Bob Baker's Marionette Theater now a Landmark

I was delighted to read in the L.A. Times this week that the Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been granted landmark status by the Los Angeles City Council in a 14-0 vote. Although the theater has been continuously performing marionette shows since the Kennedy Administration, Tim and I hadn't discovered this gem for ourselves until a year-and-a-half ago.


The Bob Baker Marionette Theater. (12/06/2008)

Our first taste of the Bob Baker Marionettes was in December 2007 when we saw a mini show as part of the Disneyland Tour of Downtown Los Angeles we went on with Charles Phoenix. During the Fantasyland section of our tour, we went to the theater to watch a scene from the marionette production of The Nutcracker.


We saw the marionette production of The Nutcracker. (12/09/2007)

Afterward, we were privileged to see a private performance and audience Q&A by the legend himself, Bob Baker (who, at age 83, looked far younger than he actually is). Baker's marionette work can be seen in the 1960 film G.I. Blues where Baker perfomed alongside Elvis Presley. Baker's work can also be seen in the 1954 Judy Garland film, A Star is Born, as well as a childhood favorite of mine, Escape From Witch Mountain (1975).


Bob Baker (left) discusses the art of marionette puppeteering. (12/09/2007)

In addition to marionette work, Baker was in charge of the special effects in Bedknobs & Broomsticks (1971), one of Tim's all-time favorite movies. Baker's special effects work can also be seen on the original Bewitched and Star Trek television series.


Inside the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. (12/06/2008)

We enjoyed our experience at the marionette theater so much, that we went back a year later to see the full-length version of The Nutcracker. It was really cool, and totally surreal. It's like being in a time capsule from every decade over the last 50 years.


Bob Baker demonstrates Mr. Bojangles. (12/09/2007)


Admittedly, the theater is not much to look at from the outside. Aside from the unassuming marquis sign, the theater's exterior consists of simple white-painted cinder blocks that belie the richly-colored theater you'll find inside. One of my favorite areas is the hallway leading to the bathroom, where you can see many of Baker's original sketches for marionette designs.


Original marionette sketches line the wall. (12/09/2007)

For nearly 50 years, this theater has been putting on shows six days a week. So if you ever get a chance to check it out, DO! It's a treasure for both kids and adults alike. And best of all, after every show they serve ice cream in the connecting party room. It's not to be missed.


James & Tim at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. (12/06/2008)

The Bob Baker Marionette theater is located at 1345 W. First St., Los Angeles, CA, 90026. (213) 250-9995. Performances are Tuesday - Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. General admission for the show is $15 for adults and children. Reservations recommended.

Celebrity Footprints OC Style

Part of a continuing series of articles about interesting, unusual or underappreciated things Orange County has to offer. Click here for all Orange County articles.

One of the most iconic symbols of old Hollywood can be found on the cement just outside the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre. I'm talking, of course, of the cement enshrined foot- and hand-prints of celebrities from the golden age. Did you know Orange County has its own collection of cement celebrity footprints?


Marcel Marceau

The Orange County version can be found in Buena Park, CA, just outside the building that once housed the Movieland Wax Museum. Although Movieland Wax Museum shut its doors permanently in October 2005 (see my previous article discussing Movieland Wax Museum's final days), its collection of celebrity foot- and hand-prints is still accessible to anyone who wishes to see them.


Dorothy Lamour

Now before I continue, let me first warn you that the calibre of stars enshrined in Orange County is not exactly A-list. Don't expect to find Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, or Paul Newman there. But do expect to find the likes of Dudley Moore, Ray Charles or Liberace. My personal favorite is probably one of the smallest stars, both in terms of celebrity rank and stature: Herve Villechaize (aka "Tattoo" from Fantasy Island).


Herve Villechaize - Tattoo from Fantasy Island

The other thing you'll notice is that the celebrities feel like they came straight out of an early 1980s time capsule. We've got people like Loni Anderson from WKRP Cincinnati, Jack Klugman from The Odd Couple and Quincy, M.D., and Lou Ferrigno from The Incredible Hulk TV series. In fact, looking at all those names, it seems the only thing missing is the cast of Barney Miller.


Ray Charles

Although the collection seems a little dated, it's still pretty cool considering you can see it for free. When the Movieland Wax Museum closed, developers announced they would raze the building and replace it with "Movieland Plaza," a movie-themed retail center anchored by a Best Buy store. The retail center even planned to display some of the original wax stars in glass cases.


