Happy Landing Inn-Carmel By The Sea-Established 1926

Recently my wife Linda and I visited Carmel By the Sea with friends.  Famous actor, director and former mayor of Carmel Clint Eastwood still roams around the town that is a special place to enjoy golf, food and wine. Located on the deep blue Pacific, we stayed at the newly remodeled Happy Landing Inn that was established in 1926. The charm and peace of this great B and B is dog friendly and offers charm and class that is second to none. Located in downtown Carmel one block from the ocean, it has 7 suites named after famous people like Clint Eastwood and Marilyn Monroe. We stayed in the Marilyn Monroe Suite complete with fireplace and sitting room that is stocked with a fine bottle of sherry to warm your spirits when you arrive. Owner and manager Dawn, also brings breakfast to you each morning to begin your day.

It is located near famous Pebble Beach and many shops, art galleries and restaurants.  The fresh ocean air warms your spirits as you enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Carmel by the Sea.

We enjoyed a new restaurant named La Balena that featured an extensive wine list and special dishes which included deep fried cauliflower, meat balls, ravioli and osso bucco that was savory and sensational.  The word is spreading fast on this new place and reservations are highly recommended.

We also enjoyed Cafe Dametra that offered a vibrant menu of Mediterranean food and one of the few restaurants open late at night.  We enjoyed a delicate and delicious dish of mousakka and homemade hummus.   Having eaten at over 500 San Francisco restaurants, this was the best mousakka that we have had. The staff was very attentive.   The highlight of the evening was when the owner and chef entertained the packed crowd with singing and music during our dining experience.

After dinner, a "must do" is the Karaoke piano bar at Mission Ranch owned by Clint Eastwood and only 5 minutes from downtown Carmel.  The Ranch offers 41 rooms and a great restaurant. It sits on 22 acres with a large deck complete with rocking chairs and views of Point Lobos and sheep roaming the property.  Clint is usually around to talk to the patrons and play the piano in the center of the circular bar.  He was there that night and the star gazers enjoyed his warm personality and musical skills. It is one of the few places in Carmel that offers karaoke and singing each night to the late hours. It is definitely "must do" fun experience and as Clint says, "makes your day" complete.

 

Carmel By the Sea Rocks!

 

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: Happy Landing Inn in Carmel, California | B&B Rental

Click here: Dametra Cafe

Click here: la Balena

Bix "A Longtime San Francisco Foodie Fix"

In our quest to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants(500 plus and counting), my wife Linda and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bix in charming Jackson Square. Owner Doug "Bix" Biederbeck founded it in 1988 and his passion for jazz, art and quality service fills the restaurant with joy and elegance.  Each night there is jazz playing in the bar area and Bix's famous Martini's are served with perfection. Biederbeck is also the owner of Florio in Pacific Heights and Market Bar in the famous Ferry Building.

From the website, "BIX’s elegant, two-story interior is distinguished by a graceful mahogany bar, fluted columns with ornate capitals, stunning original art, plush banquettes, cozy booths, starched linens, glittering glasses and polished flatware.

Through the years, BIX has been featured in movies, magazines, books and commercials as the quintessential San Francisco restaurant. The ambiance is pure 1930s and ’40s — tasteful art modern reminiscent of the glory days of Cunard and French Line ships. Fashionable and glamorous are the hallmarks. Trendy is simply not a part of the BIX culture."

We were celebrating a birthday with good friends and sat in the upper level of this warm and friendly restaurant admiring the large piece of art over the bar and smooth live  jazz resonating throughout  the restaurant.

We brought our own wine. Corking fee is 30 dollars per bottle with 2 maximum bottles. They also have an extensive wine list and known for their great drinks. As a matter of fact, Bix wrote a book called Bixology that has many of their drink recipes in it.

Our server was very knowledgeable and recommended we start with an appetizer plate of deviled eggs, pork belly sliders, cheese pinwheels and salmon mouse, which were fantastic. They also offer steak tartar prepared table side and fresh oysters. 

 I ordered the Zuckerman's  Asparagus soup with saffron aioli and toasted briochi that was steamy hot and very flavorful.

For the entree, Linda and our friend ordered the Pacific Halibut with spring vegetable ragout, yuzu butter and mint that was delicate and delicious and like eating food from heaven perfectly prepared by angels.

The birthday gal and I ordered the Goodman Ranch Veal chop pounded with king oyster mushrooms, garlic and parsley that looked like a handmade Japanese fan on a plate.  The pounded preparation made it very unique. As a sidenote, if  I ever won the famous Masters Golf tournament,  I would serve this Veal recipe for the main course at the Champions dinner.

