Embassy Suites Mandalay Bay

In Oxnard, we stayed at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Bay. It sits right on the ocean.

The resort had a large pool and 2 hot tubs.

There was a complimentary buffet breakfast with eggs made to order. Breakfast was served from 6:30-10:00 am. In the evening, there was a Happy Hour from 5:30-7:30 pm. You could get alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks, chips & salsa, vegetables & Ranch dressing and cracker mix.

Each room was a 2-room suite with 2 bathrooms. The toiletries offered--soap, face soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion. No shower cap, q-tip or razor.

2015 08 07

Moqueca

My favorite lunch place in Oxnard is Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine. They have lunch specials Tue-Fri from 11:30 am-2:30 pm and on Saturdays from 12:00-3:00 pm. It's located at 3550 Harbor Blvd, Suite 201.

Eggplant Dip--$3. The eggplant dip was vinegary and delicious. Last year I thought the bread was too hard but I actually liked it this time. The bread was toasted and absorbed the juice from the eggplant dip. 

Seafood Moquequinha--$12.95. Clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp and octopus cooked in a clay pot with onions, tomatoes, olive oil, cilantro, urucum essence and coconut milk served with a side of white rice. This was a large serving and actually fed 2 of us. I did order extra rice for $2. This had such a wonderful flavor with the cilantro.

2015 08 07

Mrs. Olson's Coffee Hut, Oxnard

A popular breakfast place in Oxnard is Mrs. Olson's Coffee Hut. It's located at 117 Los Altos Street.

Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs, served with Potatoes and Biscuits & Gravy--$12.95. It was a huge portion. The gravy had sausage in it and was tasty.

2015 08 07

El Dorado Mexican Restaurant, Oxnard

In Oxnard, we wanted to eat at Sabor but when we arrived at 7:45 pm on a Thursday night, it was already closed. El Dorado Mexican Restaurant was nearby and still open.

Chile Verde served with Rice & Beans (I asked for double rice, no beans)--$11.50. The chile verde was tasty, not too spicy but it was a tiny portion. The rice was fluffy and well cooked.

2015 08 06

Splash, San Luis Obispo

My husband's family had a reunion in Oxnard. En route, we stopped in San Luis Obispo. I love the clam chowder at Splash.

Pint of clam chowder--$6.50. I love how thick and creamy it is. It has onions, celery and clams but not much more in it.

Fish & Chips--$7.95. The fish were thick chunks, breaded and deep fried. The fries were limp and greasy.

2015 08 06

Rachel Dunn Chocolate Workshop, Concord

My sister found this chocolate workshop on Travelzoo. It was a 1 1/2 hour workshop at Rachel Dunn Chocolates for $29/person.

There were 50 people in the class. We were brought to the production warehouse after we donned our aprons, washed our hands and put on hair caps. We were not allowed to take pictures during the workshop but essentially we were taught how to make chocolates and decorate them. The instructor is one of the 2 owners, either Rachel or her husband Mike. We were allowed to take our products home--chocolate covered strawberries, peanut butter cup, truffles, toffee, peppermint patties and sea salt caramel chocolates. Yes, we made all of these chocolates in our workshop! We were also allowed to taste to our heart's content in the retail store after the class. It was an informative and fun couple of hours--well worth the $29.

2015 08 01

Ice Monster, Walnut Creek

After lunch, we had some time to kill before our chocolate workshop (see post tomorrow). I found Ice Monster just a 10-minute drive from Pare Grill. Ice Monster is located at 2230 Oak Grove Road in Walnut Creek. They serve my favorite dessert--shaved snow!

Kid size Mango Snow Ice with Mango Jelly, Condensed Milk & Mochi Balls. The kid size portion was just the right size for 2 of us after lunch. $4.50.

2015 08 01