“Blood” Orange Margarita: A Halloween Cocktail

Posted on October 31, 2017April 30, 2019 by caitlin

Trick or treating with friends is one of my favorite childhood memories, but I celebrate the holiday a bit differently now…by treating myself with a drink! So, I thought I would try my hand at a “Blood” Orange Margarita to get in the Halloween spirit this year. This fresh-fruit marg (forget that pre-made mix) is a great accompaniment to passing out candy to the Trick or Treaters (or for watching Game 6 of the World Series…your choice!).

Oh, and Halloween is on a Tuesday this year, which obviously means Taco Tuesday! And margs are perfect for that, too.

Two pink margaritas with a black salt rim — The finished product!

Full disclosure: my original plan was to actually make a blood orange margarita…the name is perfect for Halloween, and blood oranges are delish! Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my hands on any blood oranges, so I improvised and made a “blood” orange marg instead…with pomegranate seeds as an addition to the recipe. I think it turned out better than my original plan would have after all!

“Blood” Orange Margarita

4 oz. Tequila

4 oz. Triple Sec

4 large naval oranges, juiced

1 large pomegranate

2 limes, juiced

2 lime wedges and ¼ cup of pomegranate seeds for garnish

Salt for the rim

Juice the oranges and limes into the blender. Separate the pomegranate seeds from the fruit and add all but ¼ cup of them. Add tequila and triple sec and blend.

Margarita in the blender — Before the blending! It looks like a giant tequila sunrise.

Use a lime wedge to moisten the rim of the glass. Dip the rim of the glass in salt and garnish with the lime wedge. (I used black lava salt that I found in a Trader Joe’s “Salts of the World” gift pack. The black salt was perfect for a Halloween touch, but you can use any salt you like. Salts like this one can also be found in a specialty foods store.)

Close up of the drinks — The salt makes for a perfect Halloween touch.

If you like your margarita on the rocks, strain the margarita mix (to get the pomegranate seeds out) and pour over ice. You may want to adjust the amount of alcohol (or not) if you’re pouring over ice…the recipe above will make for a couple strong drinks!

If you prefer your margs blended (pictured here), strain the mix, add it back into the blender with ice, and blend until smooth. Garnish with some fresh pomegranate seeds.

This recipe makes 4 generous portions if blended. It will make a bit less if its poured over ice!

Birds eye view of the glasses — Looks like a “bloody” good drink, don’t you agree?!

Your finished product makes for a refreshing, no-sugar-added cocktail that can be enjoyed on any occasion. I think the color, and the added touch of black sea salt, makes it a spooky Halloween treat!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

5 Days in Ireland (For the Adventurous Soul)

Posted on October 27, 2017April 30, 2019 by caitlin

I’m not one for “relaxing” travel, per say. I typically like a sense of adventure in each day that I’m exploring a new place. Which is why when my husband and I decided to go to Ireland, we decided to see as much as we possibly could in the limited time we had there (just 5 days!). Translation: time for a road trip!

Tucker, Caitlin, and their car overlooking the Irish countryside on their road trip adventure — Side note: If you ever see a sign indicating “vista point”, just go! This was a beautiful view of the Irish countryside that we stumbled upon while driving.

If you find yourself in a similar position, check out this itinerary that we created for our trip!

Day 1 & 2: Dublin

Fly into Dublin and begin your trip there. Plan to spend your first full two days exploring the city. That’s enough time to see all the sites and feel like you’ve experienced the city.

Fellow sippers will appreciate the drinking culture that Dublin (and really, all of Ireland) has to offer. Some must-sees are:

The Guinness Storehouse! What’s more Irish than that? Consider purchasing “The Connoisseur Experience” if you want to avoid some of the crowds…you get a more in-depth look at the history of the Guinness empire, and get to taste some really unique beers! You’ll learn how to pour a proper Guinness, too. Be sure to book tickets in advance!

A lineup of Guinness bottles — Inside the “Connoisseur Experience” room! Check out all those different Guinness bottles (and the weirdos in the mirror).

If you prefer whiskey, check out the Jameson Distillery and take a tour there. No need to purchase in advance, as long as you get there fairly early in the day. You will enjoy a Jameson tasting as part of your tour, as well as a mixed drink at the end. There’s also a great bar at the distillery that offers tons of cocktails, and they’re really good! No need to have a tour ticket to have a drink at the bar.

A cocktail table in the Jameson tasting room — Whiskey tastings waiting to be consumed.

Temple Bar is the Bourbon Street of Ireland. Loud, busy, and a total blast. You will obviously want to stop by THE Temple Bar and grab a Guinness if you can find a seat…the Temple Bar is pretty touristy, though. If you want a more authentic Irish experience, visit Oliver St. John Gogarty’s (just down the road), and enjoy some traditional Irish music with good company and a good drink! Note: if you value your sleep, you will want to find a place to stay outside of the Temple Bar area…especially on the weekends. If partying is your thing, then you might love staying in that spot!

