Road Trip Round Up

Alderbrook Resort and Spa (Union, WA)

   

       

We took a few road trips in 2011.  The best part for me is the relaxing time on the road.  Joe and I have a good rhythm going - he drives while I navigate and we love being on the road and taking in the different scenery.  We went to Alderbrook Resort for our babymoon.  Union, WA is definitely out there and that's what we like about it.  The lodge is beautiful inside and out, and the people there were very friendly.  The spa was great and the restaurant decent, but it's also the little things that make the difference.  The pillows were unfortunately not comfortable so that little thing is what will prevent us from going back again.

Vancouver, BC

We love going to Vancouver.  We go there quite often and it's really a no brainer for us.  We've had some low key trips there this year, including one where we took Joe's great uncle to see one of his relatives in BC and one where we just jumped into the car and headed north.  Smaller sized road trips take less work but you end up seeing more of your favorite haunts.  We did get to try a new Ramen place - Kintaro on the edge of Robson street in downtown Vancouver.  We weren't big fans but it was a fun experience overall.

Sunset in Stanley Park

Kintaro Ramen

Portland

We took a couple trips to Portland as well.  The city has such a laid back feel and the strangers are super nice.  Portland reminds me of Tacoma, a much bigger version of course, but I get the same feeling when I'm in Tacoma.

a city block surrounded by food trucks

Pastrami breakfast at Kenny and Zukes

We got to try a lot of the restaurants that were on our list.  We had a quick french happy hour at Little Bird Restaurant.  We had cauliflower soup, roasted bone marrow, along with a juicy burger. We went to Apizza Scholls where there was a 45 minute wait at 5pm!  They are known for their handmade dough and the pizza was great, but I'm not sure I would go back.  I actually had a much better experience at a small taco restaurant at the same block.  I had to have a small snack during our wait.

The highlight was going to the Japanese Garden.  It was a huge garden and we loved every part of it.

Staying local

 

I've been taking more walks around the neighborhood recently and at first, had pretty low expectations of the scenery - I'm in the 'burbs after all.  These pictures were all taken at or near the house and I've realized that I'm surrounded by beauty, I just have to take the time to see it. 

I love watching the sunset from our guest room, which faces the backyard.  I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotes - "Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig for them."  The picture below is from an early evening walk, on a night when the moon shone brightly.

San Francisco

Joe and I have been been fortunate enough to travel to SF quite bit in the last few years and we just love the city.  Here's a proud hubby moment - he found this sandwich joint, called Naked Lunch, and it is by far my favorite place to go.  Here is a open face egg, arugla sandwich.

My pick was the grilled octopus salad..it is truly an amazing sandwich.

Port Orchard

This town is hardly far from where we are, but you feel like you are in a different world all together when you are there.  It's a place that's idyllic and calm, and where the pace is slower.  That is why we love visiting our friends there.

Brunch with the famous cinnamon toast - our friend's specialty!  A highlight to a weekend devoted to relaxing and enjoying the outdoors with great friends.

Portland

This plate alone makes it worthwhile to drive 3 hours to Portland.  This kaluah pork is the real deal - you get a heaping plate of it for $8. 

Joe chowing down on his plate, along with saimen.  This place was a real find, and recommended by a friend.  The owners are from Hawaii and they are all about making sure you get a good deal for your meal.

We took our Voodoo doughnuts on the road and the doughnut Joe is eating is called "old dirty bastard"  It is oreos, and peanut butter sauce on top of the lovely doughnut.  I got the "Voodoo doll" which was the best raspberry filled doughnut that I've had in a long time.

I just love this city...so quaint - structure of a large city, but still the feel of a small one.

I love the idea of all the food mobiles that are scattered throughout the city.  At this cart, I had the best chicken salad of my entire life.  I am so sad that I didn't take pictures, but I was starving at the time and marveling and savoring each bite.  This cart prided itself in only serving chicken, made in different ways.

For dessert, Italian ice.  I love that each owner had a passion for something and then created a cart to share.  He makes his own ice from scratch and the flavors are really unique.

Vancouver, BC

Amazing roast squab, that you can order while you inhale dim sum.  This is one of the many reasons why we frequent Vancouver, or Richmond to be more specific.  There is a huge difference as most of the chinese restaurants are in Richmond.  We go there at least 2-3 times every year.  The routine is very similar - dim sum is the first stop, then shopping, then afternoon snack of bubble tea and little cakes, and then night market if it is summer time, or some great restaurant for dinner in Richmond.

A proud moment with my girlfriends - look at the dim sum cartons that are stacked on top of each other.  We meant business as we were super hungry.  There was no talking, just eating.  Almost all of us were dim sum pros, except for my friend Esther, who was a newbie!  Here's her perspective of the trip - it is hilarious how she reacted to our "serious" eating!  http://bit.ly/fmWqbX

Steroid sushi - cheap and huge, and pretty decent.  This was definitely a happy meal.

Japa dog - this hot dog stand made our list of must-do's just this year.  We really love the seeweed, wasabi mayo, and bonito flakes on top of the hot dog and wonder why no one ever thought of it before.

Fast food, casual food.  Are you kidding me?  I have been contemplating reasons to move to Vancouver, when I saw how high the quality of convenient food was.

Night Market - the destination for a summer trip.  You can get any kind of snack you want - chicken hearts and liver on a skewer, potato curls on a stick, noodles, dim sum, soups, sandwiches..anything you can think of..  Yes, we love it.