On 25 June, Jake very visibly moved through LAX, having reportedly returned from a visit to North Idaho. It was suggested at the time that North Idaho may not have been the actual destination, but that the great city of San Francisco may have been. This has been backed up by a report at Tablehopper (a San Francisco culinary weekly guide). This is what they say: "Jake Gyllenhaal was spotted having dinner at Delfina on Sunday, June 24 — word is he is interested in how to help get Manka’s Inverness Lodge rebuilt — you might remember he was staying there with sis Maggie the night it tragically burned back in December. A fab tablehopper reader tipped me off to an In Touch Weekly article that mentioned Jake was in town to chat with Alice Waters at Chez Panisse on June 25 about Manka’s as well. Hey, whatever it takes to have that boy in town more, the better."
This report is the reason why I am sitting here now posting this to the gentle and calming sounds of whale song. Visit the homepage of Manka's and you'll see what I mean. I may never turn it off. Anyone who saw Jake's Zodiac interview with David Letterman would have been struck by how horrifying this experience must have been for the entire Gyllenhaal family. As Jake said, he can laugh about it now but it terrified him at the time - the fire alarm system had been destroyed and Jake had to run out and shout names to alert his family and make them get out. Jake was reported at the time trying to help the owners rescue antiques from the building. It's not surprising to learn now that he may be actively involved in the retreat's rebuilding.
So this new possible project of Jake's led him to two extremely reputable restaurants in and around San Francsico. The first, Delfina on 18th Street in the Mission District, is Italian in spirit and serves 'the kind of food you might find if a great Italian cook were lifted out of Italy and placed in California.' It prides itself on using organic produce and sustainably-raised meats and fish whenever possible. I've had a good look at the menu and I would have the calamari and the sole, followed by the Scharffenberger chocolate cake with vanilla creme anglais. The photo below, however, reminds us of Jake's visit to Orso's Restaurant in LA last December.
Jake is reported to have eaten at nearby Chez Panisse in Berkeley on 25 June, which is the day he returned to LAX, but it is possible that this was for a lunch. It sounds as if Jake dined with the owner Alice Waters herself who opened the restaurant in 1971 and is a 'strong advocate for farmer's markets' and for 'sound and sustained agriculture'. The 'warm and unfussy' restaurant is unusual in that if offers a single menu, changed daily, for a single price. Today's offering is 'Cannard Farm tomato and cucumber salad with purslane and mint; Roasted Gulf shrimp with hot pepper, marjoram, and feta; Grilled rack, loin, and leg of James Ranch lamb with sweet onions, eggplant, and peppers; Black Mission fig tart with lavender honey ice cream.' Wednesday is more expensive than Monday but is a lot less, in turn, than Friday and Saturday's offerings. For a popular restaurant where reservations are necessary, it's all a lot cheaper than London prices (talking of which, here's Jake leaving Nobu restaurant in London after the BAFTAs in February 2007).
Poll update
Jake won the weekly Hello poll, as did Viggo Mortensen the previous week. This week Doctor Who David Tennant is a long way ahead and I predict a difficult battle for us in the monthly vote. Another vote is currently driving sectors of the fandom insane and causing mass outbreaks of repetitive mousehand strain industry. This is the possibly meaningless and interminable German Vanity Fair vote which asks you to Flop and Top your favourite and least favourite celebrities. Jake and Heath are both in there but Michael Jackson supporters and fans of a certain Bill Kaulitz (who on earth is he?) seem to have enlisted gangs to flop Jake. If you have nothing better to do for your foreseeable future, go and Flop and Top. At the moment Jake is winning but it's a toughie, particularly as I think we may have to commit to voting for the rest of our natural lives.
Includes pictures from IHJ.
33 comments:
WDW, this thread is fabulous.
I visited Manka's webpage, and it's my idea of paradise. I know what you mean about not being able to turn off the music of whale song and other natural sounds - it's beautiful and very relaxing. Jake is such a great guy for getting involved in helping to restore it after the fire. I remember thinking at the time how frightening it must have been for them.
