Artoria’s Lunch Date

 

I was unable to meet up with The Muse today, and from what I gather from her texts things may have gone sideways for her in regards to her work. I can’t go into details, but I’ll give her a call later tonight to see how she’s doing and offer whatever help or support I can, assuming she’ll be in the mood to talk.

Today was the perfect time to take Artoria out for the same “date” I had with Miku on Saturday. In the above picture she’s at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park just before we handled a series of switchback curves at speeds that I’d rather not admit to. Let’s just say Artoria is just as nimble as Miku despite her slightly larger size.

On this trip I was able to find that one place on the northern end of Lake Cuyamaca to take a picture without getting a ticket from the Highway Patrol. Well, I didn’t see any patrol cars out and about on Highway 79 so that might be why…

I drove through Julian and stopped at Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel, a zero turn signal town whose population rivals an Oakland A’s home game or some of Trump’s October rallies. Next door is Don’s Market, a place that I keep meaning to visit but haven’t yet. I love how this building and others in the general area have that country feel you can’t find within San Diego’s city limits. 

This is the bakery’s interior, and in the background is where all of the bagged goodness is for purchase. On the right are pastries that are a hazard to both your wallet and your waist line, meaning you can never have just one if you eat them. Trust me. Resistance is futile.

Dudley’s has a ton of sandwiches, coffee and tea flavors to choose from on their bistro menu, and I decided to try a classic tuna sandwich with some barbecue chips and a chai latte. The total bill was $20 but good God I felt like I gorged at a Thanksgiving dinner. Everything was quite tasty, too.

No visit to Dudley’s is complete without bringing some of the product home. In addition to a loaf of asiago olive bread that smells as good as it looks, I bought two bottles of wine. Emerald Creek Winery is located in nearby Warner Springs, and Tres Llaves Winery is local to Santa Ysabel. 

I have no idea how the muscat canelli ($35) or the syrah rose ($22) taste, but that’s the thing I love about one of my favorite hobbies. Sometimes you’ll discover a new, lesser known favorite off the beaten path rather than on the shelf at your local shop. The muscat canelli is likely best with blue cheese or spicy foods, while the syrah rose goes well with anything grilled.

I hope Bert, The Muse, or both help me taste them this holiday season. Sharing is caring, right?