The restaurant was a hit, although a home run might be a better description, if one can use baseball terminology to describe a response to its cuisine and ambiance. Whichever phrase is chosen, the descriptive use is appropriate because the dining establishment is named after one of professional baseball's most popular and highly recognized figures, Mickey Mantle.

It is not often in life that one gets a second bite at the apple. But, for this event, a second bite is both meaningful and delicious.

It is obvious from the newspapers that Father's Day is approaching. Advertisements for perfume and dresses have given way to ads for aftershave, tools and electronics -- a clear shift to trying to sell "manly" things. In the retail world, the biggest dollar sales for scents and clothing are to women, except at certain times such as the third Sunday in June, the focus shifts to male-oriented items.

Some restaurants merely throw on a coat of paint and call that "renovation." Not so at Humphrey's Restaurant on Shelter Island. Formerly known as "Humphrey's By The Bay," serious renovation meant new décor, new menu and new name.

If all you know are "shooters," you don't know tequila. Shooters are popular tequila drinks below the border, particularly in clubs, where alcoholic haze is magnified by the decibels of loud music from bands or sound systems. Sometimes, in swinging clubs, bar servers sneak up on unwitting patrons, often pretty young women, tilt their heads back, pour tequila into their mouths, and shake their heads with enough violence to cause whiplash, as friends and patrons watch and cheer. Actually, it is all in good fun and the person "shot" usually loves it. It is all part of the revelry, along with dancing and just having a great time.

What is it with "a loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou?" Omar Khayyam, the great Persian poet and mathematician rhapsodized in his collection of poems, "Rubáiyát", about the joys of simple romance -- sitting out in the desert, listening to the wind. Not for me!

"No, Mom! It's not what you think." The Gaslamp Strip Club is not full of undressed women, although it does display some artwork by Alberto Vargas, whose pinup girl "Vargas Girls" drawings appeared in Playboy magazine.

The month of May always starts with a holiday. May 1 probably has more events associated with it than any other day of the year. Among these, fertility festivals such as "dancing around the maypole" and "maying" (going out into the English countryside to pluck flowers). Internationally, May 1 is "labor day" or "workers' holiday." Domestically, it is now marked by demonstrations for immigration reform. (On a personal level, it is my daughter's birthday.)

The Bible says, "As you sow, so shall you reap." Ryan Johnson paraphrases, "You get out of the pot what you put into the pot."

Have you ever visited Sevilla? The capital of Spain's Andalusia province, its climate and look is similar to that of San Diego. The city is full of palm trees and red tile-roofed stucco homes. The weather is temperate all year long. The city is noted for its history, ancient buildings, food and music. I found Sevillanos, as residents are called, to be welcoming and hospitable.

Duke Ellington had his "Mood Indigo." Chef Deborah Scott has her "Indigo Grill." Each, in its own way, is a great expression of talent and artistry.

The name on the marquee was changed, but the angels are still there -- "wine angels," that is.

"Red or white?" That is the question many diners are posed when choosing wines for dinner. The rules have changed, though. Now red is often imbibed with fish dishes and white with meats.

St. Patrick's Day, the most auspicious of Irish celebrations. It takes place annually March 17. The day is filled with parades, music, good food such as corned beef and cabbage, and lots of "green beer."

Daylight Savings Time is forcing us to turn the clock ahead, spring is around the corner and the sounds of a bat hitting a baseball in parks all around town remind us that the baseball season is about to begin. Calendars are being filled in with evenings that are being saved for watching our Padres move ahead to another winning season.

Sally's Seafood on the Water is one of several restaurants in Doug Manchester's landmark twin tower Grand Hyatt Resort, but it is the jewel in the crown. Lael's restaurant and Redfield's deli are both popular eateries. Top of the Hyatt offers stunning panoramic views from the 40th floor, a very romantic setting. There are bars and lounges scattered throughout the property. But for luxurious fine dining, Sally's is the perfect destination.

There is a shelf-full of books on how to succeed in business with titles that begin "What I Learned ... " Roberto Vigilucci could write one titled "What I Learned In My Mother's Kitchen." Born in Milan, Italy, his love of quality Italian cuisine was fostered by the good food that his mother and Tuscan grandmother prepared.

"Current" refers to "rate of flow," often used with respect to electricity. Change an "e" to an "a" and you have a new word that refers to a small seedless raisin, often grown in California.

It was "party time" again, the time for Carnival. For three days before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, 40 days before Easter, communities all over the world celebrate with parades, floats and dancing in the streets. It seems that people need to let go of inhibitions before beginning a somber time of contemplation and deprivation.

It is never too early to plan for love, so it isn't too soon to plan for Valentine's Day, coming up in a few weeks on Feb. 14. Many restaurants sell out in advance, particularly those which offer a romantic setting or cuisine. Who speaks the language of love better than Italians? Here's the good news: Acqua Al 2 is going to offer a special "lust inspiring" menu. Here's the bad news: It's a one-day program, just for that special "day of love."