Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Margot's Ice Cream Parlor of San Juan Bautista

Ever since I was a kid, a favorite part of life has always been that one thing that can be enjoyed just about anywhere -- whether it's during a fun family outing or just from the comforts of home.  No matter what the occasion, it brings smiles and delight, making even the grumpiest adult feel a bit like a kid again.  What is it?

DESSERT!

Now I'm going to tell you all about the best place to find it in beautiful downtown San Juan Bautista! Look no further than Margot's Ice Cream Parlor, located at 211 3rd Street, smack dab in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of this darling town.  My family loves to spend time there shopping, eating and especially to partake of everything Margot's has to offer.








While Margot's Ice Cream Parlor has been open for business these last 21 years, the story of how she began goes much further back.  For years, she'd been making homemade candy, named Kayla's Kandies for her first daughter, Kayla.  When the opportunity to open her parlor came about, it was the perfect chance to sell her fine chocolates and then some!  Finding a perfect business partner in her mother, Naomi, her dream came true and the doors opened.  During the first year they sold Dreyer's Ice Cream, but then they were approached by a representative of Lappert's Ice Cream, who was eager for them to taste his wares.  When finally they did, it was a no brainer, and for a while they sold both brands until eventually it was just Lappert's.


Lappert's Ice Cream was dreamt up by the late Walter Lappert of Sausalito, California.  His dream was to open a store in Kauai, Hawaii, and so he did!  The company has become a family business, with both his son Michael and now grandson Isaac continuing the tradition of making their ice cream "with all the attention and love you have come to expect from Lappert's Ice Cream, Inc."

One incredible aspect of Lappert's is that not only do they make unique and incredible flavors, with only the finest and natural ingredients, but they're also willing to customize the flavors for resellers like Margot who want to sell something a little more personal.  For instance, Margot makes a delicious candy called Almond Butter Crunch, which is hand dipped in chocolate and tastes amazing.  (Can you tell I'm nibbling some right now??)  Thanks to a suggestion from Lappert's, she also offers Kayla's Almond Crunch Ice Cream, which is a butterscotch ice cream with the incredible candy swirled in.  There are other flavors that she has them tweak a bit, making them unique to her shop only.



Other candy that Margot hand makes and sells in the shop include chocolate dipped apricots, marshmallows and cookies, as well as seven different flavored chocolate truffles.  She has fun changing things up and serving various seasonal items, so you can be sure this is the place to shop for those Easter baskets, Halloween goodies and Christmas stockings!

Espresso drinks and other specialties are available seven days a week, too.  You name it and she probably has it -- milkshakes, malts, floats, splits, and Laurie's Raz Ma Taz, a drink named for her second daughter that helps out in the parlor often.  Margot has also invented a few fun hot/cold drinks that are excellent on an especially chilly day or evening.  Who doesn't love the sound of coffee with a scoop of ice cream in it?!

Last but not least is their special Sunday offering -- home made Pozole that Margot's mom, Naomi, prepares and serves weekly.  It's a spicy soup made with pork and hominy, which you can request to be more or less spicy.  Toppings include onions, cabbage, cilantro and lemon, with corn tortillas on the side. Everything is served as you want it and it is regularly raved about by returning patrons.






My favorite corner at Margot's happens to be called "Katie's Korner," where her sister Katie, who has Downs Syndrome, makes and sells various items throughout the year.  Always there are darling earrings that she designs herself, but sometimes there are hand knit head bands and other "keep warm" items.  She has quite a knack for making beautiful things, and besides all that, is a wonderful person to know.  I'm always sure I'll get a joyful hello and smile when I see her.

Margot and her employees regularly give back and support many groups, knowing that philanthropy is an important part of being involved in your community.  And so it should come as no surprise that the parlor is being recognized this weekend (January 27, 2018) by the San Benito Chamber of Commerce.  Margot's Ice Cream Parlor is being awarded as a Business of the Year, for which Margot is extremely honored and thrilled.




Now that you're wondering when you can plan your first or next trip to San Juan, make sure you drop by Margot's Ice Cream Parlor.  Enjoy some ice cream (I highly recommend any of the 32 flavors, but especially Kauai Pie, Bing Cherry, Peppermint, Rum Raisin or the famous Kayla's Almond Crunch), taste some fine chocolate, sip a coffee and absolutely say hello to this lovely lady!  She loves what she does and she's passionate about doing it well.  We're all a little better off having some part of Margot in our lives!












My visit was not hosted and all opinions are my own.

Friday, January 19, 2018

De Tierra Vineyards of Monterey County

One of the things I love most about living in California is that there are opportunities everywhere to go wine tasting.  All up and down the coast, as well as inland, there are vineyards hiding around every corner, offering different flavors and grapes from various conditions and terrains.  No two taste the same and they change every year.  I love that!  I love that a wine type I might not have enjoyed a few years ago can become a favorite as we both change and age.  For instance, I was not a lover of Pinot Noir in the past.  I can't explain why, but everywhere I went, I couldn't find one I liked.  But something shifted -- possibly my taste in wine, and probably some changes in the world.  Whatever the reason, over the last two years I have enjoyed tasting (and buying) Pinot Noir on a regular basis.  

