Before moving to Iowa two years ago, I couldn’t remember the last time I was on a plane.  In that very short time, I’ve done more air travel (and land travel, for that matter) than I have in the last decade combined.  It occurred to me when I mentioned to my sister the other day that all I needed to do to get on a plane was move away from home.  It seems like the last two summers have been jam packed with travel and it’s usually around July or August.  I make my 2^ndAnnual Summer Pilgrimage home in about two weeks and I’ve already begun making requests for my mom’s home cooking.

I can’t wait to see this little face:

Avery-bear

I just got back from a whirlwind trip to San Francisco for work.  I got to spend some time with my amazingly awesome friend Jen (who I haven’t seen in something like 10 years!!) and she gave me a great tour of her city.  San Francisco is one of the places that I’ve dreamed of visiting since I started taking this foodie thing seriously.  They have it all: breweries, ethnic food, wineries, TARTINE and pretty much everything else a gastronomique could want.  I may have made up that word just now.

Here are a few shots from my short (but sweet) trip.

First stop: Tartine

Shotwell’s for some local Drake’s Chili Smoked Porter. This beer is amazing. A-mazing.

Bi-Rite Grocery – it’s where they keep all the ice cream in San Francisco.

The Ferry Building. This is where they keep all the fancy food in San Francisco. Also, I want to live in it.

Cellarmaker. The new brewery my cool friend Jen took me to.

No words.

Oh, hai Alcatraz.

Ohio.  I’ll be seeing you soon.