And the restaurant menus, and chatting with Alice Waters, just fascinating. Lavender and honey ice cream, I may die. ;)
I'm so glad you like this Marina - You've made my day!! I am forever fascinated by all these wonderful glamorous restaurants that Jake visits and the food he's exposed to - I'm a real foodie myself and I love to eat new types of foods wherever I travel. So why not use Jake as a means of accessing places I'd never have heard of otherwise? :D
And the Manka webpage is completely hypnotic! I left the whale song on for ages and I think I'll return to it - it was just good to have that on in the background. And I love all these menus and wine lists and scrumptious puddings. All of us can find delights on these menus :D
I had a huge amount of fun writing this thread - I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, Marina! I love the directions in which Jake sends off my brain :D
Jake was in Idaho on June 22 & June 23rd. Lance was showing him his place there, didn't see Matt there but people said that he was there earlier in the week.
Who knows, eh? :D
many years ago I was absolutely in love with Chez Panisse's advertisement/promotional artwork..... very Art Noveau. And how cool for a hard core foodie like Jake to hang with Alice Waters, a true culinary/restaurant legend.
I can't help but wonder if this might somehow be related to the rumored Jake and Chris restaurant venture. I've read Jake's account of his parents' garden at the MV house.... how they would go out and pick the fresh produce and herbs that day, and then cook with them. And of course, that is the culinary ethic of Chez Panisse. I can see how Jake would be interested in incorporating that approach in his own restaurant.
That garden sounds like heaven. Wouldn't that be something if Jake and Chris did open a restaurant of their own? :)
marina, I love the idea of Jake and Chris opening their own restaurant. It's pretty clear that Jake is a multi dimensional guy, with more passions than just acting. It's possible that the restaurant thing would be mighty tempting to him!
And every time I read something about the Gyllenhaal's life on MV, I think..... would you nice people adopt me? :D
*I love the directions in which Jake sends off my brain :D*
Perfectly said. I feel the same way, WDW. Thanks again for a fun and enlightening post. It is so nice to come home from a hard day at work and not have to deal with any more anxiety. We always learn something from your Jake posts. Some of it leads to deep discussions that broaden our horizons. And some of it is just like this, broadens our culinary experiences.
I am all for trying something new. And if it is Jake related all the better. San Francisco is my favorite city since I used to live in the Bay Area. It's been two years since I was last there, but maybe another trip is in order with a couple of "new" places to dine.
How wonderful of Jake to not have forgotten Manka's and simply found another place to spend the holidays. It shows what an important and meaningful time he had there and lending his efforts in any capacity to help them rebuild is very admirable.
I so love the possibility of Jake and Chris opening a restaurant!
Dani: "How wonderful of Jake to not have forgotten Manka's and simply found another place to spend the holidays. It shows what an important and meaningful time he had there and lending his efforts in any capacity to help them rebuild is very admirable"
Dani, good to be here at the same time as you and Birdie and Marina. When you guys get in after a hard day I'm just getting ready to seize the day so to speak. This snippet from a blog might interest you. I had come across this soon after the fire and had posted this link on DC Forum at the time.
Volunteer Fire Fighter
I quote below the extract from the keeper's comment
"I sort of have to laugh when I seen this. No offense. As Manka's lodge keeper I was privy to the events that occured. Jake WAS indeed a very big help to the events that transpired. Most of all he was there to lend support physically as well as emotionally to all of Manka's staff. It was a big deal to see him standing there assisting in this without any concern other than what the staff and owners were feeling and going through. The Gyllenhall family, including sister Maggie, her husband Peter Saarsgard and mother Naomi Foner have vacationed at Manka's on more than one occassion and have been considered friends of the lodge. Sorry there was no Jake in underwear; he was in jeans, a jacket and hat. The structure he was in was perfectly safe from the fire. His mother had stayed in the main structure of the lodge that burned and she as well as the other 7 guests were evacuated safely. Maggie and her family stayed in a unit off more than 3 blocks from the main lodge. Jake stayed to assist in the aftermath for most of the afternoon until he felt there was nothing left to do but allow us, the employees space to grieve. He is a fine man and a wonderful humanitarian. My hats off to Jake."
And I'm back again with something for the foodies here.
This was available as a scan on IHJ. I can't find exactly where now. I had saved the text on my comp so here is an extract related to Alice Waters
April 8th 2006
Stop Babbling About Universal Love
MAXIM FASHION GERMANY MAGAZINE - INTERVIEW
Some time ago you said you would have died if you hadn’t been an actor.
(Jake is shaking his head in disbelief) “God, did I really say that?”
It was then when you were offered roles as torn teenagers. Such as Donnie Darko.
(Jake is laughing) “That’s interesting! I am just wondering how I meant that. Would I drop dead if I stopped working? Would I kill myself?”
