Italian Baking Secrets is on sale for $1.99 on Kindle today reposted by Ruth Paget

Italian Baking Secrets by Father Giuseppe Orsini is on sale on Kindle today (March 25, 2026) for $1.99 - 362 pages long.

I just bought this for its anthropological value and flavor secondarily.  :) - MS-DOS emoji.

There are historical details in this book as well.  Italian sweets are often linked to rites of passage, so this does look like a good read for Italian culture lovers.

Details about the book follow:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FIL9B9W?_bbid=329559119&tag=bookbubemail1-20

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vienna coffee shames and Camembert Cheese games

UChicago Receives $50 Million Gift to Restore Historic Campus Building

The University of Chicago received a $50 Million Gift to Restore Ida Noyes Hall from Board of Trustees ChairmanDavid M. Rubenstein.

Details about the gift to update Ida Noyes Hall follow:

 https://news.uchicago.edu/story/50-million-gift-revitalize-historic-ida-noyes-hall-space-students-visitors?utm_medium=03.24email&utm_source=UChicagoNews&mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGgv85EecShwczKYTLJ-4XqZii3nU3jR_W1EVL4GnH5ThYaHaE9XwWB4tZGpOQeIj38i8gExmZ5miNGFA0rweYsgddFurmf2Z4KE82a4k3VODovnYg

Personal Note: I was a student office assistant in the Student Activities Office located in Ida Noyes Hall and helped inventory the University’s collection of Marc Chagall paintings that students can take out on loan.  I also helped organize campus concerts in this building where the Major Activities Board had an office in the 1980s.  Lots of good memories here!

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Mediterranean Diet Outline by Mayo Clinic reposted by Ruth Paget

Mediterranean Diet Outline by Mayo Clinic reposted by Ruth Paget

The following outline of the Mediterranean Diet by the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota describes a meal plan that 

-is delicious

-good for you

-easy to follow in Salinas, California

-good for the economy of the Monterey County region

Mediterranean Diet Outline

I continue to follow the Mediterranean Diet for all the reasons above.

I began eating Greek and Middle Eastern food in Detroit, Michigan where I grew up.  I began eating French Mediterranean food when I lived in Paris.  When I lived in Wisconsin and Virginia. I began preparing Spanish food, which was very fashionable in the 1990s due to the Olympics held in Barcelona. When I moved to California, I added Italian cooking to my repertoire and regularly order from Gino’s in my neighborhood in Salinas.

I can say with 100% accuracy that eating this way has made me a happy middle aged blogger and writer.

Living in Salinas, California  makes it easy to maintain this dietary lifestyle at home and in restaurants too.

Regional tourists can surely find restaurants and fresh produce at markets for an agritourism mini vacation in California focused on Mediterranean food.

Note:  Rsteban Restaurant at the historic Casa Munras in downtown Monterey serves Spanish food and serves tapas on the patio and Nick the Greek just opened up.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Ancient Western Civilixation Games Background by Ruth Paget

Ancient Western Civilization Games Background by Ruth Paget

Ruth Paget has collected her blogs about Egypt, Greece, and Italy as a background for her ancient Western civilization games.

These blogs follow and contain several ideas for learning about Egypt, Greece,and Italy in Salinas, California.

*Egypt

-Visiting the Papyrus Museum in Syracuse on the Island of Sicily in Italy

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2014/11/papyrus-museum-syracuse-italy.html?m=1

-Visiting the Egyptian Museum in San Jose, California

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/egyptian-museum-san-jose-california.html?m=

*Greece

-Enjoying Feta Omelets

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/01/feta-omelets-at-agora-restaurant-by.html?m=1

-Visiting Knossos on the island of Crete in Greece

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/09/knossos-greece-island-of-crete-visiting.html?m=1

-Visiting Chania and Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete in Greece

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/09/chania-and-samaria-gorge-visiting-world.html?m=1

-Greek Grape Leaf Recipes

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/greek-grape-leaf-recipes-reposted-by.html?m=

-Visiting Athens - the Plaka and Parthenon

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/greek-grape-leaf-recipes-reposted-by.html?m=1

-MENSA Greek Myth Activities

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/06/mensa-book-review-writing-for-kids.html?m=1

-Having Fun at Greek Home Parties

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2012/03/honorary-maid-of-athena.html?m=1

-Introducing Greek Culture to Florence Paget

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/01/savvy-mom-ruth-paget-takes-juilliard_22.html?m=1

-Preparing Greek Food at Home

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/06/greek-meal-preparation-with-juilliard.html?m=1

-Driving Crete

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/09/driving-around-crete-exploring-greeces.html?m=1

-Greek Festival - 1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2019/05/greek-festival-pointers-from-monterey.html?m=1

-Greek Festival - 2

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2019/05/greek-festival-pointers-part-2-by-savvy.html?m=1

*Italy

-Verona and Its Roman Arena

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2012/09/veneto-italy-verona.html?m=1

-Fiesole

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/07/touring-hilly-fiesole-outside-florence.html?m=1

-Taormina

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2014/11/sicilian-car-stories.html?m=1

-Vicenza - Eating a Venetian Lunch

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2012/09/veneto-italy-vicenza-2.html?m=1

-Eating an Ancient Roman Meal

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/ancient-roman-dining.html?m=1

For reference on the ancient Western Civilization Games, click the link below:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/ancient-western-civilization-games.html?m=1

Note: For Greek meals for take-out, Woody’s at the Airport serves Greek salads and Nick the Greek in Monterey is now open for business.

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup from Saigon Noodle in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup with Jalapeños (optional) from Saigon Noodle in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

I view the chicken with rice noodle soup at Saigon Noodle in Salinas, California as a tonic recharge when I eat it mid-week, especially if I add in sliced, fresh jalapeño peppers that come with the dish one the side as an add-in item. 

The defatted, chicken bone broth comes in a quart-size container while the cool rice noodles and pulled chicken breast come in a large delivery bowl. The rice noodles take up 2/3 of the delivery bowl while the chicken breast takes up 1/3 of the delivery bowl. Optional add-ins come in a separate bag. 

The add-in items I use include: 

-lemon quarters to squeeze lemon juice into the soup 

-Thai basil leaves that are still attached to stems. I remove the leaves and tear them in half so their oil will come out and place them in the soup. Thai basil has a lemon-pepper flavor unlike its Italian basil cousin that has a savory not tangy flavor. 

-sliced, fresh jalapeño peppers. I eat these with mouthfuls of rice noodles and chicken breast to cut down on the stinging, heat. 

Other items that come in the add-in bag that other family members eat include: 

-sriracha sauce 

-soy sauce 

-fresh bean sprouts 

-sometimes Sichuan pepper corn oil with pepper corns still in the sauce (You might have to order this separate.) 

I prefer eating chicken thigh meat, but I recognize that white breast meat has two important nutrients with less fat that I should eat: protein and selenium. Selenium promotes thyroid wellness. (See the following selenium guide from the National Institutes of Health for further information: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/)

Fresh jalapeño peppers have a citrus flavor and a pleasant crunch when you get past the heat. Their nutritional value is high in Vitamin C and capasaicin. These nutrients promote immunity. (See the following website for information: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-jalapenos)

If you are not allergic to chile peppers, the Vietnamese chicken noodle soup with added jalapeños is very healthy. It is simply seasoned with salt and white pepper and delicious. 

I predict that Vietnamese chicken noodle soup is going to become as popular as pizza and tacos on American dining room tables thanks to restaurants like Saigon Noodle in Salinas, California. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vienna Coffee Games and Darjeeling: The India Tea Game

Does Coffee Reduce Cancer Risk Article reposted by Ruth Paget

Coffee Consumption Appears to help Reduce the Appearance of Colo-Rectal Cancer according to the following study by the University of Southern California:

https://today.usc.edu/new-study-links-coffee-consumption-to-decreased-risk-of-colorectal-cancer/

I love coffee, but I am still limiting myself to one cup of good coffee in the morning to try and stay with my three meals and no snacking meal plan that is now a Californian Diet of Italian, Asian, and Mexican food.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vienna coffee game.

