Cody's of La Jolla

After a morning in La Jolla amongst bustling beach goers and impatient tourists, the afternoon begs for a quiet lunch on a sunny patio. Of which Cody's is more than happy to deliver both.

Tucked several blocks away from the busy beach, but still within view of the crashing waves, Cody's is the perfect place to relax in peace and enjoy a delicious meal.


Their ambiance combines modern rustic decor with welcoming pop-bright accents. Potted succulents sit upon reclaimed wood tabletops while paisley pillows nestled in bright green patio chairs tempt weary travelers to sit and rest for a while.

The menu offers fresh seafood favorites in classic preparations, or a delightful brunch, should you arrive in time.

Cody's fish and chips is a restaurant favorite at the genuine recommendation of anyone who has tried it. Lightly battered Pacific Cod is served atop a slightly salty handful of fresh cut french fries, topped with the world's best onion rings, and finished with a side duo of homemade sauces for dipping.


Their Grilled Crab Cakes, served with a tomato basil tartar, receives similar 5-star reviews of "yummy" and "amazing."

5-star reviews of yummy and amazing!

While Cody's is only open for breakfast and lunch this sunny spot is well worth squeezing into any (and every) trip to or through La Jolla, California.



Cody's La Jolla
8030 Girard Avenue
San Diego, CA 92307
858.459.0040

Website: Cody's La Jolla

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Antelope Valley California Poppy Fields

Grab your camera and head out for a day trip to Lancaster, as the poppies await. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve SNR hopes to have a pretty good poppy crop this season. With miles of golden petals swaying above their lush green carpet, it is easy to see why the California Golden Poppy is the State of California's Official State Flower. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "The Earth Laughs in Flowers."

Don't forget that backpack and those hiking boots (OK, just walking shoes will do). Eight miles of trails wind through the gentle rolling hills of the Reserve. Take the time to walk through the poppy fields and get back to nature in this one-of-a-kind California experience.

The poppies begin to bloom mid-March and continue through April, depending upon the year's rainfall. This year the fields had only 3 inches of rain which has put a bit on a damper on their overall crop. But certain meadows have shown real hope, so park the car, grab your sneakers, and hit the trail.

The Earth Laughs in Flowers.

For a guaranteed good time, visit the California Poppy Festival held in Lancaster. This festival runs April 21 & 22, rain or shine, with live entertainment, activities, vendor booths with unique items and food, food, food! A place where families can get back to their roots and enjoy being a family! What more could you want?

The festival will be held at Lancaster City Park, conveniently located off the 14 freeway.
For more information contact the City of Lancaster.

Lancaster City Park
43011 10th Street W.
Lancaster CA 93534

Phone: 661-723-6000


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The Eagle Inn of Santa Barbara

The Eagle Inn is properly situated between the shore of Stearns Wharf/Santa Barbara Pier and State Street shopping to accommodate the traveler who likes to take the town by foot. Less than 5 minutes from the pier and just 10 minutes from the decadent shopping, drinking and eating options of State Street, The Eagle Inn is a lovely late night walk back from a night on the town. With full shopping bags, pleased bellies and huge smiles, the sound of crickets along the romantic residential streets will lull you back to your awaiting slumber.

The Inn has every amenity that guests could desire, sprawling over 3 different buildings, with tucked away gardens among the fruit trees, covered, secluded parking, breakfast room service, balconies with a lovely morning view, and so much more. But the service of the staff is what makes The Eagle Inn my "Santa Barbara Destination!" Treated warmly from check-in to check-out, the staff assured me that any need I had would not go unfulfilled. They did not disappoint.

The perfect place for romance!

The accommodations are of high caliber, especially for a B&B. The sheets are amazing, and you'll be certain you've slept on the gossamer wings of an angel when you awake. Every detail it covered, from dishes in the cupboard, coffee and tea selections in the kitchen, and luxurious robes hanging in the closet. You will want for nothing.

