Montgomery Street Cafe - Fort Worth, TX

Located just a half a mile from our stalls at the Will Rogers Coliseum is the Montgomery Street Cafe. Everyday, in and out of the horse show, we drive past it. Well, one morning Scott suggested we try it instead of ignoring it. I agreed and we walked in the unassuming building.

We walked in to an almost packed house. It is first come, first serve so be prepared to wait outside if there is not an open table. There are no menus, you just place your order with the waitress who hollers it off to the scratch cooks in the kitchen. 

The lack of guideline to order from left us pretty standard with normal breakfast fare. Scott went for over easy eggs, crispy bacon and wheat toast. He asked for salsa and it came out afiring. It tasted like someone knew someone who knew someone that knew how to make some mean chili! 

 Pancakes. Bacon. Yes, sir. It is my go-to when ordering breakfast because I love the salty sweet combination. I liked that these pancakes came out fluffy and light. The pancake mixture must have had some oomph to it to make it rise up. I like oomph!

Well, it wasn't our finest culinary adventure but it was priced right. I never realized how affordable breakfast really is. I usually am on the go or not craving it so it is the one meal I usually skip out on. Looking at those pancakes right now makes me want to get up extra early this Sunday and indulge in a stack!

Donuts, donuts everywhere!

Looking for a great K cup for your Kuerig? This is one. I am having a donut themed day so I thought this was appropriate. However, I do like another brand called Fog Chaser - it is affordable as compared to the rest of the pack at my local grocery store. It seems to "chase" the "fog" away from my brain on early mornings. But today, I am going all donut style.

I cannot resist these little bundles of joy. So soft and tasty. I can remember my mom buying them for us maybe once as a child. I think she stopped because between my sister, brother and I we probably devoured the bag on the home from the store. However now that I am an adult with plenty of donut self control, a few are perfect with above mentioned coffee. 

Brew yourself a cup, pop a few of these in your mouth and have yourself a Homer Simpson sized day!

Rhumb Line Restaurant - Ventura, CA

Scott and I went our on a date night before we left for our horse show in Las Vegas and we were so excited to have our first official dinner at one of the newest restaurants in Ventura: Rhumb Line Restaurant. Our employees gave Scott a gift certificateto the restaurant for his birthday and we were happy to use it that evening.

We got to the restaurant feeling famished. Scott had just been surfing, and I shopping in Ventura so we felt like we needed to get our appetites wet with the bread basket as well as an appetizer. The sourdough with warm butter was amazingly good. I don't normally pour over the bread because it just fills me up but today it was heavenly! Scott ordered us Oysters Rockefeller and it shocked me, he doesn't usually go for it when I order them but tonight he was being a food adventurer! They were fantastic, served piping hot with spinach, Hollandaise, bacon and shallots. 

Scott went with the Seafood Pasta Fra Diavolo, he is a sucker for a good pasta and he said this was just what is was in the mood for. Comforting bucatini pasta in an heirloom tomato sauce, chili flakes and an assortment of shrimp, scallops and mussels made his night.

When I read that they had Channel Islands Halibut on the menu I quickly knew that was exactly what I wanted. Scott has a surf and fishing boat that can easily cruise to the islands so I am hoping he picks up halibut on one of his trips. That would be Melissa Good Taste heaven! The fish was cooked perfectly and served on a pea puree and along side glazed carrots. 

 What is the next best thing to Creme Brulee? Creme Brulee Cheescake of course! We were craving something sweet with a cup of deliciously hot cup of coffee. The restaurant was hopping! I enjoyed the people watching, boats bopping in the water in the harbor behind us and the great piano player that was keeping the energy up nicely. It was a beautiful evening!

Rabalais' - Santa Paula, CA

I am new to Ventura County, I have lived here just about a year. I have dined at almost every well known and found a few secret spots. Rabalais' is a new spot located on the main drag in Santa Paula. Think Disneyland - French Quarter, the menu is reminiscent of what you make find in New Orleans. how much fun is that?!

