JalamaMama's Profile
Best of Morro Bay?
Glad you enjoyed your visit- we love the Bayside too- hope you went inside at the Natural History Museum- and walked on top of it!
Central Coast Winery Advice
Worked the World Of Pinot special event last night at Au Bon Climat- and going back today to work a benefit for our local Family School- with the Hitching Post doing the catering- should be a blast. They only open ABC winery for a few small events each year- and it is a privilage to be asked to work- at least it is to me!
Again- so glad you had a great visit and were able to enjoy all there is here- and we look forward to hearing your report on your SECOND visit!
Central Coast Winery Advice
Great report- glad you like Joey Tensleys wines!!!
How was staying in the house vs hotel? What did you think of our markets?
Thanks for reinforcing the view that less is more when driving around- there is so much to see and take in, its a shame when folks speed from one winery to the next, without seeing the beauty and feeling the country....just my opinion!
You didn't mention Roblar, what did you think there?
Best of Morro Bay?
Giovannis Fish Market is our favorite- not upscale, not fancy- but delicious smoked salmon collars, oysters, crab salad and the famous fish on a stick!!!
Taco Temple after going to see the elephant seals is a family favorite.
Central Coast Winery Advice
Grocery stores- El Rancho has a fantastic deli case- hot food counter- huge cheese selection!! great sanwiches, sushi bar and coffee shop with gelato. This place has it all, and you will pay for the privilage. On 246 /Refugio rd in Santa Ynez.
Nielsens market has deli counter, hot food and great wine selection- remember that wines at the winery are usually more $$- it might be worth your time to check out the market prices first....On 246/Alamo Pintado Solvang.
Buellton has Albertsons.
Los Olivos Grocery in on the 154- great deli and wines, breakfast and lunch service. Great bbq on the weekends- though if it is a rain weekend, that will cancel. Expensive- but great cheese!
Locals love- Mandarin Touch in Solvang for cocktails and yummy food. ARU sushi in Buellton, Ballard Inn for the best meal in town, Matteis for cocktails and steak & potato type food- GREAT BAR at Matteis, Red Barn in Santa Ynez great steaks and local flavor. Root 246 is great- expensive but great!
Nojoqui Falls park is a must- 7 miles south of Solvang on Alisal road.
My fav wineries- Melville, Tensley, Brander, Beckman and Foxen.
It is very spread out here- hence the 3 wineries a day rec. The police comment is brought up due to the first poster, and his posting it- the Valley has changed in the last 5 years- a doubling of wineries- meaning more imbibbing drivers/less country atmosphere. It is still rather rural here- and each winery having a wedding/ barn raising/ celebration each weekend it seems...well it is hard to not hold them a bit responsible. I don't know of one person who isn't proud of our vinticultural prowess- but the other side sometimes isn't so fun- I also live between Brander/Bridlewood/Roblar- and the related noise is getting OLD. Trucks, deliveries, botling, harvest, tourists, weddings, wine club parties...it all adds up. Each winery is allowed 10-18 events a year- with 3 nearby, thats over 30-40 noisy weekends a year for us..
Have a wonderful visit- please post what turned out great for your party and what you found fun! Hoping for great weather for you!
Central Coast Winery Advice
Brander is a great place to have a picnic. They have some of the best Sav Blanc in the area, very good Merlot and decent Cab.
Bridlewood has a nice Syrah- it is a former breeding farm- used to be called Mandysland- for the family dog. Another great picnic spot.
Roblar has a beauftiful building- and weak wine. In what has to be the strangest winemaking decision EVER- they have a large supply of barrels stacked outside their barrel room- in full sun. My bet is they are full of wine. Busy on the weekends.
These are all within minutes of eachother- be careful on the backroads, and very mindful when crossing the hiway. Yes- the police are alot more present in the area- neighbors are fed up.
My day would include no more than 3 wineries a day- or it will be a blur. Slow down and linger- see what you came to see! Enjoy!
La Super Rica vs. Taco Temple... who wins?
El Bajio has superb tamales- I often compare the masa to couscous- as it is fluffy and moist. My favorite tamales are the rajas. The fish stew is fantastic. I love the aguas fresca- the hibiscus is always good! I find this place to be clean, quick and look behind the counter - organized. 2 tacos here are a reward for my child for good grades!
Seafood suggestions for Lompoc or there abouts
the calamari salad is delicious!