Pricing was more than fair for the accommodations, amenities, and service. As a treat we stayed in the Santa Rosa Cottage, which was everything the website claimed; the perfect place for romance!

The Eagle Inn
232 Natoma Avenue,
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805)-965-3586

Website: The Eagle Inn


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30th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival Embraces Historical Roots, May 18 – 20, 2012

The Paso Robles Wine Festival celebrates its 30th Anniversary, May 18 – 20, 2012, embracing historical roots.

Wine enthusiasts are invited to experience how personality and rich history are reflected in every wine created both in the Downtown Park and throughout Paso Robles Wine Country. Tickets for this marquee wine event of California’s Central Coast are now on sale at www.pasowine.com.

Wine Festival offers enthusiasts a bevy of exciting events throughout the weekend: Friday RESERVE Tasting (3:30 – 6 p.m.), Saturday Winemaker Seminar (11 a.m. - 12 p.m.) and the pinnacle of the weekend, the Saturday Grand Tasting (12 - 4 p.m.). In addition to these exciting Downtown events, more than 150 area wineries celebrate individual activities throughout the weekend.

“In celebration of Wine Festival’s 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to offer the Locals Only Pass for just $30,” said Jennifer Porter, executive director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “This pass is our way of thanking locals for their 30 years of dedication and giving them another opportunity to demonstrate their pride as a resident of Paso Robles Wine Country.”

The 30th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival kicks off with the Friday RESERVE tasting from 3:30 – 6 p.m. in the Downtown City Park. Wines in four categories will be featured – library, reserve, futures and refreshing power white/Rosé samples – complemented by culinary bites prepared by local chefs. RESERVE will again feature the popular Futures Auction which allows guests to bid on their favorite case of unreleased wine. Funds raised through the Futures Auction will benefit San Luis Obispo County organizations providing healthcare, education and greater community services.

Paso Robles Wine Country comes together for the Saturday Grand Tasting with a new time, from 12 – 4 p.m. More than 70 wineries will showcase the depth and breadth of wines found throughout the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA).

A variety of gourmet food trucks will feature everything from authentic Mexican cuisine, to local farm-to-table fare from throughout the central coast. Back by popular demand will be the Cheese, Bread & Water Stations as well as a collection of artisans showcasing their wares throughout the park.

The Winemaker Seminar takes place from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. and is now open to all ticketholders for a nominal price. This interactive seminar provides attendees unusual insights to the diversity of wines found in Paso Robles Wine Country.

The 30th Annual Wine Festival is designed for enthusiasts to get out into Wine Country and experience the many tasting room and wineries Paso has to offer. Throughout the weekend, more than 150 area wineries will host special activities including winemaker dinners, food pairings, cooking classes, and winery and vineyard tours. More than 50 Paso Robles wineries offer “FESTIVAL FAN” specials to ticketholders of the Wine Festival Grand Tasting.

Visit www.pasowine.com for details.

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Tickets -- All Wine Festival tasting tickets include unlimited tasting and a commemorative wine glass:

CAN HARDLY WAIT PASS: $10 discounts on RESERVE, PREMIUM and FESTIVAL ticket levels are available through March 31, 2012. Discount does not apply to LOCALS ONLY, DESIGNATED DRIVER/CHILD or SEMINAR tickets.

RESERVE: $125 - Friday RESERVE: 3:30 - 6 p.m.; Saturday Grand Tasting: 12 - 4 p.m. Advance purchase only.

PREMIUM: $75 - Saturday Grand Tasting: 12 - 4 p.m.

FESTIVAL: $55 - Saturday Grand Tasting: 1 - 4 p.m.

LOCALS ONLY: $30 - Saturday Grand Tasting: 1 - 4 p.m. – Available to San Luis Obispo County residents, advance purchase only, deadline April 30, 2012.

SEMINAR: $10 - RESERVE ticketholders; $20 - PREMIUM and FESTIVAL ticketholders: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Limited seats.