A Guinness on a carved stool. — I wonder how many bums (or beers) have sat on that stool…

The Brazen Head is the oldest pub in Ireland, and well worth a visit. You’ll see knick-knacks and memorabilia all over the walls that have been left there by guests. It’s a historic building serving good food and cold beers, and offering a great atmosphere for mingling with the locals.

Tucker and Caitlin outside of The Brazen Head on their last day in ireland — Obligatory “prove we were there” picture.

There’s obviously more to Dublin than the sips, so here’s some other tips for places that you’ll want to make sure to see while you’re there:

Patrick’s Cathedral is absolutely beautiful and central to Irish history. The cathedral does a great job of providing easy-to-digest Irish history as you wander around the premise. You can see the entire thing in an hour, but if you enjoy churches and cathedrals, you may want to set aside more time.

The inside of St. Patrick's Cathedral — Inside view of the cathedral.

Trinity College is in the heart of the city and is home to The Book of Kells Exhibition. Even if you don’t go to the museum, walking through the campus is a nice way to spend an afternoon.
Dublin is rich with museums—you may want to spend A LOT more time in the city if you intend to visit each one. A few highlights are the National Museum of Ireland, Kilmainham Gaol (a former prison), and the Dublin Writers Museum. Literary figures are celebrated throughout Ireland, so you will likely see representations of them often!

If you’re looking for a good restaurant in Dublin, go to The Bank on College Green. It is a nice restaurant in a beautiful old bank, and the food is fantastic. It’s not all traditional Irish fare either, so if you’re sick of pies, bangers, and mash after a while, this is a good option.

Day 3: The Cliffs of Moher & Galway

Make an early morning of your third day and arrange to pick up a rental car to begin your road trip! Yes, you will likely be driving on the opposite side of the road which is a bit scary at first. However, the roads open up fairly quickly and soon you’ll find yourself driving amongst rolling green hills on the Irish highways. It’s spectacular!

It’s about a 3-hour drive from Dublin to The Cliffs of Moher: your first stop. The dramatic cliffs along the west coast of the island show the dramatic landscape of the country in all its glory. The Cliffs are a UNESCO designated site, and are Irelands most-visited tourist attraction. If you get nice weather, you could spend all day taking in the beauty of this place. There’s a small lighthouse that you can pay a couple euro to climb…I think it’s worth it! There is also a small museum that describes some of the geology behind the cliffs’ formation.

Caitlin posing near the cliffs, an epic stop on the adventure — Representation of how you’ll feel when you see the cliffs!

Once you’ve soaked in the views (and taken way too many pictures of the same thing because you just can’t help yourself), jump back in the car and drive another 1.5 hours to Galway, a beautiful little port-town that just screams “Ireland!”. An afternoon is enough time to see all of what Galway has to offer…it is a small, walkable town.

If there is one thing you do while in Galway, it is The Pie Maker. You MUST go to The Pie Maker. It is a tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurant, run by a single (awesome) woman, that makes some of the best food I’ve ever had. They make savory and sweet pies, serve craft beer, and make you feel like you’re part of their family while you dine. While you’re there, make sure you visit the bathroom (if you can find it!)—you will not be disappointed. (Bet you’ve never read a travel blog that encourages you to visit a bathroom, huh?!)

the outside view of The Pie Maker restaurant — The Pie Maker in all its hole-in-the-wall glory. It’s tiny and amazing.

Day 4: Giant’s Causeway

This will be another early morning, where you will jump in the car and head out on a 5(ish) hour drive up to Northern Ireland, ending up at Giant’s Causeway. In case you haven’t heard of it, Giant’s Causeway is another UNESCO site known for the thousands of hexagonal basalt columns that have arisen as a result of volcanic activity over thousands of years. What’s left is an absolute spectacle, and some of the most unique views of nature you will ever see.

Caitlin walking along Giant's Causeway — Wandering the causeway. It just doesn’t get old!

Take a tour at Giant’s Causeway, and spend some time looking through the museum before your tour begins. You’ll be led down to the causeway, and will actually have a chance to climb along the pillars that line the coast (can you say, photo ops?!). Be careful though…there is black algae that grows on the columns that is VERY slippery. Wear cold-weather (ideally waterproof) gear and shoes with good tread on this trip!

Stay the night in nearby Portstewart or Portrush—both small little towns with good restaurants, scenery, friendly locals.

Day 5: Back to Dublin Bay

Believe it or not, you’re only about 3 hours from Dublin. Jump in the car and head back to that general area. There are plenty of places to check out along the way!

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is not too far of a detour on your trip. If you live for a little adrenaline in your life, then make a stop here. You will have a chance to cross a bridge that links the Northern Ireland mainland to a tiny island by way of a couple ropes and some wooden planks. Good luck!

