Lomita Railroad Museum

On a day created for why we live in California, it was an unexpected treat and surprise to discover not only the city of Lomita, but the  charming Lomita Railroad Museum, dedicated to the proud era of the steam engine that's the hallmark of the Museum.
The Museum, the first of its kind west of Denver, Colorado, was founded in 1967 by Mrs. Irene Lewis who commissioned the Museum in memory of her husband Martin, and bequeathed it to the City of Lomita. The Lewis' had owned "Little Engines of Lomita," a business that manufactured miniature live steam locomotives, and so Irene Lewis was most familiar with the history and operation of railroads. After researching train depots and stations nationwide, she chose to copy the Victorian architecture for her replica of a 19th century depot, the Boston & Maine's Greenwood Station in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
Inside you will find such treasures as the Locomotive Whistles, Locomotive Classification Light Collection, Tie  Date Nails, Keeler Cooler, Link and Pin Coupler, Hand Lantern Collection, and much more.
Outside there's a Southern Pacific Railroad steam locomotive and tender in operation from 1902 to 1960. Close by is a 1910 Union Pacific caboose and a modern all-steel Santa Fe caboose. Across the way is a 1823 Union Oil tank car, and 1913 Southern Pacific,outside braced  box car; and a wooden railroad water tower.
You are welcome to board the steam engine, explore the caboose, and tour the Museum gallery with over 1500 rare and historic artifacts on display.
The Museum located at 2137 Wesr 250th Street, Lomita, CA 90717 is at the corner of Woodward and 250th Street. There is an entrace fee. They are open Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and for more information and reservations phone: (310) 326-6255 or www.lomita-rr.org

Angelo's and Vinci's Ristorante

Ablaze in festive lights, brimming with panache, and surrounded with vintage photos and memorabilia, with just one step through the door you'll have no doubt that you have entered a wonderful eclectic Italian ristorante. Bigger than life, Angelo's and Vinci's Ristorante, is set in the hidden gem of the city of Fullerton, that wondrously has been able to retain the beat of the 1950's.The old building where the ristorante is now housed, has a treasured history of being an old marketplace in the early 1900's, where local farmers brought their produce in from the fields by horse and wagon.
Angelo's and Vinci's was originally opened in 1971 by husband and wife team, Cynthia and Steven Peck (who was a Hollywood dancer and choreographer). After Steven passed 11 years ago, the personable and charming Cynthia took over the ristorante. The perfect hands-on hostess, she walks around her huge establishment, making sure all her guests are satisfied and well taken care of.
Cynthia is proud to talk about the food here. "Love of tradition, inspiration and an infinite capacity for taking pains constitutes the secret of our food! We have an extensive menu, specializing in abundant delicious dishes using the freshest ingredients and imported Italian cheeses."
There are 50 delicious pasta and stuffed pasta dishes, award winning pizzas (from all regions of Italy) with a variety of traditional toppings, and a large assortment of salads.  Appetizers include Calamari fritto, Mozzarella marinara fritto, and a wide  variety of Entrees that highlight seafood, chicken and grilled items, all served with soup or salad.
Of course there is always room for dessert when there's such mouthwatering offers as spumoni, Tiramisu (flown in from Italy),cheesecake with strawberry sauce, chocolate cake and Zeppoli donuts.
. The full bar is ready to enhance your dining experience with a wide variety of wines,beers, liqueurs and cocktails.
. A variety of banquet rooms can be viewed on their website.
Located at 550 N. Harbor Boulevard, Fullerton, CA 92832  phone (714 ) 879-4022
www.angelosandvincis.com

