Castroville, California

We spent the Labor Day weekend in California and the weather was great!  Much warmer than we anticipated.

There were several highlights of the trip...hiking in Santa Cruz, a great dinner in Oakland at Bay Wolf with our friend Susan, a wonderful market near Moss Landing where I just HAD to get these wonderful artichokes...3 for $5.

This photo sort of gives you a better perspective as to the size of these meaty chokes...I have what's referred to as "piano fingers" (yes, I do play) and wear a size 7 1/2 ladies glove.

Our favorite restaurant was in a tiny town off Hwy 1 called Pescadoro.  In it, we had a delightful lunch at Duartes .  Our appetizer what a deep fried calamari that was crisp, not fried and very tender.  It appeared that they pounded the rings flat.

Next, our waiter brought us a sampling of the artichoke soup as well as the Anaheim pepper soup.  Dan actually preferred the pepper soup, so we shared a bowl of that.

We enjoyed a bottle of Kenwood Rose with our meal which I've never seen here in Illinois.  As you can see from the photo, we had a very cozy corner to sit in.

For our meal, Dan had the sole and I had the sand dabs.  Both entrees were enough for at least another diner.  Apparently, Dan has now decided that he likes Swiss Chard which I will be making for him in the future.  I think I'll saute it with some olive oil, s & p and a bit of balsamic vinegar.  Quite easy and great source of Vitamin K.

Oh, and both the soups were a cream soup...but not gloppy like some.  Just a very nice texture and mouth feel.