You will be driving right through Belfast on your way south. If you enjoy seeing cities along your trip, you can stop here for an afternoon of lunch and exploration. Check out the Black Cab Tours if you want a first-hand history lesson in Belfast!

If you prefer the small-town experience, skip Belfast and keep heading south. Rather than going back to Dublin, head a little east to Dublin Bay, starting on the north end in Malahide. The DART train runs along the bay, and is a great way to tour this little part of the country if you can!

Malahide is known for Malahide Castle. There a fairly short tour of the castle that you can take, and if you have some more time, wander through the botanical gardens at the castle. The castle grounds are beautiful!

Dun Leoghaire (pronounced Dun Leery…yay Gaelic!) is another coastal town that is picturesque to say the least. It has a great little maritime museum (next to the Royal Marine Hotel) that gives you another glimpse of Irish history.

Caitlin walking through the maritime museum — Soaking in the maritime history with every step. The architecture of this museum is beautiful!

Dalkey, which is at the south end of Dublin Bay opposite Malahide, is a little town right out of a storybook. Little bakeries, pubs, and boutique shops line the main road, and friendly locals greet you as you wander around town. There is no experience more authentic than visiting Biddy’s Cottage in Dalkey, where you can join a sweet woman named Biddy for an evening of storytelling, history, and Irish tradition. Biddy opens her cottage to guests, and they get to soak in her warm Irish welcome with some oatcakes and tea. It is truly a highlight, and a perfect way to end a trip to Ireland.

Caitlin, Tucker, and Biddy looking through the red door of the cottage. — The perfect Irish experience: Biddy’s Cottage. Tucker and I took the chance to pose in the dutch door with Biddy!

Another trip to Ireland is definitely in my future, and if you do have the opportunity to spend more time there, do it! There are plenty of other resources out there to help you plan a road trip around the southern part of the island if you would like to do a full loop.

Taking this trip? I’d love to know how it goes! Comment below and let me know!

Stuffed Acorn Squash: Your New Favorite Fall Comfort Food!

Posted on October 16, 2017April 30, 2019 by caitlin

We’re halfway through October, which means Fall is in full-swing. Despite the 90+ degree heat in Southern California right now, I’m doing my best to make my kitchen smell as Fall-like as possible…we’ve got to create the façade of seasons somehow!

This acorn squash recipe is my go-to Fall meal. I make it a little differently every time, but it never fails to satisfy my Fall food craving. My recipe is below, but feel free to mix it up with some of my other suggested add-ins (at the end of the recipe)!

Two acorn squash halves stuffed with quinoa. — The finished product…keep reading to learn how to make it for yourself!

Ingredients

2 acorn squash

1 cup dry quinoa

1 lb spicy Italian sausage

1 onion

2 cloves of garlic

Herbs of choice (thyme and rosemary both go really well with this dish)

½ cup chopped pecans

6 oz. pomegranate seeds

4 oz. gorgonzola cheese

6 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Two acorn squashes. — The soon-to-be-stuffed acorn squash.

Directions

Begin by halving each acorn squash and removing the seeds. Season each half with salt and olive oil. Place cut side down on a roasting pan and bake in a 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes, turning them to be cut side up halfway through. The squash halves should be fork tender when they are done.

In the meantime, cook the quinoa per package instructions.

Dice an onion into ½ inch cubes, and combine the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and herbs in a sauté pan while the squash cooks. Sauté the onion mixture until it is translucent. Then, crumble the Italian sausage and cook it with the onion mixture. Once the sausage is cooked through, mix the cooked quinoa into the sauté pan along with the chopped pecans. At the very end, mix the pomegranate seeds into the quinoa mixture (you want to wait as long as possible to do this…otherwise the seeds will cook too much and they won’t be as juicy and vibrant in the mixture).

The filling for the acorn squash in the frying pan. — It just looks like the holidays in a pan, doesn’t it?

Pull the squash out of the oven, and switch the oven to broil on high. Fill each half of the squash with a generous scoop of the quinoa mixture. Then, top each squash with gorgonzola cheese. Put the squash halves back in the oven for 3-5 minutes to broil, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Serve the squash halves on a plate and scoop out each bite with a spoon. Enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite!

The squash on a baking sheet. — Check out that deliciousness!

Suggested Add-Ins (And Swaps)

If you like sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy, feel free to swap those two out. You can also season the squash with a little bit of maple syrup before it roasts in the oven to play off the sweet flavors!
Shallots and chives help to give the recipe a rich, onion flavor. You can sauté diced shallots the same way as the onions were cooked in the recipe above. Stir in chopped chives as you combine the quinoa/sausage mixture for an extra pop of flavor and color.
If you like dried fruit, raisins and dried cranberries are great additions to this dish. You’ll want to add them in at the same time the quinoa is added to the sauté pan. The residual heat from the quinoa and sausage will warm up the dried fruits and make them really juicy!
The pomegranate seeds in this recipe are delish, but if they aren’t your thing, you can always replace them with diced apples. Just make sure the apples cook along with the sausage for a few minutes so they soften up.
Get creative with your cheeses! If gorgonzola isn’t your favorite, try adding goat cheese or another tangy cheese instead. I personally love gorgonzola, so nothing beats that in my book!

