Get your [[ Holiday ]] weekend on!

December is here and there are so many ways to celebrate the season! One of my favorite things to do is drive around and look at Christmas lights and neighborhood decorations. I've pulled the best of the Bay Area into this blog post so that you can enjoy the festivities too!

Mattos Orchard Lights: 1545 Stone Creek Drive, San Jose.

This enormous orchard goes all out and decorates their property with over 90, 000 lights for the season and even has a snow instillation to dazzle guests with wonder. Keeping with the Winter Wonderland theme, you will see reindeer, toy soldiers.. and you might get a glimpse of Santa. 

Crippsmas Place: Nicolet Ave, Cripps Place and surrounding streets, Fremont.

Talk about a neighborhood that goes all in. For over 60 years the residents have decorated their homes with lights and large scale lawn decorations that amazing walkers and drive-byers who visit at Christmastime. If you are able, they even accept donations on behalf of many well-known charities. 

Historic Estate Lights: Filoli Gardens 86 Canada Rd, Woodside.

Filoli Estate is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Well their version of Christmas time is no different. Stroll around the property and enjoy all of the twinkle lights as you sip your hot chocolate (or cocktails and wine for Mommy's and Daddy's) and enjoy all the magic of the estate.

San Jose Christmas in the Park: San Jose History Park.

Normally held in downtown San Jose's Caesar Chavez park, this has move across town so folks can stay snug in their car. All the decorations and adorable scenes are still there, with upgrades every year. Visiting this is one of my most fond childhood memories, and I always look for the Parachuting Pandas- a classic in my mind. Tickets are $10-$20 per car and reservations can be made here.

Oakland Glowfari- Oakland Zoo.

This year the park is home to some larger than life animal lanterns. Made from silk and 15 feet tall, the animals appear to touch the moon and light up the sky. Stroll through the park and enjoy the real animals and the imaginary ones. $12 for entry, proceeds go to the parks operating expenses. 

Los Gatos Fantasy of Lights: Vasona Park, Los Gatos.

A favorite of the South Bay for years, drive around the lake and see all of the decorations. Los Gatos dresses up their park with thousands of lights and animated figures. Look for reservations at the website here. 

The Ruth Bancroft Garden of d'Lights. 1552 Bancroft Rd, Walnut Creek.

If you know me personally, you know that I am a sucker for succulents and crazy for cacti. I had never heard of this until this year and it is on my list of must sees. All the plants are lit for the occasion where people can walk around and enjoy the garden. $8-$20 tickets must be purchased in advance here

San Mateo County Festival of Lights: 1346 Saratoga Dr. San Mateo.

The last on my list is for my Peninsula friends. This is a real drive through production, complete with interactive displays and wonderful candy worlds held at the county event center. Come and see why this has been a family tradition for so many years. Reservations and tickets available here. 

  

Devon's Dish: [[THE BUCHER'S SON.]] restaurant review

As soon as I turned the corner, I saw the line. It was good sized, but I wasn't about to turn back. I watched a few videos and then checked out the menu. After finding "The Butcher's {vegan} Son" on Instagram, I decided to check them out a couple Saturdays ago. 

They had so many dishes to offer, some of my favorites were; the fried mozzarella meatball and the Chili garlic chicken B.L.A.T. I decided on one savory and one sweet. I wanted to get a better opinion and more importantly.. I was starving. It was definitely filled with foodies, and hipsters, but also families and large groups of friends and couples, everyone seemed stoked to be there. 

I knew it was going to be good. 

What can I say about the decor. I felt like I was in a place that was originally a flower shop, then 1950's diner and now had a mid century modern twist. The staff was super friendly, let me carry Maddie as I waited in line. The space behind the counter was microscopic but the staff moved around like a perfectly choreographed dance routine. 

The donuts were out of this world. I didn't eat one since I knew I'd already be in trouble with what I was planning to order.. They were perfect little pillow of friend dough, eclectically decorated using various toppings. 

Since I had Maddie with me, I had to sit outside.. which was fine. Like I said earlier, the day was perfect. Luckily, right after I put in my order of pancakes and Level 8 vegan sandwich and left the restaurant, I spotted a sunny table open up. 

My food was really delicious. On a scale of 1-10 I would say the sandwich was an 8 and the pancakes were a 9.5. I enjoyed the sandwich, but would skip the bacon and the cream cheese next time. The flavors were good, but combined they were too strong for my taste. The "chicken" was great, texture and flavor were on point. The bacon on it's own was good, but I was prefer it more crispy. The pancakes were perfect, The only thing that could have made them a 10, would be a side of blackberry jam. Of course I offered samples and Maddie liked the bacon most. 

Devon's Dish: [[ RUNNING SHOP&HOPS ]] restaurant review

Growing up in Morgan Hill, there were not a ton of things to do… but there was enough. Fast Forward 20 years later, and it’s still a tiny town to the outside eye.. But there is so much more available to the residents when it’s comes to finding fun things to do.

