Felix Feed & Coffee

 

Astonishingly we were the only people in the state of California partaking of this highly unique coffee venue, the former dining room of Mattei's Tavern (per the episode of Huell Howser we later watched). This light, airy space is a wonderful place to enjoy coffee and pastries made from scratch.

The Tavern, revisited

This chop chop salad was the perfect lunch - light, healthy and delicious. We wanted to try eating on the patio this time, but it was just too darned windy.

Lefty's Coffee Co.

We had heard about Lefty's Coffee Co. in Los Olivos and finally made it there. I was worried it was going to be a tiny space, but in fact there was plenty of space and a large back patio. The coffee was very good. I suppose in a town awash in wine, the more coffee available the better.

breakfast at Mad + Vin

We had breakfast at Mad + Vin, the restaurant right inside The Landsby Hotel. The food was delicious. It was obvious though that they were short staffed, and those working were on overload. Even getting coffee took quite a long time.

Mattei's tavern, part 3

After dinner we had a glimpse of some of the resort's outer buildings in the waning light. Whether old or new, the charming character of these buildings is consistent.

Mattei's Tavern, part 2

After dinner we had a glimpse of the building's historic interior. Above, old Lucy Mattei - wife of the inn's Swiss founder Felix Mattei - looks down from above the hearth. Below, the original dining room, which has now been turned into a coffee house: Felix Feed & Coffee.

The Tavern

The restaurant at Mattei's Tavern is known simply as The Tavern. We tried many items off the menu; among the memorable highlights were crispy cauliflower, Okinawan sweet potatoes and a very interesting rendition of peas & carrots.

Mattei's Tavern

An architectural and culinary success story. This historic 1886 stagecoach inn with loads of character has been lovingly restored and expanded by Auberge Resorts Collection (which includes Santa Fe's Bishop's Lodge in their portfolio). The history and character of this Los Olivos, CA landmark have been preserved, but now top notch dining and lodging have been added to the mix.

happy hour at The Landsby

Not as good as the first time. No bowl of Castelvetrano olives. Of course, that was pre-pandemic. Now there may be staffing and supply issues. And now of course there is a gluten-free spouse. Still, I enjoyed the spirit of happy hour in this pleasant, gluten-free lobby.

The Landsby, revisited

After the bare bones of the Hygge, it was nice to bask in the expansive comfort of The Landsby Hotel. The room was oozing with hygge, pleasing Scandinavian design and natural light. Above, the equally pleasing lobby which was located beneath our room.

Cafe Dolce, part 2

My photos of Cafe Dolce didn't turn out nearly as well as Mrs. Birthday Girl's. It's interesting however to compare these two photos. By pure chance the one above captured a huge bird in flight that almost looks like part of the sign and also casts a shadow on the ground. Beyond that, a shadowy figure can be seen toward the street. Below, the same image sans shadowy creatures. As a side note, the bird in flight resembles the one at the Wildling Museum made from shotgun shells (see previous blog).

Cafe Dolce

Wanting to experience some of Solvang's other coffee houses, we ended up in the courtyard outside Cafe Dolce. The courtyard itself was pleasant and had some of the largest roses we've ever seen. The coffee was pretty good too. Evidently Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kevin Costner have been here since their photos adorn the walls. Photos by Mrs. Birthday Girl.

Wildling Museum

 

Our first visit to the Wildling Museum of Art & Nature in Solvang was perfectly delightful. It's a small museum that really does feature "where art and nature meet", to quote their website. The exhibits featured here are "Bird's Eye View" and "Message in a Bottle". The vulture seen above was actually made from old shotgun shells and casings.

girl with pitcher statue

Everyone knows about the famous Little Mermaid statue in Denmark and its reproduction in Solvang. What I want to know is, what is the story behind this other statue on Solvang's main street featuring a girl with a pitcher and some fish? Is it Aquarius, the water bearer? Or is it a cross between Aquarius and the Little Mermaid? Or perhaps it's three-way cross between Aquarius, Pisces and the Little Mermaid?

this thing

Not sure exactly what this thing seen in the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden is, but I like it.

S.Y.V. Botanic Garden, part 2

Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden

First time we had ever visited this small 2.5 acre botanic garden located inside of River View Park in Buellton. The land was originally set aside to protect the Western Willow Flycatcher, an endangered bird who nests along the Santa Ynez River.