Friday, July 31, 2009

Day 1 - Friday, July 31st

Day 1 - We've finally arrived in Ballard, California (Santa Barbara County). Our flight to San Francisco was great, no delays. We rented a Pontiac G6 convertible for the ride and after traveling on Hwy 101 for a while decided to venture off onto California 1, which is more scenic and travels along the coast. It was really beautiful with lots of curves, which made it fun. Interesting sites along the way included Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea, San Simeon (where Hearst Castle is), and San Luis Obispo. California 1 takes a little longer and thus we missed the wine tasting at the Inn where we are staying by about 15 minutes. But the staff at the Ballard Inn was nice enough to give us 2 complimentary glasses of wine, which we are now enjoying in our room. We have dinner reservations at the Ballard Inn which is a 4 star restaurant. I'm thinking of having the Sauteed Maine Scallops with Lemongrass Risotto and Lemon Verbena Nage. Travis is thinking of having the Grilled Australian Rack of Lamb with Moroccan Spiced Vegetable Ragout and Tzatziki Salad. We'll let you know what we finally choose.
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4 comments:

  1. ChristinaJuly 31, 2009 at 9:13 PM

    We ended up with Filet for me and Rack of Lamb for Travis. Having tasted the lamb, I wish I would have chosen that one. The food was unbelievable. We started with this tomato puree that was the most unbelievable tasting tomato soup I have ever had. For those that know me, it's on the level of lobster bisque, maybe better. By the way, these were just not simple meats. The flavors paired with the meats in a sauce on the side and the vegetable, I have never had before.

    As for wine, we hit the jackpot. We took a chance. One of the wineries we have on our list in Paso Robles (Monday) was on the list. We had a "kick ass" Four Vines "Biker" Zinfandel. We can't wait to go there on Monday. This was an excellent start to the trip having this great of a wine to start.

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  2. AnonymousAugust 1, 2009 at 9:27 AM

    Good to hear everything is going well. I sure would rather have the Pontiac rather than the Chrysler.

    The WX forecast for CA looks great.

    Love, Mom and Dad Brown

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  3. dr_muffinAugust 1, 2009 at 3:26 PM

    Yay! Can't wait to ride around in that Pontiac next weekend :)
    Kelly

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  4. danAugust 3, 2009 at 6:46 PM

    Didja chase anybody with your 3-wood? ARRRgh!

    "I'm not drinking f'in merlot!"

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