Kate's Surprise 30th - Salinas, CA

Scott and I loaded up our little BMW for a quick trip North to celebrate our Cowgirl Kate's 30th Birthday! My brother wanted to surprise her with a party with her closest friends. He rented out the Grower's Pub in Salinas and had it decorated with all things that are near and dear to Kate's life...

The tables, and decorations throughout the room were delightful! I loved the addition of vegetables on the tables, so clever and festive! 

Check Out how cute the room looked...

The party people arrived early to surprise Kate as she walked in thinking she was going to a "business meeting" with James... 

"Look, she's here!"

SURPRISE!!!!

She was so shocked...

Totally surprised...

Too sweet.

We mixed and mingled through cocktail hour. I just loved this room!

Guests of all ages and sizes showed up to celebrate! 

Hello, Tyler Rianda!

I am so proud of these two. I am so blessed to have them both in my life!

Just a few of the party guests, excited to get dinner started!

Choices of salad or soup kicked off our meals - Scott went for the big, beautiful wedge. The blue cheese looked so savory and fantastic with the simple helping of bacon.

But, you know I had to get the soup, it was a New England Clam Chowder. It was a little too thick for my taste. I took a few bites and indulged in conversation rather than my food.

Scott and I sat across from our pals, Justin Wright and his girlfriend, Gloria. We end up talking horses no matter where we go, vacation or not! 

My best friend.

I loved that inbetween courses Kate got up and gave a sweet speech. She thanked James, her parents and all of us for celebrating her birthday with her. She is the best!

As our entrees came out my salmon came early and I could not wait to dive it. For such a large group to be served I thought for sure my salmon would be over done but not to fear! It was perfect. The cream sauce and bites of mashed potatoes were so satisfying. I loved mine.

Most of the group ordered the Prime Rib as that is what the restaurant is known for. They served hearty portions of meat and it seemed that most everyone did not finish their portions. 

Chicken Piccata was also on the menu and it made me think of Cowgirl Kate. She likes her chicken!!

We had a variety of dessert options but I settled on my all time favorite, Creme Brulee and was not let down. I hardly ever am when I order it. I love an egg custard!

The evening quieted down with belly's stuffed, cheeks rosy and hearts full with wonderful memories with good times with family and friends. I cherish nights like this, they never happen near enough and the time flies by too fast. Hug your loved ones and keep your relationships strong.

As I drove back down to the Southern California I wished our stay was longer but look forward to the next time... But until then... 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COWGIRL KATE!!

Tierra Sur & Deer Lodge - 32 Birthday

 My birthday came and went just like birthdays usually do. It was a beautiful few days, as my birthday extended out in order to celebrate with everyone. I just have to express how blessed I am to have met such great people in Ojai. I never would have expected to have met such kind, genuine people in such a short amount of time.

On the evening of my birthday, Scott surprised me with a secret restaurant - Tierra Sur located in the Herzog Winery. I have heard of the restaurant, but for years it just slipped my mind. It has excellent ratings and he scored for picking it out.  

We decided on the Chef's Tasting Menu that included Herzog Wine Pairing. The first course was the Rio Gozo Salad with Frissee and butter lettuce. It was large and lovely, but mostly a big plate of lettuce with slight inclusions of purple potato chips, snap peas and pickled onions. The bacon vinaigrette was swell, it would have made anything taste better. I enjoyed the Baron Herzog Chenin Blanc - Clarksburg that they poured with it so much that I think a trip back to the winery is definitely in order.

For my entree I chose the fish option and had the Salmon with a cauliflower, potato and tortilla Espanola. it was like a gratin of sorts, a very dense layering of ingredients to make a hearty accompaniment. The champagne leeks and saffron cream sauce didn't seem to quite fit what was going on with my fork but I worked around it. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the Herzon Russian River Special Reserve Chardonnay was perfectly lovely.

Scott went with he second option for his entree of the Grilled Chicken with Black Truffle Risotto. I was tempted to make the leap into "Yard Bird Land" just because I heard the word "risotto" but I stayed with the things that swim in cool water and I must say I was actually jealous. Bites of the creamy risotto mixed in with the luxurious pan gravy made me wish I had ordered it. His entree was served with the Prince Vineyard Sirah.

I was brought out a surprise, limited - off the menu - Birthday surprise. It was really sweet that Scott planned this and it was amazingly delicious. The Mexican Chocolate Lava cake was molten goodness and the spice ice cream was just delightful. I closed my eyes, made a wish and then blew it out for the universe to take hold!

I was brought out an additional dessert to complete the tasting and this a Flourless Chocolate Cake which was like a rich bit of heaven in every bite. I didn't let one drop go back to the kitchen. This was served with a Late Harvest Lodi Zinfandel that tasted like raspberries.