This last year I have especially enjoyed the tasting rooms located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and one of my favorites to visit is De Tierra Vineyards, located at the corner of Mission and 5th Avenue.  You can't miss the welcoming entryway into their beautifully decorated tasting room.


To quote their website...

"De Tierra creates delicious, award-winning, and sustainably harvested wines to share from the unique terroir of Monterey County. De Tierra, as our name suggests, focuses on providing the best representation ‘of the land’. Great wines begin in the vineyard, and it is our goal to translate the defining flavors of place into great wine!"

My dear cousin and I share November birthdays (and I won't say who is a year older), so every year we make it a point to enjoy a day together celebrating.  No kids, no distractions -- just the two of us enjoying a day as ourselves.  These last several years have all been spent in Carmel, and most specifically, we've gone tasting at De Tierra Vineyards tasting room at some point each time.  They offer not only delicious wines, but a menu for various charcuterie platters that you can enjoy along the way.





The wine varietals at De Tierra are significant.  Their reds include Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Rhone and Bordeaux style blends, and Zinfandel.  Being a lover of reds, I may have purchased a few bottles of their 2015 Monterey Pinot Noir, which is a favorite.  

Their whites include a Chardonnay, Riesling and Rosé.  They have both red and white wine club options, as well as various club opportunities that include vineyard vacations at one of their rental houses.  Just visit their website to see all of the beautiful options they have.

Throughout the year, De Tierra is wonderful about hosting events, such as movie and trivia nights, Intro to Winemaking classes, and especially various wine club parties.  Check out their calendar of events online to see what might interest you.  I myself have been there when a small group set up a surprise engagement celebration for friends, and it couldn't have been more lovely.

I'll leave you with this -- a picture of my cousin and I, enjoying our wine at the Carmel De Tierra tasting room, which should make you want nothing more than to stop by and chat with any of their amazing staff, who truly know everything about their wines.  I'm always impressed and I always look forward to coming back, again and again.



My visits were not hosted and all opinions are my own.

Monday, January 15, 2018

Monte Verde Inn of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Recently my daughter and I needed a little refresher -- specifically, some time away from the real world before school started back up.  When the need for these trips pop up, we very often look at one another and say, "Carmel!"

For this particular occasion, we decided to try somewhere new that we'd never stayed, and so we landed at the Monte Verde Inn, a Carmel Boutique Inn located on Monte Verde Street, between Ocean and 7th Avenues.  Nestled into the street on both sides, they offer parking for their guests, which isn't always guaranteed in Carmel.  Their entrance is spacious and inviting, with a friendly staff and lobby.

(This picture courtesy of the Monte Verde Inn website)

Once we were all checked in, we made our way to our room.  It was on the 2nd floor across the street from the lobby, and was absolutely darling!  The decor was warm, with all the right amenities to ensure you had everything you needed for a comfortable stay, and I was especially surprised to find a snifter of signature sherry with adorable sherry glasses.  Since I was there with my 13 year old daughter, we didn't partake, but we both enjoyed the chocolates that were included.




Once we were done exploring the room, we took off for town to enjoy some of the fun that Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer.  The nearby 5th Avenue Deli is always a great place for a specialty sandwich, which we both chose to take with us down to Carmel Beach.  The weather was beautiful, with the sun shining and the waves crashing.  Our only hilarious mistake was in leaving our leftovers unattended under our jackets when we went for a walk.  By the time we returned, a few seagulls had gotten involved and had their way with things.  We laughed, cleaned up our mess and went about the business of enjoying Carmel to its fullest.


The next morning, knowing that Monte Verde Inn would deliver breakfast, we lounged in our cozy bed until it arrived.  When it did we were so delighted to find a basket that was dropped right outside of our door.  Everything we ate was fresh and delicious, including yogurt, hard boiled eggs, bagels with cream cheese and even orange juice served in mason jars.  We loved it!  We ate up every single bite before heading out for a cool morning walk.





Monte Verde Inn offers even more than what we experienced.  They have everything from standard deluxe rooms to ocean view condos with full kitchens and living rooms.  Whatever your needs, they can accommodate it.  There is also a concierge page on their website to help you find just the right Central Coast adventure you're looking for, which in person I'm sure they can help you arrange.  They are even a pet friendly hotel, welcoming canine guests for an additional fee.

I know we'll be back to Monte Verde Inn, and we look forward to it.  Until then, if you have the opportunity, definitely stay there and enjoy a relaxing vacation in Carmel.

My stay was not hosted and all opinions are my own.