If you make this recipe, let me know in the comments below! Bon Appetit!

Champagne & Prosecco: One of These Things is Not Like the Other

Posted on October 12, 2017April 30, 2019 by caitlin

Bubbles in my wine must mean it’s Champagne, right?

Wrong!

I’ve often wondered what really set the sparkling wine varieties apart (in this case, Champagne and Prosecco). I decided to dig into a little research and find out for myself!

A glass of champagne and a glass of prosecco surrounded by corks. — Can you guess which is Champagne and which is Prosecco?

The first, and most obvious difference is the location that each of the varietals come from.

In short, Champagne is from France, and Prosecco is from Italy. Reims, France, which is about an hour outside of Paris, is known as the unofficial Champagne capitol of the world. Treviso, Italy, the main production site for Prosecco, is located about fifteen miles outside of Venice. Both destinations make for a perfect day trip outside of the city!

Another difference in the sparkling wines is the grape from which they are produced.

Champagne features Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Prosecco features a single grape variety called Glera. The method of pressing the grapes and making the wine also differs drastically between the two sparkling wines. Champagne is produced using an extensive (and expensive) traditional method. Prosecco is produced using a much more affordable and efficient tank method.

NOTE: If wine production (or wine drinking) interests you, check out my post on some wine-related documentaries here!

If you’re anything like me, my choice in the wine aisle tends to come down to cost.

Prosecco tends to be my go-to sparkling wine since it is significantly cheaper than Champagne. You really only need to spend around $12 to get a quality Prosecco off the shelf. Champagne will typically run you at least $40 for a decent bottle. I also happen to really like the crisp, fruity taste of Prosecco as opposed to the richer taste of Champagne (which often has notes of almond, cherry, etc.). I’m no tasting expert, but that’s my personal preference.

Birds eye view of two glasses — Check out that bubbly!

There are several other sparkling wine varieties from around the world, too.

Cava, for example, reigns from Spain, and lots of other labels (particularly new world wines) simply boast “Sparkling Wine” as their name. At the end of the day, there are sparkling wine options for every taste, budget, and occasion…who says it has to be a special event to enjoy some bubbly!?

Are you a sparkling wine fan? Which is your favorite type or label? Let me know in the comments below!

Marinated Flank Steak and Whiskey Steak Sauce Recipe

Posted on October 10, 2017April 30, 2019 by caitlin

This past weekend I decided to experiment with a new steak marinade. After seeing all the yummy stuff that went into the marinade, I just couldn’t bring myself to throw it away after the steak went on the grill! I decided to try my hand at making steak sauce…and I must say, it was DEEEE-LISH.

Borderline new favorite recipe delish.

Sliced steak with whiskey steak sauce on the side. — Giving you a sneak peak of the finished product…keep reading to learn how to make this delicious recipe yourself!

So, let’s just get down to it.

Marinade:

1/3 cup dark brown sugar

1/3 cup soy sauce

2 ounces bourbon whiskey of choice

1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 Teaspoon hot sauce (I used Chipotle Tabasco)

1 Flank steak (approximately 2 lbs)

Other Ingredients for the Steak Sauce:

1 Teaspoon cornstarch

1 ounce cold water

1 pinch of salt

Marinade the steak for at least 8 hours, turning the meat to make sure it is evenly marinated. When the steak has been marinating long enough, throw it on the grill and pour the marinade in a saucepan.

Steak sauce in the saucepan. — The sauce doing it’s magic…the smell in our home was incredible as this cooked down!

Here’s where the magic begins!

Bring the marinade to a boil (cook off the alcohol!). Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. In the meantime, mix the cornstarch with the cold water, stirring vigorously. Once mixed, add the cornstarch mix to the simmering sauce. Allow steak sauce to thicken and reduce over low heat for about 15-20 minutes (basically until the meat is fully cooked and rested). If needed, add a pinch of salt for taste.

Slicing the flank steak. — Don’t let the juice deceive you…this steak was well rested before it was sliced. It was also perfectly cooked thanks to the grill master, Tucker!

Wondering what the deal is with all this “resting” business?

The general rule of thumb is that you should let meat rest for approximately the length of time that you cooked it. Allowing the meat to rest gives it the opportunity to reabsorb all of the flavorful juices, meaning you won’t lose all that flavor when you cut into it! Don’t worry, your meat will still be warm enough to eat when you do go to slice it up. Another tip: pull your meat off the grill before it’s fully cooked to perfection. Then, “tent” (loosely cover) it with tin foil. The meat will continue to cook as it rests, and once you cut into it you should have perfect meat!

