California Travel Insider

California Welcome Center Opening in Tulare County!

Great news from the Sequoia Valley Visitors Council & Tulare County EDC!

Save the Date! Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the newest California Welcome Center - Thursday, December 10th at 4pm!   We invite you, our friends and colleagues, to join us and celebrate as we open our doors and welcome visitors to Tulare County.        We look forward to seeing you and if you have any questions please contact Susan Mendonca at the EDC.    Sincerely,  Paul Saldana Economic Development Corporation Grand Opening:

Thursday, December 10th 4:00-7:00pm

Location:   4500 South Laspina, Tulare, CA  93274

Come to Sequoia Valley California

Top Ice Cream Sandwiches in Sacramento & San Jose

Barbara's Bites on the Best Ice Cream Sandwiches in Sacramento & Beyond
by Barbara L. Steinberg©  

If you haven't figured it out by now, I am very specific when it comes food. Not all things food...but there are those things I would say, "I am a snob when it comes to ______,"  You can fill in the blank. Now don't misunderstand...I love to eat just about anything and everything. But some things, well, I have my standards.

Ice cream is one of those things where my standards are high. But particularly, and in this case, ice cream sandwiches. It's all about the sandwich AND the ice cream. I must say I have been jaded because Sacramento has a FABULOUS cookie store...Goodie Tuchews...where they also hand-make ice cream sandwiches right before your eyes...and taste buds. Goodie Tuchews isn't alone in this world of ice cream sandwich (I.C.S.) creations, but what owner Terry O'Reilly has is more than 25 years in the cookie kingdom, producing 19...yes, that's a one and a nine, 19 varieties of cookies from which to assemble a luscious ice cream sandwich.

The combinations are nearly endless. How about Snickerdoodle top and Milk Chocolate Chip bottom. (Hmmm, how do you determine which end is up?!) Or an Oatmeal Everything (that would be raisins, nuts & chocolate chips) and Chocolate Peanut Butter. Yeoweeeee! My personal fave is the Snickerdoodle -- top and bottom. Terry only has one ice cream flavor but it's an excellent choice and also VERY local -- the wonderfully smooth and creamy vanilla ice cream from the landmark of 69 years of ice cream joy, Gunther's.  If you want a special order, then Terry is happy to provide other Gunther's ice cream flavors. But be sure to plan ahead.  Goodie Tuchews ice cream sandwiches have been dessert at more than one of my family celebrations -- and they are a sure winner. Located in Downtown Sacramento at 1015 L Street, you need to get your I.C.S. fix Monday - Friday -- come early...call ahead...916/444-6048.

After thinking about this whole ice cream sandwich thing, I wondered how many others were serving up this old-fashioned delight.  And so decided I would punish myself in pursuit of all things sandwich and ice cream.

Locally, my second favorite is ice cream sandwich at Masullo's at 2711 Riverside Boulevard in Land Park. A newcomer on the Sacramento dining scene and really known for their outstanding pizzas...it was the news of their ice cream sandwich that recently brought me back. It was no slouch and glad I was to enjoy and pay for a dinner of pizza and salads to get to the dessert at the end. The Masullo-made oatmeal cookie is
A-W-E-S-O-M-E!  I usually like my sandwich cookie on the chewy side, but in Masullo's case the oatmeal cookie crisp with currants is outrageous. The ice cream is from another decades-old Sacramento landmark, Vic's Ice Cream.  This luscious I.C.S. wins high marks as my second favorite Sacramento offering.

So, two down...and number three...the envelope please! The winner is...Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates in Midtown at 1801 L Street.  The chocolates are beyond lovely; even for someone like me who's not a chocolate junky. But when I heard about the I.C.S. I had to check this out. The Parisian Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches are beautiful. The "sandwich" -- a work of art --  is a wonderfully chewy macaroon-ish affair.  Now remember what I said about being an ice cream snob. Well, Ginger Elizabeth gets all my points for the ice cream portion of her I.C.S. She makes the creamy stuff! It is spectacular. I had the meyer lemon I.C.S. and it was fabulous. Others would probably choose this sandwich over others, but as much as I devoured the Macron and lemon ice cream, it was a little too rich for me. Still, don't let my tastebuds stop you from rushing to Ginger Elizabeth's...she's definitely got it going on. Plus she has other tempting ice cream items and flavors. Such a talent.

