West Coast Roadtrip

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (BackRhodes)

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 18:06:30 GMT

mar52
BackRhodes: I might have missed the food part of The Samoa Cook House, but I did experience everything there except for the food.

I would not have been comfortable eating which would have ruined all the other good I experienced there.

It's a wonderful place and I did reccommend stopping there as it's more than just the food.

I loved the glimpse into how things once were.

I don't know IF there is an individual table in any of the other dining rooms (they have 3)...if so, would that make a difference...???

Yes, the preservation of the history is unique because so much of it IS recent history to those who still work in the logging industry...so many of the mills have shut down in the last 20 years (yet the demand for lumber has not decreased), and the lumber used to be hauled out on the Northwestern Pacific RR, but it's also now shut down (due to several massive rockslides in the Eel River Canyon between Willits and Scotia)...

The Harwood mills in Branscomb shut down but the equipment is still in place...in other places the equipment in former mill sites has been removed for scrap or resell...

Yet...someplace around Duncan Mills (Sonoma County) there is a STEAM powered mill that still operates...it was featured on Huell Howser's tv show California Gold
I was raised with horses and have always felt a very close connection to the history of California...my grandparents survived the 1906 San Francisco quake (my other side of the family were Texas oil drillers)

So much to explore in my (native) state...some places like Eureka I know only a small amount about...I'm not there all that often, but I do know how to find my way to Lola's Mexican food, and Porter Street BBQ, and I've eaten at a few downtown Eureka restaurants, but there's more to explore and learn about...it's just a matter of time...my ranch is in the Deep Boonies, up in a rugged bunch of mountains, so I don't just "drive to town" for a loaf of bread...the nearest food store is a 28 mile round trip, but that's the scale of things out here...

I really try VERY hard to avoid ALL urban area's, but I did see a food joint featured on DDD in Sacto I'd like to try...

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (BackRhodes)

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:47:08 GMT

Ralph Melton
We ended up going through Napa too late to stop. I was somewhat disappointed, because there was a sausage place just off the main square in Sonoma that I remembered fondly from our honeymoon, and I'd hoped to find that again.

St Helena has changed from when I lived there decades ago...we sometimes think of it as "Sausilito North". Calistoga has also changed...it's now all about the tourists, not much left for the locals anymore...one sad indicator is when the Donny's auto parts store closed...if you now need auto parts you have to drive to Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, St Helena, or Middletown...we also lost the baker, the shoe man, the clothing store

I don't know IF it's still there but in Yountville there was a Yountville Diner, run by a lady named Cassandra...another place that may or maynot still be there is the Yountville Saloon...

I used to get a lunch and a "barley pop" at La Luna mexican market in Rutherford and stash it in my saddlebags and ride my horse down to the shade of the Napa River, and teach our horses how to swim a river...(some fo our horses have never seen a river in their life). It used to be that the river at the Rutherford Crossroad had gentle banks...but then the Army Corps Of Engineers came along around 1978 or so, and "improved" the river by putting washer machine sized rocks all along the banks, which meant that we could not make it down the banks with our horses anymore...

I used to live in The Valley Of The Moon...the Valley Of The Moon Saloon was where the late Norton Buffalo got his start. Just off the square in "Slonoma" was Wooden Nickel Records. The Square is where the Bear Flag Revolt started against the Mexican authorities (California and Texas are the only 2 states that were Republics)...

Hopefully next time you're in the area it will be daytime and you can explore a bit...

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (mar52)

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:47:04 GMT

BackRhodes: I might have missed the food part of The Samoa Cook House, but I did experience everything there except for the food.

I would not have been comfortable eating which would have ruined all the other good I experienced there.

It's a wonderful place and I did reccommend stopping there as it's more than just the food.

I loved the glimpse into how things once were.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (Ralph Melton)

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:17:37 GMT

We ended up going through Napa too late to stop. I was somewhat disappointed, because there was a sausage place just off the main square in Sonoma that I remembered fondly from our honeymoon, and I'd hoped to find that again.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (BackRhodes)

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:45:28 GMT

If I knew you'd be going down Hwy 101 I would've waved...

