Today, my husband and I both had a day off with no appointments or obligations. Woohoo! We opted to hit the road for a small road trip. First, on my list was a visit to a local fruit and vegetable stand. We recently stopped buying any produce from supermarkets. Locally-grown produce tastes better and lasts longer. The recent produce recalls gave me further incentive to purchase selectively. We took 76 highway going east and found a produce stand that appealed to us. We bought a variety of fruits and vegetables – including plums, avocados and sweet potatoes.
Next, back in the car for more fun. We took the back roads to Bates Nuts Farm in Valley Center. I love this store! It’s a family-owned business that has been around since 1921. I bought all my favorites from raspberry-lemonade flavored candy corn to dried peaches and pears. It was my husband’s first time in the store. He practically ran to the back of the store to sample an assortment of homemade fudge. His favorite was the dark chocolate walnut fudge. My favorite was red velvet. We compromised; we bought both flavors…along with the snickers flavor.
The scenery was inspiring and we managed to avoid any traffic. I call that a great day!
Quiet Stretch On 76An Unassuming Vegetable StandRoadside StaiJohn Checks Out Plums and GrapesGreat Selection The Front of Bates Nut FarmBates Nut Farm Front Porch At BatesGreat Halloween Decorations More Halloween Decorations Bates Sells Everything Bates Store for Nuts, Dried Fruit, Chocolate, Etc.Interior of Bates FarmWhy Buy Normal Candy Corn?Homemade Fudge!This Is 1.5 Pounds of Delight!
Recently, my husband and I checked out the newly opened An’s Gate D5 in downtown Oceanside – across the street from the pier.
Previously, I had read glowing reviews about An’s Dry Cleaning in San Diego. So, I have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the Oceanside location . What a remarkable ice cream product – beats almost anything else I have tasted when it comes to ice cream or gelato.
Each An’s location has a different fun theme. The Oceanside branch is housed in the famous Top Gun House and even has an exact replica of Tom Cruise’s motorcycle from the movie Top Gun. The entire interior has an aviation terminal theme with all of the gelato flavors having the names of destinations. We sat outside on the porch and enjoyed beautiful views of the ocean and pier as we ate our gelato.
This place is not just a cheap gimmick. Upon reaching the front counter, the staff suggests that you cleanse your palette with an orange sorbet followed by a sample of each flavor. I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed the vegan grapefruit-strawberry sorbet. Each flavor is unique and incredibly rich. The gelato is made fresh daily. After our taste testing experience, my husband and I both opted for waffle cones. I am a big fan of the Del Mar and Ho Chi Minh flavors. Even the cones were freshly made and delicious.
Currently, An’s Gelato has five locations within San Diego County:
An’s Dry Cleaning – North Park
An’s Hatmakers – Del Mar
An’s Electronic Repair – Ocean Beach
An’s Athletic Field Services – Petco Park
An’s Gate D5 – Oceanside
For the past two consecutive years, USA Today has named An’s Gelato the number one gelato in the country. The place is definitely worth a visit.
Front Exterior of the Top Gun House Interior Seating Ice Cream To GoThe Line Signage To Create a Boarding Gate Atmosphere The Menu of Ice Cream Flavors Enjoying the Experience Our Gate Agent Giving Us Tastings The Vohemar Honey, Butter & CornbreadOptions Including Killer Waffle ConesWe Both Went With Waffle ConesWhat An Amazing Experience!The Husband Enjoying His Cone Sitting In Front Visitors Love Photo Opportunities with Maverick’s MotorcycleReplica of the Top Gun MotorcycleFront Porch at the Top Gun HouseStanding in Front Top Gun House Top Gun House Plaque Adjacent to Maverick’s Bike The Top Gun Motorcycle
No trip to the San Diego area is complete without a visit to the Birch Aquarium. It is part of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at UCSD. While Birch is smaller than the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, it is still impressive.
