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.  

Devon's Dish

Last night I had the pleasure of enjoying a fabulous date night with a gorgeous girl. As most of you know I am a self proclaimed foodie and love all things delicious. Last night we took a short drive right outside the city limits to Campbell and dined at Liquid Bread Gastropub. 

Ambiance

The first thing I thought of when I stepped inside the door was how inviting it was. I would definitely put this place in the trendy category; it had dim lighting, exposed kitchen, great tables and eclectic decor on the walls. My favorite part were the metal signs on the walls. I have no idea what they said (because they were in a different language) but they added to the overall ambiance of the joint.  

Service

Our server Cory, was so sweet and helped us pick some amazing beers to sample. Me and my girl Jolie, have a thing. We like to go beer tasting and both enjoy a good porter. The Pumpkin Porter was to. die. for. He checked on us quite often and was really sweet to make sure we loved everything we tasted. The beverage selection was impressive with close to 30 beers, if I remember correctly. My top favs were the sour ale, the porter and the Blonde IPA .

Meal

We sampled the butternut squash soup which was creamy and smoky, just perfect for the season and a chilly night. We each had a salad (beer is filling) and I think I liked hers better than mine.. good thing she's a doll and shared with me. I had the Chefs Garden ( a plethora of roasted vegetables, kale and got cheese) and Jolie had the Grilled Kale Salad (kale, pine nuts, pomegranate, goat cheese) ya see a pattern here?

Dessert

Luckily, our appetites came back and we were able to try dessert. I had the chocolate brownie with cookie dough ice cream and real whipped cream.. one word- decadent. Jolie ordered the green tea crepes and honestly they were just.. ok. They were lacking something- the flavor was too bland and the dish was served cold? If that was the only disappointing point during our visit, I think they did pretty well. 

cheers Liquid Bread, I'll be back for another round

get your weekend on

Sharks Hockey

Sharks play Saturday at the SAP Center, first game back after their road trip and without Dan Boyle. read more about that tradegy here. 

San Jose Sharks vs Flames

7:00 pm

tickets

Oktoberfest in Campbell

Oktoberfest is happening in this weekend, and this is always a fun and free event. Promising lots of good food, arts and crafts, beer and brats. I hope they have the amazing apple cider from last year! Arrive early for good parking. 

Saturday 10:00-6:00

Sunday10:00-5:00

Nike Women's Marathon

This Sunday in San Francisco is the famous Nike Women's Marathon and half marathon. The route is beautiful and is throughout the entire city. Plus, to see so many people fulfilling their dream is such an inspiration. I'll be up there near the Marina cheering everyone on, including my best friend Lou!!. 

Sunday 6:30am

Union Square

Star Wars at the Tech Museum

Don't miss the only Bay Area appearance and final stop on its international tour! STAR WARS: Where Science Meets Imagination, this interactive exhibition that features one of pop culture's most successful science fiction franchises. More than 80 authentic costumes, models and props from all 6 STAR WARS films plus interactive exhibits and design labs related to real-world technologies

Tech Museum of Innovation

Saturday October 19  opens at 10:30 am

tickets $22

get your weekend on // Orange October



they could go all the way!!!

                                                         GIANTS ARE KILLING IT!!

I don’t know of anything happening this weekend that isn’t focused around Pumpkins and Harvest season. I feel like the second weekend in October is the kickoff for all things Fall. Here is California, up until last week, we were still experiencing 90+ degree days- which doesn’t make for ideal boot and coat weather. Well this week, Mother Nature is singing a different tune and has brought in the rain and dropped the temperatures quite a bit. The weekend might hold a few showers but nothing that a good pair of rain boots cant handle.

In Campbell this weekend is the

Octoberfest

all weekend. This is a very popular event for Campbell and it is always packed, so take the LightRail or get there early to find parking. The festival runs both days from 10-6 and is boasting a quite impressive beer selection.

Peninsula

Oktoberfest is also this Saturday, being held in Redwood City from 10-6 as well. J Just to entice you… here are some of the breweries (local and large brands) that will be featured this year- Ale Industries, Devil’s Canyon Brewery, Gordon Biersch, Lucky Hand Beers, Palo Alto Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Spaten, Tied House Brewery, Triple Voodoo Brewing, Uncommon Brewers.

I might try to go to Campbell, but the majority of my weekend will be spent preparing for Halloween. Since I will be traveling to Sunny San Diego next weekend, I wont have time to prep before hand. I cant wait to share with you my favorite Fall treats and Halloween goodies.

Happy Weekend!

simply smile

Sunset in Canada

This past weekend was my mom's birthday and we went out to eat with them at one of her favorite restaurants. While we were sitting there, I couln't help but see the love that my parents had for each other radiating through their gaze. After all these years (thirty-something) and the up and downs that most couples face, raising two children and hanging wall paper [inside joke] they are still together. I hope that I reach that in my my life someday. Your life is filled with experiences that turn into memories. Someone once told me that "you know you've reached the half way point, when you share memories instead of drems."  I have too many dreams that have yet to be fulfilled and one is to one day open a restaurant in my neighborhood.

Speaking of neighborhoods- I have good news regarding the Whole Foods in Downtown San Jose While I was shopping at the Campbell location they told me that once the Whole Body opens next month, estimating the 10th of October, they will begin work with the downtown location. That may or may not be finished by the end of 2013. It is also supposed to have a two story brewery that will stay open past the grocery shop hours. This will only make the area more attractive to shop owners. I hope to be open on that street one day, soon. So while I'm dreaming in my head and typing with my fingers, these are some of the things that are currently making me happy.

favorite color in bloom

fairytails come true in Victoria, British Columbia- vacationed the previous year



who doesn't love a little champs served in a red cup... or blue?




baking this little beauty



stealing my Mom's cookies

freshly squeezed orange juice- see below

British breakfast

unique decorations

simply :: smile

:: some times you have to stop and smell the roses :: remember the best things in life are free ::

:: know that when one door of happiness closes, another opens :: and always count your blessings::

Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth

{{author unknown}}

ummm... its Friday [[YAY]] and I seriously can't even remember this week it has been so busy. So with that in mind I'm forcing myself to remember all the good things that have come my way lately. My boyfriend's Mom heard good news and is seeing results from her doctor, over an ailment she has been dealing with for far too long!! She is such a strong woman and I just know that everything will even out and I hope she finds her peace soon.

Home has been crazy with the beau's new start up. Our schedules have been clashing lately, so I hope we can save room in our schedules for each other this weekend. He took me to the beach (yes, that's the way to my heart) and we shared a picnic from our favorite place and "kicked it old school" with some 40's by the surf . Sublime status. It was the perfect day to spend with my guy; lunch, frisbee by the water and a nap in the sun. Those are the moments I'm thankful for. 

Tonight I get to witness my sister and bro's unveiling of their new digs, well I saw it already- but now it's all "done up". They have a beautiful life together, and their new home is going to be one fun adventure after another- because lets face it, you never finish decorating your house. I know I've been bugging them with the details, but "good things come to those who wait"... and all that jazz and whatever... but I'm ready to pop the champagne and celebrate... TONIGHT, I finally can. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your happiness.

So take a chill pill today, and reflect on your own life's journey. Be thankful for how far you've come and be optimistic for what has yet to unfold.

sooooo good

funky pickles at the farmers market

best milkshakes.... PERIOD

one of my favorite flowers

Maddie practicing safety first in her new car seat

best omelet from this favorite

the pacific