Appleton’s gold rum, DeKuyper orange curacao, pineapple and lime juice, orgeat, Goslings Black Seal rum. $7
Hula’s Island Grill, Santa Cruz CA
There was something off with this cocktail. Perhaps the pineapple juice was old, but something just didn’t taste right. This was unfortunate because I do love my mai tai’s.
The Mystery Spot sign.
This pizza slice was really good! I liked the thin crust and they pack it with a good amount of toppings. The small pepperoni slices were perfectly salty and greasy, MMM!
Pizza My Heart, Santa Cruz CA
Pale pink Fuschia flowers (Onagraceae), The Mystery Spot.
Salsa, tortillas, Rio Zape beans, queso fresco and fried Glaum eggs. $12
Solaire Restaurant + Bar, Santa Cruz CA
This dish was lame. The sauce covering the tortilla chips was cold and the tortillas were way too soggy. The Rio Zape beans were bland and boring, and the eggs were overcooked and dry.
Freshly brewed coffee. $3
Mixed redwood forest at The Mystery Spot.
Gin, lime and cucumber. Served on the rocks. $9
Oswald, Santa Cruz CA
This cocktail was good, but it wasn’t as bright and refreshing as I thought it was going to be. Hmm…
San Lorenzo River and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
Cucumber, seven types of Japanese spice, umami tobiko, spicy crab and shiso. $13.50
Sushi Ran, Sausalito CA
I thought this sushi roll was really fun and delicious! I’d never had crawfish sushi before. The crawfish was cute and crunchy and I loved the umami tobiko and shiso. This roll had so many great flavors, noms!
I’m so glad that they don’t use cheap wouldn’t chopsticks. 🙂
With lime-ginger sauce and soy glaze, rice and mango salsa. $5
Hula’s Island Grill, Santa Cruz CA
This tasted ok, but the squid steak had a super squishy texture which I didn’t like. I liked the sauces they used and the addition of rice and mango salsa though. It was also nicely fried so it wasn’t greasy.
Orange-yellow hibiscus flower (Malvaceae), The Mystery Spot.
With Bulleit bourbon. We came here randomly one evening and it was pretty dead. The lady bartender was REALLY nice and accommodating though and she did a good job on the Manhattans. We had arrived pretty early so towards the end of our visit the nightly DJ had begun setting up his station. Playing a few games of pool was fun, but their table was on a slant so the balls never really did want you wanted them to do.
The Blue Lounge, Santa Cruz CA
Train tracks toward the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
Fresh berries and maple syrup. $10
Solaire Restaurant + Bar, Santa Cruz CA
These were just your standard French toast. They tasted fine but they weren’t anything special.
Chicken sausage. $4
These sausages were pretty sad especially when they cost four bucks!
Ketchup, maple syrup and butter.
Whiskey, apple, lemon and bitters. Served on the rocks. $9
Oswald, Santa Cruz CA
I liked this cocktail especially since it wasn’t too sweet. The apple flavor was a nice counterpoint to the whiskey.
Red fuschia flowers (Onagraceae), The Mystery Spot.
Potato-garlic puree, spring pea relish, ginger. $11
Sushi Ran, Sausalito CA
OMG, I’m in love with this dish! The short rib was SO flavorful and it just melted in your mouth. The potatoes were also delicious as was the pea relish. More please!
Fruit and granola cups, Marin Farmers Market.
Whole wheat hero, tri-tip with bbq sauce, cheddar cheese, bacon, avocado, mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, mild pepper rings, pickle on the side. $7.99
Los Gatos Meats & Smokehouse, Los Gatos CA
Wow, this sandwich was SO good! . It was packed with so many delicious ingredients, and the beef was very flavorful and tender!
Canadian geese at Vasona Park.
Homemade bbq sauce, bacon, jack cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, pickles. $8.25
Sparky’s, San Francisco CA
Omg, I’m such a pig! But hey, we all crave burgers every once in a while, right? (Especially on the way home from the bars, hehe.)
Cute big band performance, Jane Warner Plaza.
Vittle Monster 