Eva Gabor

It's been more than three years, and there's still no sign of "Movieland Plaza." And with the current economic climate, I don't expect bulldozers any time soon. All that sits there now is the empty building, the iconic sign, and a Starbucks.


Vincent Price

So the next time you're craving a venti non-fat, sugar-free vanilla latte and want to compare shoe sizes with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Tom Selleck or Gloria Estefan, you know where to go. Located at 7711 Beach Blvd. in Buena Park, CA. Ample free parking. For more pics, click here.

Sunday Brunch Nixon Style

It seems Richard Nixon is all the rage again, what with the fascinating film Frost/Nixon having been nominated for five Academy Awards (and deservedly so). So when we were looking for something to do yesterday morning, we decided to have brunch at one of Richard Nixon's favorite restaurants, El Adobe, in historic downtown San Juan Capistrano.


Nixon's favorite restaurant: El Adobe. (02/15/2009)

You don't have to search very far in Southern California to find Nixon history. Nixon was born and raised on the family lemon farm in Yorba Linda, where his birthplace, burial spot and presidential library now sit. He served as a congressman and U.S. senator representing California. Nixon even ran for California governor in 1962 (the loss was said to be the end of his political career).

But Nixon's fondness for El Adobe wouldn't come until 1969 when the newly-elected president purchased La Casa Pacifica in nearby San Clemente (just 10 miles away from the restaurant). The home, which became known as the Western White house, became his presidential getaway during his one-and-a-half terms. The Nixons lived there full time after his 1974 resignation until moving to New York in 1980.


A framed photo of President Nixon leaving El Adobe restaurant. (02/15/2009)

The history of the restaurant goes further back than that, however. The building it currently occupies was built in 1797 as a private home. In 1812 a courthouse and jail was built next door. In 1910, a local purchased both properties, combining them into a single structure. In 1948 the building changed hands again and became El Adobe restaurant.

Upon entering, you realize that this is one of those great, old-school Mexican restaurants, with thick terra cotta tile floors, heavy wooden chairs and wrought iron decor. And just in case you didn't know already that the restaurant was a favorite of Richard Nixon, you'll know when you see the Nixon-autographed menu on the wall, flanked by several 1970s photos of Nixon arriving there.


Inside Nixon's favorite restaurant, El Adobe. (02/15/2009)

Within moments of sitting down, the wait staff had already brought us a basket of chips and a bowl of freshly-prepared salsa to enjoy while we poured over the menu selections. When I saw "The President's Choice" on the menu, I knew instantly what I was having.

The plate includes a chile relleno, a chicken enchilada, a shredded beef taco, beans and rice. According to the menu, "President and Mrs. Nixon's favorite [was] served on countless occasions at El Adobe & the Western White House."


The President's Choice on the menu. (02/15/2009)

It didn't take long for our food to arrive. The first thing I noticed was the sheer volume of food. My God it was enormous! I'm telling you, there's no way that Pat Nixon ever finished her plate. Lord knows I know how to pack it down, but even I still had to take the chicken enchilada, rice and beans home with me.

But the food itself was delicious. Normally I think chile relleno is just okay, something I'd eat if you made it for me in your home, but not something I'd ordinarily order at a restaurant. But this one was very well done ... not too eggy like some I've had before.


President's Nixon's favorite dish. (02/15/2009)

And the taco? Pure bliss! A crunchy deep fried outer shell stuffed to the gills with perfectly-cooked shredded beef, crisp lettuce and fresh grated cheese.

I didn't get to experience the enchilada until this afternoon, and that too was fantastic, even after sitting in the fridge for a day. The chicken was still juicy, yet still shredded apart easily with your fork. I can definitely see why the Nixons enjoyed it so much.


The bar inside Nixon's favorite restaurant, El Adobe. (02/15/2009)

So if you're in for some great Mexican food, and some presidential history to boot, definitely check out El Adobe. Located at 31891 Camino Capistrano, in downtown San Juan Capistrano. (949) 493-1163. Open 7 days a week. For more pics, click here.

