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  • Food,  Local Events,  Travel

    River Road Wine Trail in Monterey County

    February 10, 2019 /

    Nestled in the highlands of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range in Monterey County, the River Road Wine Trail snakes its way from Salinas to Greenfield, California.  The River Road Wine Trail is billed as “one of the Central Coast’s premiere wine touring destinations”.   I have to say that is absolutely true.  The climate in the Santa Lucia Highlands is perfect for creating very unique and highly sought after wines including pinot noir, chardonnay, pino gris, and syrah, among others.  Furthermore, River Road wineries are passionate about what they do.  Many are family-owned businesses going back for generations.  There is pride and respect for what they do, and it shows not only in the quality of their wine, but also in the way they treat their customers.  Tasting room staff are professional, friendly, and willing to discuss any questions you may have.  Wine tasting here is the ultimate, authentic experience.

    Each year, wineries along the River Road Wine Trail in Monterey County celebrate Valentine’s Day by hosting a special event.  This event features some of the finest wines in Monterey County, along with food pairings, music, and fun.

    I think this sign is my favorite, can you tell why?

    This year, Odonata, Pessagno Winery, Manzoni Estate Vineyard, Puma Road Winery, Hahn Family Wines, Smith Family Wines, Scheid Vineyards, Chalone Vineyard, and Michaud Vineyard participated in the event.  What I love about this event is that not only do you get to sample a huge variety of wines, you get to see the actual vineyards and wineries where they are created and meet the makers.  How cool is that?

    Scheid Vineyards had a very relaxed atmosphere, with amiable and helpful staff.

    My first stop was Scheid Vineyards.  Michaud Vineyard was also here for the event.  I loved all the visitor-friendly outdoor seating!

    Wine tasters partake in a game of Jenga at Scheid Vineyards.

    After leaving Scheid I headed for Smith Family Wines.  My GPS was going wonky and telling me to turn on dirt roads leading to abandoned muddy fields, but I persisted, and eventually arrived at my destination.

    The tasting room at Smith Family Wines was warm and elegant.

    Smith Family Wineries represents three generations of hard-working vintners.  Their three award-winning brands are Alexander-Smith, Paraiso, and Irie.

    Smith Family Wines offered a beautiful setting for visitors.

    Next, I headed north to Hahn Family Wines.  Chalone Vineyards was also set up here.  It seemed like it took forever to navigate the narrow road flanked by fir trees back to the winery, but finally, I arrived!

    The deck at Hahn’s tasting room offers gorgeous vistas.

    Heading north from Hahn, in another 7.3 miles, I reached Puma Road Winery.  On the way, I passed rustic farm buildings and witnessed a huge rainbow arching over the Salinas Valley.  While there were a few occasional patchy sprinkles, the day remained, overall, quite beautiful.

    The staff at Puma were super friendly!

    A hop, skip and jump north of Puma Road is Manzoni Estate Vineyard.  The estate is comprised of a mere six acres (that’s only twice as big as my farm!) but the wines they produce are exceptional.  The Manzoni family has called this area home for nearly 100 years.

    The Manzoni Estate Vineyard tasting room was intimate and inviting.
    The Swiss fare served at the Manzoni Estate Vineyard brought back memories of my days living in the Swiss area of Wisconsin.  Indeed, my three sons are half Swiss!

    Following my visit at Manzoni, I headed just over a mile north to Pessagno Winery.  This, in my humble opinion, is the coziest tasting room ever.  I think it might be the combination of the warmth exuding from the wood burning stove, the cute cat curled up on a chair, the beautiful stained glass window, and the long, roomy wooden bar.  Pessagno Winery just exudes ambiance and comfort.

    The final stop on my wine tasting venture was Odonata Wines.  Did you know that Odanata is another word for dragonfly?  Odonata states that variety and quality are their watchwords and that the batches of wine they produce are made from grapes that are organic and grown sustainably.  I’ll raise my glass to that!

    I had so much fun today and I can’t wait to repeat the experience next year!  I hope that you get a chance to check out the River Road Wine Trail and enjoy it as much as I did.  Remember, you don’t have to wait until the Valentine’s Passport event to visit, most of the wineries here are open year round.  For more information on any of the wineries listed, or for information on the annual Valentine’s wine tasting event, see Wine Trail.

    Helpful Hints for attending the Valentine’s Passport event:

    • Arrive as early as possible as parking and crowds increase the later you start.
    • Be aware that the wine service ends at 4 pm.
    • Designated drivers who will not be imbibing get a discount: tickets are half price!
    • Parking areas fill up quickly and you may end up walking quite a distance; choose footwear accordingly.
    • Bring a warm sweater or coat as it can be chilly this time of year.
    • Many transportation options are available if you don’t have a designated driver, including the Monterey Party Bus, limos, and of course, Uber.
    • All wineries provide vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food pairings.

    Thank you for visiting my blog.  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and happy wine tasting!

