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Wine Tasting | Santa Barbara, CA

so when it got a little sunnier, warmer…we took a mini trip to santa barbara to go wine tasting. first stop: paula’s pancake house in solvang for some breakfast.

Paula's Pancake House Paula's Pancake House Paula's Pancake House Paula's Pancake House

we ordered the ortega special. roast beef, jack cheese, green chili on a sourdough bread. it was ok. we also ordered the paula’s special danish pancakes topped with apples and fresh whipped cream. this was my first time eating a danish pancake. it was pretty much a lighter pancake! i really enjoyed the texture. wished the the whipped cream was a little sweeter (it was on the bland side) and next time would definitely order berries…not apples.

Paula's Pancake House Paula's Pancake House Paula's Pancake House

paula’s pancake house
1531 mission dr
solvang, ca 93463

Paula's Pancake House on Urbanspoon

based on a brochure we picked up and some good ol’ interest research, 4 vineyards per day was considered plenty. 4 vineyards was definitely the magic number. it was the perfect amount of time at each one just lounging and learning about wine. here’s where we went:

  • imagine wine
  • carr winery
  • roblar winery (because it has some food)
  • brander winery

first stop: imagine wine. met ross. learned about wine, his family, his start, local art, and drank some pretty good wines. we loved it. the tasting room looks like an art gallery. lots of natural light. wine tasting is $10 and you get to try 5 wines.

fell in love with the chadonnay and bought some bottles. oh, one of their wines is called the panty dropper (we know, we felt the same way) this was a great start to the day. we would recommend coming here for sure. say hi to ross for us.

Imagine Wine Santa Barbara Imagine Wine Santa Barbara Imagine Wine Santa Barbara

imagine winery
3563 numancia st #103
santa ynez, ca 93460

next stop was next door to carr winery. wine tasting room was darker, colder, dark woods high ceilings and a shuffleboard (yes!). our host was pretty awesome. wine flights were $10. not to mention, they also have wine on tap. a pretty cool place (also on the younger side) to just hang out and enjoy wine with friends.

Carr Winery Santa Barbara Carr Winery Santa Barbara

carr winery
3563 numancia st. #101
santa ynez, ca 93460

Carr Winery on Urbanspoon

we picked roblar because they had food w/ wine pairing. we definitely needed food at this point. gorgeous place. we sat next to the fire place on some comfy couches and enjoyed some food and wine.

Roblar Winery Santa Barbara Roblar Winery Santa Barbara Roblar Winery Santa Barbara Roblar Winery Santa Barbara

we went with the trio package ($20) – tastings of three featured wines paired with three hors d’oeuvres. we liked the wonton, pork was dry and the pears were ok. for the four of us, we just ordered two packages. this was definitely enough.

Roblar Winery Santa Barbara Roblar Winery Santa Barbara Roblar Winery Santa Barbara

we couldnt resist. we had to take jumping pictures in the beautiful vineyard.

Roblar Winery Santa Barbara

very pretty winery. would we come back? probably not because there are so many other wineries we would want to try. the wine was ok. nothing very memorable (we didnt buy any here). food was ok. you would definitely be going here for the atmosphere.

roblar winery
3010 roblar ave.
santa ynez, ca 93460

Roblar Winery on Urbanspoon

last stop: brander vineyard. we spent quite some time here taking pictures because the property itself is very charming. classic flight with a logo glass $10.

Brander Winery Santa Barbara Brander Winery Santa Barbara Brander Winery Santa Barbara Brander Winery Santa Barbara

we loved the staff. very friendly and helpful. wine was good. they are known for their sauvignon blanc. we were fans.

IMG_0722 Brander Winery Santa Barbara Brander Winery Santa Barbara Brander Winery Santa Barbara Brander Winery Santa Barbara Brander Winery Santa Barbara Brander Winery Santa Barbara Brander Winery Santa Barbara Brander Winery Santa Barbara

i would definitely come back to you, brander vineyard.

brander vineyard
2401 refugio road
los olivos, ca 93441

Brander Vineyard on Urbanspoon

it was nice getting away…and wine is always better with friends. thank you, santa barbara.

