ALONG COMES MARY

Having loved The San Francisco Bay Area since I was very young, this past month was a real treat for me as I headed out on The Fresh As it Gets Media tour with my fellow IFWTWA members and our hosts from The San Mateo/Silicon Valley CVB. I spent a week up north exploring and learning so much about this beautiful county that boasts lush vallies and mountains on one side, and, the other end? The bay, baby. From visiting Harley Goat Dairy Farm to Pillar Point Harbor, from beautiful wine tastings to world-class meals, I cannot wait to tell you about these excursions in the coming weeks.

Our first stop in this series? Half Moon Bay, California. A town that’s been on my radar, but I had no idea just how gorgeous the often dubbed, “Seaside Hamlet”, truly is.

EAT

Something is mighty clear when you run away to the coast: You can usually, always, find delicious food. I was reminded that when we headed to lunch at local Half Moon Bay fave, Pasta Moon.  A “Fresh As it Gets” award winner, Pasta Moon is the brain child of local Kim Leddes; “Pasta Moon started out as a passionate concept where I could keep myself busy and enjoy the lifestyle of a small coastal town.” Kim explains on her website, “Originally Pasta Moon was a place for people to dine on cuisine derived of locally grown organic produce, fish, meats and cheese supplied from local ranchers and dairies. Soon however my love for Italian cuisine compelled an ever-growing compulsion to express my creativity in the kitchen and had me composing variations on classic Italian dishes.”

Known for the best lasagna around, every single dish I saw go by me, looked fabulous, and with our starter salads and soups (I had a tomato based veggie soup that bursted with flavor), it was very clear just how dedicated Pasta Moon is to bringing their diners the best, and most local, ingredients.

And, my #1 priority: Good gluten-free pasta! I was in luck as I was immediately asked if I would like brown rice linguine or corkscrew pasta. I chose linguine with seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil. Often, I find that even if I enjoy a gluten free pasta noodle dish, the noodles tend to get dried out, and downright sticky. At Pasta Moon? They were moist, tender, and tasted like the real deal down to my last bite. Bravo, Pasta Moon!

For dinner, I would be experiencing Peruvian cuisine ocean side at the popular La Costanera. With countless awards under their belt, this Montana Beach (Just next door from Half Moon Bay) eatery combines slick, ocean side dining with a unique blend of flare. Much of which is the result of South Peru native, Chef Carlos Altamirano. Whether its their Churrasco (Grass fed Creekstone Black Angus Ribeye steak, Yucca Fries, chimichurri andino) you’re in the mood for, or their Vegetarian fave, Quinotto  (Quinoa-pumpkin stew, choclo, veggies, parmesano Crispy tomatoes and anticucho de hongos), La Costanera has expertly crafted the ultimate hot spot in Half Moon Bay to accommodate all of their diner’s wants and needs.

And, no visit is complete without getting their signature drink:  A Pisko Sour…..

I admit, I enjoyed some amazing glasses of wine, and just stole a sip of the Pisco. Thoughts? It had an egg in it, which was intriguing, but, a bit too frothy for an alcoholic drink, for my preference. If you are a Pisco Sour fan? You will love it.

SIP

Before dinner, we began our evening at  nearby Pacifica’s A Grape In the Fog Wine Bar. Unbeknownst to us, we were arriving in the middle of the many weekly Farmers Markets. This was a true reminder that San Mateo County is “As Fresh As it Gets”. The tomatoes were gorgeous colors of scarlet red to lighter shades of rose, as well some yellow’s to take note of.

At A Grape in the Fog, Redding native Beth Lemke had a dream of opening up a coffeehouse to create a space for the locals to gather, socialize, hear some good music and enjoy some drinks. Change those dreams from latte’s to wines from around the world, and you’ve got yourself Grape in the Fog! With a menu that is always changing, Lemke has indeed made an environment that could easily find a student getting some reading in while enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir, or meeting up for an online date to break the ice over a Chardonnay and hear a local musician perform.

STAY

Half Moon Bay hotels burst so much charm and “hometown” atmosphere so I knew I’d be in good hands when we arrived at Half Moon Bay Lodge, I loved the laid back vibes….and, even cookies during check-in! Half Moon Bay Lodge is nestled 5 miles outside the hustle and bustle of the main drag and mere minutes from the water. Something I rarely get to take advantage of is a pool and Jacuzzi when I travel. Had I remembered my swim suit? They offer a heated pool, outside fireplace and chairs and tables aplenty for the ultimate stay.

If you are in search of a banquet or event hall, they have you covered with a fantastic meeting room that opens out to the pool. (Great nook to enjoy your breakfast, too).

Half Moon Bay is only a half hour from The San Francisco Airport, and 45 minutes from San Jose. It is such a romantic getaway, and enough to do right in the area that you will easily not even leave the city limits! xo