Whew. I am tired...but there's one last I.C.S. I have to mention. It's from out-of-town and I stumbled upon this delightful number at this year's Sunset Celebration Weekend - a travel, garden, food and wine event on the grounds of Sunset Magazine in Menlo Park. It was my good luck to be "working" at the event and just happened up Kicks Cookies & Ice Cream...one of the many food vendors. They have a cookie and ice cream cart -- be still my heart -- ice cream sandwiches on wheels. They can come to you and your event but they also just opened their first store in San Jose. Anyway...I tried their homemade Snickerdoodle cookies with a scoop of Double Rainbow strawberry ice cream. Let me just say, if I find myself in San Jose I am definitely seeking them out. I think you'll agree that this dark chocolate cookie I.C.S. might be worth a drive to the Bay Area.
 
If you have a favorite I.C.S. you think we should know about...please, send it over.

 

Terry assembles my I.C.S. Barbara L. Steinberg©     

Masullo I.C.S. I think you get the point.   Barbara L. Steinberg©  

Sacramento's Grange Restaurant & Bar at The Citizen Hotel Offers Culinary I.O.U.s

.

 There is no need to wait until October to cash California state IOU’s when Grange Restaurant & Bar is issuing IOU’s of their own with redemption through Sept. 7, 2009. Grange, specializing in locally grown and raised artisanal food, introduces IOU Happy Hour every Monday beginning July 20, 2009, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring beer, wine, cocktails and appetizers discounted up to 60 percent. Grange Restaurant IOU’s for a complimentary appetizer will be presented upon receipt and can be used for future dining before Sept. 7, 2009.

Enjoy libations from the exclusive IOU menu featuring a strawberry basil cocktail and peach cocktail prepared with fresh local white peaches. The menu also includes a list of local California wines and beers as well as small bites such as fritto misto with squid and white fish, grilled flatbread with herbed marinated goat cheese and olives, and organic popcorn.

Located adjacent to The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento’s vibrant downtown core, Grange graces the corner of 10th & J streets within walking distance of the California State Capitol. The restaurant has been a runaway success since opening, featuring the culinary talents of famed Chef Michael Tuohy and a hopping bar scene like none other in the downtown core. Renowned nationwide for his devotion to serving the finest regional, seasonal and sustainable foods, Chef Tuohy has created a dining experience that celebrates the bounty of California perfectly paired with the state’s celebrated selection of wines and cocktails.

For more information, visit www.GrangeSacramento.com.

Grange
I.O.U
Monday Happy Hour

$6 BITES
Marinated olives/grilled flatbread
Herbed marinated goat cheese

Fritto Misto
squid / white fish / onions
lemon / caper aioli

Organic 479 Popcorn
pimenton and caramel fleur de sel

 $6 MIXED DRINKS
Raspberry/ Ancho Chili
Sauza Hornitos tequila, lime, fresh raspberries,
agave nectar, ancho chilis.

Strawberry Basil
Fresh strawberries muddled with fresh basil, and combined with Square One organic vodka, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar - served up with a fresh strawberry.

Grapefruit
Finlandia Grapefruit vodka, Cointreau, fresh grapefruit juice, lime and orange. Strained and served up in a chilled glass.

Peach
Fresh local white peaches and Roederer Sparkling California wine

$5 WINES BY THE GLASS
Sauvignon Blanc, Source, Yountville
Chardonnay, Matchbook, Santa Barbara
Zinfandel, Karly Pokerville, Amador County
Syrah, Scott Harvey, Amador County
Pinot Noir, Bogle, Russian River

California Extra Virgin Olive Oils Spotlighted at Yolo Competition

The Olive Press Takes "Best of Show"                                             

Already known as the most highly-awarded producer of California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, The Olive Press once again earned high accolades and awards at the prestigious 2009 Yolo County Fair Olive Oil Competition held in April, with an impressive 15 medals in all, including a Best of Show, Best of Class, and Gold for its Lime Citrus Olive Oil. 

Gold Medals were awarded to an additional seven Extra Virgin Olive Oils including Ascolano, Koroneiki, and Sonoma Valley Blend. along with Best of Class medals going to both Sevillano and Mission. Gold was also awarded to Marquesa and Lunigiana Estate Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oils. Silver Medals were awarded to Arbequina and Italian Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oils, along with Jalapeno Oil at this important competition.

