Bell Street Farm - Los Alamos, CA

On the drive home from the Madonna Inn last week I made a few pit stops on the way home. Most were fashion shopping related but one of them was to the Bell Street Farm in Los Alamos. I had heard any exciting things about their food and concepts so I decided to wheel in and see for myself. It is an order at the counter joint, that gives you a number and then they walk out food. They ask for a tip but I am always confused on how to tip them, considering at that point I was not given any service and have no idea on what they truly deserve.  

I ordered a real Coke and asked for water on the side. I was never given a refill on the water. So I guess the tip I left was pretty hefty given the service. You got me Bell Street Farm, you got me. 

I always love a good soup, you know that. This was ok. Minestrone was fine but in my personal opinion I prefer my vegetables cut into much smaller pieces. I don't want a knife and fork soup, I want soft and silky. The flavor was good despite needing a shake of salt, that was not on the table.

I was torn on what salad to order, on paper they all sounded good but I was talked into the Rotisserie Pork Salad by the cashier so I followed his lead. The menu read"Hot and Crispy Pork belly wrapped Shoulder" and I would love to say it was really that but a more accurate description would be "Warm and Chewy". The butter lettuce was fresh, onion fantastic and roasted potato was just fine.

Did I love Bell Street Farm? I wanted to, I really did. It was darling and the owner greeted and waved goodbye to all the patrons. The food was ok. Maybe I ordered bad, I would give it another shot but it had better deliver!

S.Y. Kitchen - Santa Ynez, CA

Scott and I made a trip home on Thursday to celebrate the life of my Grandma, Lydia C. Dassel. She led a very healthy, beautiful life. May she rest in peace with my Grandfather in Heaven.

On the way back home from Hollister, Scott and I decided to make a pit stop in Santa Ynez to try out a brand new restaurant. I had heard the soft opening was a success so we wanted to try it for ourselves.

S.Y. Kitchen

They bring out fresh vegetables and hand out slices of grilled bread with excellent olive oil for dipping. Light bites to get you excited about your upcoming meal.

We both had a glass of the house Pinot Noir and it was lovely. 

We were sold on the Burrata by our waiter so we let him take the reins on that one. The burrata was indeed fresh but poor Scott was underwhelmed. I thought it tasted just fine. I loved the juicy tomatoes with the creamy cheese so I traded him for my starter...

I ordered the Baby Artichoke Soup and thought that is exactly what it tasted like. I would have preferred it to be salted a tad more. Scott most have agreed because as soon as we switched he salted it quite generously.

Whenever Scott sees that there is a Pork Chop on the menu he steers to it. His mom made him a lot of pork chops growing up so I think we always veer to what we know. It came out as a very large portion served with cipolline onions. it was cooked to a perfect medium rare and he took most home for our two very spoiled dogs.

I went for the home made Spaghetti Mare filled with crab, shrimp, calamari, mussels and clams. I did most of the prep work, removing the meat from the shells first but the crab was not cracked all the way and some pieces not at all so it was kind of a waste. I let a lot of crab meat go to waste. Once de-shelled  I happy ate away at the fresh pasta and seafood. It was a perfect portion.

I am thrilled to see another restaurant in Santa Ynez and wish them all the best in their future!

Dos Carlitos - Santa Ynez, CA

Yesterday was a special day, I got to spend it with my two favorite people: my mom & Scott. I love days like this! We met up in Santa Ynez at a pretty decent Mexican restaurant that I have been to many times before.

They bring the chips, salsa and black bean & corn as a standard. But if you really want to get something special ask for the "hot" salsa and you will be in for a really tasty treat. It is very hot but it is an addictive kind of spice that keeps you coming back for more, nose running and everything!

I ordered the Enchiladas Suizas filled with sauteed scallops, shrimp, mushrooms and cilantro. It was huge! I could only finish one enchilada, a small portion of beans and rice so I took the rest to go. It was tasty but I am sure I will try something new next time, it is fun to explore their menu.

