Great! Thanks!

Just thought I'd mention, 10% of gross proceeds goes to the San Luis Obispo county food bank, so do the unclaimed Turkeys!

Pre Order only. Cut off date is Friday, November 21st at 3 PM

Pick up is Tuesday November 25th from 2 PM to 8 PM

You're welcome! I'm just hoping this info can help others. It took some sleuthing but we found some.

Thanks TJ, I called and Melanie is sending me all the ordering info. Yeah!!!!

Thanks PattyOh!

Gold Coast Meats sold out in May, next Turkeys from them will be in 2009 and they said the poultry is non-GMO, fed non-GMO feed, allowed to pasture and NO SOY!!! But sold out :(

Nature's Touch is still taking orders for Branigan Turkey's which are coming from a Watsonville farm not the main farm in Woodland. Melanie is e-mailing me the details and looks like they are selling for $3.50/lb.

I found one more farm with 100% grassfed non-GMO Heritage Turkey but shipping is $65 and they are sold out of the smaller Turkeys. They have a limited supply of larger ones.

Rainbow Ranch Farms
4037 Phelan Road, Suite A-164
Phelan, CA 92371
760-868-6206
www.rainbowranchfarms.com
http://www.localharvest.org/store/M9885

Oh my gosh, you all are so creative, thank you, thank you, thank you....keep 'em coming, my mouth is watering.

Great idea, mugs for sipping soup. I'll instruct them to bring their own mugs, I don't think I have enough for everyone.

Morwen - Do you have a fav recipe for Veggie Beef soup?

todao - Pumpkin Peanut Soup? Do you have a recipe, I'd love to try it.

ziggylu - Chili and cornbread...that's what we're having tonight. Do you have a great chili recipe, I used canned...I tend to cheat when it comes to chili.

chef chicklet - Oh, my goodness - that sounds super yummy! Recipe please?

cheesecake17 - Recipes? I wish I was having 5 parties.....I love soup!

Sorry, I should have said pastured not free-range. Thanks!

OK, I called AG Meats and New Frontiers....sounds like Diestel's Heidi Hens will be at AG Meats and New Frontiers. New Frontiers will also have Mary's Organic Turkeys.

Just found out all these patured, vegetarian fed, organic birds are fed lots of soy so I'm going to add another criteria...soy-free.

We just have estrogen sensitive tumor type patients in the family so I'm trying to pick a safer bird for everyone.

Any local farms you know of?

Hi all,

I'm having a pumpkin carving playdate at my home with kids ages 4-16 and their parents. As the host, I was thinking of feeding everyone something simple and warm as we'll be outdoors carving our pumpkins.

Have any ideas for soups?

Ideas for warm kid friendly drinks?

Thanks,

Kendra

Hey everyone,

You've been so helpful in finding good eats around the area, thought you'd be the best to ask about great Turkeys.

I need to order a fresh, organic, free range Turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Any local farms, stores and brands you recommend?

Thanks,

Kendra

Looks like Oktoberfest starts today!

Here's the website if anyone is interested:
http://www.old-vienna.com/pismo_beach...

Sept 12 - Oct 26
Need Reservations, they seat every 1/2 hr from 5:00pm-8:30pm
Menu is on the site and only

There's a cover charge for bar-only access.

Family night sounds kinda cool, it's Sundays 5-8pm

Thanks, maybe we'll wait a couple weeks and checkout the Oct Menu.

Hmm just the beer, that's a shame.

I've always wondered about this place..

Anyone try it or recommend it?

Which dishes were good?

Thanks,

Kendra

-----
Old Vienna Restaurant
1527 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

We tried the Oceano one but were turned away on a Wed night, too busy and there's no place to wait except for in your car or on the sidewalk. We were too hungry so settled for Juan's.

We'll try again, this time with reservations. This one is cozy, maybe seats 40 but very cute.

I totally forgot about the Del Monte Center, it's been so long since we've been in M.B.