The best coffee I have ever. I drank three cups and wanted more! That would have be fine, but I would have to run back to Ojai with all the caffeine pumping through my system!

I went with Shrimp and Grits for my breakfast because they had just ran out of biscuits for the Crawfish Etouffee. The grits were fantastic! They were buttery, and comforting and everything I like in a savory breakfast. The gravy and shrimp were a very nice combination of flavors.

Fresh Beignets made to order anyone? They fry up three at a time and they are amazing! I could only polish one off but I took the other two to go. They are better than doughnuts and perfect with coffee.

I cannot wait to return to try the Fried Green Tomatoes, Hot Croque's and Gumbo! This my friends, was a cultural experience! It makes me want to at least go to Disneyland, stroll through the French Quarter and eat at the Blue Bayou - Road trip anyone?

Arby's - Baker, CA

 Happy Friday y'all! On our way home we stopped in Baker, Home of the World's Tallest Thermometer!   Alright! 

Any excuse to stop for food is a good one for me! And so I raised into Arby's and ordered a Jamocha shake to go! 630 calories later, we are almost to Victorville! 

I am excited to see what the weekend brings... More good eats I am sure!

Palermo - Ventura, CA

If you looking for a quick "Pick Me Up" just head to Downtown Ventura and step into Palermo.

I was craving a coffee and a sweet treat. I ordered a Caramel Sea Salt Latte and a Creme Brulee Bar. OMG! So delicious.

Perfect afternoon delight!

Java Kai - Hanalei Bay, HI

One of the coolest things about Hanalei Bay was the method of travel, by beach cruiser. Everything was just a short peddle away!

I noticed that this coffee house was jumpin' the first morning we were there. By the second day I wanted to see what all the hype was about. This place was great! I ordered the Macadamia Waffles - omg. I asked for more butter and syrup - what is wrong with me? I also had the Snakebite coffee which was: coffee, with extra espresso, half and half, whipped cream and a shot of raspberry syrup! Total heaven. Scott ordered a bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato sandwich on toasted with a side of fresh fruit. Just amazing. Well recommended.

Customer Appreciation Day!

How do you feel about free coffee and donuts?!

A welcoming committee while you drive up to the pumps!

And the three of us to pump your gas!

Happy Customer Appreciation Day to all our customers at our Hollister location!

Thank you for your business!

Bill's Cafe - Willow Glen, Ca

I was invited to join my two friends, Elena and Amanda to go to San Jose for a day of shopping. Before we set out scouring stores we needed to fuel up and get our energy. On the drive up to San Jose we were deciding on where to go and Elena just raved about "Bill's" so we made plans to meet their cousin and dine there. We pulled in to the 1115 Willow Street location and noticed the place is packed! I mean people outside, inside so full! We put our name down on the list and within 30 minutes we were seated.

It was chilly outside Sunday morning so we were pretty thrilled when the hostess brought us inside to eat. Within 5 minutes of being seated we were greeted by a friendly waiter and menus so large it was going to take a Mimosa to figure out what I wanted to order. The extensive breakfast menu covers all of the classic breakfast traditions, along with an selection of creative specialties. And if you start the day late, you can rest assured knowing that breakfast at Bill's is served all day, along with a wide choice of lunch items, ranging from classic sandwiches, to salads, to our daily chef's specials.

Bill's Famous Mimosa's - Champagne, fresh squeezed Orange Juice, Strawberries served in a giant "bowl." How great do those look? Yummy.

Elena ordered the Poached y Papas - seasoned Potato Skins, topped with shredded Cheddar Cheese, Bacon Bits and Chives, two poached Eggs, covered in our incredible Hollandaise Sauce. Her choice of side were the Home Potatoes. She enjoyed this.

Celina ordered the Mexicano Omelette - Filled with Jalapeno Chilies, Avocado, Sour Cream, Jack Cheese, topped with fresh Salsa. Also served with Side of Toast.