German Spent Grain Bread Recipe reposted by Ruth Paget

German Spent Grain from Beer Making Bread Recipe (Biertreberbrot) follows:

https://www.thespruceeats.com/spent-grain-bread-recipe-1447221

This basic recipe can probably be modified for pizza dough, donuts, and buns as well.

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Gambrinus Beer Game

Chiles as Infection and Cancer Fighters Article Reposted by Ruth Paget

Chiles as Infection and Cancer Fighters Article reposted by Ruth Paget

I have always eaten spicy red and green chile peppers for their Vitamin C content and Vitamin A content for red chile peppers.  Vitamin A is good for your eyes while Vitamin C promotes immune function.

The article below details their antioxidant content which removes free radicals that may cause cancer from the body:

https://wmmc.com/chili-peppers-the-superfood/#:~:text=Fighting%20Infections,absorb%20the%20iron%20it%20contains!

If you like chile peppers you can usually find these in supermarkets and at the Farmers Markets in Salinas,  California in abundance.

Note: This Mayo Clinic Group Interview below is all about eating to prevent cancer;

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/a-cancer-fighting-diet-managing-symptoms-and-food-safety/

Note: National Institutes of Health examination of antioxidants in chile peppers:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6274000/

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Candy Haul at the Market at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Candy Haul at the Market at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

My husband Laurent, daughter Florence Paget and I went out to Pebble Beach, California after a dinner at Woody’s at the Monterey Regional Airport.

Laurent went candy shopping at the Market and bought Monterey Bay Saltwater Taffy candy, French egg white, almond and honey nougat made by Cartier, blood orange lozenges candy, and a decaf latte for me.  I consider lattes caffeine candy.

The cool breeze off the water and through the forest felt great after our weeklong heat wave in Monterey.

The candy is all good and will be doled out over upcoming weeks.  They are all good souvenir items, too.

This was a fun Salinas night out on the Monterey Peninsula.

Note: This study from the University of Southern California suggests that coffee consumption lowers the risk of colorectal cancer

https://today.usc.edu/new-study-links-coffee-consumption-to-decreased-risk-of-colorectal-cancer/

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Tevolution recommended by Ruth Paget

Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Jo Li Jiang deals with a period in China that is relatively unknown in the US when foreigners especially people from the US were referred to as foreign devils in school classrooms.

This book is a good read for students interested in entering careers in politics or diplomacy.

Information about the book from Amazon follows:

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Scarf-Girl-Revolution-September/dp/B01JNY31DQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=2I24MWIK4MI70&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wJjAn6HEU3BMsdH5FosX2qvFfS-TesKW2CQrB8FQTfB0ZyHI8RjNp37JTtnpsEr_ZFbFvog_BnSm3Tyw18MmuzS57MIJD0Hzd-lDCx7gUO4oNgp_8Q7ZPCNx-k2Ho_2rhX68rjw_kO-awtjodgXclE-yZHDJYrbnfLe-cMZzkPInu0u2rjFu6CZQaHJr4BPBBh1-cjEmXCCAka6z5598Fw.oTAtNYlAzI2suzUl4NUIz-IXBePQDiYygcEcVj4yUyM&dib_tag=se&keywords=red+scarf+girl&qid=1774028119&sprefix=red+scarf+girl%2Caps%2C246&sr=8-2

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Znovhorod and Bento War Games

Persepolis - an Iran graphic novel recommendation by Ruth Paget

Persepolis a graphic novel memoir about life of child in Iran by Marianne Satrapi is certainly an a propos read right now.  This graphic novel was made into a film as well.

Persepolis is intended for young adult readers, especially those interested in careers in politics or diplomacy.

The Amazon link to Persepolis follows:

https://www.amazon.com/Persepolis-Childhood-Pantheon-Graphic-Library/dp/037571457X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=AMFKEVXTGT0R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wxlF-a_sujIpqm_vp8M1LSCiDNL9URaC7VGf578QI9_bCOycXHx-UNA3MLxfXBt6gFOjjFDlHZbM0cOIZoInMckM7ripIbnL0OgIN3MS_JPLOzGc3KQvB85t8glRhjp9HdvvXDSbTSQcIq1aIk8PEXwAuPwHyz_D102xeMIEaNETEzaejU-gbCQFd_tp5pCkh1NGjsztGYnTFxU1XfCmJg.CKneTe0eXridHsJHL2b-rdePbqtMHj-sroWYJ7iXzJA&dib_tag=se&keywords=persepolis&qid=1774019962&sprefix=persepolis%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Pyongyang:A Journey to North Korea by Guy De Lisle recommendation by Ruth Paget

The graphic novel Pyongyang: A Journey to North Korea by Guy De Lisle recounts a tale of military parades and starvation in the film on paper format of a graphic novel.

This graphic novel is tended for a young adult audience, especially for young people who would like to pursue careers in politics or diplomacy.

The link to the Amazon entry follows:

https://www.amazon.com/Pyongyang-Journey-North-Guy-Delisle/dp/1770463372/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=14WQQC14J946R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9AeP2czX5p7xTapgiBtu48uWE8PkEhbo1Sq-JROUxOscLglPCM7br9qmMLmnn3Z_ibWxuEmpkTexGEFXze8X-60_NNZfvhKQzvdyl24b2_IqqzooMM66gC8McdYVsD_9INmYSmLh87uFUGfeLuaVwb_u3NKGPBVNgtjVhXeQiPqksScwLSLJtlP8tjdJYJ3aUfa0hOvkFQKDVrLmy8Ijhg.uXeq8Yhk0bzwUas_jsORimgVkp-eUnjQe5HvX4IxZqU&dib_tag=se&keywords=pyongyang&qid=1774019386&sprefix=pyongyang%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Black Potatoes book about the Irish Potato Famine -Young Adult Book Recommendation posted by Ruth Paget

Black Potatoes by Susan Campbell Bartolettii writes about The Great Potato Famine in this book about the exodus of many Irish people to the US to escape death by starvation.

While the potatoes died, wheat flourished and was shipped to England Campbell-Bartoletti writes.  This fact makes The Blsck Potatoes compelling reading, especially for teens interested in entering politics and diplomacy as careers.

The Amazon link to this book follows:

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Potatoes-Story-Famine-1845-1850-ebook/dp/B00LRI90PK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=31ZJCYWBN9J0D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pHPXydK0uhhJx5E6yt7S7jcExHfMLIPnzqCVe_7Ck1RpF9CheIz1pJFWCr-qa-UERZdXmpj5DMFMMuS-C-y3ygWBsgzotWAEeAB3tbOS0Ci3nV_Hys2_8J_18l_VEwfd0hx5JX20mteja_x2iPO0clCAHZwpdlzRS2zwRjsMObVB8JnP5NBM53fffYTwHpLhKNFQ83zJLR0knluHP61vTg.MLIAanAMNk7ufaXlnLXLATvLZVp-valmnpDOx4pNmr8&dib_tag=se&keywords=black+potatoes+book&qid=1774016738&sprefix=black+potatoes+book%2Caps%2C245&sr=8-1

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Earthquakes and Faults in Monterey County California reposted by Ruth Paget

The US Geological Survey has a detailed website about earthquakes and faults in Monterey County California on their website below:

https://www.usgs.gov/maps/faults-and-earthquakes-monterey-bay-region-california

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vauban and La Perouse French Culture Games

Flood Warning Information for Monterey County reposted by Ruth Paget

Flood warning information for Monterey County is available on the website below:

https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/government-links/water-resources-agency/programs/flood-warning-alert/alert-flood-warning-system

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vauban and La Perouse French Culture Games

Wildfire Prevention Information for Monterey County reposted by Ruth Paget

The County of Monterey has a website devoted to wildfire hazard zones and notification information, which I have listed below:

https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7573/18?arch=1&npage=55

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vauban and La Perouse French Culture Games

Tsunami Information for Monterey County reposted by Ruth Paget

The County of Monterey has put together information on tsunamis and how they could affect the coastal region.  This is very interesting reading and provides information on the alert system:

https://www.readymontereycounty.org/prepare/tsunamis#:~:text=The%20entire%20coastal%20area%20of,are%20highly%20susceptible%20to%20tsunamis.

