Giorgio's - Ojai, CA

We are really into sports right now as the Giants are playing in the WORLD SERIES as a wildcard team! Yee haw! But, this particular evening we decided to try out the new Giorgio's to watch the San Francisco 49er game. We sat at a table in the middle of the dining area to give us room to clap, cheer and invite our friends in town to join us.

We started with some Mozzarella Toast with a tomato dipping sauce. This bread was perfect for snacking but if you are afraid of a little garlic breathe you had better stay away from this one. It would freak out the most evil of vampires!

Next, I had Mary's Organic Chicken Strips. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the all white meat totally tender! I loved the breading, golden brown and crunchy! Dipped in ranch dressing, it was just awesome. I even had enough to take home with me and mix it up with salad the next day. 

Scott ordered the Caprese Sandwich complete with huge slices of Mozzarella, tomato, cucumber and lettuce. A balsamic drizzle loosened things up and made the sandwich complete. If Scott could critique the sandwich he thought the bread to sandwich ratio was high. A thinner bun might be a better option.

Last but not least was the Fried Chicken Sandwich Special that Dana and Brandon both enjoyed. The Buffalo sauce made brandon think it was spicy but Dana thought it was just right. I am sure the chicken was the same chicken used for my chicken strips order because they both loved the chicken. The fries were a little under done but it was probably because they were such a thick cut. Thinner cut potatoes would clear that right up.

Giorgio's is the East End's best option for football and World Series action. Give them a shot!

Pacific Sailing - Ventura, CA

Scott is the king of surprises. He likes a great date day, so I was pleased to find out he had arranged for our very first Sailing Lesson. We met our teacher from Pacific Sailing at the dock in the Ventura Harbor and looked forward to soaking it all in!

We learned all about our boat, her name was "Layla"and was a 34 foot Hunter. I thought she looked pretty seaworthy and looked forward to getting her out in the open water.

Scott was taught how to work the lines and open up the sails properly. 

I took charge of the boat first and steered her out to sea and off towards Oxnard... 

We switched at about the halfway point of our lesson and I was happy for a rest. Sailing a boat in the wind is a full body workout!

It was a beautiful experience and I know if we could handle the rough waters of yesterday we will be handle any day! Our instructor was quite proud of us!

In the Ventura Harbor there are tons of restaurants: Seafood, French, Sushi, Greek, Italian and Mexican places are all available for the enjoyment of visitors. We both were pretty chilly and needed something to warm up our bellies pronto. Margarita Villa was close by so we decided to see if we could catch the tail end of the NBA - Miami vs. San Antonio game.

We sat down at the bar to watch the last quarter of the game and tore into a basket of chips and salsa. I was ravenous, anything would taste good to me at that very moment. The salsa was not bad, chips maybe a tick stale but it was not anything I could not work with.

As our entrees came out Lebron James got hurt and it was looking bad for the Miami Heat, the San Antonio Spurs took the lead and eventually won the game pretty handily. Scott ordered the Chicken Soft Tacos and he said that they really were not very good. I have to say they were poorly constructed because the tortilla kept ripping just as he would go to bite into it. The guacamole looked good though...

I did the Two Item Combo - Chile Relleno and Chicken Enchilada. The enchilada was fantastic! The chicken was really moist and the sauce very mild but totally pleasant. I did not care for the chile, as it was not cooked as soft as I prefer. The rice and beans were just fine.

I was so proud of Scott for planning this little adventure for the both of us. I know how much he loves the water so I was happy to be included in his passion. He looked like a little kid in a candy store. I look forward to many more days like this! 

Las Vegas National Golf Course - Las Vegas, NV

The Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association's Annual Banquet and Convention holds a golf tournament and I signed up the Good Taste's! Professionals and instructors from across the country were set up with us in a scramble format... Lets golf!

I had a ringer fly in from the coast! Hi Kathy!

We didn't get to practice before but at least we look the part!

Our pro was named Justin and from the Phoenix area. He was very patient and kind. Hi Justin!

I was mostly just happy to be there!

Scott took his love of the beach very seriously! He actually handled this shot out like a champion.

Finally, the last drive of the day I actually connected and blasted one. We used it as our last shot to the green!

To celebrate our long day we wandered back tot he South Point Casino and had a fine meal at the Silverado Steak House. i started with my usual, Lobster bisque soup and was pleasantly surprised in the silky flavor. Sometimes I get it and it is too thick for my liking but today it was fabulous.

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I went for the Seafood Special of a pan fried Orange Roughy topped with crab. It was delightful. With each bite of mashed potato and creamy sauce I was in heaven. This was the best plate I have had in the Silverado.

To top off my most excellent meal I devoured the creme brulee which was equally fantastic. The day was long and challenging but I spent it with two of my favorite people in the world and tucked into bed overly fed. It was the perfect day.

San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres? I know what you are thinking, why would Melissa Good Taste - huge Giants fan - want to go to Petco Park? Our dear friend supplies us once a year to enjoy his seats at his favorite park, thats why... Come enjoy the day with us!

We were staying at the Omni right next door to the park so we grabbed lunch at McCormick and Schmick before the game. I went for the Crab Cakes on arugula and grapefruit sections. So perfect, light but filling all at the same time. I loved it.