On the above map I also included a detour at Healdsburg down into the Napa Valley via Calif Hwy 128...just in case you wanted to try some of the upscale city slicker food...

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (Ralph Melton)

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:43:08 GMT

BackRhodes

Ralph Melton

{snip}
- I would welcome advice on a route through Oregon and Northern California. (We want to drive from Portland to San Francisco in 2-3 days.) Most of the Roadfood-listed restaurants in Oregon are near the coast, and that would fit nicely with a visit to the Coastal Redwoods in Northern California. On the other hand, driving down I-5 would give us a chance to stop at Crater Lake, which my father has recommended, and we could see Mount Shasta. And I'm sure that there are many splendid possibilities of which I'm not aware. What would y'all recommend for a combination of great tourism and great food?

{snip}

I know this is after the fact, but here's how I would do it:

In a 3 day scenario: Night #1 at Crater Lake, and Night #2 at Eureka...

Portland to Tillamook, Tillamook to Reedsport, Reedsport to Roseburg, Roseburg to Crater Lake, Crater lake to Medford, Medford to Redding, Redding to Eureka, Eureka to Legget, Leggett to San Francisco
(At Leggett you have the choice of staying on US Hwy 101 or taking California Hwy 1)
This route would give you the Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, Mt Shasta, and the Redwoods & the California Coast...

This does look like a good route. I think we took almost the opposite of this route: From Portland down I-5 to Crater Lake, west through Roseburg to Bandon, then south along 101 to San Francisco.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (BackRhodes)

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 05:55:39 GMT

mar52

Samoa Cookhouse is interesting. I drove up there looked and left. I don't like communal eating.

Humboldt is nice just to drive around and enjoy the area.

You missed a great experience...and think of the "communal dining" as any other dining except that the tables are stuck together... and unless you're uncomfortable meeting people, it's a great experience at one of the LAST true "cookhouses" in the country...the other diners are just friends you haven't met yet...and folks from across the USA have made it a point to eat there... it's a genuine authentic cookhouse that used to primarily serve to loggers and mill workers...and we usually find a table with plenty of room that has a few empty seats, so we've never had to rub elbows literally with other patrons...

I went there for my birthday dinner, and we let it slip out to the waitress, and before you know it the entire dining room was singing "Happy Birthday"

They'll ask if you want a SECOND HELPING ...if you walk away hungry, it's yer own fault...

Friendly staff, attentive waiters, and honest American logger food...

Phone ahead to see what they're serving that day...the serve only ONE menu item each day for lunch, and another for dinner, so don't expect to be handed a menu...a simple chalkboard tells you what they're serving...

After your meal you can wander through their museum collection of old logging gear and photo's...it's a bygone era that has been captured in a large and interesting collection...

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (BackRhodes)

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 05:29:44 GMT

Ralph Melton

{snip}
- I would welcome advice on a route through Oregon and Northern California. (We want to drive from Portland to San Francisco in 2-3 days.) Most of the Roadfood-listed restaurants in Oregon are near the coast, and that would fit nicely with a visit to the Coastal Redwoods in Northern California. On the other hand, driving down I-5 would give us a chance to stop at Crater Lake, which my father has recommended, and we could see Mount Shasta. And I'm sure that there are many splendid possibilities of which I'm not aware. What would y'all recommend for a combination of great tourism and great food?

{snip}

I know this is after the fact, but here's how I would do it:

In a 3 day scenario: Night #1 at Crater Lake, and Night #2 at Eureka...

Portland to Tillamook, Tillamook to Reedsport, Reedsport to Roseburg, Roseburg to Crater Lake, Crater lake to Medford, Medford to Redding, Redding to Eureka, Eureka to Legget, Leggett to San Francisco
(At Leggett you have the choice of staying on US Hwy 101 or taking California Hwy 1)
This route would give you the Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, Mt Shasta, and the Redwoods & the California Coast...

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (tightlines)

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:24:24 GMT

I'm headed to Portland in a few weeks. I'm thinking about hitting a few of the places reviewed on Roadfood including Dan and Louis.

