Time for more Best Of 2018. This time, we check out my favorite brunches and general adventures from the year. Oh, and a 2018 video that has yet to fail in cracking me up. Here we go!
Brunches
5. The Nest
My third attempt this spring at scoring a seat at Nest proved a charm. The popular Bellflower spot with long waits for breakfast and brunch found me on a day off, the morning before I headed out of town. Dining as a single helped get a table quickly, but it would have been nice to have a friend or two in order to sample a few additional plates (though I was right satisfied with my chilaquiles and French toast, one served cold).
4. Corinne
Despite the wealth of restaurants in Denver to brunch over a four-day visit, I went to Corinne twice – first with friends, then back again with the husband to show it off. It was home to a hearty chicken and waffles, and one of my favorite bites of 2018 in their biscuit with jam. – Featured in Tasty Places :: Corinne
3. Cast Iron
This delightful find in my hometown of Stockton pleased well with its Breakfast Totchos, Avo Toast, and the Big Bri’s Chicken and Waffles.
2. Taco Maria
Named by the incomparable Jonathan Gold as the LA Times Restaurant of the Year just weeks before his passing, I HAD to get in to Taco Maria. But not alone – I assembled my #workfam to join me – the wife, daughter, and son – for an OC afternoon. Between the four of us, we tried the full brunch menu, and it easily lived up to the hype (though I’m desperate to return, hoping to get a taste of their fish tacos).
1. Border Grill
My brunch experience at Border Grill Las Vegas (shared with my volleymom ride-or-die Fran) ranks number one due to quality, not quantity. Not that the dishes I ate weren’t yummy, but I’m so proud at how much I was able to shove into my five-foot-two body. I earned my Dianderthal title with this visit. – Featured in Volleymom :: Border Grill at Mandalay Bay
Experiences
10. The Henry Ford Museum
Much more than cars, but I enjoyed the cars. And the highlight – sitting in the bus where Ms. Parks refused to give up her seat.
9. The Field Museum of Natural History
Here, I saw every kind of bird God created. And escaped the rain.
8. Wine Tasting
From the plentiful wineries of Temecula, to a quaint spoton Stockton’s Miracle Mile, to the American Sports Centerin Anaheim on an 11-hour tournament day, to the Happiest Place on Earth – any place is a good place to sample wine.
7. Reunions
This year, I reconnected with fellow high school cheerleaders, a former middle school nemesis, college drinking buddies, and more. Hoping for more reunifications in the one-nine.
6. Disneyland Festival Foods
Even better than the rides, the Food & Wine Festivaland the Festival of Holidayscelebrations at Disney’s California Adventure are tha-rill-ling. Each food cabana offers a themed dish along with a coordinated dessert and adult beverage. My only problem? Going Keto late this fall. Hopefully, I stay slim all year so I can justify purchase of a Sip & Savor pass. Actually, if I don’t stay slim, I can justify as well.
5. Races with Bae
This year, the hubby and I completed the Tour of Long Beach(30 miles) and theLong Beach Marathon Bike Tour(20 miles). Bonding and calorie burning at its best.
4. Brooklyn Bridge
I’ve visited New York so many times, but never crossed the Brooklyn Bridge– until 2018, with the homegirl Erika. Next time, I will run it!
3. The Bell House
And while in New York, I spent time in the gem of a venue, Brooklyn’s Bell Housewhere I caught the lovely and charming and hilarious Michelle Buteauand the handsome and charming and hilarious Jordan Carlos, and sipped a surprisingly sumptuous jalapeño margarita.
2. Club Volleyball
I complain about the shuttling around and the expense and the early/late days, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. So happy to be a part of my familyof volleyball players, parents, and friends. Featured in Volleymom posts.
1. Hamilton Chicago
Who knew that Hamilton could thrill me anew the way that the Chicago cast did. To top it off, I got to go on stage and meet some of the cast, including Miguel Cervantes (Hamilton) and Jonathan Kirkland (Washington). – Featured in Gluttonous Chicago
That’s it for now. Before year’s end, you’ll get my Best of 2018 Sweets, Random Shit, and Restaurants, as well as a peek into Dianderthal 2019.
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