Between Bites: Weekend Trips: Half Moon Bay, California

Between Bites Amy Sherman in San Francisco and Amy Zavatto in New York City examine the culinary history and trends for the world traveler. Weekend Trips: Half Moon Bay, California 3 Mar 2011, 7:15 pm If California's Half Moon Bay is good for a day, it's even better for a weekend trip from San Francisco. There are plenty of places to stay, no matter what your style or budget. Here are my picks for where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.  For Families with Kids Stay at the Half Moon Bay Lodge (www.halfmoonbaylodge.com). The rooms are big, there's a pool, and sure to make the kids happy is the free breakfast featuring "make your own waffles" in a big bright breakfast room.  During the day, plan to take the clan to Harley Farms for a tour of the goat farm. The grassy property set back from Pescadero is home to sheep, gardens, and a little shop. Hang out with the goats, see where they live and are milked, take a tour of the cheesemaking facilities, and buy some goat cheese to take home.  For Couples and Extended Families The perfect place to stay in town is the Half Moon Bay Inn (www.halfmoonbayinn.com), a boutique hotel with European style and Latin American antique furnishings and decor. Each room has its own personality. Though it's great to be able to walk to and from dinner in town, the inn also has a kitchen if you want to stay in. Park once, then settle in for eating, drinking, and shopping.  The Saturday Coastside Farmer's Market is just a few blocks away from Half Moon Bay Inn, and a must for finding fresh produce as well as gifts to bring home. Come here for fresh homemade Mexican bites, fruit, and pretty gift items.  Another great activity during the day is to visit some of the local farms, with a stop at La Nebbia winery. On the property is a glassblowing studio. Watch artist Doug Brown or take a class from him at Colquhoun Glass Works (www.colquhounglassworks.com). You will see his stunning glass pumpkins and pretty jelly fish light fixtures all around Half Moon Bay. Make a piece of fruit or heart-shaped paperweight one day and pick it up the next. Splurge If you are in serious luxury mode, the ocean views from the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Baywww.ritzcarlton.com () cannot be beat. This property is a resort and a heaven for golfers. The Ritz is famous for their extravagant brunch buffet on the weekends, but I recommend dinner at Navio. While Chef Richard Gras is passionate about the local produce and working with farmers, he's also wildly creative and inventive using modern techniques like foams, sous vide cooked meats, and herbal sorbets in savory dishes that are all beautifully plated. His menu changes frequently, so rely on the outstanding staff to help you choose something special. Wine pairings are also not to be missed.  More Restaurants I saw happy families, couples and groups at two local restaurants, Cetrella (845 Main Street, Half Moon Bay; tel. 650/726-4090; www.cetrella.com) and Cafe Gibralter (425 Avenue Alhambra, El Granada; tel. 650/560-9039; www.cafegibraltar.com). Cetrella, right in Half Moon Bay, has an open dining room where you can see into the kitchen. The food is solid, though perhaps not terribly exciting; service by contrast is definitely top-notch.  A local favorite for good reason is Cafe Gibralter. Be sure to make a reservation or risk missing out. It's located a few miles from town in El Granada. The food is big and bold with very creative vegetarian -- and even vegan --  dishes. The chef is influenced by North Africa but is really doing his own thing. This is lusty food. I found the stews and soups to be especially good and was less excited by the seafood, which in some cases could have used a lighter touch.  You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed.