Thursday, September 29, 2011

Exotic Thai - Ojai, CA


So those of you that follow me, know that I a pretty much jumped on the Curry Train and am still aboard. I have got my Thai on at a few places locally and I have learned one thing. EXOTIC THAI is the best! I walk in, they know my table, my order - Green Curry with shrimp, a little bamboo, extra basil and medium spice. It is amazing every time and the servers are always polite. I challenge anyone locally to come up with a better place - If you do, I will gladly pay for your lunch!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Winner Winner. Chicken Dinner!

The Central Coast Cutting Horse Association had its last show of the season on Saturday and I was lucky enough to bring home some awards. I finished off the season as the winner of the 35,000 Non-Pro Champion as well as the Non-Pro Run for the Saddle Winner. How lucky am I to have such a great horse, supportive family and blessed to live in a country that allows us these freedoms?!

Thank you, thank you.

Meet Buster...

By chance, I became a dog mom. He is a sweet little guy. Lives on a ranch and is ready to go to work. I am sure he will be featured here often.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Harry's Plaza Cafe - Santa Barbara, CA

So if you had to find this place based on its exterior - you never would. This local legend has been a Santa Barbara hot spot since 1968. An original cowboy hangout - with its Ranchero Room is a mecca for celebrities and foodies alike.

The beautiful red interior is consistent througout. Madonna Inn has its "pink" and Harry's has its "red". I felt like I was in a time warp - memorabilia and old photos surrounded me, it was as if I was among royalty.

Normally restaurants do bread and butter. Harry's does Bread, butter, sour cream, green onions and salsa! So I slathered my bread and got after it! Calories? What calories?

When Jalapeno Bottle Caps are on the menu how do you not order them? Deep fried jalapeno rings served with ranch. I mean come on? We scarfed these down like our lives depended on it.

After my Andria's Seafood experience I should have been worried to order chowder but I went with it and was pleasantly surprised. Not bad, not bad at all.

Santa Barbara Salad with Tri-Tip. Healthy Shmealthy... People are turning organic all around me. But really, it looked lovely.

My White Fish Picatta. I ordered mine with a side of risotto because I crave it constantly. The butter floating on the plate did not scare me, in fact, it was delicious, sinful and fabulous. Would I order this again? Only if they left off the green beans and added more risotto! Gosh, I am so bad.

Harry's is one cool place - full of history and character. You just don't find that too often anymore. Am I down for another visit? Heck yes! I just need a room close by next time, I heard the drinks at the bar are a rockin' good time!

Happy Friday!

Smile, laugh and enjoy everyday!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Andria's Seafood - Ventura, CA

For years I have heard about how wonderful this place is but look at it... A cafeteria. No service, just order off a sign board and wait in a weird line. I am not impressed. Pay your cash and take a seat at a very uncomfortable table.

So this is a a SMALL bowl of paste, oops, I mean Clam Chowder. I have read the YELP reviews - some claim this is the BEST, MOST CREAMY chowder they have ever eaten. Well, these people are wrong and are void of all taste buds. Listen to me, do not order the chowder. Walk on by...

Now here, we have the Mahi Mahi Burger and the upgraded Fish and Chips - Halibut, one might call that the King of the Sea. I want to shake the cooks at Andria's by the shoulders firmly and convince them that salt is necessary whenever grilling or frying fish. This was bland city.

Read YELP. They will go on and on about this place. It is expensive and is not worth the time you wait in line. Walk across the parking lot to Brophy Brothers (who actually has a bathroom connected to their building) and get yourself a solid meal.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Cowabunga dude!

A food blogger has to burn off her calories some how!

The Jester - Ojai, CA

Ojai has only a handful of full bars. This one is dark and sort of a dive but I like it. They have a Tuesday Night Trivia but I went once and am never coming back. It drug out too long and I just can't say awake that long!
Ask for a glass of Organic Sauvignon Blanc - you will not be disappointed.

Southwestern Chicken Salad with all the good stuff. The serving was huge so prepare to take some home with you or let it go to waste!

Now for the ultimate of all ultimate Bar Food - Fish and Chips. I substituted my regular fries for sweet potato fries. You have to to do this, it is so worth it. Also, ask for the spicy ranch - that makes all the difference as well. Basically a normal eating human can only finish one piece of the fish and half of the fries. They make great leftovers. I can honestly say these are the best Fish and Chips in town. Check them out for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

Monday, September 19, 2011

FATS - Folsom, CA

The show we were just at was a LONG one. 12 days of waking up, tending to the horses, practicing, then showing and then the whole process starts over to wind down the day. Then throw in triple degree temperatures and full riding gear on top of all that and you have one rockin' party. Ha! It felt like we were gone for months. We did get to sneak away from the cutting some days and this time we headed to Folsom. We walked into FATS - An Asian Bistro & Dim Sum.

