La Dolce Vita, (The sweet Life), and Dametra Cafe, Carmel by the Sea, Ca.

I'm heading back to Carmel by the Sea this week and am going tell you about two of my favorite restaurants there that you should definitely try when you're passing through or staying in this quaint hamlet by the sea in Monterey County.  Before I do, I should give you some small backround on Carmel BTS.

Carmel is directly between, and adjacent to, Monterey on the north and Pebble Beach on the south, and home to the world famous golf facility and the annual AT and T Pro-Am. (I've actually run into Clint Eastwood several times walking around town and at his famous Mission Ranch facility which is right in town.)

Carmel BTS is home to 26 Bed and Breakfast hotels, over a hundred restaurants and loads of overpriced tourist shops for every taste, all crammed into a mile square area.
(It may seem a little stuck up at first, by not having any actual addresses on any properties in town, and it can be fun trying to find anything without Google Maps), but actually, I can't think of a better place to spend a romantic weekend eating, window shopping and walking along the beautiful, dog-friendly beaches.

La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant, owned by my friend Miguel Mendes, is a great place to stop for a romantic dinner and a great pizza to boot!  The food is freshly prepared and authentic.  With a great outdoor patio and local wine selection it's a real winner any time.

My other favorite restaurant in town, and known to be one of the best on the Central Coast is Dametra Cafe.

Dametra, owned by two other of my dear friends, Faisal and Bashar, combines a mix of unique Turkish, Greek and Mediterranean Cuisine in tasty dishes that are different than anything you will find anywhere else. Add the great atmosphere, where the owners sing, dance and play instruments for a ten minute "jig" during dinner and you'll walk away satisfied both in stomach and heart.

I'll be back in a few days with some more from these two favorites and some more pictures of the awesome food.

Until then, Ciao

Find LA Dolce Vita here:

And Dametra Cafe here: www.dametracafe.com

El Cantaro Vegan Mexican cuisine in Monterey Ca.

Yesterday I went to a really great Mexican place in Monterey California for the first time called El Cantaro Vegan mexican cuisine. If you've read my columns before you know I am a solid meat eater my whole life and love a good burger or steak sandwich. I also happen to consider myself somewhat of an expert on good Mexican Cuisine. I'll take salsa as hot as you can make it and the fresher the pico de gallo the better, so bring it on! I definitely separate the good from the bad based on these factors and conclude that this restaurant is an excellent choice even for meat eaters like myself.

The enchiladas were excellent and the "cheese" tasted great. The enchilada sauce was wonderfully prepared and the spicy orange salsa, (which I would assume most people would find a bit too much, but I loved), was excellent. The various tacos made with some types of protein (I'm not exactly sure what) were very delicious. The mango taco was my favorite .

What I will reveal now is that for the last several months I've been making an effort to cut way back on the amount of meat and dairy products I consume. I've noticed by eating less of these products I seem to feel a little bit lighter and I've lost weight without doing anything extra, and kept it off. Although these are benefits that help me personally, I can't help but mention that the benefits of eating fewer meat and dairy products, including poultry and pork, are good for society and the health of our nation as well. Watching movies such as "Vegucated", "Fed Up" and "Cowspiracy" (all on Netflix) have convinced me that by cutting back on dairy and meat products, and consuming fewer processed foods with added sugars and preservatives, we can cut down on the rate of cancer, stop much of the cruelty that is done to animals in the processing of the food and the raising of the animals, and also help the environment by saving our air and water for more important and useful tasks.

At the risk of sounding preachy here, I'd like to suggest that we all try to make an effort to cut back on the amount of dairy and animal products that we consume and try a vegan diet, which I have been pleasantly surprised with.

I'll definitely be coming back to this place often, and continue my exploration into a plant based diet and how it makes me and my family feel.

Until then, Ciao

El Cantaro is located only about 2 blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California and you can find them on the web at:

www.elcantarovegan.com

Lou Lou's Griddle in the Middle, far above middle. Monterey, Ca.