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vauban and La Perouse Games on French Culture

Heritage Tourism on California’s Central Coast by Ruth Paget

Heritage Tourism on California’s Central Coast (with some Northern California Spots as well) by Ruth Paget

Some of the places my family has visited over the years on California’s Central Coast and in Northern California might interest other travelers as well. 

This list is not exhaustive, but includes blogs I have written about these places:

Paso Robles:

Lunch at Firestone Walker, a California Brew Pub, is always a treat!

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/pretzels-burgers-and-rock-music-at.html?m=1

San Miguel Arcangel Mission:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/07/san-miguel-arcangel-mission-near-san.html?m=1

Morro Bay:

Two Fantastic Seafood Meals at Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/01/morro-bay-oysters-and-dungeness-crab.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/calamari-appetizers-and-seafood-pasta.html?m=1

San Luis Obispo:

Lure Fish House Meals, Novo Restaurant Meals, Hotel Cerro Breakfast, and Madonna Inn

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/08/italian-linguine-with-clams-at-lure.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/08/fusion-seafood-feast-at-lure-fish-house.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/franco-italian-meal-at-novo-restaurant.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/01/primo-pumpkin-risotto-at-novo.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/01/cowboy-eggs-benedict-at-hotel-cerro-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/08/madonna-frittata-and-apffels-coffee-at.html?m=1

San Simeon

Hearst Castle and Southern Big Sur Road Trip on Highway 1 -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/12/visiting-hearst-castle-with-juilliard.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/southern-big-sur-california-day-trip-by.html?m=1

Carmel:

La Perouse the Explorer Game and La Perouse the Explorer Cruise Idea-

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/04/la-perouse-explorer-historical-fashion.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/09/la-perouse-explorer-cruise-idea.html?m=1

Hiking in Point Lobos -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/point-lobos-hiking-carmel-california.html?m=1

Carmel Valley:

Carmel Valley History Center even has dinosaur bones -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/09/dinosaur-bones-ohlone-reed-boats-wagon.html?m=1

Earthbound Farms for lunch, pumpkins, and tulips -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/10/grown-up-kid-at-earthbound-farm-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/tulip-tourism-outside-salinas-at.html?m=1

Monterey:

Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Whale Watching, the Dali Museum, and the Crown, Anchor Pub, and Old Fisherman’s Grotto (subject of an Anthony Bourdain video) -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/01/cannery-row-for-new-years-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/monterey-bay-aquarium-monterey.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2016/11/whale-watching-field-trip_44.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2016/03/figueres-spain-dali-land.html?m=

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/12/producer-mom-dinners-at-crown-and.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2023/10/fishermans-grotto-in-monterey.html?m=1

Pebble Beach:

Trap’s Lounge, Roy’s, Peppoli,  Stillwater Cafe, Gallery Cafe,  Market Reuben Sandwich Combo Deal, and Hay’s Place for great tasting meals -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/01/pulled-pork-sandwich-with-coleslaw-at.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/deluxe-bar-nibbles-at-traps-lounge-in.html?m=

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/04/hibachi-salmon-and-mango-cheesecake-at.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/06/spicy-crab-salad-at-roys-in-pebble.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/12/sardis-like-birthday-party-at-peppoli.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/organic-spinach-and-blue-cheese-salad.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/tonic-fall-deli-meal-at-gallery-cafe-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/07/sticky-buns-and-vegetable-frittatas-at.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/07/mexican-seafood-enchiladas-at-hays.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/06/enchiladas-de-mole-al-fogon-at-hays.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/04/reuben-sandwich-deal-at-pebble-beach.html?m=1

San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Marin County -

Celebrating Chinese New Year’s (two weeks in February), Napa Valley, Parisian Brunches at Cafe de la Presse, Skyline Dining at the Intercontinental,  Sliders and Kopi Liwak Coffee at the Mark, and the Asian Art Museum

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/chinese-new-year-parade-san-francisco.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/06/visiting-napa-valley-napa-california.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/06/lunch-at-cafe-de-la-presse-san.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/06/skyline-dining-at-intercontinental-san.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/06/sliders-and-kopi-luwak-coffee-at.html?m=1m

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/06/visiting-asian-art-museum-san-francisco.html?m=1

Minnesingers and Mayfair in Carmel Valley and Medieval Games in Marin County -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/04/minnesingers-and-mayfair-for-children.html?m=1

Millbrae: 

Sampling seafood dim sum in Millbrae -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/dim-sum-primer-millbrae-california.html?m=1

Los Gatos:

Memorable Meals at Chez Philippe!

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/06/apple-duck-confit-at-chez-philippe-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/12/salade-nicoise-with-salmon-at-chez.html?m=1

San Jose:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-tech-museum-san-jose-california.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/egyptian-museum-san-jose-california.html?m=1

Seaside 

Manga and anime rallyes at Harumi Restaurant -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/12/manga-and-anime-rallyes-in-seaside.html?m=1

Stammtisch for authentic German fare - 

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/01/oktoberfest-at-stammtisch-restaurant-in.html?m=1

Hispanic Day of the Dead -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/04/day-of-dead-monterey-california.html?m=1

Lake Tahoe:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/anniversary-town-lake-tahoe-california.html?m=1

Mount Lassen and Shasta Caverns:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/lassen-peak-and-lake-shasta-caverns_4.html?m=1

Yosemite National Park Hiking:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/05/hiking-in-yosemite-national-park-sierra.html?m=1

Salinas:

Lunching at John Steinbeck’s Home near the Steinbeck Center with a bookshop downstairs -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/02/lunching-at-steinbecks-childhood-home.html?m=1

Market Town Salinas has a Wednesday Night Farmers Market at Northridge Market  with 100+ Food Trucks and Stalls and a Saturday Morning Market that closes down Main Street by the Steinbeck Center.

Alvarado Street Brewery is a California Brewpub Pub -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/02/german-style-kolsch-beer-and-loaded-blt.html?m=1

Growers Pub - Pub’s - is the oldest bar in Dalinas established in 1901.  It preserves many American bar traditions -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/10/prime-pork-chop-dinner-at-pubs-prime.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/08/chicago-meal-at-pubs-growers-pub-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/salinas-surf-and-turf-dinner-at-pubs-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/08/lobster-ravioli-at-pubs-growers-pub-in.html?m=1

Villa Azteca is aiming for a Michelin Star -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/05/mole-amarillo-shrimp-enchiladas-at.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/05/mole-rossa-at-villa-azteca-in-salinas.html?m=1

Neapolitan Pizza at Gino’s and Italian Bar Dining:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/07/always-great-pizza-at-ginos-in-salinas.html?m=

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2022/09/venice-film-festival-at-ginos-in.html?m=1

Tourism at the Farm in Summer:

Goats, Kiddy Tractors, and Organic Produce - 

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/09/goats-kiddy-tractors-and-organic.html?m=1

Pumpkins -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/09/pumpkin-harvest-2025-in-monterey-county.html?m=1

Squash -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/10/squash-harvest-is-in-at-farm-in-salinas.html?m=1

Art at the Farm -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/10/art-at-farm-in-salinas-california-by.html?m=1

Salinas reminds me of the English market town of Epping, which is now a London suburb:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/08/touring-epping-london-suburb-uk-with.html?m=1

Salinas with its Hartnell College and tree canopy around campus and city hall also reminds me of Cambridge in England as well:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/08/visiting-cambridge-uk-with-savvy-mom.html?m=1

Market towns with adventurous and skilled cooks need food games like the ones I created below:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/food-games-created-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

Food Games Background Reading List to enjoy country outings before and after visits -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/food-games-background-information-by.html?m=1

