Summer Date at the County Fair

Tigran and I made a trip out to Pleasanton during 4th of July weekend for a Saturdate of carnival foods and games. After all these foggy days in the city, I finally was able to throw on some summer clothes before we headed out to the hotter side of the Bay Area.

Growing up, it was normal for me to visit the Contra Costa County Fair each summer, held in my hometown of Antioch. It was fun, but didn't consider it too large in size. Of all the county fairs in the Bay Area, the Alameda County Fair has always been one I've heard is worth attending, and I got to experience this one for my first time with Tigran.

carnival food 

By the time we got there, we were starving holding out for carnival food. The food is half the reason worth going! We were too quick to the bite to get many foodie pictures. As usual, Tigran's craving lead him to order a bacon cheeseburger with a giant side of curly fries. Literally, the fries were almost the size of my face. The burger could have easily been the side.

For me, I went with favorite, good ol' American barbecue. They had one barn-looking booth named "Big Bubba's Barbeque". You could see their oversized smoker cooking from a distance, and from that came a pulled pork sandwich that was beyond words. Give. me. more. 

Thirst Quenchers

Throughout the fair, there were a few breweries or booths with beers on tap. Coincidentally, on the day we attended, it was the 'Red, White and Brew' fest. It was really hot in the Dublin area, so they sure cooled him off.

Seriously, my heat tolerance is so low after getting used to San Francisco weather!

For me, I'm a whiskey girl. Luckily, I found a booth that served spiked slushie cocktails. I went with the Jack Daniel's honey punch and it was the best thing I had that day. 

Attractions and entertainment

We wandered around the fairgrounds without a plan in mind, and found ourselves inside the animal area, and found this little fella in the chicken hatchery. We didn't bring it home, nor any other animals, but they were adorable to look at!

Right next to the carnival area, there was a demolition derby happening and we were able to catch a bit of the show. 

I got a kick out of all the feet massage chairs that were placed around the fairgrounds. I ended up sitting in one just for the sake of waiting for Tigran when he made a quick stop.

I couldn't help but laugh seeing them around. Vibrating feet chairs looked a little like those weight-loss gimmicks in the malls. My curiosity got the best of me... I stuck a quarter in it, and my feet actually felt revived. If you see these at a fair this summer, they are worth the twenty five cents spent.

Step right up!

The Alameda County Fair rides were impressive. They were large in size and there were so many of them, and this was separate from the large kid carnival area they had. The bright carnival colors, large stuffed prizes and carnival game melody rang in every direction. For a San Francitizen, for once it really felt like Summer.

I promise he's happier than he looks! :)

Family Gathering Friendly

Something we noticed at the Alameda County Fair was how many families used the annual event as a larger family reunion gathering. Large groups came equipped with wagons full of food, easy-up tents, and chairs, and took turns looking over the spot throughout the day, while others ventured to attractions. I never thought about setting up a picnic in the middle of the fairgrounds, but it's actually a popular idea. Next year, we'll keep that mind and make a day-long thing!

After a fun date and tired feet, the sun began to go down, and we called it a day. This Saturdate was a success to say the least, and one thing checked off the summer bucket list.

Disneyland Daze

June was such a whirlwind

...and I'm thankful for such a spontaneous trip to close out the first month of Summer. If there's one thing college has given me, it was the friendships I made through those years, and this trip was all about celebration and reunions

Though my college days are long gone, becoming a sister of Phi Gamma Chi  has welcomed me into a sisterhood that never fades; no matter how often we see one another, or how far we live in distance.

Arika and Alisa's Graduation Party

My big sister Jessica and I drove from the Bay Area to Southern California to visit my little sister, Arika, and her biological twin sister, Alisa, for their college graduation party at their home. 

Alisa (left) and Arika (right), Class of 2016 graduates! Congratulations to these beautiful twins!

We got settled in after our 5 hour road trip, and joined Arika and her family for the gathering in their beautiful backyard. Tacos and quesadillas are only a few of the mouth-watering foods we ate this weekend and each bite was thrown back with mojitos that were both strong and refreshing. Her aunt makes the BEST mojitos!

As if we didn't eat plenty enough, in food coma and all, we couldn't resist the huge slices of the creamy coconut cake at the end of the night. 

Another sister who lives in the area, Alison, joined us. Together we all played with plenty of graduation themed photo booth props, took many instax pictures, and had a good chance to catch up on each other's lives.

