Girl and the Fig

Wine country isn't just about wine; it's also about brunch and cheese. Husband and I took a short weekender to wine country with a few friends, and enjoyed a casual brunch at Girl and the Fig. Two words- cheese tower. One feeling- happy.

Vacation Home

One day maybe we'll be those kind of people who have vacation homes. Until then, we can take a vacation in someone elses home thanks to AirBnB. More importantly- a home with a pool. Now this is a vacation.

Zaytoon

Lessons of the day- (1) A sampler is always a good idea; (2) When people say 'umm I think it would be enough for 2 people', that means yes it will definitely be enough for two people, probably even three people; and (3) the best places are always off the beaten path. Thanks Zaytoon for a fabulous Mediterranean spread. We will definitely be back.

Math Proves Bacon is Miracle Food

http://www.wired.com/design/2013/10/bacon-is-a-miracle-food/

Machka

One of my favorite things to do is find hidden gems for culinary experiences in the City. Financial district is packed during the day but at night it tends to clear out to a ghost town. There's gotta be great restaurants still open, I thought. I thought right! Dinner at Machka was amazing, particularly the house hummus and kunefe.

Happy Birthday Matchmaker

Happy birthday dear Matchmaker. Truly a day of shock and awe.

Good Bites Cafe

We stumbled on this cafe by pure accident but sometimes the best things happen without any planning. Traditional filipino breakfast you say? Yes please! Good Bites Cafe is a family run restaurant with a Greek twist. Breakfast comes with the traditional sampling of choice of meat, plus garlic rice and eggs, but for good measure they throw in freshly made pita bread and hummus.

Full and happy. Now this is what I call happy food.

Climb On

Today's exploration in fitness is to Pipeworks in Sacramento for a round of bouldering. It's always a joy for Husband to get to explore new climbing gyms with new problems. I took my turn at a rough overhang problem and although I wasn't able to complete it, the challenge still brought a smile to my face (and hopefully some muscle to my back).

People's Guy

Wife: Do you think they ban Family Gun in China?

Husband: Maybe they just refer to it as People's Guy.

Sea Caves

Yet another adventure we can cross off the list. Kayaking through sea caves- check! Seeing a huge school of dolphins, double check!!

Future contestants on the Amazing Race? More like future winners!

Sunny State Street

State Street- with its countless restaurants, beautiful and colorful designs and pathway to the beach. What's not to love!

Filorium Nature Preserve

Husband and I took a leisurely hike with my parents to Filorium Nature Preserve. I love when my parents do active things like hiking. Family bonding at its best.

As usual, Husband took this opportunity to practice his mad climbing skills and I took to practicing photography. What's better- clear and vivid or rustic and vintage?

Breakfast Quinoa

Husband and I stumbled upon a new idea for breakfast- quinoa. Crazy I know. Move over oatmeal, you have met your match.

PB&J Quinoa with cashew milk and local jam // Quinoa with cashew milk, fruit and nuts

Pinnacles

It's amazing the nature that's in your backyard. Case in point- Pinnacles. It's a short 25 minute drive off the highway and once you're in the park, it feels like you've gone to another world. Nature truly is spectacular.

Andersen's Pea Soup

I have passed the sign on the highway for this place countless of times and wondered, should I stop in and try this highly publicized pea soup? Well wonder no longer I did. Husband and I stopped at the locally famous Andersen's pea soup for (what else)- pea soup.

Verdict- If it's on your way, totally worth it. The place is truly an establishment full of interesting snacks and cheesy trinkets, including a year round Christmas section. The pea soup was excellent and since that's what they are famous for, getting our respective bowl of pea soup was quick and painless despite the tourist frenzy. Happ-pea and Pea-wee were we :-)