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Fort Bragg, California Boasts Some Of The World's Best Beaches

Are Fort Bragg beaches the best in the world? We think they could be!

Over a 12-mile stretch of Northern California's Mendocino Coast, the beaches near Fort Bragg offer more things to do, more rugged coastline, more hidden coves and sea caves, more interesting rocks, more birds, more clear water and more solitude than anyplace else we know of.

You can picnic, run, beach comb, explore tide pools, watch whales, go birding, ride horses, or photograph big waves … and even bigger sunsets. Three of our beaches are world renown for colorful frosted sea glass, tumbled into myriad fanciful shapes by majestic waves.

Jug Handle Beach, two miles south of Fort Bragg, CA

Although these beaches are enjoyed by surfers, abalone divers, sea kayakers, families, couples, adventure seekers, equestrians and pet lovers, you'll rarely see a crowd.

Fort Bragg also is proud to be the official "Gateway" to the California Coastal National Monument along the Mendocino Coast. Located off the 1,100 miles of California coastline, the California Coastal National Monument comprises more than 20,000 small islands, rocks, exposed reefs, and pinnacles between Mexico and Oregon. All those beautiful rocks are home to sea lions, harbor seals, pelicans, gulls and abundant marine life.

In addition to the Coastal National Monument, here are seven great Fort Bragg beaches to explore:

Ten Mile Beach
Virgin Creek Beach
Glass Beach
Pudding Creek Beach
Hare Creek Beach
Jug Handle Beach
Caspar Beach

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Safety Reminder:

As with beaches everywhere, beware of possible hazards, including slippery rocks, crumbling cliffs, and sneaker waves (large waves that seemingly surge out of nowhere). Our clean clear waters are cold (52-54 degrees Fahrenheit) so wetsuits are essential for swimming, surfing, or diving. Keeping children (and dogs) out of the water during big surf days is just good commonsense.

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Santa Ynez Valley Museum Week Is March 3-10, 2012

Santa Ynez Valley Museum Week runs from Saturday, March 3 through Saturday, March 10, 2012.

Kicking off the week will be the fifth annual "FREE Museum Day" to be held on Saturday, March 3 featuring the following seven museums with FREE admission for all ages: Buellton Historical Society History Room, Los Alamos Valley Historical Display & Depot, Wildling Art Museum, Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum & Carriage House, Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, Hans Christian Andersen Museum, and the Old Mission Santa Ines Museum.

Executive Director Kady Fleckenstein remarked, "We are excited to extend Museum Day to a full week of fun for the whole family. Come explore the history and art of several different cultures all in one valley."

Santa Ynez Valley Museum Week highlights museum-related events, special deals for visitors and a printable map of Santa Ynez Valley museums courtesy of the Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association.

Stay at the beautiful Santa Ynez Inn, and enjoy fine dining at Firestone Walker Brewery and Restaurant.

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For more information about Santa Ynez Valley Museum Week and Free Museum Day including museum locations, hours and contact information, please visit www.VisitTheSantaYnezValley.com /museumweek.

PUBLIC INFO: 805-686-0053 or 1-800-742-2843; www.VisitTheSantaYnezValley.com

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Hot Air Ballooning in Temecula

Once you arrive in Temecula you will quickly learn that the Temecula Valley is namely known for two things, wine and hot air balloons.

While the local vineyards are lovely, and abundant, you can find wineries most anywhere you travel. What really makes this city unique is the fleet of hot air balloons that take flight nearly every morning. There are dozens of companies to trust to sail you into the sky; we would recommend Above The Rest Hot Air Ballooning, well, above the rest.

Beginning before the sun even rises an experienced team of balloon pilots and supporting ground crew tests the early morning air and promptly decides on a location for take off.

The team works quickly unfolding the larger than life nylon and Nomex balloon. Then using industrial strength fans they begin to inflate the 210,000 cubic square foot balloon.

