Go Chunk Go!

The latest picture of me cutting on my trusty little man: Chunk...

Dempsey's - Petaluma, CA

Sara got the night off from cooking. Thank goodness! Dempsey's quotes themselves as the place "Where locals eat" and so that is what we did, ate like locals.

We ordered Red Rooster Ale's, known for its robust flavor and floral hop finish. The plate of Onion Shoe Strings were greasy and fabulous. House made BBQ sauce was served with, I liked it but the strings by themselves were pretty darn tasty.

I had the daily fish special, Seared Ahi. The beautiful fish was served with Potato and Cheese Croquettes. I loved the fish don't get me wrong, but the croquettes were OMG - so scrumptious! Just imagine heaven.

Dempsey's has a pretty great outdoor dining patio. A lovely view of the water. Go for the beer, appetizers and those croquettes... Maybe stray from their Carne Asada. It wasn't a favorite at the table. The pork chop and roasted chicken were raved on - so maybe try those instead.

Cafe Fiore - Ventura, CA

Oh Ventura. I love you. There are not only many great restaurants on Main Street but there is even more fabulousness as you walk down the side streets as well. Try California Street, and head in the direction towards the beach. The live music will direct you where to go. Greet a friendly hostess at the door and decide if you want to eat a fantastic meal, sit at the front bar and sip a cocktail or go to the back to party!

Every table in the restaurant is a nice one. Even if you don't have reservations there is always somewhere to be squeezed in at. Our seating was quaint, yet comfortable - we had quite the view of the wine racks.


Greg Norman isn't just a known for being a standout golfer but a winemaker as well. Try his Pinot Noir, you will not be disappointed.

An appetizer turned entree. Crab Stuffed Poblano Peppers - yes, please! So delicious. Just wait...

Now you add in sweet Butternut Tortellacci and mix with the Stuffed Poblanos and you have got yourself a sweet and spicy meal combination. So delicious. I really have not had a meal like this in a long time, I usually stick to fish when I go out but this sounded so good I had to try it. I am now on a Butternut Squash kick, so tasty. The pasta was bathed in a sage cream sauce and it just sent this dish to the moon!

So calculate four glasses of wine (good wine, too) and two entree's and you have got yourself one heck of deal - $73. I eat out a lot and I felt for the quality of wine and food, plus the outstanding service it was just amazing. If you are up for it, after your meal you can head into the back patio and grab an after dinner drink and dance off a few calories. Live music is usually playing so I highLY recommend it. This was a memorable dining experience, please try it for yourself!

The Tides Wharf - Bodega Bay, CA

And so the day began with a beautiful beach ride...

Over the sand dunes we went!

How cool is this photo - Thank you again!

After our beach ride we were all quite hungry...

Welcome to The Tides Wharf - our restaurant selection of the day. They were complete with full restaurant, gift shop and full on Fish Market. Very nice.

The local brew - bring us the darkest beer you have please! Wowza! This stuff hit the spot.

The bread was carbolicious. Just how I hoped it would be!

Dicki being fun. I like that. I believe she is modeling a mussel, she appeared to have really enjoyed them!

Another fun fun bloggette. Dana all ready to dig into her cioppino!

Melissa Good Taste and her love for Clam Chowder... This was pretty tasty chowder. Came out warm (I like it served piping please.), had very little potatoes (which is a good thing) and had plenty of clams. It was creamy but had a very smooth texture. Good stuff.

This pictures is almost actual to size. My Crab Cakes were tiny! They were pretty appetizing, you had to just enjoy the two bites it took to eat them!

Now this was scrumptious! The Hot Crab Sandwich was so good. Piled with Dungeness lump crab meat, topped with cheese, crowned with a slice of tomato all while under the broiler for a wonderful vacation. Yum. This is a definite re-order!

Full and feeling fabulous from the beautiful ride, smelling the salt water and great friendship we made our way back to the ranch. This was an excellent choice, with available parking for two horse trailers. I recommend a visit to The Tides Wharf.

Azu - Ojai, CA

Another Ojai restaurant that I had not been to! Can you believe this little community has so many restaurants? And good ones at that! Sheesh. Azu is known for their tapas - with their menu primarily California Spanish but also has a full entree menu.

How do you like the view I had of the dining room? One of three, I might add.

Country Herb Salad - Ojai Organic Butter Lettuce, Candied Walnuts and Goat Cheese made a tasty starter for Scott. I tried it. The goat cheese was a savory delight!

I had the Soup of the Day which was Pea Soup with loads of cream. I love cream! It was so tasty. I am such a soup girl.

What did Bobbie have? I just cannot remember. Maybe the Arugula and Dried Fig Salad? My memory escapes me!

Chilean Sea Bass - Pan Roasted and served with a Preserved-Lemon Beurre Blanc on top of Lemon Risotto. Yum, yummy, yum! So if you haven't noticed a trend by now, I always order fish. It is goo for you, tasty and always a great indication on a great review from me! Ha. The risotto was amazing as well.

Cheese Lasagna made with layers of fresh Lasagna noodles and Mozzarella and Parmesan Cream Sauce was a meat free escape for Scott. He seemed to really enjoy it.

And what in the heck did Bobbie order? I normally have a memory like a steel trap! Maybe too many calories are fogging my focus...

All in all Azu was exactly on point that evening. We were seated immediately, sat at a beautiful table and service was always there right when you needed them. The tapas menu looked like a lot of fun. A late lunch, early dinner is in my near future - sampling a couple things of the menu: chile relleno, stuffed dates, calamari or maybe honey baked brie? Yes, please. The gelato counter is something to be proud of as well. Yes, Azu. I will be back!

Circle Oak Ranch - Petaluma, CA

For all your horse needs!

Our gracious hosts - Ron and Sara Malone.

Casa de Malone



What a great group!

Onto the food...

Dicki's Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes and Gravy - so good!

Patty's - Seasme crusted seared Ahi - wow!


Mexican Night - Steak Tacos with all the fixings.


Steak, roasted potatoes and garden fresh ratatouille.

Dana's appetizer of prosciutto, dried figs and gorgonzola and arguala. So good!

Rhubarb Pie and Necterine Crumble.

....and super clever and totally fun - Lemon and Chocolate Cupcakes in a jar!

M.I.A.

Been off doing the horse thing... food posts to follow!

KFC craving...

So I have had the worst craving for fried chicken for a couple weeks now. I broke down yesterday for lunch and ordered a couple pieces with mashed potatoes and a biscuit from good old Kentucky Fried Chicken. At first bite it was love! Not feeling too proud of my nutritional calorie bomb but what is a girl to do?! Almost Friday...