Aunt Katie

August 24, 2014
Aunt Katie was visiting my cousin Doug and his wife Barbara in San Diego and she convinced him to drive up to Ventura for a visit. They all came over for breakfast of Mimosas, Homemade Sourdough Waffles, Bacon and Macedonia.

Laura, Doug, Aunt Katie, Linda, Dad, Barbara

The Cave-Nick's Retirement

August 24, 2014

Nick decided to retire from The Cave and Ventura Wine Store to travel with his wife Jennie.  We've known Nick for almost thirty years and were happy to be part of his celebration dinner.

Each course of the meal was paired with three different wines.  Here's the menu:

• Laetitia Brut Cuvee
• First Course-Salmon confit with saffron butter sauce, balsamic caviar and dill oil paired with chardonnays -- Mer Soleil Silver (unoaked), Orogeny Russian River Valley and Beringer Luminous from Napa Valley.
• Second Course-Sous Vide duck breast, wild mushroom arugula salad and white truffle mustard vinaigrette paired with pinot noirs -- Ten Span-Santa Barbara County, Talbot Logan-Santa Lucia Highlands and Sterling from Caneros.
• Third Course-Braised short rib (breaded and fried) with Moroccan spiced quinoa risotto and coffee glaze paired with zinfandels--Castoro Cellars Zinfusion-Paso Robles, Rosenblum Cellars-Sonoma and Ridge East Bench.
• Fourth Course-Slow roasted herb crusted prime rib with Peruvian purple potatoes and peppercorn cream sauce paired with Cabernet Sauvignons--Justin Vineyards-Paso Robles, Provenance-Rutherford and Rodney Strong Reserve from Sonoma.
• Fifth Course-Dessert-Trio of house made truffles.

With Jennie Fisher

Santa Cruz Island with the Cecchins

Friday, August 1, 2014
We had a smooth crossing to Pelican Harbor on Santa Cruz Island with Sarah, Jeff & Marco.  We were happy to find the sun shining in the anchorage when we arrived.

Marco

Lunch- Roast Beef Deli Sandwiches

Dinner-Veal Saltimboca Poseidon, Orrichetta, Tomato & Cucumber Salad

Saturday, August 2, 2014

The skies were overcast but the seas were calm so we took a long dinghy cruise up the island.

The weather remained dreary pretty much all day, so we spent our time playing cards, reading, fishing and being lazy:

Lunch- Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches

Dinner-Ribs, Corn on the Cob and Jeff made Focaccia

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Brian and Elizabeth arrived on the Island Packers boat.  Had a little rain today!! Brian & Elizabeth went kayaking and came back with some sea urchins.

 Marco was a good sport and gave the Uni a try -- he loved it and asked Uncle Brian to go back for more!

We made pasta for dinner:

We had stopped for bait on our way out the harbor but it was small and worthless so Marco fished for bait.  Saw a flying fish in the underwater lights!

Lunch-Cheeseburgers
Dinner-Grilled Albacore (from Brian & Elizabeth), Homemade Fettuccine with Fresh Pesto

Monday, August 4, 2014
We spent the day swimming, kayaking and playing cards:

Lunch-Albacore Ceviche Tostados (from Brian & Elizabeth)

Dinner-Leg of Lamb (from B&E - they sure keep us well fed!, Cheesey Orzo and Sauteed Squash

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

It was rolly and windy in the anchorage so we decided to move over to Smugglers.  Good decision-it was flat & sunny on that side of the island.

Marco helping make Smashed Potatoes for dinner:

Caught a shark in the underwater lights:

Lunch-Cold Cuts

Dinner-Grilled Flap Steak, Smashed Potatoes

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

We had homemade sourdough waffles and bacon for breakfast before pulling anchor and heading home. Took the long way back to Ventura, trolling behind Anacapa Island.

Another beautiful family vacation: