Anniversary Weekend Recap

BJ and I celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary this weekend, but before I forget, I want to congratulate the winner of the $50 Safeway gift card giveaway. BJ punched in the entries via Random.org and the winner is #13... Deanna G. from Oregon!

I can't believe 7 years has passed by so quickly since we eloped on the beach with our friend, my brother, and a lifeguard, serving as the officiant, and witnesses, respectively. To celebrate, we headed south to Carmel-by-the Sea for a day trip to watch the huge waves at Point Lobos National Reserve and stroll around the bohemian, artsy village of downtown Carmel.

Dowtown Carmel is a bustling with many unique restaurants but we went to our favorite place for Italian -Piatti Ristorante & Bar.

We're huge fans of this regional chain that specializes in delicious, rustic Italian cuisine and are frequent visitors of Piatti in Montecito, Mill Valley and Santa Clara. The Italian menu is similar at all the restaurants but each location has their own unique twist to the dishes as well, with emphasis on local and fresh ingredients. At all locations, you will find their warm, crusty bread and a spicy olive oil and balsamic vinegar sauce.  The spicy vinegar is so memorable, I'm going to try to make this at home more often.

Starters - roasted beet and shaved fennel arugula salad and shrimp wrapped in prosciutto with white beans. 

My main dish - Tagliolini Pasta with garlic, portobello mushrooms, chilies, arugula, and pecorino cheese. I am especially fond of pasta dishes where you can still taste the pasta without it being drowned by heavy sauces, creams or tomatoes.

BJ's pappardelle includes saffron pasta ribbons and shrimp.

I am so happy with my mushrooms, I can't contain myself.

Drinks are in order - hefeweizen on tap and a glass of prosecco.

After our heavy lunch, we chilling out with some driftwood and amazing views at Point Lobos Park, known as the "Greatest Meeting of Land and Water in the World."

Spectacular!