Pine Cone Diner, Point Reyes Station, California
After our walk along the Limantour Trail, we were ready for breakfast. I had noticed that the Olema Farm House Restaurant at the junction of Sir Francis Drake Blvd and Highway 1 in Olema had a sign saying ‘Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner’ so we decided to try it out. We were out of luck though as the restaurant wasn’t open. We inquired at the Deli next door where we could get breakfast and were told that we could get an breakfast egg muffin there. We decided against that as we wanted something more substantial so drove back into Point Reyes. (Click on the photo for a larger version)
We normally eat at the Station House Cafe in the heart of Point Reyes Station on Highway 1 but today we drove around town to see if there was anywhere else. On a side street we discovered the Pine Cone Diner and decided to give it a try.
It’s a cute place and obviously been here for some time and is not very big. There are just five four seater booths and a couple of tables – one for six and one for two. There are 8 round stools up at the counter. There is also some seating outside. The tables and chairs were the old fashioned chrome type with yellow tops and upholstery.
Our server was not very welcoming at all, which was a pity. I expected a real friendly welcome so was disappointed. Service is neither slick or fast.
Tom ordered the Chorizo Scramble $9.75 and I ordered the oatmeal (made from Red Mill Oats) with bananas, walnut and raisins for $6.95 plus a side of toast for $2.00.
The decoration is quite charming. At the windows were bright and colorful curtains, which, on close inspection, depicted maps of all 50 states showing their main attractions and landmarks. One wall is devoted to a mixed collection of plates of all sizes, shapes and colors. Over the counter is a shelf displaying decorated glasses and a cut out frieze of farm and household animals. Also on the walls is a varied collection of paintings, prints, a map, awards and newspaper cuttings. The pine cone theme is echoed in a couple of tin trays, half a dozen containers and also hand painted onto the pelmets over the windows. Fresh flowers were on the tables but had obviously been there for a few days. All the decorative objects look genuine as if placed there by a caring family and not obtained by a corporation.
The food was good. My oatmeal came in a deep round bowl on a non matching plate. The walnuts (small and crumbly), brown sugar and golden raisins were served on the side. The milk was in a small, blue ceramic jug. Tom’s Chorizo Scramble was tasty and had beans in it.
The restroom was clean and cutesey. No complaints there.
We would go there again for the food and the cuteness of the place but the service leaves a lot to be desired.
April 27 2009 | Breakfast Log | 4 Comments »
View of lower part of Tamales Bay
We had a nice early start with a stop at Peet’s on Geary in the city for our wake-up beverage. North of the Golden Gate Bridge, we took Sir Francis Drake Blvd towards Point Reyes. The views after driving through Fairfax were really pretty, especially with the sun just starting to lighten the sky. Along the sides of the road wildflowers were beginning to appear. The hills are still winter green and everything looks fresh.
(Click on the images for larger versions)
Just before San Geronimo, I noticed some hand painted signs on my left. Some were advertising a country dance, which was held last night. One said ‘Fiddle music makes you smile’. How charming. There were other signs inter mingled with those and I got the message that someone is not too happy about a tank tearing up the ridge. The last one said ‘Thanks, but not no tank’. Hey, this is Marin County so it goes with the territory.
At Olema, we turned right on Highway 1 and then left onto Bear Creek Road. We drove past the Visitors Center and then turned left again onto Limantour Road. Neither Tom nor I have been here before, so this will be a new experience for us.
There is nobody else around at all. We have the road to ourselves. And what a drive. Quail were abundant and darted across the road, with their necks outstretched and their fussy little steps. We stop at a lay-by with a view down to the south end of Tomales Bay.
We passed Sky Trailhead and there were some cars already parked. A little further on we had a spectacular view to the south. On the ridge we
Margaret writing. We were the only folks there.
could see some of the damage caused by the Inverness Ridge Fire 14 years ago but the forest is regenerating. Next we caught sight of Drakes Bay to the north.
The road dead ends in a large car park. There was just one other car there. As we got out of the car, we felt the bite of the wind but we had come prepared with our fleeces.
At the start of the trail, there is a noticeboard with information about the Coastal Watershed Restoration Project. Before the Point Reyes National Seashore was established. Limantour beach was privately owned and there were 20 homes there. Now it is being restored to its natural estuarine habitat and endangered species, like the California red legged frog, will be protected.