From beginning to end, the experience is really rather spectacular. Each passenger gets to observe first hand how a balloon of such magnitude comes to life and then takes flight.

The feeling is nothing short of magical...

The truly enchanting part of the balloon trip begins the moment the basket leaves the ground. The feeling is nothing short of magical, as though you are being drawn into the sky by the unseen hand of some otherworldly force.

As the balloon gains altitude, the basket gently swaying, all you can do is watch in awe as the details of below disappear from sight and you are suddenly surrounded by nothing more than the big blue sky.



It’s a surreal feeling, to find yourself floating into the wide open air, comparable only to maybe actually flying. On an optimum flight morning, the sky will swiftly fill with dozens of brightly colored balloons in an almost jolly manner.

Passengers are laughing and pointing out sights far below, as their skilled pilots ease them into the wild blue yonder. The pilot navigates with knowledge, educates their onlookers throughout the flight, and then safely lands on a grassy knoll just as seamlessly as he left the ground.





You will be greeted upon arrival back on solid ground with a celebratory champagne breakfast. The pilot will then let you in on the secret of why it is customary to carry a bottle of champagne on every balloon flight. We’ll let you find the answer to that yourself.

The adventure takes just under three hours total, and is worth every moment and penny spent.

Above The Rest Hot Air Ballooning
(888) 364-7421
info@abovetheresthotairballooning.com
Website: www.abovetheresthotairballooning.com

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Cambria, CA: A Coastal Traveller's Delight

Over 20 years ago, on a drive up the coast, I left a piece of my soul on the bluff of Cambria. We had only passed through, stopped for a picnic, and continued driving, but those moments overlooking the ocean clung to my heart, beckoning my return. The breathtaking view was even more stunning than my memory when I stepped out of my car, 20-plus years later, and inhaled the glory of pines and sea.

Cambria is an extraordinary small town, settled in a small nook between forested mountains and a jagged, rocky coastline. With approximately 7,000 residents, the town doesn’t promise to be anything but quaint, enjoyable, and welcoming to out-of-towners. Gift shops, eateries, wine bars, a Victorian Tea House, and one lone beer bar ramble along the main drag, which is segmented into a West Village and an East Village. Such simplicity is a rare find; a vacation town that loves being a vacation town, and accommodates guests so. A long strip of inns stretches out on Moonstone Beach Drive, where the ocean bluff is a simple walk across the road.

On the bluff, a 2-mile length of boardwalk, with stairs down to the beach and generous viewing decks greet visitors. The stunning view from any deck goes on for miles, and in the evening hours, one can see the lighthouse up the coast, still serving on the peninsula. Walking upon the boardwalk, arm in arm, listening to the roaring ocean, breathing in the aroma of salt, pines, and the wildflowers that abound along the bluff, we were greeted with other smiling couples, also walking arm in arm. Serenity engulfed us, and no words need be said, as the spectacular views and gentle breezes released us from the world beyond Cambria, and reminded us the world we are graced with is truly awesome. Numerous benches are placed along the bluff, lining the boardwalk, inhabited by peaceful couples enjoying the sunset and cuddling close.


With a promising mixture of spectacular views and fresh seafood, Cambria delights visitors with delicious restaurant options. The Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill and The Sea Chest are the two options most recommended by locals for seafood. One must arrive early, very early, for seating at either one, or call ahead for reservations. To determine which restaurant was the best, we found asking locals to be a daunting task, as they all have their favorites. But these were the only choices that everyone could agree upon for views and seafood.

