Incredibly Cool Discovery in Monterey County

According to the The Monterey Herald, "The bones of a juvenile Ice Age Columbian mammoth have been found in a field near Castroville, the first discovery of its kind in Monterey County."  See Localite Links for more information.

Free Tomato Babies to Good Homes

Friends, family and past readers of this blog will remember a certain tomato mania that strikes me every spring. There is something so rewarding about growing my own food, even if it just a small amount.  This is my third year growing tomatoes two blocks from the beach, and my quest to discover which varietals grow best in the various micro climates of Monterey County continues.

Last year I started my seeds on March 15.  Though I shuttled my seeds flats indoors every evening and out again every morning, there was very little danger of frost hurting the tender plants.   This year's early spring inspired me to start my plants earlier (February 19), and as a consequence these lovelies are enjoying today's Saturday sun:

even though I did considerably more shuttling.

I always feel foolish when I go to the store and find much bigger plants at ridiculously low prices, but the charm in starting my own lies in the varieties that I don't find in stores.  This years varieties include: Amish Paste, Reigart, Brandy Wine, Riesentraube, Stupice and Annelise.  Except.....I may have gone overboard.  My current count is 552.  So, who will join me in the joy of growing tomatos from home?  Free tomato babies to good homes!

River Road Wine Trail Valentine's Passport

Today was such a gorgeous day in the Salinas Valley, no one could have guessed that it is the middle of winter. The twelve wineries which make up the River Road Wine Trail opened their doors with plenty of wine, food and music.  My friends and I only managed to make it to five of the twelve wineries:  Marilyn Remark, Hahn Winery, ParaisoVineyards, Sycamore Cellars and Sheid Vineyards. 

Sycamore Cellars, Greenfield

Paraiso Vineyards, Soledad

Soledad, California from Hahn Wineries

Hahn Winery, Soledad

The Santa Lucias from Hahn Winery

Fortunately, we left plenty of places to visit next year.  Unfortunately,  I forgot to take pictures of the wine.  In fact, I forgot to take pictures after the first couple of wineries........

Fresh Eating in the Middle of Winter

Winter Greens, MPC Farmer's Market

California BBQ, Soledad

On a recent trip to Arizona, I was attracted to and impressed by the following BBQ contraption, complete with dual muffler exhaust:

Babe's BBQ, Camp Verde, Arizona

Anecdotally, folks in this part of Arizona seem to scoff at Californians who move in and try to change the status quo.  There's no debating it: Arizona and California are very different. The ribs were sweet, smoky, sticky and a perfect send off as we headed back to California.

Until today, I figured that our Santa Maria neighbors had the monopoly on the California barbecue scene.  There is definite history behind the Santa Maria tri-tip barbecue, which perhaps we will visit in the future.  But today, after a gorgeous winding drive down River Road, I discovered that south Monterey County not only challenges the presumption that Santa Maria is the California barbecue mecca, it scoffs at it.

Soledad Super Bowl BBQ Fundraiser, Soledad American Legion Hall

Chicken and Local Swiss Sausage for the Cooking Crew

Soledad Bean Pot.  Yikes.

The Soledad Rotary Club and the American Legion partnered up today to  raise money for the Soledad community by selling a half-chicken BBQ lunch complete with beans, local salad, homemade salsa, local roll and soft drink.  And not just any barbecued half chicken, these babies were grilled over some serious hardwood coals.  Arriving early allowed a behind the scenes views of the BBQ crew in action (permitted as long as one stays behind the painted green line).  Fortunately, this localite scored a line pass (pair of tongs) and got the honor of handing out the chicken in the serving line. (Wait........ honor? Or hazing?)

I still haven't gotten the smoke out of my hair.

Down The Road a Piece

A Kamikazi Tumbleweed

Sunset in the Mojave Desert

Sedona, Arizona

Montezuma National Monument, Camp Verde, Arizona

ACME Coffee Roasting Company, Seaside

Acme Coffee is not a dainty place, yet I drove past it for two years to and from work without knowing it was there. With its "Fight Corporate Coffee" slogan it is one of the best examples of a localite find. Acme Coffee has a history with the former Morgan's Coffee, and if you are interested in knowing more, just ask around or read the brochure available on the counter. Despite the past which created Acme Coffee, the present is a local favorite that plies locals with strong morning joe in a setting with an automotive/industrial theme. Acme Coffee is featured at other local business such as Earthbound Organic Farms and the Big Sur Bakery.  There are no leather chairs and gentle jazz playing here. However, in a nod to aesthetics and ambiance there is a pretty row garden for clients' pleasure (if not that of their pets).