     

  • Food,  Local Events,  Travel

    Foraging for Fungi in Beautiful Big Sur

    January 20, 2019 /

    January is peak mushroom season in central coastal California.  Each year the Big Sur area hosts a four-day Foragers Festival to raise money for the Big Sur Health Center, a non-profit facility that provides much needed local medical services.  Multiple well-known restaurants and renowned chefs create magical meals featuring wild ingredients foraged in Big Sur paired with delicious local wines and beers.  There are also raffles, auctions, and a “Fungus Face-Off”, which pits local chefs against each other in a cooking competition featuring fungi. While I have been known to consume mushrooms on my pizza and occasionally partake of portobellos I must admit that my knowledge of mushrooms is rather scant.  Mushrooms are ubiquitous at my farm and I always wonder if they are edible or poisonous, so when I saw that the festival included foraging hikes led by fungi experts, I jumped at the chance.

    The hikes were led by Todd Spanier, who truly is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge as well as a talented chef.  I liked that he could not only identify wild plants and fungi, but also explain how they could be used for culinary purposes.  He explained that he started learning about mushrooms from his Italian grandfather when he was only five years old.  Todd owns a company called “King of Mushrooms” which provides wild foraged foods to many local restaurants and businesses.  He is considered to be a pioneer of the sustainable and wild food movements in California.  If you would like to join Todd or other experts to learn about wild edibles, see Wild Food Walks.

    The Good (Edible) Fungi.
    The Bad (Won’t Kill You But Yucky) Fungi.

    I learned that the biggest threat to fungi is not over picking, but rather, destruction of their habitat.  I also learned that you can touch poisonous fungi and not worry about getting sick, that the only way to become ill is if you ingest the mushroom.  Stories were also related regarding people from Asia and Russia coming to California and picking and eating mushrooms that looked identical to those in their original countries but which were toxic and poisonous.  You can imagine the dire consequences.  Yikes!

    And the Ugly (Poisonous) Fungi.
    Conjoined redwoods along the way.

    It was a beautiful, sunny day as we entered the Big Sur forest following days of rain.  We passed gorgeous copses of redwoods, bay laurels, and canyon oaks.  Lauren, another of our guides, was very knowledgeable regarding edible items and pointed out horsemint, miner’s lettuce, and redwood sorrel.

    Lauren & Todd identifying our finds.
    Redwood sorrel tastes like a tart green apple but should only be eaten in small quantities due to oxalic acid.
    This is a nut, unfortunately, I do not remember the name!

    As many of you may know, I have a word obsession.  I love learning new words, wordplay, etc.  So, of course, I was stoked when I started learning about all the amazing fungi out there!  Scientific nomenclature is interesting, but who can beat names like  “Witches Butter”, “Candy Caps”,  “Turkey Tails”, and “Slippery Jacks”?

    A banana slug feasts on honey mushrooms.

    Banana slugs were everywhere.  Imagine my surprise when I learned that some younger males were licking them!  I asked one kid why, and he said “licking a banana slug numbs your tongue and is a rite of passage.”  Ewwwww.  Boys are just weird.

    We saw many of these “Waxy Caps” on our hike.
    These “Black Knight” mushrooms were once popular in Europe but eating them over time can cause a toxic reaction. Avoid!

     

    Todd’s Takeaways:

    •  “Do not believe what you see on the internet.”
    • “Do not eat mushrooms raw, you can get sick.”  He stated that cooking mushrooms also enhances their nutritional value.
    •  “Know the tree, know the mushroom.”  He said you can often tell what a mushroom is according to the tree it grows on or near.
    • “Never eat a mushroom unless you are 100% sure of what it is”.  There are some look-alikes that can befuddle even seasoned fungi seekers.
    • “Use guidebooks to help identify fungi”.

    Todd ended his hike by telling us “it doesn’t matter where we’re from, mushrooms connect us to nature and to our ancestry.” I for one would love to learn more and will be perusing my local library and also attending more foraging hikes.  The best way to learn is from people who know their stuff, right?  Whether you are a foodie, a nature lover, interested in sustainability, or just find the idea of foraging for wild mushrooms fascinating, you will enjoy this amazing experience.  I can’t wait to try out more activities at the Big Sur Foragers Festival next year!  For more information on this unique event, see Festival.

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!

  • Food,  Local Events,  Travel

    Swoon in Half Moon (Bay) & San Gregorio Lagoon

    November 25, 2018 /

    Okay, you may not actually faint or be overwhelmed with ecstatic joy at the sight of Half Moon Bay or San Gregorio Lagoon.  I was perhaps a bit hyperbolic (and it rhymed!).   Nonetheless, I think you will at the very least be charmed by this lovely area.  Half Moon Bay conjures up images of a peaceful bay with celestial light reflecting on rippling ocean waves.  It is this and so much more.  Located just 25 miles south of San Francisco and 91 miles north of Monterey, it is an area full of history, natural beauty, and fun shops. 

    These pumpkins are so huge I can picture one being turned into Cinderella’s coach, just like in the fairytale!