When Shanna was in town last week, I surprised her and took her to The Running Shopand Hops. We both had never been, and I had Maddie and knew they allowed dogs inside (win!).  I believe the owners opened originally as a running store in 2013. Then in 2016, reopened with the addition of a craft beer paradise.

I consider myself a self-proclaimed foodie and enjoy writing restaurant reviews, check out the one for this Campbell hot spot, here.

We went there for “happy hour” and ended up staying till closing. Sam was our awesome bartender for the night and he treated us to the largest beer tasting paddle known to man. But with over 90 amazing beers on tap, it was still really hard to narrow down only thirteen to try.

You have got to give this place a try, it’s a true hidden gem. The space, extensive beer selection and friendly service has enticed me to make a return trip soon. The rotating beer menu is such a great feature- you’ll never get bored of the menu. Not that you will ever be able to try everything on the list... but you could try.  Check it out here, to see if they have a few of your faves. 

ciao xx

Devon's Dish: [[ FORTHRIGHT OYSTER BAR ]] restaurant review

 wow wOw WOW... not enough time in the day for all the good things I have to say about this place!!!

Forthright Oyster Bar in Campbell Ca is simply smashing!!

I dined here this past weekend, a new spot in town and had to try it. I ate at A.P. Stumps growing up, and always enjoyed that "high class//modern" atmosphere  that it held.. 

I have always been drawn to that sort of vibe.

Good news, Jim Stump decided to open up shop in Campbell with his newest gem, and continues to own The Table in Willow Glen. read more about that here. 

We were able to try a few different appetizers,  including; the bone marrow, the heirloom tomato & burrata salad, the white watermelon & prosciutto salad, and the The Coromandel oysters. Thankfully we shared all of this, so everyone got a bite. The marrow bones were HUGE and very rich. The seasoning and caramelized crisp along with the crunchy bread was a served along side, was a perfect combination. My favorite as the oyster. They had a clean and fresh ocean taste, I added a splash of citrus for a little extra zest. The watermelon was given to us as a thank you, because we had to wait a little longer for our table. How Sweet!

For dinner, I enjoyed "The only Burger that belongs on the table"- yes that is truly the name. Apparently it is a rotating recipe noted by the name of the creator. I had Chris' Version- nice work Chris! The Swiss cheese crisp was a nice contrast of texture with every bite. The pastrami and the beef paired well with the "secret sauce"... over all I would order it again- but only if I can time it right..

Others in my party enjoyed the: Johnny Cakes, Pork Chop, Shrimp & Grits and the Seafood Linguine pasta. I tried a taste of each and would 100% recommend them to the next guest who walks through their door. I honestly don't think there is a bad dish on the menu??

I will return to Forthright, but it's the amazing service and hospitality that truly made the experience memorable. Our server was a doll, so attentive and delightful to talk to. Every other employee was courteous and inviting as well.  

Bay Area Haunted Houses

I'm not your typical girl.. Take me to a haunted house where people chase me with knives and chainsaws.. and I might just want to marry you. 

I LOVE Halloween and everything that goes along with it... Still haven't figured out my costume for this year. Last year I went as a modern day Dorothy, with Maddie being the best Toto ever!! 

My 2015 costume

Even though, I haven't landed on a costume- I will share with you this year's best Bay Area events for all things spooky.

Haunted Houses

California's Great America- Halloween Haunt

San Francisco Dungeon 

Freak Fest 12

Blind Scream Haunted House

Nightmare Island

Fear Overload Scream Park

Hell in the Armory

Halloween Parties 

San Francisco W Hotel- get tickets

Haunted Hotel

Titanic Masquerade Halloween Party Cruise

Drop Dead Party @ Charlies LG

Trick or Treat Party @ Glasshouse

Pumpkin Patches for the babes

Clancy's Pumpkin Patch

Eastside Pumpkin Farm

Sausalito Dog costume contest

Spear Family Farms

Perry Organic Pumpkin Farm

Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Patch

Spina Farms

Happy Halloween!!

xo, ciao

get your {{Holiday}} weekend on

image via

I love looking at the Christmas lights around the neighborhoods so far in December- but what I really love are the actual Holiday attractions that come with the season as well. On Thursday I'm going to Christmas in the Park, at Caesar Chavez park.  There are so many great events and activities going on around in the area  right now. To donate to the Christmas In The Park Exhibit Click Here. I've scoured the internet and compiled the ultimate Holiday Event List, so you won't have any excuse not to enjoy the sights of the Season. Hope you get to see a few or all off the list. Happy Holidays!!



Christmas in the Park- Downtown San Jose, Ca
101 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Hours- 9 PM to midnight until January 1st.