We usually hit up the Wholefoods Deli and Pizza My Heart for slices.

-----
Whole Foods Market
800 Del Monte Ctr, Monterey, CA

Pizza My Heart
660 Del Monte Ctr, Monterey, CA 93940

Not a restaurant but a dessert and fruit spot we love.

We love the Strawberry Shortcake, Dutch Apple pie, Raspberry pie and Olallieberry pies. We usually get slices to eat there and take home a whole pie, yum!

Gizdich Ranch, 55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville, CA
(831) 722-1056
http://www.gizdich-ranch.com/

I 2nd Ed's recommendation of Point Lobos, very cool spot.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=571

Couple other fav picinic spots:

~Dennis the Menace Park if you have kids - my daughter loves this park
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dennis-the-menace-park-monterey

~Carmel Beach Park off scenic hwy - very small parking area and crowded on the weekends but it's the nicest beach in the area
http://www.yelp.com/biz/carmel-beach-city-park-carmel#hrid:fG7NWcJslEYP5BNjtz0fQg/query:carmel%20city%20beach

~Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, South on 1 - Day Use Area near the river is the best
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=570

Food - only one I'd recommend, sorry. Earthbound Organics Farm Stand for fruit and whatever is fresh from the kitchen. They also have a picnic area and special events like bug walks, chef walks and harvest walks, very cool place to stop and checkout.
http://www.ebfarm.com/OurFarmStand/in...

Hope you have a great trip!

I did a bit of searching and found the greasy spoon near 4-corners....it's The Chimacum Cafe on Hwy 19 you can call for hours @ (360) 732-4631‎

Here are some more threads on PT - PA area:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/419012
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/10041

If you only go to 2 places in PT, Wild Coho and Tyler Street Coffee House/Bakery would be top on my list.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

-----
Chimacum Cafe
9253 Rhody Dr, Chimacum, WA

What's a chowdown?

OT a bit, where do you pick raspberries? We'll be in Cauyucos on Sat. and it might be fun to pick a bit, we LOVE berries. If it's a family secret spot, don't worry, we won't be offended....

If we had gotten out of the house in a timely manner, I could have done some damage :) Great route and ideas everyone!

What we did:
Took 101 to 154 into Los Olivos, WOW it was HOT! Mom went into LO Wine Merchant for a tasting but instead enjoyed a whole glass with various tapenades and some yummy bread. We loved looking around but by the time we started sweating, we called it quits. We're wimps, I know....

Los Olivos Grocery was our next stop, very cool spot, it reminds me a little of Earthbound Organics Farm Stand in Carmel. We got some great fruit, salads and wonderful sandwiches for our picnic at Gainey Winery. I really wish we had more time at Gainey but by then we had to hurry to the airport without a tasting, I was bummed.

The view from 154 going into SB was wonderful, great route!

Thank you so much for all the recs, I'm so excited to try all these wines, foods and cheese.

We'll take 154 and see how far we get, hopefully she doesn't get too tipsy and gets on her plane OK, hehe. I'll let you know how it went.

Thanks Wino and Littlestevie, I really appreciate the info.

We stopped by Shadow Canyon today, it was closed and they don't open till 1pm Wed :( so I'll have to try some other time. Also looks like Fiddlehead is only open Thurs-Sun :(

Maybe you can help me decide my route from Pismo to Santa Barbara to hit the best wineries for Mom....should I take 1, 101 or 101 to 154?

If I took 1, We can get to Alma Rose by noon-ish.

If I took 101, I might be able to squeeze in Cambria in SM @ 10-ish, Verdad in Los Olivos @ 11-ish, Los Olivos Cafe @ noon-ish, and maybe Alma Rosa.

If I took 154, I might be able to get in Cambria in SM @ 10-ish, Verdad in Los Olivos @ 11-ish, Los Olivos Cafe or Gainey @ noon-ish.

What would you do?

I'm taking my mother to the SB airport on Wed evening and wondered if you have any recommendations for tasting on the way from Pismo.