    The Art & Pumpkin Festival

    It is also home to the famous annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival.  This event started in 1971 and is one of the oldest and largest festivals in California, attracting more than 200,000 visitors each year in October.  It features all things pumpkin, including pie, pancakes, bread, cheesecake, sausages and ice cream.  There is a costume contest, a pie-eating contest, and other fun activities for all ages.  There are also arts and crafts featuring local artisans and live musical talent.  The Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off brings pumpkin farmers from all over the country.  In 2018, a man from Oregon won the contest for the fourth time with a behemoth pumpkin weighing 2,170 pounds, the second heaviest pumpkin ever entered in the contest.

    History of Half Moon Bay

    During the 1700s, a Spanish Mission used the area as grazing land for cattle, horses, and oxen.  It did not officially become a town until the 1840s.  Its original name was “San Benito”, followed by “Spanishtown”.  It was renamed Half Moon Bay in 1874.  Today, you can still see historic buildings built during the 1800s in the downtown area.  An interesting anecdote about Half Moon Bay is that it was used by “rum runners” during Prohibition due to its profusion of numerous hidden coves and its consistently dense fog.

    The Methodist Episcopal Church in Half Moon Bay is on the National Register of Historic Places.
    If you didn’t go to church, you were sent next door. Not a good place to be!

    Beaches and Surfing at Half Moon Bay

     There are several state beaches at Half Moon Bay including Surfers’ Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, and Francis Beach.  The water is extremely cold and windy, and the weather often foggy, rendering it an unpleasant place to sunbathe or wade except during the warmer months in early fall.    If you are a surfer with a wetsuit, however, this place is the cat’s meow.  At the north edge of Half Moon Bay, off Pillar Point, is a famous surfing area, the Mavericks.  Here, waves cresting 50 feet or more draw world famous surfers.  

    This breathtaking photo of the Mavericks courtesy of photographer Bryan Pezman @pezmanb

    Other Recreational Activities

    If you are not into surfing, there is a scenic oceanfront trail running from Pillar Point Harbor to southern Half Moon Bay.  There are also opportunities to go sea kayaking or paddle boarding.   You can also take whale-watching tours here.

    Pillar Point Harbor is actually and factually in nearby Princeton-by-the-Sea, just FYI.

    History of San Gregorio State Beach

    San Gregorio State Beach lies just 11 miles south of Half Moon Bay.  The area is historically significant because Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola camped here in the 1700s during a failed expedition to reach Monterey Bay.  He and his crew eventually headed north to discover San Francisco Bay.  Today, it is a great place to hang out and enjoy the gorgeous coastal views, have lunch, or hike on the many trails winding along the ocean’s edge.   Numerous picnic tables and restrooms are available here.  Be aware that dogs are not allowed as the beach is a nesting habitat for the shrinking population of western snowy plovers.  Hours are daily from 8 am to sunset.

    Importance of the Lagoon

    The San Gregorio Creek forms a freshwater lagoon and was originally a coho salmon spawning site.  Today, juvenile steelhead in the lagoon undergo a process called “smolting”, which enables them to prepare for life in the open sea.  During the winter, the sandbar separating the lagoon from the ocean washes away and the matured steelhead swim out to sea.

    Helpful Links:  Pumpkin Festival, Half Moon Bay, San Gregorio

    I hope you enjoy Half Moon Bay and San Gregorio Lagoon as much as I did!  Wishing you love, peace, happiness, & beautiful vistas!

  • Food,  Local Events,  Travel

    Glorious Garlic: Visiting Gilroy, the Garlic Capital

    November 20, 2018 /

    Gilroy and garlic are nearly synonymous in my neck of the woods.  Gilroy, located in Santa Clara County about 35 miles south of San Jose, is considered the garlic capital of the United States.  Before it was the garlic capital it was the prune capital (maybe this is how nearby Prunedale received its name?).  Those prune pickers didn’t make much money, however, and people turned to growing garlic instead.   During garlic season, from July through October, people can often smell Gilroy before they can see it.  Some people have reported smelling the garlic as far south as Salinas and as far north as San Jose.   Humorist Will Rogers described Gilroy as “the only town in America where you can marinate a steak by hanging it on the clothesline.”  Gilroy does not lead the world in garlic production, however.  It is called the garlic capital because Gilroy Foods processes more garlic than any factory in the world.  Almost all pickled, minced and powdered garlic found in grocery stores worldwide comes from Gilroy Foods.  Christopher Ranch is the largest commercial garlic producer here.

    One of the most popular events in Gilroy is the annual Garlic Festival.  The three-day long festival, held the last weekend in July, features everything garlic, including garlic-laced sausage and calamari, garlic pasta, garlic fries, garlic bread, and even garlic ice cream!  The festival includes not only garlic delicacies but also beer and wine, arts & crafts, live entertainment, garlic-braiding workshops, and cooking competitions. Celebrity chefs such as Giada De Laurentiis have even made appearances.   The festival is held outdoors at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy, and draws more than 100,000 people.  It is a major fundraiser for local charities.  This year saw the initiation of Garlic Train service from San Francisco and San Jose to Gilroy for the festivities. 

    How many opportunities do you get to pose inside a giant garlic bulb? Seriously? I passed but I still regret it.

