Glamping Day #4 - Ventura, CA

Good morning campers! Scott got up and played in the water on Saturday. The waves were small but he gave me something to practice shooting with my camera.

He rode this wave until the end and looked right at me and gave me this look! I thought it was hilarious. What a sport.

This is my paddle board, it is huge! Even though the waves were small it really wasn't too paddle board friendly. Blah! We will go to the Ventura Harbor soon so we can get some really good core exercise in.

Scott made me the best lunch ever! Don't you just love grilled hot dogs? How about with cheese melted on the bun too? What a treat!

Evening rolled in and we were ready to get started celebrating Cinco de Melissa!

Ole!

We started at The Tavern for a glass of wine. I thought this space was so cool, it was a refurbished Victorian and had an awesome menu. I cannot wait to come try it during happy Hour after a beach day.

So happy.

Next stop, The Watermark. We went to the upper deck and overlooked Downtown Ventura at sunset. it was just stunning.

While enjoying another glass of wine, we also indulged in an order of Crab Cakes. I could not remember the last time that I had them so it was awesome. What a treat.

From there we went to Cafe Fiore for dinner. Scott ordered the Bacon Marmalade Pizza. How cool is that? Instead of marinara they used a bacon reduction. Holy cow, or holy pig really...

The Roasted Carrot Risotto was on special and I went for it. It lacked some flavor but I can't ever turn down this special rice. I am such a sucker.

Creme Brulee was delicious. Don't you love my sparkler? I ordered an espresso to go with it. I savored every bite. It took over 20 minutes for me to finish but I ate every drop.

So this is me, Melissa Good Tatse. Thirty years old. Oh my. I hope to keep this fun blog up for years and years to come. Thank you for following my Glamping/Birthday Adventure!

Cafe Ella - Hollister, Ca

I WAS THE FIRST OFFICIAL CUSTOMER! How exciting is that for a new food blogger?! So if you want all the skinny on the new cafe in Hollister you better listen up, this is hot off the press! Located in the same spot Dimaggio's Cafe used to be at, by the new McDonald's and down the aisle from Tip and Toe can you find Cafe Ella...

Isn't the inside so charming? I was amazed on how cute it was! The color of the walls really was serene and calming - perfect after a stressful day at the office! My favorite part of the decor was the wall of mirrors. Very chic.

We were immediately seated and asked what we would like to drink. I knew I was feeling something a little heart healthy - so I asked for a Cabernet Sauvignon. The waitress recommended one from Rock and Vine, I had never heard of the winery but I was pleased with the choice. Very smooth. Bread and olive oil with balsamic came and we happily indulged.





On with the food! Ordered was the Panzanella Salad, it was very beautiful as you can see from the picture - very colorful! The salad had ciabatta cubes, roasted red pepper, heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, feta, baby spinach and arugula. There were two other options of salads all worth trying on different visits. One entree was the lasagna. It is old world style and is made to order, not sliced from a pan. Very cool! Layers of fresh pasta, spinach, ricotta and peccorino cheese, and topped with a sweet, classic meat sauce. Emphasis should be placed on the "meat sauce" - this could also be dubbed the "Land Lovers Special" - ha ha... I ordered the Sweet Chilean Crab and Avocado. Lump crab meat, orange sections, chives, apple vinaigrette on a toasted ciabatta round made their way on a bed of greens. I found this appetizer/entree very refreshing. Light and reminded me of summer. I think this is a great option for someone wanting to end the meal with something sweet...read on...

And you thought I would sneak out of there without trying one of the desserts didn't you? Ha ha... wrong! The dessert menu was short and sweet, kind of like me! I decided on the Creme Brulee and was happily served quite quickly! I of course shared some, but mostly devoured it all on my own! I love this stuff. It tasted a little warm though, like it had been made not too long ago... which is not a bad thing - I just like my creme brulee ice cold, kind of how I like my beer. I am getting a little cheesy now, so I will move this along...

I was thrilled when I walked through the door and Ella, of Cafe Ella, yes THE Ella, said I was the first customer! I will always think I am royalty when I walk through there now. I will tell the waitress, "You do know I was the first customer" on all future visits... I can see it now... they will say, "Really? Take this VIP section table in the back..." Ahhh the fame I will enjoy. Anyhow, I think Ella's is a refreshing change of pace to restaurants we have in town. It is on the pricier side so don't expect a 99 cent cheeseburger. Expect to pay more and receive fresher and higher quality food! They are open Monday - Saturday for lunch and dinner, which is great because it is rare that anything is open on Mondays in Hollister! Overall, two thumbs up - you will see me there again and again!

-MD