Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey

Last weekend, we spend a day trip in Monterey for a friend's birthday. The weather could not be more perfect for a seaside hang out. The morning started at Water + Leaves, a coffee shop on Fisherman's Wharf. Pretty much the coolest blank-plus-blank name ever, right?

Frankly,  I never expected Monterey to have something so cool. My past visits to Monterey have never been so hip. It's a nice place that I think of older retirees enjoying. But I really dug the vibe of this coffee shop.

You can't beat the ocean view on the patio while enjoying a morning latte and almond croissant. This little guy approves.

Happy Hour oysters all day on a Saturday is also hard to top. These oysters were $99c each at Abalonetti on Fisherman's Wharf. Fresh, sweet, briney. Divine!

We had to pair our oysters with something of more sustenance and the calamari did just the job.

Shortly after, we left Fisherman's Wharf and met up with our friends. It concluded a good relaxing morning on the wharf for our unit. And Little guy look great in his nautical outfit.

Austin 2016 Photo Diary

Two years ago, I went to Austin, TX for the first time to attend my first BlogHer Food Conference. It would be my first of three BlogHer conferences. The experience was my first exposure to the business of blogging and seeing how people can make money doing what they love. I came back daydreaming about an alternative career where I call the shots in my daily life. Since then I've decided not to blog full time but now I know what the pros and cons of this lifestyle would be. I highly respect professional bloggers.

A few weeks ago, I returned to Austin just to have a good time with some girlfriends. The city is still great and especially more so when I come without a schedule of events. Here are a few shots.

From the Westin Hotel downtown

The Capitol Building at night. It's a yuge Pokestop.

Chicken and fried okra from Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

On one of our strolls through the city, we discovered this art installation made from lobster rope and paint by Orly Genger at Waller Creek Trail.

The following are from the uber cool Hotel Van Zandt

We loved hanging out at the pool side bar of this hotel so much that we came back the next night. This hotel is absolutely gorgeous and has such a unique decor.

And now for all the food we ate. First we had to try authentic Austin style barbecue at Terry Black's Barbecue. The ribs and brisket were especially tender and juicy.

Before our hike the next day, we ate brunch at South Congress Cafe. 

This beautiful caprese salad tasted only just ok. Everything else was great.

More barbecue ensued at the fancy Lambert's Downtown Barbecue. It was all good yet not as authentic as Terry's because this seemed to be a more fancy place.

Great iced latte at Irie Bean Coffee Bar on Lamar.

After a late night out, we had cravings for burgers and P. Terry's was the only place open. It happens to be an Austin original. It was alright. Not as good as In N' Out.

Before going out on one of the nights, we had a happy hour dinner at Hightower on 7th Street. It's actually not up high at all so I'm not sure where this name comes from. The food was just ok. 

After dinner, we stopped by Prohibition Creamery for dessert where they served boozy ice cream flavors or ice cream in a boozy float. Yums. Here we chatted up the waitress and her friends who eventually recommended us to Hotel Van Zandt.

Memorial Day Weekend 2016 - South Lake Tahoe

We spent Memorial Day weekend in South Lake Tahoe with a group of friends in an AirBnB with a pool table, fooseball table, jacuzzi, and a backyard grill. After braving 7 hours of traffic with dog and baby in tow, we got to the house at around 9PM.


Lake Tahoe's water is always cold as it's melted snow. But we tried anyway and came to Kiva Dog Beach in our swim suits. The water was freezing and only the dog played around up to his belly. Luckily the park offers a scenic stroll and our trip was still relaxing.



Crab cake eggs benedict and crispy duck salad at Artemis Lakefront Cafe then back home for a baby nap. Our friends arrived shortly after and we grilled up some grass fed steaks while catching the Warriors vs. Thunder game 6. Woot!

Video blog recap of Day 1.

The next day, our group hiked the trail at Van Sickle Bi-State Park. We got as far as the waterfall and turned back because it was hot and I was worried the baby and dog would be tired. It was still a good hike and I highly recommend it. Entrance and parking is free.

Had a decent lunch at Lucky Beaver.

Then the really fun stuff started. We went fishing at Tahoe Trout Farm. It's free to enter and get the pole and bait. You just pay for the size of the fish. You can't toss any back but you can donate it to feed baby bears.

Phil caught 2. A few other friends caught 5 more. We donated 1 and took the 6 home. They clean it for $1 each + tip.

Back at the house, we had a fish cook off and the Fish and Chips won! Everything was tasty. A great time was had by all!

Here's the video summary of day 2 with fishing action.