    Helpful Hints for the Garlic Festival:

    • Friday is the least crowded day at the festival
    • It can be extremely hot, make sure to stay hydrated and bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
    • The following items are prohibited from the event:  alcohol, bottles or cans, coolers, frisbees or water projecting devices, and pocketknives or weapons of any kind
    • No pets are allowed except for service animals
    • No RV parking is available
    Garlic pancakes, anyone?
    The old City Hall, circa 1905, has been converted into a restaurant. It is also used to impale any objects unfortunate enough to come near its spiked tower.

    If you want to beat the heat and crowds at the Garlic Festival, there are still plenty of garlicky things to do in Gilroy the rest of the year. You can take a walking tour of the historic downtown area, which features dozens of amazing homes and buildings, including many structures designed by eminent California architect W. H. Weeks.  Walking tour maps are available at the Gilroy Welcome Center and also near public parking downtown.  You can visit the Garlic City Cafe, the Garlic City Casino, or Garlic World.  You can even get a garlic flavored beer at Golden State Brew & Grill and then head out to hit some golf balls at the Garlic Country Driving Range.  The possibilities are endless.  As is the bad breath.  Which is good if you want to ward off vampires, but not good if you are looking forward to kissing someone under the mistletoe!  Some studies have shown that drinking milk while you consume garlic can help neutralize this effect, and other studies have shown that consuming garlic with mushrooms and basil may also be effective.  I say the solution is to eat more pizza.  It has cheese which is made from milk, and who doesn’t like mushrooms, basil, and garlic on their pizza?  

    If you enjoy wine, there are nearly two dozen wineries in the area including Stomping Ground, Heller Winery, Sarah’s Vineyard and more.  After a glass of wine, you can head eight miles northeast of Gilroy to the famous Victorian resort, Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs, a California Historical Landmark.  Other local fun spots include  Gilroy Outlet Center, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park on CA State Route 152 and Mount Madonna County Park also on 152.

     Directions:  From San Francisco take Hwy 101 southeast approximately 84 miles.  From Monterey, take Hwy 156 northeast approximately 41 miles.

    Helpful Links:

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!

     

  • Food,  Local Events

    Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville, California

    October 15, 2018 /

    With autumn in the air, nothing is more fun than visiting the apple orchard.  When I lived in the Midwest, I would giddily make my annual pilgrimage to the local apple orchard, bundled up in a warm sweater and hat.  I would join others piling onto the hay wagons that would be pulled by a tractor out into the orchard.  There, we were abandoned with bushel baskets to pick apples from trees in the crisp, cool autumn air.  We returned later to the apple barn with our haul.  At the apple barn, there was hot apple cider and fresh, warm cinnamon donuts.  I have so many fond memories of this, I was feeling pretty bummed to be orchardless in California, that is, until my friend Lauryn told me about Gizdich Ranch.  

    While you don’t need to bundle up at this apple orchard, and there are no hay wagons, hot donuts or cider, it is a true gem.  Located in a quiet, rural area, the 60-acre Gizdich Ranch has a reputation for being a local favorite.  It is located at 55 Peckham Road in Watsonville, CA, 31 miles north of Monterey and 94 miles south of San Francisco.  They have been in business for more than 80 years. As you drive through the quiet countryside to Gizdich Ranch, you will notice quaint Victorian houses with gingerbread porches, old-fashioned windmills,  and little red barns.  It almost feels like you have traveled back in time to a place where people churn butter, make quilts and drive to church every Sunday in a horse and buggy.    It’s just that cute.

    No matter the season, Gizdich has something good in store.  In the spring and summer you can pick strawberries, olallieberries, and boysenberries, and in the fall, apples (or you can purchase them already picked).  Gizdich is especially famous for their freshly baked pies. You can buy pie by the slice or an entire pie. You can even get a scoop of ice cream with your pie. Or, you may prefer a homemade apple dumpling drowning in a to-die-for caramel sauce.  They also carry homemade jams, fresh pressed apple juice and other yummies, doodads, and gimcrackery.  The apple juice is often sold out for good reason, it is delicious!  If you are wondering about what to serve for dessert at Thanksgiving, you can pre-order pies here.  Gizdich sells around 6,000 pies this time of year! 

    While the produce at Gizdich is not certified organic, they use many techniques, including applying beneficial insects and organic sprays, to avoid the use of pesticides.  I snagged some heirloom Pippins (grown by George Washington on his estate in Virginia) and they were super crisp, sweet and tasty.  Pippins are just one of 17 apple varieties available at Gizdich.

    One of the most popular flavors for jam and pie is ollalieberry.  If you are from the midwest, like me, you have probably never heard of ollalieberry.   Olallies are a cross between blackberries and red raspberries and let me tell you, they are heavenly!  

    If you are hankering for something more substantial to eat, Gizdich’s has a deli that serves picnic lunches including sandwiches, chips, cookies, an apple, and a drink.  There are picnic tables and benches where you can sit down and enjoy your goodies.  There is also an antique shop on the premises which was closed when we were there.

