Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Geoffery's - Malibu, CA

After the coolest drive down the Pacific Coast Highway - we make a u turn and make our way to Geoffery's a pristine destination over looking the Pacific Ocean. Can you say beautiful?!

A perfect patio setting. Everyone had a remarkable view of the ocean. There was a chill so PROPANE powered heaters provided us with warmth. Good old propane!
Oh, just a nice shot of the menu... Geoffery's was just so cool.

Martinis anyone? Citrus for me, Lemon Drop for him.

Fresh Ahi Tuna Tartar with avocado, scallions, ginger, red onions, wonton crisp and Tobeiko caviar was our starter. It was lovely. The hot chili paste was dynamite! It got the party started!!

I got order envy. Scott ordered the Sea Bass with Pesto Potatoes, Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil Oil. The fish was cooked so perfectly. I was so jealous.

My order the Scallops, I know I have been on this weird kick with them. But, I am done. These were a little chewy but the Risotto made up for it tin fold. Foie Gras Risotto to be exact, with a Star Anise infused Pomegranate Reduction! Wow. Enough said - so delicious all on its own.

Last but not least, Creme Brulee with a surprise layer of chocolate on the bottom. Thin and custardy - not my usual favorite way of preparation but fantastic none the less.

Amazing to no end. Service delightful, ambiance out of this world and food a treat all on its own!

Casa de Lagos - Ojai, CA

When your hungry on Monday nights in Ojai you go to Casa de Lagos. Most of the other restaurants in town, take the night off and re-group for the coming week. With one other Mexican joint under construction, the Casa has a pretty good game going on. Chips and salsa are brought to the table - one is spicy the other not so much. So combine the two and keep on rolling.

Their shredded beef is pretty good so it is always a safe bet. Although, the enchilada sauce is pretty weak, not my favorite. They also could kick it up a notch with the cheese. Rice and beans do the job, basically you leave very full.

Maybe next time i will go with the shredded beef tacos. Scott orders them and is always happy. Next Monday I assume...

Cheap and filling - and they serve Tequila Margaritas now!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Rain, rain go away!

The rain has subsided, so time to pull on my boots and get to work!

Happy Sunday!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Watermark on Main - Ventura, CA


Isn't it just beautiful? The ceilings are just magnificent. It made me feel like I was in a cathedral. The murals painted on the walls are of scenes along the El Camino Real. A real treat. I give the ambiance an easy A.

My definition of a wonderful start to any meal: ABC - Au Bon Climat. One of, if not my favorite, Pinot Noir ever.

A welcome gift from the chef - Chilled Cauliflower Soup Shot. Very tasty, thank you.

The bread served very hot - with sea salted butter.

My starter was the Butternut Squash Soup with deep fried fennel rings. To die for! There was also a float of pistachio oil. Loved it.

Scott's Lobster Bisque. He had high hopes for deliciousness. Unfortunately he wasn't a fan of the heavy handed Brandy flavor.

My entree was the Pan Seared Scallops - Achiote Cream and Parmesan Risotto. Holy yum. I have been on a scallop kick from all the best places so now I am just Scallop Spoiled! These were amazing along side the risotto.

Scott's "True" Red Snapper from the waters of New Zealand. Mashed served underneath the a bed of thinly sliced cucumber. Let me tell you, the plate left the table squeaky clean.

Every terrific meal should end with something sweet. How do cheesecake stuffed strawberries sound? My thoughts exactly... Fabulous!

This meal was just perfect.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

La Fonte - Ojai, CA

Welcome to the lunch extension of Osteria Monte Grappa, also known as La Fonte. Find a parking spot, which should be tricky because it is located in the arcade and march yourself on in.

Italian bread sticks while you wait? Don't mind if I do.

My order of Clams in White Wine was superb! Garlic, basil make all things delicious but this was just bread dippin', finger lickin' , clam shuckin' good.

Scott's order was the Margherita Pizza. Simple, yet perfect. Thin crust, sauce, cheese and basil. Enough to feed yourself while your there and lunch the next day.

My opinion of the new Ojai lunch destination? It will fill you up and leave you satisfied. The building is clean and refreshing. White, crisp walls and attentive service - something my experience at Osteria Monte Grappa sometimes lacked. Enjoy...

