Wild About Wildwood

Mon dieu! It's been a bit since last I wrote. There was travel galore and catching up, while also prepping for a parental visit in a few weeks.

Excuses aside, I must tell you about the amazing B&B adventure we had in Oak Harbor, WA - on the north side of Whidbey Island. A recent new friend, Heather Carder, and her boyfriend Gregg Lanza own a spectacular working horse farm called Wildwood Farm. Acres of rolling hills, horses quietly munching on grass in the early morning mist, the pounding of hooves and the whinnies of playful comrades sparring in the pasture - this is what awaits you if you stay in this "get away from it all" paradise.

Heather breeds horses, as well as boards them for others. The main house contains some B&B guest rooms, but we opted for The Mustang Bunkhouse, a tricked-out 1914 shed with lovely warm wood walls, ceilings and floor that couldn't have been more than 200 sq feet. With just a queen size bed (with single bunk on top), a nightstand, closet and a charming heater, this was the perfect rustic respite from city life. We even got to take Eddie the Wonder Dog, as Heather allows pups in the bunkhouse only.

Oak Harbor didn't have too much going on (there is an army base in town and lots of government houses) but we did find a gem of a gourmet restaurant in Frasers Gourment Hideaway. Lovely goat cheese salads, fresh local mussels, and steak cooked to perfection were the order of the meal, served in a clean, open, chic setting. We nestled into our leather chairs and enjoyed every moment of our "spare no detail" meal.

And even thought it rained on us, we ventured out to see the sights and landed in breathtaking Deception Pass. This is what your image of the Pacific Northwest is in your dreams. As we braved the drizzle, we were rewarded with a sweeping vista from the tall bridge of green trees, stone-lined shoreline and little islands. Just gorgeous.

If you're thinking about camping for all it's peace and stripped down serenity, but the thought of laying your head on cold, wet ground leave you yearning for a warm blankie, then Wildwood is just the antidote for the gray city blues. Remember, chickens: summer is just around the corner. Get those feet pedicured.

If I Exploded Right Now, I'd Die Happy

I just spent the weekend with good friends Carrie and Monty from Indianapolis on their annual mission to eat their way across SF. And eat (and drink) we did. We hit Chaya Brasserie for some amazing seafood and beef dishes (yes, they do both well). How can you not love a place that offers an appetizer called "Trio of Beouf?" Then Carrie and I headed south to hit the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay for their "Inside the Kitchen" cooking class series, headed up by my friend, the fabulous and talented Diana Gil-Osorio, the hotel's Director of PR. We were entertained and educated by Mark Gordon, executive chef at Terzo here in SF. Terzo is a small plate Nirvana of mediterranean delights. He demonstrated how to make an artichoke dish, asparagus dish and herbed salmon served with fennel salad. If you get the chance to attend one of these classes, go. The Ritz's wine director even pairs wines with the food for the class.

And finally, the visit culminated with Presidio Social Club, a former enlisted men's barracks in the Presidio with a very 50's supper club vibe. It's located right across from the Lucasfilm building just past the Lombard Gate. They do comfort food with gourmet panache - and do not leave until you try the chocolate cupcakes. Service was a bit spotty, but the food was delicious. Us gals felt as though we should be in crinoline-lined dresses and bright red lipstick as we ask our husbands for money for the "powder room." I ordered the Idaho trout and silky, buttery mashed potatoes. My husband ordered the Sloppy Joe served with brisket (not your Mom's sloppy joe, that's for sure).

All in all, a wonderful weekend of friends, wine, and glorious food. But my jeans are tight today so I need a respite. Fine dining is hard work....