The Ramos House Cafe

Chris and I were in San Juan Capistrano antiquing and fell in love with the cutest little part of town called The Los Rios Historic District. We walked around this quant town that was just on the other side of the train tracks and came across the best brunch. I love brunch! The restaurant is called The Ramos House Cafe. The restaurant was casual and very welcoming. We were greeted by a kitty sitting on the hostess's chair and a dog on the front porch. The dining area is on a lovely little patio with a fireplace, heat lamps and blankets in case you get too cold.  I had a delicious crab hash w/ smoked bacon scrambled eggs and a pomegranate mimosa. There's so much on the menu I want to try and one of them is the Bloody Mary which looks more like a meal than a drink.  The plates are filling and really could be shared.  Try the black sea salt that's on the table. It looks like ground up coal but it's salt and tastes like it. This adorably town would be a great day trip on the Amtrak or Metrolink.   You can visit The Mission San Juan Capistrano which is within walking distance from The Los Rios Historic District and the next stop on the line I believe is San Clemente which would put you directly on the beach. Can't wait to go back! 

The Platter

"The Platter" as I like to call my favorite meal is a plate full of all my tasty favorites and always accompanied by wine.  The platter usually consists of cheese, salami, cornichons, nuts, cranberries, bread and anything else that looks yummy from the cupboard. If I was sharing this platter with my sisters I'd put some pate, smoked oysters, hearts of palm and olives but turns out Chris doesn't really care for those things so those usually get left off.  I realize everybody has their own take or maybe even the same take on this platter but it's a usually weekend meal (and some weeknights) in our house. Max many times will ask for a platter for dinner and I happily oblige because that's when I know the pickiest eater is really my son. 

Champagne & Cake

While doing a little antiquing Dec 31 and Jan 1st (I know I'm crazy) I found these lovely pedestal cake plates and champagne glasses.  The cake stands were a great buy at around $22 ea and though I already have a few in my possession I found myself drawn to these and now have a collection (I know I'm still crazy). The champagne / wine glasses were $24 for 7 (unfortunately 1 of the glasses broke in the drive home so now there are only 6 but still a good buy).  I prefer the saucer champagne glasses over the flutes because they remind me of a lot of my favorite old movies where everyone is drinking champagne out of the saucers.  It's now time to bake some cakes and make some pomegranate mimosas.