Travel & Tourism
What it’s like to dine at Addison, San Diego’s 3 Michelin Star Restaurant
Only 13 restaurants in the United States have been given 3 Michelin Stars, and only one in Southern California, Addison. Addison, located in Del Mar, north of San Diego, is a gastronomic adventure that is worth saving up to experience. Nestled within the picturesque grounds of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Addison is not just a place to eat; here, impeccable service, artistic presentation, and mouthwatering flavors unite to create an unforgettable dining experience. Here is all the information on what it is like to dine at Addison. Details Cost: ~$375 a person, plus any wine or other add ons like Waygu Reservations go out sporadically. You can search for any availability here – https://www.addisondelmar.com/reservations/ Prepare for a 3+ hour dining experience How to Get Reservations I had a hard time figuring out when Addison reservations would be released and just happened to get lucky and score a random Tuesday reservation when I looked one day. I recommend checking the website for cancellations here and following the Instagram, where they often announce when new reservations are going out. That being said, it wasn’t too hard to find one if you had a lot of availability and were flexable. Getting There Addison is located on the Fairmount Grand Del Mar property, with ample parking out front of the restaurant. You will be directed where to go when you check in at the entry gate. The Restaurant Upon entering Addison, you’re immediately enveloped in an aura of elegance. The staff welcomed us with warm smiles and conversation, helping us find a spot in the bar area while we waited for our friends to arrive—a special shout-out to Patrick and Sean, who were terrific. After getting a great drink at the bar, we were shown to our table. The dining room exudes timeless charm, with well-spaced seating and soft lighting setting the stage for a memorable evening. Dining at Addison We were not given a menu and began our 10-course experience prepared by renowned Chef William Bradley. Everyone elected to have the main tasting menu, but there were a couple of add-ons, like Waygu and truffles, that you could choose to swap out for upgrades. Each plate was a work of art, skillfully crafted with the freshest local ingredients and a fusion of flavors that danced on your palate. You can see some of our favorite dishes at the end of the post but I can honestly say there were no misses, everything was perfect. The service at Addison is nothing short of extraordinary. The waitstaff effortlessly guided us through the menu, offering as much information about each dish as we requested and offering wine pairings if we wanted those. They anticipated our needs before we even realized them ourselves, and the whole experience is like a dance, with each dish hitting the table for all party members at exactly the same time. It felt choreographed and it was unlike any other dining experience I have had. One of the other standouts at Addison was the ambiance. Soft piano music filled the air, and the intimate seating arrangement allowed conversations to flow freely while maintaining a sense of privacy that enhanced the dining experience. Many other fine-dining restaurants I have been to have tables much closer together, which is not as relaxing. Every detail has been carefully curated to enhance your visit here. We were at the table for over 3 hours and enjoyed every minute of the experience with good food and good friends. After finishing the meal, they offered us a visit to the kitchen, which was immaculate and quiet, even with how much was going on to prepare the dishes for other guests. It never felted like we were rushed and we always felt like esteemed guests during the whole night. Our Favorite Courses at Addison Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the courses here, but if we had to pick our favorites, they would be these three. Regis Ova Reserve Caviar, Koshihikari Rice, Smoked Sabayon, Sesame Tom Hka Goong, Tempura Creminis, Thai Basil, Swarnadwipa Kumamoto Oysters, Pickled Rose Apples, Champagne While dining at Addison is pricy, it was an experience that I will never forget and just as memorable as our time at The French Laundry in Napa. If you go, prepare to be captivated by the food and the staff, and cherish the memories of a truly exceptional evening at this extraordinary San Diego gem. Let me know what you think in the comments.
