The journey continues to Santa Barbara. This town is pretty much what you would think of as the most perfect beach town ever with perfect weather, the perfect hotel, perfect shopping, and the most wonderful food. We stayed at the charming hotel Oceana and couldn't have been more pleased. This small hotel offered a swimming pool and hot tub, free bike rentals, an outstanding complimentary breakfast, and was only a short walk to the heart of the town. Our first meal was eaten at Santa Barbara Fishing Company and although we had to write our name on a long list at the door and waited for nearly an hour before being seated at one of the six or seven tables, our patience was rewarded with an outstanding meal.
Located at the very end of the pier, this restaurant is home to some of the freshest seafood around. I ordered the crab cakes, served with onion rings, caesar salad, and a wonderful slightly spicy aioli sauce. This restaurant is a must if you are in the area.
The freezing mornings in California certainly take some getting used to - especially for a native Texan who is used to summer weather well through winter. A warm bowl of oatmeal with walnuts and raisins and some hot green tea sure help make the unbearable conditions more comforting. As does the steaming hot tub just outside our hotel room that we would sneak to early in the mornings before starting our days in this somewhat bipolar city.
Next on our agenda was stopping by one of Martha Stewart and Oprah's favorite (and unique) shops. After witnessing a grand opening of an HnM store and thoroughly scavenging every foot of the shopping strip in the town square, we were in need of an afternoon pick-me-up. What better than an acai bowl? This ginormous bowl loaded with anti-oxidant oxidant rich acai berries, bananas, strawberries and topped with granola, honey, and bee pollen among other (healthful) things sure did the trick! It was unlike anything I've tasted before - you can definitely tell you are treating your body well with every spoonful. Overall, very satisfying and a compelling mixture of textures and flavors. Really a unique experience and definitely one worth trying!
Our last meal in Santa Barbara was experienced at Julia Child's favorite taqueria. This tiny hole-in-the-wall prides itself in fresh, homemade, authentic mexican flavors. Quite a few vegetarian options, including a delicious poblano tomale. If tacos aren't really your thing, the salsas alone are worth the trip. Three to choose from, and each are homemade daily.
Our last stop before reaching San Fransisco is the Tickled Pink Inn at Big Sur. What a wonderful hotel with a beautiful view of the ocean. The drive alone is breath taking - the winding coastline along the edge of the mountains. The breakfast itself wasn't much but the view was incredible and the fact that it was an outdoors eating area was very chic.
Almost to the end of the adventure: the next blog post will be San Fransisco! Stay tuned...
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