Russian Beer

Original post on my Eurotrip Photoblog

In St. Petersburg, I had issues ordering vodka.

At a cafe near my hotel, I told the server I wanted to sample their vodka. She looked horrified and said she didn’t understand English. I thought this was odd since we managed to go through my orders for an appetizer, dinner entree and a cocktail.

“So sorry,” she said, refusing to offer any selections on what some people call Russia’s national drink. I gave up and asked for the bill.

Moon over St. Petersburg
Continue reading “Russian Beer”

Hopeful on Hops

A few weekends ago – we had a preview of Summertime in the Bay Area. As we waited for the meat on the grill, I sipped on vodka cocktails under sunny skies in Oakland – meeting new friends at a birthday BBQ at Scott’s house.

We got the pickled string beans for our New Year’s Day Bloody Mary’s from Scott’s garden. On this weekend, he introduced us to his new garden project – growing hops.

Beer from scratch

He ordered the seedlings online. He prepped the area near what looked like a flag pole, giving them plenty of space for the vines to climb when they start rocking.
Growing Hops

I’m looking forward to the hoppy harvest. I can’t wait to see/smell/taste the beer from this urban garden.
Hoppy Goodness!

We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying yummy tacos, BBQ chicken and good conversation.
Tacos

Where Aggies Eat

Our home away from home: Davis. When we want good food, tasty drinks and a refreshing atmosphere, we got to this college town.

Delta of Venus
A few weekends ago, we enjoyed happy hour beer and hummus at the Delta of Venus.

Sushi in Davis
I also enjoyed all the fresh fish at Mikuni’s in Davis. This is part of a big chain with other locations in Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.

Taro's in Davis
The lunch specials on sushi rolls are huge!