Fish.

Annika had a baby sitting gig next door last night so we decided to head for a restaurant that sits directly across the bay from us. On the harbor in Sausalito, Fish. is quite a different experience. First, you stand in a line (which last night was about 30 minutes). You then order your food, pay with cash and get a number. Drinks, silverware and the like you take out side with you and search for an open bench or picnic table. Fortunately Carol was able to score a bench before we got to the front of the line. We had a crab dip with homemade potato chips that was really good. I had grilled marinated tuna over pasta that was fresh and surprisingly light. At Fish. they make quite a big deal about sustainability which adds authenticity to a place dripping with it. Last night was a perfect evening... about 70 degrees at sunset.

The Fish Hopper

We went to the Monterey Aquarium and spent a spectacular couple of hours. We didn't see the new White Shark who is apparently still quite shy. We did see lots of other incredible things. Afterward we did the touristy thing and went to The Fish Hopper which is along Cannery Row. I normally wouldn't mention a place like this here but I had an amazing grilled fish platter caught all in Monterey Bay. The sardines were the highlight.

Olita

We went to Santa Cruz for a walk along the boardwalk and some dinner. I was searching for cool place to go an found a recommendation for Olita in an article about Santa Cruz being one of the best places to live. The restaurant is most of the way out on the pier and has amazing views. Our waiter recommended the prawn and crab enchiladas insisting that he would not steer us wrong. He didn't. My margarita's weren't too bad either.

Apple Box

Annika had a game against Petaluma this morning and we dropped her with time to find a place for breakfast. Right on the river is a place called Apple Box. We had a latte and split a breakfast burrito. We sat by the river and saw a bike club assemble and leave for a ride. That whole river area looks like it's probably fun on a Saturday night.

Drazil Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza "FAF"

After a mountain bike ride up around Alpine Lake Carol and I were putting our bikes back on the car and a guy came over an asked us if we liked coffee. He was selling coffee he has roasted that morning. He was very excited by the beans he had just gotten from "FAF", a coffee plantation in Brazil. We bought a bag and waited a day as he instructed. Freshly ground and put through the drip maker the coffee has a naturally sweet aroma. The taste medium and very smooth without even a hint of bitterness. It's both nutty and sweet. I have no idea how to get more of it. We always park there but I have never seen the guy before.

Station House Cafe

Carol and I dragged Annika out to Bear Valley for a ride/hike to Arch Rock. The fog would come and go making the temperature swing all over the map. Afterward we went into Pt. Reyes Station and had lunch on the back patio of the Station House Cafe. Our waitress looked just like the Asian girl from Grey's Anatomy (though she doesn't think so). Our food was good and hearty. I especially liked the fried oysters from nearby Drake's Bay.