Summer is a time to travel, explore, be adventurous, eat outside, and share these great memories with family and friends. I recently went on a gals trip to San Francisco and Napa. Great times would be an understatement. At times I almost felt guilty that I was truly having that much fun. It is times like those, that remind you how lucky you are. Lucky to have people to be able to do that with, lucky to be able to explore new places, and just lucky that you land in a hotel with the entire Raiders Football Team.
We go to check into our hotel and there they are, bellied up to the bar and ready to party, a bunch of Raiders players. Some hilarious cats to say the least! Seeing the dedication they had at night to drink heavily and then the dedication to get up early in the morning and train all day long, in turn gave me the dedication to drink all day at wine tastings and then precede to go to great delicious drawn out dinners at night. I did just that, like a champ might I add. Here are some places we explored and some recipes I took from the amazing fun filled girls weekend.
First stop San Francisco for some fresh delicious, down home lunch eats in portable boxes screaming "take me to the beach".
We made it to a local eatery called, Blue Barn. The definition of everything I'm about, fresh, fast, and simply flavorful. I went for the Big Tuna, which was some of the best tuna salad I have ever had in my life. Fresh pole-caught albacore tuna, very very light mayo, fresh tomatoes, watercress, and fresh made toasted whole wheat bread. My sister and her friend split a delectable fancy grilled cheese and the tostada salad. Both equally amazing but both in their own ways. The tostada salad was so fresh and delicious full of romaine....which in my opinion one of the most under appreciated green. It is in my mind, the only lettuce out there that stands up to powerful and creamy dressings that deserve a strong lettuce. It was loaded with toasted corn, black beans, tomatoes, jicama, scallions, herbs, pumpkin seeds, tortilla strips, white cheddar and chipotle-agave vinaigrette. If you are thinking "give me now", yep you would be thinking right. I was so in love with this place that I contemplated making a one hour detour off the 101 just to get it for the long airport haul. I didn't get it, but I am still dreaming about it.
Next stop Sausalito for some bayside fare. As a family we were in Sausalito for Eddie's birthday nine years ago, so we thought it was only fitting we return. We stumbled upon Barrel House Tavern, by stumble I mean lucked out. This place was any foodies dream come true, especially on their birthday. When I say it over looked the water, I mean literally. You were hanging over the water. Here we decided we needed a bottle of Rose and some oysters to start. Very fresh and very flavorful. Next we got a definition of summer dish. Fresh grilled white peaches, balsamic dressed arugula, and topped with pistachios and honey. Happy Birthday to Eddie.
Next stop Napa stayed tuned.....it was an adventure.
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