All of these award-winning olive oils can be sampled at The Olive Press Tasting Room and retail shop, conveniently located on Highway 121 in Carneros adjacent to Jacuzzi Family Vineyards at 24724 Highway 121/Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA. In addition, a second retail location is located at the Oxbow Public Market, 610 First St. in downtown Napa.  Both locations are open to visitors 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

A complete list of the 2009 winners is available online.

Dining in Midtown Sacramento Just Got Fresher

Locavore Magpie Market & Cafe on Sacramento R Street corridor the New Hot Spot Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg©  

The sign of good things to come is already here at the new Magpie Caterers Market & Cafe along the R Street Corridor in Midtown Sacramento. The owners, Janel and Ed, have been faithful followers of the locavore- and sustainable- style of cooking for many years. Both Sacramento natives and locals -- they live nearby in Midtown -- their catering gigs and culinary professions have taken them around the state and across the borders.

 

Read the rest of the story which includes links to local farm trails: 

Story and photos available for reprint. Contact: BarbaraSteinberg@CaliforniaTravelinsider.com

The Chauvet - Sonoma Wine Country Vacation Rental in Glen Ellen

Live Like a Local at The Chauvet Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg© 

 

Take advantage of a unique opportunity to experience a bit of the history of Glen Ellen, in an au courant, luxurious environment. These six 3-bedroom, 2-bath condos are located in historic downtown Glen Ellen. Each unit is 2,000 square feet, with living room, open dinning room and gourmet kitchen, master bedroom with king-size bed and walk-in-closet, second bedroom with a queen bed and additional room doubles as a den with day bed and pull out twin. The condos are fully-equipped, except for food -- although all things are possible. You just need to show-up and move in. The Chauvet was originally built in 1906 and celebrated its centennial with a spectacular restoration and renovation.

Everything is neighborhood close!  Directly across the street, Glen Ellen Village Market provides the freshest products from local suppliers, as well as fully-cooked foods from which to assemble fabulous meals.  Within walking distance are some of the finest Zagat-rated restaurants in the Sonoma Valley. The highly rated Fig Cafe & Wine Bar was culinary heaven and we fit right in with all the locals and local wannabes. The neighborhood-friendly Jack London Saloon is kitty-corner to The Chauvet. Jack London Village, 1/4-mile down the road, has the delicious Raymond & Co. Cheesmonger, a wine tasting room, olive press, and a market and deli with locally produced gourmet items. The aroma from Wine Country Chocolates was enough to send me into a chocolate coma -- and I'm not someone who craves this god-like substance. Back at your home base, around the corner and a mile-away from The Chauvet...the biodynamic Benziger Family Winery and Jack London State Historic Park provide the perfect escape from your home away from home.

 

Great local wine and cheese packages are also available and delivered right to your door. Be sure to inquire when making reservations or upon check-in.

A home away from everything for couples and families. A great location to house the entire wedding party, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, or any great retreat to the glorious Sonoma Valley. With so many nearby amenities you can save on fuel costs, too.

 

Live like a local? We can all only wish for life in this lap of luxury. I don't know about you, but I could bet use to this. There's off-street parking out back and a swimming pool.

 

Story & photos available for reprint. Contact:  BarbaraSteinberg@CaliforniaTravelInsider.com

California Travel Insider's Top Eleven for California

Well, Today's Top Eleven...Ask Me Again Tomorrow! Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg© 

In no particular order...

(1) Yosemite National Park - Where else would you go? Annually, millions of people throng to see the splendor of the granite cliffs, cascading falls, giant sequoias, and the grandeur made famous by the likes of John Muir and Ansel Adams. My favorite season(s) is October-March. The quiet hush of a snow-draped Yosemite is pure meditation. The crushing sound and view of Yosemite Falls is reason to pause. A visit to the Yosemite Museum is always high on my list of things to do. Time spent with Pomo Indian Julia Parker, watching as she magically weaves native baskets and tells stories, is something I will leave you to discover. Along with the Other Ten...