The Inn at Newport Ranch

The sheer majesty of untamed natural beauty unfolds just in time to allow guests to enter into the welcoming gates of The Inn at Newport Ranch.  Perched on the craggy Mendocino coast, this breathtaking hideaway is set in seclusion on a 2000 acre private preserve that was once a former lumber town known as Newport. Here amidst the stunningly varied landscape is this land of "once upon a time!"
The meticulously designed main lodge is where you begin your adventure. Right behind the stain glass doors are plenty of cozy communal areas including a well stocked library set besides a massive fireplace, 2 dining rooms (one intimate, and one that can seat 50) ,and a den with skillfully hand crafted furniture, all beckoning you to sit down, relax and enjoy. Surrounding windows overlooking the ocean are the ultimate romantic spot to view a glorious sunrise or stunning sunset. Each evening from 6 to 7 p.m.guests enjoy appetizers,and area wines from Anderson Valley and Sonoma,perfect to toast your good fortune for choosing this fantastic Inn. Also to your delight, each morning, mouthwatering made to order breakfasts are served here. By request for your dining pleasure, gourmet dinners prepared by a private chef (all including veggies and herbs from the on-site garden) can be arranged at booking.
Evan, one of the personable managers, after a short introduction, handed us our key and walked us into the closest thing to a palace and the perfect place to bed down. Furnished in rustic high-end decor that was so amazing, I knew I might never want to leave, so I set out to enjoy every moment.The door to our suite named 'The Grove,' led us into an entryway where we hung our coats. Next came a den with a crackling fireplace, rugs set out on  gorgeous wood floors, perfectly placed oversize leather chairs with comfy pillows while throws to snuggle in were everywhere. The adjoining living room was a perfect area with IPod docks, WiFi and TV. The kitchen had just the right appliances, pots and pans, and matching rustic glazed dishes, mugs and glasses. and cutlery. Alongside the kitchen area was a small table and chairs, just the place to grab a snack, a hot cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Right outside the beautiful glass doors leading to the back area, were two separate decks with chairs for sunning, along with a hot tub that was welcoming as well.  The beds with gorgeous carved headboards in each of the two bedrooms were dressed in the finest high thread sheets and topped with warm plump fluffy quilts. The two bathrooms were dreamy enough to delight any woman, with walk in showers, thick plush towels and robes.

A highlight here is the 2 hour ATV tour for you to survey your kingdom. Thrill at the verdant hills and meadows, cattle pasture, forest, private and oceanside trails, sea stacks, sandy beaches and the historic cemetery. Horseback riding, hiking and other activities can also be arranged.

The Inn at Newport Ranch is owned by Will Jackson, and Creighton & Cindi Smith are the Inn Managers. Located at 31502 N. Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, phone (707) 962-4818 or www.theinnatnewportranch.com  and so very well worth the gorgeous drive to get there.

Costero California Bar + Bistro

Making waves as the newest restaurant near LAX, Costero California Bar + Bistro offers a contemporary and engaging environment that serves modern California dining and local craft  beer/
Serving up a variety of classics with a California twist, Costero is an all aroud venue, a hotspot for locals and visitors. "Costero is the perfect blend of upscale casual dining with a convenient yet inviting environment," said Bill Sinclair, Vice President of Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel, the hotel in which Costero is located. "This fresh from California approach not only provides guests with a new on-site dining option, but a place where they can  get together with friends and family, or even make new connections.
Representing an exciting combination of tradition and innovation Executive Chef Orazio Parisi brings his Cordon Bleu skills and Sicilian sensibility to the creation of a menu that emphasizes fresh, seasonal flavors, and a California coastal take on time-honored American cuisine.
You will enjoy a wide range of delectable small plates, savory soups, Neopolitan pizzas, artisinal salads, fresh tacos, sandwiches, large entrees,  vegetarian/vegan options, and decadent desserts. Simply put, no matter what you're craving, Costero will have a culinary creation for you.
Located inside the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel, 6101 West Century Blvd, Los Angeles 90045, phone (310) 642-4820  www.sheratonlax.com

San Mateo County/Silicon Valley- the best of the San Francisco Bay area

"As Fresh as it Gets!"

Board Jet Blue out of Long Beach to San Francisco Airport for an easy and comfortable flight to start your magical adventure and journey.

Get to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of San Mateo County and Silicon Valley with nearly 90 miles of unique San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean coastline  immediately south of San Francisco. It's bordered on the east by the Bay and on the west by the Pacific Ocean, running through Palo Alto and Stanford University to the south. The fascination with San Mateo County and Silicon Valley is the mild climate with plenty of sunshine allowing for many recreational activities including "Play by the Bay!" It is about the glorious outdoors and the scenic beauty, the beaches, hiking trails, redwoods, reservoir, lagoon, flora and fauna and open space. It is sought after for its cultural attractions, shopping, trendy culinary dining on delicious local food, quaint country chic coastal towns, and more recently for its seafood, produce, gourmet goat cheeses, wine and beer that are all "As Fresh as it Gets!'

Where to stay: You can't go wrong staying at the Hyatt Regency SFO; Half Moon Bay Hotel; HMB Lodge; Dinah's Garden Hotel; DoubleTree Brisbane.

