Very Cold, Very Dry

Hello, fellow martini lovers! It’s been a hot minute! I had every intention of getting a post up for our regular Martini Fridays series, but as my favorite saying goes, Life happens when you make other plans.

I just got back from a nice family vacation in one of my favorite areas in the northern part of California: The Bay Area. Even though I haven’t lived there since 2010, there’s a sense of peace and calm as soon as the plane lands. My everyday worries melt away as I reconnect with family and close friends I’ve cherished since High School.

My vacation routine kicks in immediately: bike rides around the neighborhood, with a stop for breakfast at our favorite local restaurant, going to the downtown farmer’s market, making a stop (or two!) at In N Out Burger, and getting a custom box of Sees candies (because it’s the best candy ever. Period). Find your nearest Bay Area location here. Or better yet, have one shipped to you as a gift when you return home.

You also can’t leave California without going to at least one winery! Fortunately for me, some of my family lives in Livermore. If you haven’t heard of this underrated wine country area, you’re missing out. Located in the East Bay, the wine is comparable to Napa without the outrageous prices.

I suggest that after a fulfilling lunch at In N Out Burger, you head to two of my favorite wineries, Steven Kent and Retzlaff. Both locally owned, they represent some of the best red varietals in the area. Steven Kent specializes in Cabernet Franc, as they believe it is the “most expressive grape in the world”. Whether or not you agree, it’s delicious wine!

Located in an unassuming building next to two other wineries, you’ll beat the crowds and cool off, away from the Livermore Wine Trail, as you sit back and let the family guide you through the tastings. Also, a shameless plug: a few of my family members actually provide some of their grapes!

Drive another 7 minutes and head to Retzlaff Vineyards, a funky, certified organic winery off the Livermore Wine Trail. Park your car in between the vineyards, and head to the open picnic area, where you can bring your own food (must purchase wine as well) and listen to live music on weekends. They also have rotating food trucks for fun and creative bites. I love their Cabernets and Rosés.

After all that wine, it’s time to head to Downtown Livermore, just a short drive from the wineries. There are so many new shops and restaurants, it’s becoming the destination for locals and tourists alike. If you get there early, do a little shopping at the local boutiques, and then head to cult favorites like Uncle Yu’s for elevated Chinese food (Think PF Changs, but actually good) or Zephyr’s for American classics and great, happy hour from 3-6pm. But don’t expect a seat at the bar; the locals fill those up as soon as it’s open.

My new favorite from this trip is the Spanish Tapas restaurant, L Campo. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious, especially the paella, which I recommend ordering as soon as possible as it takes time to prepare. They also made the best martini I’ve ever had in the Bay Area. And we KNOW a good martini is a must!

Next, head down south to Los Altos, my hometown nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. Here, you won’t find any tourists; just locals who like their downtown quiet and shut down at 9:00pm.

Go early, walk around, and have lunch at Rick’s Cafe, the best brunch and breakfast place in town. Elizabeth, the owner, is friendly and ready to greet you every time you visit. I love their Cobb Salad and Blueberry pancakes.

Then head across the street and shop at BK Collections (owned by my Dad’s neighbor) for some great local gifts, thrift at the American Cancer Society Bookshop, and then head to my favorite coffee shop, Red Berry, for some local lattes or cold brews.

Most restaurants are open Wednesday – Sunday, so plan accordingly. However, what is open, and is always PACKED and actually open through the late hours is The Los Altos Grill. Part of the popular Hillstone Group, their restaurants are consistent all across their various locations.

You need reservations in advance, they’re not kid friendly, and don’t accommodate large groups, but it’s the perfect date night spot. I love their famous roasted chicken and artichokes. They also make a pretty decent martini, seen here:

In between all the fine dining, I did manage to make a few martinis at home, including this one with Bombay Sapphire, that’s (you guessed it), very cold, very dry.

I also think renting a mini cooper convertible helps enhance your California vacation. Because nothing says “California” like having the top down!

Also, I got to see some goats, chickens and turkeys.

Well, that’s it for this week’s Travel Feature! I hope you make a visit out to the Bay Area: It’s really worth it! Let me know if you’ve been to these places (or have any other suggestions!), and I hope you have great travels soon!