Locals all recommended dining at Madeline’s in town overall. Serving French cuisine, Madeline’s exceeded our expectations. Trolling the wine tasting rooms and cute gift shops, we met fun, interesting people. Charlie, the owner of Red Poet Winery, set up a tasting for us of not only delicious wines and fabulous local olive oils, but entertained us with facts about the town and some of the people who reside and visit. He shared that after Memorial Day, prices for the Inns triple until September, as well as the weeks between Christmas and New Years Day, and again on the week of Valentine’s Day. The town simply shuts down during the month of January, as most merchants take that month for vacation. Charlie recommended visiting in October, as the Indian Summers are so pleasant, prices are low, and the town is lively. Lelie at Black Hand Winery also served up a great wine tasting for us, shared her favorite dinner recipe, recommended other eateries and fun spots to visit, and was highly informative about wine in general.

A trip up to Hearst Castle seemed in order, as it is only minutes away. For anyone who has not visited the spectacular home of William Hearst, you don’t know what you are missing. For anyone who has been, the draw to return is strong, and the numerous tours all offer different perspectives of the enormous grounds and multiple residences. Intricate details abound throughout the estate, hidden among the incredible statues, breathtakingly enormous architecture, and opulent furnishings.

The merchants, servers, and townspeople in Cambria have created a welcoming tourist town that doesn’t feel at all touristy. They are pleased to have out-of-towners visit, and look forward to serving us. Most seem to love what they do, and love their little town. Beyond the breathtaking views, the serenity that abounds everywhere one goes, and the array of entertaining ways to spend one’s time, the warmth we received from all of the locals created a sense of feeling welcome.

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Cambria, CA: Madeline's of Cambria

On the main drag, tucked in between the little shops and realty offices in the tiny coastal town of Cambria, is a small restaurant, Madeline’s. Chef David at Madeline’s is praised by all of the locals as having the best food in Cambria, bar none. Many insisted we go to Madeline’s for the filet mignon, chicken with Brie, and after dinner be certain to have the “Chocolate Thing”. In the early afternoon we walked into Madeline’s, and Chef David made reservations for us himself. When I asked, he said he was indeed making the “Chocolate Thing”. Bartender Kelly served up a few wine tasters for us, and an exquisite cognac, just to whet our palates.

That evening, dinner was exquisite, and everything, including the “Chocolate Thing” was everything we were promised. The Chicken with Brie was a tender chicken breast wrapped around a small portion of brie and fresh herbs, coated with a breadcrumb mixture and lightly pan fried in butter to a golden perfection. Served with exquisite scalloped potatoes, sliced nearly paper-thin and layered with heavy cream and gruyere cheese, and baked. The potatoes were so phenomenal, I nearly asked for seconds! The freshly steamed broccoli was tender crisp and lightly seasoned, complimenting the seemingly simple yet incredibly delicious meal.

The filet mignon was a generous portion of buttery steak, flavorful, that cut into tender, moist slices of angus delight. Seasoned lightly on the outside, pan seared and doused with a pan jus, each bite seemed to bring about thoughts of cattle roaming the coastal countryside grazing on grasses that blew in the Pacific breeze.

With a great selection of hard-to-find wines, Madeline’s offers not only the perfect wine for your meal, but appropriate advice when asked which wine would suit the palette. Pairing wines is often spoken of, but when a restaurant specializes in bringing the best of local wines and creating dishes that compliment those wines, then the service is complete. William, our server, asked a few questions before recommending a wine, and made excellent suggestions. Pleased with every glass for every course, we were able to enjoy the best of both offerings.

In any great restaurant, dessert must be decadent and climactic, in order to not be overshadowed by the main course. The “Chocolate Thing” was spectacular! Layers of chocolate crust, and the best dark chocolate, semi-dark chocolate, chocolate sauce all served in a fluffy bed of freshly whipped cream, drizzled with just a bit more chocolate sauce, the entire dessert was almost too beautiful to eat. So rich and smooth, each bite was pure ecstasy. This is a chocolate dessert I will dream of for years, as only a true chocoholic would. Truly, the “Chocolate Thing” should be renamed the “Chocolate Dream”.

