More PCH

Jan. 24th more PCH

After lunch we started cruising up the PCH toward Big Sur.  Encountered all sorts of weather.  Thought we saw a school of beached whales which turned out to be a colony of elephant seals.  Large and loud.

Jan. 24th Qupe and ABC Vineyards

We were invited to have lunch with the owner and staff of Qupe and Au Bon Climat Vineyards.  I have always loved the Qupe syrah and had it on the list both at The Oyster and Blackfish.  I have also had the ABC chard on the list. Michael Meluskey who works for Qupe and ABC has eaten at the Oyster and Blackfish a few times.  Loves the Oyster Stew.  He gave us a tour of the vineyard (in the rain) and then we sat down to a family style lunch which the owner who cooked for the staff and us.  They busted out a ton of wine (Kerry's glass is empty).  We had a roasted pork loin, free form lasagna with butternut squash and sage brown butter, a beet and arugula salad, cheese plate, and a broccoli/cauliflower hybrid.  I recognised the owner from a show I love on the HD channel called After Hours with Daniel Boloud.  It's basically a bunch of chefs, winemakers, and a celeb sitting around talking food, wine and politics.  I remember this guy because he was super interesting and had a lot to say.  Lunch was great and the whole thing was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

Jan. 24th More PCH

I think to accurately describe this drive I'm going to post a ton of pics.  If you've been reading this we all know I'm no Shakespeare.  I'm sure Angie and Todd have pens out and are grading this whole thing.  Hoping for a C-.  Just a quick story.  Years ago my brother and I were driving down to South Carolina to visit my Mom and play a little golf.  Two things I should do more of.  Todd was at Dartmouth at the time and wanted to visit a friend at James Madison U. in Virginia.  We took the little detour and decided to spend the night.  I will leave most of the details out but we managed to destroy ourselves at an epic fraternity party  Sloshing around on a floor covered in an inch of beer and I vaguely remember a hookah pipe.  We passed out before the pizza showed up but woke early to try and make it to Mom's in time for dinner.  It was a blindingly sunny day and our heads were pounding.  I looked at Todd and he looked at me and it was obvious that I would be driving the first leg.  I made him promise to stay awake during the drive to keep my nagging hangover company.  He was asleep in minutes.  As I was looking at our route I noticed the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.  I turned on to the Parkway thinking it would be a great way to entertain myself while Todd was sleeping.  I had no idea that once on it was very difficult to get back to a main highway.  It was also similar to being on a roller coaster that never ended.  Todd quickly woke up and asked "where the #@$% are we?"  After waking,  he was very cranky and he made me stop every 15 minutes so he could empty the contents of his stomach.  The PCH is very similar and now I'm stuck on it with a pregnant woman.  Poor Kerry...she's been a trooper but sometimes it's a bit to much for her.  Definitely taking a different route back.

Jan. 22nd S.B. and the PCH

Had a rainy drive up from Malibu on the Pacific Coast Highway.  Saw Sam Elliot at a grocery store in Malibu.  Wish we had the audi for this part of the trip.  The road is twisty and made to be driven.  The Toyo doesn't like it so much.  It was great to see Amber.  She promptly hooked us up with massage at her massage school.  John was able to get some time off so they toured us around a little bit and kicked our asses at the bowling alley.  Sia is a beautiful little girl.  Unfortunately I didn't get a photo but we will be swinging back through later in the trip.  The weather has been a little rough so we were limited in what we could do.  Kerry and I did catch a farmers market in downtown S.B. which really made me wish we had access to the same produce on the Cape.  Amazing organic stuff which went for three blocks.  I can only imagine what it's like when the weather is more cooperative.  Next stop Big Sur. 

Jan. 22nd The News

Although I'm sure all of you know already, Kerry and I are having a baby!   We have known since somewhere in Louisiana.  We finally got to a doctor in L.A. and confirmed that Kerry is 11 weeks and counting.  Predicted due date Aug. 15th.  We are very excited and cutting the trip short.  We will turn around in San Fran.  I'm headed to the Super Bowl with Danny and Gui...Kerry will be visiting with Pattee in Palm Springs then home around the 9th or 10th.  We will keep blogging the whole way.  Looking forward to seeing you all soon. 