(2) California Delta- Beautiful drives and more than 1,000 miles of waterways. Enjoy the last car-hauling ferries in the northern state; free rides aboard the 60-something Real McCoy or the J-Mack. In Rio Vista, Foster's Bighorn restaurant boasts a huge collection of big game trophies. It took more than a little coaxing to get me inside. If you prefer, take a spin around the Delta Loop Scenic Byway, dine along the Mokulumne River, and overnight at nearby RV Parks, B&Bs, and motels. Or check-out a houseboat from Seven Crown Resorts. Tranquil days floating and exploring definitely sooth the spirit. From October to March, the Delta is a landing strip for birds along the Pacific Coast flyway. Sandhill cranes arrive, literally, by the thousands to spend the winter months at the Cosumnes River Preserve and the Isenberg Sandhill Crane Preserve. 

(3) Can you say Bezerkely (no disrespect intended)? Berkeley is so often forgotten in the shadow of that big city by The Bay. The delights of the 4th Street shops are well-known. The Pasta Shop is a nosh-spot fave where you can, quite simply, sample everything before you buy. Just blocks away, the unassuming corrugated building along the railroad tracks is home to Takara Sake. Everything you never knew about sake will be resolved in one amazing visit. The tasting room is elegantly Japanese…and the museum includes an exhibit of the historical sake-making process. Embrace a little history and spend the night at the Berkeley City Club. Designed and built by Julia Morgan, the Moorish “Little Castle” is classic Julia.

(4) Eastern Sierra/Mammoth Lakes- This most beautiful and less-visited region of California offers all of the best outdoor recreation. Head to Saddlebag Lake off Tioga Pass and enjoy some of the best blackberry pie above the 10,000-foot elevation. Take the water taxi across the lake and head-off into the Hoover Wilderness and the 20 Lakes Basin. Back at Mammoth, it’s year-round recreation from fishing and mountain biking to the best of downhill and snowboard action.

(5) California Wine Regions- pick one...pick two...each has its own marvelous character and offers something special. The Russian River Wine Trail provides the pleasure of California’s best wineries plus the splendor of the redwoods and the Sonoma Coast. However, from north to south, wine is liquid gold. Nearly every corner of California has a wine region -- some have just a handful of small wineries, where you'll often find the winemaker hard at work in the tasting room. Hundreds or handfuls...enjoy the ride and take a designated driver.

(6) Suisun Marsh – The largest contiguous brackish water marsh remaining on the west coast of North America it encompasses 116,000 acres and includes 52,000 acres of managed wetlands. Incredible hikes and wildlife viewing; you pass right through on Amtrak’s Capital Corridor trains. Enjoy easy hikes from the Rush Ranch Visitor Centerpart of the Solano Land Trust off Grizzly Island Road. Enjoy a sunset kayak trip; a little fishing; explore Indian grinding stones; or views of white pelicans as they glide across the sky. Suisun Marsh is part of California's natural and historic past.

(7) Get lost on the Lost Coast- Incredible drives not for the weak-of-heart, views of the coast, and the remotest areas of the California coastline. There’s a reason the call it “lost.” Usal Beach at the tip of the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park is worth every nerve-wracking mile and the short hike past undisturbed Roosevelt elk. Others explorations should include Arcanum Ranch Pottery. The glazes and pottery they so lovingly create are part of the Lost Coast mystery. The Shelter Cove Airport is a favorite of small planes. What views!

(8) Wilbur Hot Springs – I can’t say they’re off-the-grid since quite simply they were never on it!  They are the poster child for solar systems since they are completely powered by solar gardens with back-up (propane) generators. The resort at Wilbur Hot Springs dates back to 1865. The current hotel was built in 1915 and offers numerous comfortable corners to lose yourself or spend time with friends. The clothing-optional hot springs are loaded with life-giving minerals.  The sodium levels provide buoyancy similar to floating in the Dead Sea. In spring, California wildflowers grow in profusion in this most blessed region of California's Central Valley, internationally known for the quantity and diversity of its blooms. Orange poppies, yellow tidytips, purple lupine, owl's clover, and rare adobe lilies are just some of the wildflower delights.

(9) Catalina Island – Part of the Channel Islands...this Mediterranean-style island just a short 1-hour boat ride from LA...22 miles. It's a world away and offers the incredible opportunities for relaxation, romance, and recreation. When people say to me "There's nothing to do on Catalina..." I am stunned. My response..."YOU should not go to Catalina."  Walking and golf carts are the preferred modes of transportation. Head for the Green Pier and the best fish tacos at Earl & Rosie’s…a decades-long tradition. Old-fashioned movie fun at the Avalon Theatre with its Page Organ, world-famous dive spots, and don’t miss…the flying fish tours!  I’m not kidding.  Oh, yes, the Airport in the Sky’s Runway Café is famed for its buffalo burgers.