Madeline’s is far more than a place to eat. Our server William was so courteous, kind, and willing to please, we felt we had made a friend before dinner was completed. Chef David took the time to leave the kitchen and speak with each guest, welcoming them to his restaurant and thanking them for their patronage. He is a warm, friendly, and outgoing man who loves what he does; preparing exquisite food for his customers. In a romantic and serene atmosphere, a couple can enjoy an extraordinary meal, great service, great wine, and the company of one another.

Madeline's Restaurant

Open Daily 5 - 9
Closed Wednesday

788 Main Street
Cambria, Ca 93248

Phone: 805.927.4175

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Temecula, CA: Yard House of Temecula

Temecula is often synonymous with wines, the old west, antique shops, and golf. But thanks to a real estate boom in the 1990s and early 2000s, Temecula, CA has seen an influx of vibrant, urban living that has brought with it a more contemporary, modern lifestyle.

Yard House opened its doors to Temecula in 2009 as a centerpiece to the city's newly redesigned Promenade Mall, offering diners the finest in eclectic cuisine in the heart of Southwest California's energetic nightlife.

Our first step inside revealed modern, industrial decor with combination of angular steel beams and round pipes. Contemporary music showered down from the ceiling mixing with a cacophony of energetic, youthful clientele, while colorful artwork in the form of paintings and pottery reflected flair of an au courant touch.

Ales and lagers are the choice of Yard House patrons, contrary to the Temecula's well-known reputation for wineries. And you'll find 132 taps in all, enough for the establishment to claim as the largest collection under one roof. And not just domestic pilsners, but craft brews from small breweries throughout the west coast, including those in Southern California.

We started with Shrimp Ceviche Spoons from their Snacks menu, a mixture of mango & papaya salsa with seasoned tortilla strips, neatly placed on a set of four shiny spoons. Tangy is the word that seemed to dominate our thoughts culminating the freshness of the mango and papaya, bell pepper and corn.

From their Appetizer menu, we tried the Lobster, Crab & Artichoke Dip, combining maine lobster, blue crab, artichoke hearts, with a four cheese blend of feta, jack, parmesan and cream cheese, centered inside a mixture of tortilla chips and flat bread. The panko bread crumbs created a layer of crunch on top, while an olive oil blend teamed up with black pepper and parsley added extra flavor dimension.

Do you think you've already tried the best Mac & Cheese ever? You may give it another thought after trying Yard House's own version of the popular fare. With a blend of cheddar and parmesan, smoked applewood bacon, chicken breast, wild mushrooms, and truffle oil, tossed together into a cheesy, chunky, pasta party, we found it to be the ultimate expression of creative Americana.

But the Pan Seared Ahi, which we understood to be among the restaurant's most popular item, to be the most impressive. Large chunks of soft, silky sashimi grade tuna, seared rare over jasmine rice, and doused with a chinese black bean sauce, fried basil, and accompanied with asparagus, was a sight to behold. Easy enough to cut with a fork, the tuna was a perfect fit for the lightly sweetened, black bean sauce, which had touches of soy sauce and ginger.

To satisfy the sweet tooth, we recommend the Trio Sampler, a mini serving of their lemon soufflé, peach apple cobbler and chocolate soufflé. The lemon soufflé was tangy, with rich lemony flavor, real whipped topping, that reminded us running through the sprinklers on an August afternoon, and finishing up with a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade.

The chocolate soufflé was lightly sweet, just right, warm and moist with a contrasting compliment of cold ice cream and mint leaves, like sensual kisses of Godiva chocolate that takes your breath away.

But we couldn't leave you without recommending a glass of Yard House's very own Belgian Trippel Ale. Brewed in Belgium by Brasserie de Silly, an award winning brewery since 1850, we found it to be a excellent belgian trippel in its own right, well balanced between a candied malt flavor, hoppy finish, and just enough kick to leave you smiling in between sips.

Yard House of Temecula
40770 Winchester Road (Promenade Mall)
Temecula, CA 92591
(951) 296-3116

Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM - 1:15 AM

Website: http://www.yardhouse.com/

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