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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and on the web at www.greenisthenewgold.net

Travel Bum Diaries - Best Restaurants 1001 - Pacific Northwest

Travel Bum Diaries - Best Restaurants 1001 - Pacific Northwest,

To start off our 2016 Travel Bum Diaries last week, we went North to the beautiful and eco-friendly state of Washington. First on the 2016 restaurant list is Cafe Garden, also located in the cute town of Port Angeles, on the edge of the Olympic Peninsula. This night, master Chef Brian Limpert prepared a wondrous dish of fresh greens of Romaine lettuce, bacon and hard boiled eggs with homemade Caesar dressing, followed by his signature Grilled Chicken Oscar with Bearnaise sauce over mashed potatoes

and seasonal vegetables. All of the ingredients were sourced locally and prepared with the utmost of skill, as only a master chef can.  The atmosphere on the cool outdoor patio was very inviting and romantic.  The wines were also chosen with the care of a true connoisseur and paired perfectly with the dishes.  As far as quality and freshness of the food, the way it was prepared, and atmosphere I give this experience a good solid "thumbs up" and recommendation:)

Be sure to check out the other reviews for the rest of this year by subscribing and checking back often. Until next time. Peace :)

www.greenisthenewgold.net

www.cafegardenpa.com

Eco-Friendly Travel in Washington

Eco-Friendly Travel in Washington

I wasn't really sure how I would start this newest blog of mine.  I've been reporting on travel by visiting Bed and Breakfasts and Restaurants all over California (and other parts of this great country) and reviewing them, creating content in the form of thousands of pictures and videos.  My focus these days, (since the start of our newest podcast and Website, "Green is the New Gold" found at www.greenisthenewgold.net) has been on eco-friendly travel and living. Eating well leads to feeling well, which leads to living well.

So I guess I'll start from the top, and work my way down.  First stop in 2016 is Domaine Madeleine which is an awesome, eco-friendly Bed and Breakfast in Port Angeles, Washington.  I had the privilege of staying in this Five star, Asian style retreat right on the edge of the Olympic Peninsula in Northern Washington state.  When I say five star, and right on the ocean, I'm not kidding.  It's beautiful.  The suite was fantastic, the food was great and the location was so beautiful and peaceful sitting outside overlooking the great Pacific Northwest.  I could look right into Canada from my swing :)

To top this adventure off, and getting to the real point is that Domaine Madeleine is setting the pace for eco-friendliness.  By following this link, you'll be able to view a five minute video I made about four different Aquaponic Growing Systems that are demonstrated, can be installed in any home for a small amount of money (under $200), and are almost completely sustainable.  It's eye opening and amazing.  Please watch it here.       https://youtu.be/eGls8vYDoEk

And be sure to visit the Olympic Peninsula the first chance you get.

We also have another blog at www.ecofriendlynewsandreviews.blogspot.com where I'll be posting more pictures and reviews of other sustainable restaurants and products.  We welcome your comments and please subscribe.

Until next time. Peace.

https://domainemadeleine.com/

https://youtu.be/eGls8vYDoEk