April 28, 2011

Davis: John Natsoulas Center for the Arts; things to do

521 1st St., (530) 756-3938. W 11-5, Thur 11-9, F 11-10, Sat-Sun 12-5. 

The John Natsoulas Center for the Arts gallery has five exhibition spaces and a rooftop sculpture garden. Though it is situated within a vintage 1919 house, you know you’re in the right place when you see Cedric Wentworth's "Saguaro" sculpture out front. A casual coffee house with a large outside deck and a nicely edited adjacent gift shop are almost as inviting as the gallery itself.


Yolo County Visitors Bureau

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image courtesy of gallery

April 26, 2011

Benicia: First Street Cafe; restaurant review


80 North

First St. Cafe  440 First, (707) 745-1400.  B-L-D daily; $$. 

Reputedly the most popular cafe in town, this cozy spot offers bar seating that is popular with solo diners, as well as chairs around vintage oak tables and some sidewalk side seating out front.  Sandwiches are served on Berkeley’s famous Acme breads, including the signature Dungeness crab-and-artichoke open-face sandwich that is spectacularly delicious.  Turkey is baked in house, as is the meatloaf, making those sandwiches also especially tasty.  More best bets include Dungeness crab and artichoke dip, Dungeness crab bruschetta, artichoke tapenade bruschetta, housemade crab cakes, panini of the day, chicken salad sandwich, chicken salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, eggs Benedict, and a Greek salad.  Do same room for the housemade desserts--berry bread pudding, fruit crisps, an assortment of pies, and their legendary scones.

exterior of First St. Cafe in Benicia, California
exterior of First St. Cafe in Benicia, California

interior of First St. Cafe in Benicia, California
interior of First St. Cafe in Benicia, California

Dungeness crab-and-artichoke open-face sandwich at First St. Cafe in Benicia, California
Dungeness crab-and-artichoke open-face sandwich at First St. Cafe in Benicia, California

turkey sandwich at First St. Cafe in Benicia, California
turkey sandwich at First St. Cafe in Benicia, California

eggs Benedict at First St. Cafe in Benicia, California
eggs Benedict at First St. Cafe in Benicia, California

Mario Giuliani, Benicia Economic Development Manager, spotted at First St. Cafe in Benicia, California
Mario Giuliani, Benicia Economic Development Manager, spotted at First St. Cafe in Benicia, California
First St. Cafe Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato 


The former home and studio of the late artist Robert Arneson is next door.  His name is found in a brick on the sidewalk.


blogger Carole Terwilliger Meyers in selfie with Robert Arneson's "Calfornia Artist" (1982) at the SFMOMA
blogger Carole Terwilliger Meyers in selfie with Robert Arneson's "Calfornia Artist" (1982) at the SFMOMA


artist Robert Arneson's memorial brick in Benicia, California
artist Robert Arneson's memorial brick in Benicia, California

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images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

updated 2-21-17

April 22, 2011

Davis: Seasons; restaurant review

pizza chef at Seasons in Davis, California
80 North

Seasons 

102 F St., (530) 750-1801. L-D daily; $$$.

The fragrance of smoky wood greets diners at the door at Seasons, tipping you to the delicious items--including artisan pizzas--that come out of this restaurant’s wood-fired oven. Addictive foot-long housemade breadsticks begin meals. Though the menu has an array of steak and fish entrees and a good selection of vegetarian options, the appealing starters alone can compose a delicious meal: warm, garlic-laden house-cured olives with a touch of fennel; grilled fresh peaches stuffed with gorgonzola, honey, and toasted almonds; delicious Dungeness crab cakes with remoulade sauce; and the most delectable heirloom tomato bruchetta. Still, a couple will have room for a spinach salad with gorgonzola dressing, a roasted eggplant penne, and a dessert of refreshing raspberry sorbet (brought in from Berkeley) and a refined chocolate chip cookie. Drinks include cocktails and beers as well as a selection of wines by the glass. Tables in the spacious dining room have views of the open kitchen, and an outdoor patio is divine in good weather—especially when you get the additional thrill of an Amtrak train thundering by across the street.


Yolo County Visitors Bureau

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image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  

April 5, 2011

Mendocino: Alegria Oceanfront Inn & Cottages; hotel review

44781 Main St., (800) 780-7905, (707) 937-5150. 10 rooms. Some TVs; some wood-burning fireplaces & stoves. Full breakfast. Hot tub. No pets.

Built as a residence for a sea captain in 1861, the rustic Alegria Oceanfront Inn & Cottages overlooks Big River Beach and features a weathered-wood exterior. Most rooms on the ocean side have a sun deck and ocean view, and Cove cottage has an ocean view from the shower. A private trail leads down to a beach.


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image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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