Dynamo Donuts and Coffee

Another perk to girl's weekend is that somehow you can rationalize eating things you haven't touched in years. For me that was having a donut.

First, let me clarify, when I say 'years' I simply mean a very long time. I know that on my list of things chubby girls should not eat, donuts are near the top. Still, it was girl's weekend and that rule went flying out the window the moment I stepped off the plane.

To look at dynamo one would never suspect that genius could be found within a little round cake. Don't get me wrong, I like cake (and all cake-like products) but I wouldn't describe them as genius. After our visit to Dynamo, however, I have had to rethink my position on that matter. Flavors such as Mexican chocolate, bacon maple, rosemary lemon, and vanilla bean had us all in a tizzy. None of them were trying to copy the ultra sweet / deep fried Krispy Cream approach. Rather, they were all a triumph of flavor and craftsmanship. No apologies are needed for these non-commercial creations because they simply stand on their own merit.

if you are ever in San Fran I recommend giving these donuts a try. You will be so happy that you did.

Dynamo Donuts and Coffee

Roam

Roam
Girl's weekends are great! Not only because you get to reconnect with friends you don't often get to see, but because it gives you a chance to indulge the palate.

Two weekends ago I met up with some of my girlfriends in San Francisco. Michelle, who happens to live near the city, was our tour guide. She took us on a culinary trek all over the city. As always, Michelle did not disappoint. Roam, an artisan burger joint, was my absolute favorite spot! Hands down these burgers were the best restaurant burgers I have ever had. Each bite was about 1,000,000 000 calories, but it was well worth it!

I had the Heritage burger which is a decadent combination of: applewood smoked bacon, fontina, butter lettuce, tomato, carmelized onions, and herb mayo. Each bite exploded in my mouth while, at the same time, satisfied a deep urge for well crafted junk food. Accompanying my burger were sweet potato fries. The combination of salty and sweet were perfectly executed. Each crunch bite made me feel a little more sinful than the last, but I couldn't seem to stop.

So, here is to spending time with good friends and eating good food.

Green Truck

 Green. Organic. Not usually my thing. But when you add local and fresh. Now your talking!

So the green truck stops in ye ol' cul de sac. I see veggie burger with beet salad, aka: The Happy Trucker meal and I must order it.

Lets just say the beet salad was great! Fresh red and golden beets, quinoa, goat cheese and a really nice vinigarette. Totally good.  I could eat another one of these.

Then the veggie burger. Best I have had. Not too big and just plain tasty. Sized perfectly, cooked perfectly. The beet based mayo sauce was just icing on the cake.

Never mind the great freshly brewed ice tea.

So.. Would I go back. Yes. I will be dreaming of that burger all day. 
Guilt free I might add ;)

And yes.. The green truck burns cooking oil.. !!! Sweeeeet.

Green Truck

Oak Mountian Winery

Today I had the pleasure of trying a Temecula winery that is a little off the main beaten path. Oak Mountain on the De Portola trail. Nice little place, great view of the valley and not a lot of traffic to deal with. And great wine.

Really enjoyed it all. Very Napa like. But we brought home 2 bottles, a White Merlot and a Brut Sparking wine. Both fantastic. I would also have brought a bottle of the Cab, it was smooth like butter! Sometimes you have to save something for the next tasting!

I have favorites in Temecula: Doffo's, Bailey's, Wilson Creek... I'm adding Oak Mountain to the list, right near the top. Worth the trip to the other side! 

Oak Mountain Winery

Roys

Dad is in town for a visit. So tonight, we tried something new. Roy's in La Jolla. Because it was next to the bookstore and I have been wanting to try it for some time.

Ordered a appy plate with a bunch of stuff on it. The tuna was great, the sushi roll was really good and the lobster pot stickers were just about perfect. Order those if you go.

Mains: I had the barramundi, and it was well prepared and tasty. The sundried tomato paste and edemame hummous garnish was a really nice touch. Dad had Hebi. Never had that before. Too bad. Texture was that of yellowtail, taste was more mild. Really, really tasty fish. Hawaii specialty. Joy has the lemon grass shrimp, and it too was a good dish.

All in all, a good dining experience, albeit a tad pricy. Entrees were in the $25-30ish range, but the food was good, well portioned and the service was excellent. I'll be back... !

Roy's - La Jolla location