MY ORDER! You all are probably thinking, surprise surprise. But how could I not order the Crab Cakes Benedict? Two Crab Cakes topped with two poached Eggs and a rich Hollandaise Sauce. I elected to not have a side of hash browns or home potatoes and got fresh fruit instead. This was by far the best breakfast I have ever had.

Celina's boyfriend ordered The Club - Triple-Decker! Toasted Sourdough Bread bursting with Turkey, Bacon, American Cheese, Tomatoes, Lettuce and Mayonnaise. A lot of food. Consider yourself warned.

Amanda ordered The Californian Omelette -Avocado, Mushrooms, Green Onions, Tomatoes, Garlic & Sour Cream, Filled and topped with Swiss, Jack and Cheddar Cheese with an addition of bacon. She thought it was good but had a little bit too much sour cream on top.

And last but not least we all shared the Parisienne French Toast -Giant Croissant baked fresh daily in our own oven, dipped in Egg Batter and grilled just right, sprinkled with Powdered Sugar and Cinnamon. How good does that sound? Holy calories it was delicious!!

Wow! I was very impressed with this place. The numbers don't lie. People were waiting outside for up to 45 minutes to eat here! It is that good. What I thought was nice was they offered you complimentary coffee while you waited. I also noticed you can bring your dog with you if you sat outside. That is kind of cool. They have a full bar inside the restaurant as well so you could get your drink on early, if that was your thing. I am sure everything on the menu is delicious so check it out and tell me what your favorite item to order is! Two thumbs up, hands down. This is where you need to go for GREAT breakfast.

OD's Kitchen - Gilroy, Ca

Breakfast. It seems like I have been on a quest to find the best breakfast here lately. I am a simple girl, I like cream in my coffee and my bacon crispy. It shouldn't be too difficult should it? Well, I have heard that OD's Kitchen located off Monterey Street in Downtown Gilroy is the place to go. I tried to go to OD's a few months ago but ended up in Morgan Hill, I was a little off course wasn't I? So I decide to ride my horse and get my chores done early to miss the church crowd that tends to clog up restaurants up at around noon.





So we walk up to the side street restaurant and see people waiting outside. This was a good sign to me. People would not be waiting around on a Sunday morning if the food was not good. You walk in the tiny space and put your name up on the white board and wait for your table. The time seems to fly by quickly and we are seated in the front room in a quiet corner. This spot comes as relief from the hustle and bustle of people walking in and out of the restaurant, we got a good spot.






The coffee cups came quickly and were filled to the brim. My coffee was luke warm and could have been served a touch warmer, but I do add two creamers so that probably doesn't help the temperature at all. The waitress came quickly and took our order. She was a friendly lady who was an old professional, you could tell this was not her first rodeo. I ordered my usual, one egg over medium, extra crispy bacon and extra crispy home fries. And, can you believe it came EXACTLY to order. This has been hands down the best breakfast I have had for ages. The home fries were out of this world delicious. Next up was the French Toast, eggs scrambled and extra crispy bacon. Perfecto!

I really am disappointed I have not visited this place sooner! I have heard friends rave about it for years but it just went in one ear and out the other. They serve breakfast only from 8-1 on weekends probably because of the massive crowds that have to feed. They have a really good thing going there. For our meal I was shocked to see it was only $16.80 that is a bargain! I would return to OD's in a heart beat. Two thumbs up for good, cheap eats.

-MD

Cocola - San Jose

Desserts must be had after our Cajun meal right? Right! We walked a few blocks and came across...



On the plate were 2 orders of Mango Mousse, a Strawberry Cheesecake and a Hazelnut Cake. Drinks were Mocha Bianca's and Lemonades. They all were good, but I don't recommend the cheesecake. It tasted like nothing. Not bad, but definitely not worth the calories. It seriously tasted like nothing. I wish I could say it tasted gross but, sense it literally tasted liked whipped nothing, I can't. Everyone else agreed. I am not crazy.