Foggy Market

We arrived early at the Marin Farmer's Market. Barely visible through the low lying fog it seemed almost surreal at first sight.

The colors of summer mingled with the colors of fall as we made our way through the still sparse crowd.

We have regular route when we make the market and most of the sellers are familiar. We spotted the organic dim sum stand and decided to explore.

It has been said that we are the sum of our experiences. We have enjoyed dim sum on numerous occasions in San Fran so I was hit with sticker shock when I observed the size versus price ratio compared to what I was used to. We ordered a selection and elected to take them uncooked and steam them ourselves for lunch. I am happy to report that result was sumptuous! All examples recieved high praise. One has to add to the equation that this is Marin and this product is organic. Highly recommended.

Not in Kansas anymore Toto

I just realized that I have been writing this blog for over three years. Yikes! Time flies when you're having fun. I try not to repeat subjects but it is bound to happen. Today is a case in point, I have written about Ruby's cafe in Emeryville before. Why should I mention it again? Because it is the kind of place I would love to own.

A stylishly decorated, hip, artistic, so unlike Starbucks place to hang out. The clientele is an eclectic mix of bohemian and urban hipsters. Ruby's offers a limited menu of tasty sandwiches, soups and bakery items along with coffee drinks. The beautiful young lady behind the counter actually smiles and looks you in the eye when you order. The staff is obviously well managed and efficient. What more could you ask for? Mind you, I have only been there on Saturdays and the dynamic may change during the week when the local businesses are open.

After you order you are given a "magic wand" with a number to identify your table. It reminds me of the Wizard of Oz; just click the Ruby red slippers together and say "there's no place like home."


My magic wand!

roast beef with horseradish still a favorite

Veggie goes Greek

• 6233 Hollis St.
  Emeryville, California 94608
  (510) 601-0622

Riding the rails

Trains hold a bit of nostalgia for me. At a very early age I rode between Washington D.C. and Philadelphia to see the relatives. I don't remember much but a sense of excitement and snacks from the food car. I have been threatening to ride a train for some time now. The final motivator was a segment of Eye on the Bay promoting public transit day trips, one of which was a trip to Old Sacramento. I booked two tickets.


I had never experienced the Amtrak Capitol Corridor trains. It was an extremely pleasant first experience. The trains are comfortable, clean, and run on time. We left Emeryville and less that two hours later we arrived. This trip could easily be a day trip but we decided to turn it into overnight. During the week these trains haul commuters between Sacramento and San Jose and include amenities like desks and electrical outlets for computers. This made April happy as she watched one of her favorite old movies on her computer. I busied myself watching the views along the bay up to Martinez. The moth ball fleet looms like ghosts in the misty bay and new cars arriving by ship line up like colorful puzzle pieces. After Martinez we turned inland through some marshes where bird watching drew April away from her movie. Egrets and great white herons stood majestically seeking food. I balanced my way back to the snack bar for my food and also scored a small bottle of wine to share as it was an excursion and no driving was needed.

There are several options for lodging in old town including the Delta King, a paddle boat turned hotel. Our choice was the Embassy Suites Riverfront, a twenty minute walk from the station. After checking in we scouted the Old Sacramento where one could spend to their hearts content. We window shopped and looked for lunch. We ended up at a restaurant whose real identity escapes me because it said Brickhouse on the board outside and the receipt says Cantina Del Rio. What ever it is named it is located at 106 J St. and offers good food and a laid back atmosphere. I had the burger and April had the fire prawns and then we shared.

Old Sacramento

Unnamed restaurant

Back at the hotel we made plans to patronise the nearby Laughs Unlimited or the Backdoor Lounge piano bar but after the hotel managers cocktail hour we decided to eat in house at the Tower Bridge Bistro and were amazed by the great food and very professional service at wonderful prices. Back in the suite we rented Mama Mia and ended the evening is a wonderful mood.

Next morning after breakfast we headed back to reality, gently, courtesy of Amtrak. I can see more train rides is my future.

The Wild Life

This weekend we had our first significant rain of the season. What's a traveling food aficionado suppose to do when the deluge makes travel difficult? We hung out at the house, made chicken stock and watched travel and food shows on T.V. One particular show highlighted a group of women on a getaway trip to Santa Monica at a deluxe resort and spa. Several restaurants were highlighted with money shots of the food. It looked fantastic. During the credits at the end it mentioned thanks to the hotel. A little research showed that all the restaurants mentioned were in said hotel. I deduct that the vacation review was in fact paid for by the hotel. A nice gig if you can get it. If someone wants to pay me to travel to their resort and take pictures of the food please email immediately! In the meantime I have to do my own economical travel thing.

A few weeks ago we took a day trip to San Francisco. On the ferry ride April eyeballed a cruise ship docked near fisherman's wharf so it was decided we should go see it. A nice walk, good conversation and the beauty of Bay Area all free. I know a lot of the locals shun this area but the the sea life and the people watching opportunities are numerous. Our first stop of the walk was to check out the Celebrity Cruise ship. As good fortune would have it the Maltese Falcon was docked next door.

Over at Fisherman's wharf the sea lions were loud and jostled for the perfect place in the sun.

I liked this guy, he does his thing the heck with the crowd.

The wharf restaurants all had barkers outside trying to lure customers in. It seemed business was a little slow. I took up a people watching spot near the merry go round while April checked out a shop. Next to me was a family enjoying a picnic from what I could only describe as a magic backpack. The mom just kept pulling plastic containers filled with tuna, pickles, assorted vegetables,bread and relishes. Just when I thought the picnic was over out came a thermal carafe with hot water for tea and cookies. A little further down the road I spied yet another picnic. This time the mom had purchased a loaf of Boudin's bread. She then lifted a foil wrapped brick from her bag. When opened it exposed a steaming concoction of rice and meat. The bread served as the method to move the rice from container to mouth. Motivated by these picnics we threw together a little picnic of our own from Cost Plus World Market. It pays to keep a picnic knife in the backpack.



We chowed down and watched the "Bushman" scare the tips out of passing tourists.