There's also a truck that serves Poutine. I might try that too. Unfortunately, there's also a fried pie truck. I guess I'll have to take a few bites of each and move on. I'll get some pictures up when I return.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (The Travelin Man)

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:40:27 GMT

I am curious to know what you thought of Mae's Phinney Ridge.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (californyguy)

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:53:11 GMT

http://www.jacksgrillredding.com/ a wonderful 30's style steak house with flinstone size wonderful steaks...if you stop here itwill surely be one of your most memorable meals

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (wanderingjew)

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:37:00 GMT

Ralph

I hope you enjoyed Spud's as much as I did.

Looking forward to your trip report and hope to see you in Pittsburgh next month.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (mar52)

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:27:49 GMT

Keep on eating! Can't wait to hear about your trip.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (buffetbuster)

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:17:38 GMT

Thanks for the update Ralph. You should make for an amazing trip report when you and Lori get home!

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (Ralph Melton)

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:09:20 GMT

We're now on the road, so I'm not getting to check this thread as often. Seattle has been mostly non-listed stops:
Spud's Fish and Chips
Trophy Cupcakes
Jimmy's on Broadway
Mae's Phinney Ridge Cafe
Charlie's on Broadway
Lowell's
Seattle Creamery
Harry's Hamburgers
Knapp's in Tacoma

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (Sundancer7)

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:45:46 GMT

Nancypalooza

That sounds like a really awesome trip Ralph. I know we enjoyed tooling around the Point Reyes National Seashore area--Stinson Beach is adorable. If you're in Sausalito, have breakfast at Fred's Place: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nancypalooza/5885872722/in/set-72157627048235162

I have been to Stinson Beach and Point Reyes. Point Reyes is a bit of a lonesome drive but spectaucalar when you get there. High above the Pacific but not much food. I did not stop but the turn off before driving to Point Reyes is suppose to have great oysters and seafood?

Roz drove back to San Fran from Point Reyes. Some of the drive is not for the faint of heart as you are high above the Pacific with no guard rails. Sorta made my crotch hurt

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (Nancypalooza)

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:21:28 GMT

That sounds like a really awesome trip Ralph. I know we enjoyed tooling around the Point Reyes National Seashore area--Stinson Beach is adorable. If you're in Sausalito, have breakfast at Fred's Place: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nancypalooza/5885872722/in/set-72157627048235162

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (mar52)

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:08:44 GMT

Samoa Cookhouse is interesting. I drove up there looked and left. I don't like communal eating.

Humboldt is nice just to drive around and enjoy the area.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (buffetbuster)

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:43:03 GMT

I don't think the food is necessarily great, but I still recommend a stop at the Samoa Cookhouse, near Eureka, CA. The place is interesting.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (mar52)

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:37:02 GMT

A drive up the coast from San Francisco and you could have a hamburger and Ramos Gin Fizz with the seagulls at:

http://www.samscafe.com/

The Ramos Gin Fizz is worth the trip.

Or dine inside and have the Cioppino. Guess the Gin Fizz would not be appropriate with that so have lunch walk around Sausalito and drive back up for dinner,

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (6star)

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 01:05:35 GMT

If, by chance, you can squeeze out a little time in southern Oregon, I highly recommend the Harry & David tour in Medford. As I am sure you know, Harry & David pack those gourmet food gift baskets, and the tour of their operation is fantastic.
http://www.harryanddavid.com/gifts/store/view__10455_10002_tours.html

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (Ralph Melton)

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:16:11 GMT

We're coming up with conclusions almost as fast as the trip is approaching.

We decided that we could spare a day in San Francisco, because we're more likely to return there. So we're doing Crater Lake *and* the Oregon coast; we'll head southwest from Portland to Crater Lake, then more or less due west to Bandon (probably with a breakfast stop at Heaven on Earth), then south along 101 to San Francisco.

