Postcard from Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, OK.  Land-locked Oklahoma isn't usually a vacation destination.  But with a kind-hearted, friendly vibe... a reliance on farm-to-table by necessity and history (lots of ranchland 'round here!)... and a capital city with just the right amount of hipster grit and old-school charm... should you find yourself in Oklahoma City, you'll be pleasantly surprised.  There's a touristy zone (known as the Brickyard) with the usual steakhouses, large-plate Italian and chain restaurants, but avoid it. Go where the locals go: there's inventive food, reasonable prices, and a smile with every plate. Here are some of the best.

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Linn's of Cambria

Cambria, CA. For a weekend escape, a friend and I retreated to a small coastal town in the central California coast known as Cambria. Presenting as a quaint and mellow community with friendly folks accommodating and receptive to its newcomers, the beach-side town was a necessary change of pace. In our Main Street explorations, we wandered by galleries, coffee shops, bakeries, wine tasting spaces, and more, but the curious red building advertising pastry and pie, caught my fancy. Yes, I speak of Linn's, the local family franchise feeding the bellies of those interested in indulgence.

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Blondies: Chocolate Chip Swirl

There's nothing quite like the smell if freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, unless maybe you consider these Blondies with a Chocolate Chip Swirl. A mystery of youth, mirroring a brownie of a lighter hue and absent the chocolate notes we have grown so accustomed. These were made and served adjacent to many desserts on my table growing up but were often the first to disappear! This version of the dessert returns some of that chocolate, appealing to both cookie and blondie lovers alike, while still making a house just a little bit homier. Enjoy!

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Tanner's Coffee Co.

Playa Del Rey, CA. When you find yourself thinking of a peaceful escape from the hustle of the city, where does your mind take you? The Caribbean? Central coast California? What about...Playa Del Rey, a small coastal community with a humble center, recreational parks, and a beach for fun, relaxation, or an afternoon stroll. Before all of that though, park up the hill, venture down to Culver Boulevard, and grab a cup of coffee, water, or perhaps a pastry from Tanner's Coffee Co.

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Le Petit Jardin Bistro

Would you like some flowers? No? Maybe some food? With a brunch and lunch menu that covers the basics, Le Petit Jardin Bistro, strays every so slightly from eatery expectations, being a flower shop and all. Service is sweet, but the pace is slow, and no, flowers aren't blooming as you wait. Sometimes food takes time, and here, more emphasis is placed on developing the product than alleviating the impatience hunger brings. There is ample seating inside and out, though for the garden tea party aesthetic, outside seating is preferred. Sure, surprise a date with a floral arrangement courtesy of their alternate business, but in my case, the Croque Madame makes for a more satisfying reason to visit.

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