Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs via photos.

 View from the backyard of the home we stayed in while in Palm Springs this past January.  What a beautiful view!

 Sunset in Palm Springs. 

 Sunrise in Palm Springs (seen from the home we stayed in during this trip). 

 Joshua Trees in Joshua Tree National Park. 

 Close up of a Joshua Tree. 

 The next several photos are of the rocks other scenery in the park. 

The Marilyn statue!

Aliva's El Ranchito, San Clemente, CA

Aliva's El Ranchito has several locations around coastal southern California. I have only been to the San Clemente location on Del Mar. It can get busy in the evening, so I would suggest getting there early. If seating is available you can sit at the bar while you wait for a table.  However, there is not much room to stand around the bar and enjoy one of their many margaritas while you wait. There is a nice patio outback if you wish to dine outside.  You may need to wait longer for your table, but if you have the time it's a nice play to relax. They have plenty of heat lamps if it's a chilly evening, so don't be afraid to sit outside even if it's cold.

El Ranchito has some tasty chips and salsa, a good happy hour, and huge meal portions. The last time I ate here I had a burrito which was HUGE.  If you like margaritas be sure to try one or two of their many varieties!

 My huge steak burrito. It was bigger than my face!

Sam's quesadilla. 

Rocco's Restaurant, San Clemente, CA

Finally made it to Rocco's Restaurant earlier this week. The restaurant serves Latin and European cuisine.  Do not mistake La Rocco's Pizzeria (This may be a great place, but I have not eaten there so I can not vouch for it) for Rocco's Restaurant which is just a few blocks down the street. Please, please, please go if you are in the area. The ambiance was cozy and inviting and the food was fantastic. There was also a man playing the guitar for most of our meal.

We were served little bites of cornbread with aioli.  This was a sophisticated version of corn dog breading (without the hot dog) and the aioli added a nice flavor.

Next, we had the tuna empanadas. They were served with a side of lettuce with balsamic dressing as well as bit of what we think was pesto for dipping. The empanadas were tasty, though think there could have been more filling in them. This would be a great appetizer to split with a small group.

Sam and split the pesto linguine which was one of the specials. The pesto was very creamy and flavorful. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and were a nice addition to the pasta, cheese and pesto. The portions are large enough to split especially if you get an appetizer to share first. Be aware that there is a $2 charge for splitting entrees (this is clearly noted on the menu). I'd rather pay the $2 than have to take half my meal home and have it not taste as good the next day.

I enjoyed a glass of Hob Nob Pinot Noir from France. It was $9/glass which is a little on the higher end for this area. There was a pretty good selection of wine, but not much of a beer selection for those of you prefer your alcohol in the hoppy variety.

Our friend whom dined with us had one of the seafood pastas with a red sauce. I enjoyed a few bites of his meal, but enjoyed mine much more. I thought the red sauce was a little bland for my taste.  The scallop that I tried was very tender.

We finished the meal with a chocolate tiramisu.  I normally don't care for this Italian dessert as I don't care for coffee.  I easily ate half of this while Sam was trying to fight me off with his spoon. The desserts are not listed on the menu, so be sure to ask your server for the days selection of tasty treats.

 Complimentary cornbread 

 My portion of one of the specials: pesto linguine. So creamy!

Chocolate Tiramisu 

Summer and Fall Travel Plans

We have a lot going on this summer.  Okay, so it's August.  Most of you are thinking, "summer is over."  Not here in Southern California.  The weather is just starting to be cheery enough for me to think it's summer and not spring.

Already this spring and summer we went to Hawaii for a week and to Las Vegas for several days. Check the labels to search for information on these two trips.

Next up on the list:

1) My sister and brother-in-law visit next week.  Okay, so we aren't traveling anywhere, but we will be exploring some new things with my family.  We will be going to Universal Studios for the first time for instance and taking them to local restaurants and beaches.

2) San Francisco at the end of August.  I am so excited to revisit Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and Market Street.  We are going to eat dungeness crab and bike over The Golden Gate Bridge.  We didn't have time to eat crabs on our last trip to San Francisco, so I am looking forward to chowing down this trip.  On one of our last visits we biked from San Francisco to Sausalito.  The numerous vistas of The Golden Gate Bridge were stunning. I can not wait to do this again!  I highly suggest you do this trip on your next visit to San Francisco.  Rent a bike from one of numerous places around Fisherman's Wharf, then bike one way to Sausalito and take the ferry the other way.  Something new to explore: Alcatraz.  I have been to San Francisco three times, but never made it a priority to take a tour of Alcatraz.  I have since heard from multiple friends that it is a great tour. Sam and I are both looking forward to exploring the old prison.

