Taste of Brittany: Stockton, California

You don’t have to travel to France to enjoy the great taste of French cuisine, including crepes and galettes. There is a Taste of Brittany (France) in Stockton. Literally.

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The Grain Store: Edinburgh, Scotland

Tucked away in Edinburgh’s Historic Old Town, just minutes from the Castle, is a true hidden treasure. The Grain Store has been a local favorite since 1991, yet if you search online for reviews, they are virtually non-existent. Perhaps, as one patron noted on Restaurant Guide (http://www.restaurant-guide.com/), “…people want to keep it as their secret fabulous restaurant so that it doesn't become all too busy/too trendy, and finally, less of an exceptional place.”

Gordon and I stumbled upon the restaurant quite by accident while on holiday in Scotland. We had traveled five hours by train from London to Edinburgh, and arrived late evening. After checking in to our hotel, we decided to take a stroll along the Royal Mile, the city’s oldest street, which connects the Castle with the Palace of Holyrood House. It’s the heartbeat of the city. Here is where one can find an abundance of shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and so on. We figured this would be a great place to start, and eventually we would find a lovely restaurant to have supper at.

As we walked along the sidewalk of the streets paved with cobblestone, we entered a few establishments that appeared to be just opening for business for the supper crowd. Much to our surprise, we were turned away because we did not have a existing reservation. I found this odd, and Gordon was rather embarrassed. So onward we proceeded. I will let Gordon tell the story from here.

We were both very hungry by then and were just about ready to pile into anywhere that had tables free, ie, did not require reservations. The staff at the Grain Store was very helpful upon our arrival, inviting us to take a seat upstairs, and they were quite polite, and rather attentive. This was a pleasent change from the lousy experience we had trying to get something to eat earlier in the evening!

The building had a lot of 'old-worldy' charm with much of the old wooden fittings in place. The lighting was kept to a minimum with candles available on the tables. The view outside the window over-looked the main street approaching Edinburgh Castle so it was excellent for a little 'people-watching'! The atmosphere was great! Cozy, homey and intimate without being 'fake.' It was almost like being a guest in someone’s house!

The menu was somewhat traditional, aimed at retaining a little of the character of the place which was good. It certainly wouldn’t have felt right to be offered a 'full English fry-up' or 'nachos' in these surroundings! The meal was well presented, and served with the utmost care, allowing time for ‘nattering' by the guests between courses. I liked that! I ordered the Wild Sea Trout, Almond Veloute, and White Asparagus. It was truly wonderous!

What is the saying, “When In Rome”? I go in to these eating experiences with the idea of trying something new, and stepping outside my comfort level. So what better item to order while seated in an Scottish restaurant than Haggis? Of course I am expecting it to be served in the form of a large sausage, with tatties (mashed potatoes) on the side. Instead, I am pleasantly surprised that it is layered, with a round sausage like patty on the bottom, then tatties, and finally neeps (mashed turnips). It was quite tasty!!

For dessert we had the Warm Date Sponge, Caramel, and Spiced Earl Grey Ice Cream. Followed by one of the best Irish Coffee’s ever!! I love them, and to have one made with proper Scotch whisky was a rare treat indeed!

Gordon and I tip our hats to Chef Carlo Coxon and manager Paul MacPhail for a wonderful dining experience! I will certainly never forget it, and when I get back to Edinburgh, I am definitely going to make a point of eating there again!

The Grain Store
30 Victoria Street
Edinburgh, EH1 2JW
Phone: 0131 225 7635
Food served: Mon–Thu noon–2pm, 6–10pm; Fri noon–2pm, 6–11pm; Sat noon–3pm, 6–11pm; Sun noon–3pm, 6–10pm

http://www.grainstore-restaurant.co.uk/
http://www.picturesofscotland.org/

The Purple Shamrock: Boston, Massachusetts

Photo Courtesy Wikipedia

One of my favorite US cities is Boston, Massachusetts. As a child growing up in California, I was never much into history, but as I’ve gotten older, I have developed a deeper appreciation for retaining and preserving our past. And Beantown is certainly rich in heritage and historic sites. From Paul Revere’s midnight ride, to the Boston Tea Party, to the gargoyles that protect the City’s buildings, to monuments of George Washington and Daniel Webster.

Photo Courtesy mhodges
Everywhere you turn, you are presented with historical landmarks. Part of the beauty of Boston is that it is America’s Walking City. Meaning you really don’t need transportation to get around. Remember, I’m a California girl. We need our cars in the Golden State. The mere thought of giving up my “wheels” – well, that’s just lunacy! But, truly, in Boston, the city is laid out in such a way, yeah, trust me, walking is the way to go.

Because of the City’s prominent role in the American Revolution, several sites are preserved as part of Boston’s National Historic Park. Many (16 to be specific) are found along a 2.5 mile brick-embedded pathway through the heart of the City, known as the Freedom Trail.