Soledad:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/condor-country-monterey-county.html?m=1

San Juan Bautista:

Parading Roosters, Ohlone Native Americans, Everyday Alchemy, Images of the Virgin Conference by Artist Jennifer Colby

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/12/enjoying-tex-mex-food-with-juilliard.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/11/learning-about-ohlone-on-californias.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2016/12/alchemy-for-kids-san-juan-bautista.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/living-history-day-san-juan-bautista.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/07/images-of-virgin-exhibit-review-by-ruth.html?m=1

Big Sur -

Eggs Benedict by the Pacific at Nepenthe with a little shopping is pretty terrific for views and flavor -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/12/brunch-on-grand-terrace-big-sur.html?m=1

Wildflower Drawing

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2016/11/wildflower-drawing-in-big-sur.html?m=1

Eating English Breakfast at River Inn -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/12/english-breakfast-at-big-sur-river-inn.html?m=1

Monterey - Salinas Airport:

Woody’s Restaurant and Bar at the airport and in Carmel Valley offers many dining options that also draws local diners:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/12/authentic-monterey-county-lunch-at.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/02/miyagi-raw-oysters-and-jumbo-shrimp.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/09/calamari-steak-and-sand-dabs-at-woodys.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/05/seared-ahi-salade-nicoise-at-woodys-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/02/beet-salad-at-woodys-in-monterey.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/01/woodys-at-monterey-ca-airport-by-ruth.html?m=1

Culture of the American West Reading Game Created by Ruth Paget for topics to consider when thinking of your own travels in California’s Central Coast:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2021/08/culture-of-american-west-game-created.html?m=1

That is the blog round-up so far on Central Coast California tourism.  There is definitely more to explore, but all these places provide intellectual stimulation, delicious food, and relaxation to create what I consider a sense of well-being for Salinas, California residents.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Ancient Western Civilization Game Series (https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/ancient-western-civilization-games.html?m=1)

Information Data and Society at SJSU reposted by Ruth Paget

San Jose State University announces its new combined major of Information Data and Society. which includes AI in its coursework.

Details about this new major at San Jose State follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_personal/19d03207bbec8f84

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and Eating Soup with Chopsticks and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

UChicago Press Book Release: Bicentenniel - a history of 1970sreposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press has just released Bicentenniel about the revolutionary history of the 1970s by Marc Stein.  Bicentenniel refers to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 1976.

Details about the book follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19d00f005ef9dd37

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Author Yiyun Li is the 2026 Berlin Family lecturer at UChicago reposted by Ruth Paget

Yiyun Li will spray at three lectures at UChicago as part of the Berlin Family Lectures.  Zoom attendance is possible for people who cannot attend in person.

Lectures occur on March 31, April 7, and April 14, 2026.

Details about this event follow:

https://mailchi.mp/uchicago.edu/invitation-humanities-day-on-october-5865889?e=cef015051e

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Salinas Surf and Turf Dinner at Pub's in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Salinas Surf and Turf Dinner at Pub’s in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

My husband Laurent, daughter Florence Paget, and I went out for a Salinas surf and turf meal at Pub’s in Salinas, California that was reliably great. I love eating at the oldest bar in Salinas. 

We began our meal with an order of deep-fried Monterey Bay calamari. The squid was lightly coated and came with a creamy, chipotle-mayonnaise dipping sauce. This was the delicious surf part of my meal. 

We all ordered steaks for the turf part of our meal. Florence and I ordered the flatiron steaks while Laurent had the filet mignon with shrimp scampi special. 

All the steaks came with an appetizer salad. The salad was crisp romaine lettuce like you would expect to eat in a top-notch steak house. I ate Thousand Island dressing with my salad made with ketchup-mayonnaise and pleasantly sour, house-made pickles. That was a refreshing break after eating the delicious calamari. 

I ordered my steak medium rare and it came out perfectly cooked and a little salty, the way I like steak. 

I chose to eat tiled, scalloped potatoes made with sharp cheddar cheese as my potato option. This tasty side is something I would eat as a vegetarian meal during the week. 

Steamed vegetables coated in butter rounded out the steak platter. Carrots, celery, and zucchini made up the vegetable selection when we went, but they can change with the seasons. The vegetables had a slight, sugary flavor letting you know they were fresh and at their peak ripeness. 

We brought our own bottle of wine to go with the steaks – a Mayard Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau de ma Mère produced in the Rhône River Valley by Avignon, France. The wine was six years old and excellent with steak. (The corkage fee at Pub’s is $20 – very reasonable, if you drink your entire bottle.) 

For a really great seafood and steak dinner in a country town, Pub’s in Salinas, California has been a number one option since its opening in 1901. 

Note: The dining in town comment refers to John Steinbeck’s character Elisa preferring to eat in town than run away the traveling repairman in the short story The Chrysanthemums in his short story collection entitled The Long Valley.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Portable, Battery Operated Fans for Hot Weather Car Waiting reposted by Ruth Paget

It’s supposed to be 89 in Salinas, California today.

For people doing delivery and other driving fleet work, I thought portable, battery operated fans might be useful to stay cool while waiting for assignments or trying to cut down on AC use while driving.

Walmart has a good selection and two locations in Salinas and one in Marina:

https://www.walmart.com/browse/home-improvement/battery-operated-fans/1072864_133032_1231458_1230511_3882908?adid=222222222285457627962_101114166_189154538570_23625811341&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=799457721965&wl4=pla-2461816942250&wl5=9031879&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=554347038&wl11=online&wl12=5457627962_101114166&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23625811341&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIpCQkpRBrq-DWH051YxvzN54&gclid=CjwKCAjw1N7NBhAoEiwAcPchp6uAjdwqQepBZzVl_v5sic9aqWBaac9gJp5DTeG3rllY5ysdacJ90xoCj0YQAvD_BwE

Target, Ace Hardware, and Amazon probably carry these items as well.

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Quarter 2 Sales Drivers for Salinas and Monterey County California by Ruth Paget

Quarter 2 Sales Drivers for Salinas and Monterey County California by Ruth Paget 

Quarter 2 (Q2) sales drivers for the period April 1 to June 31, 2026 in Salinas and Monterey County California feature many national sporting playoffs and championships that can generate bar-restaurant sales as well as supermarket and market sales for home-based celebrations. Merchandise, sponsorships, and concessions bring in big money from sports, if managed well.

A preliminary list by month of events follows: 

April: 

-Easter – April 5 

-Earth Day – April 22 

-Hidden Hills Hoedown – April 19 

-ComicCon Salinas (Spreckels) – April 22 

-NHL Playoffs start – April 18 

-Smog check cars

May: 

-Kentucky Derby – May 2 

-Quilt Show Pacific Grove – May 1 

-WNBA Playoffs start – May 8  

-Cinco de Mayo - May 5

June: 

-NBA Playoffs start – June 3 

-Wimbledon begins – June 29 (their signature dish is strawberries and cream) 

-World Cup Soccer - beginning June 11

Ongoing: 

-Spring releases of books

-Major League Baseball

-LA ComicCon – November 30 to December 1 

-Room Air Conditioner Sales

-Fan sales

-time to get a personal gardener to clear out weeds and get the garden tidy

-spring is time for pet grooming and making sure shots and insurance are up to date

-In the South, people do laundry for other people as a gig job.  clothes can dry on lines in Spring.

-Spring is time to contact a cleaning company to set up spring cleaning

-start pricing educational toys for the holidays at Thinker Toys in Carmel

-set up landscaping services for summer

I used to do sports rallyes to watch basket games when I live in Chicago. It was easy for me to buy Greek food so I put together many Greek buffets.  My sports rallye blog follows:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-chicago-bears-rallye-game-sports.html?m=1 

*Catch up on vaccinations

Note: Nick the Greek Restaurant has opened in Monterey on Alvarado Street recently, if you would like to try some Greek food sports buffets too. Demetra in Marina and Carmel also serves Greek dishes.  Woody’s also has fried calamari and Greek salads for adding Mediterranean flair to sports night.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Seven Seas Soup Seafood Tourism in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Seven Seas Soup Seafood Tourism in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

Over the years, I have tried and really enjoyed eating seven seas soup (caldo siete mares) at neighborhood restaurants in Salinas and Monterey County. 