3) At the end of September we are going on our first cruise- to Alaska!  It leaves from Seattle, Washington, goes to 3 ports in Alaska and ends in Canada.  I am so excited for this trip.  I have never been to Alaska, Washington state or Canada.  So many places to check off my travel list in one trip!  I really need to sit down and research what to do (and what to eat!) in all these places.

4) In October, we will be visiting Palm Springs for the first time. I have been told there isn't much to do in the area, but I'm okay with that. I am looking forward to relaxing at the pool and spa.

5) We visit family in Virginia in November.

6) In January, we revisit Palm Springs with Sam's family.

Next spring, we are hoping to plan a trip to Yosemite.

Any ideas on what to do on these upcoming trips?

Road Trip USA and our next big road trip

Sam and I are starting to dream up another epic road trip.  While browsing Pinterest, I found an infographic with a link to Road Trip USA.  Are you familiar with this site?  It lists 11 road trip routes across the USA and what to do along the way. This is a good way to start brainstorming a road trip.

I think the coastal trips look fantastic.  I have driven (or be a passenger along) much of The East Coast. Last year, for our first anniversary we drove from Miami, FL to Key West.  In a convertible.  It was amazing. I am also quiet fond of the Carolina coast.  Though a trip from Washington D.C to Boston, MA is filled with traffic, it has a lot of history along the way. If you choose to do this route you can end up exploring the museums and monuments of D.C, the food, theater and museums of New York City and the history and culture of Boston. I can't imagine driving the entire East Coast in one trip.  I think it would be more manageable broken up into parts. However, I speak as an East Coaster. If you are from else where, you may want to do all of it, or much of it, at once.

Southern California has been our home for the last 10 months. I have driven the coast line from San Diego to Carlsbad, San Clemente or farther north numerous times. It is unbelievable how much untouched beauty there is along the road. There are so many quaint beach towns along the way. I am very much looking forward to traveling farther north along The West Coast over the next year.  I have heard the drive, particularly north of LA is stunning.

Our next long road trip will be planned around some of the amazing National Parks here on The West Coast. We will drive north along the coast, hitting Redwoods, Crater Lake and Olympic National Parks. We are also hoping to explore Yellowstone and the Tetons on this trip as well.  Sam is a huge fan of Glacier, but we aren't sure we will have enough time to make a detour to see that park as well.

What are some must do's along The West Coast?  Any favorite National Parks? I am looking forward to seeing the diversity of this beautiful coast.  Stay tuned for more information as we continue to plan. 

The Griddle, Los Angeles, CA

Expect a wait if you check out this West Hollywood hit. It is worth it.

Make sure to bring your appetite! The portions are huge and the menu is extensive.  All you really need to know is that you should order some french toast or pancakes.

Or both.

The pancakes come in stacks of three. And they are as big as your head. It is not on the menu, but you can order one or two pancakes.

We had the Oreo filled pancake called "Dark Magic." Pretty spectacular stuff.

What could be better than an Oreo filled pancake?

How about chips a hoy crusted french toast?

This was fantastic! Definitely the rest french toast I have ever eaten. I know I keep saying that. But that's only because each place is better than the last.

Please go here (with a large appetite) if you are in the area. Enjoy something sweet for me!

The Cellar, San Clemente, CA

Last night Sam took me on a date to The Cellar. We had passed it multiple times as it is a few blocks from our apartment. I had always wanted to stop by (it has a quaint patio, wine, cheese and accesories for sale and sometimes live music playing), but had not made time to do so until last night. 

Happy Hour is from 4-6 PM. There were some wine, beer and food specials. I enjoyed a $5 glass of pinot noir and Sam had a $5 glass of Chimay white.

The cheese plate was fabulous. We had 3 different cheeses each paired with a little treat. The first was a cheese made from cow's milk prepared in brie style. It was very creamy and was served with Spanish almonds and raw honey. The next cheese was a goat cheese served with a pepper jelly. Last, was a blue cheese served with fig and almond bread.

We also enjoyed the burger which is dressed with bleu cheese, roasted peppers, and bacon.I have a hard time not ordering sweet potato fries when they are near, so we added that to our order as well. 

These were the best sweet potato fries we have ever had. Ever. Seriously. 

They are served with just the right amount of sea salt as well as cheese (the brown looking stuff on top seen in the picture) and

-honey! 

The honey really brought out the sweetness of the fries. Why had I not thought of this before?!

