The Misty Mountain Hop

 
Due to inclement weather and family issues, there was no "Scenic Route" to Dudley's today. There was a chance of rain in the forecast, plus I received word during my weight training workout that my brother had been hospitalized. That plot twist was both troubling and maddening, and yet I'm not at liberty to explain why on this blog. Some things are better left unsaid.

Highway 78 demands your respect, especially where it winds through the rural regions of Southern California. There's no shortage of cruciform shapes lining both sides of the road along its trickiest turns. They're cruel reminders that even in the best of conditions all it takes is one little mistake and you'll add yourself to the toll of one of the most dangerous roads in California. Add the occasional raindrop or three pattering on your windshield to the mix and it's only natural to slow down and take your time, as I did with Artoria on my way up there.

I would've loved to have taken more exterior pictures of the cows in that pasture upon my arrival. Artoria's temperature gauge read 43 degrees, and with 15 to 20 mph winds blowing from the west it felt colder than that with every passing second outside of her.

Why don't we step inside the bakery where it's warmer?

I'm mostly a creature of habit. The "Dirty" mesquite barbecue chips and a chai latte are my appetizer while I wait for my sandwich to be made. I rarely bring chips home from Vons or Sprouts, so this qualifies as an indulgence.

I usually order the tuna sandwich, but today I felt adventurous.

I went for the Baja Grilled Cheese Sandwich on a whim. Between the bread and the cheese blends, there was an abundance of crispy, gooey hotness for my palette. I loved it, but it's not something I'd recommend if you're having bloodwork done for your annual physical anytime soon.

This lunch was about $20 and well worth it.

This garlic sourdough is an epicurean seduction. Its fragrance is no different than a woodsy cologne. It grabs your attention. No, it demands it. Then get the best of both worlds with the slightly crunchy crust and pillow soft crumb. It begs for a toaster, so I feel ashamed I don't have the counter space for one.

The wine on the left is Emerald Creek's I'm A Charmer 2020 ($22), which I sampled at the beginning of the year. I've added it to the small collection of wines I'll share with friends, but not with Spo. I've got a special Callaway blend that I can't wait for him and anyone else there to try in a couple of weeks.

The wine on the right is Tres Llaves Winery 2021 Red Wine Blend ($27), which I'll sample in the coming weeks with steak and uncured meats.

Today I broke character and shopped small. While the peppermints are "fabrique au Canada" and the almond butter is from Chino, the honey and garlic olive oil come from local businesses. The mug is made in China, but I love the idea of giving the bakery free advertising at Le Crash Pad. I made it home without incident, but bands of rain followed by a flash flood warning will commence soon.

And yet, I still have an open spot on one of my wine racks...