Mini-Moon!: Cali Coast to SF

August 25, 2012

On Friday afternoon, we continued on Hwy 101 down the coast and across into California. 

We spent the night in Arcata Bay, and continued on the road on Saturday. We made great time and arrived in Healdsburg in time for a relaxing lunch at Spoonbar:

Spoonbar burger, comte, short rib marmalade, fries:

Flank steak with peppers and scallions:

We got home in the afternoon and had the rest of the weekend to decompress before heading back to work on Monday.

Amazing mini-moon...can't wait until the mega-moon!

Mini-Moon!: Tu Tu' Tun Lodge, Bandon Dunes, Rogue River

August 25, 2012

On Wednesday, we diverted off I-5 and headed to the beautiful Oregon Coast. Our destination was the luxuriously-rustic Tu Tu' Tun Lodge on the Rogue River (just north of the Oregon-California border). 

We booked the "Hawkins Riffle" room, which featured a king bed, fireplace, and soaker tub on the deck overlooking the Rogue River. Deee-luxe!

We signed up for the "meal plan", which was kicked off at 6:45 PM with a school bell signaling hors d'oeuvres. This was followed by a 3-course set dinner served family-style.

Bandon Dunes

On Thursday, we headed up to the infamous "links-style" golf course to play Bandon Dunes, a key item on most bucket lists for golfers. "Windy" is an understatement at this place!

A sweet token for us from the Bandon Dunes staff;

Rogue River Fishing

On Friday morning,  Will and I had an early morning wake-up to meet up with Ross Bell to go fishing for Chinook salmon on the Rogue River.

Catch of the day: 15-pounder!

A screen shot from Ross' website of Will's catch:

We took the fish to get cleaned, filleted and vacuum-packed to take home...yum!!

We loved the days we spent in the area and fell in love with Tu Tu' Tun Lodge. After this experience, all I can think of is "I want to go to there".

Mini-Moon!: Seattle & Portland

August 25, 2012

Will and I took the week after our wedding for a little "mini-moon" back down the West Coast back to SF over 6 days. 

Seattle

On Monday night, we had dinner at this amazing restaurant called Pink Door, really close to Pike Place.

Sauteed calamari with spinach, tomatoes, spices and garlic:

House-cured salmon "carpaccio":

Pappardelle al ragu bolognese:

Cioppino Pink Door:

Butterscotch pudding for dessert:

Breakfast on Tuesday at Cafe Campagne:

Portland

On Tuesday afternoon, we hit the road for Portland and did some touring.

Food trucks!

Voodoo Doughnuts!!

Dinner at Beaker and Flask, a wonderful combination of good food and tasty schmancy cocktails.

Smoked Beef Short Rib, Grilled Onion, Snap Peas, Yogurt, Pistachio:

Silken Tofu, Smoked Cherries, Peppers, Poppy Seed Vinaigrette, Quinoa:

Black Tea Fried Chicken, Mashed Potato, Pork Gravy, Farm Greens:

Feature of the day: Chinook salmon with soba noodles and tempura:

The dinner was fantastic, and another great evening for the mini-moon!