Homeland Security Interview

      Well the Mayor needed to update his traveler status to expedite passage when going through Customs and Immigration at a US Port of Entry.  Given that the heightened security everywhere requires border control officials to be extra vigilant, it make sense to take advantage of the Global Entry Program.  Above is one of the brochures given to applicants after completing the interview.  I drove to SFO for the interview after getting on the calendar 2 months ago.
     Conducted in the International terminal, the interview IFO  a Customs Officer who pulled up the docs on her terminal and commenced with a few questions to see if the Mayor is really the mayor.  I answered correctly, and was fully enrolled by the time I returned home.  The ID card will follow in the mail w/i 30 days.   So, after visiting our Minister in Latin America this Spring, our return should be easy and without any delays at the port of entry.
     As an added bonus, we decided to go to dinner in North Beach, actually Russian Hill, the old family stomping grounds, so well known to the Mayor, his sibs, and various relatives.  The resto, on the corner of Hyde and Union, is called Zarzuela. Yes, the cuisine is Spanish and the small site refuses reservations.  After 22 years in business, no doubt the owners don't have to take any, relying on word of mouth, social media, and of course, Yelp.
      Tapas are big here.  Small plates are big.  Rioja is big.   And the walls hold posters of famous bull fighters and bull rings from Spain.  We feasted on grilled octopus, oxtail stew, caracolles on toast, dates wrapped with Serrano ham, and, at the end, flan.  Very enjoyable meal.  The solution to no reservations: get there early to get a table.   Finding parking: a challenge-get there early during the transition from daytimers to local residents.
Food: 4+**** Ambiance: 3+*** Value: $$