Straight From the Farm

In 2014 I had the luxury of a full month off work which meant the ability to chase down bucket list items at my own pace. One thing that made the cut: a trip to Patterson CA to gather sheep's milk for cheese. While not a typical summer activity for most, it was, for me, a magical time of discovery and a reminder of how precious summer months can be.

While at the farm we found the sheep to be very inquisitive and really, really sweet. Once home and deep into making cheese I knew right away the quality would be impeccable. A few facts here: sheep milk has a higher percentage of fat (about twice as much as cow milk) but little effect on cholesterol due to short-chain fatty acids. In addition, sheep milk is highly nutritious, rich in vitamins A, B, and E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium and easier to digest than cow milk.

Of course, it's all about the cheese and the resulting Ossau-Iraty - a mild variety with a texture similar to Manchego - turned out to be superb in flavor and consistency.

Funny how quickly life takes over and more recent memories become like aged photographs: still precious but fuzzy at the edges (and yes, how sentimental!) I'm holding on to the last wedge of Ossau-Iraty and the reminder of warm nights, long days and the sun-kissed memories of that amazing summer last year.

The final product after 9 months.

Originally published 8/30/15

Bits & Bites from Corkscrew Cafe

Monterey and Carmel are classic getaway spots here in the Bay Area and it's easy to see why. With views of the ocean peering out from between the many tourist spots you don't need to veer far from the basic footpath to enjoy your stay. But you will be rewarded if you take a detour and see what the rest of Carmel Valley has to offer.

For me, I love the area off West Carmel Valley Road with its less-hurried wineries, cafes and shops all tucked away in what feels like a secret hideaway. Some of my favorite afternoons have been spent lingering over a late lunch with the golden glow of summer sun peeking through the trees.

Am I a bit of a romantic? Maybe, although being recently single may be prompting such a feeling. But truly, if you want a path-less-travelled feeling, do check it out.

Corkscrew Cafe

55 West Carmel Valley Road

Carmel Valley CA 93921

831-659-8888

Originally published on 5/2/15

Cool in Camas: Beacon Rock & Thunder Island Brewing Co.

Beacon Rock Trail

I have made the trip from the Bay Area to the Pacific Northwest more times than I can count and it's always been the same: hit the road early, stop at the Olive Pit (a family favorite) and drive all the way to Seattle in one long stretch.

Shasta

This year I changed things up and stopped to meet a good friend in Camas, a town dubbed "Best Place to Live" by some and a well-kept secret that's not so secret when you see all the development buzzing around. Either way, my experience hit all the high notes: awe-inspiring hike, food combined with truly local, fresh ingredients and soul-filling relaxation due to the mellow vibe that's all Pacific Northwest. It's like a spa at it's best: expansive, nurturing and sporty...but without the barrier of entry fees (except for the state parks).

A few notables if you venture to Camas with friends or family:

• Beacon Rock Trail. Stunning and a must-see. About an hour, steep in some places.

• Thunder Island Brewing Co. You can sit by the Columbia River and nosh on fine fare.

• 360 Kitchen & Bar A pleasant surprise with gourmet-chef worthy dining.

• Burgerville. 518 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607. Seasonal menu addition: Walla Walla onion rings. Wow.

A beautiful bowl of bucatini

Every once in a while a detour becomes a huge blessing and in my case, a pretty mind-blowing one at that. It's time to move on but the view from Beacon Rock is indelibly etched into my memory and a "greatest hit" from the Summer Road trip of 2016.

A view of Lake Shasta from the car (not driving, of course!)

Originally posted on 7/6/16