Vietnam Here We Come

Stay tuned everyone for the next adventure. This time I'm posting from an IPad. Inspired by all the other travelers out there, Im attempting to reduce the amount of bags I usually make my poor hubby carry. Althought I highly doubt I can manage this trip with only carry on luggage.

Parilla

I'm glad we didn't read the poor reviews on Yelp before stopping at this place.  It was our last day in SF, and we just wanted to do a little blogging and chillin'.  We had just enjoyed some amazing oysters at Swan's and this sign that read,"Happy Hour,  Margarita Pitchers" jumped out at us from the sidewalk down the block.  Our server set us up with an internet connection while he entertained us with interesting stories about the immigrant experience in San Francisco.  Margaritas were delish!

Here's the run down if you are planning to visit...

Here are some of our favorites if you are planning to visit San Fran...

FoodAnnabelle's (for good bar/bistro food), La Folie (French Contemporary), Sons and Daughters (our fav), Swan Oyster Depot (only open during the day, very casual, freshest seafood), Polk Street (lots of restaurants, mostly locals), Amber (Indian Buffet)

Massage
Kabuki Springs (beautiful), Foot Reflexology( great Chinese style foot massages)

Hikes and Walks
The Land's End Walk (start at Sutro Baths), Muir Woods (Ben Johnson Trail back on Dipsea Trail)

Napa
Lunch at V Sattui

La Folie

My sister-in-law, Camille recommended La Folie and we weren't disappointed.  The food was amazing.  It was a bit more expensive than Sons and Daughters (and the lamb at Sons and Daughters is still my favorite) but the service here was impeccable. Although Raf continues to make me self conscious when I take pictures of my food, I noticed that everyone in the restaurant was doing the same.  These presentations are really works of art and need to be shared.

Napa

We've been before but this time we didn't drive.  We took a one day tour that returned on the ferry from Vallejo(where I lost my phone). We don't usually do tours but I'm glad we did because our tour guide, Jerry taught us a few new things.  We even met the monopoly man.

Muir Woods

This is not the first time we visited Muir Woods, but each time it is no less  magical. There are numerous trails.  This time, we walked through the redwoods to the Ben Johnson trail and returned via the Dipsea trail.  It was a pretty steep climb but well worth it.  On the way up we walked through the redwood trees and on the way down we walked through grasslands with many scenic viewpoints.

Beatiful Views

We have a beautiful view from our hotel at the top of Nob Hill.  Our window overlooks Grace Cathedral.  Feels like we are on top of the world.  But then again, it's hard not to find eye candy here no matter where you look.

Sons and Daughters Restaurant San Francisco

Got a great rec from a local and headed to Sons and Daughters on  Bush Street.  I can't begin to tell you how yummy everything was.  From the first taste of the amuse-bouche to the end of the meal.  It says on the limited menu, 4 courses...$58. Sounded reasonable so we went for it.  I wonder if everyone is  treated so well (we got more than 4 courses), and I can honestly say this was the best lamb I have ever eaten.  Beautiful presentation which included some of those molecular gastronomy techniques and delicious food.  The combination of ingredients were unique, which made the flavors so much more interesting.  Chef Moriarty was waiting to bid us farewell on our way out too.

San Francisco

Okay, okay, okay...I  will attempt to blog (if you all stop bugging me) although it is difficult on this trip.  Our conference was a success but I like to write in the morning and I haven't had one free yet.  Tomorrow it's off to Napa bright and early once again.  We've had some great meals, massages (foot massages of course), and the weather has been beyond beautiful.  Stay tuned...

Musee de la Civilisation

This museum is a don't miss when visiting Quebec City.  All the exhibits are unique in their presentation.  Aqua: A Journey Into the World of Water is an interactive exhibit in a room with 360 degree projections. The purpose is to raise awareness of water related issues but it's just plain kewl!

This museum also hosts a photo exhibit called Hungry Planet: What the World Eats.  I received an email a few years back with some of these photos. They show what a typical family, in different countries around this great planet consume in a week.   I had forgotten how interesting they were and had to  purchase the book to share with my hospitality students.   

Red Bull Crashed Ice

There are always interesting events happening in Quebec City and this weekend the city is home to Red Bull Crashed Ice.  Honestly, we'd never heard of this event but were curious to check it out.  It is described on their website as..." a combination of of icehockey, downhill skating and boardercross. At speeds of up to 50 km/h, the skaters will take racing in the ice track full of turns, jumps and underpasses. Crash-landings are guaranteed in this head-to-head race, for only the two fastest contestants in each heat qualify for the next round."
The course, a giant ice roller coaster, winds through the entire city.  Unfortunately, we didn't get the best pictures of the city due to the scaffolding and equipment everywhere but it made our visit a bit more fun.

A Word About the Toronto Airport

Its crazy, all the news lately about the looooonng lines to get through customs in Toronto.  Passengers claimed 3 hours, officials said it was closer to 90 minutes.  All I know is that it was probably the best experience we've ever had.  We were the first off the plane and waited about 30 seconds.  A fluke?  Maybe.

Poutine

Everything we've eaten in Quebec so far has been delicious, as we had expected.  We were curious about this poutine we heard so much about. Although it can be had at BK, and most other fast food locals, we were told to try it a place called AshTon.  Basically, it is fries with cheese curds on top, slathered in brown gravy.  The mini size was a meal for each of us.  A million calories but yummy.  I heard they are making "haute" poutine in some places with ingredients such as truffle oil but I think our curiosity was satisfied.

Cold

Coming from Miami, where it is too hot to even try on a pair of boots let alone a down jacket, I was just a bit worried that I may not be warm enough spending hours walking the streets of Vieux Quebec.  This and the comments from almost everyone when we mentioned where we were headed.  "OMG it's freezing there, how could you be going at this time of year?" My sis suggested we buy those hand and foot warmers that were on sale at Target for one dollar, and we did.  Let me remind you that Raf and I love the change of seasons so we weren't too worried. 
The weather has been beautiful since we got here.  In the 30's, but very comfortable.  We broke out the hand warmers today to see what they were about (forgot we had them yesterday) and WOW do those things get hot.  Didn't need the gloves and had to let the hands escape the pockets on several occasions.  Snow and all the weather is perfect.

Quebec City

Our first choice this spring break was Vietnam, but after a little bit of research, we decided to save that trip for when we had more than one week to travel. It's been pretty warm this Miami winter so we figured we'd head north to Montreal and Quebec City. At least I'd be able to wear my boots and Raf would have an opportunity to practice his French. 
Unfortunately, after a flight delay, we missed the bus leaving from Montreal to QC and as a result lost one day to travel.  Famished when we finally arrived, we found the closest pub (showing the hockey game of course) and finished off 2 steak frites, with real dijon mustard too!

Our hotel is in the heart of Vieux Quebec and within walking distance of almost everything we want to see.  Night...