Seven seas soup is a tasty seafood tourism food for staycations and on the road trips. Its tomato-based broth usually come with shrimp, crab legs, scallops, octopus, mussels, clams, and white sea fish to make up seven items for the seven seas soup.  the vegetables in the soup are onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes.  For a seafood soup, seven seas soup is very filling.

Chicago restaurateur and anthropologist Rick Bayless uses fewer seafood items in his seven seas soup, but makes a great broth. I have included his recipe for the soup below: 

https://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/steaming-seafood-or-chicken-or-vegetable-caldo/#:~:text=A%20caldo%20in%20Mexico%20is%20a%20soul%2Dsatisfying,seven%20seas%20soup/stew%2C%20that's%20so%20popular%20on

There are six places listed for seven seas soup in Salinas online which I have listed below: 

-Guadalajara Grill - this restaurant is a Blue Zone designated restaurant

-Mariscos El Kora 

-Phil’s Fish Market (This might be a special there, so call to make sure it is on the menu.) 

-El Zacatecano 

-Mariscos Puerto Nuevo 

-La Casa del Sazón 

Online delivery services usually have a pick-up option, if you want to sample some seafood tourism close to home to brighten up winter. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Cheese Enchiladas for Flavor and Maybe Catering at Super Pollo in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Cheese Enchiladas for Flavor and Maybe Catering at Super Pollo in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

Cheese enchiladas, one of my favorite Tex-Mex dishes, is also what I consider a great catering dish for small dinner parties, office meetings, and team events for several reasons: 

-you can count the enchiladas out so everyone gets a fair share

-enchiladas can be made with either corn or flour tortillas (flour tortillas are made with lard whereas corn is sticky enough itself to hold a tortilla together) 

-enchiladas can be baked in a tray and served buffet style or plated up at a dining venue 

-enchiladas can be made with a variety of melting cheeses or with meat 

-the dried chiles used to make the sauce in cheese enchiladas can be mild or spicy and contains vitamin c

-cheese and peppers are both plentiful in California because they are produced here, which keeps purchasing costs down 

-cheese has both calcium and protein in it 

-Spanish rice is the usual side dish for cheese enchiladas. Rice is a grain that grows in California, which also keeps production prices down on cheese enchiladas 

-Spanish rice is usually made with chicken broth and tomato juice with a few whole jalapeño peppers added. This rice has protein, Vitamin C, antioxidants, and carbohydrates for energy 

I like the cheese enchiladas at Super Pollo and think they could make them as catering items with advance notice. Interested diners could try them first for take-out for 6 to 8 diners to test flavors and presentation before asking about catering. 

Super Pollo’s cheese enchilada combination seems similar to the recipe for them in The Best Mexican Recipes by America’s Test Kitchen (the test kitchen is in Boston). 

The sauce makes the dish. The sauce is made with stemmed and seeded dried ancho peppers that are toasted with cumin before being ground into a powder. This powder is added to salt and spices with chicken broth added that reduces the sauce to thick brick red. 

Some of this sauce is placed on the bottom of the baking dish. America’s Test Kitchen warms flour tortillas in a microwave. You can also do this with corn tortillas, but they crack easily so you need to be careful wrapping the corn tortillas around grated cheese. 

The cheese-filled wrapped tortillas are placed seam-side down on the baking dish. Sauce is spooned over the tortillas. Grated cheese is sprinkled on top of the tortillas before baking. 

When the cheese enchiladas are done, chopped scallions are placed on top of the enchiladas before serving. 

Spanish rice made with chicken broth, tomato juice, and maybe some whole jalapeño peppers is the side with hot sauces served in small dispenser cups. 

Cheese enchiladas with Spanish rice are inexpensive to make, easy to prepare and serve, and very healthy in terms of protein, calcium, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. The salt used has iodine in it I assume as well.

 i understand how Texas is Football Nation with a great catering dish like cheese enchiladas to serve player and everyone involved in making football games a profitable venture. 

Personally, I am a fan of the cheese enchiladas at Super Pollo in Salinas, California and think anyone involved with having to organized catering might want to try this dish. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Saint Patrick’s Day Books from UChicago Press reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press has put together a list of books about Irish history for Saint Patrick’s Day that the University of Chicago Press has published.

The list of books with their link follows:

https://t.e2ma.net/message/fh5tvi/vl7y5aok

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Quarter 1 Sales Drivers for Salinas and Monterey County by Ruth Paget

Quarter 1 Sales Drivers for Salinas and Surrounding Monterey County by Ruth Paget 

Quarter 1 (Q!) sales between January 1 and March 31 are typically considered a dry period for sales after the Christmas season and before the end of tax season. 

However, there are some ongoing and monthly events that can generate money from regional tourism. Regional tourists from Silicon Valley and the Bay Area can arrive in Salinas and Monterey County via car, train, bus, and commuter air flights from San Francisco. Day trips and weekend trips are areas for expansion. 

Also, Salinas can profit from drive-through tourism by business people going from southern California to northern California. 

Ongoing Tourism Events: 

*seafood tourism – 

Rainy, cold weather is good for seafood fishing and the perfect backdrop for seafood tourism. Maine has snow and sleet and a healthy seafood tourism industry. You can check tourism figures during winter months for Maine to see the magnitude of this tourism industry.   

Salinas can pair seafood tourism with whale watching tours in Monterey as a mini winter vacation.  Another pairing for seafood tourism is spa tourism or a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

*spa recharge tourism – 

This lucrative industry could be expanded to one-day or weekend tourists, especially for students in sustainable tourism, tourism workers, restaurant workers, and drivers in addition to traditional markets. 

*Northridge Mall Farmers Market on Wednesday nights – 

This market has 100+ food trucks and food stalls. Make sure that everything sells to Salinas and the surrounding regions. Reservations on food items managed with QR codes and Apple Pay might expand the number of people served and speed up the payment process so there are no lines.  Expanded product sales might include spa products and potted herbs. (Part of agritourism - Portland, Oregon is famous for its market)

*Natividad Farmers Market on Wednesday morning and afternoon

Located on Constitution Boulevard. See remarks above about the Northridge Market. This market sometimes has cooking demonstrations. (Part of agritourism - Portland, Oregon is famous for its market)

*Main Street Farmers Market on Saturday mornings – 

This market is well developed, but might also benefit from using a reservation pick-up system for food truck items similar to the one I described above. (Part of agritourism - Portland, Oregon is famous for its market)

*Salinas Valley Health Market on Friday mornings and afternoons -

See remarks on markets above (Part of agritourism - Portland, Oregon is famous for its market)

*Mall Shopping Tourism -

Salinas has malls with large parking lots so parking is typically not a hassle here even on busy weekends 

*Restaurant Tourism -

Restaurants in Salinas have outstanding organic produce, meat, and fish to work with. All our restaurants should be top-notch within their food category. Websites should all include parking options in their directions descriptions even if people tend to uber there. 

*Fashion Industry, Perfume, Make-Up, and Accessory Sales -

Clearance sales to make way for spring and summer collections in fashion, make-up, perfume, and accessories usually happen in January and run till everything is sold. Individuals can also go through their clothes and sell designer items at consignment shops or online. Clothes past their prime might be able to be made into rag paper. Black polyester might be able to be used for nets.

Donations of old clothing to non-profit organizations can sometimes be written off taxes as well.  You can stock up on Christmas gifts at a reasonable price January through March. This is a good time to buy winter coats like Burlingame (there is a store in Gilroy), sweaters (check out Kohl’s in Salinas), and winter boots.