In starving company, we summoned a basket of dumplings, pot stickers and wontons to be brought out pronto. We had one gluten-free eater in the bunch so that meant the three of us got more of the loot. My favorite was the wontons - deep fried goodness.

I love Asian soups so I decided to give the Corn Chowder a roll. They called it by another name but it was pretty much just that. It took some chili oil and soy sauce to liven it up but I manage to find it appealing enough to wolf down!

Shanghai Noodles sounds exotic doesn't it? Well, this was a little plain-o jane-o. Just a plate of undersauced noodles. Darn it.

Big heavy noodles made up this Chicken Chow-mein. Almost too heavy. Another mis-step in the ordering process.

My order was the Iron Street Roll. It was so so sushi. I ate all of the top and fished out the middle because the roll was almost all rice. The ahi on top was tasty. Not a complete fail.

My assessment of this place is an easy one. This is a place you go for a beer or a martini with a egg roll sampler after work. You do not go for fine dining but for a round of drinks and some finger food. Nothing wrong with that - Check it out.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Meet My People - Jodie

I don't have a photo of Jodie but she is my pal in Ventura. We enjoy all things Ojai, horses and food! I cannot wait for our next night out on the town!

1. You feel an urge to cook, you have the energy and the ingriedents. What is it? Chile verde (pork shoulder roast, tomatillos, cilantro, hatch chilis), refried beans (not from a can), salsa (not from a jar), tortilla chips (not from a bag), margaritas (with my margarita mix & patron tequila, grand marnier or cointreau) & a good mexican cerveza (for those who don't want my margs).

2. Thanksgiving is a foodie's dream come true. What entree makes your meal complete? Toss up between cranberries & dressing, I have to have cranberries with the turkey. So many other items... I love cooking this meal! From appetizers, to main dish (the turkey, which I brine), sweet potatoes (without the marshmallows), veggies, mashed potatoes, homemade rolls, and the pumpkin & apple pies. Wine!

3. You walk into a Thai restaurant. What do you order?(This is what we like Sawasdee on Johnson Dr.) Angel Prawns, Mussaman Curry with beef(we ask to bump up the heat by another chili) Vegetable delight with shrimp, and steamed rice.

4. Your favorite potato chip - Everyone has there favorite brand and flavor. Maybe it isn't even a potato? Lays BBQ
5. Your in charge of coming up with a new "In-Flight Meal" for the airlines. What is it? Cold, light and easy to serve and eat. Wraps, light sandwiches and salads.

6. Suddenly the world just ran out of mayonaise and mustard. What goes on your deli sandwich as its replacement? Plain Greek yogurt flavored with a little garlic, salt and pepper, with a little chopped italian parsley added. For those who like spicy... jalapeno jelly is yummy.

7. Macaroni and Cheese. Is it really better all jazzed up? If jazzed up means using different kinds of cheese in addition to cheddar, then yes.

8. What is your favorite sweet treat on Easter Sunday? Most anything chocolate from See's, without walnuts...

9. You walk into a Sports Bar - What do you order to grub down on? Hamburgar and extra crispy fries.

10. Food Trucks - Your take, gourmet or not? Depending on the truck, they can be very gourmet... it would be fun to try to cook with such a limited space.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

MGT is now a painter!

So I busted this little painting out all in the name of charity. I am not sure it will bring the big bucks (I will probably buy it back) but I sure tried my little heart out! Painting with oils is fun! I just may have found myself a new hobby!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Meet My People - Melissa Good Taste!

Curious what I said? Check out my responses:

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you?
Easy. I would like an authentic pot of Pozole bubbling away on the stove. The pork would be fork tender and hominy with a bite. Garnishes of lemon, cilantro and chopped onion on the side, please.

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why?
I knew this question would stump most of you guys but it is an interesting one. I cannot make it past 11:00 am without eating but I usually can't stand the Lunch menu at a restaurant. The Dinner menu always is better.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time?
It seems like overnight I became a strict Sauvignon Blanc fan. Usually after a couple of glasses I am pretty much the party!