Birch Aquarium is more research-oriented with an incredible team of people to answer your questions. I wondered out loud what an unusual item was and a staff member immediately came over. She explained that I was looking at a bowl of shark eggs and gave me helpful background regarding the eggs and their particular shapes. Later, someone else saw my husband and me staring at a large display of colorful fish swimming around coral. The staff member approached us to tell us about UCSD’s extensive coral research. He explained the relationship between the polyps and algae that make up coral. The brilliant colors of coral come from algae. He even pointed out a turf war going on between different corals within the tank. Throughout our visit, multiple staff members continued to offer answers for any questions we might have.
Naturally, the penguins stole our hearts. Warning – they do smell. We saw signage that they poop, on average, 145 times a day. After getting a few whiffs, I have no doubt regarding that factoid. John and I were surprised by how close we were able to get to some of the penguins who demonstrated pretty outgoing personalities.
For those with families , the aquarium offers organized activities for young children as well as an entire wing with displays geared towards them.
We did not eat at the aquarium but there is a very lovely outdoor cafe for those who choose to do so.
Finally, I do recommend purchasing tickets in advance online. If you buy your tickets at the aquarium, you pay more.
The Legacy Sculpture From 2996The Legacy Sculpture By Randy PuckettThe Legacy Sculpture At The Entrance Restaurant in Front of the Aquarium Front Entrance of the Aquarium The Best View In Town My Husband Enjoying the View Again, Enjoying the View Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial PierMore Inspiration The La Jolla Coastline Soaking Ip the ViewsTide Pool Close-UpTide Pool Close-upTide Pool Overlooking La Jolla Shoreline Tide Pool Closeup With a Lobster Starfish Tide spoolOutdoor Tide Pool Beautiful Deep Blue Water Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial PierOutdoor Opportunity to Tour Sea LifeShark Eggs Jellyfish Inside – Touring the Aquarium Sea Anemone Sea Anemone Sea Anemone Starfish Lounging Starfish Lobster Tiny Jellyfish Lobster Garibaldi Sea Slug Large Cluster of Tiny Fish Frog FishDangerous LionfishSpectacular Live Coral Blue Tang With Coral Coral Gets Its Colors from Algae More Living Coral Amazing Collection of Living Coral Lobby AreaRamp From the Interior to the Tide Pool AreaFast-Moving SeahorseSea dragon More Sea Dragons Comfy Sitting Area Within the Aquarium The Perfect Chairs to Enjoy the View The View Never Gets Old The Penguins Are Adorable Penguin Close-UpThe Penguin Pool
For decades now, Convoy Street has been the destination for amazing restaurants and markets within San Diego.
Originally, the area was known as Camp Kearny – named after Brigadier General Stephen Kearny of Mexican-American War fame. In 1946, post WWII, the area was decommissioned. By the 1970s, the first wave of Asian businesses started popping up. By the 1980s, a plethora of really good restaurants was established along a 1.5 mile area of Convoy Street.
One of my very favorite spots is Tasty Noodle House which serves delicious Shanghai-style Chinese food at reasonable prices. The place opened its first location in Hacienda Heights California back in 2010. The owners slowly expanded and opened up a location on Convoy Street in 2015. I only recently discovered it and I am hooked. Convoy Street offers so many choices but I keep returning to Tasty Noodle House. The restaurant is famous for its spicy cucumber salad which looks spicier than it really is. As my husband said to me – “who knew cucumbers could taste this good?”The dumplings are so fresh and remind me of the ones I enjoyed years ago at a dumpling place in Xian China – really fantastic. When we placed our dumpling order, our waitress apologetically told us that it would take 15 minutes. The dumplings were so worth the wait. Every dish is so flavorful that I have yet to feel the urge to use any soy sauce. On our most recent visit we tried the beef with black pepper sauce and it did not disappoint. I have yet to find another Chinese restaurant closer to my home that delivers such flavor and variety. We shall return in the near future.