Finally, slice your steak into thin strips and serve with your Whiskey Steak Sauce. It’s guaranteed to please!

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to know what you thought in the comments below!

The Best Brews are in Your Backyard

Posted on October 5, 2017April 30, 2019 by caitlin

It’s easy to be blinded by the big-name brands of craft beer, and don’t get me wrong—they have their place. When I’m at a random restaurant looking for a beer, I’m always happy to see Stone or Ballast Point on the menu. That said, what I’ve come to discover is that often, the small, family-owned breweries in my own backyard are making beers of the same (or better!) caliber.

As a Ventura County resident, I’m happy to report that I have nearly two dozen breweries making quality craft within minutes of where I live. I frequent many of these places! However, what Ventura County lacks is the small-town, walkable feel that many other beer hubs (like San Diego and Portland) thrive on. Which means more driving and less beer drinking. Womp womp.

Enter: Ventura Craft Brew Tours.

This family-owned transportation service that shuttles you to craft breweries (and will even pick up and drop you off at your home if you live in Ventura). Which means less driving and more beer drinking. Whoop whoop! Tasters are included at every destination. If that’s not enough beer, they have a chilled cooler to store your to-go growlers throughout the day, too!

Two people cheersing a beer in front of a van. — The family behind the brew tours!

Ventura Craft Brew Tours is new to the Ventura beer scene, as they just founded the company over the summer. They are a small business supporting other small businesses in their hometown—a piece that is central to their mission. The craft beer business in the US is a community more than anything else, and Ventura Craft Brew Tours is the perfect complement to that culture!

Beer drinkers at a brewery — Happy beer drinkers on their Ventura Craft Brew Tour!

Want to see where the Brew Tours can take you? Check out the brewery logos below. Some of the stops are favorites of mine!

A flight of beers from Madewest brewery. — I enjoyed a flight at Madewest recently…the IPA cannot be missed! And the tasting room is awesome, too. Check out my other post about Madewest beer here!

Have you taken any beer tours or frequented breweries in your hometown? Let me know in the comments below!

Germany…Must-Know’s Before You Go!

Posted on September 22, 2017April 30, 2019 by caitlin

Germany…the land of pretzels, lederhosen, and most importantly, beer! It’s Oktoberfest season, which means beer establishments everywhere are in a season of celebration. Pretty fun that you can celebrate Oktoberfest from the other side of the world these days!

We were fortunate enough to spend some time taking a road trip through southern Germany this past summer, where we spent 10 days traveling from Munich to Salzburg, Austria. Surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery we’ve ever laid eyes on, we took advantage of every opportunity to enjoy a liter of fresh lager and soak in all Germany had to offer.

A view of Walchensee Lake. — Did we mention stunning scenery? This is Walchensee Lake, a short drive outside of Munich. The picture doesn’t do this place justice!

No matter how much research you put into a trip, there are always surprises along the way. I thought I would put together my list of lessons-learned for everyone who has their sights set on traveling to Germany (particularly, Munich). Here are your must-knows before you go!

Cash is king…

…especially at biergartens. Forget trying to rack up points on your fancy travel credit card. It is VERY common to walk into an establishment that is cash-only! This goes for restaurants, museums (see #3), and even some shops. We got stuck a couple of times, and were rushing around the city, frantically looking for an ATM. Carry plenty of cash so this doesn’t happen to you!

Caitlin and Tucker enjoying a pretzel at bratwurst at a biergarten. — Viktualienmarkt Beer Garden in Munich…next to a beautiful farmer’s market and shaded by giant trees. We enjoyed a german spread-lager, bratwurst, potato salad, and a pretzel!

Oktoberfest is NOT the true German experience you’re looking for!

We heard over and over again that Oktoberfest attracts the tourists while the locals head elsewhere. If you want to experience “authentic” Munich, Oktoberfest isn’t the time to do so. That said, there’s no doubt Oktoberfest is loads of fun, so if that’s your motive for going, party on!

A collection of beer steins inside of cubby's for locals. — Loyal locals who frequent a particular beer establishment are often rewarded with their very own cubby for their steins! Chances are you’ll see many of these locked up while on your Oktoberfest adventures…the locals will be elsewhere!

But on that note, the Oktoberfest Museum should not be missed!

Tucked in a back alley, away from the city, and situated in Munich’s oldest historic townhouse lies the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, where you can learn all about the history of the brewing and beer-drinking culture in Germany. Better yet, you can enjoy local beer and freshly baked pretzels as part of your museum tour! This is a spot few tourists know about, and rumor has it that they serve a great food, too.