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order?
An easier question might have been, "What wouldn't you order?"... I think each restaurant has their "specialty" but in general a chile relleno or a shredded beef enchilada is safe. No matter what I order the refried beans must have spent a good amount of time under the broiler with a dose of queso on top!

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine?
I would have to agree that it was more chic to eat sushi a few years ago. I would go more often but it is pricey and it can be risky when experimenting with rolls because before you know it you have a table full of food and a big bill! Give me the rolls with the most sauce and unexpected ingredients!

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order?
I would start off with a cup of Hot and Sour Soup - even though it is usually never actually "hot" or "sour". I always order and probably will continue that trend for awhile. I would settle on Honey Walnut Shrimp, it is generally served in a cream sauce with broccoli. A side of white rice bathed in low sodium soy sauce.

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why?
I am a big fan of the Filet 'O Fish from McDonald's. But, the 99 cent tacos from Jack In The Box pretty much make my day.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work?
I love savory desserts so if it was cheese, salt or had a base of deep fried goodness I may just have to check it out!

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take.
I used to love coffee, I drank it everyday. Now it just hurts my stomach. Tea is soothing. I think it is more popular because people who drink are taken more serious than people who slurp down tea. I am just saying... I think of hippies with curly, frizzy hair sipping on hemp flavored tea.

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough?
A noodle is a noodle and I am bored with it! I am a risotto eating fool.

Meet My People - Allison & Shannon

So have you noticed a trend yet? I am so blessed to have beautiful, clever friends and family! Now meet Allison and Shannon - sisters of course, and close cousins to both my sister and I.

ALLISON SAYS:

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Frittata!!!! Is my chef also a barista???

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why? Dinner. If I skip lunch there is a very real possibility I might shrivel up & die.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time? Crown & 7up with a lime – although this summer I’m in love with Sangria…

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order? Enchilada, tamale, or chili relleno – always with rice & beans!

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine? It’s always been a once & a while treat… probably always will be…

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? Sweet & Sour Chicken

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why? Cheeseburger, Whopper Jr., or Chicken Fajita Pita – sooo hard to choose!!!

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work? Nope – then I’d have nothing to look forward to!

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take. You can’t add chocolate & whipped cream to tea!

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough? For some reason I never get tired of different shaped dough…


SHANNON SAYS:


1. Something with eggs and strawberries/grapefruit

2. Dinner. if I skip lunch I will be shakey and grumpy the rest of the day

3. Vodka tonic w lime

4. Shredded beef enchilada

5. Don’t eat if…food allergies scare me so I usually get chicken terriaki

6. Fried rice, chow main, sweat and sour pork, and wan ton soup.

7. Jack in the box. They have mozzarella sticks.

8. No…cause I would fill up and only eat desert. I would like it…but it would not be good for me.

9. It is stronger. I need the caffeine!!

10. No. I love Italian food. I take any shape noodle.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Meet My People - Aunt Cindy & Cousin Drew

Just my Aunt Cindy will have a photo feature in this blog post, Drew opted out. Which is too bad because Drew is one of the first features on my blog. Look here - oops! There is Drew! Anyway this is what he has to say:

DREW SAYS:

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you?
Pork Belly. And if they're particularly attentive, Garlic Pork Belly. Preferably with an especially green side so I can feel better about eating what is essentially really thick bacon.

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why?
Did you not get the hereditary low blood sugar? If I skip any meal, I get crabby to the point that I'd jeopardize my job. That said, I'd rather snack through lunch and have a kickass dinner.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time?
Out: Gin and tonic. Because it's never expensive. In: Gin or vodka with muddled cucumber & basil, plus club soda.

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order?
Tamales and beer.

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine?
Too expensive to be a staple, but I've learned that it doesn't have to be cooked to be delicious.

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order?
Hot & Sour Soup, then duck with plum sauce.

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why?
I swear I'm not a food snob, but I don't do fast food... unless it's In & Out. But if I had to pick, Jack In the Box at least has variety.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work?
I don't do sweets unless someone I know baked them. I'd be happier with a pre-dinner cocktail.

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take:
Tea. No jitters.

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering
different shapes of the same dough?
I only cook noodles at home. If I'm going out, I'll go to a Italian place and have them cook something that I could never be capable on my own. The more elaborate the risotto, the better.

