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| Pictures we took wandering downtown Niles. We left this sleepy town with full, happy bellies- like this cute guy on the left! |
Happy Wednesday! Sorry I'm a day late! I had surgery on my hand yesterday to release my "trigger finger". Explaining it takes a lot of effort so lets just say it means I'm too thug for life, ight?! But really- it was a minor surgery, no big deal. I'm off of work for a few days so I thought I'd bombard you guys with pictures from our weekend!
So if you guys haven't been able to tell by now...We are a family that likes to adventure! Lucas and I love exploring both locally and semi-locally. And what's a good adventure without good food?! You'll see a lot of those adventures and foodz here on the blog- I hope you'll check out some of these places for yourselves!
When you regularly dine at/shop at/buy from/attend any place that trades goods for money you are essentially voting for that place and for all of the business practices that place utilizes. You are creating demand for that supply. Supporting local businesses has become a value of ours without having to put a lot of effort into following through with it. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area is a blessing because we rarely have to think twice about the restaurants, stores, etc. we're supporting. I realize that not everyone has immediate accessibility to the array of ethically responsible businesses that we do, and I'm extremely grateful that this process has been streamlined for us. I know, I know, you get it. Okay? Okay.../endrant!
The Vine (Niles, CA)
First up: On Friday, The Pea stayed at Nana and Papa's for a little bit while Lucas and I went to a restaurant in Niles (a part of Fremont) his mom told us about called The Vine. The Vine is definitely one of the most unique restaurants I've ever eaten at. The outside is pretty unassuming, and when you look in through the windows it looks like your grandmas kitchen-but cooler. The booths are padded with kitschy fabric and it has an all around cottagey vibe. But it gets even more interesting- ask to sit on the patio and there's a whole different world out there! The patio is louder, with a bar and bar tables, and even a fire pit. The patio has a different menu- a little cheaper, more small plates, sandwiches and burgers kinda deal. They offer all kinds of local beer and wine, and super unique cocktails. Lucas and I don't drink, but if we did, we'd drink here. Lucas got the Vine burger, and I got the Pulled Pork sandwich. Both of our main plates were awesome, but our favorite things we ordered were the Tempura Fried Green Beans- deep fried green beans with a Sriracha buttermilk drizzle- and Sweet Potato Tater Tots with Candied Bacon aioli. So. Freaking. Delicious.
Coffee (All Places, Everywhere)
I drink too much coffee and overthink things on a regular basis. This has made me a coffee connoisseur- can I dub myself that? Well, I did. I went to these places randomly and too frequently over the weekend. In order from left to right: 1. Starbucks- NOT local, kinda shady actually, but I just really needed a Pumpkin Spice Latte, you know? I'm not a PSL fan generally, but their new recipe is pretty good! Also, bought this awesome $2, biodegradable cup with someone's rad art work on it so I felt like it slightly absolved my basicness for the day. 2. Sideboard (Danville, CA). This latte is made from real espresso and is not a coffee-flavored-beverage a la Starbucks. Love this place always, not only for their coffee, but also for their amazing food. Need to do a post on this place soon. Brought a book I'm reading for my Bible Study. Love soaking in wisdom in the morning! 3. Café 4 (Castro Valley, CA). Ahhh Café 4. I think this is my favorite place to get a latte (sweetened, 3 shots thanks) in the Bay Area. This place serves Verve coffee and is located in the enormously cool church lobby of 3 Crosses Church (aka Neighborhood Church). So many comfy places to sit and read, work on your laptop, etc. I've written a few blog posts here, and I often bring a book to get lost in.
I sold my soul to 900 Grayson the first time I ate here. Lucas brought me here for some post-surgery comfort food. The man knows his way to this momma's heart. This place is an all time favorite, never-going-to-give-you-up, never-gunna-let-you-down, hands down best chicken and waffles I've ever had. The chicken and waffles dish here is called the Demon Lover. And you better get it with extra gravy or we can't be friends. I was introduced to this place by some friends a few years ago and I haven't stopped going since. IT'S AN ADDICTION! And a spiritual experience. The owners Chris and Anthony Saulnier are incredibly hospitable, and I feel like somewhat of a celebrity now that they stop by and say hi to our little trio every time we go in. I'm pretty sure I blush and get nervous because they're so cool. I'm not going to say too much more, because I plan on devoting an entire post to this place soon- it's THAT good.
Last but not least- here are some photos of me and my favorite guys!
The Pea offered me some much appreciated snuggles after my surgery. This kid is not super cuddly, but I swear babies just know when you need love. Kinda like dogs.
Lucas and I took this picture while we were out in Niles, walking around before dinner. We don't take a lot of pictures together, so I was glad this one came out so good! Wouldn't want to do this deal with anyone other than my best friend.
Thanks for reading guys!
l'll be back soon with a green smoothie recipe!
XO,
Maddi & The Pea
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