On October 11, this information came to our club from Cathy Wilson, trip leader of this mini-ski week to Salt Lake City:

A double queen room has opened up on our trip to Utah, February 19-23, 2020.  I will need to sell the whole room, so it is available to a couple, anyone wanting a Single Supplement or two people who are willing to share the room. If you are a solo traveler, don’t have a roommate and want to share a room, I will hold your paperwork and check until I can find a roommate for you or the room is sold to a couple or single supplement.
If you want to sign up, please see the flyer for more information, including where to send your payment.  At this point, full payment will be required as well as completed forms.  The forms can be found in the Travel Section of www.skibac.org.

Remember to check the links on the right bottom of this page for current information about ski and road conditions, the Bay Area Ski Council, Far West Ski Association and more.

There is also a link to Amazon that you can use when you are shopping on that site. It will give the NSC a small percentage of your purchase when you click on it to get to the site.

There are three great articles with plenty of information in this newsletter. Plan to set aside some time to read them!

President’s Message, by Armand Gutierrez

Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Fest, by Sandy Kiyomura

More Restaurant (and other) Information You May Find Interesting, by Hoyt Nelson

by Armand Gutierrez

Fall is officially here and that means winter is just around the corner. But first, we have to get past Halloween and Thanksgiving. Remember the SnowBomb shows in Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Jose? These were shows, typically in November that had ski resort representatives, a huge ski and clothing sale, and a variety of entertainment. Apparently the “Bomb” in SnowBomb is too much of a negative connotation and now the event is called Snow Fest shows. Sometimes political correctness goes a little too far. After all, does that mean we can’t photo bomb a picture? And I’ve also heard the phrase “that’s the bomb”, meaning something really great and outstanding. Guess I won’t be  “bombin’ down a ski run” anymore. Are these phrases headed to extinction? 

Aki Matsuri – 5 October

This Fall Festival is being held at the Wesley United Methodist Church on Fifth St. in San Jose. Although not as big as the Nikkei Matsuri, there will be Japanese cuisine, marketplace, entertainment, kids zone, and a silent auction. If you can attend please do so to show our support for this great cultural event. 

Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest – 1-3 November

Jackie Maruhashi, NSC member and volunteer with SVAPFF, contacted me about NSC sponsoring a film at the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest 2019. There are nine feature films and several short films being presented. Additional details can be found in Sandy Kiyomura’s article on the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest 2019.

Snow Fest Shows

This annual Snow Fest show is back again on 1-3 Novemberat Pier 35 in San Franciscoand 8-10 Novemberat the Santa Clara Fairgrounds. These shows are free and you can get your tickets at www.sfskifest.com.

Warren Miller Film

For you movie buffs there will be a Warren Millermovie at the Heritage Theater in Campbell on 16 November. If anyone is interested in attending and possibly having dinner afterwards then contact Karen Soo (tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org).

Details will be in next month’s newsletter.

Whistler/Blackcomb Ski Week 2020

The Whistler/Blackcomb trip is full. Well, not exactly. There are airline seats and condos available; however, I’m going to hold off on accepting additional people unless a condo unit can be filled with four people. So, if you haven’t signed up for this trip then now is the time to fill out the application and get your checkbook out as well. Also, the final payment is due 10 October.

by Sandy Kiyomura

Do you remember seeing “The Joy Luck Club”? This movie, based on Amy Tan’s book, was a record-breaking Hollywood movie 25 years ago. Then last year  “Crazy Rich Asians” with an all-Asian cast came out and grossed $238.5 million. But why did it take 25 years for another all Asian film to come out? This question came up at a recent showing of “The Joy Luck  Club” with some of the original actors and actresses speaking. I recall they said that the political atmosphere in Hollywood was not conducive to Asians in movies (except in martial arts movies). They stressed the importance of supporting films with Asian actors, producers and directors. By doing this, we can see more films like “The Joy Luck Club” and “Crazy Rich Asians”.

