La Bicyclette: Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel is one of those places that I absolutely adore. It's not far enough from Sacramento to really consider a road trip per se, but it's not exactly a quick drive either. However, it is definitely worth sitting in a car for three hours (not to mention, once you get on Highway 1, the view isn't too shabby ;-)). One on-again, off-again overcast afternoon, a group of us arrived in Carmel just in time for lunch. My friend Sulamita convinced us to check out La Bicyclette. She'd been there before a few times, and I remembered her raving about her past experiences. I'm a complete sucker for cute cafes, especially when they are cute French cafes, so I was all in.

It would only make sense for a bicycle to be sitting out front, right?

I love the idea of a chalk wall, especially in a restaurant where patrons can leave behind short messages.

All hands on deck!

Fromage: A tasting of artisan cheeses

Charcuterie: Sweet Coppa, house made salami, La Quercia Speck & wild boar salami (served with pickled onions)

I managed to get a semi-decent action shot of our pizza dough being tossed!

Butternut squash wood-fired pizza with sage, gruyère, speck ham, arugula, and butternut squash puree

Local strawberry & chèvre (goat cheese) salad with honeyed walnuts, wild arugula and frisée served with late harvest Riesling dressing

I can't tell you what this was because we weren't the ones to order it, but I can tell you it looked amazing!

La Bicyclette is located at 29 Dolores St. in Carmel, CA.

Tuli Bistro: Sacramento

It's really been way too long since I've posted an entry on EatShopSea. It's been such a crazy, busy end-of-summer! I know, I know...no excuses! But on to some real business. Tuli Bistro is one of my favorite Midtown spots when I'm looking for a light meal. On this particular day, my colleague and I took an hour away from the office to enjoy lunch on their outdoor patio.

Sparkling juice.

Shrimp Salad Po'Boy sandwich with bay shrimp, Calabrian Chili remoulade, coleslaw, Roma tomato and bacon on toasted focaccia.

Ham sandwich with provolone cheese, cremini mushrooms, caramelized onions and honey chipotle sauce with greens on the side.

Tuli Bistro is located at 2031 S Street in Sacramento.

Selland's Market-Café: El Dorado Hills

I feel like Sellands is one of those places where everyone can find something they like...even if it has to be something from their dessert menu. Up until winter of 2012, Selland's only had one location, and that was in East Sacramento. So I was totally surprised when I discovered a Selland's in El Dorado Hills in the Town Center. I'm not in the El Dorado Hills area very often, but every once in a while, it's nice to venture out to the East side. 

A la carte options vary from fruit salad to crab cakes to a chickpea salad.

Sometimes, it's just really hard to say "no" to this (especially when it comes to chocolate and red velvet).

Love their outdoor patio, especially on a day like this. How could anyone not love California?!

Goat cheese & apple salad with mixed greens, toasted walnuts red onions and golden balsamic vinaigrette.

Wood-fire roasted chicken breast.

A split pizza with arugula and prosciutto.

Turkey sandwich with citrus and curry marinated turkey breast, brie cheese, caramelized onions and curry mayo on a soft roll.

Wood-fire roasted teriyaki chicken thigh.

Selland's is located at 4370 Town Center Blvd., suite 120 in El Dorado Hills.

Niagara Falls, Canada

On an overcast Thursday afternoon, Zhanna and I made the trek out to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. The lines at the border were a breeze, and the subsequent drive was peaceful and serene. I've been to the Western side of Canada a few times and every time I enter the lovely country, I'm reminded of the beauty it encompasses. This time was no different than the others. As Zhanna and I followed the signs to the falls, we finally began to see a body of water to the right of the road. The river was calm, and I didn't think much of it until the river seemed to get choppier. Then all of a sudden, BAM! The falls seemed to appear out of nowhere! Niagara Falls is hands down one of THE most majestic, beautiful sights I've laid my eyes on. I think I might have even smacked Zhanna's arm out of excitement when I first saw it. Sorry, Zhanna! ;-)

L'Albatros: Cleveland

As soon as I stepped into L'Albatros in Cleveland, I knew it was my kind of restaurant. The French restaurant had a swanky, yet very welcoming feel to it. The decor was chic and modern, and I loved the open kitchen near the front entrance. 

A group of four of us went in for a late lunch and not a single complaint about any of the dishes. I had a really tough time making up my mind, but I eventually settled on a delicious risotto dish.

Cute little outdoor patio. 

Grilled salmon.

Risotto with shrimp.

L'Albatros is located at 11401 Bellflower Rd. in Cleveland, OH.

Lucky's Cafe: Cleveland

Prior to flying in to Cleveland where Zhanna is from, she was raving to me about a cafe that she wanted to take me to for brunch as soon as I landed. So on a Thursday morning at 11am, Zhanna and I visited Lucky's Cafe in the historic Tremont neighborhood. Tremont is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Cleveland and is home to several historic churches built in the 1800's-early 1900's. 

Cool fact: Lucky's Diner was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives!

Papa mocha and a latte.

House-Made Granola: Rolled spelt, flax seeds, rolled oats, wheat germ, sesame seeds and dried fruit served with plain yogurt, fresh fruit and honey.

Lucky's Cafe is located at 777 Starkweather Ave. in Cleveland, OH.

LagerHaus 95: Buffalo, NY

If you happen to find yourself in the West side of New York in Buffalo, a LagerHaus 95 detour is a must. This gastropub definitely hit the spot for Zhanna and me during our drive to Niagara Falls. 

Honey BBQ Tiger Shrimp: Chargrilled tiger shrimp with honey BBQ glaze and pickled apple slaw.

Beef and brie sandwich: Haus roasted top round with mixed greens, apple and red onion slaw, triple cream brie and horseradish mayonnaise pressed on brioche. Why haven't I ever thought of pairing beef with brie cheese?!

LagerHaus 95 is located at 95 Perry St. in Buffalo, NY.