     

    Hours: They are open every day from 9 am to 5 pm

    Helpful Hints:  

    • Weekday mornings are the quietest, by afternoon the school buses are arriving and you will be standing in lines or dodging the kiddos 
    • If you are picking berries, bring your own take-home containers; Gizdich provides containers for picking only, there is a fee charged for boxes to take berries home in  
    • If you will be outside during hot and sunny weather, bring sunscreen and a hat
    • It can be dusty here with dirt roads
    • Credit cards are accepted as well as cash
    • Signs can be a bit confusing, we ended up at the pick your own orchard and had to continue further around the corner to the actual farm and store.
    • You can place phone orders before you arrive
    • Ample parking is available

    Contact: Call 831-722-2458 or visit their website Orchard

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and a very lovely autumn!

  • Food,  Travel

    Deetjen’s Rustic Inn & Restaurant in Big Sur

    August 26, 2018 /

    This is fourth in my series of reviews of iconic Big Sur restaurants, look for more in the future!

    Deetjen’s Restaurant & Inn lies in Big Sur’s Castro Creek Canyon, nestled beneath a grove of ancient redwoods.  With eclectic room names like “Chateau Fiasco”, “Top Antique” & “13th Room” (to be avoided if you have triskaidekaphobia), Deetjen’s combines authentic Big Sur spirit with vintage furnishings, beautiful gardens, and delicious food.  Deetjens Big Sur Inn, open since the 1930s, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the Inn is operated on a not-for-profit basis by the Deetjens Big Sur Inn Preservation Foundation.

    History

    After the opening of Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon brought an influx of visitors to the area, the Deetjens decided to provide a  place for people to stay and enjoy a home-cooked meal.  Built from 1936 through 1950 by Helmuth Deetjen and his wife Helen, Deetjen’s features rustic cabins constructed with authentic Norwegian craftsmanship.

    The Restaurant

    The restaurant features outdoor dining beneath a canopy of wisteria, or charming indoor dining next to a cozy, crackling fireplace.  The food here is amazingly delicious and guests regularly rave about it.  What more could you ask for?

    The dining room exudes a cozy, home-like environment

    The Inn

    Throughout its history, Deetjen’s has been a refuge for writers, artists, and celebrities.  Nonetheless, this is a basic, no frills kind of place.  There is no wi-fi, no television, no cell service, no swimming pool or spa.  Some rooms share a bathroom.  The rooms are small and thin-walled, with wood stoves for heat.  Yet there is a charm and comfort here you will find nowhere else.  Opportunities to hike, bird watch (including the rare California Condor), or enjoy the gardens abound.  Guests also enjoy perusing each room’s journal for previous lodger’s stories and tidbits of wisdom.  Deetjens states that their mission is  “to preserve the history of the Inn by providing a peaceful, retreat-type experience for our guests”.

    Tours

    You are free to look around the grounds on your own, or you may wish to join a formal tour.  Tours of the historic inn and grounds are available Tuesday through Thursday at 10 am, or you may schedule an appointment for a private tour.  During your tour, you may notice one of the adorable resident cats roaming the gardens.  One of the cats, Fabio, even has his own blog! (see Fabio)

    Another beautiful garden at Deetjen’s

    Location

    Deetjen’s is located at 48865 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA, just south of the Henry Miller Library.  For reservations or information, call 831-667-2377 or see Deetjens

    An exquisite hand-made mosaic adds to the creativity of the garden

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!

     

     

     

     

  • Food,  Travel

    Delicious Places to Eat in Monterey on a Budget

    August 17, 2018 /

    Monterey is not only a beautiful coastal city but is also called the language capital of the world. Monterey’s ethnic and cultural diversity is reflected in the wide variety of food available here. Many restaurants in this area tend to be on the pricier end of the spectrum. But do not fear, there are tons of places here where you can find delicious food without emptying your wallet, if only you know where to look! If you are hoping to find some great, budget-friendly, delicious places to eat you have come to the right place!

    The Paris Bakery

    • Open 7 days a week, this local favorite offers a fresh selection of pastries, soups, salads, fresh fruit, and sandwiches. The Paris Bakery is operated by the Jegat family from France 🇫🇷 who originally owned a bakery in, you guessed it—Paris!
    • Cuisine: French
    • Where: 271 Bonifacio Place, Monterey, CA 93940
    • Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, 6:30 am – 4:30 pm. Sunday.
    • What to order: At lunch pick up a spinach, tuna tomato, or onion rosemary quiche for $4.50, or a croque monsieur, a delicious blend of ham, Bechamel sauce, and gooey Swiss Cheese on French bread. This is a large sandwich and you can easily split it between two people for only $6.00. Then, c’est magnifique! You will still have $$ left for espresso or dessert!
    • Note: There are two locations, one in Seaside and one in old Monterey. I recommend the Monterey location because it is within easy walking distance to all the downtown shops and museums and is just a few blocks from Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
    • Hot Tip: There is a huge parking garage two blocks west of the bakery in Monterey if you plan on heading out for shopping or sight-seeing after lunch.
    • Helpful Links: Paris Bakery

