I'm heading to Monterey and then, even more importantly, to Napa with my friends Gregory, Joe, and David. Though we didn't get very far out of town, the first stop on our road trip was a happy maker.
Camarillo, known for insane asylums and outlet malls, is also home to Brendan's Irish Pub. This little gem has traditional fare like Shepherd's Pie, Fish and Chips, and amazing Irish Reuben and Corned Beef Sandwiches . The onion rings are crisp, delicious, and the size of my face, and the sweet potato fries were thickly cut delights.
If I lived closer, I'd join their Whiskey Club. My understanding of it is that $99 gets you a little "whiskey passport" with about 60 different types. You get a 20% discount on your whiskey purchases there, allowing you to more easily work your way through the higher-end stuff, and invitations to quarterly whiskey pairing dinners. I THINK the first one is free, then you have to pay something for the others.
On the menu is a Whiskey Bread Pudding which I was too stuffed to eat, but look forward to trying at a future date.
We then rolled along in the traffic that lasted through Santa Barbara, and there made an important Trader Joe's stop to pick up Drambuie for the evening's Rusty Nails.
I found it hard to believe that none of my travel buddies had ever stopped at The Madonna Inn, so insisted that everybody use the bathroom there, as it is the best bathroom stop in the world. It may also be the only place on the planet that has a better mens room than ladies room. I'd love your comments if I'm wrong about that.
After immersing ourselves in its fancy pinkness-which is kicked up a few notches by the holiday decor-we headed into town for a small supper of mediterranean food at Jaffa Cafe. The pita bread was warm and fluffy and quite good, but overall it was meh. Don't get the falafel.
It was after dinner that I discovered, much to my chagrin, that I am not the new MegaMillions winner. My dreams of staying in the Madonna Suite have been dashed.
Finally, we made it to my friends' place. Rusty Nails and good cheer all around, followed by sleep at long last.
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