Sausalito

A recent article about the Cinque Terre’s plans to limit the amount of tourists allowed to visit at one time will surely spark some debates on both sides.  I was lucky enough to have visited back in 2004 when it was barely put on the map or a traveler’s radar by Rick Steve.  We based ourselves nearby in La Spezia and did a day trip to and through the 5 villages of Cinque Terre starting from Monterosso, taking the train between each one through Manarola and then walking from Manarola to Riomaggiore. 

I often comment whenever I am in Sausalito in the Bay Area that it is reminiscent of the Cinque Terra with its terrace like houses up a rugged hillside.  But just like the Cinque Terre where its charm is what makes it most attractive, the increase in visitors during peak season has made it more challenging to take in the beauty at times.  I use to come by Sausalito at least a few times a year whether it is to take a leisurely stroll down Bridgeway looking at the shops and galleries or as a starting point to bike through Marin and/or over the Golden Gate Bridge and back. 

Times definitely have changed and I find myself here less often especially this time of year because of the overwhelming crowds.  Last weekend however, I came during the late afternoon and just like Monterey on an early Sunday evening in May, it was quieter, reminding me of the Sausalito I fell in love with.  After an early dinner at one of our favorite spots, Sushi Ran,

 

 

we took that leisurely stroll down Bridgeway, stopping by a few shops that seemed to have later summer hours vs. closing at 6.  Then over to Lapperts for ice cream which we took across the street and enjoyed in front of the fountain. 

 

 

 

 

Finally, we continued down the street towards the water with the most picturesque 360 degree view, Marin County to our left,

 

 

 

the perfectly clear view across the Bay of San Francisco to our right,

and us framed with the terrace liked houses behind us to our right

and the quieter Bridgeway shops behind us to our left. 

Times like this, you will wish you could swivel your head like an owl to take it all in. 

Although we still had a lot of company sitting by the rocks, it was not overwhelming allowing us to take in the charm that made it attractive to begin with, making me think the Cinque Terre might just have the right idea after all. 

Day at Monterey Bay

One motto in paradise is Lucky To Live Hawai`i.  Although I am not lucky enough to live Hawai`i, I am pretty lucky living in the Bay Area as most destinations are less than 2 hours away and therefore a great day trip, saving on accommodations.  I found myself down in Monterey Bay twice within the last month, once as a day trip and once just for dinner on the way back from San Luis Obispo.  Adding both together gave me a full day experience that is perfect for overnighters as well. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea is usually my first stop for brunch but my usual brunch place for over 10 years severely disappointed last year that I found myself looking for a replacement.  We originally planned on La Bicyclette only to discover they have an hour break between their breakfast and lunch menu and we had just missed the cutoff.  With my heart set on brunch, like I am sure many La Bicyclette rejects, we ended up at Carmel Belle and getting turned away has never been more rewarding. 

 

 

 
It is nothing fancy and no table service (you order at the counter, get your number, scout out a table and they bring you your food), however their food makes up for it.  With so many great choices, it was hard to choose so we compromised with 1 breakfast (poached eggs with Fra`mani sausage) and 1 lunch item (Slow cooked Berkshire pork sandwich) and went home to replicate two other dishes from the menu I did not get a chance to try - http://cookwithzee.blogspot.com/2016/05/green-eggs-and-ham-and-open-faced.html.  Lady luck was on our side and we were able to get what I feel is one of the best and most interesting tables in the house right in front of the fire pit for a cozy brunch on a slightly chilly late morning. 

 

After brunch, take a leisurely walk along Ocean Avenue and its side streets lined with shops and galleries and/or stroll down to Carmel Beach to people and dog watch.  Ironically, late spring and summer months often finds Carmel-by-the-Sea overcast with the sunnier days in January and February. 

No visit for us is complete without biking or driving along Pacific Grove’s Sunset Drive which turns into Ocean View Blvd on the way to Monterey, rivaling the 17 Mile Drive and aptly named the Poor Man’s 17 Mile Drive.  The Asilomar area is perfect to pull over, grab your binoculars, and start scanning for sea otters in the kelp beds.  Although the erratic unfamiliar arm motions alarmed me initially, thinking they were struggling, for the first time, I got to witness them breaking open their shellfish against a rock on their stomach and not their cute abs of steel. 

