Day Trip - Outstanding in the Field

I had an absoulty wonderful weekend. My boyfriend and I had our families in town for a visit, I enjoyed a long overdue yoga class with a friend, and I could not have asked for better weather - the sun was hot but at the same time, the light felt soft and fallish. We ate most our meals together sitting on our front porch, taking in the ocean breeze, and relishing our new Venice Beach home. There is something sort of 'salt of the earth' about eating outdoors which is why today's post will focus on one of my favorite outdoor eating groups - Outstanding In The Field

A roveing culinary adventure, with a mission to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, Outstanding In The Field, is an opertunity to meet new people, enjoy good eats, and linger for hours over good wine - all while enjoying fresh farm air.  Plus, since you buy your ticket ahead of time - the most annoying part of going out to eat (the bill) is already taken care of.

The culinary tour will be making three stops in SoCal in early November: 1). Wednesday, November 2nd at Wattles Farm here in LA. 2). Sunday, November 6th at The Growing Experience in Long Beach and 3). on  November 9th at McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo -  but  be warned - tickets sell fast so purchase them now.

Manic Monday's ~ Sweet Succotash

I had my first taste of summer this weekend, and it came in the form of a sweet homemade summer succotash and an impromptu Sunday night BBQ with family and friends. 

It was my frist attempt at perfecting this New England favorite, but considering how easy it was to make and the glowing reviews, it'll likely make repeat performances all summer long.
Ingredients

• 1 large handful of string beans, cut into 2-inch lengths
• 1 small orange bell pepper
• 6 ounces sugar snap peas
• 1/2 a pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 ears of corn, husked
• 1 avocado, cut into 6 wedges, then cut crosswise into thirds
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar or white-wine vinegar
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

Cut kernels off cobs. Halve the cheery tomatoes. Dice the orange bell pepper and clean the string beans. Then quickly blanch them for 2 - 3 minutes in a little bit of butter and some EVOO. Set aside to cool. Once cooled, salt and petter to taste, place cooked vegetables, chopped avocado, and tomatoes in a large bowl, and toss with dressing. Serve immediately with a smile.

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HomeAway (from Home) Fridays ~ Sonoma County

Located in the hills between Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Valley on 24 acres all it's own, this modern master piece could have been pulled from the covers of an architectural magazine...but instead its rentable for $300 a night on Airbnb.com

Designed by Santa Monica based Frederick Fisher & Partners, this mid-century inspired 1 bedroom is only 1.5 hours outside of San Francisco near the small town of Occidental. Situated along hiking trails that can lead you to two meandering creeks, a dramatic double waterfall and even a redwood grove. This NorCal artistic gem is simple yet elegant and perfect for a quite weekend away. Rumor is the host even leaves some delicious organic edibles, local Cowgirl Creamery and a bottle of bubbly for you in the fridge....and if you are an oyster freak like me, make sure you drive the coastal route and make a stop at Drake's Bay Oyster Company, where a dozen of the freshest will cost you $10 or less, and your welcome to shuck your own! 

LAX's Food Face Lift

According to the LA Times, LAX may soon be getting a much needed culinary face lift.  Following in the footsteps of the far superior Terminal 2 at SFO, airport officials awarded contracts on Monday to some of SoCals best eateries. As long as the city council doesn't stand in the way, we could soon be chomping on the elite edibals of Govind Armstrong's  8oz. Burger, Neil Fraser's Grace, Mark Peel's Campanile and Jimmy Shaw's Loteria Grill. YUM!  

But thats not all.... if all goes to plan, terminals 7 and 8 would gain the lush libations of Seven Grand, the grub of  BLD, Marmalade Cafe and the Counter, the sweet treats of Yogurtland and the java of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Don't fret my my American Airlines loyalists, Terminal 4 would add Cole's famous french dip sandwiches, a L.A. Gourmet Street Truck station, La Provence Patisserie & Cafe, Real Food Daily and Starbucks....this is soooooo much better than my current LAX layover staple (an overpriced watered down airport bloody mary) that I think I just drooled all over my desk. 
2012 couldn't come quicker for LA travelers! 
Cheers,
Whit

Day Trip ~ Stawberry Picking, Flowers and More!

Strawberries are one of my favorite indicators that Summer is near, and I can't help but notice they are on display everywhere, from Whole Foods to our local farmers market. 
Which got me thinking: Being that we live in the agricultural bowl, there must be somewhere for me to pick a basket of my own. Lucky, I was right, and this weekend feel free to join me for a quick day trip to The Carlsbard Strawberry Company.

The Carlsbad Strawberry Company is a family owned farm occupying 80 acres of land that has been in operation since 1948 and is now in its third generation. 

There are a few rules you need to know before you go:
1) Purchase a bucket before you start picking: Small $8 and Large $15. Cash Only.
2) Don't overflow your bucket. If you stack to much, you'll bruise the poor berries at the bottom. 

3) Feel free to pick and eat as much as you like.– in fact, they provide water for you to wash the berries before you eat them. 

4) Please don't step on the strawberries.

Once you have loaded up on berries, take a quick drive to The Flower Fields before heading home. 50 acres of extraordinary color in bloom the farm sits on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, I've heard its like standing in a sea of color. Admission is $10 and they’re only open (and blooming) until May 10th. So go now!

Get me there: Click this link for directions from downtown LA. It should take you approximately 1.5 hrs each way.

Give me food: Eat fresh berries silly and please feel free to share any great strawberry recipes you may have in the comments below!

Cheers!