If you like wine, cheese and good food make sure you stop by The Cellar if you are in the area.  They have a great selection of wine and cheese for purchase in their shop. If you don't have time for a meal run in to check out the shop and grab something to go. Enjoy!

The Potato Shack, Encinitas, CA

I first heard about The Potato Shack from a running magazine. There was an article on post run pancakes. As a runner and avid pancake lover, I was floored that there was such a thing as "post run pancakes" and I was unaware. How could I not know about this?

There are plenty of potato options on the menu including fries, hash, and baked potatoes to name a few. I have yet to try them.

I'm all about the man hole cover pancakes. We get one with chocolate chips. It is huge in diameter and very thick with just the right amount of chocolately goodness in each bite. Come hungry or bring a friend to help you eat it all.

Today, Sam's eyes were bigger than his stomach. In addition to this huge pancake he ordered not one, but TWO orders of french toast. I was appalled at the amount of food when it arrived, however tucked in and went to work. The french toast was easily the best or second best I have ever had.

If you are in the area, do not miss out on the food here!

Cabo Cantina, Newport Beach, CA

Yesterday we ended up at Newport Beach near the pier for a late lunch. We choose Cabo Cantina in hopes of getting a spot with a view and a margarita. It was pretty happening when we arrived shortly after 3pm.

We ended up with a table by the bar sans a view. On Mondays, if you order a margarita as big as your head you get a free bean and cheese burrito. The burrito was large (though not as big as the margarita) and we split that along with chips, salsa and some guac.

The queso was okay. Well. Because its queso. However, still not the liquid, white queso from The East Coast for which we are still aimlessly hunting. The guac was also good, though not great. My husband enjoyed the salsa. I thought it was okay. It was watery (which I like) and of the roasted red pepper variety. I don't dig my salsa tasting like roasted peppers or chile's or whatever, but Sam doesn't mind.

Oh. Did I tell you we loved the margarita as big as my head? We split it and I'm glad we did. Not only did it pack a punch, but Sam ordered it frozen and it began to melt quickly. I'd like to try one on the rocks next time.

Our bill was around $25 which means the margarita was close to $20. Not sure I would have been thrilled with this if we hadn't gotten the free burrito. Otherwise we enjoyed our time at Cabo Cantina (with the exception of the bathroom which was disgusting).

I would go back again, particularly during happy hour. We arrived before happy hour, but the deals looked pretty decent.

Pedro's Tacos, San Clemente, CA

This place is legit.

Walk up to the window to place your order, then eat on the bench outside. There are no tables or bathrooms. 

Cash only, but there is an ATM next to the pick up window.

For less than a buck you can add potatoes to your taco or burrito.  This is definitely the way to go. 

Grab a taco where the locals go. You won't be disappointed. 

SoCal excursions

The longer I live in SoCal, the more I wonder 1) why I would ever leave and 2) how can I afford to stay.

California is so much larger than the East Coast states with which I am familiar.

I have spent the last month or so moving to San Clemente, CA and exploring the local area. I am trying to spend more time exploring and less time on the computer.  Thus, my lack of posting.

Check back soon for reviews on Maui, Seersucker in San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, and another review on Disney and California Adventure.

In the meantime, here are some updated travel/exploring lists:

SoCal Must Do List:

Burlap in Del Mar and Herringbone in La Jolla: Part of Chef Brian Malarkey's Fabric of Social Dinning, LLC.
Explore Dana Point
Tour the Missions
Santa Barbara
Palm Springs
Joshua Tree
Catalina Island
Revisit Santa Monica
Revisit The San Diego Zoo (especially the new Koalafornication exhibit)
Revisit The San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Revisit Temecula

West Coast Must Do List:

Seattle, WA
Portland, OR
Hiking in both Oregon and Washington state
Yosemite
Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, & Glacier and Banff
Phoenix, AZ (okay so this is Southwest, but we can drive there so I'm including it)
Mammoth for snowboarding
Tahoe
Sequoia National Park
San Francisco, CA

Other Trips on our Wish List:
Alaska and Canada-scheduled for this September!
Cabo
Europe: The UK, Italy, Austria, Germany, Spain...the list goes on and on

Did I mention I want to see all these places in the next 1-2 years?

Where do you want to go?  Have you visited any of the places on my lists? Any tips?

Vinaka Cafe, Carlsbad, CA

Come here for a nice break from the chain coffee shops. I don't care for coffee, but I love the hot cocoa. The chocolate chip cookies are amazing. Get one (or two for a buck). Trust me. They will melt in your mouth. There is also 100% natural ice cream, sandwiches and many other tasty looking treats.

On any given day you can find other customers working, studying, reading or just hanging out.