There is a wide of variety of desserts to choose from.  We ordered  the coconut and pineapple sorbet, creme brulee and a rhubarb tart for the birthday girl.  They all topped off this outstanding dining experience.

 

Definitely, put this on your "foodie future" stops.   Enjoying the great live jazz playing every night makes the food and drinks taste even better.

For further information and to make reservations, go to:

Click here: Welcome to BIX Restaurant

Highway to Heaven-Healdsburg 2014

Having traveled around the world, my wife Linda and I appreciate the San Francisco Bay area restaurants, wine and food experience. Our goal is to hit all 3000 San Francisco restaurants and we have been to over 500 of them.

Recently we had the pleasure of taking a 2 day getaway on the "Highway to Heaven" to the charming town of Healdsburg, California.   General Manager Nicole Abela of Les Mars Hotel in downtown Healdsburg organized a full 2 day experience for us to two Foley owned winery's that specialize in red and white wines and the Chalkboard restaurant located in “Les Mars” the European style boutique hotel. Their motto of "exceeding excellence" made our experience opulent and outstanding.

A 2 hour ride from our home In Danville, California, we enjoyed the enchanting ride thru the famous Napa Valley, St. Helena and Calistoga to Lancaster Estate Vineyards...   Lancaster is a breathtaking piece of property that specializes in red wines. We were welcomed by our knowledgeable and passionate wine host Luke Hricik with a glass of 2012 Samantha's Sauvignon Blanc that was a perfect way to begin our Lancaster wine experience.

Lancaster Estate Tasting Room

After touring thru the caves and receiving lots of information about the wines including the young and worldly winemaker from Screaming Eagle Jesse Katz, we stopped at their elegant tasting room located in the cave. Luke had 4 glasses for us to sample of their perfectly blended red wines. We sampled the 2010 Sophia's Cuvee that was 83% Cabernet and 17% Cabernet Franc, 2008 Cabernet 92% Cabernet, 4% Malbec, 2%Merlot and 1% Petite Verdot, 2009 Cabernet 85% Cabernet, 7% Malbec, 1 Cabernet Franc and 1% Petite Verdot and Nicole's Propriety Red 85% Cabernet, 8% Malbec, 5%, Petite Verdot, and 2%Merlot.

All of the wines were fantastic with the 2008 Estate Cabernet and 2010 Nicole's Proprietary Red being our favorites.

The non rushed tasting was generous and a great way to begin our day. We also enjoyed a wine lunch with picnic tables that overlooked the vines and hills of this serene setting.

Our next stop was Les Mars Hotel in downtown Healdsburg. The charming hotel is about a 20 minute drive from Lancaster. The 16 room gem is located near the famous Healdsburg Square filled with many wine tasting rooms, restaurants, clothing and olive oil shops and art galleries. Michael greeted us and we checked into an elegant appointed room complete with fresh flowers, handwritten welcome note, wine and cozy fireplace to warm your spirit.    

                                                              

Les Mars Hotel

Included is a continental breakfast served in your room and wine and cheese happy hour in their elegant library complete with fireplace. It is a fun way to meet guests from all over the world and enjoy some great wine before dinner. We met some interesting people from Manhattan and shared information about our wine, food and travel experiences.

For dinner we ate at Chalkboard located in the hotel. Chef Shane McAnelly and General Manager Sean Coleman, formerly of Va Da Vi in Walnut Creek, California, have created a small plate menu of daily changing specials and are highlighted by superb service.  Our waitress Jocelyn was very knowledgeable and full of passion about the food that insured our experience to be very special and memorable.

They have an extensive wine list, but if you bring your own, the corking fee is $15.00 dollars. It is located in the same place as the former Cyrus restaurant and has been open for a little over a year and already has received many culinary kudos. 

Chalkboard Restaurant

We started with the warm pretzel and three sauces and a shot of cauliflower soup with beer/cheese foam that was fantastic. Linda had the Yellowtail Jack Crudo with blood orange/jalapeno/fennel basil that was delicate and delicious. I had the chopped salad with cauliflower/romanesco/radish/carrot/feta and mustard vinaigrette that was a generous proportion and very good.

For the main course, Linda ordered the horseradish crusted bistro filet with baby carrot/kohirabi/sauerkraut/bordaise that paired perfectly with our Caymus Cabernet. I had the patron favorite buttermilk fried quail with parsnip puree/spinach/chestnut honey that was seasoned perfectly.