Nisei Ski Club is proud to support the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest 2019. There are nine feature films and several short films being presented. They will be shown November 1-3, at the CineArts Theater in Santana Row, San Jose.NSC has chosen to sponsor “Alternative Facts: the Lies of Executive Order 9066” at the Bronze level. This movie sheds light on the people and politics that influenced the signing of the infamous Executive Order 9066, which authorized the mass incarceration of nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans, and will be shown on Saturday, November 2 from 1:30-3:30.

As a Bronze-level sponsor NSC members are eligible for a 20% discount for film tickets. Tickets may be secured at https://www.svapfilmfest.com/tickets, and use the discount code nsc2019. Jackie Maruhashi, an NSC member, is interested in joining fellow NSC members attending any of the films. Please contact her at jmaruhashi@yahoo.comif interested in joining her. If you do attend any of the feature films, be sure to wear an NSC jacket/shirt so attendees will recognize that you are a sponsor. Additional information can be found at https://www.svapfilmfest.com/. 

by Hoyt Nelson

Here are links to a wide range of my notes about many interesting things on Google Drive.  There are links to a list of my favorite restaurants, logs and pictures on some of my recent world travel trips, directions for local hikes, a few of my favorite puzzles and some recipes I have found and reworked over the years.  Whenever I change or add information, my Google Drive is updated, so you can keep on reusing the same links (I update my restaurant list almost every month so be sure to check it just before you use it).  You don’t need Google Drive on your machine to use it.  You will not be able to edit it, but you can download it and email me comments and any information that you would like to share with me.  I won’t put it on my Google Drive unless you want me to.

I limited my travel notes to the more recent trips that are better documented.  If you want info on the rest of the 50+ countries we have visited a while back, I will be happy to send you notes on them.   For the most part, I concentrate info to outside the USA.  If you are interested in the USA, I can provide you with more information on most states.  

Keep these links for future use.  You don’t have to have Google Drive on your machine (although you do need to have a Google account to create a free Google Drive account for yourself).  

Link for my puzzles: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jVQbVCFyZqw2-YL9r7R74CErwuiYQJK1

Link for my restaurant list:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QHKrCBvjzMxdo7DcAoEPAr_lo1bXw1gD

Link for my travel: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JapkS4zzfzr7qAfeHSU1ryQhgNSrJGju

Link for my hikes: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ShYZRGXm24zcfFBFNFxyzKgu-88V2wcK

Link for my favorite recipes:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=122YDkHJTNB31sAMZB0utsqFVLM55qJj-

Link to amazing stairs around the world:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hsGIkHGRLz_z4SZ4kZOFPuE9TolwIK3T

When you get there, you can see my doc about the three tiled stairs in San Francisco, but when you click the big blue W for other doc about stairs around the world. Google will “gag”. When Google stops complaining, just click the blue “Download” when and then click “Open” at the bottom of the screen to read the doc.

NOTE: Google Drive can’t deal with Microsoft Hyperlinks so I had to just give you the long versions

We have a short bit of news for you this month. Hope you are having a good summer.

President’s Message, by Armand Gutierrez

Restaurant Ramblings, by Hoyt Nelson

by Armand Gutierrez

Is it ski season yet? Considering the number of emails I’ve received from numerous ski resorts reminding me that their resort is the best to visit this season makes it sound like ski season is upon us. But wait! It’s only September and there is plenty of time to enjoy our non-winter activities. The time to think about skiing is not for a couple of months; sometime in November would be just about the right time. Of course, skiing is always on my mind. Yes, it’s a passion of my mine. Like I always say:skiing is not a sport, it’s a lifestyle.

Whistler/Blackcomb Ski Week 2020

The Whistler/Blackcomb trip is nearly full. Currently there is room for a couple and one female. Although there are airline seats and rooms available, I’m going to hold off on accepting additional people unless a condo unit can be filled with four people. So, if you haven’t signed up for this trip then now is the time to fill out the application and get your checkbook out as well. Also, the second payment deadline was 10 August and a few people missed the boat. Please send in your second payment, and the final payment is due 10 October.