So, what would you do? Do you have a better plan now?
I only wanted to emphasize how much I was aching to act. But I also die to cook: I am passionate chef. My porn is my gourmet magazines.
And who is your Pin-Up?
“Alice Waters. She’s a famous chef. I met her on a party in New York and I nearly fainted because I was so excited. That’s never happened to me with any actress before.”
OT: another interesting interview with Maggie
http://living.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1082552007
But I also die to cook: I am passionate chef. My porn is my gourmet magazines. - JG
I had to smile when I read this; I think we can all identify! Whether due to not enough time, or being careful about what and how much we eat, we can't always enjoy everything we'd like. I'm perfectly happy to resort to "food voyeurism" now and then too - admiring beautiful pastries and breads through glass cases, reading about food in glossy pages of magazines and cookbooks, and visiting webpages of famous chefs and their fabulous restaurants.
I've enjoyed this thread, WDW, and thanks for the two snippets from articles/interviews with Jake, Incognita. He's so great to have been so helpful and considerate after the fire at Manka's. :)
WOW! I am totally without class, I guess. I would never pay $125 for one meal (Bastille Day menu at Chez Panisse). OK, I admit I WOULD pay that to see one play -- we all have our priorities. :-)
Beckela I don't think it has anything to do with class. Whoever we are we have to prioritize and noone has unlimited means. Mine would depend on mood, occasion and so many factors of the moment. And in India of course money and class have nothing to do with each other .. never know which "nasties" will be your fellow diners or sitting next to you in the theatre.
Marina I too am every bit a "food voyeur". I used to be one for clothes too but not any more.
Mmmm- Jake and Italian food, two of my favourite things in the whole world :D I don't know what I'd choose from the menu cos it all sounds delicious, but I know what I'd like for dessert and it most definitely isn't on that menu;)
And how sweet of Jake to want to get involved in rebuilding Manka's lodge. Just when you think he couldn't get any more lovely than he already is, you post something like this and make me love him even more:)
Can't make head nor tail of that flop or top poll (probably cos I don't speak a word of German). I keep clicking "top" but nothing seems to happen??
I knew someone who was trained by Alice Waters and if her food was anything to go by ... yum!
Nice post WDW x.
Great comments everyone - all to do with my favourite things - epicurean delights and Jake :D
I like all this background information on Alice Waters so thanks Birdie and Incognita. One of the many benefits of being as successful as Jake has become is that you can meet these idols and it's fun thinking Jake's are chefs! I remember this interview Incognita - I always have a laugh when he says that his gourmet magazines are his porn! :D
The idea that this is part of Jake's longterm plan of opening/running/being involved in in some way (delete as appropriate) a restaurant, maybe with Chris, is an intriguing one and I think it's a great plan. We all have dreams and Jake's in the best position to realise his. Thanks for your comments Dani and Marina :D I am glad you like the thread, Marina, it's been one of my favourites! I love to chat about this kind of thing and I love to look at menus.
Hi Beckela - I know it sounds steep. I think we'd have to be in holiday mode when sensible thinking - at least in my case - runs out of the window.
Hey Twisted Logic - Italian food is my favourite - and I think I share your dessert preference ;D And if I've made you love Jake that little bit more well that's fabulous my friend :D
That poll drives me crazy, I'm trying to block it from my mind...
Anouska the Gourmet - I always knew you moved in life's finest circles. I look forward to hearing more about that.
Anon 10.30 Thanks for the link :D
Anon. 10:30, that was a great article about Maggie. I like her approach to roles, a lot like Jake's and probably her family's too. Very much looking forward to SherryBaby. Thanks!
Yes, these restaurants are definitely "fantasy" places, or for a once-in-a-blue-moon splurge for the rest of us who have to prioritize! Jake is lucky! :)
Hi Marina - when I was in LA last time, I went to some of the restaurants Jake's been to as I thought they must do some decent food if someone as discerning as Jake goes tere! So I went to Orso's and Hugo's (where the GQ interview took place), and I was surprised by how normal they are. And much, much cheaper than the UK. Hugo's especially does wonderful, straightforward food, and prides itself on natural ingredients and whole foods. Orso's was nothing special at all but it so popular with some stars. Now some stars, such as Posh, go to the Ivy and sit right in front of the row of paps. I walked by and couldn't believe it - literally a zoo. There can be no reason to go there except for publicity. Interesting behaviour and not the sort of place I think we'd see Jake.