 We stopped by one of our favorite breakfast places here in the Monterey Peninsula last week, Lou Lou's Griddle in the middle which is located on the commercial Wharf directly next to the main Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey. With a beautiful view of the ocean the sounds and smells of the sea around us and seated outdoors on a beautiful summer day, it's a great place to enjoy a breakfast or lunch while passing through Monterey. The fresh fish, shrimp, crab, and calamari are excellent when mixed with eggs or in the crabcakes. The omelets and breakfast burritos are enormous and packed to the gills, (to use a pertinent reference) and so are the chocolate chip pancakes, which are bigger than a dinner plate, hanging over the edge, and grilled to Perfection right in front of you.

The decor inside is a very eclectic and a bit of a tight fit, where you watch them cook your food while sitting at the counter and drinking your coffee.

I'll be back to Lou Lou's often for the atmosphere, the food, and the fun friendly people that work there.

Find them on the web at www.loulousgriddle.com

Be sure to check out the interview I did with one of the owners, Gigi at my YouTube channel:
www.YouTube.com/uradioshow

Until then. Ciao.

Be sure

"Roughley Manor" A diamond in the desert

Roughley Manor Bed and Breakfast, Twentynine Palms, California.

When I was out to the desert a few weeks ago visiting my mother I stopped over for the night in nearby Twentynine Palms.  It's an area I've wanted to travel through for a long time because it's got such a long, storied history. It's an old-time desert community with spooky tales of Sasquatch and Aliens abound. Now as to whether that's all true or not, I'm not sure, hence my fascination with checking it out. (Google it for yourself to see what I'm referring to. It'll keep you busy for hours.) Well, I didn't find any aliens or Sasquatches but, while there, I came across a newly renovated hotel that has just changed owners called Roughley Manor B and B. It was really nice. The grounds are gorgeous, as well as the interior common areas of the main hotel itself. The rooms were very spacious, with kitchenettes and perfectly appointed with a desert style Motif and with a wide, wooden front porch to sit on and look at the beautiful desert mesa views. The breakfast was great, the hospitality was fantastic, and the atmosphere relaxing. It was only about 45 minutes drive from Palm Springs major and worth the drive for the beautiful California desert scenery. Twentynine Palms sits right on the edge of the Joshua Tree National Forest which is a great example of an untouched, Western U.S. desert ecosystem, but bring your water bottle because temperatures in the summer can get up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit!

Also be sure to stop by nearby Palm Springs, La Quinta, or Indian wells for some of the greatest restaurants in that part of the state and, for golf or tennis, you won't find anywhere better in the world. 

We'll be out there again next week and am going to do some follow-up on some more great desert restaurants and more b and bees in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for that:)

Ciao
The Roughly Manor is located at:
74744 Joe Davis Drive
Twentynine Palms, California 92277760-367-3238
www.roughleymanor.com

Five Guys didn't fail me like most large chains :)

Well, since in the last post I just mentioned a great gourmet burger, I think I'll stick to the theme and talk about a little bit less expensive burger, but also delicious, that's at Five Guys.

I visited the Five Guys Burgers in Salinas last week and ate some free, fresh roasted peanuts while I waited for my extra large Burger and seasoned fries. I don't usually cover big chains, but Five Guys, in my opinion, is excellent and rivals In and Out, Sonic, The Habit and of course, Tommy's, as the only fast food hamburger chains worth visiting on the West Coast. There are a lot of Five Guys Burger joints opening up all around, including one in Santa Cruz that just opened last month, and they serve fresh (many local) ingredients (such as the fries), with zero cost add-ons for multiple toppings. My only complaint is not having a different cheese then the American cheese the burger came with, which I'm not so much a fan of. The Banana/chocolate shake I had to dip my fries in was also great.

For a reasonably priced, extra good hamburger fixed the way you like it and some gourmet fries and a shake, check out Five Guys the next time you see one.