For 2019-20 Whistler/Blackcombwill be on the Epic Pass, and is also good for Northstar, Heavenly Valley, and Kirkwood. Here is what you need to know about the Ikon and Epic Passes for the Whistler/Blackcomb trip:  

• Purchase the Ikon Base Pass(Squaw/Alpine) from Sports America and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. However, the Ikon Pass cannot be used at Whistler/Blackcomb. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei
• Purchase the Epic Local Pass(Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood) and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. The Epic Pass can be used at Whistler/Blackcomb for up to ten days. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei

If you have any questions about either of the passes then drop me a line at president@niseiskiclub.org.

by Hoyt Nelson

INDO CAFE SARATOGA  (INDONESIAN) 14443 Big Basin Way, Saratoga 408-741-1514 4.5 *, $$

In February of 1972 I took a leave of absence for a six months tour of Europe (my first big trip).  I picked up a car in Germany and headed south, stopping to ski  four areas in the Italian Dolomites on the way down.  A few months later, I made a lucky guess in Amsterdam and ordered a rijsttafel.  It means rice tablein Dutch and it’s a combination of 5 to 10 small different Indonesian plates – much like the Korean ban chan which automatically comes with most Korean entrees.  Most of the flavors where unknown to me at that time, but I loved them all.  When I returned, there was only one restaurant, “A Bit of Indonesia” in San Francisco, that served this type of food, but it took me a few years to find it.  It’s long gone now, as well as another place in San Rafael named “The Rice Table” (too far to visit unless already in the area).  There was still a smaller Ori Deli near Blossom Hill and Snell in San Jose but recently, it no longer serves meals.  However, I was trolling on the net for new restaurants a week ago and tried again to find a place for rijsttafel in the area.  The menu for Indo Café Saratoga came up. 

 I had gone to Indo Café Saratoga a few years ago, but the menu was very small at the time and didn’t seem worth the trouble.  Its menu has now been greatly enlarged and so we decided to try it again.  What a surprise.  It just became one of our favorite places – even before we were served.  It was one of the best Indonesian meals ever. Unfortunately, Rijsttafel  is only served on special occasions but you can order several small plates to get the same effect – all excellent.  We had a Nasi Campur (combination of chicken satay, chili egg, tempeh (soy beans fermented in sweetened soy sauce), corn fritter, cucumber, seasoned peanuts and kale with spicy beef.  We also had a small plate of Otak-Otak (a popular SE Asian snack of ground fish cake with spicy peanut sauce and tapioca), and our choice of white, yellow, swirl or coconut rice (always get the coconut rice – I could eat a whole meat of this – even with no sauce at all). Other interesting items are: jackfruit curry, beef rending, Mie Tek-Tek (Indonesian street food noodles, scrambled egg, fried shallots, shredded chicken and shrimp crackers) plus many others rarely seen in these parts.  Maria, the Indonesian chef, even makes her own sanbal (my favorite hot sauce that I keep in my frig. at all times).  Just ask Google for a menu for the place (it’s not on YELP’s website).

Downtown Saratoga is just one short street, but this place is 150 feet down a small alley with no sign on Big Basin Way.  The alley is the closest one on the right (as you enter town) to 14443 Big Basin Way.  (The city gave the owner, Rick, such a hard time about putting a sign on the main street that he finally gave up.)  Judging by the crowd when we came, he’s doing OK in spite of this.  Prices of the food are reasonable –especially in upscale down town Saratoga.  If you are looking for something different, try this.

Ein Bisschen Duetsches Essen   

We just came back from our second visit to Esther’s German Bakery(987 N San Antonio Rd, Los Altos tel.650-941-4463). We were even more impressed with it than the first time.  It’s primarily a small deli with seating on the sidewalk, inside and a small attempt at a beer garden in the back.  (There’s easier parking back there too.)    The cooking is sophisticated, and fairly extensive (for a small deli) with about a dozen beers and a few delicious house-made baked goods for dessert.  Prices are reasonable. There’s a Friday night special with sausage, sauerkraut and a beer for $10. On our last trip, we had a chicken schnitzel and a beef rouladen that came with some of the best spatzle we’ve ever had.    We think they probably get their meats at Ditmer’s, just across San Antonio Rd. which has the largest selection of German meats and other deli items you will ever see in this country.  We’d put Esther’s  near the top of other places we’ve visited, such as Teske’s, Hardy’s, Ludwig’s, Harry’s (now gone), and Gunther’s.   If we widen our range a bit, we’d include Tyrolean Inn (in Ben Lomond), Spiesekammer in Alameda and a few old chestnuts in San Francisco.  These places all have their good points but many would add/subtract places for this list.  

