Monkey Sips

St. Helena, CA

I just finished one of my many trips annually to Sonoma and Napa wineries. Wine is a touchy subject with me because of what happened with the Monkey Bay people in New Zealand when I was there in 2006. But I digress; more on that business deal later.


Anyway, what a pleasure it was to meet Laurie Claudon of the fabulous Clark-Claudon winery here. I've opened Clark-Claudon wines on more than one midnight raid to Gibster's wine cellar. Well, with my irresistible monkey charm in full force, I think I made a very big impression on Laurie. We had lunch, tasted some fine wines, and toured her vineyard. Thanks, Laurie.

And yesterday, I finally met Bill Williamson at the Williamson tasting room in Healdsburg. And dear readers, you think I'm a character! This guy is great. He knows how to pair food and wine like nobody I've seen except, perhaps, Jacques Pepin. I had great doubts about Jacques when he worked as a sous-chef for me in Paris. He's done okay, I guess.

Halloween in Healdsburg

Healdsburg, CA

People who know me well - and they number in the millions - understand that this monkey is always very happy to be in Sonoma County, especially right here in bucolic Healdsburg. My good mood was interrupted today, however, when Frankie (pictured here) appeared on my doorstep.

I don't like characters who think they actually deserve other people imitating them for Halloween. Besides, he continues to be mad at me for leaving Dr. Frankenstein's care many years ago. Hey, I couldn't help that my Blue Cross plan declared Dr. Frankenstein to be out of network.

No sooner did I get away from Frankie in Healdsburg Square, however, that I was confronted with another situation. Here's Gibster trying to give me away to a parade of little monkeys. What the.......? Hey, come to think of it, I really do deserve to be honored with people imitating me on Halloween.

Snail's Pace

New York

I've been the toast of the town this week here in the Big Banana; I mean the Big Apple. Last night's show with John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey at the Carlyle Cafe was wonderful. I introduced these two a number of years ago and now, predictably, they're married. Ah, that monkey touch!

That jazz groove was topped tonight by seeing James Gandolfini and company in the God of Carnage on Broadway. Jimmy didn't get the joke when I yelled from the audience, "Yo, Tony, how ya doin?" Hey, I shut my cell phone off, right?

Jessica, Auntie Pat, and I started this evening's fun with some escargots at Balthazar in Soho. We were always running out of garlic and drawn butter when we found snails in the jungle, but they had plenty of it at Balthazar.

Cowboy Up!

Colorado Springs, CO

Rodeo is my life. I've taught many of America's best cowboys how to ride and rope. So it was really nice to be back home today at the Rodeo Hall of Fame. I know Jessica was here in the mid-90s with Uncle Chris, but that paled in comparison to the greeting these fine folks gave me today. Yippee ki yay, pardners.
















p.s. And speaking of the wide world of sports, I was the guest of honor at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton, MA the other day and enjoyed a Wexford vs. Tipperary hurling match. Now I've been hurling before but, wait a minute, that was a different kind of hurling. Anyway, these guys are whacked - literally!

Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows

Colorado Springs, CO

You know, this is getting boring. Once again, I beat Gibster to the top of a mountain. He ran the Pike's Peak ascent today and there I was at 14,115 feet waiting for him. Jessica and I had a lovely drive to the summit in our rental car, by the way. Gibby completed the race, but there he was staggering at the finish line and needing oxygen. He looked more like an insect that had just been sprayed with DDT than an athlete. On the other hand, I enjoyed a celebratory banana beer after the race that we bought at SwirlWine in Manitou Springs. It was a pretty easy race for me, actually.

My Night With The Knight

Boston

Now, I'm not one to stick my nose into Sir Paul McCartney's business (see photo below), but I was a little upset that he didn't play Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except for Me and my Monkey at last night's Fenway Park gig. Still, it was fun to kick back over a cold one with him last night at the Four Seasons Presidential Suite. It reminded me of those crazy days at Abbey Road in the late '60s. "Ehhhh, excuse me Ringo, could you pass the bong."

Knock 'Em Down

Davis Square, Somerville

Everybody knows about my prowess on the professional bowling circuit. Hey Don Weber, don't even think about it. Ok, right, that was big balls. Ehhhhh! Anyway, imagine my smug satisfaction when Auntie Pat asked me to coach her budding bowling career. Here we are at what must be the oldest candlepin alley in the world, in beautiful downtown Davis Square. I'll tell you what; the Guinness 250 special anniversary drafts were mighty tasty at The Burren this afternoon.

Bound To Happen

Carolina, RI

Well, it was bound to happen. I awoke this morning at Roger and Linda's beautiful home here and saw a pink elephant. Holy %&#$! I'm not sure that I can drink that much Italian wine any more. Actually, I think it was the Schlitz Malt Liquor nightcap I split with Henri, pictured here in the Red Sox cap. While the pink elephant eventually disappeared after some strong espresso this morning, Henri is unfortunately still around.

Run For The Hills

Mount Ascutney, Vermont

Beautiful day here at the summit of another New England peak. And yes, Uncle Dennis does seem to have a monkey on his back, but that's a story best left for another time.

Gibster and Uncle Dave ran well in today's race to the top of Mt. Ascutney. Dave's momentary fatigue pictured below owed to two things: 1) A very strong finish up a particularly grueling trail. Plus, 2) A decided lack of bananas in his diet. You just can't get enough potassium these days. And to think, I taught these guys everything they know about mountain running.

Seems Pretty Easy

Mt. Washington, NH

Hello from the summit of the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River. Why all the fuss? Gibster and Davey are competing in the annual Mt. Washington run to the summit. In fact, this is Gibster's 24th consecutive race here. Still, I beat them to the top by at least an hour. Sure, sure, I rode in Jessica's truck, but that's no excuse.

BTW, kudos to my main man Dave Matthews and his band. DMB has just released their new CD, Big Whiskey. I'm deeply honored that Dave wrote one of the cuts for me, entitled Shake Me Like A Monkey. I'm not sure I like the title, but I am gratified that five percent of the proceeds are going to ME.

Worse Shape Than Me

I just can't believe it. Gibster and Uncle Dennis in worse shape than me. Amateurs! But, as always, the Geezer band sounded like true professionals this night at the Acton Jazz Cafe.

So What's With The Cards?

The power of monkey attraction should never be underestimated. Still, I find myself competing a great deal lately with losers like these on birthday cards. First, there was the card Jessica gave Gibster at Olives and then, over dinner this week at Umbria, there was the card Auntie Pat gave Jessica for her birthday. What I want to know is when my mug will adorn such traditional media. Hallmark, you will have met your match.

I Do Get Worried

Sometimes I do worry that I'm not the top monkey in this family. It makes me see Red. Ehhhhh!

Monkey Tan

Palm Beach

I often "winter" in Palm Beach, having shot this photo of three strangers who happened by the bar today.


















How hot was it today? Well, it made me want to return to the Middle East as soon as possible. Anyway, it's time to get back to the beach.