AUNT CINDY SAYS:

1. Veggie omelet


2. Lunch because I am always busy during the day.

3. Glass of Calera chardonnay

4. Fiesta salad served in a tortilla shell

5. Sushi never!

6. I would order whatever someone else at me table reccommended because I don't particularily like Chinese food.

7. Burger King because I like the junior hamburger.

8. I don't generally do dessert, so it wouldn't work for me.

9. Coffee tastes better than tea to me.

10. My favorite Italian dish is gnocchi, (not a noodle but a potato dumpling) with tomato, mushroom and garlic sauce with a
hint of lemon peel. Yum!!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Meet My People - Jennifer & James

Meet my older, more beautiful sister, Jennifer ad my younger, smarter brother James. They are my favorite people because we share a closer connection than most brothers and sisters. We look alike, think alike and all have the the same drive and desire to be the best we can be.

JENNIFER SAYS:


1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Can I wake up at 6:00 pm and request a 7 course tasting menu from Chef Stephan Richter? If so, that is what I would ask for! If not, I would request fried chicken and waffles – just for the fun of it.


2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why? Skip? What is this word “skip”? Do you know how grouchy I would be if I skipped either?


3. Your go-to drink for a good time? A Root Beer Freeze from A&W! For an even better time, a Root Beer “Float” from Serendipity!


4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order? Guacamole to go with the chips & salsa! I also really like chicken fajita salads!


5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine? Still popular with me; I appreciate a good sushi chef that surprises me with something beyond a basic roll!


6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? I ask her to go to another restaurant, I am too afraid of MSG!


7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why? Jack in the Box for their jalapeno poppers! Yum! Arby’s makes great poppers too – dip ‘em in their Bronco Berry Sauce!


8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work? Not in my book! I always want something sweet after the savory!


9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take. The way coffee smells in the morning is fantastic, but poor tea is underrated! If it had the marketing prowess behind it that SBucks did for coffee, it would take off through the roof!


10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough? Definitely more than just noodles, but that type of food is hard to find at your local OG. Maybe I will have to plan a trip to Italy with Melissa Good Taste to do some “research”!


JAMES SAYS:


1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Kathy's ham quiche with cantaloupe and tomato juice.


2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why?
Although bad I enjoy an early 3-6ish. Don't know why.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time?
Gonna go with the old classic. 7n7.

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order?
Carne asada plate rice beans flour tortillas.

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine?
Not so much a staple, but great for mixing it up once in a while.

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? C
how mein, Sweet n sour chicken, deluxe fried rice.

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why?
McDonalds...the number 2 never ceases to fail at any location in the world.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work?
Negative...work on kicking out better dishes to get people in the door rather than grasp for straws.

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea?
Your take. There are so many choices in a cup of coffee. From Starbucks to am pm it's every where. Something for everyone.

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough?
Yes it is more than just noodles...but I tend to lean toward the heavy hitters: lasagna, meatball sandwich, raviolis.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Meet My People - Mary

Meet Mary. She is my cousin from the East Coast. She is often referred to as "Miss" so we share a name. She is smart, funny and independent. I miss her and look forward to seeing her very soon.

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? My favorite breakfast from a french bistro we used to have in Greenwich, Cafe Rue: 3 Cheese omelet (havarti, mozzarella, swiss) with a fresh tomato basil sauce and a toasted baguette!

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why? Dinner, I like a "real meal" for lunch and a lighter dinner anyways, so I could just step lunch up a notch and skip dinner, no problem! Cocktails count as dinner, right?!

3. Your go-to drink for a good time? Frozen mudslide

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order? One chicken, one cheese enchilada with mole sauce ... and you gotta have cheese on your refried beans and plenty of yummy spicy salsa!

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine? Don't eat it, ever.

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? Veggie spring roll with homemade hot mustard and chicken and broccoli with white rice, plenty of srirachi sauce on the side

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why? Burger King, all about the flame broiled and onion rings

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work? No, I'm not a big dessert person to begin with, I much prefer savory over sweet.

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take. I hate coffee, can't get over the bitterness, but I do love a good cup of tea, nice spicy chai in the winter or a light lemony tea in the summer. I'll brew my own tea and refrigerate it to mix with Absolut Citron for a refreshing summer cocktail!

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough? I like pasta, especially with a spicy fra diavolo sauce, but I really prefer the other Italian meals, francese, marsala, etc. I do a simple peasant type of Italian dish int he summer, where I basically do veal cutlets and you serve them with lots of fresh lemon wedges which you squeeze all over them, very light and refreshing! Serve it with some skillet potatoes with onions, peppers and basil, some sugar snaps, very yummy!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Meet My People - John

I couldn't let this day pass without sending a shout out to my brother-in-law John. It is his birthday! He puts up with the craziness in our family and takes impeccable care of my sister. For that I am eternally grateful.

