My friend Kristen and I drove to Wine and Roses in Lodi, CA yesterday so I could play with my new camera. The skies were overcast and the rain had started, but we were determined to make an afternoon of it. We arrived at the property – they have a beautiful hotel, restaurant and spa – and we could not wait to explore the amazing grounds.
We toured the grounds and met one of the sweetest gardeners. He took us on a mini tour and told us about the English tea/herb garden, the tropical fern sanctuary, pointed out plant species and told us lots of stories about the land, restaurant and hotel’s history. It was really cool to chat with him.
We had just missed our chance to eat at the restaurant and from the menu and what I’ve heard from people that have dined there – we will definitely be making a return visit. I know Kristen and I both had her eye on the Chioggas and Golden Beet Spinach Salad – served with Nicolau Farms Goat Cheese, Meyer Lemon Confit Dressing & Roasted Pine Nuts – yum!
We left Wine and Roses and ended up at Five Guys for burgers and fries. (Slight leap from a healthy beet and spinach salad – LOL)
The Five Guys chain is new to the Sacramento area. You have your choice of 15 different toppings ranging from grilled onions and mushrooms to the more common pickles, ketchup, mustard and mayo. They have self serve peanuts to eat and photograph while you wait for your food.
I was totally being a camera nerd while waiting for them to call our number. Just wondering… is it a bad sign if the fry grease leaks through the bag on the less than 5 foot walk from the counter to the table?
Nope… it’s not. These fries hit the spot on a rainy/chilly day.
The burger was tasty – but the amount of ketchup they put on it – was crazy town. Next time I will hold the ketchup.
All in all it was a fabulous day. We turned a furloughed work day into a fun mini adventure. I see lots of little photo outings in my near future. Right now I have to get to the store so I can prepare 2 appetizers and 2 desserts to take to my Mom and Dad’s for Thanksgiving. Too much time playing with the camera, not enough time in the kitchen. I’m guessing it will eventually balance out.
Until then – I’m going to drive some of you crazy with the photos 😉 no worries, I will be back to the recipes soon!
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You two look so cute in those pictures 😉
I think the photos look wonderful…. Happy Turkey Day, Kath!!
Cool photos! That’s where we got married. 🙂
Beautiful pictures, beautiful place, beautiful girls!
Have a great Thanksgiving!!
I am so jealous!!! I’m glad you had fun!
OMG! SO much fun yesteday! We were like a couple of wannabee supermodels posing all over the place and pointing out cool photo ops. We are normally shy – – ha ha – – but we were hamming it up yesterday. I can’t wait to plan our next adventure. Thank goodness the camera was put away before we dug into our burgers and fries. Greasy hands and faces would not have been pretty… LOL!
I’m now off to the grocery store for stuff to make 3 different soups (Carrot & Ginger, Cauliflower & Cumin, and Mexican Black Bean from the cookbook you gave me) to fill the freezer up for some lunch time options next week after the Thanksgiving mow-down.
Happy Thanksgiving Foo! 🙂
P.S. You are a HORRIBLE influence… I LOVED the camera and how easy it was to use and how amazing the photos looked. That might get added onto my Spoil Myself Because I Deserve It List.
I like the photo of you with the giant grin. In the first paragraph, check the sentence with the hyphens. I think you’ll find something to correct there.
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Yikes, could I use more adjectives in a single sentence? 🙂 just fixed it – definitely interested in more photo adventures – let’s for sure do one when we are both off over Christmas.
P.S. Let me know when you want to take your next photo tour. I would be up for that.
Five Guys originated in the DC metro area so they are all over the place out here. Marcus loves it and I indulge occasionally. Too much and it makes “Five Thighs!” Your pictures are beautiful.
You are ROCKIN that camera! I know I should ooh and ahh over the winery pics but um…
FIVE GUYS IS NOW IN OUR CITY!
That was one of the few good things about Florida!