    Dametra

    • Dametra, at Del Monte Mall in Monterey, CA is the much cheaper, more casual sister restaurant to the more expensive but amazing Dametra Cafe in Carmel-by-the-Sea. While you won’t see belly dancers or listen to the kitchen staff crooning Greek songs tableside here, the food is just as delicious and very affordable.
    • Cuisine: Mediterranean/Middle Eastern
    • Where: 630 Del Monte Center, Monterey, CA 93940
    • Hours: Open daily from 11:00am – 9:00pm
    • What to order: Gyros, kabobs, chicken shawarma, falafel, dolmas, salads, baba ghanoush, and spanakopita. They also have Moroccan mint tea, Turkish coffee, beer, and wine. The most expensive item on the menu is the “plate” selection which includes your choice of meat or falafel, rice, and two sides (I usually pick a salad and spanakopita). You also receive freshly baked white or wheat pita bread. All for $9.95. The portions are huge, so bring your appetite.
    • Note: There is seating both inside and outside. I usually prefer to sit at the window bar and people watch.
    • Hot Tip: Spring $2.50 for the baklava, thin layers of phyllo dough filled with walnuts, pistachios & honey. You will not be disappointed.
    • Helpful Links: Dametra

    Chopstix

    • You can’t beat the value you get for quality Vietnamese food here. Everything on the menu is less than $7.99.
    • Cuisine: Vietnamese
    • Where: 1244 Munras Ave., Monterey, CA 93940
    • Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am-8:30 pm
    • What to Order: Favorites include Vietnamese Egg Rolls, Pho Gà Chicken Noodle Soup, Lemon Grass Beef, Vegetarian Glass Noodles with Tofu, Mandarin Chicken Wings, and Vietnamese BBQ Pork Chops.
    • Note: The restaurant is fairly small and may fill up quickly during peak meal times, I recommend making reservations, OR order take out and head to Del Monte Beach for a picnic.
    • Hot Tip: Try their Vietnamese coffee or choose from their dozens of flavors of milk tea and Boba!
    • Helpful Links: Chopstix

    Compagno’s Market & Deli

    • This beloved Monterey market has been keeping Defense Language Institute students and Monterey regulars well fed for over forty years. They were voted best deli sandwich in Monterey and it is easy to see why! The sight of these ginormous subs with their super fresh and tasty fillings will astonish you.Cuisine: Italian-American
    • Where: 2000 Prescott Ave. Monterey, CA 93940
    • Hours: Open daily 9:00 am-4:00 pm
    • What to order: I recommend the Hoagie with salami and mortadella or the chicken salad with almonds on either the soft baked or Dutch crunch bread. Order a half size sub for $8.99-$9.99 and it is still big enough give you two meals. For two people order a full size for $11.50-$12.50 and save even more. If you are vegan, no worries, they offer a delicious no-meat sub with sprouts, mushrooms, avocado, cucumber, and bell peppers.
    • Note: This place is somewhat off the main drag in the middle of a residential neighborhood and has a teeny tiny parking area on the west side that rapidly fills during peak lunch time, it is best to arrive early.
    • Hot Tip: Take your subs down the hill to San Carlos Beach, which marks the end of Cannery Row, at the intersection of Cannery Row and Reeside Avenue and watch the scuba divers at this popular dive area.
    • Helpful Links: Compagnos

    Gianni’s

    • This well-known pizza joint has not only great pizza but also sandwiches, pasta, and calzones. Pizzerias come and go, but this one stands the test of time, and for good reason.
    • Cuisine: Italian
    • Where: 725 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, CA 93940
    • Hours: Monday-Thursday 3:30 pm-9:30 pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00 am-10:30 pm, Sunday 11:00 am- 9:30 pm
    • What to order: Try the mouthwatering meatball sandwich for $8.37 or the linguine & clams marinara for $10.94.
    • Note: The parking lot fills up quickly during peak times, you may want to make reservations and arrive a bit early if you want to be seated on time
    • Hot Tip: This is within walking distance of the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
    • Helpful Links: Giannis

    Mundo’s

    • Mundo’s is close to downtown Monterey and has great food for great prices. They are fur baby friendly, so you can take Fido with you!
    • Cuisine: American
    • Where: 170 Webster St., Monterey, CA 93940
    • Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10:00 am-5:00 pm
    • What to order: Try the spicy tuna melt for $9.29 or the grilled eggplant sandwich for $7.99.   They also offer Curry Chicken Salad with Ciabatta or Tortilla Wrap for $6.99.  The ciabatta bread is what makes the cake: it’s done perfectly–lightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
    • Note: They do not take reservations or deliver
    • Helpful Links: Mundos

    Monterey’s Fish House

    • It is Monterey, so you have to try seafood, right? I recommend Monterey’s Fish House. There are always long lines here, night after night, and for good reason!
    • Cuisine: Seafood
    • Where: 2114 Del Monte Ave., Monterey, CA 93940
    • Hours: Lunch: Monday-Friday  11:30 am – 2:30 pm, Dinner: Monday-Sunday 5-9:30 pm
    • What to order: Try a bowl of their delicious clam chowder for $6.95 or split an entree; the portions are very large. I recommend it ALL.  There are no bad choices here!
    • Hot Tip: Make reservations or you may end up waiting in line for an hour or more
    • Helpful Links: Monterey’s Fish House