L.A. Jan. 20th

Stopped and visited with a friend of mine from Jamaica on our drive up to L.A.  Daecia is working at a Marriott in Northern San Diego.  It was a great visit but to short.  I'm sure she can't wait to get home.  We splurged a bit but get a great rate at The Beverly Hills Hotel.  Upon checking in they told me our room was pretty small and asked if we would like to upgrade to a bungalow.  I figured way to expensive but the desk clerk said no cost so we jumped at it.  Great room!! Great Hotel!!  I hope I can someday truly afford to stay here.  The whole staff was super chill and friendly.  We had dinner in The Polo Room but no stars spotted.  Next morning we had breakfast in The Fountain Room and sat with the cop from Die Hard and Byron Allen.  C List at best.  We ran into Joe Torre while we were window shopping on Rodeo.  I shook his hand and wished him luck.  It's OK now that he's a Dodger!!  We drove around Beverly Hills and admired the houses and then I got sushi with one of my best friends from prep school.  Had a real good time in L.A. although we really didn't do much.  We are now headed to Santa Barbara to visit Amber Scuito and her fiance and baby!  Stay tune...big news in next blog.  

Still in S.D.

To set the record straight Rob won that tennis match.  First the food part.  Went to a great little taco place in Pacific Beach called La Playa (I think).  Great shrimp tacos...super fresh.  Rob hooked us up with an amazing meal at his place... I really liked San Diego.  Little communities spread out over a large area.  We stayed on Mission Bay in Pacific Beach.  We could walk right out of our room onto a boardwalk that went all around the bay.  We were just two blocks off the Pacific Ocean.  Rob took us through La Jolla and Ocean Beach.  Kerry and I checked out Coronado and the San Diego Zoo.  Not impressed with the zoo.  Should have taken Heather's recommendation and hit the wildlife park.  I know it's supposed to be one of the best zoo's in the world but the pens are still to small and the layout is absurd.  Rob took us to the bombshelter of S.D. which was fun but not the same without Steve behind the bar.  Went to Jessup's for the Pats game.  Nice to be in the away town with a bunch of Patriots fans.  Haven't seen Ben Ribnik since I coached his brother in hoops a million years ago.  Check out Coleman's shirt in the photo.  He's created the peel away t-shirt.  Had a great time but had to leave for L.A. post game.  Thanks for hosting us Rob and Jessup.  By the way Kenny Chesney really did write that song about sherri(sorry if my spelling is off).  

San Diego

Hello people! Long time, no speak... Kerry here.  Eric is much better with the blog writing than i am, but I figured since we were visiting one of MY best friends on this stage of the trip, well, I had better take the wheel.

How could we take a trip to California without visiting Rob Famulare.  It was an obvious stop, I know.  He showed us a great time from start to finish.  For those of you who know Rob, he is doing Great! He is Chef at beautiful resort called The Catamaran, located in Pacific Beach.  He got us a beautiful bay side room there and on our second night created a SEVEN course meal for us.  It was Delicious! 

We also got to see two other old friends of mine, Brett and Coleman.  They are doing great, working at the Catamaran as well. Eric, actually, got to spend a little more time  with them than I did... I crashed out early on poker night.  I did, however, catch the heated tennis match between Coleman and Rob. Congratulations Coleman.. you won fair and square. 

Overall, One of the best stops for me.  San Diego was beautiful, AND I got to see some great friends.  Thanks Rob, for your hospitality, and hopefully not long until we all see each other again.  

  

Still in Vegas

We spent the next few days in Vegas.  Gui and I played a poker tournament at the Paris Casino.  We both made the final table but neither of us placed in the money.  Gui took 6th and I placed 8th (top 5 got payed).  Kristen and Kerry hit the roller coaster at New York, New York while we played.  Apparently it was pretty scary.  I forgot to mention we hit Bouchon for breakfast which was absolutely killer and arguably the best breakfast I've ever eaten.  The pastries alone made it.  We gambled a bit more that night and ended up eating at a restaurant called Fix at the Bellagio for dinner.  Kobe sliders, little lobster tacos, fried truffled mac and cheese, yellowtail sashimi.  Another great meal.  Kristen spotted Tyson on our walk back to the hotel.  We finally linked up the whole crew for a Johnny Rockett's lunch on the 16th.  Everyone exchanged war stories (Tom's were the best) and headed off into the sunset.  Kerry and I spent one last night.  We had dinner at David Burke's which was pretty good, cool display kitchen and great waiter.  We then caught Spamalot which is a musical version of The Holy Grail.  We also got a backstage tour from one of the cast members.  San Diego bound!  Go Pats!!

