Food

A Movie Moment

Posted by

0

Being a little girl in the 80’s was fantastic for watching movies. It was the era of high school movies, which I fervently believed were speaking the truth about teenage life. I was young enough to believe my life would unfold the same way. My beauty and fashion goals were modeled after Cindi Mancini from “Can’t Buy Me Love”. Who can forget the suede fringe outfit for the back to school party?

can't buy me love

Sadly, by the time I made it to high school, it was all about grunge and bobbed haircuts. At least there still were cheerleading uniforms involved…My other favorites were Lucas, Some Kind of Wonderful, Just One of the Guys, Sixteen Candles, and Karate Kid (Pat and I still practice the crow kick now and then). These movies replaced Disney fairy tales with their cool factor. I never wanted to act in the movies, but I wanted to LIVE inside of them; in their world. Every street was quaint and beautiful. Life was visually perfect in the movies. Beauty like that does not seem to exist in day to day life, but there is a restaurant on a certain street that embodies that perfect movie moment; Julienne’s on Mission Street in San Marino, CA.

julienne's 2

Everything about it is picturesque. It is on a charming street with quaint boutiques, and as you come upon the restaurant, you are greeted by cheerful vines and pots of botanical beauty. Twinkling white lights welcome you inside, and it is a hard pressed decision to sit inside or outside because both are interesting. Their breakfast is better than lunch, and starting the morning off in this fashion makes the day more exciting anyhow. I do not fully know what a currant is, but it is fantastic in the house toast.

currant toast

I have yet to have a bad breakfast there! After eating, a trip through the gift shop/bakery is a must. Everything from coffee table fashion books to citrus mint soap is available, and you have to take home a baked treat for later.

cafe

The experience tends to linger throughout the day in my mind, just like a good movie. Julienne’s is a luxury in my life because it allows me to finally step into that perfect movie life.

julienne's

My Favorite Trip

Posted by

0

I have desperately wanted to participate in a “USA” chant ever since I saw the movie “Miracle.”  The Olympics fill me with hope, gratitude, and surprisingly, aggression.  My dream came true this past summer when Pat and I attended the Olympic gymnastics trials in San Jose, CA.   I was to the point where it was no longer cute or comfortable being pregnant, but that did not matter.  I dressed in non fashion outfits and waddled close to a mile in 90 degrees plus weather to get to the venue for three days.  Pat lovingly bought me a radio with an over the ear headphone so I could both watch and listen to commentary during the meet.  Basically, I was the opposite of sexy.  On the last day, while we waited for the announcement of the United States’ Olympic gymnastics teams, an impromptu “USA” chant started in the sold out arena, and I fully participated with tears streaming down my cheeks.  It was awesome, and still unsexy.  Pat has it recorded.

What led up to this miraculous weekend for me was an amazing trip up the California coast.  When I am sleep deprived and using spit up as hair texturizer, I take a moment to recall favorite stops along the way.  Pat and I used the “Trip Doc” iphone app and leisurely stopped along the way at places we had been reading about.  If you venture this way, keep these in mind.  They are heavenly.

Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab. 

114 West Branch Street

Arroyo Grande, CA

805-474-4068

This is an old fashioned ice cream parlor with millions of choices and all the ambiance you could ask for.  It’s just a short distance south of San Luis Obispo.  The downtown area itself is a gem.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

1010 Broad Street

SLO, CA

805-543-8562

A tiny, bright, and clean museum on the outskirts of the downtown area.  We went there to see a Robert Burridge exhibit and recommend popping in if you are in SLO.

Novo

726 Higuera St

San Luis Obispo, CA

805-543-3986

This restaurant was tied for first place for food quality and hands down won for best atmosphere.  It is set along a creek bed with huge loping trees, and the air is filled with the songs of frogs.  It’s absolutely fantastic.  Ask and wait for a table along the creek.

novo

Petit Soleil

1473 Monterey St

San Luis Obispo, CA

805-549-0321

Petit Soleil is a charming B&B with complimentary wine tasting each evening.  It has all of the charm of a French B&B and the included breakfast was wonderful.

petit soleil

Coastal Peaks Roasters

3536 S. Higuera St, #250

San Luis Obispo, CA

805-543-0179

We had their coffee at breakfast at Petit Soleil and immediately went to purchase it before leaving town.  The locals told us when they are roasting their beans, you can smell it throughout the town.  I highly recommend it used with a French press.  You can order online as well.

Tradewinds Hotel

Carmel, CA

831-624-2776

Carmel is a place everyone should visit.  It’s extremely dog friendly, which warmed our hearts, and is cool year around.  The Tradewinds was just outside of the village area, and was just luxurious with a rustic feeling.  They serve cookies at night, which this 3rd trimester girl appreciated.

tradewinds

Casanova

Carmel, CA

831-625-0501

This tied with Novo for food for me and won with Pat.  The atmosphere is cozy and the food, delicious.  Make sure to have dessert, and drink wine even if it’s lunch.

casanova