What’s the last book you read?
I just finished “Born under a Lucky Moon” by Dana Precious, the last book from my summer reading list. And yes, that’s her real name. It is the first novel of an old friend of mine from Los Angeles. I loved reading it because she drew from her own life experience as a top marketing executive at Sony Pictures. The stories about crazed producers and stars surrounded by sycophants are witty and very close to the reality I remember from my days in entertainment advertising in LA.
Name a television show you’ve watch from beginning to end?
I mostly keep my TV just so I can watch Jon Stewart same day, but we won’t count that. Like millions of others, “The Sopranos”: I watched every episode of every season and felt very sad after the last show.
What’s your favorite spot in Portland?
I love to walk around Irvington with my dog Mishka and look at gardens. There are so many dedicated gardeners who do amazing things in their little front yards. I get great ideas like what to plant under Japanese maples and how to make a simple Hosta look like a fancy specimen plant.
What’s your favorite hole in the wall restaurant?
Nicolas’s Restaurant on Grand. If you’ve never been and love Mediterranean food, it’s a must. This place has stellar falafel and fresh green tabouli that makes my mouth water in anticipation. And the Pita is soft and yummy. It’s often packed so I’m a fan of grabbing food to go for a quick picnic lunch.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
The easy answer is Portland. Ten years ago I decided to leave LA and came up with a short list of places I wanted to live. Portland quickly came to the top — I love its lushness and myriad micro cultures, and I’ve never regretted the move. But hey, the winters get long and when I day dream about the perfect escape I think back to my childhood sailing down the Gulf Coast of Florida leaning out over the bow and watching dolphins play as the island of captivia comes into view. That’s my happy place.
What’s the last book you read?