Outside Tasty Noodle House 4646 Convoy Street Interior of Tasty Noodle House Beef with Black Pepper Sauce Spicy Cucumber Salad Steamed Beef Dumplings with Ginger Tasty Noodle House MenuShanghai Grilled Pork BunsParking Lot Entrance for 4646 Convoy Street Tasty Noodle House Menu Tasty Noodle House MenuTasty Noodle House Menu
I have heard so much about Corner Pizza’s Killer Bee pizza. So, I knew I had to try it. My husband John, reluctantly, joined me for my latest food adventure. It ended up being a delicious food extravaganza. So, what is on a Killer Bee pizza? It consists of sauce, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, fresh rosemary, soppressata (an Italian dry-cured salami), pepperoni and chili honey. The combination of flavors really works! My husband and I felt we were in food nirvana. Plus, the crust is terrific – not too thick and with just right amount of chew.
This was our first time at Corner Pizza’s Oceanside location but it won’t be our last. The homemade cookies are worth consideration, too. We really enjoyed the chocolate chip and sea salt ones.
Exterior of Killer BeeInterior of Killer BeeInterior of Corner PizzaSo Love This SignBar AreaKiller BeeKiller Bee PieHot Honey Close-Up the Killer Bee PizzaHard Cider and BeerComplimentary WaterDelicious Homemade Cookies Cookie Close-Up – chocolate chips & Salt Crystals Box for Our Leftovers Smiling After A Fantastic Dining Experience
Whether you are looking for a place for a fun day trip, a weekend getaway or a new place to hang your hat, Oceanside offers so much.
Mission San Luis Rey
The state of California has 21 Spanish missions along a 600-mile path that the Spanish built, with forced labor from Native Americans, between 1769 and 1823. Oceanside is lucky to have the largest of the missions. Mission San Luis Rey dates back to 1798 and is known as the “King of the Missions.” The grounds are spectacular and the small museum is worth checking out. My favorite aspect is the church. The Spaniards painted the walls to mimic the beautiful tiles of Spain.
Oceanside Pier
The original pier dates back to 1888 and was located where Wisconsin meets the ocean. Heavy storms destroyed it and ever since all subsequent piers have been located where the current one is situated. Severe storms have resulted in the pier being rebuilt and repaired multiple times. Back in the late 1980s, there was a wonderful seafood restaurant at the end of the pier called Fisherman’s Restaurant and Lounge. In 1996, the seafood restaurant closed and a branch of Ruby’s Diner replaced it – staying open until 2021.
In 2024, the end of the pier caught on fire. Two years later, we are still waiting for restoration of the scorched far end of the pier. While there is no longer a restaurant on the pier, Tin Fish has a branch of its casual outdoor restaurant below the pier. I am a big fan of the fish and chips as well as the fish tacos. The pier is a popular place for walking and fishing.
Robert’s Cottages
One of my favorite things to show friends from out-of-town are the historic Robert’s Cottages. The historic cottage conclave consists of twenty-four 300-square-foot bungalows. Built in 1928, they are located along the beach just south of the harbor. The cottages are individually owned and seldom go on the market for sale. When they do, they usually sell for between $750,000 and $1,000,000.
Fortunately, it is possible to rent one. You can usually rent one of the cottages for between $2,500 and $3,300 per week…depending upon the time of year.
The Oceanside Harbor
Surprisingly, the harbor only dates back to 1963. The harbor has just shy of a 1,000 boat slips with approximately 150 people living on their boats full time. It is the only boat harbor between Newport Beach and downtown San Diego. The harbor includes a number of shops, restaurants, bars, whale-watching opportunities and some fun special events. One of my favorite events is the annual Christmas boat parade which takes place in early December. The local boat owners go all out with lights and decorations.
My family is a big fan of Stratford’s at the harbor for both breakfast and lunch. The restaurant serves wonderful fish tacos. The nearby Harbor Fish and Chips has been serving fish at the harbor since 1969 and is another family favorite.
Fine Dining
Valle is Oceanside’s only Michelin-star restaurant. The gourmet Mexican restaurant is located across the street from the ocean near the pier and is well-known for its 8-course dinners. The restaurant is owned by Chef Roberto Alcocer who is heavily influenced by the Valle de Guadalupe – Mexico’s big wine-producing area. It has a very fun atmosphere with some really creative food. Warning – it is definitely on the pricey side.
