Petra

On one of our first nights in Pacific Grove we checked out a Middle eastern restaurant called Petra that we hadn't even known existed. It was definitely spacious and I guess we had a pita-dipping fest (see above).

Steinbeck Cottage

As a man who lived in Monterey County for approximately 14 years, it was meaningful to stay in John Steinbeck's old cottage in Pacific Grove (now an AirBnB). Along with unmistakable PG charm, the place came with the ghost of Steinbeck grappling with novels and marriages in the early 1940s. A great little nugget of literary tourism and historic preservation.

Tarpy's revisited '24

This time we ate outside and the food was excellent. An occasional plane flew overhead - reminder that we were right next to the airport. I think there was an interesting soup but I can't remember the details (possibly cauliflower?).

Gonzales, CA

It was surreal to stop at the square in Gonzales, CA for a few minutes to use the restroom. It was a familiar place that I hadn't been to in years. But it still exists, whether I'm there or not.

petit-déjeuner

Our breakfast (petit-déjeuner in French) at Petit Soleil was small (petit in French) but pretty good - quiche, coffee and juice.

Splash Cafe

What was once a bakery adjacent to Petit Soleil is now evidently closed.

Papa's Thai Cafe

It just so happened that the nearest appealing dinner venue, Papa's Thai Cafe, was in a space I recognized from years ago. We had lunch here once, back when it was a Middle Eastern restaurant. Mrs. did not remember that, so I did the research and - sure enough - I found a 2020 news article in the SLO Tribune saying that the former home of the Jaffa Café was now a new Thai restaurant.