I went bananas at the International Banana Museum near the Salton Sea and Coachella Valley! Who knew there was a museum devoted to bananas? And I couldn’t wait to visit since I love the yellow skinned fruit. Fred Garbutt is the man behind all things bananas and his wife Kym enjoys telling the story how...
Celebrity Chef Martin Yan brings beautiful Chinese culture to his restaurant I don’t know what caught my eye more, the open kitchen with chefs chopping and frying or the small ivory snuff bottles on display. The chef who introduced the US to Chinese cooking in the early 1980’s with his TV show Yan Can Cook...
Light and airy with a heavenly taste that stole my heart at the Pacific Wine and Food Classic in Newport Beach this past August 19. Oh yes, there was plenty of wine and food, but these beauties put the event in a new dimension. Walking over the bridge to the Newport Dunes Resort with calm...
It’s all that creamy goodness and more at Bi-Rite Creamery near Mission Delores in San Francisco. Bi-Rite Market opened in 1940 and in 2006, pastry chefs Anne and Kris started the ice cream shop right across the street. They bake decadent treats and add them to their organic ice creams, making for dazzling choices. ...
Each trip to San Francisco, I find my way to the Italian section of San Francisco known as North Beach. The steep streets and narrow buildings have a real feel of the early days in this section of the city where Italians settled and opened restaurants. Molinari Deli is a century old salami making company...
Tadich Grill on California St in “the city” is an institution for “old school” and classic San Francisco dining. Claiming to be California’s oldest restaurant since 1849, it was founded by Croatians and is owned by third generation family members. The restaurant is long and narrow with a dark wood, hanging milk glass lighting, old...
Oasis Adult Learning offers intriguing classes such as exploring destinations by train. Former Amtrak employee Dennis Sullivan gave tips for using Amtrak trains, the Coaster, Sprinter, Metrolink, light rail and how they connect for travel. Mr. Sullivan rattled off train numbers and time schedules to LA, Seattle and Chicago. So many possibilities! I could tell...
Did you know San Diego International Airport gives free tours throughout the year? I signed up and put on my walking shoes to take part in the Terminal to Tarmac Tour. A small group of us met our tour guide who is an airport authority program manager, Sjohnna Knack, and boarded a shuttle bus from...
No trip on US 395 would be complete without a stop at Schat’s Bakery in Bishop. I remember being introduced to Sheepherder’s Bread back in the time of Wonder and Weber’s bread and realizing, wow, I didn’t know bread could taste so good. The bakery has expanded over the years and includes a deli for...
Many years ago when I visited South Lake Tahoe, the Red Hut Waffle Shop packed in the hungry skiers (and a few gamblers) and I’m glad to say it’s still here. The original waffle shop is tiny and packed with red seats and lively customers at the counter and in small booths. Lake Tahoe is...
A day of catching up and sharing a fabulous Italian meal with old time friends Bud and Stephanie Simpson. Sweet Stephanie was a former co-worker with Chris in San Diego before moving to Idaho, and she introduced us to a favorite restaurant, Cristina’s in Sun Valley, Idaho. Our meals were excellent with soups and pasta...
Yellowstone Valley Lodge is in the valley, 40 miles from the National Park with a tranquil river right outside the beautiful cabins. Located in Livingston, Montana, the rustic but refined private cabins are a stones throw from the Yellowstone River. Sitting on the deck outside the room, I took my time to gaze at the...
