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My thoughts and prayers are with those suffering through the wildfires in California right now. If you are looking for more information on California during this difficult time or are looking to help, please visit California Fire Foundation.
You know, when we mapped out the states back in the day and took claim to each of them, one really seemed to take the cake. Like there’s nothing wrong with the original 13. We took a bit of land, here and there and said here’s Maryland. Here’s Delaware. This corner will be Rhode Island. Let’s get a big bigger with Pennsylvania and New York. But then we fast forward and by the time we got to California, it was time to really get comfy and just spread out. “We’ll take allllllllll these beaches, this desert area, these massive parks and some of these mountains. ALL OF IT”. I don’t blame them either. I’d want all of that under one roof too. If you took California and stood it by itself, it could be it’s own world. You literally have something for everyone.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled to California a few times. 4 to be exact. Twice to the Southern area of California and twice to the Northern area. Enough to be able to form a decent opinion on which I prefer. But I’ll save that to the end. For now, I’m going to tell you about where to eat, a few spots to stay and a little in between.
Let’s start South first. One of my dearest and oldest friends worked at Disneyland for a bit of time. Due to that, I got to head to the Anaheim/Irvine/Newport Beach area twice to see her and her husband while they were there and were then married there. I could spend a whole post writing about Disneyland itself and the different food offerings there. For those of you who don’t know, I’m a former Disney employee myself and massive Disney fan. My love for the man made wonders that have come from Walt Disney run deep. As does my love of tv, movies and the golden age of cinema. As much as I wanted to check out parts of Hollywood and Los Angeles, unfortunately the furthest I got was spending some time in LAX airport. If you find yourself in this part of the world, there is one restaurant you need to treat yourself to and that’s Napa Rose.
Napa Rose is Disneyland’s signature restaurant at the Grand Californian Resort and Spa in Anaheim and for good reason. The resort itself is stunning, like most things Disney gets its hands on. The lobby, the atmosphere and décor are so inviting and upscale while making you feel cozy at the same time. If you can stay here, that’s great but if you can’t, save the cash and come eat here.
Now if you are thinking, “Karen, out of all the places in California to eat, you are sending me to a Disney property? Are there characters? Are you actually kidding?” Yes I am, no there’s not and no I’m not. I know there are a ton of restaurants to go to in California and I’m not knocking them. In fact, I’m dying to try them out myself. But I was fortunate enough to experience this one and it’s worth a trip… trust me. This isn’t a run of the mill “Theme park” restaurant. It’s a high end, white table cloth, celebration of all California cuisine and it’s worth every penny. The wine selection is astounding. The food is to die for, changes seasonally and is prepared with the utmost attention to the integrity of the ingredients. There is even a Chef’s Counter, where you can practically dine in the kitchen and get a front row seat to the magic that happens not just in the parks. Keep your eyes peeled when you are in there too. You may even see Disneyland royalty like John Lasseter.
Now, if you are really lucky and maybe know a guy AND happen to be in Disneyland itself, get your butt into Club 33. This is a members only restaurant that used to be housed in a secret location in New Orleans Square that Walt himself used to use to host meetings and set plans for future projects. The restaurant has since moved since I was there a few years ago but this food is also mind-blowingly incredible. Not only that, but if you are a Disney fan, like me, you’ll get your meal served with a side of serious Disney nostalgia. When I was there, Walt’s wife Lillian’s personal piano was right there on display. So if an opportunity ever falls in your lap to dine at this exclusive Disneyland gem, TAKE IT. It’s not something you will forget anytime soon.
There are clearly a ton of places to stay in Southern California. As I said, my dear friends were married in Newport Beach, which on its own, is a STUNNING area of the state. They were married and we stayed at the Hyatt Regency there. I can honestly tell you I think about this resort a lot. Again, I’ve been fortunate to have stayed in a decent amount of hotels over my years. Just like anything else, some stick with you more then others. This one stuck.
Yet another example of modern style meets California comfort. Along with beautiful landscaping, stylish room designs, and ample space for activities, they offer stunning views of the local water ways as well. Water sports, a par 3 golf course and 3 gorgeous pools to enjoy, it was one of my favorite hotels I’ve stay at. You are also a stones throw from Balboa Island, shopping, more golf and are actually not too far from Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm park.
Ok let’s head back north. San Francisco and Napa Valley to be exact. I have another wonderful person in my life to thank for my initial visit to San Fran, my cousin Angie. She was graduating from law school out there and she made sure to make sure we got a wonderful experience heading to the Golden Coast. That she did, getting to spend time in San Francisco itself and then spending a gorgeous day in Napa Valley. A few years back, I was able to travel back to the city by the bay for work reasons and got to experience a few more gems that I thoroughly enjoyed. Let’s start with San Fran.
Obviously there are many spots to see in this gorgeous city. You can’t go there without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, which is worth the hype. If you can make it to Fort Point State Park, take the hike and make sure to bring your camera. The views of the bridge are absolutely stunning. As a fresh out of college young woman, I can tell you I had no desire to see the Japanese Tea Garden when it was mentioned on our agenda. I’m so happy we went. This place is stunning with meticulously manicured foliage and gorgeous Zen decor. Littered with many little pathways, keep your eyes peeled for different birds and various rocks.
I’ll be totally honest with you, Fisherman’s Wharf is to San Fran what Times Square is to New York. Very, very touristy. I’m not going to tell you to skip it entirely. It’s home to many of the tours that can take you to Sausalito and Alcatraz, both worth seeing. And there are the sea lions, which I could literally watch for hours. But there are a lot more places to see and restaurants to eat at besides there.
Take a walk up to The Buena Vista, a little cafe which is the birthplace of the Irish Coffee. Or go get yourself some Chocolate goodness from Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory.
For dinner, hop in an Uber and head to Zuni. This restaurant is home to some of the best roasted chicken you will have in your life.
It takes a bit to make but let me tell you, it is worth the wait. Roasted in a wood fired oven and served piping hot, there’s a reason the food here earned a James Beard award.
Or, head over to Tyler Florence’s Wayfair Tavern on the other side of the city. Serving strong British pub vibes with a side of old school American style, this place has huge cozy booths that you can eat some quality upscale food in. I still dream about the Crawfish Piccata Fried Green Tomatoes I had there during my last visit. Yeah… that’s not two dishes. CRAWFISH PICCATA FRIED GREEN TOMATOES. Dear God… no wonder Tyler is my culinary crush. But I digress.
While I could talk about the beauty of Napa Valley for hours, I have to reel it in for times sake. There are many gorgeous wineries up in Napa, many from famous wine makers from Robert Mondavi to Mumm Napa. My bucket list currently has a trip on the Napa Valley wine train on it so yet another reason to head back. But if you do get to head up a winery or two, make Inglenook Winery one of your stops. Home to Inglenook wines, Francis Ford Coppola owns part of this gorgeous winery that not only makes some delicious varieties of wine, but is also one of the most lovely wineries I’ve visited.
The entire state of California has so much to offer in so many areas, a great number of which I still want to explore. I fear for this state that has battled so many fires over the past few years when it is loaded with so many beautiful natural wonders. I have yet to put my toes in the Pacific. There are redwoods I still want to see. A road trip down the coast is also on my bucket list. While the whole world seems to be on fire right now, California actually is and it’s terrifying. Which part do I prefer? Before this week, I would have told you North. I’m not crazy about all the highways and free ways down south. But right now I would tell you that I love all of California, because I do. Every visit has been a happily memorable one, filled with laughs, love and leaving me wanting more every time I’ve left. My hope is that when I go back, it is in a good place, just like the rest of us. Love to you California. I still want more.