Joy!

I take my Grands to school a couple of days each week. There is a one-hour time difference between when I drop off the boy at the middle school and when I drop off the girl at her school. 

 Bell and I have embarked on a social food experiment. Every morning we try a different bakery/juice/coffee shop. And every morning, she makes at least three new friends. 

 In the short time, we’ve been doing this, we realized a couple of things. 

#1 there are a lot of early morning food choices. 

 #2 each of them has its own counterculture. 

 I’ll be doing a recap weekly. We judge them in terms of food, atmosphere, and Wow factor (how many people talk to Bell). 

 

In my first installment - I want to start saying with Joy that Joy is bringing more Joy than the other bean or pulp slingers. Joy is a juice, healthy food, everything gloriously good-for-you shop in downtown Shell Beach. The bright blue building welcomes you, as do the happy employees. 

We started with the gluten-free waffles, topped with almond butter, granola, fresh strawberries, blueberries, and real maple syrup. I was overjoyed at how good this waffle was. In fact, I will be happy to say it is the best waffle I’ve ever had. 

Next, we tried the Acai Bowl, and I can honestly say I’ve gone back and gotten one of these every day since! They contain frozen Acai fruit topped with shredded coconut, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and Ocean Ranch granola. It’s more like an ice cream sundae than a healthy treat. My granddaughter had the Dragon Chaser smoothie with apple juice, dragon fruit, and banana. She loved it and swore she didn’t know dragons grew fruit! 

 I returned for lunch with my girlfriends, and we had the Avocado Waffle, savory goodness, The Power Bowl, and an Elvis smoothie. Overloaded with stuff I’ve never heard before, but that is so good for you and tastes delectable. 

We chatted with the owner, who freely gave away recipes, secrets of where she got the crunchy granola, and her Joy. 

If I lived in Shell Beach, I’d go here every day for the organic pressed juices. And those waffles. Those waffles are damn good. Get yourself some Joy!

Mayan Rivera- Tulum for One Please! (aka- Abulea Fugitive)

I’m home after a wonderful time in the Mayan Riviera. I love traveling alone, it changes me each time. I meet new people, read books and write like the wind. The best part is coming home to my fabulous Beau Gary Bayus. Here is the slide show from this episode of Abulea Fugitiva. #Akumal #QuintanaRoo #SoloTravel #TableForOne

SLO Local Playing Tourist

Mr. Bayus’s celebrated me by playing tourist in San Luis Obispo. We parked in the big garage on Marsh and walked around.
We stopped first at Sheila Kearns Chocolate & Confections and tried for the first time chocolate hibiscus. Her store is as if you stepped into Paris. Gary’s wants to live there.
Then we found a book binding shop that ended up being an escape room facility. Puzzle Break - Escape Room Experiences. Then an ax throwing place Battle Axe-Slo. Can’t wait to try those with the Grands.
On to Turkish Delights at Lokum Turkish Delight. Everything is beautiful and delicious. My favorite was the saffron. Gary left with a box.
Then we moved to Park 1039 for champagne and charcuterie. I love the outdoor parklet for people watching. We scooted up to the Mission Roller rink pop up. We swerved to tunes spun by Adam Montiel.
Then to the The Palm Theatre to watch Everything Everywhere All At Once. This epic movie is a must see. It’s funny, poignant, weird, alternative and filled with metaphors and astounding martial arts.
Next stop was Ox + Anchor for Baked Alaska. While the ice cream sparkled. I had a glass of Pinot.
Our final stop was Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica. We had the chanterelle mushrooms, lasagna and scampi. We both remarked on how refreshing it is to have real service and constantly delectable food. I’ve done all the cooking for the last 2 years- I’m not tip worthy.
If you haven’t been to Downtown SLO lately- Go! It was like we went on a small vacation. #LocalYocal #trysomethingNew #slowliving #besthusbandever

Novo- Creekside Dining in San Luis Obispo

Fantastic Brunch at the hands of Master Chef Michael Avila. Chef sent us a plate of fantastical hummus, accoutrements and samosas. The Ahi nachos were the perfect blend of fresh, hot, crispy, sweet and delectable. Other dishes included sopes, nachos and lettuce wraps. Sitting outside listening to the creek drizzle by and enjoying smart women soaking up the sun made for a wonderful outing. Novo is a must try! #tastebuds #Novo #BestChef #slolife

The Spoon Trade

As always - an exceptional meal at The Spoon Trade. Chef Jacob commands a kitchen like no other. His use of flavors and exceptional raw ingredients meet to create an orgasm on my tongue. Brooke - his bride and front of the house genius, has curated a wine list so incendiary -that it defies the cosmos. While most others disappoint in service and promise- this pair exceeds. We started with the Seabass Crudo with Calabrian chilies and Ponzo sauce. My first wave of pleasure started there. Gary started with the upside-down strawberry shortcake and a oat milk sauce. Warm and succulent, and out of this world. The Caesar salad with grilled sourdough pieces, anchovies, and an exceptional dressing is my staple on every visit. No one does this salad better. Our first main was Chicken and Dumplings. This southern comfort food is elevated at the hands of this chef. The Seabass in a corn polenta and excruciating good Molé sauce blew my mind. It was topped with almonds and cocoa beans. This is where I crescendoed. The service was perfection, the wine was delicious and we loved every bite. Get your refined palettes to this restaurant- STAT. #tastebuds #thespoontrade #bestrestaurant #groverbeach