What's Cooking: Enjoy 3SIXTY at the Hyatt Regency SFO: Pasta Moon Ristorante & Bar;La Co

 stanera; Three; Dinah's Poolside Restaurant; Sam's Chowder House; 7 Mile House.

Museums & Gardens : Filoli Mansion and Gardens, a National Trust Historic Site; Stanford University, Cantor Arts Center/Anderson Collection. 

Food and Farms: Harley Farm an award-winning goat dairy farm.

Brewing Tours and Tasting Wineries: A Grape in the Fog, Pacifica; ;Half Moon Bay Brewing Company; Flying Suitcase Wines; Domenico  Winery; Russian Ridge Winery; Armstrong Brewing Company.

Outdoors:: Hike at Wunderlich Park; Hike at Stanford Dish; Edgewater Marine Lagoon Cruise; Pillar Point Harbor.

And.... don't miss the chance to mingle with the locals here who sport a carefree attitude, a whimsical and creative spirit that never fails to delight.

www.visitsanmateocounty.com

East of Eden-the beautiful Salinas Valley

Stretch your sense of discovery and quest for adventure experiencing the beautiful Salinas Valley in California's heart of the Central Coast. Best known as the "Salad Bowl of the World," this off the beaten path destination offers an excellent wine trail, America's newest National Park, spectacular nature experience, the home and museum of Nobel prize winning author John Steinbeck bursting with stories, and the original farm to table foodie paradise creating all that makes Salinas so irresistible.
Your spectacular journey begins on board the Amtrak on the way to Salinas. In ultimate comfort, get to feast your eyes on one of the most breathaking and gorgeous panoramic views in the world. Along the way pass by Ventura, Santa Barbara, Coast Hollister Ranch, San Luis Obispo, Cuesta Grade, Paso Robles, Salinas River, Salinas Valley, "the salad bowl of the world," King City,location of Hamilton Ranch in East of Eden, and the largest wine producing region in the United States. Look out over farmland, forests, strawberry fields, vineyards, dolphins frolicking along the coast, fishermen bringing in their catch, surfers, lovers holding hands, and children making castles in the sand. Get off in Salinas, John Steinbeck country, where his novels and characters spring to life.
Unpack your bags at the Hampton Inn & Suites located in Salinas (888) 370-0981 www.hampton-inn-and-suites-salinas, and get ready to enjoy such wonders the Hahn Estate Tour of winery and tasting; Salinas ValScenic and Heritage Drive of Salinas Valley;Fog's End Brewery; Ag Venture Tour; Agricultural & Rural Life Museum; Mission Nuestra Senor de la Soledad; River Road Wineries. You will find joy for the palate in Salinas' First Awakenings; Giorgio's; Cherry Bean Coffee House & Roastery; Salad Shoppe; Grower's Pub Steak House and the John Steinbeck House that's open for special occasions.

Mezzet Mediterranean Cuisine

I was certainly not expecting a beautiful upscale restaurant in a mall, but then again South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa is not just any mall, and Mezzet is not just any restaurant.

There's a full service  bar and lounge set in the middle of Mezzet's open area that beckons you to enjoy your favorite cocktail or a stem of wine from one of their international varieties. It is just the place to be after a day of shopping, or the setting for a romantic dinner.

Opened  this past June, Co-owner and partner Wallie Nasser gave us an overview of Mezzet and introduced us to Executive Chef Anthony Mattina who created the outstanding menu.

Sampling many of the items on the menu, some of the more popular appetizers included Hummus; Baba Ghanoush;Vine Leaves; and Octopus Carpaccio. Unique salads were the Super Grains; Wild Kale Caesar and Beet Salad with Goat Cheese. Superb Entrees from the Fire Grill were Lamb Kafta; Classic Steak Au Poivre and Salmon Kebab. Moroccan Tangine showcased your choice of Lamb, Chicken or Vegetarian.

If Pizza is what you came for you will not be disappointed with the Margherita; 4 Stagioni; or Grilled Chicken. Mouthwatering homemade pasta feat;ured Penne Arrabiata; Linguine Alle Vongole and  Ravioletti, homemade beef ravioli with Bolognese sauce.

Yummy desserts are presented by your server.

Located at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear Street, Costa Mesa, phone (714)540-3365