In Lompoc itself, there is the Jetty Restaurant...but I will not vouch for their skills.
Seafood suggestions for Lompoc or there abouts
Buellton- which is 17miles( aprox. 25 minuntes) east of Lompoc- has ARU sushi- located on McMurray road- next to Albertsons Grocery. ARU has fantastic specials- which sometimes include whole fried fish. The owner personally drives to LA fish market to pick fresh fish several times a week.
Lompoc has Sushi Teri on West Ocean blvd, B+ sushi and items usually served at sushi places...there is a sushi place on North H st and College- I wouldnt try it, unless someone specifically said to.
Buellton also has Firestones Brewery/restaurant that has rather expensive fish & chips - you can check their web site for a menu.
Great fish tacos in Buellton at TACO ROCO, south Ave of the Flags. The best fish tacos around!!
La Super Rica vs. Taco Temple... who wins?
Well- you made the mistake of driving right past the bomb tamale/taco joint- El Bajio, 100 block of N Milpas. Instead of being sad, you'd be happy!
Looking for Rec: Solvang Smorgaasbord (Dont' Hit Me!!!!)
Where did you hear/read this? I have seen no activity there....my husband is in construction- as he would have heard for sure- something like this would never been on the DL for too long. If it's true- I say AWESOME!
I have heard that Bradley Ogden is going to revamp the Willows at the Chumash Casino. Yes- they purchased the hotel in Solvang and revamped it into Hotel Corque- it is beautiful! $1.00 oyster nights are Tuesday!
Looking for Rec: Solvang Smorgaasbord (Dont' Hit Me!!!!)
thats it. very good food as well- my daughter and I went for a celebration not too long ago...we live here- and love the Vin Hus in particular. so fun to buy tea, coffee, cheese and good crackers. lots of split bottlesof wine & gourmet food items.
Glad to be of help!
Looking for Rec: Solvang Smorgaasbord (Dont' Hit Me!!!!)
The Danish Inn still sits empty- ready to be rented. The windmill on it south side was recently refurbished. It simply went out of business.
There is another smorgie- the name escapes me- it is on Alisal drive and the alley- right next to Hansons Clock Shop- it is the sister shop to the Vin Hus....darn it- they have what you are looking for, as well as a fantastic caesar salad. Copper table tops and very good coffee. There are alot of wooden signs depicting danish life on the restaurant front.
Looking for Rec: Solvang Smorgaasbord (Dont' Hit Me!!!!)
You will find Solvang much the same as your last visit- though there may be a few more tshirt shops, the place remains the same visually.
The RED VIKING still has their wonderful cabbage, sausage, finger sandwich love train running. Every Wed my daughter and I trek into town to visit the Solvang Farmer Market- and pass by there (the Red Viking) on our way to our post FM pretzel from the Old Danish Mill Foods shop- the corner fudge shop is what most folks call it!
The Governator was here a week ago, and he enjoyed lunch at The Little Mermaid. Pea SOup Andersons still has great food- some folks like to knock it- but I dare you to find a better Cobb Salad, a better bowl of Spaghetti and a thicker, more chocolatey milk shake!!
Have a safe trip- we are so green here in the Santa Ynez Valley- its just beautiful!
Central Coast Vegetarian
El Bajio - 100 block of Milpas- great tamales, fish stew and the like.
Central Coast Vegetarian
In Santa Barbara- there is Spiritland Bistro- I believe they have a web site. They are considered upscale! Natural Cafe in on State street - with a patio that should allow dogs- nice people watching!! At NC you can get turkey burgers, plus tempeh etc. Great, if a tad on the bland side food- but great efforts.
Birthday Dinner in Santa Barbara/Buellton/Los Olivos?
Your party will love this place! Everything is fantastic- ask for the chef table as it is a birthday celebration! Johnny Church is the chef de cuisine- all of the kitchen staff are amazing. The cocktails, the apps, the setting- THE PRICES- enjoy yourself! Ask for directions to Nojoqui Falls- for a day after walk!
Birthday Dinner in Santa Barbara/Buellton/Los Olivos?
American Flatbread is not a fancy place or expensive. It is damn near family style and when busy it is elbow to elbow. Delicious food, excellent local wines, that were $5.00 a glass forever- haven't been in 8 or so months...smore dessert to die for. Worth the 10 minute drive up the 101 from Buellton. Hit a tasting room in Los Alamos before hand, and it makes it even more worthwhile!
