Old People Eating

This was the last dinner of our Californian holiday and we were hoping it would fit the bill. The restaurant was chosen as American Express had kindly offered to chip in to the cost, but the menu was appealing. When the online booking was made the form asked if it was for a special occasion. One of our party was nine days short of a significant birthday and so we felt that qualified. This brought two unexpected benefits. Firstly, we were given a complementary glass of fizz each (Cava, I think) and later a complementary plate of individual portion desserts, plus a special for the birthday boy. We took some time understanding the menu options but chose three appetisers. One shared portion of croquettas de polo, one of albondigas, veal meatballs in a rich sauce, and one single cotton candy fois gras, which I have been told was delicious. This came as a white, flufy ball on a stick concealing a small taster of fois gras. One shared Chateaubriand, one rack of lamb and one secret...

Today we were escorted around Los Angeles by our resident daughter, who drive through the city's traffic with a calm confidence that was impressive. We took a hike in Griffith Park up to the eponymous observatory, took in the great views of the city and of the Hollywood hills and then made our way through Beverly Hills and then to the Walk of Fame. On this walk is the Musso and Frank Grill, an old-school Hollywood restaurant which our daughter recommended and had booked. We were shown to a semi-circular booth at the front of the room and were told it was where Charlie Chaplin always sat for cocktails and a long lunch, arriving and departing on horseback. It may even have been true. One shared 16oz filet mignon, one calves liver and bacon, one lamb's kidneys and a chicken parmigian, all accompanied by mashed potato, creamed spinach, sauted mushrooms and fries  These were followed by two Musso tartes and a New York cheesecake. Huge praise from all five diners. Highly ...

Santa Barbara on the Californian Riviera is our next stop. We checked-in and walked over the road and out along Stearn's Wharf, the long pier stretching out into the Pacific. Towards the end of this structure is The Shellfish Co., where we thought we might have a drink and watch the sunset before going to find dinner.  As we sat and drank we watched other customers' meals arrive and took a look at the menu. We ordered. One Clam Chowder and one Lobster Bisque, both served in generously proportioned bread bowls, one portion of crispy shrimp and one seafood salad, accompanied by some onion rings and fries. All very good, even for those of us who don't always trust things that belong underwater. And the sunset was beautiful.

At the end of an interesting day visiting Hearst Castle and driving north along a very cloudy Pacific Highway we arrived at Morro Bay. After attempting to check-in at the wrong accommodation we found our rooms at the delightful Anderson Inn. A short walk lead us to Dorn's Breaker Café which provided an excellent half-pound burger, some generous Fish and Chips, and a shared avocado salad. Marvellous.

A pleasant day driving down and up Highway One in mixed cloudy and clear weather generated healthy appetites. We tried one Italian restaurant which in the early evening was unable to fit us in, so we tried Porta Bella on Ocean Avenue. Cosy and friendly, the beer that smelled like parmesan cheese was replaced without quibble, we chose four different dishes. Eight-hour cooked beef short ribs, Chicken breast in lemon, garlic and Dijon mustard, both with mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and seasonal vegetables (carrots & green beans), Dabs and a good looking Carbonara. All followed with a shared Tiramisu. All good, and we are slowly getting to grips with US prices and how tips are handled.

This is day 7 in California and we have arrived in Carmel, following three days each in San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. We chose Dametra almost on a whim and because it had Greek food, which I love. What a great decision. There were no tables available when we arrived so we sat at the bar, had a drink and waited. As we did so, a man with a guitar appeared and sang something upbeat and unrecognidable. Those lucky enough to be dining already got up and danced. We waited. When things settled down and we were seated and ordered. Starting with bread and oil and balsamic we enjoyed fresh, warm pitta bread with freshly made houmus. Then for the four of us, two slow-cooked lamb shanks served with potato gratin, green beans and carrots, one mousaka and one crab and shrimp ravioli with a cream pesto sauce. Halfway through our meal the music and dancing started again. In all, an excellent evening with an excellent meal and a great atmosphere.

After a long flight, a taxi ride and a first walk around a small part of the city, we found what claims to be an old English style tavern on the side of Powell Street, one of San Francisco's steep hills that could well have been used in the famous Steve McQueen films; Bullett. It was quite 'pubby' with decent beers and a shabby London feel. Two burgers for the gentlemrn and a shared chicken salad for the ladies. All perfectly pleasant, good portions and we'll presented. Our first experience of the price on the menu being quite a bit less than the total bill, due to service charge, tax and some kind city fees. Mental note made.