I took her to Dover Canyon and Peachy Canyon yesterday in west Paso. She ended up buying the Dover Canyon 2006 Viognier, 2007 White Bone and 2003 Port but I'm hoping to send her off with a variety.

TIA, Kendra

Sure, it could be a challenge....did you try it yet?

No Paicines recommendations, sorry. BUT almost certain if you stop off at Pinnacles National Monument, either the Rangers or local climbers would have great ideas.

shedders - Sorry for the delay...I had to consult with my mom, who has a boat in PT for current recommendations. Sadly, some my favorites have changed hands and are not good anymore but was able to find a couple spots still open and thriving.

Here are some suggestions for PT area:

4-corners

Greasy spoon - there's a very busy greasy spoon we used to hit up on the way to the Edmonds ferry. Forgot the name, sorry.

Near the entrance to PT

- Deli - Food Co-Op @ 414 Kearney St, Port Townsend, WA - (360) 385-2883‎ Best Co-op ever, very crunchy. We used to get a picinic deli lunch which we'd eat at Chetzemolka Park. This park has the most amazing beach/tidepools at low tide IMHO.

Dinner - T's Restaurant, reservations recommended, 2330 Washington Street at the Boat Haven, 360-385-0700, http://www.ts-restaurant.com/

Downtown PT, Water Street

Pizza - Waterfront Pizza, we used to get some slices and eat on the pier, take a jacket, the wind is dreadful sometimes in Sept.

Coffee - Tyler Street Coffee House, 215 Tyler St, Port Townsend, WA - (360) 379-4185

Seafood - Silverwater Cafe, 237 Taylor St., (360) 385-6448

Uptown PT (up above the cliff along Lawrence St

Cafe's - there used to be small cafes and coffee shops, mainly spots for the locals to get away from the tourists...tourists tend to stay downtown unless they are wanderers. The grocery on Lawrence and Tyler was a fav quick stop, farm fresh eggs and such BUT the co-op was the best overall.

Coffee - 1012 Coffee Bar‎ - 1012 Lawrence St, Port Townsend, WA - (360) 379-1012‎

Fresh Organic Dinner - The Wild Coho Wine Bar, make reservations, it's really small. http://www.thewildcoho.com/

Hope that gives you a great start.

ChickenDud - Oh MY! We love Steaming Bean....thank you, thank you, thank you! The kids toy corner, eclectic decor, collection of locals and of course the great coffee just made our morning.

TJ -Thanks for the great info! My daughter and I popped in at the pizza shop near OSH for a quick lunch after reading your reply, sorry to report it was average. So just for kicks, we went to Doughboys in GB for lunch the next day. Doughboys was better quality and better prices, we shared a giant slice of pepperoni, salad and soda for $7.
Just found their website...it was hiding :) http://www.doughboyspizzeria.net/orde...

Wow, thanks Chickendud, Emmisme and PolarBear for the great info and recommendations...I'm getting excited to try new places.

Chickendud - I hear you on Adreini's quality, it really is hit-or-miss and I hate the cups, it's a bring your own cup kinda place for us. Thanks for the Steaming Bean, we'll try it this weekend.

Emmisme - Is breakfast at Fat Cat's better than lunch or dinner? We've only been for lunch and dinner, based on those meals I didn't plan on going back. Should I give it a second chance? Thanks for Pi-Whole, we'll try it next time we have pizza with the in-laws.

PolarBear - Ohhhhhh, darn it...sorry about your bad experience at Rusty Pig. We had a great experience at Rusty Pig with the new owners, but we didn't expereince the old owners so I cannot comment there. I had the tri-tip sandwich and hubby had the pulled pork. After one tiny bite of the pulled pork I wanted to switch sooooo bad but he didn't budge and he didn't even leave me bits on the plate. If you're willing to give them one more chance, just try the pulled pork and let me know, I don't really recommend the pizza or tri-tip. Just a warning, if you don't like vinegar or juicy pulled pork, you may not like it.

