Big Sur, Portland and Back to Seattle

Tuesday we woke up in LA on a mattress in the living room because that is all that is left in our apartment other than the television and the backpacks we are taking on our trip.  It is a strange feeling, I don't really feel like we 'live' in Los Angeles anymore, more like we are passing through and just happen to be staying there.  But I digress, we woke up in LA, got in the car and made a trek (the 2nd one of the month) up the coast, this time stopping in Big Sur for 2 nights to stay with family.

The first night in Big Sur we had dinner at Deetjen's, an amazing little spot that hosts a collection of cabins to stay in that each have wood burning stoves (we stayed there for 2 nights on our honeymoon) and one of the coziest restaurants imaginable.  The restaurant is a series of small rooms, dark colored table cloths and pewter candlesticks, all of which are a bit different.  There are small chandeliers hanging throughout and exposed wood one the walls.  I feel like every day at that place is Thanksgiving, I want to bury myself in the warming, soothing, delicious food.  I had the trumpet mushroom soup which was light and buttery, a pureed soup that was so perfect in its simplicity.  I also had the crabcakes, I seem to remember having them before, they were drizzled with a spicy aoli sauce and served alongside some simple greens. 

Wednesday morning the sun came out and the haze settled low along the coast while we enjoyed a late breakfast of oatmeal and coffee at Ripplewood.  Afterwards we returned to the house and I had time to practice some yoga and read, followed by a long, leisurely walk in the hills before heading to dinner at the Big Sur Bakery.  If you have never been there, you need to go.  If you can't go, buy the cookbook and bring it to you.  This might just be my favorite place to eat on the planet (thus far, that is).  Every time I go there is a new menu, all local, all fresh, all sustainable.  Last time I was there our server, who had left life in the big city to live in Big Sur and work the land nearly had me convinced to never leave.  On this trip we enjoyed fresh baked bread with butter and fleur de sel to sprinkle on top.  For dinner it was toasted barley and a roasted free range chicken smothered in garlic gravy. I only eat red meat about twice a year and this was the time; I devoured the horseradish mashed potatoes and spinach sauteed with fresh cherry tomatoes, and savoured every bite of the skirt steak cooked to perfection.  Desert was an apple tart with creme fraiche ice cream.  I will remember this meal for years to come.

Thursday morning we drove about 13 hours from Big Sur to Portland.  It was a long day but being greeted by Jared, Aquilla and Kal- it was wonderful.  Thank you family!!

Friday we grabbed a quick lunch at Joe's Burgers in Portland with Jared and yes Jared, it does taste like In-n-Out.  In fact, I think it beats out In-n-Out because it offers veggie burgers and they are super yummy.
We are in Seattle until this coming Wednesday, seeing family and finishing up the final details for our trip before we head to Fiji a week from Sunday!!!!

Alas, my camera was left home on this trip so there are no photos of how amazing and lovely our drive up was, I promise lots of Fiji photos to make up for it.

xoxo

My Bro is Married!

Congrats to Scott and Jackie- love you bunches.

Made it to Seattle

We have arrived and unpacked our Uhaul trailer in Seattle.  Visited with some friends and family along the way and had a great time but so happy to be done driving for a few days.  We made it from LA to Ashland, OR on Monday, drove through Eugene to see our good friend Matt and his adorable son Burdock (2 years old) on Tuesday and then up to Portland, OR to stay with Jared and Aquilla and our 7 month nephew Kal.  Sky's mom flew in Wednesday and we celebrated her dinner the Farms Cafe in downtown Portland.  If you are in the area and have not eaten there you better get there soon.  The baked brie was so good I could have eaten the entire plate to myself and the entrees were phenomenal.  All local, all organic and all delicious.  Did I mention they have a great happy hour?  This morning we woke up in Porland and drove to Seattle.  Being back up in the Northwest feels great and while I know we will miss friends and a few places in LA, I know this move feels right for us.  I always forget how much I miss the fall- it is my favorite season and the Northwest does it right.  The sun has been out, the leaves are red and gold and there is a crisp chill in the air.  Perfect weather for cozying up to  warm cup of coffee which I have been taking full advantage of since we got here. 



Everything we are taking with us fit into this trailer, clearing out and getting rid of all the extra clutter was such a freeing feeling.




Hmm, can't remember which mountain this is but it is North of Ashland and South of Eugene.  Anyone?  Regardless, it was breathtaking.




Burdock, 2 years old- had a great time in the park and exploring Eugene a bit, such an adorable town. I can't wait to get back.




Kal, 7 months in his 'excersaucer.'  This kid's smile can light up the entire room.  I miss him already!




And another photo of Kal, I just couldn't resist!




The Farms Cafe in Portland.  As you can see we all cleared our plates, the food was perfect.

Coming up this weekend we are off to Whidbey Island for my brother's wedding. We'll be taking my parent's boat up for the weekend and enjoying a few days of quiet island life.  Whidbye island is one of the most peaceful places in the world.  Can't wait to celebrate with my family and walk along the beach, jumping from log to log and enjoying what this part of the world has to offer before heading back to LA to tie up some loose ends before leaving this hemisphere for a while.

xoxo
K