Fish Gaucho in Paso Robles

Paso Robles is known for its abundance of wineries. There are over 200 and most are family owned and operated.

As we went from one tasting room to the next, we asked for a restaurant recommend (we are creatures of habit and usually head back to Cambria to eat at the Sea Chest but decided to mix it up a bit and stay in Paso Robles).

There were three mentions for Fish Gaucho.

Hmmmm, we were kinda expecting to hear about fine Italian restaurants that served local wines.

But, what the neck, we were totally game for Seafood with a Mexican influence at a Tequila Bar, what's not to like about that combination!!!

The restaurant sits on a corner in downtown Paso Robles.

It is loud and energetic.

Love the light fixture as you walk in.

The decor is eclectic.

The tequila is amazing (whether you are trying the pomegranate or the grapefruit margarita).

I was torn between ordering the:

SHORT RIB ENCHILADAS

three rolled flour enchiladas of slow-braised short rib + house-made salsa rojo + monterey jack topped with crispy potato + chile crema + queso cotija diablo + chives

Or the:

SEARED DIVER SEA SCALLOPS

fresh diver scallops seared to medium rare + heirloom cauliflower succotash finished with artesian olive oil and micro greens

to go with:

CHARRED JALAPENO - PINEAPPLE

fire charred Hawaiian pineapple + jalapeno + agave nectar + fresh lime

.........went with the enchiladas and margarita, mucho gusto!

The French Corner Bakery

This is where we go in Cambria for a morning cup of coffee.

And we stand behind the glass case with a long line of people trying to make the best pastry selection from the vast rows of possibilities!

On our most recent trip (at the end of February) we found this:

The large parking lot was cordoned off with tape and the scene was crowded with spectators who had gathered and just stared in disbelief.

According to news reports, just a few hours before we arrived on Saturday, February 25th, a 40-year old local was driving his truck on Main Street when he ran a stop sign at Burton Drive and hit a parked truck. The driver continued and then crashed into a parked Mercedes propelling both his truck and the Mercedes into The French Corner Bakery. One customer suffered major injuries and 4 others had minor to moderate injuries.

We wish a very speedy recovery for those that were injured and hope that the long-time owners are able to get their business back up and running.

NOVO in San Luis Obispo

This has become our go-to stop on our annual trip to Cambria.

Not just getting off the highway to walk around San Luis Obispo, but sitting down at NOVO to watch and listen to the water rush down the creek beside our cafe table.

And there was actual rushing this year as most parts of California have been getting quite a bit of rain!

Mixed Lettuces

Salmon Bisque

Fresh Avocado-Shrimp Spring Rolls

It Was A Sign

Along the pier in Santa Barbara, people meander, birds rest and signs inspire.

For instance, I had no intention of diving in until I was told not to with the international cross out symbol.

And then, frankly, it was a bit like a dare!

For just a split second, my husband was torn between jumping in for a sea rescue and waving from above and wishing me a good swim to shore  :-)

Top Gun History in Oceanside

Highway to the danger zone
Gonna take you
Right into the danger zone

Recognize this scene from a movie?
And the actor on the motorcycle?

This house appears in a few scenes in the 1986 hit action-movie "Top Gun", which starred Tom Cruise as a hot-shot young pilot nicknamed "Maverick" who comes to train at the Top Gun Navy fighter jet school in San Diego. Maverick's love interest, played by Kelly McGillis, lived at the house.

And if you are driving around Oceanside, this is what you will see today.

Located at 102 N. Pacific Street.

Directly in front of this house is a spectacular view of the ocean!

Wow, can't believe this film came out 31 years ago!

Cow Poly

While on vacation to the Central Coast this weekend, we noticed a brightly colored cow in front of the History Center downtown.

Then another one in front of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a Spanish mission founded in 1772 by Father Junipero Serra.

And a few more steps away, my absolute favorite of the cow collection was standing tall.

Later we walked around the Cow Poly campus, ooops, I mean the Cal Poly campus where I got my Journalism degree.

And of course, just as expected, there were a few more cows.

Fabulous exhibit and so fun to turn a corner and greet a cow.

Moooooooooooo!!!