OK cut to the chase. My eyes are watering and the room is a blur. I’ve barely eaten today and have spent the last 2 hours trying to be intellectual in my writing tonight. The day has been insane. It’s rapidly approaching midnight, still not done with the day’s business. And now it’s really time to go with the flow in whatever words come out. So here we go.

Meet Otto, Owner of Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant. A cool little joint around the corner from me. I’m telling you I’m lucky to have even gotten out of my office today and as I am writing this, I’m still at it with the help of wife helping to deliver a project and good friend Brandon, a very talented illustrator, working on a perspective sketch for an agency shoot I’m doing next week. No rest for the weary.

Flash back to 6pm when I grab my camera bag to hit the streets. Out the door I go for another jaunt up Sherman Way. Not far from my house I look left and leaning against the wall, smoking a cig, is Otto. I look at him thinking, “who is this guy, and why is he loitering in my neighborhood?”

Not being the shy type, I know the only way to find out who he is… is to approach him. I step up, introduce myself, and invite him to 365.

Turns out, he is the owner of one of my favorite local eateries. We go into his restaurant and take a few photos. He is a very energetic, educated and amusing gentleman.

I learn a thing or two from him about health eating. He tells me that Lemon Grass Tea is a cure for joint pain. I’ll try it.

I want to write more, but I have to humble up today in letting you know, I’m toast.

I leave in sharing Otto’s signature dish: Lab (a spicy beef salad). If you ever visit his establishment, order it, and ask for Otto style.

All for tonight.