by Armand Gutierrez

June was a heat record holder. July was a heat record holder. Any guesses on what August might be like? Temps have certainly gone up lately, but that’s expected during the summer. Fortunately, our hot days are minimal and milder days will be upon us. Now that skiing is over I hope you’re enjoying whatever your passion is, be it hiking, biking, golfing, or your favorite outdoor endeavor. 

NSC Webpage Updates

Have you noticed anything new on the NSC web pages? On the home page in the upper right hand side you will see the FWSA Historic Ski Club logo. This logo is presented to ski clubs that have 50+ years as an incorporated club. The other update is on the About/Board Members page. I reviewed a variety of corporate websites that feature their board members and thought this would be beneficial for our website. The board member photos and short bios are designed for members to become familiar with the board members.

FWSA Historic Ski Club Honors

The FWSA Historic Ski Club honors is presented to ski clubs that have 50+ years as an incorporated club. NSC was founded in 1958 and last year we celebrated our 60^thanniversary. However, the club was not officially incorporated as a non-profit club until 1968, and thus NSC qualified with 50+ years. NSC also received an official FWSA Historic Ski Club certificate. Sandy Kiyomura initially worked with FWSA in securing this honor, and then Frank Chang continued to work on this while Sandy was enjoying herself on the FWSA Japan trip. Thanks to their dedicated efforts NSC was awarded the FWSA Historic Ski Club honor.

Whistler/Blackcomb Ski Week 2020

If you haven’t signed up for this trip then now is the time to fill out the application and get your checkbook out as well. The trip is over half full (limited to 60 applicants) so now is the time to signup, especially if you already have an Epic Pass that is good for Whistler/Blackcomb. The second payment is due on August 10^th, so be sure to include that with your deposit. This trip is a little more expensive than our usual trips, but the cost can be greatly reduced if you have the Epic/Epic Local pass for lift tickets.

For 2019-20 Whistler/Blackcomb will be on the Epic Pass, and is also good for Northstar, Heavenly Valley, and Kirkwood. Here is what you need to know about the Ikon and Epic Passes for the Whistler/Blackcomb trip:

• Purchase the Ikon Base Pass(Squaw/Alpine) from Sports America and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. However, the Ikon Pass cannot be used at Whistler/Blackcomb. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei
• Purchase the Epic Local Pass(Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood) and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. The Epic Pass can be used at Whistler/Blackcomb for up to ten days. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei

If you have any questions about either of the passes then drop me a line at president@niseiskiclub.org

Davos/Portugal Ski Week 2020

NSC is collaborating with FWSA on their 2020 ski trip to Davos, Switzerland (Feb 28 – Mar 7), with an extension week to Portugal (Mar 7-13). Davos offers 186mi of guaranteed ski pistes, 57 cable cars/lifts, 110 slopes, and a vertical drop of 5,656 feet. In other words, this place is huge, and the Klosters ski resort sits next door for additional skiing adventures. If you are planning on making this trip then now is the time to sign up as rooms are filling up fast. For Davos there are a couple of Comfort rooms, several Executive rooms, and four Jr. Suites available. For Portugal there are only three spots left, with all the suites sold out. Please submit all forms and the first payment directly to me at:

FWSA Davos Ski Trip

c/o Armand Gutierrez

1843 Cabana Drive

San Jose, CA 95125

Subsequent payments will be sent directly to Debbie Stewart, VP of International Travel (address is on the applications). The Davos/Portugal flyer and application forms have been posted.

If you have any questions about this trip then drop me a line at president@niseiskiclub.org