Category: Uncategorized

  • Stung by Killer Bee Pizza In Oceanside!

    Stung by Killer Bee Pizza In Oceanside!

    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.

  • Oceanside California  – A Not So Hidden Gem

    Oceanside California – A Not So Hidden Gem

    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.

  • Fondue Is Fun All the Time!

    Fondue Is Fun All the Time!

    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.

    Enjoy!

  • The San Diego Zoo Safari Park & Valley Of The Elephants

    The San Diego Zoo Safari Park & Valley Of The Elephants

    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.

  • The Nixon Presidential Library & Museum

    The Nixon Presidential Library & Museum

    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.

  • What’s It Like To Carve An 85-Pound Wheel Of Parmesan Cheese?

    What’s It Like To Carve An 85-Pound Wheel Of Parmesan Cheese?

    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!

  • Lobster Roll

    I first discovered the delicious treat known as the lobster roll years ago while attending college in Massachusetts. At the time, I had no idea of the controversy: cold or hot, celery or no celery and, of course mayonnaise or no mayonnaise. Many heated arguments have erupted over these questions. Depending upon what state you go to, for example Maine or Connecticut, determines your definition of a lobster roll.

    Personally, I like mine Connecticut style which means butter, salt, pepper and lemon juice. I have tried the cold mayonnaise version and it is just not my thing. Also, to those who add celery – wrong! Lobster has a very delicate taste and I think that it interferes with the flavor of lobster versus complimenting it.

    The lobster roll sandwich goes back to the 1920s but really gained popularity in the 1970s. I went to college in the 1980s and never heard of lobster rolls until I was in Massachusetts.

    Locally, we go to Lobster West in Encinitas California for our sporadic fix. The place not only prepares the lobster perfectly but serves the sandwich on the perfect toasted roll with the right amount of melted butter! In addition, whenever I am in Massachusetts for one of my college reunions, I always make sure to enjoy a lobster roll.

  • Say Cheese!

    Say Cheese!

    I recently attended Gourmet Foods International’s San Diego Food Expo. I enjoyed every aspect of the experience…except, perhaps, that feeling of being so full by the end of the day.

    The day started early in the morning with a series of classes:

    French and American Hams for Charcuterie Boards

    I loved learning about the history behind the Jambon-Beurre. It is the classic Parisian sandwich made with just three ingredients: baguette, ham and butter. What makes this simple sandwich so special is the quality of all three ingredients. French butter, in particular, is a lot more rich and creamy than the American version. The ham, Jambon de Paris, is a wet-cured and boiled ham that is not smoked. It is very tender and not salty. I must confess that while I was in Paris, I focused on two other classic French dishes – soupe a l’ oignon and croque-monsieur. That said, I can’t wait to go back to Paris for a Jambon-Beurre.

    Next up, the president/owner of The Spotted Trotter out of Atlanta Georgia spoke about his background as a chef at French Laundry in Napa Valley and his desire for a greater purpose – to create fine American-made charcuterie meats. We sampled his Tasso Ham (a heavily spiced and pecan-smoked meat) and Culatello Prosciutto (made from the center of the pig leg and known as the king of prosciuttos). Both were immensely delicious and impressive.

    California Cheeses

    Highlights included meeting one of the three sisters who own Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese – a company that started out only making blue cheese. The company has expanded with other products and now makes several versions of Toma which the president described as an Italian cheese with a Dutch twist. I loved her suggestion of using the company’s TomaRashi (Toma flavored with Japanese chili flakes, ginger, orange peel, nori and nigella seeds) in tacos.

    Cypress Grove Cheese brought its spectacular Humboldt fog cheese – a yummy goat cheese with a gooey layer under the rind and a layer of vegetable-based ash in the center. You really have to try it to appreciate it. This cheese looks like a work of art. In addition, the Cypress Grove representative brought their Dutch-made goat Gouda called Midnight Moon. This cheese is so smooth and sweet. I sell a lot of it in my store. I almost think it has a cult-like following. It is an expensive cheese but so worth it.

    Cheese Pairings

    In this class, we were given an assortment of cheeses, including Point Reyes Bay Blue, Vermont Creamery’s Hooper (creamy cheese shaped like a donut) and Marin French’s Breakfast Brie (a soft and rich Brie without a rind). The Bay Blue has a fudge-like texture with a more mellow and sweeter taste than their original blue cheese. It really complimented the Jose Andres dark chocolate. Also, I enjoyed the Breakfast Brie with the pepper jelly. My other favorite pairing was the Marin French breakfast cheese with sweet peppers.