A small taster glass of beer with crests on it. — One of our taster glasses at the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. We had the chance to try German Maibock, a seasonal style of beer with a nutty flavor (similar to an Amber). It is often served in colder months of the year!

Germany? Or, Bavaria?

If you come to Munich expecting views of the striking black, red, and gold flag flying high, think again. I was surprised how few times we actually saw the German flag! Instead, most of southern Germany proudly flies the blue-and-white checkered Bavarian flag. Bavarians are very proud of their roots, and seemingly strive to set themselves apart from the rest of Germany. Bavaria is said to be the region that displays the most authentic, traditional German culture (some call it old-fashioned), but it seems to be exactly what the tourists want!

A view of an old monastery in Ettal, Germany. — A small town called Ettal near the German/Austrian border. Home of Ettaler Beer (brewed by monks!).

You can only eat so much bratwurst…

German food is good…for the first few meals. By the end of our trip, I felt like I was going to explode if I even laid eyes on another sausage. Don’t get me wrong, I could eat giant pretzels and drink beer everyday, but other than those staples, I needed some variety in my food. What we eventually learned was that you can’t underestimate the various international cuisines you will find in a city like Munich. I think our favorite meal was last one on our road trip, where we had THE BEST Indian food. We also had some great Italian food in Munich. So, don’t be afraid to step outside the box with your food choices—they won’t disappoint.

A closeup of a german pretzel. — I ordered a pretzel and cheese, and got this amazing dish. Absolutely delish!

Not only do we recommend everyone travel to Germany at some point, we also think everyone should take the opportunity to drive through the beautiful Bavarian countryside and see all that the country has to offer. The roads are easy to navigate (very similar to the road system we have in the US), and you will have the chance to see some truly incredible sights (Dachau Concentration Camp, castles, and surreal mountain views).

I hope these tips point you in the right direction on your future travels to Deutschland! Prost!

A Sipper’s Paradise in the PNW: Bainbridge Island, Seattle

Posted on September 17, 2017April 30, 2019 by caitlin

We decided a few months ago that September would be the perfect time for a mini-vacation to end a busy summer filled with work and Southern California heat. The chosen destination was Seattle, and we departed with high hopes of cold weather, jackets, and rain. Instead, we were welcomed to a city filled with smoke from the Washington wildfires, hot weather, and 90 percent humidity. Not fun.

Smokey skies behind the iconic Pike Place sign.

After dealing with the heat for a day or two, we decided it was time to get on the water and beat the heat. We took the ferry to Bainbridge Island (about a 30-minute boat ride from Seattle) and spent the day wandering around the little town that looks like it is straight out of a storybook. We enjoyed checking out the little boutique shops on the main drag, and had an awesome lunch at Bruciato. And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, it did.

Enter: Coppertop Park.

Not the kind of park you’re thinking of. An industrial business park. And guess what industrial business parks are perfect for? Breweries.

Old truck outside of a brewery — The glorious sight we were welcomed by…a brewery! And an awesome old school truck.

A short bus ride from downtown Bainbridge lies Bainbridge Island Brewing Company.

It feels like a “locals only” place that brews and serves quality beer under its copper roof, surrounded by giant trees. It screams PNW. We found ourselves hanging at the brewery enjoying a couple of beers and relaxing for the afternoon before we decided to walk around the rest of Coppertop Park to see what else was around while we waited for our bus back to the ferry.

(Side note: what we learned is that this so-called “dial-a-ride” bus service is not nearly as reliable as they say it is. Long story short, Uber saved the day. Sort of. (Side note 2: somehow, our Uber driver got lost. Like, seriously? How does that happen. Eye rolls all around.) Take note of all this in case you ever decide to go on this excursion.)

Our walk around Coppertop led us to find a few other hidden gems that turned this locals-only brewery experience into a must-do for Bainbridge visitors who enjoy their sips.

A row of tap handles at Bainbridge Island brewing — The taps with custom stained glass signage above.

A tasting flight at Bainbridge Island brewing — Our flight…the Double IPA was the favorite.

A lineup of pints at Bainbridge Island Brewing — They happened to be doing a photoshoot the afternoon we were there, so we snapped a quick shot of their year-round beer lineup.

Right next door to the brewery lies Fletcher Bay Winery.

This family-owned winery makes small batches of wine from Washington-grown grapes. I learned while we were here that Washington state is the second largest wine-producing state in the US! Naturally, we had to give their wine a try. If you go, stick to the reds…those are the specialty. The Tempranillo was my favorite.

A glass of red wine from Fletcher Bay Winery — Enjoying a glass of wine in Fletcher Bay’s coastal-themed tasting room.

And we’re not done yet…

Across from the winery you will find Bainbridge Organic Distillers. I’m not a big fan of spirits myself, but there were plenty of people inside taking tours of the facility and enjoying tastings, too.

A lineup of bottles from Bainbridge Organic Distillers — A lineup of spirits with the distillery behind.