Thanks for your comment - this is interesting stuff. I must try and do a similar thread again soon to talk about more of this :D
Bill Kaulitz is the lead singer of "Tokio Hotel", a very popular german teenie band with a very -ehm- distinct style :D.
And beware, they are now singing in english !! Look here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=kfMnM5Y2rw8
Katharina - Thank you!
Bill Kaulitz is the lead singer of "Tokio Hotel", a very popular german teenie band with a very -ehm- distinct style :D.
Once I've had a few drinks I might feel brave enough to risk the link you've posted! Distinct, eh? Oh dear :D
Thanks for commenting :)
Wow, WDW, your trip to L.A. must have been fun. I have heard that the Ivy is the place to see and be seen for celebs. But too many famous people in one place would terrify me! I don't think I'll walk by there, if I visit L.A. lol I am kinda curious about Hugo's tho. :)
Marina - I really recommend Hugo's - very good food, good wine and extremely friendly and welcoming. And that Shakespeare Globe that Jake went on about is extremely odd to say the least. The last time I went the dead Shakespeare garden that Jake referred to had been removed although ti was still there the time before. Very strange place. Anyway, well worth a visit! The Ivy was just ridiculous and has nothing to do with food.
My DH has relatives who used to live in L.A., but they've since moved to Modesto! ;) The next time we visit, I'll see if I can convince them to make the trip to L.A. and maybe we can go to Hugo's! Yes, DH knows all about my interest in "the Gyllenhaal". We actually saw Brokeback together, and he was very impressed with the film too. He rented The Movie That Shall Remain Nameless; I just couldn't work up any enthusiasm to watch it, and he said he thought Brokeback was by far the better film. :)
Hey Marina - I've never been able to watch The Film that Shall not be Named and I never want to :D Not that I'm a sore loser or anything like that ;D I did manage to get Mr WDW to watch BBM with me, which preoduced a mixed reaction. I fear he will never see Zodiac due to its subject matter.
That would be great if you can get to LA - I love the place and can't get enough of it :D
WDW, I actually did convince my DH to eventually see Zodiac with me. I was very interested in his opinion, since he's originally from the SF area. I wondered how he'd do with a movie that was longer than average, to me I get so into a film I don't even notice. But he liked it! I knew he would, there's really something for everyone I think. We're both big movie-goers. We're both gonna love Rendition, he really liked Syriana, as did I. :)
Marina -- just chipping in to say I rather like your DH!! And check your pm and your email too.
And as for the Film That Shall not be Named, I started building a big grudge against it because everytime I scouted the local shops for BBM, they would offer that to me with a kind of look at me like I was an idiot not to want it. That turned me against it for life. God knows I may be missing a very good film?
Marina - I love that you can share Jake's films with DH. You're very lucky. Mr WDW usually rolls his eyes but will tolerate DDarko, mainly for the soundtrack.
Incognita - I don't think you're missing a thing with That film!
Hi Guys!
WDW, DonnieD is one that DH hasn't seen yet, but I'm workin' on that! ;)
I see Jake a lot like George Clooney; sure, he's spectacularly good-looking, but it's not his major claim to fame. George is a fine actor and director, and I think that takes precedence over his physical appeal. Jake doesn't want to be known only for his spectacular good looks either. DH and I loved Syriana, Good Night and Good Luck (wonderful, with a great sound track) and Oh Brother Where Art Thou. I think Jake will be a lot like this, his roles appealing to a broad range of people. :)
Hi Marina - I think that George C, although a different generation, is a good parallel for Jake. Although I obviously think Jake is far better looking and talented :D I certainly think that both have a talent for longevity in the business because their looks are only one part of their ultimate movie star package.
My problem with George C is that to me he seems to always act George Clooney, but I haven't seen his most recent films so that ay be being unfair. I find I am physically incapable of seeing other films when I know a Jake film is showing elsewhere in the same theatre - my feet and heart do the walking. So I think George unfortunately clashed with Zodiac for me this year :)
Hi WDW!
I agree with you totally, but George C. was the closest actor I could compare to Jake. Jake to me is truly in a league of his own. They both have those "movie idol" looks - really dashing, and I think that Jake will have George's longevity too. And we may see Jake directing his own artistic visions one day. :)
Hey Marina - I like the idea of Jake directing, just so long as he makes sure he's still in front of the camera :D 'Dashing' is a great word to describe both George and Jake but, as you say, Jake has that certain something that's extra special.
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