Still Jan. 14th

We all met at 7 at B and B which is one of Mario Batali's restaurants.  The Outer Cape was well represented.  Luke and Lisa, Gui and Kristen, Mark Lewis, Sushi Andrew, Sushi Seth, and a bunch of other friends of Tom's.  There was 20 of us over all.  Gui had us set up with Ricki Lane who manages Batali's three restaurants in Vegas.   They gave us a private room with a 7 course tasting menu.  It was actually way more then 7 courses because there was 4 different plates sent out with each course.  Highlights were a beautiful cheese souffle, chestnut ravioli, lamb brain agnolotti, actually it was all great.  Killer wine.  Tom seemed genuinely surprised bordering on speechless, which we all know is tough for the man.  Congrats to Myya for pulling it off.  We finally encouraged him to make a speech which we got on video.  After dinner we all went off our separate ways to chase whatever debauchery we were choosing that evening.  Kerry and I were back in the room by 3 AM and again she crushed the poker table.

Vegas still the 14th

Fortunately we entered Pacific Standard time after crossing the Hoover Dam, which gave us just enough time to check into The Venetian and make Tom's surprise party.  We had a great view of the strip from our room.   Here are a few photos of the hotel and our room.

JAN. 14th Grand Canyon

Awesome...breath taking.  Not much more to say.  wild drive up to the canyon.  tons of snow not many cars.  Off to Vegas Baby!

JAN. 14th Sedona

Big driving day.  Only made it just past Phoenix on the 13th and need to be in Vegas for Tom's 30th birthday dinner.  We left early and met Ryan Hallum for breakfast in Sedona.  This is our new favorite place on the trip.  Can't wait to get back.  Ryan is recently engaged and a recent graduate from culinary school.  He is working at the top spa (cooking) in the country.  Great to see him and meet his fiance.  We then continued North and started hitting snow as we rose in altitude.  Overall the trip has been pretty cold but it was freezing up here.  Heading off to the Grand Canyon.

Finn with a Papelbon stare down and curtain call

Tucson

Just spent the last three days with Todd, Heather and Finn in Tucson, Az.  My nephew Finn just turned 7 months and he entertained us the whole time we visited.  He has some new teeth coming in which kept him up at night but overall he was a saint.  My brother is working toward his doctorate degree at the University of Arizona.  We played a little more poker(which I won) and thoroughly enjoyed the Pats victory.  We are now headed North to the Grand Canyon.  We are trying to post more frequently but don't always have internet access.  

White Sands National Park

      You can't see here, but to the right of this picture there were 3 people trying to slide down the sand hills in trash bags.. STAY OFF THE DUNES!!... Natural instinct, unnecessary though, these dunes are really hard packed and you are actually allowed to walk on them.  This was a memorable stop, for sure.... Next stop, Tucson, Az.

More Pics from the Caverns

 

Jan. 10th

We are in the major driving portion of the trip but today we hit two national parks.  The first was Carlsbad Canyons.  I took the shortcut 75 stories down into the caves.  The elevator saved my ankle which is really starting to feel better.  I'm hoping i'll be ready for beer pong at my brother's place in Tucson.  Caverns were way cool but we missed the mass bat exodus at sunset.  We still had to drive over the Sacramento Mountains to White Sands National Park.  

Jan. 8th/9th

Austin Texas rocks.  Tons of bars and loads of music.  We went to the classic, Antones, where SRV used to play and caught his brother sitting in on a blues jam.  The lead singer was an albino who looked a bit like Yellowman.  Stayed at a great hotel right by the state capital.  You can actually see the capital behind Kerry's left shoulder in the photo.  We got up on the morning of the 9th for a full driving day.  Goal destination: Carlsbad, New Mexico.  The drive through southwest Texas is pretty flat.  Tons of dead dear(at least 40 and counting), a few live ones, some big feral pigs, and javelina which look like pigs but are something else actually.  You google it.  I guess the feral pigs are more like boar since they have some big ass tusks.  We tried to get a photo but it ran into the brush.  That's all we got.  Carlsbad Canyons National Park in the morning.