The tasting room at Bainbridge Organic Distillers — Yes, the guitar is for sale…not sure why.

Last, but not least:

Now, once you give each of these establishments a try, you’ll probably be pretty tired toward the end of your tasting experience. Fear not! As if this Coppertop place couldn’t get any better, it also features Storyville Coffee…a Seattle-born and family-owned coffee shop AND roaster! A perfect pick-me-up before heading back to the city.

Burlap bags of coffee beans at Storybook Coffee — Bags n bags n bags of coffee beans…the smell in this place was incredible!

All this to say: we basically found a sipper’s “Disneyland” on Bainbridge Island. And it is well worth checking out for yourself when you need a quick getaway from busy downtown Seattle.

Until next time, Bainbridge!

Aircraft & Beer Craft…Book Your Flights!

Posted on September 6, 2017April 30, 2019 by caitlin

Coming up at the end of September is the second annual Breitling Huntington Beach Air Show in Huntington Beach, California. (In case you don’t know, Breitling makes watches that you probably can’t afford.) This event, which will take place September 30-October 1, 2017, showcases several notable air performers (including the US Navy Blue Angels) who demonstrate precision, talent, and technique in their aircraft as they conduct flyovers, flips, and formations over the open ocean. As if this spectacle was not awesome enough, you get to enjoy the event while overlooking the beautiful Huntington Beach pier and soaking in some Southern California sun. What more could you need for your weekend getaway?

I’m glad you asked! An event like this is just not complete without a good brew (or two…or three). A Huntington Beach native myself, I thought I would share with you my favorite craft breweries where you can find some quality sips to enjoy with the air show. Did I mention that all three of these breweries are award-winning?

Beachwood Brewing

Located at 7631 Woodwind Drive, Huntington Beach

Beachwood Brewing’s tap room is an off-the-beaten-path local hangout. Beachwood has a beer for everyone. From lagers to porters, and hoppy IPAs in between, their tap room features more than a dozen kegs of fresh beer to choose from any time you visit.

Beachwood Brewing taps — A view of the Beachwood Taps

An IPA fan myself, my go-to Beachwood beer is the Amalgamator—a West Coast-Style IPA hopped with Amarillo, Warrior, Columbus, and Mosaic hops. By including this unique combination of hop varieties in the kettle, Beachwood allows this beer to develop an amalgam (get it?!) of flavors more complex than your typical West Coast IPA. The Amalgamator is then dry-hopped with Mosaic hops, giving it a crisp, fruity, extra hoppy (99+ IBU!) citrus finish. This powerful, complex IPA is what many IPAs strive to be, especially considering it holds a silver medal in the American IPA category from the California State Fair!

If lighter beers are more your style, then you can’t go wrong with Beachwood’s award-winning Foam Top Blonde Ale. The Foam Top is a perfect refreshment for a summer day. It’s light body and mild hop flavor make this ale a crowd favorite. The Foam Top has been recognized for its perfection several times, winning gold medals at both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, as well as a silver medal at the San Diego International Beer Competition.

Beachwood brewing tasters — Beachwood Brewing Tasters

If you happen to find yourself in Seal Beach or Long Beach (just north of Huntington Beach), be sure to stop into Beachwood BBQ for a meal. The food is delicious, and all of their freshly-made beers are available on tap as well. Long Beach is also home to The Blendary, Beachwood’s small batch beer producer, which features uniquely-made Belgian-style ales.

Four Sons Brewing

Located at 18421 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach

The family posing in the brewery — The family behind Four Sons Brewing

This family-owned and operated brewery just celebrated its 3^rd anniversary, and in its three years in Huntington Beach, Four Sons Brewing has made quite the impact! You would be hard-pressed to find an HB local who hasn’t enjoyed a Four Sons beer or their awesome tasting room. Four Sons combines quality beer with a family-friendly environment, making it a perfect weekend hangout spot for locals.

The four sons tasting room — The Four Sons Tasting Room

Each weekend, Four Sons releases at least one new beer, meaning there is always something new for you to try. The brewery features beers of all kinds, and they often experiment with different ingredients to put their own unique spin on a style of beer. Some favorites are the Coconutorius Amber Ale (a gold medal winning beer), the Not So Dum Raspberry Blonde, the O’Sonset Irish Red (one of the most decorated beers on the menu!), and The Great One American IPA (a gold medal winning beer). There really is something for everyone at Four Sons—sours, stouts, and sour stouts included.

My favorite Four Sons brew is the Hopprentice Hoppy Pale Ale. The hoppiness of this Pale Ale bridges the gap between a Pale and an IPA. The beer features a combination of crisp pine flavors with a citrus aroma. Hopprentice is a well-rounded beer that hits the mark on flavor. Combine it with some sliders from Kaya’s Kitchen (the staple Four Sons food truck) and you’ve got yourself the perfect lunch.