Gabriella Cafe, Santa Cruz - One of the year's best?

I had the opportunity to eat at a very good restaurant this week for lunch called Gabriella Cafe in Santa Cruz California. The restaurant is set off the main drag in downtown Santa Cruz and he's been in the same location for over 24 years. (That's usually one sign of a quality run restaurant.) Both the owner Paul, and his son Matt were both there to make sure we had a good experience.

I find it hard to go out to a nice restaurant and pass up a good sounding gourmet burger if it's on the menu. This was no exception and believe me this hamburger did not disappoint. It was cooked perfectly the way I asked and was large but not too messy. Very flavorful.

Since trout is my favorite fish, I decided to go with the trout salad as well which was grilled and tasty and yet not overdone. I could have gone for a little more dressing on the salad, but the vegetables were great and the food was prepared and presented in a very professional and caring way.

Paul was well-versed and happy to help customers with choices based on seasonally available products. That also means so much when you're trying to get good quality food in my opinion. I will be coming back to Gabriella Cafe often and would recommend you do the same if you're in Santa Cruz.

We're going to be back going through Santa Cruz in the next few days with some of the other restaurants and places that we would recommend so check us out often here at Travel bum Diaries And subscribe.

Until then, Ciao

John Steinbeck House, Salinas, Ca.

Since we're talking about Cannery Row in the last post, I'd better get up to date on my John Steinbeck info.

First off, if you are reading this and haven't heard of, or read some of John Steinbeck's books, you're missing out.  He is one of America's best authors and wrote books such as "The Grapes of Wrath" about the American Dust bowl in the depression, "East of Eden" about the Salinas Valley, and others like "Cannery Row", "Of Mice and Men", and "Tortilla Flats". One of my favorites called "Travels With Charlie" talks of the trip he took in a custom motorhome with his dog Charlie. All true to life tales, based in fact. Great stuff.

So, John Steinbeck's birth home, located in Salinas, Ca. has been made into a restaurant and resides about a block from the National Steinbeck Center.

The lunch was fantastic. Set in a turn of the century motif, with servers and docents in period garb, the food was really fresh and delicious. Homemade soups, salads and sandwiches were excellent. The Cranberry chicken salad sandwich was really, really good, as was the Cream of Broccoli Soup of the Day was great.  Lots of fun, and definitely one of the bast restaurants in Salinas!

Turn 12 in Monterey. A winner

I have lived in California for my whole life, (which is to say for 51 years) and have covered so many great places to visit and have lived in some of the best as well.  I eventually settled in the Monterey area to get away from the traffic and heat of my longtime home, Los Angeles.  One thing I will say about this area, as far as the food goes it seems like it should be a lot better than it is.  After over three years living here, I have really only managed to find a handful of great restaurants worthy of the praise and prices they command. Restaurants like Demetra Cafe in Carmel BTS and the Fishwife, Alvarado Grill and Cafe Fina are exceptional with few others I've tried keeping up. Places like Vesuvios (turning out soggy and over seasoned pizzas) and Dominico's on the wharf  with their rude staff and bland food are vastly overated in my opinion. There should be no excuse for mediocre food and crappy service when you're paying top dollar.

One restaurant that I've been to now twice for their Sunday brunch, and really liked is a newer restaurant called Turn 12 in Monterey.  The decor is set in a California style with Racing Bikes and Artwork adorning the walls.  A huge welcoming bar is the first thing you see when you come in.

The food was really excellent.  I had their Skirt Steak BL(a)T sandwich with aioli sauce.  It was so good I had it again the next time!  My partner had an egg sandwich with arugula, Swiss cheese and apple smoked bacon which was also delicious.  The Sunday brunch comes with a bottomless Mimosa and they have great Bloody Mary's with lots of good spicy stuff for your palate.

I really enjoyed it and will definitely be back soon.

