Tee-Off, Not Par for the Course

I went to the Tee-Off Restaurant & Lounge on upper State Street in Santa Barbara. I have to say that the Tee-Off, was not par for the course! It is a neighborhood, “old style” steak house that had the potential of being a haven for treasured favorites, however their execution fell far short. Off putting to begin with, is the dining room that is so dark you can … Read more Tee-Off, Not Par for the Course

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“Food & Wine” Best New Chef features California-Peruvian cuisine in Santa Barbara

I mentioned in an earlier post that I don’t generally eat at hotel restaurants, so you might find it odd that this is the second hotel restaurant review I am writing this week. We drove by Hotel Indigo on lower State Street on a Wednesday night looking for somewhere to eat only to find that their restaurant, the Blue Tavern, was completely filled with a … Read more “Food & Wine” Best New Chef features California-Peruvian cuisine in Santa Barbara

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Finch & Fork in Santa Barbara earns high praise!

I don’t normally select Hotel restaurants when I travel, unless I happen to be staying at that hotel. However, in this case, I made an exception and I’m certainly glad that I did! The Finch & Fork Corner Grill in the Canary Hotel; downtown Santa Barbara, certainly earned high praise!! From the moment we entered the restaurant, we were impressed. The decor and ambiance is … Read more Finch & Fork in Santa Barbara earns high praise!

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The How and Why of Fava Beans

Have you ever seen these long beans at your local Farmer’s Market and wondered what in the world you would do with them when you got them home? Fava Beans, also known as Broad Beans, are very popular in Mediterranean cuisine. They are actually of the pea family and are normally shelled and peeled prior to eating. They make a beautiful plant that grows bushy and … Read more The How and Why of Fava Beans

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The Granada Bistro in San Luis Obispo

You might easily pass by, without noticing the Granada Bistro in San Luis Obispo. It is tucked into the middle of a side street at 1126 Morro Street in downtown SLO. Diagonally across from the Apple Store, it is part of the Granada Hotel and offers cozy outdoor seating as well as open window/indoor dining. The Bistro is dripping with charm and adorns my favorite metal … Read more The Granada Bistro in San Luis Obispo

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Great Mac and Cheese-you’ll never guess what’s in it!

It was a rainy, cool day and I was longing for some comfort food. I also wanted to find a recipe that would be healthy and incorporate something from my weekly CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box. I came across an unusual recipe that was so intriguing, I had to try it! I first saw it on the Food & Wine site and then found an … Read more Great Mac and Cheese-you’ll never guess what’s in it!

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Strawberries and Rhubarb are a match made in Heaven!

We hosted a dinner party this weekend and I wanted to make a dessert that highlighted the season’s best fruits. I chose Strawberries and Rhubarb, definitely a match made in heaven! One of my go-to chefs for desserts is Ina Garten. She has never disappointed me with any of her dessert recipes, so I selected her Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp. She combines the fruit with orange … Read more Strawberries and Rhubarb are a match made in Heaven!

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Add a new Dimension to Blueberry Pancakes!

Want to take your breakfast to new heights? Let me show you how to add a new dimension to your Blueberry Pancakes! I found this fun recipe in the August 2013 Bon Appetit. Served at a restaurant in Fort Collins, CO called Snooze; is their Blueberry Blossom Pancake. The two components that take it to the next level are the homemade blueberry syrup and streusel … Read more Add a new Dimension to Blueberry Pancakes!

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California Cuisine at it’s best in Palm Desert, CA!

If you want to taste California Cuisine at it’s best in Palm Desert, California then be sure to visit the Cork Tree Restaurant. I have dined here the last three visits to the area and have been delighted each time, but this time it was over the top! Their menu is complete, but not overwhelming.  They keep the specials to a minimum as their menu … Read more California Cuisine at it’s best in Palm Desert, CA!

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