Arika and her family made Jessica and I feel so at home instantly. I'll always remember how comfortable it felt, how warm the weather was that evening, and the summer ambiance set by floating candles in the pool.

Disneyland

Bright and early on Sunday morning, we woke up, got ready, threw on the sparkly mouse ears, and ventured out to Disneyland. We met up with another sister, Christine, whom we haven't seen in years, and spent the day together at the happiest place on Earth. 

I bought my very first Disney pin! I don't think I'll be an avid collector since I don't visit very often, but I couldn't pass up the grape soda badge from 'Up'. 

Our family with BB8 cups filled with frozen lemonade

California Adventure

We hopped over to Disney California Adventure, since I had yet to see Car's Land. It was like stepping right into the movie! All the things I remembered about Radiator Springs was right there in front of me. We also attempted to catch the new Frozen show, but had to hold off until next time.

We wandered deeper through the park, and came across an area that didn't catch my eye before. I never anticipated to begin my National Park Service career until a few years ago, so when we came across the national park inspired attractions, it had a whole new meaning to me. My inner park ranger was thrilled that Disney had celebrated one of my favorite parts of my home state...it's beautiful nature!

This quote is one I have tattooed on me, so when I found it in the park, I jumped on the bench and took a picture with it. Not pictured is the guy sitting on the bench right next to me, lol.

National Park Service inspired signs at Disney California Adventure. So cute, I died a little inside.

We couldn't leave without stocking up on those infamous Disney themed sweet treats before hitting the road. Between the three of us, we grabbed cookies, caramel apples, cake pops and a few other desserts mostly decked out in the shape of Mickey's head.

We dropped off Arika, said our goodbyes, and Jessica and I headed back home to the Bay Area. Surpringly, we made it back to work first thing on Monday morning. 

Through the years, Arika and Jessica have showed me hearts of gold. Both resilient in their own ways, they always remind me to keep pushing forward when the going gets tough. 

I don't know what I did to be lucky enough to have Jessica and Arika in my sorority family line. Even though we don't see each other often, as soon as we reunite, it's like time never passed. I'm so thankful for them and this special weekend we spent together.

The Must-Have Happy Hour at Picaro Restaurant

Reaching my mid-twenties, I've become so appreciative of both a good meal, and genuine friendships I've maintained over the years. With a majority of my friends well into their careers, making time for one another to share a good meal together after a long day at work is something I cherish a lot. 

Earlier this week, not only did I get to reunite with Anjuli for a belated-birthday dinner and catch-up, but she also introduced me to Picaro, right on 16th and Valencia. Someone please tell me, why haven't I been to this place sooner?

It's good to note: I was so caught up in enjoying conversation, and I didn't really capture the whole food experience in it's essence. *insert whiny face emoji here*  I did still capture some photos that I'm sure will make you crave this place for your next happy hour.

The Thirst

First off, we need to mention why this place is perfect for an after-work dinner with anyone. Daily Happy Hour from noon-7:00pm. Carafes of Sangria go for $10, and for one glass it's only $2. On Fridays and Saturdays this deal is also offered from 10:00pm to closing. That should already be enough to convince you.

TAPAS

Every table receives complimentary bread paired with their salsa brava sauce. Try not to fill yourself up on the bread before the meal! It's hard to resist.

We picked three plates: Esparragos a la Plancha (Grilled asparagus), Tortilla de Patata (Potato and onion omelet) and Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp). By we, I mean Anjuli picking her favorites since she is a Picaro veteran and has impeccable taste in good food.

Just a few of our delicious picks on the table, featuring the grilled asparagus and salsa brava that didn't make it into pictures of their own.

Tortilla de Patata (Potato and onion omelet). This is one the most popular plates and I can taste why!

Nostalgic note: when I was young, my grandma used to make me potato omelets and this dish reminded me so much of that. 

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) the shrimp, and the buttery sauce it's smothered in really speaks for itself.

Paella for Two, Please!

The paella plates are meant for at least two people, and being plenty for two people, it included leftovers for the both of us! They are $30, and take about a half hour to be prepared... worth the wait though.

We chose to get the lobster paella, and my mouth is watering thinking about how good it was. We squeezed the lemon wedges all over the plate, and that pretty much did it for me. I was a done deal, and I've been craving it since we went on Tuesday!

Paella de Longosta (Lobster paella) up close and personal... in all it's glory.

Between the easy accessible location, the affordable sangria, the taste of the tapas, and the paella portions, this place is an easy suggestion you can be confident when suggesting where you should eat in the Mission.