*Family Reunion and Genealogical Tourism -

Many families hold reunions in upscale restaurants with good photo opportunities.  Family members might include hotel stays, tourism outings, and visits to grave yards as part of their reunions.  Florists and photographers might be part of the tourism sale for a family reunion.

*Wedding Tourism -

Wedding and honeymoon travel are available in one spot in Monterey County.

*24/7 Salinas Traveler’s Services

24-Hour Pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants, and car maintenance facilities are on the following blog I put together:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/247-salinas-california-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

*Little League Sports Tourism -

Visiting teams often eat in restaurants and stay overnight in hotels.

*Alumni Club Discounts / Organization Discounts for Staycation Tourism -

Saving money on purchasing a needed item is money earned too - Check if your alumni clubs or organizations have discounts for members on items like grills, televisions, refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and dishwashers, if you need to replace these items.  Also, many alumni clubs have discounts at JC Penney for family holiday photos.

*Join Airline, Rental Car, and Hotel Loyalty Point Programs and keep track of points for use on weekend vacations

*Join loyalty programs for upscale restaurant chains like Landry’s and plan travel around memorable meals to save money on dining out and travel. Chart House in Monterey is a Landry Restaurant. (McCormick and Schmick’s is an upscale seafood chain.  Check it out when traveling.)

*Recycle cans, plastic bottles, and glass

You can recycle these items in the parking lot of Star Market at the yellow recycling truck for cash.

*Sign up for car dealer club mailing lists

BMW in Seaside has one.  Learn about new models and any sales.  Year-end purchases can sometimes be discounted.  Read Consumer Reports magazine from library to study car options as well.

*Use Rewards Points at Starbucks

Get bags of coffee for use on the weekend.

*Look into any corporate gifts to be made like chocolate from Ghirardelli or See’s for birthdays or team meetings

*Set up corporate accounts for deli ordering at Costco and other supermarkets 

*Before subscribing to magazines, see if your local library has an online version of it.  You can spend money saved on a local newspaper subscription.

*Think of reading e-books 

Online books are sometimes less expensive than paper copies.  Check out this option to save money.

*T-shirts for family reunions, sporting events, corporate events, and class reunions

Get orders for these items in early

*Center for Photographic Arts Portfolio Counseling in Carmel

*Catch up on vaccinations

*East Alisal Farmers Market - Tuesdays - 11 am to 4 pm in East Salinas

*Ticket Sales for Spring and Other Seasonal Events can Start in January for events such as the following:

-season tickets for the Western Stage at Hartnell College 

-season tickets for Ariel Theatrical the children’s theater 

-Rodeo tickets 

-Salinas Air Show tickets 

-Ferrari Challenge tickets 

-Bach Festival

-Concorso Italiano

-Concours d’Elegance

-Planetarium tickets at Hartnell College 

-Pro-Am Golf Tournament Tickets (held in February)

-season tickets to classical music events like Bach Fest, the Symphony, and Chamber Music of Monterey 

-season passes to the Monterey Museum of Art

-Steinbeck Center 

-Steinbeck House Restaurant Reservations 

-Shakespeare Santa Cruz

-Quilt Show - Beginning May 1 - Pacific Grove

-Hidden Hills Hoedown Fundraiser - 4-19

-Carmel International Film Festival

Once tickets are sold, people tend to make hotel and restaurant reservations.

Events that can generate sales for restaurants, grocery stores, books, and movie downloads by month for restaurant and at-home celebrations include: 

*January 

-New Year’s Day (January 1) 

-Martin Luther King Day (January 18) 

*February

-Chandeleur (February 2) 

-Mardi Gras (February 17)

-Lent (40 days before Easter. Food products to be eaten include fish, seafood, dairy, vegetables, and legumes but no meat related products) 

-Valentine’s Day (February 14) 

-President’s Day (February 15) 

-Chinese New Year’s and Vietnamese Têt – two-week celebration in February 

-Super Bowl Watching Parties – various venues 

*March 

-Tulip viewing and purchasing at Earthbound Farms - 

See my blog below for information on the history and cultivation of tulips:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/tulip-tourism-outside-salinas-at.html?m=1

-Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17) - 

See my blog below for a home-based celebration:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/saint-patricks-day-recipes-and-cultural.html?m=1

-ComicCon Salinas held in Spreckels at the end of March 

For ticket information, see my blog below:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/comiccon-salinas-is-march-22-2026-in.html?m=1

*Planted Flower Sales -

Flowers grow from inexpensive seeds and command high prices when potted and sold at markets.  This is a nice gig job, if you have a warm, sunny yard to grow plants and a buyer who will sell them. Herbs are a favorite for cooks.

*Landscaping Trimmings Sales

The wood in these trimmings might be able to be recycled into paper products.

-Major League Baseball begins on March 25

These cultural and educational events and seasonal items are what I would like to see sold to 100% capacity. With a little planning, I think this 100% sale of cultural and educational events can be a realistic goal. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Tulip Tourism Outside Salinas at Earthbound Farm Stand in Carmel Valley, California by Ruth Paget

Tulip Tourism Outside Salinas at the Earthbound Farm Stand in Carmel Valley, California by Ruth Paget 

While scrolling through my TikTok feed, I saw some posts about the You Pick Tulip Days at Earthbound Farm Stand in Carmel Valley, California. 

My husband Laurent, daughter Florence Paget, and I all thought this would be a nice family outing for the weekend and set out on a warm Sunday morning for Earthbound Farm Stand. 

I have put together a blog round up about tulip tourism for bouquet gatherers wanting more information. 

Earthbound Farm Stand’s Instagram has the best souvenir photo of tulip days, which I have provided a link for below: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DUWFm4PD_ny/

Earthbound was packed with diners when we arrived at 9:30 am. People wanted their coffee and baked goods before heading out to snip their bouquets. We would pick up some food after visiting the tulip garden. 

Earthbound Farm Stand naturally offers some great organic salads on its menu, which I have provided a link to below:

https://www.earthboundfarm.com/recipe-category/mains/

Tulips are most commonly viewed as a cultivated flower from the Netherlands. However, they are a wild plant that originally grew in the mountains of Central Asia. The Turks cultivated the tulip before it was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. At one time, tulips even became part of a speculation frenzy called tulipomania. 

The following blogs go into more detail on the history and cultivation of tulips:

*Tulip origins – Amsterdam Tulip Museum 

https://amsterdamtulipmuseum.com/blogs/tulip-facts/where-did-tulips-originate

*Tulip history and cultivation 

https://www.sarahraven.com/articles/the-history-of-the-tulip?srsltid=AfmBOopi3XWXQHCZaj1aVanKcLFW1x9gXT0g8F7fIzhhDdsmbcfPRx3M

*Tulipomania – fact https://www.history.com/articles/tulip-mania-financial-crash-holland

The tulip season is approaching its end in mid-March, so you might want to call and make sure they are still blooming at the Earthbound Farm Stand. 15 tulips currently cost $35. The tulip field is open 9 am to 3 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.

After photographing tulips and visiting the tulip field, Florence bought a turkey club sandwich and a greeting card with a line drawing of the Earthbound Farm Stand by Margaret Schaller. 

I like it that Salinas and Monterey County have no shortage of flowers like tulips or artists. 

Note: I grew up in Michigan, which honors Dutch culture, especially tulips, in its town of Holland, whose website follows:

https://www.holland.org/things-to-do/dutch-experiences/

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

UChicago Year of Games 2026 Still Going Strong reposted by Ruth Paget

The 2026 Year of Games at the University of Chicago is still going strong, including a visit to the Gygax House in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin where the game Dungeons and Dragons was born several decades ago.

For a calendar of events, lectures, and exhibits, click on the following link for the Year of Games at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois:

https://mailchi.mp/uchicago.edu/subject-line-5865619?e=cef015051e

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Vincent performed by Shakespeare Santa Cruz April 24 - May 10, 2026

Shakespeare Santa Cruz is performing Vincent, a one-act play, from April 24 - May 10, 2026 in Danta Cruz, California about the life of Vincent van Gogh as told by his brother Theo.