333 Pacific is a fun steak and seafood restaurant that has been around for almost 20 years. It is located across the street from the pier and offers great service, food and views.
Top Gun House
The Top Gun house is a cute beach bungalow that was used as Charlie’s home in the 1988 film Top Gun. It has been moved a few blocks from its original coastal location. Recently, it was the site of a pie shop and it is soon to be the latest branch of the popular An’s Gelato business.
The Beach
The beach in Oceanside is actually nicer than those of the adjacent towns with broader stretches of sand and better parking. I especially enjoy the stretch of beach adjacent to the harbor with its expansive areas of sand.
Restaurant Scene
The restaurant scene has dramatically improved over the past few years. One of my favorites is a casual restaurant called Tanner’s Prime that serves terrific smash burgers made with high-quality beef. The founding chef previously helped Benu in San Francisco earn 3 Michelin stars. Tanner’s does not have any Michelin stars but it is recognized in the Michelin Guide California.
My favorite Mexican restaurant is Anita’s in Oceanside. There are two Anita’s in Oceanside but the one to visit is located in the original press room for the old Blade Tribune newspaper on Coast Highway 101. Its seafood options, in particular, are extraordinary. I love both the Mariscada (a seafood stew that includes crab and octopus and is topped with wine and cheese) and the Camarones à la Tequila.
Finally, I am a big fan of Cafe 101 for their great breakfast options. The restaurant’s chili is a local favorite, too. Cafe 101 is located on the corner of Wisconsin – just a few blocks away from beach.
I hope my words give you inspiration for a future visit to Oceanside.
The Mission San Luis ReyOceanside Harbor Oceanside Harbor A Commercial Fishing Vessel Beach at the Harbor Famous Robert’s CottagesShops at the Harbor Bar at the Harbor Fish Tacos at Stratford’s at the Harbor Beach at the Pier Oceanside Beach Adjacent to the Pier Distant View of the Oceanside Pier With My Husband John – Enjoying the Beach Stairs at Oceanside Beach The Beach Near Wisconsin The Beach Is Great for Bicycling Typical Summer Day at the BeachPark Area at Oceanside Beach Tourists Enjoying the Beach Vintage Beach Cottage Adjacent to Oceanside Beach Beach Rental Near the PierOceanside Beach Rental Cute Vintage Beach Cottage Another Vintage Beach Bungalow Local Breakfast Restaurant On Coast Highway 101Michelin- Star Restaurant ValleOutdoor Seating Adjacent to Valle Restaurant Exterior of Mission San Luis ReyAppetizer at ValleInterior of ValleTop Gun House Exterior of Mission San Luis ReyInterior of Mission San Luis ReyInterior of Mission San Luis ReyMission San Luis ReyMission San Luis ReyMission San Luis ReyMission San Luis ReyTanner’s Prime BurgersTanner’s Prime Dirty Double Exterior of 333 Pacific Interior of 333 PacificAmazing Bread and Compound Butter at 333 Pacific
I’m a cheese monger and I recently decided to host a cheese fondue event at my store in honor of Mother’s Day weekend. The event proved to be popular with both customers and employees. Fondue offers so many creative options and sets the tone for a fun day. A surprising number of people were new to trying cheese fondue.
I have seen many variations in the basic recipe but this is how I like to make my fondue:
Ingredients
1 Crushed Garlic Clove
1 Cup White Wine
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
16 Ounces Grated Cheese – 50/50 Mix of Gruyere and Emmental (other cheese options include Appenzeller, Raclette and Fontina)
3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
1 Tablespoon Nutmeg
Directions
First, rub the crushed garlic around your pot. Next, add in the wine and lemon juice. The acid in the lemon helps the cheese and liquid bind together – preventing a clumping mess of cheese. In a separate bowl, mix together all the grated cheese and cornstarch. As the liquid heats up, slowly add in the cheese mixture. Finally, add in a pinch of salt and the nutmeg.