100 Fantastic Years of Carmen Miranda

Today marks the 100th birthday of the legendary Carmen Miranda, the Brazilian bombshell who took Broadway and Hollywood by storm in the 1940s. A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog post about her on the 50th anniversary of her passing. Today I'm using her 100th birthday as the reason to retouch on this woman's amazing journey.


Carmen Miranda sings The Lady in the Tutti Frutti Hat.

Although Carmen was born in Portugal, she spent most of her formative years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was there that she had become the country’s most successful entertainer.

At the height of her popularity in Brazil, someone asked Carmen what she needed to be happy. She replied: “A good bowl of soup and the freedom to sing.”


A portrait of Carmen Miranda from her Brazilian career.

She made her American debut in 1939 after legendary Broadway impresario Lee Schubert saw her show in Rio de Janeiro. He immediately booked her for his Broadway review: The Streets of Paris. Carmen went to New York and became an overnight sensation.

That show marked the beginning of an 18-month string of successive Broadway reviews and nightclub acts. Although her career in the U.S. was skyrocketing, she found an entirely different reception when she returned to Brazil after finding her success in the U.S.


Carmen Miranda in Brazil.

Upon her return to her home country, audiences rejected her. She had become "Americanized," they complained. She was no longer their Carmen Miranda.

The response broke Carmen's heart. It would be 14 years before she would ever return to her homeland.


Carmen sings The South American Way.

Back in the U.S., Carmen landed a new contract with 20th Century Fox. She was starting a new life in a new country, and she took the town by storm. Six months after the fateful return trip to Brazil, Carmen's hands and feet were enshrined in cement at Grauman's Chinese Theater. Soon she would become the highest paid woman in the U.S.

By the mid 1940s, however, Carmen's novelty began to wear off. Despite Carmen's desire to expand her talents, 20th Century Fox wouldn't permit her to do anything else other than sing and dance in supporting roles.


Carmen sings Brazil.

She would later buy out her contract, dye her hair blonde, and take a lead role opposite Groucho Marx in the 1947 film Copacabana. The film was a flop. By then Carmen was unable to escape the type of roles that once made her so famous.

She went back to the nightclub circuit, but by then, she was almost a novelty act. After working two shows a night for months on end, Carmen began having problems sleeping. So she began to take a sleeping pill. Within a few years, she was taking up to 10 sleeping pills a night.


Carmen became the highest paid woman in the U.S.

After a nervous breakdown, Carmen entered into a deep depression. She went back to Brazil to recuperate with her family. Doctors there put Carmen through shock treatments, which were common at the time. A few months later, she began to show signs of life again.

But her own ambition turned out to be her downfall. She returned to Hollywood in 1955 and threw herself back into the turmoil of appearances and TV guest spots.


The last recorded image of Carmen before her death at age 46.

Three months later, appearing on the Jimmy Durante Show, she collapsed suddenly while dancing and had trouble breathing. But being the trooper she was, she picked herself up and finished the show, dancing gracefully out the door.

It would be the last time the public would see Carmen Miranda alive. She died later that night. Cause of death was a heart attack. She was 46 years old.


Carmen Miranda at the height of her career.

Fortunately today, Carmen Miranda continues to touch the lives of fans through her movies. Happy 100th birthday Carmen!

James Turns 350,000 Hours Old Today

A couple of years ago, I plotted out all my alternative birthdays according to the Alternative Birthdays Calculator. And my calendar just reminded me that I turn 350,000 hours old today!


James turns 350,000 hours old today.

I don't even want to think about how many of those hours I've spent watching TV or wasting time on the Internet. So let's just celebrate my 350,000th hour on this planet. :)

Another Washington Arrival

Today is a historic day for America. I don't know about you, but I have been glued to the TV for every moment. Whether it's the White House luncheon with the five past, present and future presdients, or the "We Are One" concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. And I certainly plan on watching Obama place his hand on Abraham Lincoln's bible and take the oath of office on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.


My first day at the White House. (11/03/1998)

In fact, seeing all these events at these historic places makes me think of another notable arrival in the nation's Capital. This one goes back a few years, and although it lacked the pomp and circumstance of the ceremonies welcoming President Barack Obama, it was nonetheless a very memorable event for me.

It was 1998 and Tim and I were visiting our friend Steve who lives in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of Washington DC. It would have been a perfect trip were it not for one thing: Tim and I each caught a terrible case of the flu.


