touristy junk shops. It is a place that people actually live, shop, and eat. Definitely I would recommend going on some of the food tours mentioned. And make a point to take in several farmer’s markets. The bounty of produce...

looking for things that are rare, exotic and off the beaten track? What else do you want besides food and wine? Scenery? Culture? Beaches? Big trees? Shopping? Spas? High-end? Moderate? The Northern California wine region is...

california ranch market in fullerton on Commonwealth ave. taco stand is only open fri-sun 5:30-11:30

Yes, we hosted a similar event, and were so glad that I had brought up some “good” wine, for the time that the rep. left. As I recall, she sold about $20 worth of their wine. Shortly after her departure, we did a...

My husband and I are DC hounds visiting Southern California for the first time in mid-September. Would like chow recommendations for breakfast and dinner (we usually skip lunch). We will be staying 1 night in Santa Barbara...

cuvées before you make the drive. You could also visit Joseph Swan (listed in the zin tour, only open weekends, make an appointment with Rod Berglund, winemaker & pres.) and Sebastopol Cellars (Dutton Ranch) as you head further...

&addr=Embarcadero+and+Green+St.&csz=San+Francisco+CA Prather Ranch Meat Co [Embarcadero] One Ferry Bldg, Shop #32 San Francisco 415-378-2917 http://www.pratherranch.com Map:...

. If we see a tour bus in the parking lot, we go some place else. The bridal shower wine tasting parties also make for a very unpleasant experience. This is much more common down in santa ynez than up in paso. That is why I rally...

Highway 154 out of Santa Barbara into the SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, you will find the wonderful old Cold Springs Tavern for electic California cuisine and delicious chili off Stagecoach Road, and then Grapalo’s for Northern...

watch Alton Brown’s last Mississippi bike tour and found it lacking when compared to his first tour. But I’d rank it only second to DDDs. And if GF wants to dress funny and wear tattoos and earrings, I just ignore...

animals on the farm vs. factory) cheese here in southern California. I was so intrigued by it that I drove all the way up to Winchester (near Temecula) to tour the farm and meet Jules Wesselink, the artisan cheesemaker who...

Ridiculous – the ones between LGO and Postino made some sense for take-out, but in front? Good thing I usually ride my bike there!

Island Prime and Top of the Market have nothing to do with upscale dining. (especially if you invite somebody from LA). If you want view and good food go to Georges in La Jolla (California Modern) and ask for a table at the...

June Taylor is a food artisan. She is the epitome of the Slow Food mission, as are the folks at Fatted Calf, Andante Dairy, and Prather Ranch, though none of them are technically "farmers."

piloted by a hapless redcap, the Chino Wayne’s reluctantly elected to hike to the Track 12 tunnel, which was barely discernable in the distance, where they encountered an anal retentive station agent who wanted all...