Happy Birthday John!

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Crab cake with spinach eggs benedict with pressed coffee and bowl fresh fruit.

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why? Dinner.......just better for you this way.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time? JUMBO MARGARITA'S

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order? Fresh chunky salsa.....chicken enchilada's a la carte. JUMBO MARGARITA'S

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine? Staple...if I can persuade wife to go.

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? Wonton soup, sweet sour chicken, house chow mein.

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why? Jack.....best of the worst.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work? For schizophrenics.

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take. Coffee has more bold flavoring.

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough? I should but don't.....skinny noodles LOTS RED SAUCE.

Meet My People - Donna & Mike

Since I will be stuck at a horse show for 10 days and will not be able to upload restaurant photos (I forgot my cord...shoot.) I will feature, "Meet My People" - If you have not been emailed the survey, copy and paste it. Then email at melissadassel@gmail.com. I think it is really fun!

Meet Donna. My good friend from Hollister - she is patient, kind and one of the sweetest women that I know.


1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Banana Pancakes with Hawaiian Coconut Syrup

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why?
This one depends on what I'm doing on any given day. Most of the time; Lunch.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time?
No, I don't really drink. Maybe a nice cold beer or a strawberry Margarita or even one glass of wine. That's it for me.

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order?
Albondigas soup and a crunchy taco

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine?
NO raw fish for me!

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order?
Deluxe fried rice and war wonton soup

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why?
Jack has the best salads of the three. and I do like the egg-rolls.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work?
Not for me

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take.
I don't drink Coffee I drink Tea. No take on this

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough?
Absolutely. Pass the pasta on by and grab the totally decked out Antipasta salad and Minestrone Soup!



Now meet Donna's husband, Mike. He was my work neighbor and I miss his humor and good times at work.

1. Depends on where I am if it's near a beach I want fresh fish or seafood. If its a beef town just steak baby.

2. Skip lunch take a full dinner like a 7 course Caesar's in San Francisco.

3. Margaritas with my favorite Mexican food.

4. Progresso Tamales and refried beans or Carnitas with green sauce.

5. Sushi hands down a must, again in Hawaii even better.....

6. Garlic Beef or Kung Pow Chicken with Chow Mein can't go wrong with these ones.

7. Mickey Ds always the same anywhere across the whole USA you know what your getting every time.

8. No people like it the way it is, say what about say breakfast for dinner?

9. I think because it evolved this way due to the British embargo of tea in colonial time we started coffee and been addicted from then.

10. Silly girl see answer 2 go to Caesar's get real Italian food not Olive Garden.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Meet My People - Rebecca

I am starting a little thing here at Melissa Good Taste, it is called "Meet My People" - It is in appreciation of all of you for reading my blog and I think it is great to read others perspectives on food! Enjoy meeting my friends and family...

First up: Rebecca. My extremely brilliant, stunning cousin from the Pacific Northwest.

1. You wake up in the morning to a chef in your kitchen. What do you ask him/her to make you? Nutmeg-Coated Creamy French Toast made with brioche.

2. Lunch or Dinner - Which would you rather skip? Why? Lunch. I only get half an hour, so I can't really appreciate it anyway...might as well just have a protein bar.

3. Your go-to drink for a good time? Gummi Bear Martini at Poppe's

4. You walk into your favorite Mexican food joint. What do you order? Carne Asada tacos and a Margarita

5. Sushi. A once popular craze or a staple in your cuisine? Somewhere in between - more like an Enjoyable Change of Pace.

6. Your friend asks you to lunch at a generic Chinese Food restaurant. What do you order? Hot and Sour soup.

7. McDonald's, Burger King or Jack In the Box? Why? McDonalds for one reason - the Coffee.

8. Restaurant trend - Dessert served before Dinner. Would it work? Sure. I was actually just thinking about this yesterday - if you are eating a planned meal with reasonable, non-gigantic portions, why not eat dessert first? Life is short.

9. Why is Coffee more popular than Tea? Your take. I prefer Coffee in the morning and Tea in the evenings - I usually only need the caffeine pick-me-up in the morning, so I am more likely to have Coffee on a given day than Tea in the evening.