Fantasy of Lights- Vasona Park- Los Gatos, Ca
333 Blossom Hill Rd. Los Gatos, CA 95032
Mon - Sun 6 PM -10 PM

Ballet San Jose- Nutcracker- San Jose, Ca
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
255 Almaden Blvd, downtown San Jose
Dec 8-23

Global Winter Wonderland- Great America
4701 Great America Pkwy.
Santa Clara, CA 95052
Every weekend Fri/ Sat/ Sun 4:00PM

Union Square Ice Rink- San Francisco, Ca
Union Square
San Francisco, Ca 94108

Drinking Stars Holiday Champagne Tasting- Enoteca La Storia :: Los Gatos, Ca
416 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA, 95030
Dec 8th 2:00 PM

Joyeux Noël at Chateau St Jean-

Kenwood, CA

Chateau St. Jean Winery

8555 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, CA, 95452

Sonoma County

Dec 8 + 9^th & Dec 15 +16^th

Old World Food Truck- San Francisco, Ca

Hanukkah Pop Up Dinners @ The Coffee Bar

Buy Tickets Here

1890 Bryant St., San Francisco, CA, 94141

Dec 8^th 5:30

A Christmas Carol- San Francisco, Ca

American Conservatory Theater
415 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94102

Dec 7^th – Christmas

Buy Tickets Here

It’s a Jewish Christmas- San Francisco, Ca

Make Out Room Bar

3225 22nd St.
San Francisco, CA 94140

Tuesday, Dec 25, 2012 5:00p

28^th Annual Christmas Show and Antique Market- San Rafael, Ca.

10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael, CA, 94903

Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Black and Brown ♥

Oh Black and Brown, how I love thee. This store is one of the best local vintage places you'll find in the South Bay.. I even know people from the City who make special trips to San Jose just for this shopping experience. They always offer a wide selection of all the current styles. Plus designer pieces and a great shoe collection. All the staff are super awesome!! You should go in and shop around.
{{I'm a bad influence}} They used to be located in a "under the stair" kind of shop over off of San Carlos, but moved to a larger venue on the Alameda. I feel like this is the new up and coming spot. For people who want to stay out late and skip the bar/club scene.. folks who just want to chill.

These are just a few finds I picked up recently. The top is Rory Beca, super good find, price and I love the green. The arrow necklace was picked up at a shop in Encinitas, near San Diego- I dont remember the name. And the earrings were a last minute chance as I was getting everything rung up the other night at the shop.
Lucky me

 all photos are courtesy of my man, Bobby Menbari.

 hippie braid

:: get your SPOOKY weekend on ::

ok boys and ghouls, this is a special edition dedicated to all things scary in honor of Halloween ... and let me tell you, I want to scare the pants off of you!! Unfortunately, I can’t do that sitting at my computer, but I can tell you where to go for a frightfully good time.

I feel like the Bay Area is in love with Halloween because there are so many options to choose from. You can get idea by checking here and filling in your stipulations for something in your area. I have done some research and found the best haunts in the area, just to help you narrow down your choices.

Have a fun and safe Halloween everybody!!

Winchester Mystery House

This is the story of the wife of the man that invented the Winchester Rifle. She believed that all the spirits of people who were shot and killed by her husband’s invention, would come back and kill her. So she built staircases that led to nowhere and doorways that opened to brick walls… all so the spirits couldn’t find her. Experience this tour with flashlights, oh and watch your step.

Runs through Nov 3

$36 admission

525 S Winchester Blvd San Jose, CA 95128

Conover Mystery Ranch

Since I grew up in Morgan Hill, Hollister was only a 20 minute drive for me… but to all you North Bay folks, this fright fest is totally worth the drive. Girls, you will cry… scary guys chase you with chainsaws!!! If you really want to get scared this Halloween, this is the best in the business. For a preview click here. But proceed with caution.

2600 San Felipe Road, Hollister, CA 95023

$25 admission for the corn maze and haunt

Dead Time Dreams Haunted Attractions

Just reading the description for this event gives me chills. Plus you get to experience two haunted houses for the price of one, what a deal. They have the "Meat Factory" and "The Church"

2501 Tully Rd. at East Capitol Expressway, 95122

$15 admission and the doors opens at 7

California’s Great America- Halloween Haunt

This is an event that happens after hours at the park. Everything gets a touch of Halloween with several mazes throughout the park and all the zombies and vampires come out to scare the park guests. All rides are open too, just don’t loose your head.

fortunately No one under 13 is admitted, so you know it is scary!

4701 Great America Pkwy Santa Clara, CA 95050

$30 admission for entrance and it runs 7pm-12am

World’s Largest Haunted House

This event is located at the Santa Clara fairgrounds and has won the award for biggest/best haunted house for the last few years. It fits the bill if you’re looking for some local frights.

$22 admission

344 Tully Road San Jose, California 95111

Hell on Wheels

Also, just to throw this fun one into the mix- the Teen Musical Theater up in San Francisco is hosting a Haunted House too. There will be tricks and treats but best of all a Thriller performance, which is sure to be amazing, go check them out!!

$4 admission and is open from 7-10

346 Fair Oaks, San Francisco, CA

image via