Cafe LuLu

Whenever I am in Seattle, Cafe LuLu is a go-to must! A small town coffee corner with a big heart. Karen (owner / barista) ensures your order is made to perfection. Her regulars form a line that sometimes goes out the door. But if you are a new comer, she will pause and make time to say hello.

John Wayne Airport

While John Wayne Airport (SNA) is more of a destination (departure) airport, if you get there early or are waiting for your ride to arrive, Vino Volo is a must. It is relaxing, quiet and has plenty of power outlets . Combine that with a glass of Chardonnay and JWA's free WiFi and you could stay here for days...  OK, maybe hours!

Maggio's Pizza ll Big Bear, CA

Maggio's Pizza is that kind of place where you feel right at home. Order at the counter and they will bring your food to your table.

We hit the slopes every summer to mountain bike ride and then end up at Maggio's for some great Italian food.

The service is excellent and the homemade ravioli is amazing. Bring your friends and have a good meal but call ahead for big parties. They are always packed!

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Sidecar Doughnuts

Enjoyed Sidecar Doughnuts (Costa Mesa - www.sidecardoughnuts.com)  for the first time. I created by own taste test! I sampled the cinnamon and brown sugar, lemon loaf, huckleberry and Maple Bacon (my new favorite!!!). They are slightly pricey, but that is a given with all of the natural ingredients they use. Looking for a high end treat? Sidecar will definitely fit the bill.


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Lindo Michoacan II

mike miller Lindo Michoacan 2

Ended up in Anaheim, CA today for some training. While Anaheim is known worldwide for being home to "the happiest place on earth - Disneyland!"... it is also home to Lindo Michoacan II.

Lindo is a quaint little place that serves up authentic Mexican cuisine. I had a couple of street tacos that were FABULOUS! they have 2 locations... 1 in Santa Ana and 1 in Anaheim. If you are looking for a place that will take you South of the Border, LM II is it!

Lindo Michoacan 2 on Urbanspoon

Cochon Butcher || New Orleans

We ate here every day (at least once) during our 6 day trip to New Orleans. Loved the Mac and Cheese, Cubano and Duck Pastrami sliders. Don't miss the pralines with bacon  and the Honey Boo Boo. We tried so many things and it was all so good.

We also ate at Cochon (the restaurant proper)  and tried the alligator and browned butter ice cream, Great service at both the butcher and Cochon.

Looking forward to our next trip to New Orleans!

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Lola Gaspar | Santa Ana Artists District, CA

Headed over to Lola Gaspar for lunch today.This is a fun little kitchen and cocktail bar in the artist's district near the civic center in Santa Ana.

We sat inside and started our meal with the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with bleu cheese. Delicious! Next, we ordered the 3 carnitas taco combo which was served with a mound of yellow rice and the grilled pollo piadina with bloomsdale spinach, tomato, cumin yogurt and goat cheese spread in a warm tortilla wrap.

WOW... everything was delicious and fresh.

Eating inside allows you to enjoy their retro-modern look with a large bar. There's also a great little shady patio outside too.

Bring your quarters. Parking is street side with meters. Excellent service, no sign outside and one bathroom for the entire place.

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