It briefly felt like summer this past weekend. The beaches were packed. On all the beaches south of Oceanside the new alcohol ban was in effect. I’ve never seen so many people really, really enjoying their sodas before, wink, wink. What do you think of the ban? Do you think it is just what is needed to stop the hooliganism or interference in your rights as a citizen? I don’t have an opinion about the ban. I do think that the expressed reason for the ban; to deal with public rowdiness and drunkenness is the wrong solution. I believe that there are plenty of laws on the books to deal with those issues. The real problem seems to me to be a failure to enforce those current laws. Because of the failure of the authorities to enforce current legal statutes, many law-abiding citizens will be deprived of the pleasure of a cold beer or sunset glass of wine at the beach. I guess I do have an opinion of the ban. Seems like a red herring. Since the problem was some people behaving illegally, I don’t see how making more laws will deter them at all and those whom obey the laws are the only ones punished.
 
Speaking of hot days at the beach, it’s time for cold soups. My favorite cold soup is gazpacho and my favorite gazpacho is yellow tomato gazpacho. I’ll print the recipe next week or if you need it right away just email me and I’ll send it to you.
 

I hope to see you this Friday at our “Tax Relief Day” at The Fleetwood www.thefleetwood.com down in the Gaslamp. Please mark your calendar for May 16th for "fresh stART" at Art Expressions Gallery www.artexpressionsgallery.com. Beringer will be the winery sponsor, Pravda Vodka will be the spirits sponsor, and I’ll do the food. Way too much fun!

Cheers, Chuck

Chuck Samuelson
Leader, VinVillage-San Diego
Chef/Owner, Chuck Samuelson Catering