Ciao

Cheshire Cat Inn, Santa Barbara, Ca.

Cheshire Cat Inn, Santa Barbara, Ca.

When I travel up and down the coast here in California, (I do about a dozen or more trips a year along this route), I almost always stop in Santa Barbara.  You just can't beat the great weather, the wide open and uncrowded beach and bikepath, and the dozens of great restaurants.  I usually prefer to stay in Bed and Breakfast style hotels as they appeal to my sense of "hominess" and usually provide guests with lots of food (which I really appreciate:)

One of the best I've stayed at is the Cheshire Cat Inn, just off State Street.  The owner Jack Greenwald is a stand-up, great guy who takes pride in the business he runs and the customers he and the staff serve.  Just ask and it's done.  The rooms are very clean and comfortable with large baths and easy access in and out.  Just a short walk to any number of great restaurants and with the beautiful weather year-round you basically can't miss.  I've stayed here several times and have never been disappointed.

Give them a call at (805) 569-1610 and check their website at www.cheshirecat.com

Be sure to check out our other great blogs and our sustainable living website with great products, links, videos and other travel destinations on

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and our YouTube channel "Uradioshow" at www.youtube.com/uradioshow

Giant Artichoke Restaurant, Monterey, Ca.

Giant Artichoke on Cannery Row, Ca.

Well I went down to one of my favorite places and had lunch at one of my new favorite restaurants the other day. The location I'm talking about is Cannery Row in Monterey, Ca. Cannery Row was made famous by the book "Cannery Row" written by the famous American author John Steinbeck, who grew up here. When you stroll down the Row, you'll  still see many of the buildings and structures that were around over a hundred years ago and where a big part of the fishery industry in Central and Northern California was built.

The Giant Artichoke restaurant, where we ate, has many different types of food made from artichokes. The Artichokes are from Castroville, the Artichoke Capital of the world just down the road from here.

We're really lucky to live here in California, and where I live, (The Central Valley and Central Cali Coast) we have the best agriculture and farmland around. Known as "the lettuce bowl of America", it's not just lettuce but a wide variety of great seasonal crops year 'round. I know people who grew up having never tasted or even heard of an artichoke until they came to California. Sad, because they are amazing!

I really enjoyed the various dips, and the fried artichoke bits were a classic. For a tasty and not too heavy dessert try the sweet artichoke bread.  I tend to lay off on too much of the sweet stuff and this was perfect to end off a good meal.

I'll be back with some more blogs on the Central Coast and Monterey in coming months so stay tuned. Til then, 

Bon Appetit!

California's Best Pizza Run #1

California's Best Pizza Run #1

I've always considered pizza one of my very favorite foods.  I also think that I can tell a great pizza from a just "good" one.  Fresh ingredients, great crust, sauce and the right cheese and cook time all matter.  So in my travels I believe I've managed to try a whole lot of different pizza's up and down the state.  Here are some of my favorites.  (I dub this segment #1 because the list is long and getting longer so I just may as well start here:)

Starting in So Cal (my home town of Los Angeles) I have to give the thumbs up to Number one on my list, The Pizza Cookery in Woodland Hills.  I've been coming here for years and the mini spicy pepperonis and the garlic dinner rolls just can't be beat anywhere. The thin, square cut pizza crust is also delectable.  The last couple times we've also tried the gluten free crust and been impressed. Although different from their original, it's really a great alternative for those on a gluten free diet like my daughter.

An LA runner up is Greco's in Van Nuys where the dinner plate size, thin crust pizza is fantastic. Throw in a nice homemade, fresh salad with their special oil and vinegar dressing and it's a meal in a single slice.

Moving up the coast a little bit I came across another great find in Nucci's Pizza in San Luis Obispo, (SLO to the locals), and home to the famous Madonna Inn, Cal Poly University, and Bubblegum Alley, Just off the main drag, I found is what I have to say was the best pizza I've had in SLO. (Sorry Woodstock's) and they've been there for a long time perfecting their art.  A casual and quaint place to bring the family or a date.  I highly recommend it.