Ticket information and play details follow:

https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/santa-cruz-shakespeare/vincent

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Ariel Theatrical 2026 Ticket Information posted by Ruth Paget

Ariel Theatrical has tickets for sale for its 2026 spring season available now:

For ticket information and play details, click the following link to their website:

https://www.arieltheatrical.org/tickets-show-schedule/

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

ComicCon Salinas is March 22, 2026 in Spreckels, California reposted by Ruth Paget

The Salinas ComicCon with Anime and Cosplay is being held on March 22, 2026 in Spreckels, California.

For ticket information and event details, click on the event link below:

https://ohanacomiccon.com/salinas-toy-anime-comic-con/

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Western Stage Season Pass Sale Extended to March 31, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The Western Stage at Hartnell College in Salinas, California has extended its 2026 season pass purchase period to March 31, 2026.

See the link below for ticket information and details about plays:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19cd9df99cd97681

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

LA ComicCon - 11-30 to 12-1, 2026 repost by Ruth Paget

The Los Angeles (CA) ComcCon will take place from October 30 - December 1, 2026.

Details about tickets and the event follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19cd937cef152b40

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

German Back-to-School Schultute Goody Cone Tradition and Craft Project repost by Ruth Paget

The German Back -to-School Schultute Goody Cone Tradition and Craft Project Reposted by Ruth Paget

The German Back-to-School Scultute Goody Cone Tradition dates back to the 1800s.  

Schultute cones are filled with Germany candy and school supplies.  You can buy these cones ready made in Germany or make them yourself for a more personalized selection of candy and decorative style.

The following website details the current tradition, the history, schultute contents, and how to make these back-to-school cones at home:

https://whysogermany.com/schultute-the-german-first-day-of-school-tradition/#:~:text=Children%2520receive%2520this%2520cone%2520as%2520they%2520start,just%2520a%2520gift%252C%2520the%2520Schult%C3%BCte%2520stands%2520for

Have fun planning for your next back-to-school project!

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

German Strawberry Jam Recipe reposted by Ruth Paget

German Strawberry Jam Recipe reposted by Ruth Paget

This recipe from Best German Recipes is great for Monterey County California with its strawberry fields, too:

https://mybestgermanrecipes.com/german-strawberry-jam-recipe/amp/

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Jam-Filled Berliner Donuts reposted by Ruth Paget

Jam-Filled Berliner Donuts reposted by Ruth Paget

The following post about Berliner donuts is interesting:

https://www.daringgourmet.com/berliner-german-donuts/

Donut Shops in Salinas, California:

Winchell’s 

https://winchells.com/ or DoorDash

Sunshine Donuts

Order on Door Dash

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Making Classic Donuts with Beer reposted by Ruth Paget

Making Classic Donuts with Beer reposted by Ruth Paget

I found this interesting blog about making Classic donuts with beer. There are some other recipes as well, but the old fashioned donuts are most interesting for brew pub California:

https://domesticfits.com/classic-glazed-beer-doughnuts/

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

April 22, 2026 is Earth Day by Ruth Paget

April 22, 2026 is Earth Day by Ruth Paget

National Geographic Kids - History of Earth Day

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/earth-day

Recycling Landscaping Trimmings Idea

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/recycling-landscaping-trimmngs-by-ruth.html?m=1

Making Biofuel from Landfill Idea

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/01/list-top-10-bioenergy-companies.html?m=1

Making Classic Beer Glazed Donuts

https://domesticfits.com/classic-glazed-beer-doughnuts/

Earth Day has an official organization.  Their website follows:

https://www.earthday.org/

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Saint Patrick’s Day - 3-17-2026 - Recipes and Cultural Background - March 17 - posted by Ruth Paget

Saint Patrick’s Day is March 17th every year.  I put together a blog round up of cultural information and recipes for a home-based celebration for families with young children: 

National Geographic Kids has cultural information that includes dying the Chicago River green in addition to holding a parade.: 

 (I loved going to the parade when I lived in Chicago after graduating from the University of Chicago.  I worked downtown where the parade was held and called myself Ruth O’Pennington on that day.)

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/st-patricks-day#:~:text=Patrick's%252520Day%E2%80%94observed%252520every%252520March,a%252520celebration%252520of%252520Irish%252520culture.

Recipes for a Home Based Celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day:

Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe.  

You would probably use beef broth instead of Guinness for this recipe if cooking for children:

https://therealfooddietitians.com/corned-beef-and-cabbage/

Roasted Sheet Pan Root Vegetables Recipe:

https://therealfooddietitians.com/garlic-roasted-root-vegetable-fries/

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic Recipe:

https://therealfooddietitians.com/garlic-mashed-potatoes/

Colcannon - Irish Mashed Potatoes with cabbage, butter, and cream recipe:

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/colcannon/

Blog Round Up by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Food Games Background Information by Ruth Paget

Ruth Paget wrote the following food blogs to transmit family knowledge from one generation to the next.

To access the blogs, type the title in the blogger search bar or click on the link following the title:

Apple Economics

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2023/05/apple-economics-in-west-virginia-by.html?m=1

German Celery Root Economics

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/11/german-celery-root-economics-by-ruth.html?m=1

Pumpkin Economics

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/09/pumpkin-harvest-2025-in-monterey-county.html?m=1

Cabbage Economics

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/10/cabbage-harvest-more-than-sauerkraut-by.html?m=1

Squash Economics

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/10/squash-harvest-is-in-at-farm-in-salinas.html?m=1

Omelets All Day

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2022/09/omelets-all-day-money-hack-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

Feta Omelets

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/01/feta-omelets-at-agora-restaurant-by.html?m=1

Polenta Economics

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/05/great-value-polenta-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

Meatball Economics

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/05/vegetable-meatballs-for-taste-and.html?m=1

Coconut Economics

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/08/healing-power-of-coconut-reviewed-by.html?m=1

Antioxidant Onions

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/05/antioxidant-onions-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

Frost-Resistant Potatoes

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/05/frost-resistant-potatoes-and-more-by.html?m=1

Reuben Sandwich Deal at Pebble Beach Market

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/04/reuben-sandwich-deal-at-pebble-beach.html?m=1

Iced Coffee and Cold Brew

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2022/08/cold-brew-and-iced-coffee-money-hacks.html?m=1

Oktoberfest Food

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/12/oktoberfest-food-ideas-for-us-suggested.html?m=1

Making Classic Donuts with Beer

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/making-classic-donuts-with-beer.html?m=1

Fermented Black Soybean Use in Chinese Food

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/chinese-probiotic-black-bean-chicken.html?m=1

Jam-Filled Berliner Donuts

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/jam-filled-berliner-donuts-reposted-by.html?m=1

Food Games

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/food-games-created-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Chinese Probiotic Black Bean Chicken with Vegetables at Golden Star Restaurant in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Chinese Probiotic Black Bean Chicken with Vegetables at Golden Star Restaurant in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

The black beans used in black bean chicken with vegetables at Golden Star Chinese Restaurant in Salinas, California are fermented black soy beans. 

As a fermented food not only do fermented soy beans have a delicious salty flavor, they are also a probiotic that promotes gut health. Fermented black beans are high in protein content and fiber. They usually replace oyster sauce as a flavoring agent when they are used in a dish. They enhance the flavor of vegetables, especially cabbage. 

At Golden Star, they flatten the chicken used in black bean chicken with vegetables to make it cook quickly in a wok. When the chicken is done, it is taken out and set aside. 

More oil goes into the wok to heat up followed by the seasoning trio of minced garlic, minced fresh ginger, and chopped scallions. Fermented black beans are added to the seasoning trio and stirred in before adding the following seasonal winter vegetables: carrots, green bell peppers, mushrooms, and cabbage. 

Once the cabbage and carrots soften up, the flattened chicken is added back in and heated up with the vegetables. Just before serving, shaoxing wine is added in for flavor. 

