BuenQamino Spirit

Musings about adventure and becoming

california, san diego, usa Christina P. Kantzavelos california, san diego, usa Christina P. Kantzavelos

Now Open: Ranch 45 is a Celebration of Sustainable Beef & Local Produce in Solana Beach

“Everything served in the newly opened Ranch 45 restaurant is locally sourced and responsibly raised, including their poultry and beef.

The coffee beans used for their espresso bar are from Cafe Virtuoso, while the Free-Ranch Chicken is from Mary’s. Vegetables come from Chino Farms, and their eggs from Eben-Haezer .

The star of the menu is Brandt Beef, sourced from a family-owned ranch in Imperial County dedicated to using sustainable practices to produce their premium natural beef that’s free from antibiotics with no added hormones.

In the front-of-house and behind-the-line, General manager Pam Schwartz and Executive Chef DuVal Warner run the show.”

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california, usa, weekend guides Christina P. Kantzavelos california, usa, weekend guides Christina P. Kantzavelos

Palm Springs and Coachella Valley, California (+ Gluten-Free) Getaway Travel Guide

I’ve been traveling there with my family since I was a young kitten, and it remains one of my favorite spots in the world. Gorgeous natural surroundings, amazing cuisine, great coffee, vintage shopping, mid-century homes and furniture, miles of hiking, hot springs and a tiki culture. Is there much more you need from a vacation destination?

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One Day (and Gluten and Dairy-Free) in Ojai, CA Guide

We decided to spend a recent weekend getaway in Ojai, CA. I only heard great reviews about this mountain-side “small town” saddled between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara and wanted to check it out for myself. I imagined a true small town, far inland, and away from it all. Like one of those Hallmark channel Christmas movie settings (is anyone else obsessed with those? I’m going to imagine you just said, yes.). What I got was a quaint town, only 15-20 minutes inland from the coastal city of Ventura. Surrounded by mountains and ranches, and filled with things to do and see (and eat), especially during our weekend stay, Ojai is definitely a unique place to visit. Here are a few of our favorites, to create your own ideal itinerary… 

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One Day in Idyllwild, California (and Gluten-Free!)

Tucked in the mountains of San Jacinto, and just a hop, skip and jump away (aka 2 hours) from both busy metropolises of Los Angeles and San Diego exists the beautiful and quaint town of Idyllwild. The town serves as nice escape for anyone. Whether that’s a solo getaway, camping trip with friends or family, or a romantic adventure, driving up the hill will sure be worth it.

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