We will be back next week so I am very excited to try a new restaurant to Santa Ynez... 

Solvang Restaurant - Solvang, CA

We woke up from the shower ready to rock and roll our way out of town. We needed some sustenance before hitting the road so Shannon led us to the Solvang Restaurant. 

Our waitress does have a smile on her face but she is a feisty one. Before you can spit out what you would like she is on her way... But, wait! I want a soda... crickets.

Crispy bacon is my favorite so I was happy to see my pork well done. The hash browns were extremely disapointing. I do not know a single soul in the world that does not like their hash browns done on the side of well than rare. COOK YOUR POATAOES, please. The eggs were just fine. 

Swedish Ebelskivers were ordered by my Aunt Carolyn and she gave me a bite to try. Basically, a pancake in a ball. Dipped in the jam was pretty much heavenly. 

You know, I don't really like breakfast as much as I used to. I like to save my calories for later in day and I really don't have enough of an appetite in the morning to make it worth it. But, I like spending time with loved ones so I will go anytime they want to.

Heather's Bridal Shower - Santa Ynez, CA

The Crompton side of my family is a large one, I am one of seventeen cousins. We all get along wonderfully and relish the time we get to spend together. This special occasion was my beautiful cousin, Heather's Bridal Shower and I was so happy to celebrate the day with her.

The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the food of course. Her friends did a fabulous job with food and decor. The weather was fantastic and it couldn't have been a more gorgeous day off of Baseline Road.

Shannon and Jennifer

The festive party drink was Pomegranate Champagne. Fruit + Bubbles = Good Times.

The party favors were adorable pots of honey. Such a cute idea!

Sweets and wine, you know the basic essentials...

Allison and Melissa Good Taste

Flowers make everything pretty!

Just a few of my favorite nibbles: jalapeno poppers, brie in puff pastry and grapes.

I brought Crush Cupcakes from Carpinteria. They were a hit! If you want a really good cupcake you have to try them!

Let me explain this one. Heather's friend, Lea came up with a game. For every answer Heather got wrong (questions answered by her fiance) she had to: 1. Get a scrunchie put in her hair and 2. Take a jello shot. It was pretty entertaining! I think some of his answers were so sweet, it took Heather by surprise and she made have shed a tear or two!

We played the Toliet Paper Wedding Dress game. Shannon's Team of Jennifer and Allison won.

Three Crompton Sisters...

Five Crompton Cousins!

Trattoria Grappolo - Santa Ynez, CA

While driving back down to Ojai after my family time extravaganza my Mom and I got hungry right around Santa Ynez...

We sat inside because it was kind of toasty outside.

Butternut Squash Soup was a special and I had to order it - I love all things squash. Upon first taste it needed salt, but other than that it was lovely. Tasted like Thanksgiving!

My mom and I both got the Fillet of sole in a white wine, lemon, and caper sauce. It was a hearty portion of fish and the sauce was lovely.

All I was missing was a glass of wine!

Shop 'til you drop...

Back At The Ranch in Santa Ynez and Tin Roof Boutique in Los Olivos are dangerous! Too many cute things. I came, I saw and dropped some dough. There was a sale! What was a girl to do?!

Dos Carlitos - Santa Ynez, CA

Welcome to a totally chic Mexican joint in downtown Santa Ynez. When seated at your table you are greeted with tasty salsa with plenty of fresh cilantro (my personal favorite) a black bean and corn relish next to a basket of fresh chips. Perfect start.

It had been a chilly, rainy day weekend so a nice hot bowl of Pork Pozole really hit the spot. Of course I garnished it with more cilantro to encourage a fresh flavor. The broth was soothing and warmed me up from the inside out. The pork cook have been a bit more tender but that is my only critique. Would have loved a fresh fruit margarita but I was on the road! Maybe next time when I can stay awhile.