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

El Vino Mexican Restaurant - Paso Robles, CA

When we walked in to the Park Street restaurant we were the only ones there. We had our choice of table and looked forward to a cold beer.

We chowed down on a few baskets of chips while we waited for our entrees. The salsa was not my favorite but it did the job.

I ordered the Scallops and Spinach Plate. It was tasty, although I probably wouldn't order it again. I tasted Krissi's enchilada and loved the sauce. So if i was to return, I would recommend that.

Blurry photo alert! I don't know what happened! This is the carne asada plate with grilled onions, avocado and refried beans.

I don't have too much to say: bad or good. I left the restaurants with mixed feelings - the food was ok, service kind of slow but the restaurant itself is so cute. I say you try this one for yourself.

PCCHA Derby - Paso Robles, CA

The Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association's yearly Derby is in full swing. Our show started off to a fantastic start. It is a wonderful opportunity to show our horses, see good friends and dine at Paso Robles' many fantastic restaurants.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Yanagi Sushi - Paso Robles, CA

I go to this sushi joint for my fix every time I come to Paso. Why you ask? Because it is so good! Hello Asian cuisine here I come!

A little bit of Fried rice treated our stomach pains. We were hungry and this did the job. Almost too filling.

This, my friends, is the Perfection Roll. And it is so perfection. Deep fried, ahi, avocado, asparagus, fish roe and all the delicious sauce a person could ever desire. Please, order.

This Macadamia Roll - it was a special and I was all in because the macadamia is one of my favorite nuts. I feel bad that this was the last plate to the table because we were just too full at this point. Very tasty. I took it to go...

One of the best sushi places I have gone. Paso Robles is awesome. Visit as much as possible. Tomorrow I go to Twist Salon for a touch up to my mane. Cheers!

Fish Dish - Burbank, CA

On many trips to the Burbank Airport I have noticed a fast food restaurant called - Fish Dish. Curious and hungry after dropping off someone at the airport last week, I ventured in. The menu is full of all kinds of different grilled and fried fish. Very cool.

I had to start with the Chowder when I saw it on the menu. It was actually pretty but the darn potatoes were not cooked fully. I hate it when that happens!

I was going for a Fish and Chips kind of mood but they brought be out Shrimp and Scallops instead. Random... It was tasty but the breading fell off the scallop after the first bite. The fries were very good - they tasted double fried. Delish.

All in all it was a quick bite that is different from our normal fast food routine. I am happy I tried and may be back to try some of the grilled options.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Banana Bread - MGT style...

A few really ripe (brown) bananas inspired me to get my bake on...


Voila! Proof that I do have some chops in the kitchen!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The Keg Steakhouse - Gilbert, AZ

In Gilbert there is one huge shopping center. Within that center there are all the big box stores including Macy's, Marshalls (one of my personal favorites) and a multi screen movie theater. That being said you will not find any restaurants outside of the center. It is crowded, busy and full of life. And away we went down into the chaos...

The madness required a Martini Extra Dirty with olives. Enough said. (See Cowboy Ron in the background - What a nice guy.)

Scott ordered a Caesar Salad and I ate the remaining shavings of Parmesan Cheese. I was hungry and it served as my tasty appetizer.

One fine piece of meat - a filet cooked to medium rare. Wrapped in bacon, why can't they ever get the bacon crispy? It always seems under cooked when wrapped around a hunk of meat. The asparagus was beautiful.

I ordered the Zesty Salmon - a grilled fillet basted with a sweet and spicy sauce. The chili mayonnaise was great, I smothered it over the fish and it gave it a terrific kick. The mashed potatoes were pretty tasty too.

The Keg is a pretty cool place. A total franchise but the ambiance was so cool you thought you were in a stand alone restaurant. It was packed yet the service was on point. Kudos to you!

Sugarbear's Cupcake Shack - Ventura, CA

So we asked for one of everything and got a few doubled up. my least favorites were the chocolates but my most favorite was the one on the bottom right - Brown sugar with buttercream frosting. Total yum. The frosting has to be right and they really nailed it.