California (food) Dreaming - Part 2

Alright I left you hanging after my California (food) Dreaming - Part 1 post, let's continue on and see what other tasty treats I had on the left coast.

After spending the prior 3 days moving and setting up my sisters new place she surprised me by taking me out for a birthday dinner.

While we were getting ready to go out we cracked open a bottle of Samuel Smith organic raspberry flavored beer. It was good and had more of a beer taste to it than my beloved Lindemans - Framboise.

After we were all dolled up we headed to the California Cafe for a late lunch.

California Cafe

MISSION:
California Cafe exists to provide an escape from the outside world. We feed the senses through our chef-driven creations, engaging service and relaxing ambiance. Our multicultural offerings feature seasonal ingredients with broad appeal.
We are passionate about the guest experience, providing service that is friendly and knowledgeable. Our relaxing environment serves as a California-style oasis.

[Source]

In the heart of Los Gatos’ Old Town shopping district, California Cafe has a beautiful oak-shaded outdoor patio and an expansive interior overlooking the lush Santa Cruz Mountains and the Los Gatos Creek Trail.
Sit back, relax and savor!

[Source]

We were seated at the perfect table under a tree.

The reason my sister chose this restaurant was for the Sangria. She knows the way to my heart:)

We chose the White Peach Sangria: merlot, peach schnapps and brandy infused with citrus, vanilla bean and white peaches.

The sangria was very good! My sister and I had no problem polishing off the pitcher:) However, be warned those infused peaches taste strongly of brandy when consumed.

I split the taco salad with my sisters friend. I was really looking forward to it because it sounded amazing. However, when it came to the table I could see that cilantro was mixed throughout it:( I really dislike the taste of cilantro so I ate a couple pieces of the steak and called it good.

Taco Salad: blackened skirt steak, pablanos, crispy tortillas, queso fresco, tomatillo vinaigrette

See the plate below? I'm in love with everything on it!

I was most surprised at how much I liked the potato salad. This was the first time I had every had it with a vinaigrette dressing instead of the heavy mayo dressing.

California Chicken Sandwich: Arugula, swiss cheese, citrus aioli with a side of potato salad.

1 simple element made this sandwich delicious. That element would be the arugula. The pepper flavor in the lettuce with the lightness of the citrus aioli was genius!

After we ate our meals and ordered dessert we decided to order a cocktail.

I embarrassed my sister (she should be used to it by now) by asking the bartender to make me a drink of her choice. My sister just wanted me to order off the menu but I find a lot of interesting new cocktails by ordering this way. However, I did tell the waiter I don't like cilantro so please don't put it in my drink;)

This was a delicious cocktail, light and refreshing.

Bartender Cocktail: Vodka base, sparkling wine, some type of strawberry puree and probably some other ingredients I couldn't pick up on.

I'm going to admit something, I don't like bread pudding. Let the bashing begin, I can take it;) However, I learned if you add a ton of butterscotch to bread pudding it is possibly the best dessert on the planet. Love this and plan to have it again when I go back in November (Did you read that sister? Make our reservations now!)

Butterscotch Bread Pudding with house made caramel ice cream.

The presentation of all the food was amazing but the candle on the cake (literally), was my birthday cake.

Warm Chocolate Truffle Cake with espresso gelato and raspberry sauce.

California Cafe was nothing short of impressive. I appreciate that they use seasonal ingredients. I could really taste the freshness in all of my dishes.

One thing I did notice was that the service was extremely laid back. I don't think it was bad service I just think it's the difference with dining in laid back California compared to Chicago where they are practically pushing you out the door;)

This is me: tired, worn out, happy, stress-free and did I mention happy:)

After our late lunch we headed over to the "dive bar"(which in my book = fun bar) in downtown Los Gatos, Black Watch.

My sister said we had to stop here because they are famous for Kamikaze's.

I chose the Pineapple Orange Kamikaze which is served in a pint glass with a strainer and 2 small shot glasses.

What a great food and drink day!!! Thanks Sister!

California Scenery

As we were walking around I couldn't help but stop and take pictures of all the beautiful flowers. I was amazed at all the variety growing in just a couple blocks worth of space.

Simply beautiful!

Question:

Have you ever asked a bartender to surprise you with a drink of their choice? Was it a good or bad experience?

Chicago Food Tour

A couple weeks ago the folks over at Chicago Food Planet Food Tours asked if I would like to participate in one of their food tours. I jumped at the chance! I've been wanting to go on one of these tours for along time and I was super excited!


The concept is really cool. Basically you get a 3-hour guided walking tour through one of Chicago's neighborhoods. During the tour you will learn about the history of the neighborhood and get to try the delicious foods (which I think is the best part).


I chose the Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour.





First stop, George's Hot dogs.





Traditional Chicago hot dog which includes the dog, poppy seed bun, mustard, onions, relish, dill pickle, tomato, sport peppers and celery salt.




I'm not a fan of tomato so I pulled that off my dog and dug in. I would rank this up there with the top Chicago dog I've ever had!




Second stop, Hot Chocolate.








I was so excited to try this place because of all the rave reviews it's been getting. And it did not disappoint.




House made marshmallows:




With Medium Hot Chocolate - chocolate with a touch of dark chocolate and a hint of caramel. I can't believe how good this hot chocolate was and I can't wait to go back and try all the other flavors.




Third stop, Goddess & Grocer.





The interior of the grocer/deli was decorated perfectly.





The display case was filled with lots of goodies:




Lots of unique items to purchase and bring home.







I wanted to shove this cake in my mouth. Thankfully it was behind a case so I was saved from embarrassment;)




I sampled one of the pasta salads.



Fourth stop, Piece Brewery & Pizza.




Patrick and I really liked the rustic interior:




You could tell the brewer had fun naming some of the beers:




I sampled the Golden Arm. I'm not a beer drinker but I thought this was pretty decent. With that said I must admit I fell in love with the little glass but resisted the urge to shove it in my bag;)




Slice of pizza with cheese, basil and tomato:




Fifth stop, Sultan's Market.





Great decorations:








I wanted to dive into this fruit bar! A lot of variety and everything looked so fresh.





We were able to sample the Falafel Sandwich: A warm pita lined with hummus, stuffed with falafel, Tomatoes, Topped with Jerusalem Salad:





I had never had falafel but judging from this sandwich I will be having it again.


Sixth stop, iCream.


By far the coolest ice cream place ever! If you are in Chicago and love frozen treats you have to check this place out.

The process:

1. Select your base

2. Choose your flavor

3. Add a burst of color

These pipes are how the liquid nitrogen is put into the mixers:





Yeah, you read that right. Liquid nitrogen is used to turn your selections into ice cream, yogurt or sorbet. Check out the smoke:





I devoured my sample:





As mentioned previously we walked around the neighborhood and looked at some beautiful homes.










Does anyone recognize this building from a John Cusack movie?




Who doesn't have a canon in their yard?;)



A couple reasons why I liked this tour:

• Knowlegeable and personable guides
• Reserved spaces in popular restaurants
• A ton of food
• Learning the history of the neighborhood

This tour would be perfect for people who are visiting Chicago as well as those who live in the city. I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon!