Mediterranean inspired flavors in the desert

A couple of weeks ago we decided to take a road trip, driving from San Francisco to the California desert on a quest to see the desert in bloom. We followed the back roads from the Central Valley towards the high desert, detouring to see the California poppies along Antelope Valley, and spending a couple of days at a favorite desert hideaway to catch up with our friend Nancy. 

With mild desert temperatures and in anticipation of the next Italy trip we cooked up some Mediterranean inspired menus, from octopus salad and cannellini tuna crostini to cured salumi and grilled lamb chops, the perfect flavors for some breezy spring days in the desert ...

A sunny winter day in Point Reyes & oyster picnic by the sea

A sunny winter day and a picnic with a view. Fresh shucked Drakes Bay oysters & chilled rosé and a long beach walk - slowly winding down the old year ...

A wild coast escape and Thanksgiving at Big Sur Bakery

thanksgiving dinner at big sur bakery

A last minute escape from the holiday rush. Three unseasonably warm days along Big Sur's rugged coast filled with coastal hikes, beach picnics - and a cozy Thanksgiving dinner at Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant, a longtime roadside favorite on this wild stretch of California coast.

Travel : a Big Sur road trip & dinner at Big Sur Bakery

Three days in Big Sur & Ventana Wilderness.
Roadside stop at Big Sur Bakery for fresh baked provisions, windy back roads in search of the perfect campsite, steak cooked over an open fire, a starry night, brewing coffee under the oak tree, morning drive to a hidden California mission, off-road excursion to higher elevations, moon rise over the Pacific Ocean, sunny breakfast in the meadow, a steep hike with endless views, post-hike drinks at Nepenthe and great dinner at Big Sur Bakery ...