Oh sure, I'll add more details, sorry I didn't add more info earlier. Thanks PolarBear for pointing that out, I actually missed one more place we absolutely love, Running Rooster in Hollister. I'll also start another thread with my recommendations for breakfast and lunches, I'll have to wait till hubby gets home so I can get his input so it's more comprehensive.

OK here's my opinions on dinner in Hollister, everything is casual but there are varying degrees of casual, you need to go to San Juan Bautista for finer dining.

Running Rooster - Our family's favorite for fresh casual American foods since it opened. They have the best burgers, chocolate chip cookies, soups, sandwiches and rotisserie chicken, everything is fresh...nothing from a can and very seldom Costco products. They make a real effort to buy produce from local farmers such as Swanks and smaller area farms. This is one of the newest places in town, so the owners are very hands on and are often are behind the counter. Very busy at lunch and dinner but the wonderful service and food makes up for the crowd and long line, parking is tight too but street parking is plentiful!
You can see their menu online at and can order for carry out. http://www.runningrooster.com/

Fast Authentic Tacos & Burritos - Tacos El Grullense Jal and La Villa De Jerez on San Benito or Hawkins are the best. Skip the fish tacos and stick to the beef, pork and chicken items. The Burritos are great too, our favorite is the asada Burritos from El Grullense, it's big so be prepared for left overs or you can share. My hubby can never finish the super in one sitting and I can usually eat 1/2.

The best Mexican sit down restaurant is La Villa De Jerez as I mentioned above. What makes this place special is the very friendly staff and the fresh food. All the locals love it better than Progresso. Everything is great there but what makes the biggest impression is the fresh home made salsa (with chunks of avocado, yum), fresh homemade guacamole and juicy chicken enchiladas (my favorite is without cheese). If you love rice and refried beans, they have the best here too.

AJ Sushi - IMHO has the best sushi in town a real gem. AJ is newer than Miyako's so they are trying real hard to make a great impression and they are doing a great job. Our neighbors loved the Tempura there, I never tried it so I cannot vouch for it.

Miyako's - IMHO has the best rice dishes.

Progresso Tamale - I really liked Progressos until I found Jerez, the only dish I NEED from Progresso's is the Tortilla Soup, it's outstanding. Call ahead to see what the soup of the day is, there doesn't seem to be a schedule so I started calling and getting it for take out. The large dining area has a funk, like a sewer smell near the bathrooms, so make sure you sit in the smaller dining area away from the smell. If you love Hispanic Market's with a real meat counter, Hollister Super is across the street they have great produce, great meats and great prices.

Street Vendor Mangos w/chili - This has to be my favorite dinner of all, yes I'm a weirdo. Hollister has lots of street vendors on bicycle and they are out full force in the Spring, summer and sometimes into the fall. The vendors who ring bells (ding-a-ling) is the icecream and the bicycle/clown horn (honka-honka) is the mango, cucumber and snacks cart, sometimes you'll see a beverage cart too (never tried the drinks cause I don't speak Spanish and they don't speak much English). We love the chips and mangos, if you hear them out, don't be shy, flag them down and get a snack, you will not regret it, the best $1-2 snacks in town. I really miss these guys, they are always cheerful and super sweet.

The Vault - is a standby but nothing to get excited about, the salads and burgers are alright, never got a good feeling about this place. It's OK, a bit expensive and tries to be fancier than they really are. It's not a place we frequented and you can find better if your only in town for a couple days or one night, lots of bar flies and wanna-be bar flies after 9pm. The 2 sports bars and Johnny's are better if you want the bar scene.

Cedar House - Two thumbs down...I don't like to bad mouth or give bad reports but since a PP mentioned it, I thought I should speak up. I've been there 3 times, 2x for breakfast and once for dinner, every time we all were very disappointed and shocked how expensive it was. Nothing on the menu is note worthy. If given the choice, I'd rather drive to Tres Pinos, San Juan Bautista, Gilroy or Morgan Hill. I will say it's pretty but that's it, just pretty.