Photo Courtesy MamaGeek

About half way through the walk, not too far from Faneuil Hall, there is an Irish Pub called the Purple Shamrock that I recommend checking out. I will tell you up front that I’ve Googled it and have read mixed reviews. From my perspective, however, I found the pub to be worth the visit. Word of advice: bring your appetite. Especially if you order the New England Shore Dinner or the Seafood Combo.
Photo Courtesy WePlayD
Erik ordered the former, which started with a decent sized cup of New England clam chowder. When he finished, they brought out garlic mussels, followed by a large boiled lobster, drawn butter, coleslaw, and french fries. The cost? Roughly $20.00. In California, the tab would have easily been $40.00. Had we known the serving size was going to be so generous, my boyfriend and I would have shared this meal and been pleasantly full/content. However, I ordered the Seafood Combo, which came with Atlantic sea scallops, scrod, and shrimp, plus french fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. Did I mention that you should bring your appetite?? My meal cost $15.00.

The Purple Shamrock is located right across from City Hall on Union Street. Their menu is composed of Irish and New England specialties, including burgers, sandwiches, hearty pastas, tender steaks and, of course, seafood. Seafood they catch daily from the harbour, which is just a stone's throw away from the pub. After dark, The Purple Shamrock has nightly entertainment. There is a perfect mix of live music, karaoke and DJ's.

The Purple Shamrock
1 Union Street, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (617) 227- 2060

www.thefreedomtrail.org/maps/pdfs/boston-nps-map.pdf

Bittercreek Alehouse: Boise, Idaho

If you’re ever in Boise, ID, you should check out the Bittercreek Alehouse. Their adage is, “A Great Good Place,” and, although it’s a large restaurant, (reminiscent of say Outback Steakhouse, or Applebee’s), their goal from day one has been to create a small, down home environment, with outstanding, attentive service. An atmosphere that makes you want to come back again and again. And from what my friend, Cis, tells me, they accomplish this ten fold, because she travels 15 miles, one-way, to Bittercreek at least once a month for their Grilled Eggplant and Mozzarella Pita sandwhich. According to Cis, even the “not too sure if I like eggplant” folks like this one! She describes Bittercreek as reminiscent of Brennen’s in Berkeley, CA, however, the former’s menu is ambitious and creative, with entrees you do not find at most pubs. They also offer all their menu items to go.

There are television screens mounted throughout the large dining area for sports and news buffs to view. The restaurant is located in the heart of Boise, where it draws people in from all walks of life (stock brokers, bankers, retailers, and blue collar workers). Their large front windows and open-air patio present a perfect location for people watching. There is also outside dining along 8th Street, which they occasionally close for their patrons to enjoy jazz concerts.

Bittercreek Alehouse is located at 246 North 8th Street, Boise, ID, 83702. Their phone number is (208) 345-1813, and their hours of operation are 11am to close, Monday through Sunday.

The Donut Mill: Woodland Park, Colorado

Back in the late 1980s, I lived in a small town in Colorado named Woodland Park. It's about 20 miles west of Colorado Springs, and it is, literally, situated "above the clouds." I can recall many days where I would drive to work, and the weather in town was brisk and sunny, yet as I descended Highway 24 towards the Springs, it would suddenly become cloudy and overcast.

As part of my Monday through Friday morning ritual, I would make a stop into the little blue house known as the Donut Mill. Located at 310 East Midland Avenue (the main road through town), it's been a favorite haunt of locals and Colorado Springs residents for over 30 years. Prior to it being a cafe, the structure, built in 1896, housed a train station master, a real estate office, and a craft store.

As you walk in, you will see the menu on a chalkboard above the glass case where their delicious fares are displayed. Oversized cinnamon rolls, giant apple fritters, scones, bear claws, and various other assundry of donuts. Oh, and don't forget their biscuits and "super secret" gravy! Absolutely heavenly! If you like breakfast burritos, they have those, too. To the left of the glass case is another case that holds a variety of cold drinks. If you're in the mood for hot drinks, they have coffee, cocoa, and teas. Prices range from $1.75 - $4.95.

The locals love the Donut Mill because of its down home atmosphere. The staff is incredibly helpful, the local newspaper is available for reading while eating, and there is a bulletin board that features businesses and services available locally. The interior is reminiscent of a small cabin, with a few tables to eat at. You can also enjoy your meal outside on the front porch, and take in the gorgeous scenery.

If you are ever in Woodland Park, I highly recommend you look for the little blue house, and stop in at the Donut Mill. Their hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 6am to 2pm. Oh, did I mention, you can also phone in your orders ahead of time and pick them up? Call (719) 687-9793.

A little history about Woodland Park. It was incorporated towards the turn of the 20th century, and its primary business was saw milling. It is currently the largest city in Teller County, and flourishes as a popular tourist attraction because it is centrally located to the famous mining towns of Victor and Cripple Creek, as well as the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, and the Air Force Academy.