(10) Twentynine Palms Inn– You have to love a place that claims the Oasis of Mara and a “bread cathedral” where restaurant breads are crafted. Fresh picked fruits and vegetables find their way from the garden to the table. Comfortable adobes and wood-frame cabins complete this near desert mirage. It’s the perfect location for taking in Joshua Tree National Park and other natural wonders of the Morongo Basin.  Art in public places, local art studios and the Murals of 29 Palms draw art enthusiasts from around the world.

(11) Sundial Bridge - The bridge is an actual working sundial. Designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, he said, "the bridge resembles a bird in flight." The gleaming white expanse connects the nationally-designated Sacramento River Trail System in Redding, California, with the Turtle Bay Exploration Park and McConnell Arboretum.

Sacramento California Great Dines In Old Sacramento

Don't Dine & Dash in Old Sacramento by by Barbara L. Steinberg© 

Taste

Old Sacramento isn’t just about grabbing a quick bite on the run. Although, for those on a tight schedule, there’s more than enough places to dine and dash. Personally, I never considered it a dining destination. What a mistake! My list of 1,000 places I must eat before I die just increased!

After a long day exploring, I was famished. Looking for something quick, I still wanted a sit-down experience. By sheer luck I walked into the new Delta House, part of the Old Depot. Owner Dean dishes up incredible fish tacos, fish and chips, clam chowder, and other seafood offerings—all from scratch. Fortuitously I wandered down Firehouse Alley to find Café Giapetto, also six months new. Though accessible from Front and K streets, the Firehouse Alley patio was my entry point. This Italian grotto serves the favorite three Ps: pasta, pannini, and parmigiana.

Not everything is new in Old Sacramento. And sometimes old is good. Stylish as ever, The Firehouse Restaurant is fine dining at its absolute best. On the opposite end of the scale, Fanny Ann’s Saloon is still completely dark and rickety. Famous for their Jiffy Burger (that would be peanut butter) and five-pound bucket of Buffalo wings, how did they ever fall off my dive Doppler?

I moseyed into The Back Door, circa 1969. How could I have missed this off-beat back alley bar and restaurant? It has everything from 80-something “Nick the Legend,” with 30-plus years of bartending wizardry, and Lee Diamond Live, the ultimate lounge act, to homemade biscuits and gravy and prime rib French dip. I plan to be a regular at this throw-back to another time.

With so many tasty opportunities it’s impossible to name them all here. Before this quest began, I could scarcely name one. For wine lovers, Discover California provides wine tasting at their subterranean wine bar and the Delta King hosts a wine school. Sacramento Sweets—family-owned and operated since 1964 has honed their candy prowess—the homemade candies are divine. My personal fave...macadamia nut brittle...OMG!!!! 

And when it comes to waterfront dining, Old Sacramento has all the best views: Joe's Crab Shack, Rio City Cafe, Tower Bistro, and, of course, the Delta King.

Vallejo California SF Bay Flyway Festival & Pizza for My Soul

Napoli Pizzeria in Vallejo California Had Me Flying High Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg© 

Clearly on a Saturday night in Vallejo, California, Napoli Pizzeria on Tennessee Street, ca. 1968, was buzzing. And after a long and fruitful day at the San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival I was glad to find myself among so many enthusiastic locals.

I was hungry. Meatball sandwiches. Ravioli. Penne pasta. Tortellini. And pizzas...oh, my, god, the pizzas!

The sound was joyous. Couples. Moms. Dads. Kids. Everyone talking. Laughing. Eating. Somehow, life is still good.

At the counter I met Mark -- a one-time Vallejo native -- returning home to Benicia he had stopped to pick-up his favorite pie. "I've been coming here for 40 years!" he happily told me. High praise and obviously a great recommendation for this out-of-towner. Nearly everyone seemed local. And at the register...the owner, Antonio, was greeting them all.

The couple next to me were also major Napoli fans. Vickie & Dave Marshall had their first date at Napoli when Vickie was just 16 years old. They dated for six years before finally tying the knot. That, my friends, was more than 40 years ago...they just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. And there they were...tucked into some salad, a bottle of wine, and one of Antonio's delightful pizzas.