    Caffe Trieste

    • Located in downtown Monterey, close to shopping & the wharf.
    • Cuisine: Italian
    • Where: 409 Alvarado Street, Monterey, CA 93940
    • Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am -10:00 pm
    • What to order:  Try the Tonno Melt or Veggie Panini for $9.99
    • Hot Tip: Sit outside and enjoy the fresh air and Monterey vibes.  On Friday and Saturday nights, there is great live music!
    • Helpful Links: Caffe Trieste

    Parker-Lusseau Pastries

    • Housed in the historic Fremont Adobe building and close to  downtown shops and Colton Hall Museum
    • Cuisine: French
    • Where: Three locations, but my favorite is 539 Hartnell St., Monterey, CA 93940
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am -5:30 pm, and Saturday 7:30 am- 4:30 pm
    • What to order: Favorites include the turkey with honey dijon on a Croissant for $7.25, Portabella & Leek Quiche for $6.50 and the daily cup of soup for $4.75.  If you want to go straight for dessert, the Almond Croissant is to die for, $5.50
    • Hot Tip:  Sit outside at the tangerine colored tables and people watch
    • Helpful Links:  Parker Lusseau

     

     

     

     

     
  • Food,  Home & Garden,  Recipes

    Nine Best Fresh Herbs To Use In Your Kitchen

    August 4, 2018 /

    If like me, you have had sticker shock at the price of fresh organic herbs lately, you will be happy to know that they are super easy to grow yourself for much less!  One of the things I like most about herbs is that you can grow them pretty much anywhere.  Even if you have no space for a garden, you can grow many herbs in pots on your windowsill or in containers on a patio.  Fresh, organic, high-quality herbs can make the difference between a bland dish and something filled with exceptional flavor and aroma.  Herbs often have powerful health benefits as well, by providing vitamins and minerals, strengthening the immune system, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, and reducing inflammation.

    1.  Basil is by far my favorite herb.  It is a staple in pizzas, salads, sauces, and pesto. In addition, it contains antioxidants and helps moderate blood sugar.  It is easy to grow but needs hot weather and must be kept watered regularly to thrive.

    2.  Rosemary.  I love the smell of rosemary!   It is a great herb to add to poultry and vegetable dishes.  It has a refreshing scent and is super easy to grow, preferring dry conditions.  It is said to improve mood, memory and protect the immune system.  Here in California, a rosemary plant will grow into a full-sized bush and thrives with neglect.  Seriously!

    3.  Dill is easy to grow. It will also attract helpful insects to your garden such as wasps and other predatory insects.  It also is a delicious complement to fish and sour cream dip for vegetables.  Dill is a source of calcium (surprise!), iron and magnesium.

    4.  Thyme is a dainty, low-growing herb with a lemony scent.  I love to use it for soups, stews, vegetables, and poultry. It is a staple of Provençal French cuisines.  Thymol, an ingredient found in thyme, has been shown to prevent fungal and viral infections, reduce respiratory issues, and alleviate stress.

    5.  Cilantro is another of my favorite herbs and tastes amazing in salads, with chicken, and in Mexican cuisine.  The seeds of cilantro are known as coriander.  It grows best in cooler weather and requires moderate watering.

    6.  Lavender smells fantastic and survives with little care here in California, as long as it has full sun and well-drained soil.   Health benefits include the soothing of insect bites and headaches and it has been touted as a sleep aid.   I like to keep dried lavender sachets in drawers to keep linens freshly scented.  In cooking, lavender imparts a sweet flavor.

    7.  Chives are super easy to grow and look amazing in herb gardens.  Chives are a member of the garlic family and are considered one of the “fine herbs” of French cuisine. Chives are an excellent source of beta-carotene and Vitamin C and taste great with potatoes and other vegetables as well as fish as well as in soups and salads.

    8.  Mint is super duper easy to grow.  There are several varieties of mint. You can use it in drinks like mojitos, mint juleps, and iced tea. It is also used in soups and salads.  It is best used fresh.  Mint has high antioxidant levels,  freshens the breath and will help to calm your stomach.  It also relieves congestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.   If you grow mint, remember that it’s invasive.  Mint will spread!

    9.   Oregano is also part of the mint family and is native to the warm climates of Eurasia and the Mediterranean.  Oregano is a plant, but in colder climates can be grown as an annual. It is sometimes called wild marjoram and is closely related to sweet marjoram. Oregano is used for flavoring and is a staple herb of Italian American cuisine including everyone’s favorite, pizza!

    If you grow your own herbs, you can be assured that they are fresh and organic.  If you grow your herbs indoors you can enjoy them fresh year-round. But if that’s not an option, consider freezing or drying some of your own herbs to have available for use year round.  Be warned that herb gardening can be addicting!

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love and happiness!

