Sunday, February 27, 2011

On the road...

I am on the way home from AZ. A four day horse show has wiped this little food blogger cowgirl out. I had a pretty successful show - picked up two first place checks so I am thrilled. Chunk was a good boy. I have a good restaurant post to follow, we stayed next to a diners haven in Gilbert. But for now, Happy Trails and enjoy this photo of my drive home today!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Ranch House - Ojai, CA

Hello beautiful, tropical oasis in the heart of the Ojai Valley. Nice to meet you. This place is so unreal. The lights, the trees and the wandering water streams. It almost feels like Disneyland.

And hello to you too Mr. Red Wine. Have you ever tried Rincon Pinot Nior? You should because it like butta! And that my friends is a good thing.

If you watch the Food Network like a junkie, like me. You may recognize these scallops. They were featured on the show "Best Thing I Ever Ate" - Cat Cora just raved over them. Grilled Diver Scallops U-10 diver scallops grilled and served on lightly curried corn sauce with dry vermouth – grilled whole kernel corn and shredded bok choy. These babies were delish. Very tender. The sauce is very light, maybe a bit more of a curry could have punched up the dish but I seriously cannot complain.

I was just enamored with the setting, ambiance and mystique. I want to go back for lunch basking in beautiful Ojai weather. I actually might bring a tent and a sleeping bag and just live there forever. Can you tell I liked it?

Thank you Valentine!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Sakura - Ojai, CA

So I have been meaning to visit this place to compare it to the other sushi joint in town. the battle begins...
I saw Seafood Chowder on the menu. Not a typical thing on a sushi menu but i figured they do know seafood so why not? It was very spicy but full of potatoes. Mixed in with other bits of fish but this truly was potato chowder.

This is what they call their Incredible Roll - It was a California Roll with baked scallop on top. Was it that incredible? No. Was it tasty? Yes.

I was not blown away with the food but I have to say the sushi chef was friendly. the other waitstaff were preoccupied and I didn't get much service from them. My tip went to the sushi master - he deserved it.

AJ Spurs - Templeton, CA

My favorite thing about having horse shows in Paso Robles is the opportunity to eat fantastic food while I am there! Just a short drive down the 101 from Paso you will come to a old, country town - Tempelton. Stop in and try one of the many fantastic restaurants, like AJ Spurs.

As soon as you are seated they bring out this Chuckwagon Stew. Served family style, along with sides of beans and salsa. Totally my idea of getting this party started! Yahooo...

I ordered the Halibut because I just cannot seem to eat enough fish. I know I was at a cowboy place and should have ordered a steak but I am that I didn't. My meal was fantastic. I ate almost everything but not the Texas Toast, I have never been a fan.

Next up is Scott's Bacon wrapped Filet. The bacon was not cooked long enough but the steak was excellente! The vegetables were steamed to perfection!

Those are the family style potatoes served, they were pretty good. In the background is Krissi's porkchop. She said it was awesome and cleaned her plate.

They even served after dinner drinks! So cool. Mine was Frangelico, Amaretto and cream. Sinfully delicious.

Templeton was so nice, next stop McPhee's!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Shrimp Chips - My Obsession.

I remember from an early age my Mom would always buy Shrimp Chips. Why? I am not sure, she didn't always frequent the Ethnic Foods aisle in grocery store or venture out by ordering exotic things at restaurants. But, anyhow she bought them and I developed a love for them. I remember eating them by the bag full. They are so light, airy and delicious - How could I stop? When you see them in the grocery store, think of me and then buy the whole lot. You will be addicted too.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant - Coalinga, CA

It seems like everyone you speak to knows the Harris Ranch. And they know it almost always by the smell, and it is distinctive one. Off a lonely stretch of Interstate 5 you will find an oasis of sort - The Harris Ranch. Imagine: a gas station, country store, gift shop, bar, two restaurants and an hotel. Pretty much a working town.

Hello Jockey Club. The higher end restaurant of Harris Ranch.

Frogs Leap Merlot. Yes, please! The setting of the restaurant is totally western and I love it.

Calamari was our starter and it was ok. We were hungry so we ate a pretty hearty portion.

Melissa Good Taste could not miss an opportunity to have Clam Chowder! Notice the big bowl of butter in the background, nice! The chowder was standard, nothing I haven't had before.

Medium rare Filet with a yam on the side! How cool is that? Now the yam vs. sweet potato debate. Are they the same? They sure taste the same to us. What is your take?

This beautiful plate is mine! Salmon, green beans and a healthy portion of mashed potatoes. Ahhh, pretty much heaven in my book. the salmon had a cream sauce with green onions. It was a nice comforting meal. Butter, cream... do you see a trend going?

All in all it was a fantastic meal, great table by a roaring fire and the service was very attentive. If ever driving down or up 5 give Harris Ranch a try, stretch your legs and grab a great meal. Give yourself a break from all those fast food restaurants!

Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant - Coalinga, CA

It seems like everyone you speak to knows the Harris Ranch. And they know it almost always by the smell, and it is distinctive one. Off a lonely stretch of Interstate 5 you will find an oasis of sort - The Harris Ranch. Imagine: a gas station, country store, gift shop, bar, two restaurants and an hotel. Pretty much a working town.

Hello Jockey Club. The higher end restaurant of Harris Ranch.

Frogs Leap Merlot. Yes, please! The setting of the restaurant is totally western and I love it.

Calamari was our starter and it was ok. We were hungry so we ate a pretty hearty portion.

Melissa Good Taste could not miss an opportunity to have Clam Chowder! Notice the big bowl of butter in the background, nice! The chowder was standard, nothing I haven't had before.

Medium rare Filet with a yam on the side! How cool is that? Now the yam vs. sweet potato debate. Are they the same? They sure taste the same to us. What is your take?

This beautiful plate is mine! Salmon, green beans and a healthy portion of mashed potatoes. Ahhh, pretty much heaven in my book. the salmon had a cream sauce with green onions. It was a nice comforting meal. Butter, cream... do you see a trend going?

All in all it was a fantastic meal, great table by a roaring fire and the service was very attentive. If ever driving down or up 5 give Harris Ranch a try, stretch your legs and grab a great meal. Give yourself a break from all those fast food restaurants!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Japanese Kitchen - Clovis, CA

Memories! i used to eat at this Sushi/Teppan Yaki joint at least 2-3 times a week while in college. I remember going with my friend Kristin and we would always get the Seaweed Salad with all the raw fixings. This place will always hold a strong place in my heart. Go down Shaw past the Fresno State and it will be in a shady little shopping center, don't let the exterior fool you!

Not in the mood for seaweed this time around I went for the Classic #9. Think crab, shrimp tempura, backed scallop and sauce, topped with avocado, unagi sauce and chopped nuts - cashew, macadamia and peanuts. Heaven Just absolute heaven. I will be back, hopefully with an hearty appetite!