Akemi and I are in low-key scramble mode as we prepare to head off to Japan on Tuesday. We are semi-packed and prepared and making some last minute tweaks to our itinerary. And, of course, I’ve had to squeeze in a couple of zoom meetings this afternoon to tide me over during my two-week stay in Tokyo and Osaka. We’ve looked to stay home for the remaining few days but, Saturday, I received a text from our old friend Robert Picardo who has been in town shooting that new Star Trek series. He is close to wrapped and ready to head back home and suggested we get together before he leaves. Well, as it turned out, Sunday was the only day we (and he) had available, and so yesterday, Akemi and I packed up Sharky and his dehydrated duck foot, picked up some aburi sushi and ice cream, and headed over to Bob’s place for what turned out to be a wonderful lunch.
Akemi and Sharky with Bob in his natural habitat = the kitchen.
On the menu today = his famed arugula and spinach pizza. And one of my absolute favorites. The first time I tried this was that time we dropped by Bob’s home in Pasadena while we were there for an industry event in celebration of Stargate’s 200th episode.
Bob even went out and picked up a pizza slicer for the occasion!
Also on the menu, this delicious cheese pizza that proved Akemi’s favorite.
Another shot of the arugula-spina pie. I could eat this all day. And practically did.
Cooking up the parpadelle with tomato sauce, tuna, and black olives.
Messy, but absolutely delicious as well.
We had a great time catching up with Bob who, upon his recent back to California, will be preparing to embark on a Star Trek cruise with the rest of the Voyager cast – and hundreds of fans. It sounds like he’s got a lot of fun activities planned (If you’re taking the cruise, you’re in for a treat!) and almost makes me want to go on one of those themed cruises. Almost. The last (and first) time I was on cross was memorable for all the wrong reason. But, who knows? Maybe the right theme would convince me to board. A Stargate cruise? A Dark Matter cruise? Maybe a Columbo cruise?
Speaking of which, we kick off our Columbo watch party after our return in mid-February. As promised, we’ll be adopting a more leisurely pace of 2 episodes a week. I own the dvd’s and am curious where everyone else will be watching? Is it available to view for free in your area? Do tell. Help out your fellow watchers.
Here’s the Columbo viewing schedule…
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Robert Picardo always makes me smile, whether he is in a series or making pizza. I actually didn’t know he was a chef!
Travel safe!
Those pizzas look absolutely delicious! It nice to see Bob in his natural element without all the photo shopped flawless wrinkle free pics used for professional promos. At least we can see the handsome and talented Mr Picardo is aging normally like the rest of us.
Columbo on free streaming sites? Unfortunately, I haven’t found any where to watch it free? I checked Pluto tv and few others. But I’ll keep digging in my spare moments here n there.
Hey Mister! Don’t forget to help Akemi clean the house before you take off tomorrow!
Have you cleared the kitchen of your dozens of bottles of year old or more unused hot sauces??!
Hope Sharky has as much fun at his lady pals house as he did last year! xo
He did seem to truly enjoy being carried into the supermarket in an oversized canvas
shoulder bag while you were enjoying your last Japan visit.
Here’s hoping for soft perfectly plump pillows and a comfortable bed at your hotel when you land. xo
I believe it’s available on TubiTV in the US
You were on a….cross? Memorable for all the wrong reason? Do tell – what was the reason? Falsely accused, convicted, and executed, all because you were rejected by the people you came to save? Or because you puked on your shoes. Are you even allowed to wear shoes on a cross, or only sandals with black socks? I am so confused. 😉
So good to see Bob! You look quite fetching, Joe! Akemi is still beautiful! Sharky is adorable! The food looks amazing! I want Bob’s kitchen! (And Bob…if he would do all the cooking. 😀 )
Looking forward to Columbo! Oddly enough, I also own all the DVDs. Is it an age thing, or a fear that they may suddenly disappear from the airways, never to be seen again?
For me, it’s a bit of both.
das (who has never been on a cross)
Alright, alright. Easy there. I will resist the urge to correct the original text so you look like a crazy person.
It certainly won’t be the first time I would look like a crazy person…and it surely won’t be the last. I wear the crazy badge with pride! 😀
das
While you and Akemi are busy preparing yourselves to be on Japan Time,
I found season one of Get Smart with Don Adams
on Archive.org
I’m only a few episodes in – but, thus far, every episode is as fun and hilarious
as I enjoyed in my youth!
Anyone geo blocked, in need of a few really good giggles,
should point their vpn to U.S to watch em!
Enjoy! xo
https://archive.org/details/get-smart/Get+Smart+S01E01+(Mr.+Big).mp4
Absolutely loved that show. Maybe I should include it as a possible rewatch.
We watched Columbo on Amazon.
Bob puts out an impressive spread! I used this recipe for arugula pizza. Was it similar to Bob’s? https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/arugula-ricotta-and-smoked-mozzarella-pizza-recipe-1918725
Have a safe, fun trip!
His pizza is very unique.
If this acting thing doesn’t work out for Bob I reckon he’d be great doing a cooking show. “Bob’s Kitchen” I’d watch the hell out of that!
Bob, if you’re ever in Australia, I have a wood fired pizza oven that would love to cook one of your pizzas! (Yes, I’m anthropomorphizing my pizza oven. What of it?)
You can find where Columbo is streaming in your country here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/columbo
It’s available to buy on Amazon Prime in Australia. I might have to fork out some money.
That pizza looks great and sounds like a cool time with Bob! Like Das, I was like “cross?” I guess that would explain the trauma from said cruise. Now I’m wondering if you were left with stigmata.
Anyway, have a great trip to Japan! We need pictures!!!
Oh my. Pizza! Looks fabulous as does Mr. Picardo. Have a safe flight!
Have a great trip!!
Dorothy
I miss you guys!