From a three day mini-vacation in scenic Gilroy.
The imputes was toddler-friendly theme park Gilroy Gardens, nee Bonfante Gardens. We were in the trenches open to close yesterday, Fuss & cousin Fiend loved it.
The weather was, for Gilroy, idyllic- 80-ish during our two full days, spiking today on our way out of town. TY climate change!
Downtown Gilroy is part really cool old timey buildings and independent businesses, part blown out ghost town, often intermingled on the same block.
We had a dinner of shockingly good tapas on the gorgeous patio of Lizzaran, which surprised us by being a chain. But mostly in Europe- the guy said there were two in the US, one in Fullerton and the other in Gilroy. Odd beachheads for enlightened finger food, but a happy accident for us. They serve Lavazza coffee and know how to brew it, too.
On the way out of town we breakfasted at O.D.'s Kitchen, literally right around the corner from Lizzaran. Five star diner food, I can't recommend it highly enough. One of the best Chicken Fried Steaks I've ever had, splendid hash browns in a golden pile, and a gigantic pancake instead of toast that went to feed the Fuss.
Everyone else's spread was equally delightful and we got out for under $40, making for a rare marriage of economy & gastronomic satisfaction.
The lone flaw (as usual with diners): the coffee. Refilled as soon as you took a sip, but, in the immortal words of Tom Waits, "too weak to defend itself".
Happily there was a likely looking cafe across the street- Sue's Coffee Roasting Company. The roaster took up the front corner of the shop and our drinks were potent enough to inspire the purchase of a half pound of their French roast.
Nice hotel, wore the kids out, found some neat places, got out before the heat caught up with us.
All in all a fine trip.
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