In the time where the only certainty is uncertainty, I’ve worked to keep my head and spirits above sea level. This is my first, and for most of you, pandemic. I don’t know if we’re receiving grades for the Pandemic (or if this is a Bell curve grading scale) but I like to think I’ve done pretty, pretty well. Maybe not an A+ but I think an A- or a B+ would be fair and warranted. And for the most part, I like to think I’ve been positive and grateful. This is what I want my Tuesday musings today, and going forward, to convey.

As I journey, with all of you, through my words, I will be focusing on what has transpired in the prior week and always with a focus on the positive. There’s enough negative occurring in this time and place, I don’t have any desire to add to the negativity. Whether it be words shared with my dad (and there will be a section titled: Rolando’s Words, in future writings), or music or a dining experience or the Wine of the Week, it will be done with an eye to optimism. Tuesday is my golf day with the boys but with my ankle in a boot, I haven’t played in a month. But, I’m grateful I can begin again in three weeks.

So let’s start the journey…

It’s Not a Fantasy…. In 2006, I worked at Nick n’ Stef’s Steakhouse, the upscale Steak concept of The Patina Group. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, making lifelong friends and connections. In the days before LA LIVE, Nick n’ Stef’s was the pre-game for, not only theater at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Disney Center but for Lakers and Kings game. There was very little high-end dining downtown and Nick’s was the place to be.

One of my friends, Chef Jamie Derosa, asked me to start a restaurant Fantasy Football league. As a previous commissioner of such a league, I accepted the challenge. I created a league and named it, The Worst League Ever. Fifteen years later, the league is still going strong with five charter members still holding membership cards and most other members being active for at least a decade. I have enjoyed this league and it is host to some of my best friends and favorite people.

One former member, is my favorite and that’s my dad. Dr. Rolando Andrade joined in 2009 and laid claim to the league by winning his first year. After ten years and two championships, Rolando retired from the league but his presence is still felt.

This past Tuesday we held our annual draft at a socially-distanced, undisclosed location. Though the manner of the world has changed, the life-blood of the league has not. It’s been fun to see the league members evolve from crazy, partying twenty-somethings to married with children forty-somethings. This draft, though different, was still fun and it remains one of my favorite events of the year.

This is a special shout-out to the league and my friends as we embark on the fifteenth year of The Worst League Ever. And I’ve waited until the final line to say, I hope I win back-to-back titles this year.

Dining Experience of The Week FISHING WITH DYNAMITE

Through Chef Jamie Derosa, I met Chef David LeFevre. David is not only an amazing, world class chef but he has been a great friend. But, though my opinion may be biased, I do understand great food. He has partnered up with, also great people, the Simms family and have created a renaissance of dining in Manhattan Beach, CA. Manhattan Beach Post recently celebrated it’s tenth anniversary and it’s the grand daddy of his restaurants with Arthur J as the streak concept and Fishing with Dynamite his old school vs. new school seafood shack. This past Wednesday, my dad and I had a small lunch at FWD.

If I were one to completely gorge myself on food, I wouldn’t get past the Platters at FWD. The shellfish here is unbelievable. As a person who spent much time on the East Coast, I take my shellfish very serious. My lunch date was my dad, this day, and he ain’t the biggest of eaters. If he were, the S.S. Minnow platter woulda gone down. Four Oysters, two Peruvian Scallops, four mussels, one half pound Lobster and four shrimp is what I call a good start but if I got all that over the hill, I wouldn’t have much left for anything else. Rolando and I enjoyed the Shrimp cocktail, which is dynamite.

My entree was the Heirloom Tomato and Tuna Tonnato Toast and I apologize as I do not have the image on my computer which I could illustrate to you without words, the amazing dish. It was a dish that as I came closer to the finishing, I became a little depressed knowing that my dish was nearly complete. I strongly suggest the Tonnato. My dad enjoyed the Grilled Shrimp Tacos and him saying, “They were very good,” is about as strong an endorsement as you’ll get out of him.

I like to think I celebrate my friends’ successes as much as I celebrate or enjoy mine. I’ve been blessed with an eclectic community of friends and it is always amazing to see their success. I am thrilled for Chef Dave’s success and am grateful he has so many restaurants for me to attend.

• Wine of the Week

About ten years ago, browsing through World Market, I happened across this Yalumba blend. I had never encountered Shiraz-Viognier as a thing and intrigued, purchased it and have never regretted my decision. There is almost always a bottle or two of this in my house. Light, almost like a Pinot Noir, it is a very balanced wine. If serving at dinner, I generally arrange it with poultry but more than anything, it is a smooth anytime wine to drink. And, at $10.99-$14 it is an incredible bargain.

Music Heather and I Actually Agree On…

In the future, after I learn to fully use this Word Press, I will actually have the song available for you all to hear but for the Inaugural Music Heather and I Actually Agree on…. I will just give the song and the artist.

‘What a Fool Believes’ by The Doobie Brothers.

I believe Heather’s exact words when I asked if she liked this song, were, “Anyone who says they don’t is lying”. And I agree with that.

Well, thank you all for Liking my Facebook Page and Following me here. I will be writing and publishing every Tuesday and Friday. This Friday I will be delivering a review on Lone Star John Sayles’ 1996 masterpiece. Until then, my friends, take my advice; pull down your pants and slide on the ice.