Travels and Tastes

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My trip began at this tasty eatery in Phoenix. A small chain out of Colorado that does it right. Great decor, very tasty food, vibe, music, servers. All good.

There's something about traveling that makes me want a Bloody Mary. There's was stellar...very herbaceous.

There’s something about traveling that makes me want a Bloody Mary. Their concoction was stellar…very herbaceous and spicy.

Sweet Potato Pancakes with Maple Syrup and Candied Pecans. YUM.

Sweet Potato Pancakes with Maple Syrup and Candied Pecans. YUM.

on to Sedona…

Not a bad view from the hotel. Nice craft cocktails and view that is mesmerizing. Three cocktails later, I was glad my room was within walking distance.

Not a bad view from the hotel. Nice craft cocktails and scenery that is mesmerizing. Three cocktails later, I was glad my room was within walking distance.

Nice Quinoa Salad. Perfect afternoon snack while gazing at the big red rocks.

Nice Quinoa Salad. Perfect afternoon snack while gazing at the big red rocks.

Took Oak Creek Canyon Drive to Flagstaff. Beautiful.

Took Oak Creek Canyon Drive to Flagstaff. Beautiful.

The Grand Canyon…

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I have never heard so many different languages spoken in one location. Truly an international destination. Awesome and humbling.

On to Palm Springs with a stop in Jerome and Prescott…

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Prescott, Arizona is a happening town. Great courthouse square with shops and funky cafes. I enjoyed “The Blue Cat”.

Palm Springs is an oasis in the dessert. Took a great architectural tour and dined in several good places. The standout was Johannes. Delicious meal.

Palm Springs is an oasis in the desert. Restaurants, nightlife, mountains and a mid-century vibe. Took a great architectural tour and dined in several good places. The standout was Johannes. Delicious meal.

On to San Diego…

Coastline at La Jolla. Delicious lunch at George's with a good friend. Spectacular view.

Coastline at La Jolla. Delicious lunch at George’s with a good friend. Spectacular view.

Best fries ever! Really. Leroy's Kitchen in Coronado. Had two orders. Location of the mammoth and famous Coronado Hotel.

Best fries ever! Really. Leroy’s Kitchen in Coronado. Had two orders. Loved strolling the streets and neighborhoods in Coronado. Pricey real estate. Fabulous weather.

California bounty…

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Farmer’s Market in Little Italy. Overflowing displays of gorgeous, organically raised vegetables. Cheese vendors, bread makers, baristas, taco vendors, beer on tap, musicians, gorgeous flowers…so much for the eye and appetite. A MUST DO.

BALBOA PARK…amazing…1200 acres of urban green space: fountains, gardens, museums, theaters, restaurants and the famous San Diego Zoo.

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Most of the buildings at the park were built for the opening of The Panama Canal. Beautiful, ornate carved stone.

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San Diego Museum of Art

The Emmy winning Globe Theatre. Three performing venues.

The Tony winning Globe Theatre. Three performance venues.

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Beautiful succulent garden.

Beautiful succulent garden.

So many roses.

So many roses.

Who could't spend the day here? Had a nice lunch at The Prado. Lovely patio dining.

Who couldn’t spend the day here? Had a nice lunch at The Prado. Lovely patio dining.

AND MUSIC!

AND MUSIC!

Spreckels Organ Pavillion. Patriotic fervor from the pipes. Soon to be the world's largest outdoor pipe organ.

Spreckels Organ Pavillion. It was Flag Day and I heard patriotic fervor from the pipes. The instrument is soon to be the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ.

I guess you can tell that I was most impressed with this park. Such a treasure. Anyway, back home now and back in the kitchen. More recipes coming!!!!

14 comments

  1. Brent, loved your commentary and pictures! Made me home sick for San Diego and Palm Springs for about 5 minutes! Did you know Snooze Eatery is coming to Austin?! It sure looks great.

    1. Hi Paulette,

      As matter of fact, the bartender in Phoenix mentioned that one was opening in Austin….of course it would. Definitely has that Austin vibe. It is a very small franchise opened by two brothers. I really liked it. Breakfast and lunch only. BeeGees blaring at 9:30 in the morning and a delicious Bloody Mary. I’m there. I think it is going to be in the South Congress vicinity. Thanks for reading.

      Brent

    1. Hi Shelby,

      Great trip. A college friend was appointed General Director of San Diego Opera. Got to catch up with him also. Come visit!

      Brent

  2. What a trip! Fabulous photos …… Wanted that picture promenade to Take me in and poof! Be there!!!! Recipes coming will be delish, no Doubt. 😊 Barb L

    Sent from my iPhone

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  3. Thanks for sharing! We really enjoy your food at the Cafe and the recipes are wonderful! Enjoy!

  4. I loved seeing all of my favorite places again ……Jerome, Prescott, Sedona … San Diego!
    What a great food-lovers trip you were able to experience!

  5. What a fabulous trip . I want the food not the recipes (I don’t cook anymore ) and you do it so well !

  6. Where can I start? Love your posts, and this string was great. Thanks for offering a chance to live vicariously.

    1. Thanks Alison. Had a great time. Unfortunately, Tim was not able to travel with me. So, a solo trip…my first. Not a bad way to travel 😉

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