02 August 2014

I was in fact, on my way to #Roblar Winery in Santa Ynez. And, in an effort to avoid the  northbound 101 traffic, which is a joke or a nightmare, depending on your perspective and which playlist you're blaring,  I set out early  Sunday morning.  Considering my breakfast options (I've made the mistake of wine tasting without food before), I decided it very wise of me to detour in Santa Barbara. 

I cruised State Street to consider my options - I'd hoped that the #Palace Grill was open, I absolutely love their food,  but no, not until lunch.  #Joe's Cafe is on my radar, I'm told by  #Chef Alberto Vasquez, aka, #Rock Chef Rolls, that I should absolutely go for lunch, order the French Dip, a stiff drink, and stumble about town! OK, I added the stumbling part, but it most certainly was implied.  However, I decided to save the latter experience for yet another day -  with a DD in tow.

So, I headed for the #Santa Barbara Public Market. What is very useful, and what I did not know prior to my arrival,  is that there is free underground parking for their customers. There isn't any signage just yet, so you have to hug the building and closely look for the entrance -  I'm told it's coming very soon.

Bring your appetite and be prepared to have an amazing culinary experience, at the #SB Public Market; it's all under one roof. There's a tasting room (beer & wine), fresh seafood, olive oil, bread, juice, coffee,  cupcakes, ice cream, and many scrumptious eateries that I can't wait to taste my way through! On this venture, I discovered #Flag Stone Pantry...with so many delicious take away dishes, just perfect for a wine country outing!

Flag Stone Pantry photo by allison kross @ akrossthetable.blogspot.com
Flag Stone Pantry at the Santa Barbara Public Market.
I had the pleasure to meet Chef and owner, Kristen Desmond. You absolutely want to, should, must try her food!


Mushroom & cheddar quiche photo by allison kross akrossthetable.blogspot.com
This mushroom & cheddar quiche is unequivocally the best quiche I have ever tasted! Each layer of flavor was perfectly seasoned and skillfully mastered!  The crust was buttery and flaky, the eggs were fresh and creamy, the mushrooms  -  earthy and  plump, all enrobed with a luxurious, velvety cheddar. #Chef Kristen Desmond has certainly outdone herself. I happen to have it on excellent authority that her mother-in-law is in complete agreement!











Cobb sandwich photo by allison kross @ akrosstheatable.blogspot.com
Just one of many delectable dishes to take with you on the wine trail - or stay a while, nestle into a cafe table and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market. 



25 July 2014

Sax on the Westlake Village Trolley, yeah baby! Happening tonight.


Imagine my delight in hopping on board the #Westlake Village Trolley for the first time and discovering  #Early McCalister, saxophonist extraordinaire!  What a great way to shake off a maddening work week and get the party started - for a fleeting moment, I thought I might actually be down in #New Orleans. Check out the Trolley Entertainment Schedule and get ready to experience an exciting,  local adventure as you sip and taste your way through #Westlake Village. Consider bellying up to the bar at #Lure for delicious smoked oysters, then roll into the #Westlake Lake and visit #Zin Bistro Americana  at sunset, check out the libations at #Four Season's the Bar and the Lookout then cruise into the #Stonehaus, for an evening of live music and a nightcap or espresso. Just some ideas to get you started... have fun and stay tuned for more trolley folly! Cheers :-)


Zin's at sunset. What's in your glass?





20 May 2014

AKross the Valley at Nesmon Cafe followed by Chef, the film.


Cafe Nesmon #nesmoncafe.com was somewhere I definitely wanted to linger much, much longer! I imagine sitting here on a warm summer's day, sipping, savoring, and people watching to my hearts content. Stress melts away with the afternoon heat. Absolutely delightful.

Now, for a brief intermission, as I run off to see Chef, #ChefTheFilm at the Galleria...OK, I'm back. I highly recommend this film. It was raw, inspiring, heartfelt, well acted, well written, and I immediately wanted the DVD and a food truck!



Luscious savory crepe, Ile de France, with brie, roasted peppers, and  bechamel.
It just wouldn't seem French without Crepe Suzette! Sweet creamy butter, sugar, orange liquor. :-)