The White House the day I almost threw up inside. (11/03/1998)

The flu dampened our trip, but we made the best of it. We still managed to make it to the National Archives, The Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Monument, Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Memorial, the National Cathedral, the U.S. Capitol and three Smithsonian museums (including the Natural History museum where Tim passed out from exhaustion). But the most memorable moment, for me anyway, was the Guided Tour of the White House.


The golden ticket to the White House.

It was on November 3 — Election Day, no less. Tim was far too sick to go, so he stayed in bed that day. I was also too sick to go, but I wasn't about to pass up the rare chance to tour the White House. I had requested the tickets through my Congressman months before (thanks Hank), and I knew there was no way I'd have a second chance anytime soon. So come hell or highwater, I was determined to go.


Tim in front of the U.S. Capitol. (11/1998)

Despite my ass dragging, Steve and I made it in time for the tour. Unfortunately, I was so sick, I couldn't enjoy it as much as I would have otherwise. I remember feeling so hot and stuffy, that I could barely stand any longer. I so wanted to sit down for a moment, but we weren't allowed to sit on any of the furniture.


The Lincoln Memorial as we first saw it. (11/1998)

I was so miserable, that during one point of the tour, in the Red Room, Blue Room or Green Room (I don't remember the color), I nearly threw up. Seriously. I think it was the closest I ever came to throwing up without actually having done so. It took everything I had to keep it down.

I made it through without incident, but now that I look back, maybe it would have been a better story if I did throw up in the White House. How many people hold that claim to fame! I think even President Clinton, who was in residence that day, might have heard about the tourist who tossed his cookies all over the White House floor.


Steve in front of the White House North Portico. (11/03/1998)

Let's just hope the newest arrivals to the White House have a better experience than I did their first day in the White House. Gobama!

Celebrating the Arrival of 2009

Happy New Year's from James & Tim! We celebrated the way we always like to celebrate: At our house with a few friends and a relaxed setting. Joining us were our friends Doris & Jen, visiting from Santa Cruz, as well as Jon. Amy wasn't able to make it since she had just gotten back from Argentina the day before and was too jetlagged to make it.


Doris, Jen, Tim, James & Jon shortly after ringing in 2009. (01/01/2009)

We began the evening with a delicious pork soup Tim made, and some nice organic breads from Whole Foods. After a little Apples to Apples and some Nine Holes of Golf, we broke out a selection of finger foods. We played a little Mexican Dominoes and before we knew it, we were popping open a bottle of Prosecco to ring in what we hope will be a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Cheers!

Dining Like the Orange County Housewives

Despite being Orange County residents, we don't normally run in the same circles as the Real Housewives of Orange County. But imagine our surprise when we tuned into tonight's episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County to see Lynne and Gretchen having lunch at Marché Moderne, the same restaurant where we had lunch last month!


James, Amy, Sean, Toro and Tim at Marché Moderne. (11/29/2008)

Our friend Sean had invited to lunch there. Marché Moderne is up on the 3rd floor of South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. It's one of Sean's favorite restaurants, and he wanted to share it with some friends. Marché Moderne, which means "modern market," brings together strong French recipes with modern American cuisine. The food was amazing.


Japanese Pain de Mie, deviled eggs salad, cucumber and aioli. (11/29/2008)

Sean not only invited Tim and me, but he also extended the invitation to our pal Amy, as well as Toro, a friend that we met at a party not too long ago whom we later came to realize also knew Sean. It was a fun group (not that I expected differently).


Toro and Tim. (11/29/2008)

Sean began his meal with a half-dozen oysters on the half shell, before making his way into sauteed sweetbread a l'echalote. Tim, Amy and Toro each ordered the Spontanée, a three-course menu that changes daily (I think the choices that day were sea bass or some form of beef). We also shared a couple of bottles of great wine, the names of which I can't remember.


The delectable apricot sorbet. (11/29/2008)

I started off with the Marché "Salade Composée" a perfectly seasoned salad with hearts of palm, ham, cucumber, asparagus, P'tit Basque (French sheep's milk cheese), tomatoes, avocado and an agridulce vinaigrette. Then I worked my way into a botique sandwich consisting of Japanese Pain de Mie, deviled eggs salad, cucumber and aioli. Translation: An egg-salad sandwich.