A pint of beer with a tasting flight in the background — My favorite beer…the Hopprentice!

If you happen to be a hockey fan, be sure to stop by the brewery during hockey season. The family are big LA Kings fans, and there is almost always a game to watch while you enjoy your brew! It’s not uncommon to see other sports on the big screen throughout the year, too. Check out their wall adorned with beer competition medals during the commercial breaks.

Riip Beer Company

Located at 17214 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach

Located just steps from Bolsa Chica State Beach, Riip Beer Company features its own style of beer that capitalizes on the laidback culture of Surf City, USA. Having just recently expanded their tasting room to accommodate more thirsty customers, Riip offers an idyllic beach environment, complete with an ocean view and outdoor patio, to enjoy some quality craft brew.

A crowler, pint, and growler in front of palm trees — Riip bottles in their natural habitat.

Riip beers are often hoppy and dank, but in the best, most balanced way possible. The tap room always has several IPAs on tap (those seem to be the specialty), with a few Blondes, Reds, Browns, and Porters to help round the menu board out. You really can’t go wrong with any beer on the menu…I’ve yet to try one that hasn’t been delicious.

If you’re stuck deciding between the variety of IPAs on tap, order the Super Cali IPA. You will love it. Super Cali won the silver medal in the American IPA category at the Great American Beer Festival in 2016, which is one of the most competitive categories in the beer world! For Riip to take home this prestigious award after only two years in the business says a lot. Another award-winning beer is the Dan K IPA, which won 1^st place in the 2015 Taste of HB competition. As you may assume based on its name, this beer is dank and totally awesome.

A pint of beer in the taproom — The infamous Super Cali IPA at the taproom.

If you are local to Huntington Beach (or happen to have an Airbnb for the weekend), take advantage of Riip’s delivery service. Yes, you read that right. Riip will deliver growlers of beer to your home. Sometimes your beer may even arrive by way of the Riip 1931 Helms Bakery Coach (which doubles as their logo!). Check out the Riip website to learn more about how their beer delivery service helped catapult their brewery into what it is today.

Riip will celebrate their 3^rd anniversary this October. Join them for their anniversary celebration if you find yourself craving another hoppy beer!

5 growlers sitting on the wall — Riip growler delivery

If you find yourself in Huntington Beach for the air show, or any other time, I hope you’ll stop by these local businesses and support their passion for brewing and serving their community. I’m a frequent visitor to each of these places, and feel fortunate that my hometown has so many great local sips to choose from!

And, if you need me during the air show weekend, you know where to find me!

Make Spritz Your Next Summer Sip: Aperol, Campari, & Select

Posted on August 27, 2017April 30, 2019 by caitlin

When I traveled to Italy, I couldn’t help but notice big wine glasses filled with a bright orange cocktail nearly everywhere I went. My mouth watered as I saw people enjoying those refreshing, chilled glasses on a hot September day. Naturally, I had to try one for myself.

Caitlin at a cafe in Rome with an aperol spritz — Enjoying an Aperol Spritz at a sidewalk cafe in Rome.

I soon learned that the concoction was referred to as an Aperol Spritz.

Since that time, Aperol Spritz has seemingly become more common in the US, but what many don’t know is that there are a few varieties of Spritz native to Italy. Aperol is by far the most common, and, in my opinion, the easiest to drink no matter the time of day. It is cold, refreshing, bubbly, and slightly sweet, which makes it perfect for a hot afternoon. It is sometimes served with fresh fruit, too.

Sliced oranges on a cutting board — Citrus for the Spritz.

Two glasses with orange aperol spritz inside — Aperol Spritz on a hot afternoon.

Cute dog sniffing the aperol spritz — Oakley was curious about the Spritz.

Campari Spritz is the more mature sibling of the Aperol Spritz.

You may recognize Campari from some of your favorite cocktails such as the Negroni or Americano. Campari Spritz takes on a beautiful ruby red color. While it shares some of the same ingredients as Aperol Spritz, it sets itself apart with an almost-spicy essence, which is more savory in flavor, rather than sweet. You’ll see a Campari Spritz served with green olives, similar to a martini.

Red campari spritz inside glasses — Ruby red Campari Spritz cocktails.

The lesser known of the Spritz varieties is the Spritz Select, which can only be found in Venice, Italy.

Apertivo Select, the liqueur used to make Spritz Select, was first produced on the Venetian island of Murano in 1920. To this day, it is very difficult to source outside of Venice (trust me, I tried!). When I first tried Spritz Select in Venice, it was described to me as a perfect balance between Aperol Spritz and Campari Spritz. I couldn’t agree more. It takes on the sweetness of the Aperol, but is balanced by the unique, herby flavor of the Campari. Add some bubbly Prosecco to your Apertivo Select and you have my favorite Italian cocktail.