State Bliss Blog — Food

It’s very easy to live an eat-drink-and-be-merry lifestyle in the west coast, particularly in California, where craft breweries are abundant. In fact, with the amount of establishments that serve delicious brews of various flavors, it makes total sense to make a road trip out of it with your very own California brewery tour!

21st Amendment Brewery, San Francisco

As one of the most diverse and interesting cities in the country, San Francisco is home to a myriad of brew pubs to visit for the first time. One of the most essential stops a beer tourist must hit to begin an enjoyable beer expedition is 21st Amendment, conveniently located downtown. Among the variety of beers they have on tap, the most popular one of their year-round brews is the Brew Free! Or Die IPA, a hoppy golden IPA that surprises you with an initial kick but goes down real smooth. Saison fans might like to try out the Sneak Attack, a Belgian-style farmhouse ale and 21st Amendment’s version of a winter beer that’s only available till end of March. Upcoming Event: Homebrew day in the BG! Visit 21st Amendment on March 16, 2014 (Sunday) between 12nn and 4pm and hang out at the beer garden to learn about the establishment’s brewing method.

Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma

Once you’re done trying out the brews and sampling 21st Amendment’s delectable lunch menu, you can get on Highway 101 and head to your next stop, another one of California’s pride and joys when it comes to great beer. Lagunitas is well known in the craft beer circuits for its IPA, more than anything else – it’s the number one IPA in the state of California for a reason. With a perfect balance of malt and hops, this beer’s tried-and-true combination of sweet and bitter definitely deserves seconds (or thirds). Upcoming Events: Daily tours of the brewery that require no reservations, hell yeah! Beer Dinner! On March 18, 2014 (Tuesday), the company’s head chef will be creating a series of coursed meals designed to complement a variety of Lagunitas brews. Enjoy a night of good food, great beer, and live music and buy tickets here.

RussianRiver Brewing Company, Santa Rosa

Continue up Highway 101 until you hit Santa Rosa, where the microbrewery responsible for Pliny the Elder – a popular double IPA that’s best enjoyed fresh – gets a regular onslaught of beer tourists every year. Russian River has a long list of brews – super-hoppy California ales, Belgian ales, and barrel aged beers, among others – for you to try, so getting them all via sampler (along with a meatball sandwich or a pizza, which they also serve) is highly recommended. Upcoming Event: Anniversary Party! Celebrate Russian River Brewing Company’s tenth anniversary on April 5, 2014 (Saturday) from 8pm to 11:30pm by coming for an evening of entertainment and some aged brews from the pub’s cellar.

BearRepublic Brewing Co., Healdsburg

If you’re approaching the limits of your beer-tastin’ capabilities, then make Healdsburg your last stop and visit Bear Republic, medal recipient at the recently concluded 2014 Good Food Awards held in San Francisco, California. Its award-winning brew Café Racer 15 double IPA is a must-try for its bold, aggressive, and hoppy aromas that ends with dry, malty smoothness. This brewery also has a long list of brews and all of them are high on the hops, so be sure to bring your booze-drinkin’ A-game and end your brewery tour on a high note with one of their selections. Upcoming Events: Beer tours are every Saturday at 10am, by appointment only. Weekday Happy Hours at 3pm St. Patty’s Day! Come to the Bear Republic Brewpub on March 17, 2014 (Monday) and enjoy a specially crafted menu that includes succulent corned beef simmered in the brewery’s own Big Bear Black Stout.

1. Quality is everything. At In-N-Out, their motto is literally "Quality You Can Taste", and it couldn't be more true. Making things the old fashioned way, there is no freezing, pre-packaging, or over-processing. Made fresh to order only with the best high-quality ingredients, you can rest assured that you are eating a darn good burger. Source: cisl.edu 2. The menu is SO simple. I don't know about you, but I like my burgers fast and simple. Super hungry? Order that #1. Looking for a smaller meal? Go for #2. Don't like cheese? That's where there is #3. Add some extra fries and maybe swap out your drink for a shake and you are good to go! Never been easier. Source: mywanderinglife.com 3. But...there is also a secret menu if you want to get crazy. Haven't heard of the secret menu yet? Well then you are missing out. With names like Flying Dutchman, Animal Style, and Protein Style, these burgers and fries are the way to go if you like to mix it up a little bit or have specific dietary restrictions. What kind of other burger place can you indulge your cheesy fantasies or follow your Atkins diet while still loving the same product? Source: seriouseats.com 4. Their employees are amazing and the customer service always comes with a smile. Going to In-N-Out is like visiting an old friend every time. They ask how your day is, cater to your needs, laugh and joke, and always top it off with a huge smile. Along with that outfit - who doesn't like seeing an adult in a huge diaper pin and a sweet hat? Source: mantecabulletin.com 5. They cater their fresh deliciousness with food trucks. Have you ever been at an event, say pool or beach party, and thought...wow I could really use a double double right now? Well guess what? YOU CAN. One of the best days of my life was when I first saw an In-N-Out catering truck. They pull right up to your event, open the doors to their food truck, and still cook your burger fresh to order any way you want it. Why BBQ when you can have the incomparable taste of In-N-Out? Source: adamsaget.com 6. It's in my favorite state! Unless you live in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, or Texas, California is the only other place that you can consume these beautiful burgers. With most of it's locations in the Golden State, here on the West Coast we have no limit to how many times a day we can enjoy a delicious shake or some crispy fresh fries. One of the many pluses to living in California! Source: sanfrancisco.grubstreet.com

