Finding William: Best Sushi in Salt Lake City

Finding William: Best Sushi in Salt Lake City: "Believe it or not, Salt Lake City has several excellent choices for sushi. My very fav is a hidden gem called Red Ginger Bistro. It's loc..."

Best Sushi in Salt Lake City

Believe it or not, Salt Lake City has several excellent choices for sushi.  My very fav is a hidden gem called Red Ginger Bistro.

It's located in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley near the intersection of 3300 South State Street.

It's becoming a regular hangout for me.  I enjoy the Chinese and the Japanese cuisines they offer.  They have been running an on-going special on their sushi...1/2 off!...so hurry in before they decide to end it.

If at all possible, try to avoid peak lunch and dinner times, as most days there can be a wait to get a table.  Like tables, parking can be scarce, but, don't let that discourage you...the reward is worth waiting for.

Come try the Red Ginger Bistro, and who knows, you may spot me sitting at my usual spot at the end of the bar.

5 Things That Get Under My Skin

Believe it or not, there are actually more than 5 things that irritate me.  Like Peter Griffin when he had his own segment on the news called, What Really Grinds My Gears, this is just a short segment of what gets under my skin.

1. Whenever I see someone pull into and park in a handicapped parking spot, I always try to take note and see if they are really handicapped/disabled.  If I see someone with a handicapped parking permit get out of their car and walk and not appear handicapped/disabled, it just infuriates me.  That abled person just used up a parking stall that someone else may need!

2. In most states here in the U.S. it’s either the law or good practice to use the left lane on freeways and highways as the “fast lane” or passing lane.  I absolutely hate it when someone is in the left lane, driving slower than the rest of us.  If you see cars behind you that seem to be coming up fast, or gaining on you, PLEASE, move it over, let them pass!  The first time I visited Germany, my wife warned me of this law there.  They strictly enforce it.  They go so far as to make it illegal to pass on the right.  Oh wait, it’s the law here in my state…hardly anyone obeys it.

3. Let me start this one by saying I am not anti-dog.  I grew up having dogs.  I love dogs.  Having said that…here goes.  What is the deal with people bringing their dogs with them everywhere they go?  Remember the days when dogs weren’t allowed in stores and restaurants?  I often see people with their little lap dogs tucked under their arm and walking around with them.  Each time I’m in an airport, I see people walking their dogs through it.  I understand they want to let their puppies stretch their legs after a long flight, after all, I like to do that too.  But, all the airports I have been in have a rule about keeping animals in their travel kennels.  Keep the dogs where they belong!

4. I’m driving along minding my own business, when someone in a car in front of me throws out a cigarette butt.  Our streets, curbs and gutters are lined with this trash.  It drives me nuts!  Here in my state, it gets pretty dry in those hot summer months.  By the end of summer, our freeways are dotted with blackened areas that have caught on fire, usually from people throwing out their cigarette butts.

5. I dial up customer service/support to get some help.  Usually, if I’m calling one of these places, I’m already frustrated.  What frustrates me even more, is getting an automated system and not being able to get a live person on the other end of the line.  Sometimes as hard as I try to navigate through it, the harder it is to speak to a person.  How frustrating!

Finding William: Free NYC Boat Ride

Finding William: Free NYC Boat Ride: "I love going to NYC with people who are first-timers to the city. It’s fun being a tour guide for a day or two. If we have time, I usuall..."

Free NYC Boat Ride

I love going to NYC with people who are first-timers to the city.  It’s fun being a tour guide for a day or two.

If we have time, I usually take them on the Staten Island Ferry just before sunset.  It makes for some good, yet distant, views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  The boat ride back to Manhattan in the dark, or nearly dark, offers good views of the city at night.

The ferry takes about 30 minutes from point to point.  And the best thing is…it’s free!

If you’re looking for something free and relaxing to do while you are in NYC, take the Staten Island Ferry. 

If you’re getting around my subway, just take the 1 train to the South Ferry Station (last stop), the 5 train to Bowling Green Station or the R train to the Whitehall Street/South Ferry Station.  It’s a very short walk from the train stations.

I’ve had many funny experiences on the ferry, to include being serenaded by a guy with a guitar and having my dad being picked up on by a prostitute.

Have fun on the ferry!  I always do.

Brioche in Miami Beach

While staying in Miami Beach I discovered a cool French bakery named La Brioche Doree.  I decided to try it out for breakfast one morning. 

The exterior was inviting with its trendy look and outdoor tables.  Once I entered, the interior convinced me to stay, with its bright colors, retro furniture, and oh yea, the free wifi.

Their menu includes French pastries, breads, sandwiches, salads and more.  I enjoyed a croissant and a brioche.

The locals seem to come in for coffee and hang out for a while.  While I was there, I overheard another newcomer repeatedly comment to her boyfriend how cute the place was.  Could he not tell for himself?

On your next trip to Miami Beach, stop in and grab a quick treat, or, come and stay for a nice meal.  I think you’ll find it a nice place to slow the pace down a little.