Monterey Plaza hotel - weddings and special events

I got married at the Monterey Plaza Hotel several years ago.  I went there a few days ago and remembered the celebration as if it was yesterday.  I love the dolphin statues!  It will make your event memorable forever!

Inn at Spanish Bay- 5:45PM, bagpipes

Every night at 5:45PM there are bagpipes playing at The Inn at Spanish Bay on 17 mile drive in Carmel, CA.  Beautiful!

The Science Center Museum, Near USC

The Science Center near USC has a new exhibit about dogs.  It is an interactive exhibit good for children about twelve and under.  Some things my son learned were how dogs originated from wives, and how people and wolves had similar social systems.  My son and I go to the museum annually and look forward to it all year.  🐶

Eat and dine at The Derby in Arcadia, CA

A few weeks ago my son and I dined at The Derby in Arcadia, CA in Southern California.  This place was founded in the 1920’s by a horse jockey, as the restourant is near the racetrack. The Derby is old steakhouse with large leather booths, someone was playing the piano when we were there, lots of old racetrack memorabilia everywhere. It made me think of an old friend, Louie, who used to love steak houses and racetracks.  🐎

Eat- Ramen Shop, Rockridge District, Oakland

The Ramen shop is one of the few late night dining options in the Rockridge District of Oakland, CA.  Yummy nasturtium butter miso ramen, with ground pork belly, shoyu-marinated egg, grilled zucchini, flageolet beans, lacinato kale, purple cabbage, and shungiko, $20.5.  My neighbors frequent this place on a date night, and the husband loves the nasturtium butter miso ramen and he also likes the pork and shrimp dumplings.  A plate of three dumplings is $9.00.  Adding a pork and shrimp dumpling to any ramen is $3.00.  For my friend, when she dies a date Night with her husband, she likes the green garlic veggie shoyu ramen, with shiitake and king oyster mushrooms, salt-cured egg, roasted carrots, broccolini, daikon, and frilly mustard greens at $19.50.  They love the music!

 

Movie idea: The Notebook! This is such a romantic movie!

Yoshi’s At Jack London Square- oakland

The Yoshi’s at Jack London Square is perfect for couples on the coast!  There are concerts there almost every night of the week.  They have yummy sushi and if you dine there you get preferred seating.

Spaulding Marine Center is dog friendly

My son went to a concert at the Spaulding Marine Center in Sausalito, CA tonight.  It was a musical celebration of Myron Spaulding.  It featured Benjamin Bergman, violin and Leo Balik, cello.

Movie Recommendation: Me Before You

I love the movie,Me Before You!

Breakfast in Oakland- Boot and Shoe Service

The best croissants I have discovered outside of Paris I found at Boot and Shoe Service in Oakland, CA.  They are crispy outside and tender inside.  They make them in house, which is unusual these days!

Boot and Shoe Service
3308 Grand Avenue
(510) 763-2668
8-12
5:30-10:00

Treats

Mia loves Turkey with Pumpkin treats, they are grain free.  We got them at Pet vet.

O’Doud’s Apothecary- New York

A few months ago my son got his hair cut at a barber on Broadway Street in Oakland and I got him a new conditioner that smells so wonderful!  It includes things like lime oil, orange oil, bergamot mint, and cedar wood.

O’Doud’s , LLC
98 Moore Street Ste. 1
Brooklyn, NY. 11206
832-795-7526

Eat- Zazie French Cafe in Cole Valley Of SF, CA

Though, in honesty, I have only been to the Zazie Cafe once with my son and dog, it is super cozy and romantic!  The poached eggs and omelette specials are delicious.  The service is outstanding.  Brunch is served until 2!

Eat- La Note French Bistro in Berkeley, CA

When I feel I need to go to another country, but can’t afford it, I like to go to La Note French Bistro in Berkeley, CA. I love the brunch items available until 2:30PM!

Activity- Oakland Museum in Friday Noghts

Froday nights at Oakland Museum is a fun date night!  There are food trucks, live music, adult refreshments in the garden, the museum exhibits are open, and there is dancing!

Oakland Museum
Friday nights
Oakland, CA

Happy hour- Itaba kitchen and sushi bar

The Itaba kitchen and sushi bar has an amazing happy hour every day from 4 to 6 pm.

Itaba kitchen and sushi bar
3920 Piedmont ave. Oakland, ca
510-652-5777

Eat- Tahoe City Restaurant- Christy Hill

Christy Hill Restaurant has a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe.  It is a place both locals and tourists go to.  They have a wonderful wine list and the food is delicious!

Christy Hill, Lake Tahoe
Lakeside Bistro
Locally Sourced, Seasonal, Sustainable
Ed Coleman- Robyn Sills
115 Grove Street, Tahoe City, CA. 96145
530-583-8551
wwwChristyHill.com
Info@ChristyHill.com

Parties - Khana Peena Indian Cuisine- Oak

Recently, when I was at my favorite Indian Restourant in Oakland, CA, Khana Peena, I was talking to the owner about how they have beautiful parties in the outdoor, heated area. there are lights, curtains, heat, and even a projector for a movie or slideshow. This is one of my son and I’s favorite restaurants! If you want to have a party or special celebration, call the owner of Khana Peena for a special discount if you mention couples on the coast! Chaten Aggarwal Owner/ manager 5316 College Avenue Oakland, ca 94618 Email: chatenagg@gmail.com Http://www.khanapeenaoakland.com/ Phone: (510)658-2300 Cell: (510)253-3241

Eat and drink- B on Lakeshore, Oakland, ca

B has a supper menu available in the bar and lounge. There are selections such as glazed beets, grilled collards,lamb tartare, local swordfish, and country fried quail

Stix Eatery in Concord, CA- Thai/ Laotian

I was at Stix Eatery in Concord, CA getting some take out food for my mom who isn’t feeling very well today. We have been there many times to either get take-out or eat in. It is a family run restaurant, not a chain. My mom really likes the yellow curry! For couples, I recommend this place as a date night take out place. Stix Eatery Www.stixeats.com

San Francisco Blue and Gold Ferry from Jack London Square in Oakland to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is a beautiful boat ride! I recommend it over driving.

Favorite lunch spot, SF wharf, Boudin

A favorite lunch spot of mine at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is Boudin Bakery. I love the bread bowls with delicious soups such as clam chowder or tomato basil. There is a view of the San Francisco Bay if you fit upstairs or outside. During this time of year, there is a covered patio area. It is dog friendly too. There is a Boudin Bakery museum upstairs. While enjoying my last lunch there, we could hear Jimmy Buffet songs beings played live. We saw seagulls flying over the San Francisco Bay. I love this place! Www.boudinbakery.com 800.992.1849

Bear valley lodge in bear valley, ca has dog friendly rooms

The bear valley lodge in Bear Valley, CA has dog friendly rooms. We are listening g to music near the fire! Dogs may not stay unaccompanied in rooms so it is best of a non skii or snowboard member of the group can stay with the dog.

Restaurant recommendation in rockridge, ca- A Cote

A Cote is located at 5478 College Avenue in Oakland, CA. The website is www.acoterestaurant.com. It is romantic, dimly lit and as yummy food and wine.