Paramount Theater in Oakland - Classic Movies!

The Paramount Theater in Oakland is a recently-restored architectural masterpiece of the art deco style.  They are now showing classic movies on occasional Friday evenings!  Tonight - Roman Holiday.  On March 14th - Mary Poppins.   Here's the event calendar.

Travel Zoo

Recommended Restaurants from a Local in Monterey, CA

Recommended Restaurants:

Mission Ranch

Fishwife

Whaling Station Steakhouse

Restaurant Reviews - Murray Circle, Fort Baker - Sausalito

Both Murray Circle and Farleybar are magical places with delicious food.  I prefer the veranda at Murray Circle, which is even heated.  Sitting out at night, watching the sunset is the best place to be!  During these winter months, dress warm as it can get chilly even with the heater.

Resources:

Murray Circle
FarleyBar
Both of these are located at Cavallo Point
601 Murray Circle
Fort Baker
Sausalito, California  94965
Phone:  (415)  339-4700
CAVALLOPOINT.COM

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