HomeAway (from home) Fridays ~ Venice Beach

One of the things I love to hate about L.A., is it's size, scope and sprawl, but when we have days like today, and it’s close to 80° in March, all of sudden it all feels quite alright. Its this type of weather that that reminds me L.A. is large enough to take a vacation and never have to leave the city. So jump out of bed, pack a beach bag and head west to your HomeAway from Home in LA's own Venice Beach. 

This 3 bedroom Balinese bungalow is the perfect beat-the-heat retreat. There are extra rooms to bring your friends and the perfect backyard to throw the ultimate beach BBQ (did I mention the jacuzzi and fire pit?). A four block walk to adorable Abbott Kinney and just a few blocks from that...the infamous Venice Beach. Rates start at $230 and it books up fast, so book (here) now.

{the living space}

{the master}

{the indoor /outdoor shower...love}

Get Me There: If you are from LA this is kind of a no-brainer, but the real secret lies in the fastest way to get from the East, to the West. Coming from the Hollywood Hills take Highland or La Brea down to Venice Blvd. Then head east until you hit Lincoln. Take right on Lincoln then a left on Vernon and wha-laa you've arrived. On a good day it takes 40 minutes (trust me. there isn't a faster way. I've tried 'em all). On a bad day, an hour, but the beach breeze and laid back Venetian attitude makes it all worth it.

Give Me Food: Simple: Gjelina. I know I preach about cooking at home, but make sure you reserve one of your west side nights for Gjelina. Its amazing, you'll probably have to wait, but again it's worth it. After your done with dinner wonder down Abbott to the  Tasting Kitchen for a post dinner cocktail. My personal favorite is the 'brave heart', but every drink is perfection, just take a look (here). On whichever night you aren't eating on Abbott load up on yummy summer veggies at the Santa Monica Farmers Market, grab a bottle of wine from Venice Beach Wines on Rose and fire up the grill.  The best part about this vacation rental is its open airy living spaces and uber generous back yard. Light some candles, play a great mix on your ipod and stay up late taking a tub under the stars. 

Beautiful Bermuda

As a continuation of my post last Friday (here) I've decided to load you up with all you'll need to have a amazing 3 day weekend on the beautiful island of Bermuda. So where ever you are, pack a bag full of layering items (weather moves fast in the mid- Atlantic), some sunscreen and a good book. Jump the red eye from CA or a early morning flight from NY. You'll be sipping on a Dark 'N' Stormy by sunset...

{Warwick Long Beach}

Day 1: You'll most likely arrive by noon-ish. Tickets are especially cheap from NY but almost everyone can get a good deal if they play their Kayak.com cards right. Whatever you do, book a window seat, the approach is pretty spectacular.  Once you land, it takes about 40 min to get your bags and get through customs. Cabs line up outside the airport and it'll cost you about $30 and 20 minutes to get into downtown Hamilton. Hungry? Make sure to have the cab driver stop by Art Mel's on your way from the airport (the cab driver will know it. promise). Call in an order (441-295-3965) for a Raisin Tarter Hot Fish Sandwich and be ready to have your taste buds fall in love. This is a locals only take out spot, but a Bermudian must do. 

{Art Mel's Raisin Tarter Hot}

Not one for lightly fried fish?....then head straight to Dorothy's Coffee Shop for a burger that chowhound coins the "classic coffee shop hamburger, with no gimmicks" aka its really good.  What to know: Ask for 'the works'. You can only sit at the bar. Get grilled onions. There are no fries. Order a milk shake. Enjoy.

{The Works Burger}

Ready for a post food comma nap? (I promise not all the food on the island will be this massive). Personally I loved the Fairmont Hamilton Princess for my stay. Reasonably priced, comfy beds, big white robes, great views, the islands best fish chowder and attentive service. Check-in, nap and relax, then when your ready walk off your lunch and stroll down front street to downtown Hamilton. Fun shops, nice harbor views and fresh ocean air. Top off the evening with a cocktail and a sunset on the deck of the Harbourfront Restaurant.

{The Fairmont Hamilton Princess}

{Front Street, Hamilton}

 {Front St. at night from harbor}

Day 2 & 3 after the break...

Wild Wild Western

For this trip all you'll need to get away from LA is a free afternoon and a full tank of gas.  Easy to get to, fun for photos and surrounded by great hikes. Take an afternoon to journey back in time to the Paramount Ranch. 

With a rich film history, this park has fooled movie-goers into mistaking it for the Ozark Mountains, Albuquerque New Mexico, Tom Sawyer's Missouri and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman's Colorado Springs, but you won't need a ticket to this show because admission is free (and so is the parking). The set is an honest homage to the Wild Wild West, and luckily for us, its located an hour away in the Agoura Hills. 

Get me there: Just 40 miles north on the 101 (but a century back in time) you can almost drive right into the famous faux-ghost town. Multiple hiking trails are tucked away in the valley behind the town but some of the trail junctions are unmarked, so bring a copy of the Paramount Ranch Trail guide before setting out.

Give me something more: Throughout the year there are multiple fun festivals that take place, but the one not to be missed is the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest in early May.

Give me food:  If the mock-western town wasn't fix enough, top off the day with dinner at Old Place. The name says it all. Recently written up in LA Magazine and reviewed by the LA Times, this restaurant is my definition of perfection. Sip on a Craftsman 1903 pre-prohibition Lager while enjoying a reasonably priced and completely delicious dinner. The ambiance is king, the food is top notch and reservations recommended. What are you waiting for? Make John Wayne proud and go.