A small Napoli pizza is easily enough for two people...maybe three, if you aren't ravenous...and I was. Still, I took 2/3 of my small Margherita home with me. And I'm happy to say it had plenty of fresh garlic, even by my "you can never have too much garlic" standards. Pizza prices range from $8.50 to $13.95. Crust is hand-tossed; sauce is homemade as are most of the offerings at Napoli.

Thank you to the unknown woman at the San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival who suggested this fantastic Vallejo landmark. And thanks to the San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival for bringing me to Mare Island, Vallejo, and Solano County to work on this incredible weekend. Mark your calendars for 2010. The San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival is the first weekend in February...2010 will mark it's 14h year.

           Mangia...Ciao...I mean, Chow! PS - Never fails. The leftover pizza was even better the second night.

Fairfield California Big Blue Microbrew

In Fairfield California Your New BFF is BBF Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg©

What’s big, blue, and brewed? Okay, forgive my joke writing effort! The answer to this less than funny query is this:  Big Blue Frog Grille … in (drum roll please) Fairfield, California.

Fairfield, California is so much more than you realize. Yes, yes, we all know about the enormous beer factory along Interstate 80 next to that equally famous colorful candy facility.  Just off the speeding thoroughfare, hidden away in Westfield Solano Shopping Center, is this incredible award-winning microbrewery and restaurant. We were lucky enough to discover this local landmark of fun, food, and brew.  Meeting an East Coast cousin visiting in Alameda, we wanted someplace equidistant from Sacramento and San Francisco.  But something more than just convenient.  From what we could see on the BBF website, they had it all.

Arriving on a Sunday evening I wasn’t sure we’d need a reservation, but I made one anyway. I also wanted a quiet corner so we could hear our gab above the din. The hostess recommended a corner table in a quieter dining room off the main bar/restaurant. It was perfect! We shared the room with some other larger groups; the noise factor was minimal. I do not enjoy the clamor in most restaurants that has you screaming to be heard.

Entering BBF you are greeted by the brewery mascot…a beautiful, cast-iron BBF. I am sure we weren’t the first – or the last guests to grab a photo opp…stopping to kiss this potential frog prince. A specials board mentioned happy hour though we had arrived just moments too late. Imagine our delight when our wonderful waitperson, Tammy, informed us that HAPPY HOUR is ALL DAY on Sunday! What does this mean? Well…lovely pints of BBF brew for $2 and a list of special happy hour hors d’ouvres for $2. Deal and score! 

We wasted no time ordering a couple of BBF pints – Blonde Ale and Red Ale – along with homemade blue potato chips, BBF bear-battered fries, and roasted garlic that included veggies, humus and brie. Frankly, we could have stopped with the appetizers or maybe piled on a few more. Happily we didn’t. Everyone ordered something more and different: Harvard Square Stew in a bread bowl, Corn Chowder, Frog Cobb, Pasta Pomodoro, Caprese Salad, and, well I guess you get the idea. We chowed down! I had my eye on the house-smoked beer-battered salmon fish and chips but was trying to pace myself. The reason? We had already heard the dessert offerings. There is BBF bread pudding. Though I am not usually a dessert person, bread pudding is my latest fixation. I had never had bread pudding until about a year ago. I sort of get hooked on these things. I have found is that everyone has their own version of this old-time favorite. BBF is no different and theirs is topped with the Chef’s own whiskey sauce. Glad I saved room…we all agreed it was an excellent choice.

Happy hour rates aside, try the Beer Sampler. If it’s your first visit, you’ll be treated to a BBF Beer 101 from bar staff. Ask for bartender Sarah -- winner of the Northwest Brewing News' "Reader's Choice Award" for Best Bartender. A bit of a brew tour, if you will, is enhanced by views of the petite microbrewery through windows behind the bar. BTW, BBF brews are Northwest award-winners too!

California Travel Insider says: BBF owner, Dennis Landis, named the microbrew after a Peter, Paul & Mary song "I'm in Love with a Big Blue Frog."

I'm in love with a big blue frog
A big blue frog loves me
It's not as bad as it appears
He wears glasses and he's six foot three.

Dennis' BBF may not where glasses and isn't 6/3, but you'll love this Big Blue Frog!