Summer in Northern California

While the rest of the country sizzled this summer, we spent our time in the beautiful (and cool) northern California coast. With most nights in the 50’s and days topping 70, we never needed air conditioning and always carried a sweater! We parked north of Santa Cruz on the ocean

and enjoyed many trips north to San Francisco and east to the Bay Area and the Valley. Trips south took us along CA-1 to Santa Cruz and Capitola and we even scooted over to Gilroy, the Garlic Capital.

Naturally we ate out along the way! So let’s get to our favorite restaurants:

Overall Favorite Restaurant: La Mar, San Francisco

Best Lunch: Winner: Osteria Coppa, San Mateo

Runner Up: Waterbar, San Francisco

Best View Winner: Sutro’s at The Cliff House, San Francisco

Runner Up: Sam’s Chowder House, Half Moon Bay

Best Burger: Rave Burger, San Mateo

Best Ethnic: GocHi Japanese Fusion Tapas, Cupertino

Best Breakfast Winner: Boulette’s Larder, San Francisco

Runner Up: Alice’s Restaurant, Woodside

Best Pizza: Pizza My Heart, Capitola and various other locations

Best Appetizer: Spasso Sampler at Spasso Ristorante and Wine Bar, San Carlos

Best Dessert: S’Mores Pie at Sandabs Seafood & Wine Bar, Scotts Valley

Best American Comfort Food: Flavor, El Granada

Most Tourist-ee: Stagnaro Bros, Santa Cruz Wharf

Best Grocery: Whole Foods Market, Cupertino location followed closely by Draeger’s, San Mateo and don’t forget Trader Joe’s (various locations)

Other than Food:

Best Tourist Destination: Alcatraz

Best Theatre: Century 20 Cinemark, Redwood City

Best Laundromat: Foster City Laundromat, Foster City