  • Food,  Local Events,  Travel

    Mission Ranch in Carmel, California

    July 24, 2018 /
    Picture yourself seated on a terrace, drinking in the sweet ocean air, with stunning views of Point Lobos, Carmel River Beach, and the Santa Lucia mountains.  Sheep graze peacefully in a sweeping pasture before you.  A multitude of lovely shrubs and flowers surround every building, including hydrangeas, bougainvillea, hollyhocks, and angel’s trumpets. Live oaks, eucalyptus, and centuries-old cypress trees tower gracefully over them. You are sure to be delighted no matter where your gaze wanders.  This is Mission Ranch.
    Mission Ranch is located in Carmel, California, just around the corner from the beautiful Carmel Mission Basilica. It began in the 1850s as a farm owned by John and Elizabeth Martin and their seven children. The Martins had a dairy farm and provided Monterey County with fresh cheese and butter. Their former creamery is now the site of the Mission Ranch restaurant.
    Mission Ranch is located on 22 acres owned by actor Clint Eastwood. In 1950, Clint Eastwood was 21 years old and had just been drafted. Off-duty from Fort Ord, he discovered Carmel and Mission Ranch. He loved the area and made it his second home. When developers threatened to desecrate the area and turn it into condos, he stepped up and saved the historic ranch.
    This historic ranch consists of 31 rooms located in 10 original buildings on the property, including a bunkhouse, the original farmhouse, and a honeymoon cottage. Mission Ranch is a great site for weddings, family vacations, and romantic getaways. While we were at the restaurant for dinner, there was a wedding taking place. How peaceful and serene it appeared, next to the pasture full of grazing sheep!
    The charming restaurant is famous not only for its lovely views but also its amazing piano bar.  The piano bar is a great place to strike up friendships. We recently met a lovely couple from Cote d’Azur and had a great visit with them, even though they spoke little English and we, little French!
    Mission Ranch is open every day except Christmas day.  They have “early grazing” outdoors from 3-5 pm, but dinner service does not officially start until 5 pm.  On the weekends, they offer a brunch from 10 am – 2 pm.  During the week, you can get breakfast from 7 am-10:30 am.  They do not accept reservations.  I would recommend getting there early if you want to get a good table. When you arrive, you can choose to be seated inside or outside on the terrace.  
     We arrived at 4:30 pm and sat at the piano bar until we were seated around 5:15 pm. Fortunately, we were seated in the east section of the restaurant at a window table overlooking the pasture and sheep with a fireplace next to us. This is much quieter than the adjacent dining room near the bar and I would highly recommend it.  There is a plethora of yummy food on the menu including appetizers, soups & salads and fabulous dinner entrees.  I chose the slow roasted prime rib and it was too delicious!
    •  Pets are not allowed in the restaurant except for service animals.  
    • Bring a jacket or sweater for dining on the outdoor terrace as it can get chilly, even with the outdoor heaters.
    • Piano music is played nightly from 5-9 pm.
    Location:  26270 Delores St., Carmel, California
    Phone: 831-624-3824
    Website:  Mission Ranch.
    Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
     
     
  • Food,  Travel

    The Tuck Box: A Fairy Tale Tea Room in Carmel

    July 21, 2018 /
    The Original Tuck Box
    The Tuck Box Today

    Once upon a time, in lovely Carmel-by-the-Sea, there was a fairy tale English cottage called the Tuck Box.   It was built in 1927 by Hugh Comstock.   Comstock’s wife, Mayotta, was famous for her unique hand-made “Otsy-Totsy” dolls.  Time passed and the cottage changed hands.  During the 1940s, two sisters, Mrs. Bumbridge and Mrs. Watson, converted the building into a tea room and named it Tuck Box after the traditional trunks British schoolchildren used to carry books, food, and supplies.

    Vintage Tuck Box

    Tuck boxes generally had a child’s initials, last name, or school mottoes and crests painted on the outside.  Tuck boxes were sometimes created with secret panels, false bottoms, and sliding sections for hiding goodies or contraband. No mother, wrote Roald Dahl in his childhood memoir Boy, would send her son off to prep school without, at the very least, the following in his tuck box: a home-made currant cake, a packet of squashed-fly biscuits, a couple of oranges, an apple, a banana, a pot of strawberry jam or Marmite, a bar of chocolate, a bag of Liquorice Allsorts, and a tin of Bassett’s lemonade powder. To these, a boy would add ‘all manner of treasures’, such as magnets, pocket knives, balls of string, clockwork racing cars, lead soldiers, tiddlywinks, catapults, stink bombs and Mexican jumping beans.

    You won’t find stink bombs or Mexican jumping beans at this tuck box. Instead, you will find delicious sandwiches, fresh fruit, salads, steaming hot tea in whimsical teapots, and their famous scones with fresh cream, orange marmalade, and olallieberry preserves.  It is a very cozy, relaxed setting.  You may be seated inside or outdoors on the terrace.  Caveat: if you eat here, make sure to bring money.  Oddly, the Tuck Box does not accept any credit cards and will direct you to the nearest ATM if you do not have enough cash TUCKED in your wallet.

    The Tuck Box is located on Dolores Street between Ocean and 7th Ave and is open daily, 7:30 am-2:30 pm.  For more information, see Tuck Box.  You may also enjoy reading Fairy Tale Cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!