Christmas dinner at the Historic Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley, CA- A California State Landmark

The Historic Holbrooke Hotel was built in1862, and was named the Exchange Hotel, because it was convenient to the local Gold exchange.  In 1974 the hotel was declared a California State landmark.  The restaurant in the hotel is serving Christmas dinner from 1Pm to 6PM on the 25th, with a menu at $28.95 per adult, and $15.95 per child under 10.  The hotel is all spruced up for the holidays, I saw this myself when I recently visited for the Cornish Christmas festival.  A local, Mr. Snow, was roasting chestnuts over an open fire, and allowing people to taste them for free.  A backdrop to this lovely scene was the Historic Holbrooke Hotel.    Before or after dinner, there is a fire at the Golden Gate Saloon warm up and enjoy specialty drinks.

Resources:

The Historic Holbrooke Hotel
(530) 273-1353
1-800-933-7077
212 W. Main Street
Grass Valley, CA  95945
Christmas Menu at $28.95 per adult, $15.95 per child
Hours on Christmas- 1PM to 6PM

Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill- with a view of Lake Merritt

I remember when I was pregnant with my son, over 5 years ago, and they were renovating the old boat house at Lake Merritt into a new restaurant.  I had a feeling even then it would be fabulous!  Last Saturday, my family (including my son) went to Lake Chalet for lunch.  My son loved the macaroni and cheese, and my organic salad was delicious.  Everyone enjoyed their food, and it was better than even 6 months ago when we went.  There is a gorgeous view, and there are even gondola rides, which I actually did with my son!  I highly recommend this place!

Resources:

Lake Chalet
Seafood Bar & Grill
www.thelakechalet.com


The Lake Chalet also owns the following places:

Park Chalet
Garden Restaurant
www.parkchalet.com
(This place has outdoor seating where you can bring your dog!)

The Beach Chalet
Brewery & Restaurant
www.beachchalet.com

Cafe Gratitude- This place is a vegetarian and Vegan Heaven!

I went to Cafe Gratitude in Berkeley last night and had the I AM FORTIFIED, which is sautéed seasonal vegetables, steamed quinoa or local brown rice topped with a choice of sesame ginger, garlic tahini, or thai almond sauce.  The price was $12.75.  I love Cafe Gratitude!  On the menu is the quote,
"Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food."  Hippocrates

There is also an event hosted by the founders of Cafe Gratitude at Esalen in Big Sur, California.  The event is entitled, "Sacred Commerce."  It is on the weekend of January 10th, 2014.  There is also a Kindred Spirit Workshop which is in Hawaii, this workshop is about relationships and is on the weekend of February 12, 2014.

Resources:

Cafe Gratitude
Locations in:  Kansas City, Venice, Santa Cruz, Berkeley, and Los Angeles
Http:  //cafegratitude.com

Date Night - Not So Silent Night!

Date Night at the Not So Silent Night concert at the Oakland Arena!

The Neighbourhood
Bastille
Lourde
Alt-J
Phoenix
Arcade Fire

Having a blast!

http://live105.cbslocal.com/show/live-105-not-so-silent-night-2013-webcast/

Beach House rentals in Santa Cruz, CA

We recently rented a beach house in Santa Cruz, CA.  The place was walking distance to Rio Del Mar beach, The Coffee Bean cafe, as well as a store and restaurant.  Santa Cruz is one of my favorite places to hang out both by the beach or the funky town.

Resources:

Santa Cruz Getaways
(Vacation Rentals You'll Love)
(831) 687-WAVE
Frank & Jewlia
www.SantaCruzGetaways.net

http://www.vrbo.com/485304