California Eatin'

Last October when we visited the California coast, my Mother-in-law suggested that we find some of the eatin' places (yes, I said eatin') that she had seen on the Food Network Channel.  The little brown house in San Juan Capistrano above wasn't a restaurant but it was super adorable on a quaint little street of vintage houses turned boutiques.

I don't recall which city Cha Cha Chicken was in or even which show it was on.  It appeared to be a local favorite as it was quite busy and nearly impossible to find a parking spot.  We dined shoulder to shoulder (with other patrons) in a crowded but otherwise charming outdoor patio.  The atmosphere was fun but our group of twelve had mixed reviews on the food.  (We also discovered a lovely cartoon mural on one wall depicting a group of nudists sunbathing in lawn chairs around a pool. Whaat?!)  Afterward we hiked the 3 miles back to where the vehicles were parked, dodging bicyclists and choking on car exhaust fumes.  Overall, the evening received high marks in coolness factor, people watching and fun level. 

We also had the adventure of visiting Venice Beach.  I'm not sure what I expected but it reminded me of the Las Vegas strip without the lights.  (Not my favorite place for the kiddos.)  We ended up finding Schulzies.  Apparently it's famous for it's bread pudding.  Because as everyone knows, nothing says, "Beach Vacation"  like a cup of warm bread pudding.

I really have no idea what to say about this boat strapped to the shopping cart.  It was in the parking lot at Venice Beach (of course).  The kids thought it was funny and wanted to climb in and give each other rides.  But since not everyone was up to date with thier tetnus shots I thwarted their dreams of racing around the crowded parking lot in the smelly old boat.  (And then waited until they walked away so us grownups could do it...)

Despite all the fun stores we shopped in and restaurants we dined, the beach was the hands down favorite.  (What can beat getting saltwater up your nose or finding sand in all those uncomfortable places?)  We surely had fun on our vacation this year.  Those who live near the ocean year round are quite fortunate indeed.