One more probable bit of our Portland tourism: Culinary tour | Epicurean Excursion | Portland Walking Tours | Oregon

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (Sundancer7)

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:08:00 GMT

I have been to the Olive Pit twice. First time I got a olive burger which was very good and the next time I got an assortment of the various stuffed olives. A very interesting stop right off I-5

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (mayor al)

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:59:51 GMT

No Apologies needed regarding the Hearst Castle. We enjoyed our first visit, but having done that I wouldn't do the drive to go back... I feel the same way about the Disneyland (L A) and the Getty Museum. All need to be experienced, BUT not everyone falls in love enough for repeated visits. I am sure there are places like the Red Rock area of Southern Utah, where I would live if I left this area, would draw comments from some, that it is a "Nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there." !!
I think this ride down from the NW will be a fine ride. BTW The Olive Pit and the truck stops at Corning is/are one of my favorite stops on the 5 in the Valley.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (totillie)

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:50:03 GMT

If you are going to Monterey, and then down the coast to Hearst [sorry, Mr. Mayor, we love Hearst!], please consider spending a night in Cambria. There are lovely hotels along the [mostly] rock beach -- not as bad as that sounds - and several good restaurants, including Linns and The Black Cat. Linns is Roadfood, Black Cat is foodie, but excellent.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (chefbuba)

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:35:15 GMT

I'll second the stop at Novack's. I have friends that live near by and frequent the place. They took me there a couple of years ago when I was visiting, don't remember what we had, we just ordered a bunch of stuff and shared, but I remember that it was all very good.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (mr chips)

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:34:54 GMT

A few suggestions along I-5, most of which I have recommended before:
   Novack's in Albany, Oregon is a great Hungarian restaurant and Bakery which is a real treat. It is now being run by a granddaughter who is an excellent cook. I liked the breakfasts, the baked goods and a baked bread called Lantos. It is unusual for oregon and a great stop.
Halfway between Portland and Ashland is the K and R Drive In in Rice hill, oregon. This is the home of truly huge portions of excellent Umpqua ice cream with over 30 varieties of local ice cream. A small cone is 2 scoops, medium 4 and large 6. And you have to have at least two scoops of each flavor.
   At exit 86 is Heaven on Earth, a truck stop with plate sized cinnamon rolls and other excellent baked goods. it was even reviewed by the Sterns in one of their books.
   The Wild goose in Ashland has marionberry muffins and fried oysters for breakfast as well as other high quality breakfast items.
   I'm partial to the In N out in Redding and The Olive Pit offers free samples of olives in Corning and a nice chance to order a wide variety of flavors of green olives.
   I would see as much of the Oregon coast and Redwoods as possible but Crater Lake is wonderful and worth a visit in and of itself.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (mayor al)

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:17:24 GMT

Hey, Different strokes, etc, about Hearst Castle. We have stayed in Morro Bay several times and like it and the Pismo Beach area as a weekend get-away.
Hope your trip is a great ride !!! Looking forward to the report !1

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (smokestack lightning)

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:50:59 GMT

Hey Ralph,

yes, Hyy 1 is open. No problems.

I think Hearst Castle is amazing and well worth the admission price. Was just there in November. Monterrey and Carmel have some excellent food. If it was me I would see as much of the Orgon coast and California Hwy 101 region as I could.
Let me know if I can be of more help.

Re:West Coast Roadtrip (Ralph Melton)

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:10:07 GMT

buffetbuster: I quite agree with you, and we're already looking forward to a dinner with mr chips.
Sundancer7: We've visited Seattle's Pike Place Market once, but will certainly strive to do so again.

mr chips and smokestack lightning, thank you for the route suggestions. I'd feel more settled if they had been the same suggestion, but I think I'm coming to the conclusion that I should include at least some of the Oregon coast, and some of the sauteed razor clams mar52 recommended.

mayor al, I agree that Monterey is well worth a stop; we've loved to watch the otters before. I've actually tried a smoked artichoke in Pittsburgh and loved it, but I bet it would be even better in Castroville.
Despite your verdict on Hearst Castle, I think we'll visit it anyway.

Unfortunately, the trip down the coast may be delayed by a mudslide that blocked Highway 1 for months - no, I see I'm wrong: Big Sur California Blog says that Highway 1 is now open. Yay!