Southern California
Our “staycation” day trips in Southern California this summer have sparked our creativity for cooking at home. Chefs here do a great job sourcing fresh, in-season ingredients for daily specials. A vine-ripened, seedless watermelon was on sale at the grocery store, so we decided to try an unusual pairing: Watermelon, Tomato & Cream Cheese Salad with Balsamic Reduction.
Mapping the Day
The word “staycation” sounds trite and overdone. It is perhaps as irritating as fingernails on a chalkboard. (That’s a trite statement too, I know. But it is so true!). The concept however is sometimes a welcomed alternative to airline hassle and bag schlepping. And, there is a lot to be said for sleeping in your own bed with the hum of your faithful pup snoring on the floor.
Local Story
So K.O. and I have been day tripping in Southern California lately. It has really been so relaxing and fun.
Top Ten “Staycation” Activities
- Go to the beach
- Explore a museum
- Get out on the water on a tour boat, kayak, gondola or floatie
- Take a culinary, winery or brewery tour
- Do a spa day
- Walk around a downtown or civic center
- Attend a festival or local event
- Drive a few hours for a change of scenery
- Read a travel guide about your area and do the tourist thing
- Eat out at new restaurants
View from the Table
We have been delighted with fabulous meals on our staycation days in Southern California. A hot pastrami on rye at Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles, fish and chips with a view of Laguna Beach, a cold beer on San Clemente Pier after Hatch Chili Roasting, a boating picnic on the lake and a new fresh fruit and cheese salad at a restaurant right near our home. It has been fun to vacation close to home this summer. We do need to come up with a new term for it though . . .
Watermelon, Tomato & Cream Cheese Salad
with Balsamic Reduction
[button link=”http://roadtripflavors.com/recipe/watermelon-tomato-cream-cheese-salad-with-balsamic-reduction/” type=”big” color=”green” newwindow=”yes”] RECIPE[/button]