I use an electric fondue pot that dates back to the 1970s. It was my mother-in-law’s and brings back lots of great memories for my husband.
Regardless of what type of pot you use for your fondue, my recommendation is to not cook the fondue at too high of a temperature or your fondue may separate.
I served my fondue with sliced baguettes and cornichons piquants. I like the balance of the cheese with slightly spicy dill pickles. Bell peppers, carrots and slightly blanched broccoli or asparagus also work really well.
The Safari Park in Escondido is not just part of the San Diego Zoo, it is the crown jewel of zoos.
The entire park has so much space for the animals that I can almost hear “Born Free” playing in the background. The combination of vast spaces for the animals, gardens with vegetation from exotic locations in Africa and Australia and spectacular views creates an exhilarating experience. We especially enjoyed the section of the park that is adjacent to the condor exhibit.
My husband and I recently visited the park after a 16-year hiatus and were thrilled with the latest changes and additions.
The Valley of the Elephants is the newest addition and it is impressive. The elephants have a lot of room to roam as well as interactive toys. Plus, the way the space is designed – visitors can see the elephants up close without disturbing them.
The park even has a Roar & Snore option where visitors can stay overnight in elegant tents, located near Elephant Valley, and enjoy a night vision safari among other fun activities.
One of the biggest surprises to me is the addition of the Mkutano House – a large fine-dining restaurant that opened in March of 2026. It is a stunning restaurant with a unique international menu and great views of the adjacent Elephant Valley.
I suggest getting an early start as there is a lot of space to cover and Escondido gets hot in the afternoons. The day we went, we walked almost 15,000 steps.
Tram Ride Around Africa The Cheetah Space Flamingo Territory Close View of the Giraffes from the TramViews from Africa Cheetah Takes a Break Fun BridgeFun Walk on a Bridge Enjoying the Surroundings One of Numerous Dining Options with Great Views The Gorilla Encampment More Gorillas Near the CranesCranesThe Valley of the Elephants Elephant Elephants Entrance to the Elephant Valley Elephant More Elephants Beautiful Vegetation Throughout the Park Glamping Is Available at Roar & SnoreHot Air Balloon Rides Enjoying Our Day The TigersStanding Near a Waterfall Beautiful Views on the Way to See the Condors Beautiful Area to Sit A CondorThe View Near the CondorsViews Near the CondorsLily Pond in Australia Kangaroo TimeKangaroo Getting a Snack Hot Pink Bottle Brush Plant
California is lucky to have two Presidential Libraries: the Reagan in Simi Valley and the Nixon in Yorba Linda.
I have visited the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum a number of times and have watched it change over the years. The library was originally started by a private foundation in 1990. It is located on land that was previously owned by the Nixon family for a failed citrus farm. The grounds still include Nixon’s childhood home, from 1912, built by Nixon’s father using a mail-order kit.
In 2007, the National Archives and Records Administration took over the collection. Nixon’s daughters Julie and Tricia are still active members of the board of directors. The biggest change in the library was the reinterpretation of Watergate. Other changes include the 2004 addition of the East Wing replica. Also, in 2006, the Army One helicopter arrived. This helicopter was flown during the Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford administrations. This is the same helicopter that transported the Nixons on their final flight from the White House lawn when Nixon resigned as President of the United States. Now is the time to see it. The helicopter is scheduled to depart the library for extensive restoration.
I have been to more than half of the presidential libraries and this one does a fantastic job at presenting interactive displays. The current permanent exhibit is a fair and honest interpretation of Nixon’s accomplishments and failures. Nixon is responsible for establishing the Environmental Protection Agency as well as Title IX which prohibits any sex-based discrimination in any education-based program or activity receiving federal funding. In addition, he ended the military draft effective 1973. His international work to establish a relationship with the People’s Republic of China after 25 years of no contact is extraordinary.
On the negative side, his campaign promise to dismantle the Vietnam War was painfully slow and frustrating. Nixon’s abuse of power and paranoia was legendary. The Watergate coverup of course, destroyed his presidency and reputation.