This dish is best eaten steaming hot over rice. I love the distinct vegetable flavors that become even more pronounced with the black bean sauce. 

The flattened chicken curls in the wok when heated. There seems to be a lot of chicken in the black bean chicken, but flattening the chicken might make ¾ of a breast seem like twice that amount.

I like the flavor of salty, fermented black beans and the seasonal winter vegetables very much. This preparation also tastes good with shrimp. I am biased, but I think the seasoning trio of garlic, ginger, and scallions is pretty tough to beat for flavor and health. 

The black bean chicken with vegetables at Golden Star Restaurant in Salinas, California is a very flavorful dish that makes excellent use of the organic produce in Salinas Valley. 

Chinese food lovers already know this is a tasty dish, but diners seeking a probiotic dish that is mildly flavored might enjoy trying black bean chicken with vegetables as well. 

Note: There is parking behind Golden Star Restaurant with a passage to Main Street where Golden Star Restaurant is located in Salinas, California. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Recycling Landscaping Trimmngs by Ruth Paget

Recycling Landscaping Trimmings by Ruth Paget 

Twigs and branches from landscaping might be able to be recycled into paper products like toilet paper, tissue, napkins, and paper bags.

Having emergency supplies of those products on hand might help with community preparedness for disaster.

Just a thought. The following companies might have services to do this already in place:

Wood Recycling Company

https://www.visionrecycling.com/ 

Reuse Wood Company

https://reusewood.org/

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Music Games Created by Ruth Paget

Ruth Paget created the following music games to transmit family knowledge from one generation to the next.

Click on the link following the game titles to access the games or look up the game title in the search bar.

*Clefs: The Music Fundamentals Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/04/clefs-music-fundamentals-game-created.html?m=1

*Duple: The Musical Rhythm, Meter, and Metric Organization Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/04/duple-musical-rhythm-meter-and-metric.html?m=1

*Phrygian: The Musical Scales, Keys, and Mode Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/04/duple-musical-rhythm-meter-and-metric.html?m=1

*Solfege; The Sining and Harmonic Organization Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/04/solfege-singing-and-harmonic.html?m=1

*Plagal: The Harmonic Organization Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/04/plagal-harmonic-organization-game.html?m=1

*Bass Line: The Harmonic Composition Fundamentals Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/04/bass-line-harmonic-composition.html?m=1

*Cambiata: The Melodic Composition Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/04/cambiata-melodic-composition-game.html?m=1

*Picardy Third: The Harmonic Composition Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/04/picardy-third-harmonic-composition-game.html?m=1

*Codetta: The Visual Score Analysis Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/04/codetta-visual-score-analysis-game.html?m=1

Sylvain Tutoring in Salinas, California and Princeton Review can help prepare for the AP Music Theory Exam.

by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Ancient Western Civilization Games Created by Ruth Paget

Ancient Western Civilization Games Created by Ruth Paget 

Ruth Paget created the following games to transmit family knowledge from one generation to the next to promote lifelong learning and a pleasant lifestyle. 

To access the games, type the name of the game in search bar or click the link that follows the title of the game: 

*Pharoah Hatshepsut 

Pharoah Hatshepsut Game

*Thutmose III: The Ancient Egypt Game 

Thutmose III Game

*Ramses II: The Ancient Egypt Media Game 

Ramses II Game

*Marathon: The Ancient Greece Strategy Game 

Marathon Game

*Salamis: The Ancient Greek Navy Game 

Salamis Game

*Tyre: The Ancient Greek Engineering Game 

Tyre Game

*Gaugamela: The Ancient Greek Bittersweet Victory Game 

Gaugamela Game

*Cannae: The Ancient Carthage Strategy Game 

Cannae Game

*Alesia: The Roman Conquest of Gaul Game 

Alesia Game

*Ancient Rome and Latin Reading List Games 

Ancient Rome Reading List

Games Created by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Calzone Change Up at Gino's Pizza in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Calzone Change-Up at Gino’s in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

A calzone fills an entire large pizza box at Gino’s in Salinas, California. 

Calzones at Gino’s are in no way a hand-held item. At Gino’s you split the calzone in two and share it with two people for dinner. You eat them with a knife and fork and do not carry them like you do in Naples, Italy where they originated. 

I like the Italian-American calzone at Gino’s for size and flavor. 

A calzone is made with a large, round piece of pizza dough. At Gino’s, they fill one side of the dough with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and sweet pepperoni. 

The unfilled side is turned over the side with the filling and the edges are sealed and crimped to look like a Galician (located in Northwestern Spain) empanada. The calzone at Gino’s is baked to form a crisp crust with a soft, warm interior. Gino’s calzone comes with mozzarella sauce on the side for dipping. 

A family of four could amply eat with an order of two calzones at Gino’s in Salinas, California. I recommend the calzone as a multicultural change for a standing pizza night dinner. 

For more information on calzones, check out the following website: 

https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/calzone-vs-stromboli#:~:text=What%20Is%20a%20Calzone?,fried%20and%20are%20called%20panzerotti.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Friday Night Fish Fry at Black Bear Diner by Ruth Paget

Friday Night Fish FryDinner at Black Bear Diner by Ruth Paget

Friday Night Fish Fry Dinner at Black Bear Diner in Salinas and Monterey by Ruth Paget

On a recent outing to Black Bear Diner in Monterey (Salinas also has a location), I saw that Black Bear Diner is doing Friday Night Fish Fry.  Fish Fry usually comes with French fries.  

I like to order lemonade with fish fry to increase the vitamin C with the meal - Vitamin C fights scurvy, the old time sailor’s plight.

The Monterey location advertised catering for events in the restaurant. 

I have included the following link to their website:

https://blackbeardiner.com/location/salinas/

Note: Friday Fish Fry Dinner has a long history in Wisconsin where my family lived for several years.  This meal is usually reasonably priced and welcome for work-weary parents.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Gambrinus: The Global Beer Types Game by Ruth Paget

Gambrinus: The Global Beer Types Game Created by Ruth Paget 

I named the beer types game for Gambrinus, the European king of beer, who was famous for drinking a stein of beer in one swallow. 

Gambrinus Game Objective:  

Enable player(s) to make better purchasing decisions based on knowledge.

Items Needed: 

To play this global beer types game, you will need: 

-A copy of the Oxford Companion to Beer edited by Garrett Oliver

-large index cards 

-pens 

-access to the internet to look up the hops used in various beer types 

The following background information on beer culture can serve as an ice breaker for individual or team play: 

European Beer Buying Tips: 

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2019/12/european-beer-buying-tips-lager-ale.html?m=1

Beer Economics in South Jersey 

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2021/12/beer-economics-and-food-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

Pub’s for Prime Pork Chops – Sustainable Animal Husbandry 

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/10/prime-pork-chop-dinner-at-pubs-prime.html?m=1

Oktoberfest Food 

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/12/oktoberfest-food-ideas-for-us-suggested.html?m=1

Alvarado Street Brewery - Sustainable Beer Practices 

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/02/german-style-kolsch-beer-and-loaded-blt.html?m=1

Beer Hops Game Game Directions: 

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2021/06/beer-hops-games-created-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

Firestone Walker - California Brew Pub

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/pretzels-burgers-and-rock-music-at.html?m=1

To play Gambrinus you need to make an index flash card with the name of the beer on the front of the card and the following information on the back: 

1-beer category – ale, lager, or hybrid 

2-main city and/or country of origin 

3-hopes used for flavor and/or aroma  

4-2 or 3 historical facts for discussion (these will vary by player) 

The Oxford Companion to Beer edited by Garrett Oliver lists 107 different types of beer in the world. 

If you learn 10 beers at a time with all 4 pieces of information, it is easier to manage learning the entire list. 

Start by learning one of the characteristics at a time for the 10 beers and so on. 

Quiz yourself on all 4 characteristics for every 10 beer types you learn. When you have gone through all 107 beer types, quiz yourself until you know everything by heart. 

Gambrinus is a great game for learning material individually and then playing as a team. 

Happy Gaming! 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games