Be sure to check out the local art, magazines and bulletin board.

There is no restroom here, but ask for a key to the one outside.

Enjoy!

Another look at Sushi Taisho, Carlsbad, CA

Sam and I went to Sushi Taisho a while back, while we liked our food, the smell of the restaurant was not as pleasant.  You can see my post on that trip here.

We went for our second trip to Sushi Taisho earlier this week during happy hour.  Again, the happy hour prices are really great. Most of the happy hour rolls contain shrimp, though some have tuna or eel.

We got the crunchy roll again (which didn't disappoint), the paradise roll and the harajuku roll.  Our favorite was the paradise roll which shrimp, spicy tuna, and avocado with eel sauce on top. We got the three rolls for around $20.

The best part of the trip: the restaurant no longer smelled.  Also, we noticed a few tables outside.  The weather is warming up to enjoy some sushi on the patio.

Boxd, Carlsbad, CA

Boxd is located at Carlsbad Village Drive and State Street. You might call it a permanent food truck.  I like to call it heaven.

On our second trip to Boxd, while we were getting ready to order the cashier said: "You know all our sandwiches are served on waffles."

"Yeah, that's why we're here."

My husband and I have been on three occasions and I keep getting the same thing.  A number 10: whipped cream, butter and chocolate chips. Today, Sam got the chicken with arugala and brie.  He doesn't normally like brie, but loved this waffle sandwich.

All the seating is outside on faux grass.  Sorry, no dogs allowed. First place your order, then find a seat. Your name will be called when your sandwiches are ready. There is a nice bathroom and separate trash cans for trash and recyclables.

Be sure to check this place out if you are in the area.  You won't be disappointed.

It looks like Boxd doesn't currently have a website, but be sure to check back here soon!

Jay Leno Taping

Want to see Jay Leno?

Sign up before your planned trip to get tickets.  If you are selected you will be called or emailed. Just keep in mind that you are not guaranteed entry and you should arrive early.

We received word that we got tickets a few weeks before and barely showed up in time (due to going to In N Out for the first time- it was worth it!).  As a result we didn't know if we would get into the show until right before the taping began.

Our party of four was split up into a party of two and two parties of one. However, we got in, so we didn't mind. 

We all had a great time at the taping and definitely recommend it if you are in the area. Just be sure to arrive early- especially if there is a big celebrity guest and/or musician.  If you have a large group, you can request tickets using a different link/form. 

For more information on how to get tickets to see Jay Leno go HERE!  

Next up on my tv tapings list it to get tickets to see Ellen! I <3 her! 

Las Olas, Carlsbad, CA

There are multiple Las Olas locations in Southern California. The one I have frequented is in Carlsbad. They have a great happy hour, great food and a cool atmosphere.

I normally get the fish tacos. Baja style ie. battered. They have a large menu, but as always the chips and salsa usually fill me up before my dinner arrives. The salsa is fantastic - just be warned that your breath will be kickin' the next day!

There is a large margarita menu as well. You will enjoy them all except the skinny margarita which is little more than soda water, lime and tequila.

Be sure to get there early on the weekends as it can get busy.  You can always sit in the bar area, but be aware that you have to go up to the bar to order (if its slow during the week they will come to you which is nice).

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, CA

If you are in SoCal in the spring please make a trip to The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. You won't regret it.

They are open from March through May. Be sure to check their website for specific dates and events. Also, make sure to ask about the AAA discount.

Bring some water, sunscreen, a hat, walking shoes and a picnic. There are plenty of picnic tables. For $5 more you can go on a narrated wagon ride around the fields. This is a great option for those that would have trouble navigating the sloped fields.

The Flower Fields are made up of beautiful ranunculus flowers of various colors. They are planted through out the fall such that over the course of the season there is always something in bloom. The north fields bloom at the start of the season and the blooms travel south for about 3 months duration.

You can buy cut flowers, bulbs (actually tubberus roots), shirts, note cards and much more at Armstrong Garden Center located adjourning the fields.

We took the wagon ride and enjoyed hearing some of the history, events and information about the other gardens at The Flower Fields.

There are plenty photo opportunities along the way. Make sure to stay behind the green tape in order to keep a safe distance from the flowers. Also, be sure to read their website about the photography rules and fees. If you plan on having professional photos taken here (this would be a great spot for engagement or family photos!) be sure to schedule in advance and pay the appropriate fee.

We got there late in the day and were only able to spend about two hours there before they closed. I suggest getting there earlier in the day to ensure you have enough time to see everything. There is also a rose garden, sweet pea maze and an artistic garden to name a few other attractions.