restaurants


Places to eat in Santa Rosa

pictured: pasta from 19ten Bar & Provisions /

Santa Rosa is a quick drive north on highway 101 from the city. There are a lot of fun activities to do in the area for either a day trip, or a weekend staycation. While visiting Santa Rosa in late December, we ate at several restaurants, some we loved, and a couple which were “meh.” So, I decided to curate all my favorite places to eat in Santa Rosa right here in one convenient post! This way, when you head up to Santa Rosa for a day trip or staycation, you will know exactly where to eat! Yum!

pictured: Santa Rosa Omlette from Americana

  • 19ten Bar & Provisions
    • 115 4th St., Santa Rosa
    • Favorites: Miso Cilantro Fettucine, 19ten Burger, Spiced Apple & Brie
  • Jackson’s Bar and Oven
    • 135 4th St., Santa Rosa
    • Favorites: all the pizzas, Mac & Cheese, Truffle Fries, and the burger.
  • A’Roma Roasters Coffee and Tea
    • 5th St., Santa Rosa (near the train station)
    • Favorites: Salted Caramel Latte, all the coffee is good tho!
  • Americana
    • 205 5th St, Santa Rosa
    • Favorites: Santa Rosa Omlette, Chicken Fried Chicken, Breakfast Sandwich
    • They also serve lunch, but we didn’t taste it. I am sure it is good! They use all local ingredients, love that!

When you walk around downtown, see how many Peanuts characters you can spot! It’s fun!

Do you have any favorite places to eat in Santa Rosa?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

pictured below: Spiced Apple & Brie from 19ten Bar & Provisions


Striped sweater and jeans

striped sweater and jeans how to style a striped sweater

wearing: silver hoop earrings / striped sweater / caramel top handle bag / holiday nail polish / black jeans / black belt / black boots /

In any given season, I have a go-to outfit. This fall season, my go-to outfit has become this striped sweater and jeans! I love how they look together, and I also love how this handbag contrasts the ensemble.

I have been wearing this outfit often, so I snapped a photo on my last trip to Valley Fair to window shop with my mom and also enjoy some delicious udon. If you are local, have you tried Marugame Udon yet? They have two locations, one in Cupertino and one in Valley Fair.

When Marugame Udon first opened at Valley Fair, the line was really long-I mean REALLY long! I knew I wanted to try the Udon, but the line seemed longer than the one at Ramen Nagi, so I kept going back to the line I knew how to navigate at Ramen Nagi. Thankfully, my mom spotted Marugame Udon and instantly suggested we go there, she was even willing to wait in line! Love!

The line moved really fast. I didn’t realize the restaurant was cafeteria style, where you are given a bowl of base udon on a tray, and you can add to it down the line. So, the line is deceiving! You don’t have to wait for a table, it is a quick line for ordering. I wish I had known that sooner! haha

We ended up eating lunch quickly, and we really enjoyed it! I had the BK Udon and I added a soft-boiled egg, tempura, and a potato vegetable croquet. Yum! I would definitely order the same combo again. My only complaint was my egg was cold, as if it just came out of the refrigerator. Other than that, the food was delicious! Again, YUM!

Shop my striped sweater outfit online:

So, if you are local, I highly recommend Marugame Udon. It is delicious!

Thanks for stopping by,

XOXO

Cathy

best udon san jose

Best Pasta in the South Bay

pictured: Fettucine Bianco from Bella Saratoga, in Saratoga, Ca. This is one of my favorite pasta dishes in the South Bay /

One of my favorite meals is a yummy plate of pasta. I love all types of pasta dishes, and you will find me ordering pasta in restaurants, as well as cooking it myself at home. Therefore, it is only natural that I have a list of the best pasta restaurants in the South Bay!

I grew up eating pasta since my ancestors came here from Italy. Fun fact, I am one hundred percent of Italian decent! So, I would like to consider myself an expert on delicious pasta and how it should be cooked, as well as the best sauces.

So, if you live near San Jose, and you love pasta, let’s talk about the best pasta! Yum!!

My favorite pasta restaurants in the South Bay, listed in alphabetical order.

  • Aldo’s Ristorante & Bar
    • 14109 Winchester Blvd., Los Gatos, CA
    • Favorites: Tortellini alla Tommaso, Rigatoni Paesani, and Tagliatelle alla Aldo. Get the cannoli!
  • Bella Saratoga
    • 14503 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA
    • Favorites: Fettucine Bianco, Bolognese, and Chicken Mushroom Linguine.
  • Florentine Trattoria
    • 14510 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA
    • Favorites: Half & Half, Ravioli, and classic Bolognese. Also, get the lemoncello dessert!
  • Italian Brothers Restaurant
    • 330 No Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA
    • Favorites: Pappardelle Salsiccia e Funghi, Rigatoni Pesto, and Rigatoni Mafiosa
  • Sorelle Italian Bistro
    • 915 San Tomas Aquino Road, Campbell, CA
    • Favorites: Sorelle Short Rib Bolognese, Linguini with grilled jumbo shrimp, Traditional meat sauce, and get the cannoli!

Do you have any favorite pasta restaurants in the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area? If so, feel free to share in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by, and eat the pasta!

XOXO

Cathy

pictured below: Half and Half from Florentine Trattoria