By | March 18th, 2013 | California, Food, Friends, Restaurants, Santa Barbara, Travel | 0 Comments

Our Adventures in Bangkok – Part I

i finally got around to sorting through photos of our time in bangkok! we were only there for two nights. we flew in from chiang mai in the morning and spent the day taking a boat ride down the chao phraya river, visiting the grand palace, wat phra kaeo (temple of the emerald buddha), wat pho (temple of the reclining buddha), wat arun (temple of dawn), and getting to know the skytrain (the most efficient, well-air conditioned transportation system, ever).

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we tried to get fresh coconut every where we went.

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seeing the reclining buddha was amazing but beware that it gets extremely crowded!

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the emperor’s palace. the palace was beautiful but keep in mind it is really strict inside and also at the entrance gate as well (understandably). i was yelled at since i was wearing tights, which apparently are not allowed so i had to buy a cover. then i got yelled at inside the wat phra kaeo for exiting the wrong door! it was definitely not my day…but it was still beautiful!

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the view from wat arun! this was definitely our favorite temple!

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By | February 18th, 2013 | Food, Restaurants, Thailand, Travel | 3 Comments

Tiger Bar | June Lake, CA

we always like to visit june lake when we spend time in mammoth. after a morning of sledding, we ended up at the tiger bar for lunch. pleasantly surprised and definitely hit the spot. picture cozy cabin, pool table, bar, and a jukebox.

we ordered:

  • tiger burger
  • tiger chili
  • club sandwich
  • the blt

Tiger Bar June Lakes

the club is huge. the plate pictured here is split (yep). delicious! you will love the crispy bacon. fries are battered and yum.

Tiger Bar | June Lake Tiger Bar | June Lake

bowl of chili was amazing. great kick and plenty of cheese. if i dreamed of a chili, it might be this one.

Tiger Bar | June Lake

the burger was okay (according to our friends) and the blt was a winner.

Tiger Bar | June Lake

service is great! overall, perfect lunch spot. wish we ordered some dessert!

Tiger Bar
2620 Hwy 158
June Lake, CA 93529

Tiger Bar & Cafe on Urbanspoon

By | February 18th, 2013 | Food, Mammoth, Restaurants, Travel | 0 Comments

Roberto’s Mexican Cafe | Mammoth Lakes, CA

kyle and his family have been going to mammoth ever since he was little (actually his dad has been going ever since he was a teenager). so when they go to mammoth, a favorite is roberto’s.

Roberto's Mammoth Roberto's Mammoth Roberto's Mammoth Robertos Mammoth

something worth mentioning is their margarita (cadillac) pitcher! you gotta get this. word of caution, it is really, really strong! you know, if you’re into that kind of thing.

  • food: you arent going to think “oh man, this is the greatest mexican food i’ve ever had” (especially all us lucky folks down in southern california) but it is tasty. it’s great after a long day on the mountain or sledding! crunchy chips and salsa, hot burritos, fajitas, tacos, roberto’s has it all.
  • service: always friendly!
  • parking: ample

Roberto’s Mexican Cafe
271 Old Mammoth Rd
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Roberto's Mexican Cafe on Urbanspoon

By | February 16th, 2013 | Food, Mammoth, Restaurants, Travel | 0 Comments

Mammoth in the Winter!

it’s a level 5 friday!! hope everyone is enjoying their friday!

so, this was our second time in mammoth during the winter (we are in the process of learning how to ski). we definitely lucked out on the weather! (i love playing with my dslr in mammoth!) here are some awesome shots during the weekend.

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have a good weekend!

By | February 15th, 2013 | Friends, Life, Mammoth, Photography, Travel | 0 Comments
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