For dessert, Sean insisted on the famous candy bar: brownie/carmel/roasted milk chocolate creameaux/nougat ice cream/peanut crunch that did not disappoint and a great ending to an elegant dinner in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

The next day we had our favorite newspaper and continental breakfast delivered to our room and then took a walk around Healdsburg Square. 

We then departed for Chalk Hill Winery about 20 minutes away. This winery is located on 1300 stunning acres of rolling hills complete with chapel, buffalos, equestrian center and dining on the top of the hill for weddings and private lunches and dinners. It is also the home of Bill Foley proprietor of Les Mars, Lancaster and Chalk Hill as well as several other properties in the Napa area.  

Chalk Hill Winery

Our hostess Nicole greeted us and we had our wine tasting outside overlooking the spectacular beauty of the rolling hills and vines. Chalk Hill specializes in white wine. The estate Chardonnay is very popular and very good. We also sampled the 2010 Estate Red and Malbec that was added to our collection for our trip back to Danville. After the tasting, Nicole drove us around this property in a large SUV to experience the private gardens and winding road to the chapel and wedding facility. You definitely felt you were on the "Highway to Heaven."

We look forward to our next visit to Healdsburg and to Les Mars hotel. For more information go to:Click here: Hotel Les Mars - Relais Châteaux

2014 RoseBowl-MSU 24-Stanford 20

Golf Writers Dinner

MJ Mc Colgan National Special Olympics Champion and San Ramon High School Halloffamer has been nominated for the Northern California Hall Of Fame. MJ has also been inducted into the Tri Valley San Francisco Hall Of Fame and Michigan Hall Of Fame having been born there for his many accomplishments on and off the golf course. The inductees are honored at the Annual California Golf Writers Dinner that takes place at Pebble Beach each year during the ATT at Spanish Bay. This year the 55th dinner will be February 4th. Rocker Kid Rock and John Daly have announced they will be playing together in the tournament. This pairing is sure to draw lots of fans.

 

Click here: Mike's Green Grass, Corks and Forks: "54th Annual Golf Writers Dinner"

MJ--Hitsville USA Motown

http://www.motownmuseum.org

Dr. Sue's Tapas Soiree

Dr. Sue hosted a wonderful Tapas Party for her family and ours on a warm harvest night in her backyard.  Everyone was happy and talkative and enjoyed her wonderful food and wine.  Enjoy her menu below:

Wines:

We started with Roderer Estate Brut Rose

Dumol 2008 Syrah

Darioush 2012 Viognier

Landmark Kanzler Vineyard 2010 Pinot Noir

Finished with 2011 Sever Traminac a wonderful Croatian dessert wine and Croatian chocolates  that Romana provided

The menu included:

Assorted French & American goat and cow’s milk cheeses, wild boar, Genoa salami with crackers, assorted olives

Goat with honey cheese stuffed dates & figs wrapped in San Daniele Prosciutto

Grilled Prawns

Grilled Sausages- chicken apple, spinach parmesan

Stuffed Artichokes

Olive tapenade & tomato focaccia bread

Vince Acquisto Memorial Golf Tournament

Pictured below is 3 time National Special Olympics Golf Champion and "Biliever" MJ Mc Colgan and Executive Director Mellissa Searle doing a book signing for one of his 5 golf books at the recent Bili Project Foundation Golf tournament in honor of Vince Acquisto recently held at Wente Golf Club.

Melissa reports the second annual tournament was a grand success. She says,"The Bili Project Foundation will help advance UCSF’s new arm of gastrointestinal oncology research through the ongoing operation of the world’s first Hepatobiliary tissue tumor bank to advance early detection, treatments and cures.
We can do our work only because of the ongoing support we receive from our Bilievers. You have given hope to those suffering from Hepatobiliary cancers, and in turn, we will continue to demonstrate to you that we value your support."

2013 SRVHS Hall of Fame Dinner

Former San Ramon High Football Coach Dave Kravitz was inducted into the San Ramon Hall Of Fame on October 10 at Crow Canyon Country Club. He has the most wins in the school's history with 129 victories. He is pictured with MJ Mc Colgan 2011 SRVHS Hall Of Fame Inductee and 3 time National Special Olympics Golf Champion. Dave gave MJ's Hall of Fame speech when he was inducted in 2011. 5 others were also inducted into the Hall Of Fame for their achievements. Lew Olsen, baseball and class of 1973, Davitt Cunningham, swimming and class of 1979, Scott Baughs, runner class of 2004, Allison Falk, soccer and track class of 2005, and Gabe Adami, girls basketball coach. Congratulations to all the winners.