The current rotating exhibit celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States and includes President Dwight Eisenhower’s 4 stars, Louis Armstrong’s trumpet and the kitchen display that started Nixon’s famous “Kitchen Debate” with Khrushchev in 1959 when Nixon was the Vice President under Eisenhower.
In summary, the library does a wonderful job at maximizing indoor and outdoor space.
Inside the Lobby Front Entrance Fountain The Nixon Presidential Campaign Nixon Campaign Buttons Nixon’s Oval OfficeNixon’s Oval OfficePart of the Berlin WallWatergate DisplayAbuse of Power Display Map of Hidden Speakers in the Nixon White House Nixon Family Grocery Store in WhittierLieutenant Nixon Nixon’s Early Political LifeFun Photo Opportunity at the Nixon Library Novelty Nixon Shower HeadNixon Established the EPARose Garden at the Library The Nixon GravesNixon’s Original Childhood Home Where He Was Born Nixon’s Childhood Home Replica of the East Wing of the White House Front Exterior of Nixon’s Childhood Home 112-Year-Old Pepper Tree Adjacent to the Nixon Family Home California Bear Sculpture The Nixon Presidential Helicopter My Husband and Myself in Front of the Nixon-Era Helicopter Special Exhibit at the Library Eisenhower’s 4 StarsThe Actual Kitchen from Nixon’s Kitchen Debate Louis Armstrong’s Trumpet Plaque Outside Nixon’s Childhood Home
This is something I never envisioned doing until I became a professional cheese monger. It is exciting, a bit daunting and definitely exhausting…mostly it is fun.
Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is strictly regulated in Italy and can be made in only a handful of specific regions. As a result, it is more expensive than cheaper Parmesan versions made within the United States. Each Italian wheel, made from just milk, salt and rennet, is inspected and certified.
The taste difference between authentic Italian Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and cheaper Parmesan alternatives is staggering. Authentic Italian Parmigiano Reggiano is made from unpasteurized milk whereas most American Parmesan is made from pasteurized milk. The Italian cheese tastes sharper with a nutty flavor. The U.S. versions are milder and smoother in texture. BelGioioso Cheese is one of the few American exceptions that uses unpasteurized milk for its Parmesan. BelGioioso is based in Wisconsin as an FYI.
For me, the entire process of cutting into the wheel, splitting the wheel into two and then dividing the two halves into four pieces is a multi-hour process. I then take one of the wheel quarters and divide that into two pieces which I then cut into smaller pieces. I should add that by the time I am finished, my entire workspace is covered in a blanket of cheese snow.
At my store, I enjoy sharing samples of a freshly cut wheel with my customers. For those who are somewhat familiar with authentic Italian Parmesan, it is a happy reunion with an old friend. For those new to authentic Parmesan from Italy, the look of discovery is a joy for me to witness.
I like to remind my friends and customers that a little Parmesan goes a long way. I love using it in my salads, egg dishes, soups and sauces. It goes without saying what it does to pasta. A high-quality Parmesan is especially critical if you’re making an Alfredo sauce. I learned to make this pasta dish from two Italian ladies visiting a friend. I cringe if I see someone adding milk or cream to Alfredo – that’s a big no-no. If you make the dish the authentic way with just pasta, butter, pasta water, Parmesan, salt and black pepper you will really appreciate the difference a high-quality Parmesan makes.
Finally, stores like mine that sell authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cut from wheels will also sell Parmesan rinds. The rinds are great for both flavoring and thickening soups, sauces and stews.
Mangia, mangia!
I am standing next to an uncut 85-pound wheel of imported Parmesan My set of Parmesan cutting knives The knife I use to score the wheelFirst cut to score the rindScoring the top, sides and bottom of the wheel Next, wedging the line open Continuing to wedge the gap open Success! The wheel is now in two pieces.Some tasty pieces from splitting the wheel into two halves.Using my cheese wire-cutter to cut smaller pieces A pile of smaller pieces cut from the wheel I ran some pieces through my commercial-grade food processor for shredded Parmesan
NO time for boredom today 