11 Things to do at Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore is a mesmerizing wonderland where rugged cliffs meet the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, hidden lagoons teem with wildlife, and waterfalls fall directly onto the sand. Nestled along the California coast, Point Reyes is captivating with its untamed beauty and countless adventures. I have visited the area frequently, and I wanted to share some of my favorite spots in the national seashore with you in this video. Let me know what I left off in the comments, and let’s jump into it. Point Reyes Lighthouse A historic landmark perched on the edge of a rocky cliff, the Point Reyes Lighthouse is a breathtaking sight to behold. It feels like an engineering marvel when you see the lighthouse sitting on its own and the 300 steps you must climb to get down to it. With panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding rugged cliffs, it is a must visit in the park. Be sure to check when it is open, though, as it is often only open 1-2 days a week, and you want to ensure it is open when you go. Alamere Falls As one of only a few waterfalls on the Pacific Coast that fall directly onto the beach, Alamere Falls is one of the park’s top attractions. Cascading down a cliff face and into the ocean, these falls are a true marvel of nature. The long 14 hike to reach the falls is an adventure in itself, and the destination is well worth the effort. Check the tide schedules when you hike out there, as you want to avoid getting caught in a high tide. Chimney Rock The hike to Chimney Rock is one of the more accessible hikes on this list. However, the payoff at the end feels like something you would hike double the distance for. The mesmerizing panoramic view of the coast, with jagged cliffs and crashing waves in the background, makes it one of those hikes I return to. It is perfect if hiking with a family; make sure to watch your younger children near the steep cliffs in a few sections though. Tomales Point Trail For hikers looking for a challenge, Tomales Point Trail is a must-do. Trek through rolling hills and lush farmlands where wildlife such as Tule elk and harbor seals are the stars of the show. When you reach the end, you will be standing out on the point with dramatic coastline views and rarely other people enjoying the views with you. it is a long hike at over 10 miles round trip but it is pretty. Drakes Beach Drakes Beach is an amazing spot in the summer to unwind and soak in the sun as you relax at this gorgeous beach. However, one of my favorite times to visit Drakes Beach is when the elephant seals are there, and the beach is actually closed. This is one of the best elephant seal viewing areas as they are right up close to you, and you can stand near the visitor center and observe them. Whenever you visit Drakes Beach you will enjoy it though. Abbotts Lagoon Here you can witness the diverse ecosystems that make Point Reyes unique. This serene lagoon is home to various birds and marine life and is perfect for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. There is a nice trail that will take you to an overlook or even out to the beach. If you are a birder, this is where you will want to be in Point Reyes. Cypress Tree Tunnel For a dreamy and often photographed experience, head to the Cypress Tree Tunnel, a picturesque path lined with towering cypress trees. It’s a spot you have undoubtedly seen on Instagram, but that doesn’t make it any less memorable. You cannot drive on the road, so you must park along the main drive and walk in. Also, expect there to be lots of other photographers there. Elephant Seal Overlook If you visit the park when the elephant seals are there, this overlook is a great way to witness them relaxing on the beach. The overlook is only a short walk from the parking area for Chimney Rock, and even though it is not very close to the shore below, you can still get a pretty decent view. The experience at Drakes Beach is better, though, if you are there when the beach is closed to elephant seals. Point Reyes Shipwreck A rusty shipwreck stranded on the shore may seem an unlikely attraction. Still, the Point Reyes Shipwreck, located behind the Inverness Market, is something that many visitors want to see. This quirky landmark is an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts, and witnessing it amidst the ruggedness of the seashore is a fun experience. Don’t wait; the boat degrades more every time I visit. Pierce Point Ranch With rolling hills and verdant pastures as far as the eye can see, Pierce Point Ranch is a picturesque slice of rural life. Once a working dairy ranch, this spot is now a window to the past, allowing us to glimpse the historic agricultural heritage that defines the region. If you want to hike to Tomales Point, this is right on the way; if not, you can always go out here to experience the history by itself. You may even see some elk on the drive out. Point Reyes Beach North & South For beach lovers, Point Reyes Beach North & South are gems that should not be missed. Miles of sandy shoreline, crystal clear waters, and gentle waves make for a relaxing day in the sun. Soak in the stunning beauty of the coast, and be sure to stay and witness the colorful sunset as the sky transforms into one of the best beach sunsets in California. It is often where I choose to end my visits at Point Reyes National Seashore. From shipwrecks to ranches to beaches, Point Reyes National Seashore is a treasure trove of adventure. I hope these spots inspire you to explore this remarkable region, and be sure to let me know what I left off in the comments. We will see you on the next video.