Great Course/Great Meal --San Francisco Links Magazine Article

San Francisco is the place for great golf and great meals.  With over 3000 restaurants, it is billed as "foodie" heaven.  Two long time treasures in "the city by the bay" are Harding Park Golf course and nearby Scoma's restaurant on famous Fisherman's Wharf.

Harding Park was established in 1925 and designed by Willie Watson and Sam  Whiting. They also crafted the famous Lake course at the nearby Olympic Club that held the 2012 US Open. It was named after Warren Harding, 29th President of the United States. President Harding was an avid golfer and died in a San Francisco hotel in 1923.

Harding Park has a rich history of golf and was a normal PGA stop in the 60's producing winners like Gary Player and Billy Casper in the Lucky Invitational. It was also course played by local golfers and Hall Of Famers Johnny Miller and Ken Venturi. As young players, they honed their skills winning many junior golf tournaments on these hallowed grounds.

In 2002 the course underwent a major renovation under the guidance of Sandy Tatum who is a famous San Francisco attorney and former President of the United States Golf Association. The course was stretched to over 7000 yards and debuted to the world as the host of the AMEX World Golf Championship in 2005. Tiger Woods edged John Daly in an exciting playoff.

In 2009, the Americans led by Captain Fred Couples and team members Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson won the Presidents Cup. Tiger Woods led the team with a 5-0 match play record.

In 2010 and 2011 Harding Park was home for the year ending Champions Tour Charles Schwab Cup. The top 30 Champion Tour players compete for a million dollars. After a one year absence, the Charles Schwab Cub returned to Harding Park in 2013.

Personally, Harding Park is very special for our family as my son MJ won his first of 48 Special Olympics Gold Medals at this course. He was born with a walking disability and like Casey Martin played golf using a golf cart. His amazing 10 year career included winning 3  Special Olympics National Championships, 10 State Championships, participating in 3 Summer World Games in Ireland, China and Greece and being inducted into 3 Hall of Fames for his great accomplishments on and off the golf course. In 2010, we played in the Charles Schwab Cup Legends Pro-Am with Masters Champion and Hall Of Famer golfer Doug Ford. Doug also played on 4 Ryder Cup teams and had many interesting stories to share with us.

Although the golf course stretches over 7000 yards from the back tees, there are friendly tees for the higher handicap golfers and ladies who want to play this course. It is a heavenly experience as you walk thru the massive Cypress trees along Lake Merced with pristine views of the city. It is a must play course next time you are in San Francisco.

After your round of golf, a short drive to Scoma's at Pier 47 on famous Fisherman’s Wharf is a great place to discuss your great shots made at famous Harding Park and enjoy this long time food landmark. Valet parking is provided and the excitement of the wharf and fresh ocean air gives you the feeling that you are some place very, very special. Al Scoma established this restaurant in 1965 and has been a favorite of many locals, tourists, celebrities and golfers for almost 50 years. When you see the many pictures of the famous people that have been to this restaurant, you can imagine the interesting conversation that evolved after a few cocktails, some warm clam chowder and sour dough bread.

One of the favorite dishes of many patrons is the Cioppino.  

The rich story of Cioppino goes like this. As Fisherman came in from their expeditions, they threw various kinds of fish or "chipped into" steaming pots on the wharf to make this fresh and famous San Francisco treat. Ala the name Cioppino.  Scoma's continues this tradition serving "the best" Cioppino.

In addition to Cioppino, there is an extensive selection of fresh fish, pasta steak and appetizers. 

After dinner, a walk on the wharf is a fun way to help your meal digest. There are lots of stores, street musicians, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz to add to the excitement. Of course a final stop is at the famous Buena Vista Bar just a few blocks away. In 1952, then owner Jack Koeppler challenged international travel writer Stanton Delaplane to help recreate the Irish Coffee recipe served at the Shannon Airport in Ireland.  After much experimentation, success was achieved and a 6 ounce heat treated clear goblet was chosen to serve this famous Irish elixer.  

 It is a vibrant place with people from all over the world gathering here. Last year Arnold Palmer and his wife came into the bar during the US Open and sat with my son and me at our table. There are no reservations and you never know who may join your table for fun conversation and an Irish Coffee or two. 

This will complete your "perfect" day in the great city by the bay.

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