What an amazing night! I was stuffed to the brim with lots of fine food and wine but I was lucky enough to be escorted by the man of my dreams looking sharp in a chic, new outfit. It just really was one amazing day.

More celebrations, different day...

My Ojai girlfriends are top notch. They didn't want my birthday to come and go with out any shenanigans so we arranged a meet up at the Deer Lodge for a few cocktails and eats.

These are my peeps: Janelle, Lisa, Lindsay, ME!, Nichole, Darla and Dana.

They are my rocks of support, cause for uncontrollable laughter and little blessings brought to me by God. There are countless great things I could brag on each and every one of them - each different and totally unique. I love them all.

I set up a little shrine with the gifts and cards I was given over the last few days. It is beautiful to see how many people remembered my day. I am so thankful for everyone who wished me a great day. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Happy Birthday - Melissa Good Taste!

 

Today I woke up to birds chirping, sun shining and horses nickering. Sprawled in a big comfy bed, I was happy to spend this birthday at home.  For the past couple of years we had been on the road, always going somewhere so it was nice to be settled. So far I have been showered with text messages, Facebook posts and big hugs from my husband all wishing me a fabulous day. I figured I better power up for my big day with my favorite breakfast - Pancakes and Bacon - so I will have plenty of energy. 

Life is good. Life is...

Artisan II - Paso Robles, CA

I have been to Artisan many times in Paso Robles but I had yet visited the new Artisan, as it had moved down the street. So in celebration of my Mom's birthday we decided to meet her there and treat her to a nice lunch. We were seated next to a little window that gave you a peek into the kitchen... 

All the new space beautiful, it was a little sterile. It did not give you that warm, cozy, comfortable feeling that the old spot did. I am sure they can turn over more tables here but it looks almost like a cafeteria.

We started with one of Scott's favorites, left, the Jalapeno Corn Bread with Honey Butter. He orders these every time we are there. And then we saw Bacon Tator Tots and decided to give those a try too. They were ok, nothing to write home about or order again.

I combined two loves when ordering my lunch, seafood and risotto. The fish itself had an odd texture but I powered through it as I was very hungry. The risotto was fine but nothing wow'ed me. I did finish every bit on my plate but I was left wanting something more.

 Mom ordered a Shrimp Flat bread of sorts and said it was good. In fact, looking at this photo right now makes me crave a seafood sandwich... Maybe a Filet o' Fish later on today is in order! I will try this next time I am in the area.

 In true Melissa Good Taste fashion, Scott ordered the Soup of the day which was Green Chili. I was very tempted to order it when the waitress described it but did not and was very disappointed in myself after I tasted it. It was fantastic, almost tasted like pureed enchiladas in a bowl. And that my friends is a good thing!

The waitress brought out a birthday dessert for my Mom and we shared (meaning they watched me eat) the Butterscotch Pudding. I thought it was lovely as you got pieces of brittle to get a salty kick in with all the sweet.

It is hard for me to give this a positive or negative review. I have always loved the creative menu but I can't get a warm really about the new digs. The restroom is down an L shaped hall that is dark, cold and quite dreary. I know change is supposed to be a good thing but I miss the old Artisan.

Happy Birthday! Cafe Fiore - Ventura, CA

The Real Housewives of Ojai.

We are fun, fabulous and always on the go. We make time to catch up and when we do, we go all out. This time was to celebrate Janelle's birthday. We even invited the boys this trip!

A Hummer Limo transported our rowdy bunch to Cafe Fiore in Downtown Ventura.

We had the back section of the Tree House reserved. Boys on one side, ladies on the other!

We shared the Fried Calamari, which was fabulous and indulged in a couple baskets of their warm pizza bread and sourdough.

I ordered my usually the Butternut Tortellacci and it was a bit heavier than I had remember in previous visits. I know, I know cream sauce and filled pasta is not supposed to be a "light" meal but it maybe was not made with the same care. It just didn't taste as special as it dis before. Don't get me wrong I ate a healthy portion and enjoyed each bite of the fried sage topping. I honestly could have shared this plate because I felt bad leaving food on my plate.

The birthday girl, Janelle. Super sweet and always stylish I am so happy to have met her and blessed to call her my friend.

My two other fav's Lindsey and Lisa - My go to girls for laughs and real conversations. They are strong mamas and would help anyone in time of need. I am so thankful to know them both.

Ashleigh! My super fun, new friend who I met in the group last night. She is spunky, real and totally my style. I cannot wait to get to know her better.

Every gal needs cake on their birthday!

They know how to have a good time and are the most excellent hosts.

Happy Birthday Janelle! 

R.H.O.O - 2013