How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Julian, CA (Full Itinerary)
Julian, California, is a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains, where time seems to slow down, and fall colors create a magnificent backdrop. It’s an excellent destination for a weekend getaway, filled with charming small-town vibes, crisp autumn air, and mouthwatering apple pies. So grab your hiking boots, pack your flannel shirts, and let me take you on a thrilling 2-day adventure through Julian! If you want to see all of this in video form, here is a video of the journey. Video [embedded content] Day 1: Morning: Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast at Miner’s Diner. Step back in time as you enter this 1950s-style diner with jukebox tunes and vintage decor. This spot has all the diner breakfast options you would expect and is fun for the whole family. Be sure to head downstairs to the candy mine after your meal. After fueling up, grab your hiking boots and head to one of the local parks. With young children, we recommend Inaja Memorial Park. This trail is only a half-mile round trip, and it leads up to a hill with beautiful views. With older kids, head to Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. You can find many trails with breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills, pine forests, and golden meadows here. Afternoon: After working up an appetite during your hike, head into town for a delightful lunch at Julian Beer Company. This place has great pizza and BBQ, many places to sit, and is right next to the Julian Pie Company for dessert. After lunch, you should dive into what Julian is known for: apple pie. I recommend heading to Moms or Julian Pie Company to try a slice. I can only imagine you will leave the city bringing some home; it is that good. Once you’ve satisfied your hunger, it’s time to embark on a thrilling gold mine tour at Eagle Mine Company. Join a knowledgeable guide and journey deep into the depths of the earth, learning about the rich history of the area’s gold rush. The tour takes about an hour, and you can even pan for gold there. Evening: If you are still up for adventure, end your day in Julian with a magical experience at the California Wolf Center. This awe-inspiring sanctuary is dedicated to preserving wolves and offers guided tours to learn about these majestic creatures up close. Be sure to book a tour in advance, as they often fill up. If you want to spend the night in the city, then I recommend retreating to a charming bed and breakfast for a comfortable night’s sleep. There are a few right in downtown Julian. Or you can grab an AirBnb for a nice cabin in the surrounding area. Day 2: Morning: Start your second day off with a stroll through the charming downtown area of Julian. As you wander along the historic Main Street, step into quaint shops selling antiques, local crafts, and more delicious apple pies. There are many great breakfast places, including Julian Cafe, Purple Owl Cage, and even Kali’s Garden Cafe. Afternoon: In the afternoon, head over to Wynola, which is about 5 minutes from Julian. If you are traveling with kids and it is open, head to Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures. This place is a paradise for children with mazes, things you can climb, reptile shows, and more. If it is closed, you can head to Julian Farm and Orchard to pick apples or take a hay ride to the petting zoo. Be sure to check both of these are open before going though. Evening: As the sun sets, go to Julian Station, a rustic marketplace where you can indulge in local flavors. Within a short drive, you can have a flight of handcrafted ciders at the Julian CiderWorks or sample delicious wines at the Menghini Winery. Pair your drinks with delectable bites from the various food vendors, or even go for a classic wood-fired pizza at Heros. Plus, they often have live music at Heros on the weekends. Julian, California, is truly a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Its charming small-town vibes, breathtaking nature, and mouthwatering apple pies make it the perfect destination for a fall weekend getaway. Be sure to let me know what I left off in the comments!