    The Convention Hall Booths

    Walking around the convention hall was a food-coma experience. As a professional cheese monger, I am responsible for ordering everything from specialty cheeses to a variety of foods someone would want to pair with his or her cheese. That means I interested in jams, crackers, halva, dried fruit, specialty meats and so on.

    The Ube Gouda caught my eye because of its vibrant color. The cheese maker gets this color by adding in Japanese Ube potato to the mix. Surprisingly, the cheese has a mild and slightly sweet flavor.

    For those who love Jose Andres potato chips (they are delicious and consist of only 3 ingredients: potatoes, olive oil and salt),you will be happy to know that the company has a new flavor – curry. I tried it and loved it; it is not overpowering.

    Marin French Cheese Company has a new Brie with a garlic-free version of everything-but-the-bagel seasoning and it’s wonderful!

    Firehook was there with their classic gourmet cracker flavors (sea salt, rosemary sea salt, garlic & thyme and so on). The company produces the best organic Mediterranean-style cracker that has just a handful of ingredients and nothing artificial. Firehook has a new dill-flavored cracker and it is fantastic. If you have not tried Firehook, you need to. These crackers are insanely good.

    Eventually, all good things come to an end and so my husband, a friend and I all waddled out of the convention hall and into our car. I left feeling completely full and inspired by all the new products I tasted.

  • An Awesome Murder Series That You Didn’t Know That You Need To Read!

    An Awesome Murder Series That You Didn’t Know That You Need To Read!

    Thanks to a friend’s posting on Facebook, I have recently read the best set of murder mysteries that I have enjoyed in a very long time.

    The author, Kathleen Helms lives in the North County area of San Diego and uses lots of local locations, from Carlsbad to Olivenhain, in her novels. Even the much-beloved Carlee’s bar and restaurant in Borrego Springs makes an appearance.

    I started the series because it features so many local locations but I continued to read her books because they are so well-written and have such creative plots.

    I especially enjoy the author’s take on artificial intelligence. Helms has an ability to come up with really original plots. She doesn’t overdo it with plot twists – just enough to keep the story interesting.

    I don’t want to ruin the surprise so I will refrain from providing a recap. However, the characters are so believable – some truly sinister and others very likable. I especially love the main protagonist, Loyal Truesdale.

    The six-book series is available via Amazon as well as from the website Kathleenhelms.com.

    My friend Julie, my mother and I all read the entire series quickly. So, now we are really hoping for a seventh book. The first book in the series came out in 2019 and the last one in 2024. Since the main characters are in all the books, I recommend starting with the first one and reading the rest in chronological order.

    The order of the books:

    A.I. Smith

    Loyalty

    Mistrust

    Deception

    Identify

    Destiny

  • It’s Wildflower Season In Borrego Springs

    It’s Wildflower Season In Borrego Springs

    Borrego Springs is special for so many reasons – my favorite is the wildflower season. Every year we make the drive to the desert to catch the wildflowers. In recent years, we have arrived too late for the big display. This year, the rain has been intense and we opted to make the drive a few weeks earlier than our usual schedule. It paid off. The flowers were out in full bloom along Henderson Canyon Road with a beautiful array of purple and white flowers. In addition, we found some beautiful purple blooms on Borrego Springs Road near the famous dragon sculpture that stretches over both sides of the road. The Anza-Borrego State Park Visitor Center had lots of yellow blooms along with a few traces of red and blue flowers.

    Upon entering town, we first went to the Visitor Center. Not only is it a great place to stretch your legs but the staff is extremely friendly and helpful. We bought a book that identifies all the wildflowers in the area and received a map showing all current areas of wildflowers.

    Next, we made the short drive through the one-street town of Borrego Springs to Henderson Canyon Road. The wildflowers were outstanding. Because rain was forecast for the afternoon, there were no crowds. It was us and three other couples taking in the glorious sight of vibrant flowers. From there we drove another 15 minutes to the nearby canyon. There are nine canyons in the Borrego Springs area. As an added bonus, we saw the Salton Sea in the distance.

    On our way back into town, we stopped by the enormous dragon sculpture (it’s 350 feet long) that goes across both sides of the road. The sculpture is one of numerous sculptures by Ricardo Brecedo that you will see throughout Borrego Springs. More purple wildflowers flowers surrounded the sculpture.

    Normally, we stop at the amazing Pablito’s for delicious Mexican food. This time, we decided to try the famous Carlee’s that so many people have told me about. The food is wonderful but I warn you that the portions are enormous. We were there by 11:30 AM and the place was already busy. We were the only out-of-towners. Carlee’s is clearly popular with the locals. The steak quesadilla known as “The Andy” did not disappoint. My husband loved his shrimp basket that came with delicious homemade warm chips.