California Donuts "For over 25 years, California Donuts #21 Inc. has been proud of serving only the greatest of donuts… All of our donuts are traditionally hand cut to perfection, made with the finest ingredients. With our focus on quality, we assure that with eat bite… you will enjoy the sweetness & fluffiness of the one and only 'California Donuts'." Soruce: cadonuts.com Source: Yelp Located at 3540 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90020 Koreatown, Wilshire Center Sidecar Donuts and Coffee "Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee is a specialty doughnut and coffee shop that infuses an exciting, soulful energy into the art of doughnut making, while using only the finest ingredients possible. From the moment you bite into one of Sidecar’s delectable treats, you will surely agree that these are no ordinary doughnuts!" Source: www.sidecardoughnuts.com Source: Yelp Located at 270 E 17th St Ste 18 Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Donut Bar "Donut Bar is a completely different kind of donut company. While focusing on the real ingredients, flavors, textures and design of artisan donuts, Donut Bar promotes and celebrates an artisan baking culture that first appeared in Europe and America in the 1940s which has recently been revived by small groups of like minded out of the box thinkers in America." Source: donutbarsandiego.com Source: Yelp Located at 631 B St San Diego, CA 92101 b/t B St & 7th Ave in Downtown What are you favorite donut places in California? Do you like them plain and simple, or filled and covered with goodies? Let us know in the comments!

You’re in one of the most popular, most artistic, and most culturally diverse cities in the country for a week, and you have no idea what to do or where to go. While there are countless of places you can check out for sure, most of them will require having more than that secret $20 you have wedged in between your library card and gym membership card you never use. Let’s face it – when you’re on a week-long trip and on a tight budget, your options are quite limited… JUST KIDDING! Sure, the city by the bay may in fact be one of the most expensive places to be in, but you don’t have to look under a rock to find things to do in San Francisco on a weekday for cheap. In fact, you can even find stuff to do for free! If you happen to be in the bay area this week to bid adieu to February and say hey to a (hopefully more climate-bearable) March, you can do so by enjoying a couple of these events with your friends or on your own.

Monday, February 24, 2014

If you love musicals and singing, then you should definitely hit up the colorful and historic Castro district in San Francisco for Musical Mondays at The Edge, one of the more prominent LGBT community bars in the neighborhood. The venue’s partnership with SHN: Broadway in San Francisco means that cast members of shows playing in the city are bound to make surprise visits, which can turn any boring Monday night into a par-teh! No cover charge, cocktails are 2 for the price of 1. Show starts at 7pm.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

To satisfy your indie sensibilities, you might want to check out Punk Rock Fancy premiering this Tuesday at The NWBLK as part of The Noise Pop Festival. Featuring DJ sets by Bob Mould, Shepard Fairey, and Jello Biafra, this free event requires attendees to RSVP for guaranteed entrance. Only those 21 and over are allowed.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Are you a fan of comedy and improv? Then Don’t Watch This Show! Scheduled every fourth Wednesday of the month at the Stage Werx theater in the Mission district, this comedic clique promises an entirely original routine each and every time they come on. Get there early and pay only $1 to get in.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Admire the universe and its magnificence in class by checking out Dark Universe Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences. You can wander the halls, check out the planetarium, and listen to a special set by Bee Mask and the ICEE Hot DJs while frequenting the open bar. Only 21 and over are allowed, and ID is required upon entry. Tickets can be purchased online for $12. Be there at 6pm.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Vegetarian? Then join the Volxkuche Free Supper Club as they celebrate their one year anniversary this Friday. You can get as involved as you want – from cooking and serving scrumptious vegetarian meals to simply mingling with the crowd and making everybody welcome. You get a free dinner as well as entertainment. Show up at 2079 Turk Street in SF on 6:30pm with nothing but a good attitude. Source: FunCheapSF

I must admit, I eat out a lot. To me, food is about connection, it brings people closer together in so many ways. Needless to say, my meals are always shared with others, and having food-loving friends all over, it is never difficult to find someone to eat with. However, the same isn't always the case when it comes to the eateries themselves. Just because I eat out a lot doesn't mean the meal is always good. Sometimes, it can be rather dismal too, but you won't be hearing about them here. So what makes a place stand out? For me, it's one where I will return to over and over again, or, one I just can't out of my mind because I had an incredible experience there. Here is a selection from LA, OC and San Diego. Dominique's Kitchen in Redondo Beach was a definite hidden gem. I was so blown away by the bistro French menu I've been plotting my return. This husband and wife run restaurant offers delicious fare at astonishingly reasonable prices. My favorites were the chicken liver pate and the escargots. You can read more about it here. A Restaurant in Newport Beach is no stranger to the food scene, however, the menu has definitely taken a turn under the helm of Executive Chef Jon Blackford. You will still find classics such as steak tartare as well as steak and potatoes, but comfortably alongside are Tuscan black kale salad and the incredibly light seared ahi tuna. One of my favorites is the veal chop which proved to be the piece de resistence of my meal. You can read more about it here. Prepkitchen has several locations in San Diego and although the menus are the same, you will find a few dishes exclusive to each specific location. Utilizing the farm-to-table concept, we loved the Carlsbad mussels which are delivered daily and then lovingly prepared into one of the most delectable dishes I've had in a long time. Simple and absolutely mouth-watering. You can read more about it here.