Another great place to go  heading toward Northern California and if you happen to find yourself on Pacific Ave. in downtown Santa Cruz is Pleasure Pizza.  Also home of the jumbo sized slices and loaded with a unique variety of toppings. It's a thin crust winner. One piece can usually do most appetites and it's a nice place to hang out on your way to the beach or while shopping on Pacific.

I will return very shortly with round two of our travels up and down the coast in search of the best pizza for 2016 in a couple weeks.

In the mean time, please send me your suggestions here and subscribe.

Til next time.

Ciao.

Foxy's in Glendale is Great!

Foxy's in Glendale is Great!

I'd like to tell you about one of my favorite places to eat when I'm down south (Los Angeles area) and that's Foxy's Diner in Glendale.  Foxy's has been a staple in Glendale for over twenty years.  I've been coming here for over a decade myself and have never been disappointed in the food or the service.

 Whether you're after breakfast, lunch or dinner the menu is extensive and has excellent array of food choices, and unlike many of the restaurants I visit, the food actually comes out looking like the pictures, and tasting just as good. Set with a sixties style vibe, the portions are outstanding in size and prepared to perfection every time

The owner, my friend Sean, comes to work each day looking sharp as a tack in his tie with a smile firmly planted on his face and a pleasant "Hello" for all his customers. FYI, the waitresses are also known to be the prettiest in the city, and it's true. (Just a tip for you single guys!)

So check 'em out next time you're heading to the Americana or the Huntington in Glendale or Pasadena, Ca.

The Refuge Spa- Carmel Valley, CA

The Refuge Spa- Carmel Valley, CA

The other day I was treated to a real find here in my current home town on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.  I've lived in this area for a little over three years now and love it.  It's such a different atmosphere than in Southern California where I grew up and lived most of my life. There is much more open space everywhere around here with animals and nature right at your door.  To find that in SoCal you have to hit the beach or trails. I'm a true beach and tennis bum myself, and after a good day of playing tennis or volleyball, there's nothing like a spa, sauna and steam to warm you up and cool you down..  The refuge, is a co-ed spa with numerous quiet (it's a silent facility), spas, relaxation rooms and pools of varient temperatures.  The ideal situation is to make the rounds a few times from hot steam and/or sauna to freezing ice pool for a quick dip and then to the spa tub for a soak.  There are robes and firepits to sit around, and sorry its not clothing optional.

Also on the facilty is the CVAC tennis club and gym which in my opinion is beautiful and a great way to spend any weekend day with your family and friends.  I'll be back again and again for some more fun and relaxation at the Rafuge, right here in Carmel Valley, CA.

www.refuge.com

Check out our other videos and travel reviews at www.youtube.com/uradioshow

Until next time Peace:)

https://youtu.be/eGls8vYDoEk

Best Restaurants of 2016 NO.1002-Sr. Grande's, Woodland Hills, CA

Best Restaurants of 2016  NO. 1002-Sr. Grande's, Woodland Hills, CA

Next in our Best Restaurant series for 2016 we stop in Los Angeles to talk about one of my all time favorite Fresh Mexican restaurants, Senor Grande's.  At first glance this is not such an eye catcher, located in an outdoor shopping center in Woodland Hills.  However, it's not the curbside appearance that brings you back but the delicious fresh food, friendly staff and immaculate facility. The freshly made salsa are among my favorites. My longtime lunchtime favorite is a chicken burrito, lots of salsa and chips, and maybe one to take home for a midnight snack.  (I actually have trouble choosing between the steak and chicken so I usually end up with one of each). This post wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention Clemente, the longtime Manager and someone whom I've had the pleasure to know for over 20 years, as our children have both grown up, eating at Senor Grandes.  A hit anytime for lunch or take-out.

www.senorgrandes.com

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