This place is great, simply called “315”, check out their web page Sat on the deck, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, the only thing missing was my best travel buddy. That is the downside of traveling alone, some of the best places, but no one to share them with.
Oh and all this with a happy hour!!!!!
Well I did not leave my heart in San Francisco, met some good folks there but on to Sunnyvale.
Was in the mood for noolde soup and blessing upon blessing there was a Japanese resturant at the hotel I am staying in, Kyora so I had Udon.
After some challenging navigation we found the Valley of the Moon Vinyard.This is Jack London country. We had a wonderful picnic and afternoon, Tricia did some reading and writing, I did a quick sketch.
Staying at Clarion in Oakland, really small rooms, no wifi, but used points so it was free and the location was good. Ate with Tricia last night at Scotts at Jack London Square. Buttonwood Sauvagion Blanc for only $4 and great appetizers. Nice place, in the old style, vested waiters, piano, a real class place, wonderful time.
Another Best Western, on Clayton Rd. in Concord. Best Western Hotels are the largest hotel name in the world, they are for the most part decent places to stay, some as with any large chain are better than others. They work well for the budget traveler, unless you are really cutting costs. At those times, we end up at Econo Lodge or Travelodge, both of which are a definate step down, but I have stayed in them comfortabley many times and will again.
This Best Western is newly remodled I would guess, the carpets are not worn, the furniture looks new, and the king room is a bit bigger than most.
Stayed in last night as I often do on a long trip, though I love eating out it gets hectic and expensive. So I hit Safeway, a bottle of Firefly Ridge Pinot Gris, some pre-sliced cheese and crakers. All set.
The plan was to watch some rugby, but alas the wifi was too slow, a common situation. So I watched Dick VanDyke, Mary Tyler Moore, and Mash. Thank you all for the company.
Elevations 486, (the 486 referes to the height in feet above the canyon) has to be one of the best places in a long time. Went there a couple of weeks ago, and with the happy hour menu had 2 IPA’s, a plate of wonderful shrimp, and a baked brie appatizer all for under $20. The view alone was worth at least that.
Day two of a two day trip, tonight it is on to Concord, CA. Had a great time with my good friend Jim last night at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, a chain place that does have pretty good fare both in the food department and in the beer they brew. Best thing is they have a decent happy hour! For those of us that travel on a budget, happy hour places are a blessing. BJ’s has another of my requisites for travel places and that is sports on TV. Not that I am a sport addict, apart from cricket and rugby, when you eat alone having something to watch is good.
I am staying at the Best Western Expo, this one is about average for BW, but the rooms are a bit bigger. Got back last night around 7.00pm, wanted to watch some rugby but the Hi-speed internet was more mid speed, not too good for streaming, so went to bed and read.
We drove to Oregon last week to spend the weekend with my dad.
Along the way we visited Cooper Mountain Winery. They had a great Pinot Gris for $13, but what really captured our attention was a Malbec produced under their strict organic and bio-dynamic specifications, $30 was a real value. We have set it aside for our 25th anniversary.
Two people recommended Jory as a restaurant to try. It is located in The Allison Resort and Spa. With this location Oregon wine country is really entering the class of Sonoma and Napa. The Oregon Pinots already win world wide awards over California wines, now they are building the amenities for tourists that will make this a true wine destination.
We sat in the lounge area overlooking the valley. Ordered off of the appetizer menu. Without hesitation I had the best steamed mussels ever! They were steamed with Italian sausage, chunks of the sausage mixed in with the shells and a broth that made you beg for more bread.
Greg Mortenson, the author of the wonderful Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time
Been There, Eating This 