Best Burger Spots on the Central Coast
Red Barn in Santa Ynez has a fantastic deal- $10.00 for a bar burger and a beer! They have Blue Moon on tap!! We love their burgers cooked med rare- they do it perfectly. Their fries are cooked in what must be a special fat- they are delicious!
I couldn't reply without mentioning the JALAMA BURGER- available at Jalama Beach off Hiway 1, or at Jalama Cafe in Lompoc- where the burgers taste the same- it just isn't the same without being on the sandy enclosed porch...
Happy New Year all!
246 in Downtown Solvang?
I enjoyed my evening meal there. The food is outstanding- creative, beautiful, delicious and perfectly seasoned. Great drinks. Help needed help- and the prices were high. I hear they have re-tooled a bit- you might check out the web site for the most current menu. They have a great sports menu on game days.
Solvang/Santa Barbara restaurant suggestions for east coast foodie couple
Thank you for the report- glad Ballard Inn worked well for you. Glad you had a great visit!
Far Western vs. Hitching Post -- What's the best?
yo- get your facts right before reporting- Jalama is a COUNTY PARK.
Far Western Tavern, if your asking.
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Far Western Tavern
899 Guadalupe St, Guadalupe, CA
HELP! Food req's Santa Barabara to San Francisco....
I f you happen to be going thru Pismo/Shell Beach area around lunch time- a favorite place of ours is Petes Pierside, in Avila. Take the Avila Beach exit, and it takes about 6-10 minutes to get to the end of the road- which lands you right at the Port San Luis pier. The restaurant is located 3/4 of the way out the pier. Nice patio- excellent crab enchiladas! Outdoors- with a few seats inside.
Seagrass - Sea Urchin (Uni) in Santa Barbara
Yes indeed- thank you for the details- sounds delicious. My anniversary is in a few weeks, was thinking of the new Wine Cask- this sounds more interesting!
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Wine Cask Restaurant
2860 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Food & Wine related Day/Weekend Trip from LA
Santa Ynez Valley is 2/2.5 hours from LAX. Easy drive if you can swing it leaving LA 10am or so...come up Hwy 1 and then Hwy 101. Hwy 154 to the Valley.
If I had a budget to do as I pleased- it would be Ballard Inn- eat at Matteis and Ballard Inn, tour Foxen, Zaca Mesa and perhaps Rancho Sisquoc on Foxen Canyon road.
Hope you enjoy our famous weather while in California!
Santa Maria Tamale Shop
Excited to find SM Tamale shop at the Day in the Country event in Los Olivos today- MAN IS IT HOT- and I purchased 2- a beef and a pork.
I give them a b+, and besides tamales, they were selling pork keboabs solo and with rice, and adobo too.
They only had beef, pork and perhaps one other tamale selection- bummed no rajas.
Great day in Los Olivos!!!
SANTA BARBARA: Spoon gelato bar - is this real Italian gelato?
Tsk Tsk Tsk......If you don't have anything nice to say- keep your trap shut!
It is fine to say something isn't your preference, it is okay to say you didn't like it, BUT once you start whining- the gig is up, the show is over and your credibility is out the door.
If you don't like, don't go back!
La Familia Farm Los Osos, is it still there
Glad to hear its open- and will be going next weekend- a quick drive from Los Olivos!! LOVE La Familia!!!!!
Solvang/Santa Barbara restaurant suggestions for east coast foodie couple
I agree with you- that owning a Italian restaurant cancels any need to go to Grappolo...thought the stuffed calamari and the truffled halibut are worth walking for miles...Ballard Inn worth re-arranging a stay in Solvang/- yes it is worth it....though once you start fiddling with the plans- it is easier for dissapointment to creep in.
Budi is a fantastic chef- and where I see his Ming Tsai training come out is in his sauces. Lick the plate good. Like I mentioned- their menu is small- maybe 4 apps, 6 entrees and 2 desserts to choose from- all well worth trying. There is no showing off here, no patting oneself on the back...just a sweet Inn with a small dining room and a great chef and staff.
Pierre LaFond isn't on my list- but they are one of the oldest vineyards in the Valley- they have their own organic farm on the vineyard- and they do run some interesting series of foodie events...they make some fantastic wines!!!
Tuesday evenings is the Santa Barbara Farmers Market on the street, in front of Pierre Lafond- that might make it even more fun....