10. Italian Food - More than just noodles? Do you get tired of just ordering different shapes of the same dough? I think I avoid noodles for just that reason - give me a perfect risotto anytime.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Robert's - Paso Robles, CA

Hello Paso Robles, nice to see you again. Another show in Paso means more great eats and tasty reviews for you! I found Robert's through YELP! They either hook me up or let me down. At first bite of the complimentary bread and tapanade, I was thinking this was going to be a good meal.

First up Roasted Wild Mushroom Lasagna with creamy Garlic Sauce and Pesto. This was quoted as, "The best lasagna i have ever eaten." And with that honor it was proudly eaten until the plate was licked clean.

Now mine of course, Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut served with Snow Peas, Green Onion Rice and Papaya Coconut Butter. Hello? Is this Heaven because if this is what they serve in Heaven, I am going to be good from now on. I mean really good. I savored every bite until the table started ordering dessert. I didn't want my meal to end!

Last but not least the Grilled Pork Chop served Herbed Mashed Potatoes, Brown Sugar Saut̩ed Carrots and Pomegranate Red Wine Reduction. Not quite like what Mama cooked because this was better! no offense Mom, this was tasty. Who knew carrots could be so wonderful?

I was so happy my cousin, Shannon, came and visited me at the horse show. Isn't she a beauty? I can't wait until next trip to Paso - more horse shows, more dining and more adventures with my family. See you in October.

Enjoy your Labor Day!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Amy Witt - Friend, Cowgirl & Fashionista

Meet Amy Witt. A 21 yr old with more life experience and maturity than most people twice her age. Cool, classy and always stylish Amy has been around rodeo and agriculture her whole life. She's a straight up cowgirl. At age 16, Witt was the National Champion for mixed girls American Cowboys Team Roping Association. And, in 2007 she was the Break Away State Champion. Combining her two loves - fashion and the western way of life was only a natural progression for Amy.


Her t-shirt line is is young, hobo, hippie, nature inspired. It’s fun. All of her stuff is freehand and so it is totally original.

Amy has a lot more projects up her sleeve and I know I will be the first one to sport what she comes up with next. Her cool retro inspired classics will be coming shortly - those are my favorites!

If your interested in Amy's work - contact her at her email: amygurl09@hotmail.com

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Cafe Nouveau - Ventura, CA

Doesn't this outdoor setting look marvelous? Fantastic table in the shade on a warm day. I am in heaven - birds chirping, flowers in full bloom... I think this where the glamour ended.

So I see Lobster Bisque on the menu and you know me, I order it. Imagine Nacho Cheese, you know this stuff out of the can that you put in a crock pot? Yep that. That is what I was eating. Lobster? No where to be seen.

Fish Tacos are always fantastic on a beach day so they were ordered. How about Lettuce Tacos? Are you into those too? There were a few measly pieces of fish so I guess we weren't totally jipped. They just went crazy on the lettuce man!

Stuffed Poblano with Crab, Shrimp and Halibut covered with melted cheese, cream sauce and over a bed of julienne squash and rice. It was the must pricey on the lunch menu and sounded fabulous on paper. When it was set down in front of me it looked like a hot mess. Piled so high and seemingly stuffed with everything in the kitchen sink. The rice was under done and the squash was probably the most flavorful thing on the menu. To be honest I never got in one bite of the chile and the seafood had a faint funk. What a disappointment and a waste of food - too big of portion for sure.

Just as we were paying our bill these two puppies were set before us. Maybe a white flag from the kitchen or an apology for the meal that was just set before us? I am not sure but I was sure ready to go. Tums anyone?

Los Pinos Mexican Restaurant - Lebec, CA

While at the Tejon Ranch we found ourselves consumed by Mexican Food. Not that I was complaining. But if we weren't at Jack in the Box eating tacos or at Bonnie's Taco Party we are Los Pinos Mexican Restaurant. Slide on into the main restaurant in town and grab your a seat!

There are a lot of things to try on the menu! Go on and explore!

I ventured for the Pan Seared Fish with sides of rice and beans. Pretty solid choice, big portions and I was darn impressed. The rice was full of mini veggies - have to eat them somehow!

One Cheese Enchilada - This also was very tasty. I had it for lunch one day. I recommend this for a dish on the fly up or down Interstate 5.

Pretty impressed with how Los Pinos handled themselves, even under stress. One night it was packed to the brim with customers! I mean waiting outside and every table occupied. We still were in and out very quickly. I forgot the guacamole! Order that, it was very addicting. Enjoy the grapevine...