How to spend the perfect 24 hours in San Jose (Full Itinerary)
San Jose is a town that is often overlooked in Northern California but really is a great spot to spend a few days. It has a lot of fun computer history, a great food scene and of course lots of outdoor adventures. We spent the better part of a week in the city and here is an itinerary we built to help you make the most of your visit to San Jose. Here is a video we made showing how we spent 24 hours in San Jose with our kids. [embedded content] San Jose Itinerary 9:00 am – Breakfast at Voyager Coffee in San Pedro Square Market Start your day with a delicious coffee at Voyager Craft Coffee, a local favorite in San Jose. I prefer the San Pedro Square Market location as it is a beautiful property to explore while drinking your coffee. 10:00 am – Three Different Museum Options Option 1 – Visit the Intel Museum, where you can learn about the history of one of the world’s leading technology companies. The museum showcases Intel’s innovations and achievements over the years. Option 2 – Visit the Tech Museum of Innovation, a must-visit for anyone interested in technology. The museum has hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and a wide range of educational programs. Option 3 – Visit the San Jose Museum of Art, which features a diverse collection of contemporary and modern art. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, so check their schedule to see what’s on. The museum is tiny but it is still a nice place to visit if you like art. 11 AM – Experience the Cathedral Basilica of San Jose Explore the Cathedral Basilica of San Jose, a stunning historic church with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate architecture. 12:00 pm – Lunch at Falafel’s Drive-In Head to Falafel’s Drive-In for lunch. This popular spot serves up delicious falafels, shawarmas, and other Middle Eastern fare. I almost never go to San Jose without stopping by. 2:00 pm – Enter the tomb at Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is one of my favorite museums in Califronia since it is such a unique spot with some of the best Egyptian artifacts in the United States. There is even a full tomb that you can walk through which is a highlight for kids visiting the museum. 4:00 pm – Winchester Mystery House Visit the Winchester Mystery House, a Victorian mansion known for its unusual architecture and paranormal activity. Take a guided tour to learn about the bizarre history of this unique attraction. 6:00 pm – Dinner at Santana Row End your day at Santana Row, a stylish shopping and dining destination. Take a stroll down the European-style street, do some window shopping, and have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area. 7:30 pm Explore the Sonic Runway Art Installation Visit the Sonic Runway art installation, a mesmerizing display of lights and sound that transforms the downtown area into a magical wonderland at night. 9:00 pm – Drinks at Haberdasher End your day with a nightcap at Haberdasher, a cozy speakeasy-style bar with expertly crafted cocktails and a laid-back vibe. This itinerary will give you a taste of the diverse attractions and experiences that San Jose has to offer. Enjoy your day in Silicon Valley!
French Laundry in Napa: What it is like to eat at the World’s Best Restaurant
The French Laundry is one of California’s most coveted restaurant reservations and has been voted the best restaurant in the world in the past. If that doesn’t convince you to visit, famed chef Anthony Bourdain said it was one of the best dining experiences of his life and praised the tasting menu for its perfect marriage of flavors and made an entire episode on it. For the past decade, I have been traveling California, and it has always been a dream of mine to dine in these hallowed halls. However, the cost and the difficulty of securing a reservation have always kept me away, that is until my wife and I finally saved up the money and secured a reservation in October 2023. Spoiler alert: the experience blew us away and impressed us both on a food and hospitality level. While I don’t know if I would ever eat there again (merely from a cost prospect), it is something neither my wife nor I will ever forget. If you are interested in what it is like to dine at the French Laundry and tips for how you can do it if you are interested, then here is all the information. Details All information is as of October 2023 and may change Cost: $390 a person for the tasting menu (includes tip but does not include additional add-ons like wine or upgrades) Reservation: Released on the first of the month previous to when you want to dine (September 1st for October dining) Plan to be there for around 3 hours for the dining experience Location: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599 Video on my time at The French Laundry Here is the video I made when I visited in 2023. [embedded content] How to get reservations to French Laundry Reservations are released on the first of the month at 10 AM for the following month. They sell out within 1-2 minutes, so you