Kouign Aman

La Jolla proper, as Toliver notes, is lovely for walking - cliffs, caves, ocean, shopping, food. The area near "La Jolla Village Square" is indeed a whole 'nother can of beans. That's commuter heaven. And its a nasty schlep indeed as noted by hrzt8w (not the distance, tho its a steep long hill, but the traffic and lack of sidewalks). But not a bad bus ride. Tho why anyone staying in La Jolla proper for only a few days would WANT to go to "that other" neighborhood is beyond me (shopping malls, grocery stores). Another more relaxed option - Alfonso's has been serving mexican food in La Jolla for decades. I have no idea if its "authentic", but its certainly kept its clientele happy.

What variety are those very long tomatos?

I think I need this recipe, please. I can only make so many plain meringues & pavlovas with the extra egg whites now that it is icecream season... Happy to oblige. ← Thankyou! editted to add- aside from ease of creation, another bennie to painting the back of the glass is that now the Lion will withstand a nuclear force clean-up.

I like the menu. Sounds tasty and manageable (both to cook and to eat). One goal, I assume, is to avoid embarrassing her by presenting things too 'far out' from her comfort zone, while providing the thrill of the new, and this seems a good menu to do that. I'd consider switching to a more summer-associated fruit than pears, perhaps. (Maybe its just me, but poached pears feel like autumn & winter).

Day before you leave, check with AAA about road closures on your prospective route. My experience - I-5 is much faster & more predictable than the coast, especially during the RV season. The coast road can be driven fast but the guy in front may not want to. Plus I-5 allows for a steak breakfast at Harris Ranch, no? Boysenberries are better than ollalieberries, if you are faced with a choice. (oh, such a choice). Driving partway on Monday night leaves you dealing with where to sleep. You might want to check out options in case you find yourself in that position. editted to clarify verbal shorthand

Its definitely a thin batter. Good luck and wishing you fun in the endeavor ("you're a better woman than I, AnnaN").

Has anyone tried roasting potatoes or a chicken yet? I'm intrigued by the possibilities of solar cooking. (I suppose one could cook eggs in the solar powered hot water straight from the heater.)

Who's brilliant idea was it to cover the backsplash with plastic wrap? (she says, desperately not focussing on the food since nothing that good is in the cards for hours to come)

Rappongi is good, and fun. Happy Hour is worth aiming for as the prices add up fast. It sounds like a great trip. La Jolla is a good place for walking. For casual grub, there's The Spot. Its been around a while. http://sandiego.citysearch.com/profile/419...a/the_spot.html

At the very north end of the Napa Valley, in Middletown, is a place that makes great shakes and malts in custom flavors. I stop there every time I'm near despite the name: Custard's Last Stand.

The BlackFly bottles remind me of Corning lab bottles, especially since the contents are the color of tissue culture media. I want a set of those BlackFly bottles, tho I havent the foggiest what I would do with them. CaliPoutine, that is one terrific looking picnic basket.

BLTs with homegrown tomatoes last night - the first harvested this year. Oh joy! Early Girls - sweet and delicious. One beefsteak fell off and is ripening in the window. 5 assorted plants will not be enough. More will be planted next year! Just planted seeds for : carrots, basil, thyme, oregano, cilantro. Gambling on the length of summer.

Thanks for the link, Toliver. I'll be perusing it for ideas on feeding a nauseated diabetic chemo patient.

Stunning. I'm glad you enjoyed your great endeavor. It looks lovely, and sounds thrilling and exhausting. Thanks for sharing! Many happy (belated) returns.

This is a fun tag-team. Thanks for all the time and effort. Peaches..........must go hunting for peaches............ That choc dipped cone brought back a few memories!

This is in the new IKEA catalog: Now open at 8:30 am for breakfast $2.95 breakfast. Breakfast is served between 8:30 am and 11:00 am. Includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles or swedish pancakes, and coffee.

I will read.... the Time-Life cookbook Foods of the World series again (after I unearth them from the moving boxes from lo those many years ago….) I found the hardcovers - hooray!!!!!!! Now to unearth the recipe binders, and to start reading. Where to start.......I think China. My kids... is singular, and will (continue to) be exposed to as wide a variety of foods as I can manage / stomach Last night she ate seaweed, tofu and miso soup for the first time. Based on her response, I'd better get her her own bowl next time, or be prepared to entirely transfer ownership of mine. I will find... a good & accessible source of interesting produce Some progress- 99 Ranch lots of fun for green-type things and not too far from home. Relocated the permanent downtown farmer's market but have yet to visit (not wildly accessible). dinner parties Not in this weather, but July 4th barbecue was good. The Tenor grilled peppers and asparagus for the first time (I refused to fire up the stove). The homemade icecream was good too. Next one in August.

Yummy lunch. Your dad's garden looks great (wonderful) and great (large).

The Fish Market is a lovely place for a meal. Nice view of the water, good fresh fish. I enjoy the sweet corn and the artichokes as well, this time of year. Avoid Anthony's; IMO overpriced, underfresh, not especially well presented or prepared.

Boysenberry pie. Boysenberries were bred in So Cal. Knott's makes a good one. Others can be too sweet. Boysenberries dont need extra sugar to make a good pie.

I've copied several recipes/ideas from this thread. When the heat dies down, I'll give em a trial run. Hooray for cheap eats. Never heard of Lidl.

I do believe I saw that picture of your son with his new game in the dictionary, next to the word "glee". The description of your fine dining experience at Mr Charles E Cheese's notorious establishment was a deft touch. I'm also curious about Aloe Vera dessert.

If it were me, I'd save room in the suitcases for food and ship the books surface mail, by the very slowboat.

Does anyone have a favorite recipe for a cold cherry soup?

Oh yum, Cheese!