Today was a gorgeous beautiful normal day in the middle of winter. 80 degrees, sunny, and perfect for brunching in Montecito California. It’s a good thing one of our dear friends invited me and my husband to go the San Ysidro Ranch (considered to be the top 4 hotels in the world by Leisure and Travel Magazine) where we dined in the hotel restaurant, Stonehouse.
The place was charming, picturesque, quiet, and the food was just delicious. I’m so used to all the celebrity chefs and how the commercialize everything that I forgot how good food can still be done so simple and yet so elegant.
Bellini, Water, and My Latte
My breakfast usually consists of a latte. But today is such a special day we got Bellinis. This Bellini was just the best I’ve ever tasted. It was sweet and it tastes nothing close to artificial. Yummy! And that’s why we ended up ordering about 20 of them among the 3 of us who were drinking this morning. My husband didnt drink, just in case – Designated Driver!
Home made Bread
I don’t eat bread, but reviews say they have the best blue-berry muffins.
Smoked Duck and Avocado Spring Roll
with Boursin Cheese and Asian Cabbage Slaw
Cajun Spiced Crab Cake
Served with Petite Herb Salad, Crispy Onions, and Citrus Vinaigrette
Couscous Crusted Salmon
Served with Warm Haricot Vert, Tomato and Spinach Saute, and Miso Honey Mustard Sauce. (I don’t usually like Salmon because it’s a bit “too fishy” for me, but this one was so fresh I loved it!)
Spinach Bacon Frittata
with Tomatoes, Scallions, Gruyere Cheese. Served with Potatoes.
Cheese Plate
and since I don’t eat dessert, an assortment of cheese always does the job.
Thanks to the yummy Bellinis that magically kept on coming to our table, this brunch went well over 4 hours.
Today, is the first day I didn’t really think of shopping … until I saw some amazing black gucci shoes from a re-run of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”. I want those!!!
luxuryhoarder 