We follow the trail towards the beach, walking over a fairly new bridge. The trail then bears right but we decided to investigate the beach before heading down the trail. The path was sandy and crested a low rise range of sand dunes and then we were on the beach. And what a splendid beach – long, sandy and clean. The wind was a little fresh but the sun was shining. We were the only people on the beach and the only footsteps were ours. It was so peaceful to sit on a convenient driftwood log and write, with the soothing sounds of the gentle breaking surf.
Limantour Beach and the cliffs that reminded Sir Francis Drake of the White Cliffs of Dover.
Away to our right the pseudo white cliffs of Dover marched towards the lighthouse, which we couldn’t see because it was around the corner. No wonder Sir Francis Drake was reminded of England when he saw the cliffs. This is definitely the place to bring the kids but, be warned, there are no fast food restaurants or ice cream stands for miles and miles.
Back on the trail, we were on the look out for wildflower but we were almost out of luck. There were some wild iris’s but they were past their best and the lupine bushes were on the verge of blooming.
The trail is along the Limantour Spit. To the right is a marsh with a host of sea and shore birds. To our left are the dunes. The ocean can also be seen but not the beach.
A hawk suddenly flew over my head but I did not have time to identify it through my binoculars before it dipped out of view again. Tom was not able to get a shot of it either.
The trail became narrow and the marsh grass was partially covering the path. The fresh wind whipped the grass against my legs. I could feel the
The Marsh Hawk we saw several times that day
sting of it through my my thin pants. I thought it was just me but Tom commented on it too.
The trail peters out though I am sure it is possible to get right to the end. We did detour down towards the marsh on what I think was an unofficial rail but did not venture too far in case it became boggy.
We turned to go back and gloried in the absolute solitude of the place. Far from the sound of traffic with not even the vapor trail of a passing aircraft to mar the blue sky. Then we spotted the hawk again and Tom took some photos – hope they come out OK. I identified it as a Marsh Hawk.
After our bracing walk and all that fresh air, we were ready for breakfast.
April 07 2009 | Special Places | 2 Comments »
Stacks Restaurant in Redwood City, California
Today we had set off to drive to Bolinas, but round about Palo Alto it started to drizzle. By the time we were approaching Highway 92, it was raining so we abandoned our plan. We found ourselves on Highway 82 – El Camino Real and stopped at Pete’s in Belmont for a coffee. After spending half an hour reading the paper and drinking coffee – hot chocolate for me – we then drove to Redwood City.
Stacks is a chain and we have been to Stacks in Menlo Park and Campbell. It is always interesting to see what things are the same and what is different from branch to branch. It was easy to spot as the Stacks sign could be see on the green awning some way away. As it were early, we parked on El Camino but they do have their own parking lot which they share with the Best Western Hotel.
Inside we were greeted and straight away taken to a large booth next to a window. The view of El Camino was not all that exciting though. The menu looks exactly like the one in Campbell. Last time I had the oatmeal so this time I tried something different – fruit, yogurt and granola served with a dry bagel $6.95. Tom ordered a short stack of buttermilk pancakes $5.25 with a side of sausage $4.65. They do oatmeal but to me the price was too steep.
This branch of Stacks is large, with lots of booths. There are a few tables with Formica tops and chrome chairs and ten chairs up at a low counter. There is only one photo on the wall and that is just inside the door. It is of a dog and the caption underneath says ‘Our Founder’. There are floral arrangements of various kinds, very attractively displayed on the wall. There were a couple of vases near with with cherry blossom in one and some other kind of blossom in another. On a half partition there was a row of small, round bay trees in pots. This theme was repeated on every table as they all had a dwarf potted bay tree. I may add that all these arrangements were artificial.
Now to the food. My bowl looked very pretty. Fruit was at the bottom, strawberry yogurt on top and granola sprinkled on the very top. Slices of strawberries were poking up round the bowl, making it look like a crown. The dry bagel was on the side. Tom was going for the large stack (3 large pancakes) to begin with but opted in the end for the short stack. Just as well, because they were very big. Extra points for the warm maple syrup.
I enjoyed the fruit, yogurt and granola but not so keen on the dry bagel. Should have asked for some butter or jam to make it more palatable. Tom’s verdict on the pancakes – good.
As for the restroom, it was more than adequate. The sinks were large and square and the surround was granite. On the counter stood a big vase of fresh flowers. The water took a long time to get hot. There was a large disabled stall with baby changing facilities inside. I liked the trash container – a large, rectangular wicker basket. Two interesting things I noticed to assist the disabled. One of the paper dispensers was set lower and, on the door, were two handles – one at normal level and one beneath it.
Would probaly come here again but the one in Campbell is nearer.
April 03 2009 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