Sean, Toro, Tim and Amy outside Marché Moderne. (11/29/2008)

But lest you think I'm speaking of it in a disparaging tone, let me say, it was the best egg-salad sandwich I had in my life. And what a beautiful presentation too! We closed the meal with a beautiful hand-made apricot sorbet which was lovely. In all, I can see why the Real Housewives of Orange County, or anyone for that matter, would enjoy lunch there. It was that good.

Happy Holidays from James & Tim's Blog

Breaking news: James & Tim's Blog is alive! Not that you can tell by the frequency of blog posts lately. I've been concentrating on other projects as of late, like organizing and backing up our digital photo library (and we have thousands), or our continuing effort to digitize our family's old slides, like these I scanned today that seemed rather timely.


James (in blue) & Robert throw snowballs as our dad watches. (12/1971)

According to the writing on the box, these snapshots were taken in December 1971 when we drove our 1969 Country Squire Station Wagon to Chicago to spend Christmas with relatives. I'm almost certain that this was the first time I had ever seen snow in person. You can see the delight in my face as I tossed snow balls towards my Mom who was taking the photo.

That was the first and last time we drove to Chicago for Christmas. My dad said the drive home was horrible. It was 14 below and in the middle of a storm. My dad was afraid to turn off the engine, for fear the car wouldn't start again (even filling the gas tank while the car ran). It wasn't until we arrived in Wyoming that we eventually turned the engine off.


I think this was my first time playing in snow. (12/1971)

He said the only way he knew he was still on the freeway was because of the poles at the edge of the road that extended above the snow. My brother and I were bundled up inside our coats, inside two sleeping bags, and even with the heater on full blast, we kept complaining about being cold. No wonder we never made that trip again!

In the meantime, enjoy the pics and keep tuned into James & Tim's Blog for new content soon.

Happy 75th Birthday to the Bloody Mary

I wasn't planning on blogging tonight (we've been really busy lately), but when I heard that today was the 75th birthday of the Bloody Mary — one of my favorite adult beverages — I knew I had to commemorate this special event somehow. So in this special edition of the James & Tim Blog, I will write about my three most memorable Bloody Marys.


Bloody Mary on the Space Needle. (07/24/2004)

Space Needle Bloody Mary
One of my most memorable Bloody Marys was in 2004 when we had brunch atop the Seattle Space Needle the day we embarked on a cruise to Alaska. We ordered a couple of these splendid beverages, and were surprised with the garnish they chose: pickled green beans!

Normally you expect a celery stalk and an olive. But green beans? Well, it turns out the Space Needle bartender knows a thing a two about blending flavors, because the combination was freakin' amazing! The only thing that made this Bloody Mary better was the stunning views of Seattle we had while sipping them.


Bloody Mary at Laughlin Ranch Country Club. (11/24/06)

Laughlin Ranch Bloody Mary
I didn't have a lot of expectations when we went to have breakfast at the Laughlin Ranch country club just outside Laughlin, Nevada (technically it's in Arizona). It was our first time there, and when I saw the amazing Bloody Mary they brought out for me, I knew it wouldn't be our last.

Although this looked more like the stereotypical Bloody Mary, with the giant celery stalk, one noteworthy difference between this Bloody Mary and others was the giant prawn used as a garnish. It had a protein. It had a vegetable. Hell, add a slice of bread and it's practically a meal in itself!


Bloody Mary at the Ramos House, San Juan Capistrano. (11/30/2008)

The Ramos House Cafe Bloody Mary
As you've been reading, I've had some spectacular Bloody Marys over the years. But I think the crown jewel of my Bloody Mary history came just yesterday when we had Sunday brunch with our friend Sean at The Ramos House Cafe in the Los Rios historic district in San Juan Capistrano.

You knew this Bloody Mary was different the moment they brought it out, complete with a fresh clab claw speared into a scotch egg — a hard-boiled quail egg rolled in sausage meat, breaded and deep fried. I kid you not!


Topped with a fresh crab claw and a scotch egg. (11/30/2008)

The only thing better than the amazing presentation was the taste. Unlike some Bloody Marys I've had, this one did not have a harsh alcohol taste. The reason why: It's made with fermented vodka, rather than distilled vodka (it has something to do with the classification of the restaurant's liquor license). It was definitely a drink to remember. Talk about a meal in itself!

Happy 75th Birthday to the Bloody Mary!

