am just more comfortable shooting strangers outside my zip code. Case in point: Earlier this past week I decided to enjoy the afternoon by taking a walk around Maple Leaf (my neighborhood). Once again, I was deliberate in bringing along the Nikon. As I'm strolling through the residential streets, I see a house prepped for painting. The painters are out front, sitting and enjoying a smoke break. I liked the idea of the image -- people working outside, making a living. Now if I was anywhere else, I would have clicked away. But instead, I felt uneasy, almost as if I wasn't allowed to take the picture. So instead of capturing the image on "film", the only snapshot I have is in my head.

So what does this all mean? Well, much of my time during my sabbatical has been introspective. Not only when it comes to what I want to do next workwise, but also taking the time to learn new things. Specifically to photography, I'm trying to find ways to improve and increase my skills. By recognizing and fighting the two demons above, it forces me to look at my everyday life and surroundings and embrace them new ways. And in doing so, hopefully it will expand my personal shooting styles and boost my comfort levels.

I did find a couple suggestions (here and here) to help me in my battle against boredom. I look forward to using them in the next few weeks. The first idea is to have a theme in mind. For example, shooting pictures of things that are red. Or pics of VW Bugs. Or sneakers. You get the point. Another idea is to shoot the Alphabet. Apples, Boats, "Comfort" are all fair game. So, will these tips work? I don't know. But it can't hurt to try, right? As for those of you out there that are photographers, do you have any suggestions? Do you ever experience this "photographer's block"?

My New Toy

Be warned, my inner techie penned this blog. For those of you who don't care about camera features, you might not find this post to be very interesting. Proceed at your own risk. - SKC


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A couple weeks ago I got a new camera to replace my well used, well loved Nikon D50. It had been my trusty sidekick on many travels for the past 5 years, but it was time for it to retire (or at least take some time off). It's replacement? The brand spankin' new Nikon D300s. This camera is a beast. It's not the top of the line professional series (which I definitely don't need and can't afford anyway), but it's a significant upgrade to my D50. The transition has been a pretty smooth one but there are three things I've needed to get used to:


1) The heft. To use my brother's words, "it makes the D50 look like a toy". (He was talking about his new camera, but it's the same sentiment). This sucker feels like it's twice as heavy as my old DSLR. Granted its camera body is built with magnesium for durability. But still! I feel like I need to go do some arm curls at the gym to lug this camera around.


2) It's got video! I've never really had a video camera. Sure my folks had one, but the closest thing I've had is the video feature on my point and shoot. The main difference with this one is that it can utilize all the lenses I have for my Nikon. So now I can not only capture the still shots, but record it to view later. Not only do I need to think like photographer, but apparently it's time for me to start thinking like videographer as well.


3) The new bells and whistles. Five years in technology time is a lifetime. And the D300s reflects that. There are some features on this camera that I didn't have on my D50. Sharper resolution, bigger LCD, higher ISO with less noise, 51 focus areas, wireless flash commander... the list goes on and on. So although I know how to use the core functionality (aperture, shutter, etc), I'm going to have to learn how to use my flash, my shooting preferences for exposure areas, blah, blah, blah... Good thing I've got the time to do so, right?


Having vomitted all those tech terms on you now, I don't want to give you the wrong impression. I love the camera. I've been using it on and off over the past couple weeks -- the weather has been beautiful here so I've been trying to go out and use it. Plus, I helped shoot some pictures for a friend's wedding rehearsal and reception. The high ISO for the low light helped a ton...

So all in all, I'm glad to have the new D300s. It's taken a bit of getting used to, and I've got a bunch more to learn, but it's been fun.

What a Game!

I know it's Monday and it's been two days since the Epic Upset occurred at Husky Stadium. But I felt that it was my duty to at least put a little post up for the victory. Our beloved (but unranked) Washington Huskies defeated the third ranked University of Southern California Trojans. And what a game it was... I haven't heard the Ol' stadium that loud, that raucous, that excited in years.

After Eric Folk kicked the winning field goal with three seconds in regulation, B & I ran down three levels of stairs and ramps to "rush" the fields with 5000 other estactic fans. Here's a scene from the second level...


The first level...

Along with the horde of students there were some notable people on the field... Here is Coach Romar (the head coach of our basketball team) celebrating with some fans.

And of course, us... (Plus, check out the final tally on the score board!)

All in all, it was one of the biggest wins I've ever seen at Montlake. Although it is still early in the season, this team, these players, these coaches are re-energizing Husky Nation. And we are loving it! GO HUSKIES!

The Job Search

I know I just recently spoke about how my unemployment has been going... And although I didn't touch on it too much in that post, I have been looking for work over the past few weeks. I've been utilizing the internet to find and apply for jobs (who doesn't nowadays?), but my favorite part of the search so far has been the relational, face-to-face aspect of it. The search has provided me with reasons to reconnect with old friends, not only in a professional aspect, but personally as well.

People often ask me what I'm looking for in my next job... My general answer is a senior program/project manager position. But of course it's much more than that. The new role has to have something that sparks my interest(s). Perhaps it's a new area to work in. Or maybe the challenge of creating or growing something new for the business. But I think ultimately, one of the main things that draws me to a job is the relational day to day interactions with people, whether they are customers or colleagues. I love working with people, whether it be collaborating, mentoring, leading or learning with them. So even though I expect this for my future role, what I didn't anticipate was finding it in my search for a new PM job. It has been a pleasant and fulfilling surprise.