I was at Dr. Takemoto’s office yesterday getting my teeth cleaned, and of course the topic moved to food! My hygienist asked what my favorite restaurant was, and actually, I couldn’t answer, but I had plenty of time to think, lying there in the chair. So I mentioned the most incredible huge beef short rib I’d ever eaten when I was on vacation recently in Hawaii, and she wondered if it was the vacation, the location, the service or the food that makes it your favorite restaurant? Good question.
I started thinking about it, and my most memorable meals are those when I sit back, relax, enjoy the fresh air and the view, and of course the food. For me, I love sitting outside, and if there’s water, any kind of water, it’s even better. Here’s a quick list off the top of my head of memorable restaurants on the water:
Plumas Pines Resort at Lake Almanor, CA where we drive our boat to the dock, sit on the deck and enjoy an incredible view of Mount Lassen, and maybe an adult beverage, or two.
Bob Mueller at the Plumas Pines Resort
Take a long walk on the pier in Santa Cruz at the Boardwalk, and savor a hot cup of chowder with a hunk o’ crusty sourdough bread at Stagnaro Brothers.
Stagnaro Brothers restaurant and fish market
On the North Shore of Oahu, Ola Restaurant on the beach at Turtle Bay Resort where I ate the best braised short rib on the planet.
A mahi mahi sandwich or burger at The Grill at Wente Vineyards, overlooking the 18th hole (yes, there’s a water feature where a lot of golf balls end up, including mine!), my mom’s favorite place to boost her spirits.
On the beach in San Francisco, at the end of Golden Gate Park sits The Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant, great beer sampler and appetizers, and an unobstructed view of the Pacific.
The California Delta has a number of restaurants you can drive your car or boat too, quite an adventure! My parents and family meet annually at The Point.
At Lake Tahoe our favorite lakeside restaurant is The Beacon, located at Camp Richardson on the South Shore. A favorite of locals, and home of the “Rum Runner!”
Now get out there and eat! And drink! Responsibly that is…
Capt’n Nancy
(That’s what they call me when I’m drivin’ the boat!)