Our Color Purple Thanksgiving

They say 2008 was the year of change. So after nearly 39 years of group Thanksgiving gatherings at the homes of family or friends, Tim and I decided to make a change this year and spend Thanksgiving dinner at Orange Hill Restaurant.


The view when we arrived for Thanksgiving dinner. (11/27/2008)

A couple of reasons prompted this. First, we've never had Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant before, and it sounded kind of fun (especially at Orange Hill Restaurant that we love anyway). Second, my whole family was in Chicago for Thanksgiving this year. Third, we had tickets that night to see The Color Purple stage musical at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

We didn't intentionally buy show tickets on Thanksgiving. In fact, I wouldn't have thought they would even perform a show on Thanksgiving. But this year we subscribed to the series and selected Thursday nights as our show night. When we received our tickets, we actually called the box office to make sure there wasn't a mistake (there wasn't).


The view when we left Thanksgiving dinner. (11/27/2008)

We had dinner before the show, arriving at 4:30 p.m. We strategically selected that time because we knew the view would be daylight when we arrived, we'd watch the sunset while we ate, and it would be night when we left. That way we could see the amazing view in all the major stages (the view, and the food, were amazing).

The show was great too. I don't know if it was the best show I'd ever seen, or even in my top 10, but I still enjoyed it very much. The woman who played the lead part of Celie, Jeannette Bayardelle, was great. And being the American Idol nut that I am, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that LaToya London, one of the powerhouse divas of Season 3, was playing the part of Celie's sister Nettie (LaToya London's Idol performance of "All By Myself" still gives me chills when I think about it).


We spent Thanksgiving night seeing The Color Purple. (11/27/2008)

The most standout performance, however, was by Felicia P. Fields, who played the unstoppable Sofia (the role Oprah Winfrey played in the 1985 film). Fields was reprising the role she originated on Broadway, and she was incredible. I especially liked her song, "Hell, No!" The audience went wild when she sang it.

Altogether, it was a very pleasant way to spend the day. In fact, if you ask me if I would have done Thanksgiving any different this year, I'd say: "Hell, No!" :)

How to Open a Pomegranate Without the Mess

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the seasonal availability of one of my favorite treats: Pomegranates. For some people, this season is all about pumpkin pie. But for me, it's those ruby-red bundles of goodness made by Mother Nature herself. So today, I'm using our blog to actually write about something useful: How to open a pomegranate without the mess.


Step 0: Start with a pomegranate. (11/11/2008)

I've seen various methods of opening a pomegranate, many of which I find needlessly messy. So here is my mess-free, stress-free way of opening pomegranates. First, you'll need a pomegranate. I buy mine at Costco. POM brand are the best, in my humble opinion.


Step 1: Slice off the top. (11/11/2008)

Step 1: Using a paring knife, slice off the top, or crown. In some of the other methods I've seen, they cut off the crown deeper into the fruit, exposing the arils and making a big juicy mess. Totally unnecessary, I say. I prefer to cut off a thin portion without exposing the interior fruit.


Step 2: Make a center cut and score. (11/11/2008)

Step 2: Stick the knife about a quarter-inch into the core, making a small incision. Then, gently, use your knife to score the outside skin in the same direction of the cut in the core.


Step 3: Repeat in opposite direction. (11/11/2008)

Step 3: Repeat Step 2, but this time go in the opposite direction. If you did this correctly, you'll notice the center core will have a "+" or "x" depending on the angle in which you hold it.


Step 4: After scoring it, gently pry it open. (11/11/2008)

Step 4: After cutting the core and scoring the outside skin, gently begin to pry it open. Be sure not to squeeze the fruit while doing this, or you'll crush the arils inside and again, make a big juicy mess.


Step 5: Open until it splits. (11/11/2008)

Step 5: Keep prying the pomegranate open until it splits in half. Be on the lookout for any arils that fall out. As you've no doubt heard, pomegranate juice causes permanent stains, so be sure to avoid wearing white while doing this.


Step 6: Split again and then eat the tasty arils. (11/11/2008)

Step 6: Take the two halves and split them again along the scoring lines you made. You should end up with four large sections that now make it much easier to pick out the tasty little arils. Some people prefer to do this in a bin of water, since the arils sink while the membrane lining floats. But I find it just as easy to do this dry. Enjoy!