Monday, May 31, 2010

Home for the Holiday

Memorial Day traditionally signals the start of summer travels for many. A three day weekend and good weather seems like the ideal time for a road trip, but that's not for me. Why go on the road and fight traffic and hordes of people in search of food and fun? This year we opted for food adventures right here in our own hometown. On Saturday our first stop was California Bay Nurseries in Ignacio. This is far and away the best garden store in Novato. We picked a few plants to add to our already blossoming kitchen garden. We're hoping for a great crop this year, nothing more local than your own back yard.
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On the way home to plant, we stopped by a hidden jewel of a deli called Beli Deli in a trailer park just off the freeway located at 1530 Armstrong Avenue. I first tasted their food while attending a meeting catered by them. My favorite is "Roberto's Special Italian Pressed Sandwich," a combo of meats and cheeses. Have a picnic in your own garden!
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On Sunday we were off to check out the new Whole Foods in downtown Novato. We arrived there early and the crowds were sparse, just they way we like it. This place is beautiful, big and inviting. We started in the bakery where we spoke to Sean the baker who was filling the display with fresh-from-the-oven loaves. I asked him if it was ok to take pictures and he said "yes, these loaves are like my children." He explained, with obvious pride, that this store was one of four that mixes their own dough. He has worked in several other locations but is really happy to be in Novato.
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We wandered like kids in a candy factory checking out the displays and eating free samples. The produce department is unbelievable and the prices competitive.
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There are so many choices of prepared foods and lovely eating areas both inside and out. Check them out.
Have a great weekend!





2 comments:

cookiecrumb said...

Why would we go anywhere? People come HERE!
Happy weekend.

Chilebrown said...

I have been working in my garden most of the week. I need to go back to work to get some rest.

Cookiecrumb, spoken like a true Marinite.