El Michoacano - never been there, so I cannot comment.

Los Cuates - We went when they first opened and were disappointed so didn't return. We didn't try the chilaquiles so maybe we were missing out on something great.

A quick note about the Hells Angels and Mongols, they have a large presence in Hollister & San Juan Bautista at night particularly at Johnnys Bar & Grill, Cheap Seats Pub and Grub and others...don't worry, if you'd like to avoid them, it's easy...you'll see there bikes out front or parked in the back lots, they don't hide and certainly are not shy. I never felt comfortable with the bikers so I avoided them.

San Juan Bautista opinions:

-JJ's Burgers - Not as good as the original owners but darn close and they are trying hard. It's one of the best places if you have kids or a dog in tow since they have outdoor seating with shade.

-Joan and Peter's German Restaurant - It's really quiet and not as casual as most places in the area, it's business and dress casual friendly. Don't take young kids, you will get self-conscious...we took our toddler and regretted it, there are lots of breakable decorations and it's not really kid friendly. Now the food was remarkable, it was so good I wanted to lick my plate. To my knowledge it's authentic but I've never been to Germany so I'm not a great judge of authencicity but my taste buds loved it and I'd love to go back. A great friend said the Sunday brunch was great and her new favorite. They have a strange schedule (Thurs-Sunday) so make sure you check the website or call for the hours. Also brush up on german foods if you are not familiar with real spaetzle, stollen, wienerschnitzel or hot German potato salad.
http://www.joanandpeter.com/

-Orient Express - Great for large parties with a huge dining room and attentive staff. There are other Chinese places in Hollister but they pale in comparison with Orient Express. We love everything on the menu but our favorites are sizzling rice soup, hot and sour soup, chicken chow mein, mu shu pork, fried rice, spring rolls, cashew chicken, broccoli beef and mongolian beef. They don't have a website so I'll just add the Yahoo link so you can call for hours and specials.
http://local.yahoo.com/info-21579496-orient-express-san-juan-bautista

Jardine's - is really casual and family oriented, but can be reserved for events and cleans up real nice. If you like plants or know anything about botany, you'll love the patio, there is nothing like it. We loved taking our daughter there since there are chickens running about and she loved walking around looking at the plants. It is not a place to let your kids run wild so make sure one parent is on duty at all times as the trees are inviting to climb for teens and toddlers get hurt on the plants, so please don't let your kids go wild. The food is OK, I love the fresh hot flour tortillas so I tend to get the fajitas, the atmosphere is more memorable and why we returned.

Cutting Horse Steak House - I never went and I've never heard raving reviews but it was a local option for a special evening dining experience.
http://www.cuttinghorse-steakhouse.com/

The Faultline - Fine Dining and a local favorite for special occasions. It's a very unique location with a view of the valley near the mission. My SIL's parent's loved it and they are great cooks, so the food must be good.

Tres Pinos, I totally forgot about Tres Pinos...oops. It's just a short little drive South on Hwy 25 from Hollister.

Tres Pinos Inn - Cute, romantic, good food and quiet. I went once but I'm not a fine dining gal so I didn't go back since the food didn't WOW me and for that price it better WOW me if they want me to return. This is the best alternative to The Cedar House or Paines. Check out their menu and reviews here http://www.trespinosinn.com/

Cantina Grill - New addition to Tres Pinos and is making a huge impression with the 21-35yr old crowd. This place is hoping at night and is very loud and cheerful. During lunch it's more pleasant but kinda boring. I liked it better with lots of loud music (mostly live bands), great drinks and munchies. Not authentic hispanic foods, in fact I'd say it's more Cal-mex or Tex-mex as they seem to deep fry everthing but the salads. The Chimichanga was my favorite dinner :) A good place if you want to avoid Hells Angels who frequent bars in Hollister.
http://www.cantinagrill.com/about.html

If you'd like more, let me know but I think I covered all the good stuff. Enjoy!