November 28, 2017

Berkeley: Tamon Tea; restaurant review

80 North

Tamon Tea  

2055-A Center St./Shattuck Ave., downtown, (510) 647-9370.  Daily 10:30-6.  Cash only.  

In this tiny, little hole in the wall, you’ll find an array of simple, affordable Japanese delicacies.  Omusubi--seaweed-wrapped triangles of rice wrapped around a choice of fillings--are made fresh when ordered at Tamon Tea, so the rice is moist and warm; brown rice is an option.  Fillings include the very popular unagi (eel) as well as spicy tuna, sukiyaki beef, pickled plum, Spam, and many more; $3/each.  Donburi bowls are more filling; $8.  I adore chewy mochi, and when it is made fresh, like it is here, it is as soft as a baby’s butt.  Kushi dango stuffed with red bean and threaded on a stick, includes flavors that tend to be fruity--mango, pineapple, strawberry, and blueberry; $3/stick of three.  (Dango is a dumpling made with rice flour; “hanami” indicates they are stuffed with azuki beans; “mitarashi” indicates they are glazed with sweetened soy sauce; “kushi” indicates they are served on skewers.).  A machine from Hawaii produces powdery shave ice that is particularly pretty with blue Hawaiian ice cream soda.  For drinks, choose from a plethora of teas.  Plan to take away your order, as there are only a few tiny tables squeezed into the back.  

exterior of Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California
exterior of Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California


order counter at Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California
order counter at Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California


dango selection at Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California
dango selection at Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California


pleasant service at Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California
pleasant service at Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California



 
Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.  

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
 

November 14, 2017

Introduction to Carmel

1 South

Introduction to Carmel

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA


A Little Background

"They had take the direct country road across the hills from Monterey, instead of the Seventeen Mile Drive around by the coast so that Carmel Bay came upon them without any fore-glimmering of its beauty.  Dropping down throgent pines, they passed woods-embowered cottages, quaint and rustic, of artists and writers, and went on across wind-blown rolling sand hills held to place by sturdy lupines and nodding with pale California poppies.  Saxon screamed in sudden wonder of delight, then caught her breath and gazed at the amazing peacock-blue of a breaker, shot through with golden sunlight, over-falling in a mile-long sweep and thundering into white ruin of foam on a crescent beach of scarcely less white."    
    --Jack London, from Valley of the Moon, 1913

A well-established getaway destination, Carmel is best known for its specialty shops, cozy lodgings, and picturesque white sand beach.  Located adjacent, exclusive Pebble Beach, is famous for its spectacularly scenic golf courses.  And Carmel is super dog-friendly, perhaps the most dog-friendly place I’ve ever been.  Water bowls for dogs are found outside many shops, and canine lovelies are seen everywhere with their doting owners.  However, they are not permitted in Deavendorf Park--the town’s main park.  

crazed doggie with tongue exposed in Carmel, California
crazed doggie with tongue exposed in Carmel, California


Carmel is also known for the things it doesn't have.  No street signs, streetlights, electric or neon signs, jukeboxes, parking meters, chain businesses, or buildings over 2 stories high are allowed in town.  No sidewalks, curbs, or house numbers are found in the residential sections.  And buildings have no screens on windows (because the town has no flying, biting bugs) and no air conditioning (because it is not needed).  These absent items help Carmel keep its village ambiance.
 

Do be careful.  Eccentric laws in the town make it illegal to wear high heels on the sidewalks (but you can get a permit at City Hall).    

exterior of City Hall in Carmel, California
exterior of City Hall in Carmel, California


It seems that almost every weekend some special event is scheduled in the area, making available lodging perpetually scarce.  Book accommodations far in advance, especially for the quainter venues, and consider taking advantage of the special rates often available for midweek stays.   


Guided Tour
(831) 642-2700.  u-F at 10 am, Sat at 10 & 2.  $30.  

The 2-hour Carmel Walks walking tour of the village visits secret pathways, hidden courtyards and gardens, fairy-tale cottages, and even spots that have connections with famous artists, writers, and movie stars.  The enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide for my walk was a local artist, Kelly Steele.  

Carmel Walks guide Kelly Steele in front of rustic newstand in Carmel, California
Carmel Walks guide Kelly Steele in front of rustic newstand in Carmel, California


Getting There

Located 120 miles south of San Francisco, and 70 miles south of San Jose.

More Information



More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 9, 2017

San Luis Obispo: History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum; things to do

696 Monterey St., (805) 543-0638.  Daily 10-4.  Free. 

Located in a former Carnegie Library building located across the street from the mission, the History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum features exhibits that highlight the history and culture of this county.  A group of panels describes the growth of the area as it became more accessible with the automobile, and a small theatre presents a 15-minute history of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area.  The downstairs has been converted into offices and research areas and is not accessible.  

exterior of History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum in San Luis Obispo, California
exterior of History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum
in San Luis Obispo, California


display at History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum in San Luis Obispo, California
display at History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum
in San Luis Obispo, California


display at History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum in San Luis Obispo, California
display at History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum
in San Luis Obispo, California


More things to do in San Luis Obispo.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.   
 

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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