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!!

Grower's Pub - Salinas, CA

On my first night into town my brother, James, wanted me to experience a night out at the Grower's Pub in Salinas. He likes their Tuesday Night Special, "Chicken Catroville" so we all loaded up and made our way to downtown.

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While the rest of the group started their meals with salads, I opted for their French Onion Soup and a glass of Poppy chardonnay. They were very generous with the amount of cheese and the broth was very rich.

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This was my meal, I saw Salmon & Risotto and could not break my frequent chain of ordering the "same" thing. The salmon was perfectly cooked, in fact almost a tad rare but it was outsatnding. So moist! The risotto was classic and the Swiss girl in me just loved it. There was so much that I took the bulk of it home for my snack the next day.

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Of course Kate ordered like a good little gal and had the Chicken Marsala with sauce on the side. Vegetables only too! Kate is going to live to be 100 years old.

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This was the reason we came! "Chicken Castroville" - James was a little disapointed with it this trip because they changed their cooking method from the original time he had tried it. They used to only bake it and now they flash fry it at the end. He still enjoyed it but thought the first method of cooking was more desirable.

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And this was our party! It was so nice for me to be welcomed home by a nice meal and family. I am looking forward to visiting with my sister tonight. There is always too little time to get all the socializing in! There really is nothing better than coming home!

First Awakenings - Salinas, CA

                After shopping at the Oyster Trading Company, as well as a few Downtown stores in Salinas, we grew quite hungry. We found great deals and scored some really cute stuff. 

It was just after 11 and we walked to First Awakenings, a convient corner restaurant. I was craving something hot and comforting so I went with the "Beef Encounter" - pretty much a French Dip with cheese and mushrooms. The au jus was very tasty, a great beef flavor. Salad and potatoes were served with it but I was content with all the food from my sandwich.

I had a few bites of my Mom's Calamari Sandwich - It was not your typical calamari that is all chewy this was the real deal. I loved eating it with the tomato, very light and satisfying.

Jennifer ordered the Huevos Rancheros and she just loved it. It was too much food but she ate until she just couldn't do it anymore. But, she did say it was just awesome.

My Mom and Jennifer. I love them so much.

If your headed to Olive Garden....

Order this! The Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a must order when at Olive Garden. The large portion of fish is cooked to perfection and the saltiness of the parmesan is wonderful. It is one of the lower calorie items on the menu as well - 590 calories is so worth it! The Tour of Italy boosts 1450 calories! Wowza. Order a glass of chardonnay and enjoy your fish!

Denny's - Salinas, CA

So Jennifer got tickets to the California Rodeo Salinas yesterday evening. It was a blast! Talk about rodeo friend reunion. Good to see familiar faces and catch up with old friends. Anyhow, all that socializing brought on some hunger! At about 11:30pm Jennifer and I realized our option was pretty much...



Yay. It was surprisingly busy inside - maybe because the rodeo was in town. But anyway we got seated about 5 minutes after our name was put on the waiting list. The Late Night menu was pretty limited. I thought the full menu was available 24 Hours a Day. I guess I was wrong...



I ordered the Sampler. Do notice a trend in what I have ordered lately? Lots of fried food - I seriously need to break that habit. I need more vegetables!! Anyhow, back to the the Sampler. The Mozzarella sticks were nice and hot, pretty standard tasting. The chicken strips were good but the barbecue sauce is what really made the meal! Very tasty. The seasoned fries had a nice crunch. Overall nice... How do you screw up fried food anyway. I promise I will order more healthful next time.



Jennifer debated between the Super Bird and Moons Over My Hammy. I think she wanted the Super Bird all along but just liked saying Moons Over My Hammy... :) So the Super Bird came and it looked just right. For those of you not familiar with the Super Bird it is thinly sliced turkey breast with melted Swiss cheese, bacon strips and tomato on grilled sourdough. Jennifer also asked for the barbecue sauce on the side... we both liked it - I wonder what brand it is?

All in all Denny's was a pleasant experience. I mean for a late night eat it filled our belly's without breaking the bank. I give Denny's in Salinas 2 thumbs up for friendly wait staff, quick service and hot food.

-MD