Tuesday at the Table

Don't be surprised if this post reads like a sort of travel commentary. Indeed it includes mention of every meal consumed this past weekend on our jaunt out of town. Hubby and I flew 1200 miles to meet up with son and his fiancé, with our primary intent being to meet L's parents. And what a delightful meeting it was, filled with great conversation, the fun of getting acquainted, plenty of laughter . . . and the Table.

Friday lunch was at Ruby's Diner. And on the California coast, Ruby's is at the end of a very long pier. Nothing like a little atmosphere as we gathered for our first meal together.

That evening found hubby and I at Taco de Ojo, where in addition to some tasty enchiladas suiza, there was a fun chips and salsa bar.

Saturday breakfast at CremaCafe came with the double pleasure of meeting up with Susan of The History Quilter! What a treat in so many ways! Susan has been such an ardent supporter and participant of Tuesday at the Table. And we have connected not only over the table but over projects (she being the first to encourage me to try a zippy by sending me her fab pattern) and just plain sharing about life in general. What a pleasure to finally meet in person and share a meal together.

Lunch at Sandy's Beach Grill was as well-planned as anything last weekend, being THE much-anticipated 'meeting of the parents'. I had a salad I wouldn't mind trying to duplicate at home: Grilled Hearts of Romaine, which included tender romaine warmed on the grill, charred corn, pico de gallo, roasted pumpkin seeds, creamy cilantro-Caesar dressing. mmmm. And even better was the simple joy of gathering around the table.

As our offspring took off for other events later on, we were invited by our hosts to their home, where we enjoyed each other's company, as well as the most tender, delicious manicotti we had ever eaten. The pasta wrappers were made from scratch(!) and oh boy what a difference that made. I'll never see my own recipe in the same way. I mean it's tasty, but not like this. I've been enlightened.

For lunch Sunday, we all stopped at Las Golondrinas Mexican Food, which was a local treat that we enjoyed taking as a picnic overlooking the ocean.

Deemed a celebration of our children's engagement, dinner at Duke's, complete with Mai Tais and exotic fish entrees, was a celebration indeed. We are all feeling so blessed as our families join together.

Yesterday, hubby and I said farewell to the kids over breakfast at a local hangout, The Sugar Shack, where we definitely got some local 'flavor', plus the pleasure of eating our meal out on the back deck. You won't find us doing that at home this time of year!

And then on our way out of town, a quick stop at Kéan Coffee was totally spur of the moment, found via the 'Places' app on my phone. The menu alone was interesting enough to make us glad we had come! And then there were the actual beverages .... hubby had a Honey(!) Vanilla Latte (below), and I, an iced Dark(!) Chocolate Latte. Both were extra good.

You know how you can tell care was taken? Well we could tell, and it was worth it. And obviously, it's always fun to benefit from a little latte art!

Any random foodiness you want to share? Feel free to link up here!