Scott had the Turkey Melt with french fries. He enjoyed his sandwich, in fact as we drove home the next day he said that this was one of his favorite things during the trip.

This is the walking bridge in between the hotel and the park... How cool is that? From our room at the Omni to the game in fifty steps. I felt first class!

It also is a pretty cool feeling when your ticket says Row 1 and Seat 1. We walked straight to the first row and settled into our seats!

Scott, ready to catch a fly ball for me!

Just chillin...

What does that screen say? Oh that Scott Weis, he is famous!

Happy Birthday Scott!

Next up is our night out in the Gas Lamp District!

What in the World?!...

Oh my gosh what am I doing? I have been a little distant from my pretty, little blog and let me tell you why... I have been saddling horses for my darling husband and caring for their daily needs. It is a lot of work and I have been burning calories so I have been taking the easy route when it comes to my foodie activities.

Scott went surfing once this week and he treated me to one of my favorite meals ever... Fish and Chips. Ah, I love. However I am not going to lie, this dish from Spencer Makenzie's failed to impress because the batter was raw on the fish as I bit into it. The fries were fantastic as I dipped one by one into their fry sauce - Mayonnaise based. Yum!

Scott got "Tuna On Fire" and he freaked at the heat! It was spicy city but I might add it was a pretty healthy dish. Good choice man! Seared tuna and white rice, this is the stuff i used to eat all the time... Until I developed these crazy cravings for fried fish.

Also this week I made salad for dinner. It was filled with all things tasty: Arugula, pecans, chicken, goat cheese, strawberries, apples, poppy seed dressing... We love this salad!

Last night before Scott jetted off to Texas, I heated up a bag of Bertolli's (I know, I am L-A-Z-Y...) but the Roasted Chicken Risotto is so good. Keep a bag in your freezer when you don't feel like cooking.

Most nights Scott and I watch the Giants games on our Giants package that we purchased through Direct TV. We love the team, the sport and the idea of being super fans. They have been losing more than they have been winning but we are loyal and cheer, cheer, cheer. Scott's favorite player is Macro Scutaro and I just can't get Buster Posey's confidence out of my mind.

Melissa Good Taste is going home for a week... Be prepared for my favorite Northern California eats!

Rest in Peace Soldiers...

Take time to reflect on being a great American today. Give back to society and don't be drain! What can you do for your country? Be an upstanding citizen! 

On that note also be a Giants fan!

Battle of the Bay! 

I am at home in Ojai enjoying my favorite ballpark food. Hot dogs and spicy chili!

Super Bowl Sunday Eats

I had a lot of fun preparing my Super Bowl menu this year. Although there were only going to be three of us I wanted a medley of food so we did not get bored eating through on large mass of food. So on that note let me introduce you to me... Watch!

I decided to do a video blog because I though I needed to jazz up a post or two! What do you think?

I walked you through the main sauce and the mixture part of the Asian Salad Won Tons but I didn't finish and show you the frying of the won tons in oil, topping with chopped peanuts and a drizzle of balsamic. FYI: I thought the salad mixture was a little dry so I added a bit more ponzu and lime juice. You decide what is enough for you! I got really busy in the kitchen and I didn't have time to video, you know how it goes!

The final product! It was delicious, I for see make this my go to appetizer for parties and warm summer evenings. They reminded me of summer.

Speaking of summer, these will be my new designer cocktail - Recipe exclusively made by Melissa Good Taste herself. I was given a very large bag of dried apricots from my Dad. I portioned some off into the freezer and fridge for ready use.

So I took one bag out and reconstituted the apricots in a bath of water and agave nectar under a low flame until the apricots started to become mushy. I pureed them in my blender and then used the puree to flavor my Apricot Margarita. Drink of the day. Two ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of triple sec, juice from two limes, a dollop of puree, ice and whirl away.

It makes the most refreshing drink ever. Thank you Dad!

While i had the apricots out i rolled them up with an almond inside and bacon on the outside. Twenty minutes at 400 degrees really plumped up the dried apricots into a soft creamy center. Who doesn't love bacon?

I love the cactus plant creation in my kitchen. Sometimes I overwater it and a few plants die but I think it is beautiful. Ok onward...

I whipped up my potato salad earlier in the day and put it in these convient little pots. It made for easy serving and even easier clean up. Love that! I wish I paid a little more attention to my measurments when making this because both Kat and Scott swore it was one of the best things they had all day. I do have to say one thing that was different and new to me to use was: Pimentos. I have never used them but maybe that was the secret weapon.

This would be my Fried Chicken drenching station. Eggs, hot sauce, water on the wet side. Self rising flour, pepper and house seasoning on the dry. It was a messy job but who doesn't love a crispy piece of chicken?

They had their hot oil treatment at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. 

Yummy yummy. They came out golden delicious, fried up heaven. I was pretty proud of my first ever chicken frying experience. Go Me!

As if we were not full enough... I finished off the night with Red Velvet Cupcakes stuffed and swirled with cream cheese frosting. A big glass of milk and two of these bad boys sent me off to a sleepy dream land. The kitchen was clean, food put away and I was done!

Cheers to the 49ers being Reserve World Champions - Come on, the glass is half full!