 

Over the years, Monterey had gotten way too crowded for my taste similar to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf so it became a town we drove through on our way to or from more preferred stops like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove.  Visiting on a Sunday last month during off peak, I found Monterey pleasantly quiet by the early evening reminding me why I did love it so much back in the day, so we decided to stop by the Monterey location of Ghirardelli for a sweet treat.  Sundaes are pretty consistent among the different shops but what makes this location a 5 star is the beautiful ocean view at one of the outdoor seating areas.  The only downside is the birds that fly by tends “to nest” in certain crevices above you so pay attention to avoid any extra unwanted “toppings”!

 

If you are still in the area at dinner time, my favorite place is Dametra back at Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Family owned with service on par with the great food, it is a winner all around.  Just be warned that without reservations even on a Monday evening will mean you need to eat at 3:30 or 8. 

 

 

 

But never fear, La Bicyclette which we went to last year

 

 

 

or the relatively new Il Tegamino which was our consolation prize this past week are both solid choices and a prize in itself. 

 

 

 

 

So although I cannot say I’m lucky to live Hawai`i, I found myself my own slice of paradise closer to home. 

 

 

San Leandro Cherry Festival

Looking at the factories that dot the city nowadays, who would have thought that San Leandro use to be the home of abundant cherry orchards?  Apparently so, if being the host of the annual Cherry Festival off and on since 1909 is any indication.  Although there had been a few year hiatus due to budgetary cuts, the city is gearing up for the 107^th Cherry Festival this Saturday, June 4^th from 11-6PM.   

Although it is one of the closer festivals to me, I have to admit that I do not attend the Cherry Festival as often as I would expect.  Formerly held at the Marina Park which I personally prefer as who would not want to have a view of the Bay while enjoying great food and entertainment and then easy access to the Bay Trail to work off your cherry funnel cake?  After returning from its hiatus, it has relocated to the Downtown San Leandro area which can be a challenge competing with area businesses and residences for a parking spot so get there early as over 30,000 people are expected to attend. 

As you can see from last year's pictures, you can expect food, a beer garden, live musical entertainment, and of course lots of cherries! 

 

 

 

Last year’s standout food vendor for me was San Leandro based Pinx Catering which if they are participating again this year should be your first stop as if his cherry waffle a la mode last year was any indication, they will be in high demand! 

 

Cherry Waffle a la mode

Pinx Menu from 2015

If not, Maru's Kitchen would be my top recommendation this year.  Want more info as to who is expected?  There is an app for that! 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/san-leandro-cherry-festival/id1110870262?mt=8

http://appshopper.com/entertainment/san-leandro-cherry-festival

One of the highlights of this festival is its live entertainment.  With its close proximity to the Bal Theatre that have brought in great acts from the 90s, the Cherry Festival had been blessed with amazing entertainment like Toni, Tony, Tone, Al B Sure and En Vogue in recent years.  This year get ready for R&B legend Jon B. at 4PM!  Other acts scheduled for the Main Stage are the Premier Heart Tribute Band, Back N’ Black The Ultimate Tribute to AC/DC, Native Elements, and the Legendary Escovedo Family Pete Escovedo and Juan Escovedo Band. 

So slap on that sunscreen and get ready for a fun day out in San Leandro!!

Picture Updates from our attendance this year (2016).  Due to the damage to the California cherry crop this year because of the later season rain, it was running at $5/lb but it was sweeter than last year's so we bought 1 1/2 lbs of the rainiers.  

 
Food Truck Mafia and San Leandro's own Beer Triangle (21st Amendment Brewery, Drake's Brewing, and Cleophys Quealy Beer Co.) was in attendance at the expanded PubParc area. 

With no Pinx in sight this year, Marus Kitchen Puerto Rican/Costa Rican was our choice this year. 

Who can attend a festival and not get a funnel cake?  Apparently not me and with a "When in Rome" mentality, had to get the cherry one but with a slight chocolate twist instead of the whipped cream.