Silva Bakery

Have you ever been to a Portuguese bakery?  I had not until this year, and it was a great experience.  I confess to liking sweets, and in researching some bakeries, I stumbled across Silva Bakery.  It is a tiny place, and you could easily drive past it without knowing you did.  When you do find your way into the store, your sense of smell will be overwhelmed (in a good way) with aromas of sweet bread, scones, tarts, cupcakes, cookies...you name it.  I had heard that the pasteis de nata, or custard tartlets, were huge sellers.  Furthermore, there have been countless times when the pasteis de nata sold out early in the day.  Naturally, I had to try one of the famous tartlets for myself, and luckily, I made it in time before they were all gone.  I was so impressed, I bought half a dozen that day.  Of course, I shared the goodies, but even the people I shared them with wanted more than just one serving!  After my purchase, the nice baker who helped me suggested that I come back one day and try the queijadas de feijão e amêndoa, or the bean and almond tartlet.  What a perfect excuse to return to Silva Bakery!

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Peasant Food, Glorious Indeed

I read many amazing things about Go Streatery.   Notably, their food options are made from scratch using local ingredients, a definite plus in my book.  I ran into Go Streatery once on a night stroll, and their cute little mason jar lights drew me in.  The lavender lemonade piqued interest, and after one sip, I was hooked.  I am no lemonade aficionado, but for some reason, I knew the lemonade was made with love.   The next time I ran into Go Streatery, I knew I had to try the other offerings.  This time, I ordered the Crispy Pea Crepes, Warm Potatoes, and Quinoa dish, followed by the Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts.  The quinoa dish's lemon dressing was a nice surprise that gave the dish a citrus kick.  The doughnuts were fluffy little lemon pillows with just the right amount of powdered sugar.  I must have been on a lemon theme, a perfect accompaniment to the warm days of the lingering summer weather.  Just like my experience with the lavender lemonade, my taste buds were filled with glee!  Go Streatery's items are quite unique, as I had never tasted anything like their offerings before.  It is glorious peasant food, indeed.  Since it seems like I am on a lemon theme, it is time to find that lavender lemonade again.

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Highway Dreams Are Made of These

The Pacific Coast Highway is filled with scenes you think you dreamt up nights before.  Your eyes will feast on miles upon miles of gorgeous spectacles of Mother Nature.  The scenes and sounds of water will make you swoon.  Wait a minute, that is what makes me swoon!  I hope it does the same for you too!  For the readers who have followed my blog, you have probably noticed that I am quite fond of water.  Anyhow, these pictures are only a tiny fraction of what else there is to see along the Pacific Coast Highway.  I can finally understand why it is a must-see from the many travel pieces I have read.   I finally get to cross this off my bucket list.

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