NYC Tastes

It's Fathers Day weekend and that calls for a celebration, so we're breaking out a bottle of the acclaimed Lot No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon from Louis Martini.  The history of Lot No. 1 wine dates back to 1952 when Louis P. Martini began to select only the finest lots to create a Cabernet showcasing the best of Napa Valley vineyards and terroir. This powerful, deep ruby wine gives off aromas of black cherry, blueberry and licorice with complex notes of dark cherry, cedar, and plum with a long, lingering mocha finish.  This is a big, beautiful wine that exudes strength and elegance.  Louis Martini 254 South Street Helena Highway Helena, CA 94574

Friday morning I got one last Baileys tart for breakfast, put in a full hour in the sun and made a final walk around the beach.  I said goodbye to my parents at the airport and walked inside feeling a bit sad.  I hate when vacation ends, especially when it was so much fun. I checked my gate and decided to walk around for an hour until boarding when I stumbled across this... Stone Brewing in the airport!  What a perfect excuse to do one last round of vacation beers.  Stone Ruination, Smoked Porter and Pale Ale before getting on the plane...now I'm officially ready to say good-bye to the West Coast.

Thursday morning was much of the same from yesterday...Bailey's Tart for breakfast then a few hours at the pool.  Once the sun got to be too strong again we drove out to O'Brien's pub for a delicious lunch and a few Russian River beers on the patio.  Then it was onto Societe Brewing to have a look at their brewery and taste some beers. I had enjoyed a few Societe beers the day before and I have to say this place is making some incredible IPA's. I really wish I brought back a growler of their beer. Both the Publication and Pupil blew me away in flavor but my suitcase was already at full capacity.   We followed this up with an afternoon of card playing at the Blind Lady.  Pliny on tap was a nice surprise. Then it was dinner at The Brigantine for some more fish tacos and another wonderful Creme Brulee. We ended the night back at the hotel for some live music and maybe just a little more dessert:)  Another gre...

This winter has been absolutely brutal, so when my parents invited me along for a quick San Diego getaway I jumped at the opportunity.  I got in late Tuesday night...just enough time for dinner at Coronado Brewing and a few drinks at our gorgeous hotel the Del Coronado.  Wednesday I awoke early and joined my parents for a leisurely morning walk and a delicious Baileys Tart for breakfast before hitting the poolside for some sun.  The weather was awesome.   It honestly got so warm I couldn't take anymore direct sunlight by the time 11:00 AM rolled around.  Luckily I had more than a few pit stops in mind to fill the rest of the day.  First a trip up to Alpine Beer Company.  I was worried this would be quite a hike from the hotel but the drive only took about 45 minutes and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous.  We walked into the roadside first and I was immediately struck by the 1980's decor. Maybe it was the fact that Journey was playing...

I just came back from a fabulous trip in San Diego just my parents and I where we had an absolute blast.  I really can't complain about all of this snow after having great weather, incredible food and the same exact breakfast every day with my Dad at the Del Coronado Hotel. Most people might frown on dessert for breakfast but to us it just makes sense.  This Bailey's Tart has everything you need...fresh fruit, dairy from the creamy mousse inside and a coffee cookie crunch that will fuel the day.  Full trip report to come next wee k!