must be ready exactly when they are released. The hardest reservations to get are for two people, so it is generally more manageable if you have larger parties. Once you select a date online, it will tell you if there are any available seatings, and from there, you can choose and pay for your reservation. The reservation must be paid in full at the time of booking and cannot be canceled. You can transfer the reservation if needed (double check this as it could change), and people will often sell reservations they cannot attend on Reddit or Facebook Groups. The hard part is done after you secure a reservation and pay the fee. Planning your trip While the French Laundry can be the cornerstone of your trip, I recommend doing a few other things in Napa while visiting. Here is a video of how I spent a few days there with my family and a few of my favorite wineries. Dining at the French Laundry Once your reservation date arrives, I recommend getting to the restaurant 30 – 45 minutes early, as the property is immaculate, and there are lovely outdoor seats to enjoy. Plus you can walk across the street and look at the gardens, where much of the food comes from. When we arrived, they checked us in and gave us a welcome glass of champagne while waiting for our table. We sat in the courtyard, relaxed, and took a few minutes to walk around and watch the kitchen work (there is a large window from the courtyard). Right on time, we were ushered into the main dining room and shown to our table. The Tasting Experience at French Laundry I have not done a lot of high-end dining, so I am very new to this world and don’t have much to compare it to. That being said, the experience was more like a dance than a typical dining experience. We were given just the right amount of time between courses to let the food digest before the next round came out. Our water never reached the bottom before a staff member refilled it, and the wine we ordered arrived with a dish they thought was a good pairing with that particular wine (we only ordered one glass and didn’t do a tasting to accommodate courses). The attention to detail was supurb; my wife and I were celebrating our anniversary and greeted with Dom Perignon from the year we were married. We were even given a bottle of champagne engraved with our names and happy anniversary on the way out. Plus, every staff member who interacted with us wished us a “happy anniversary,” which was just such an elevated hospitality experience. We were even invited to see the kitchen after we dined, and staff members greeted us as we walked in. Of course, that wouldn’t matter if the food were not good, and luckily, that was not the case. The Food I am by no means a luxury food reviewer, so I will show an image of each course we got to try and a few notes on them. By far, the standout for me was the Oyster and Pearls. That is what they are known for, so I had high expectations, but I did not know how good it would be. Oysters and pearls “Sabayon” of pearl tapioca with island creek oysters and regis ova caviar. Bitter garden chigory salad Whipped buttermilk panna cotta, toasted pumpkin seeds and garden pumpkin-maple vinaigrette. Grilled fillet of pacific shima aji Gold bar squash purée, avocado squash “à la plancha,” paprika infused olive oil and “Consommé madrilène.” Hokkaido sea scallop “Poélé” Charred eggplant béchamel, marinated garden tomatoes, fragrant basil and smoky tomato cream. Bread and butter Bitter cocoa laminated brioche and hilary haigh’s animal farm butter. Applewood smoked wolfe ranch white quail Spiced garden apple purée, black mission figs, crispy cipollini onion and elysium reduction. “Prime rib” of elysian fields farm lamb Roasted chanterelle mushroom “Tapenade,” wilted arrowleaf spinach, “Boudin noir” and whole grain mustard jus. Grilled steak and green salad Japanese wagyu, brokaw avocado mousse, cured garden cucumbers, little gem lettuce, Compressed green zebra tomatoes and “Béarnaise gastrique” (135.00 supplement). Gougere Cave aged “Comte” and black winter truffle “Fondue.” K&j orchards pears Vanilla crémeux, madeira purée and toasted brioche Hojicha tea ice cream Salted toffee and puffed forbidden rice K+m “Rocher” Hazelnut praline and vanilla-chocolate cream. Coffee and Donuts Mignardises The Kitchen When we were just about finished with our meal, they offered us a tour of the kitchen. It was an awesome added experience and it was fun to see how immaculate the kitchen here was. Is French Laundry Worth it? So, with all of that, the next question will inevitably be, “Is it worth the price?” For my wife and I, the answer is undoubtedly yes. The food was prepared with flavor combinations I had never experienced before, and I was genuinely excited to see what would come out next. Add to that the hospitality from the staff, which was unlike anything I had encountered before, and my time at the French Laundry was a bucket list trip that did not disappoint. I don’t know if I will ever be back, but neither my wife nor I will ever forget it. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments.
