Veracruz-style Red Snapper Video Reposted by Ruth Paget

This recipe for Veracruz-style red snapper calls for onions, garlic, tomatoes, olives, jalapeño peppers, and oregano.  It is easy to do once you watch this video.

This is a perfect recipe for Tuesday, market day, in East Alisal Salinas, California.

Everything in this recipe can be obtained in Salinas and Monterey County, if you switch a local white fish for the red snapper.

The YouTube video recipe for this adaptable and seasonal fish recipe follows:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NCHC4MMs9Oc&pp=ygUSQmFrZWQgc3BhbmlzaCBmaXNo

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

Unmasking Trash Reveals Many Concepts of Trash Through History and Across Civilizations reposted by Ruth Paget

Anthropologist and University of Chicago Professor Sarah Newman analyzes how what is considered trash has varied  through history and across different cultures in Unmasking Trash: New Histories of Old Things.

Details about the book, purchase information, and and its recent award of excellence by the University of Chicago follow:

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/uchicago-press-awards-top-honor-sarah-newman-unmaking-waste?utm_medium=04.14email&utm_source=UChicagoNews

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

Homemade Pico de Gallo Salsa Video reposted by Ruth Paget

Pico de Gallo Salsa is healthy, delicious, and inexpensive to make at home says Laura Vitale who has made thousands of YouTube cooking videos and written a cookbook.

Everything in her recipe can easily be found in Salinas and Monterey County California.

Laura Vitsle’s YouTube video recipe for pico de gallo salsa follows:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=avKa6k2Lkzs&pp=ygUTUGljbyBkZSBnYWxsbyBzYWxzcw%3D%3D

This is a great recipe for market day on Tuesday in East Salinas California.  

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

Sicilian Potato Salad Video reposted by Ruth Paget

The hardest thing to make in this Sicilian potato salad by Giovanni Siracusa are the boiled potato cubes.  

Everything is easily obtainable in Salinas and Monterey County.  White wine vinegar can be tricky to find, but you can order it online.

This recipe that can be easily adapted to the seasons follow on the YouTube video:

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/GrHVmVarzgE

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

Marina (CA) Garden Tour - May 3, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The 13th Biennial Marina Garden Show will be held on May 3, 2026 in Marina,California from 10 am to 3 pm at various locations.

This is a sweet outing for young families.

Details about this event follow:

https://marinatreeandgarden.org/#:~:text=Friendships%20Grow%20in%20the%20Garden,activities%2C%20events%20and%20civic%20projects.

Happy Garden Strolling!

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

Bottlebrush Flowering Plants Bouncing in the Breeze at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Bottlebrush Flowering Plants Blowing in the Breeze at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget 

On a recent run to the Market at Pebble Beach, California for an organic Peerless latte coffee, I saw an aptly named bottlebrush red flowering plant by the side of the store. 

I did not know the flower’s name at first, so I downloaded the Google app that has a camera feature that allows you to photograph and identify an object as well as tap into a small encyclopedia’s worth of description.

I saw from the Google camera app that the red flower I was admiring was a bottlebrush flowering plant with origins in Australia. The Google app further explained that bottlebrush flowers attract bees, butterflies, and humming birds – all three of these species have an oversize ecological and economic value relative to their diminutive size. 

Changes to the ecosystem in California have endangered those three species, but plantings like the bottlebrush plant at Pebble Beach is one way in which a community of gardeners can attract the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds for generations to come. 

The economic value of bees, monarch butterflies, and hummingbirds is extremely important in a region like Monterey County that has important investments in agriculture. Bees, monarch butterflies, and hummingbirds all pollinate field crops. 

Hummingbirds also pollinate flowers, both wild flowers and ornamental flowers, that can be used in floral sales in addition to making the region look beautiful for locals and tourists alike. 

Bees make honey, which can be great for generating sales. Honey is an antioxidant with darker honeys having more antioxidants. Antioxidants remove free radicals from the body, which may cause cancer. Bees can contribute to health through honey and wealth as long as you do not get stung around them or eat too much honey. 

Finally, monarch butterflies contribute to the tourism industry on the Monterey Peninsula as they migrate through this region from October to March on their way to Latin America. 

There is a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove that has docent tour guides who explain the differences between male and female monarch butterflies and the butterfly life cycle for example. There are so many monarch butterflies in Pacific Grove that it has been called Butterfly Town. 

The bottlebrush flowering plant at the Pebble Beach Market contributes to the ecosystem attracting bees, monarch butterflies, and hummingbirds to the Monterey and Salinas region. It is a plant that could be part of butterfly gardens around the region. 

A photo of a bottlebrush flowering plant in an online ad follows: 

https://greenhavennursery.com/product/little-john-bottlebrush-live-plant-dwarf-flowering-shrub-red-blooms-3-4-ft-tall/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23694743030&gbraid=0AAAABCvHifrbba9NcS_uuN6Fqne2Gwej1&gclid=CjwKCAjwhe3OBhABEiwA6392zASvm10TtlKgJf0BleTriYSFJJqUUe8JYDpS9L3bKY-qeSsYY-AUhhoCYKQQAvD_BwE

Note: I have posted a link to the Google app with photo id for information below. 

https://lens.google/

Happy Garden Strolling! 

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

Too Good to Go Food Waste Reduction App reposted by Ruth Paget

Too Good To Go Food Waste Reduction App Information reposted by Ruth Paget

I read about the Food Waste Reduction app called Too Good to Go in this week’s Monterey County Weekly.

Too Good to Go is set up like delivery apps with food providers listing information on daily specials about food that they will get rid of in a few days, if it is not purchased on Too good to Go.

The app lists available food for sale at different vendors and even has a push feature available to alert you when your favorite places have food on sale.

More information about Too Good to Go is available at their website below:

https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us?utm_medium=search&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=us_b2b_paid_marketing_search_google_brand-exact_cpc_test&utm_content=169824026340&utm_term=too+good+to+go&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21814264680&gbraid=0AAAAACPPkJM8KhuFmnvR_GyoC4Ov6WpHb&gclid=CjwKCAjwhe3OBhABEiwA6392zAMJhiuHm4EUi7kd3qBvSOJ8ZMOxmm8xrWbWSjVwarq1qPmp9DfbLRoC2KEQAvD_BwE

The link to the Monterey County Weekly article about food waste reduction and the role apps are playing as part of this new industry follows:

https://www.montereycountynow.com/news/cover/apps-have-become-valuable-tools-in-the-effort-to-reduce-the-amount-of-food-that/article_5f325eb5-fc76-4354-b263-21db7e73884b.amp.html

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

The Fish and Rice Food of Shanghai, China by Ruth Paget

The Fish and Rice Food of Shanghai, China by Ruth Paget 

Fuchsia Dunlop is known more as the popularize of the fiery hot food of Sichuan, China, which she wrote about in her cookbooks Land of Plenty and the Food of Sichuan. 

She has written an equally great cookbook entitled Land of Fish and Rice about the mild food of Shanghai and “Jiangnan” region south of the Yangtze River in China. 

I have visited two cities in this region when I went to China on a study tour in 1979 – Nanjing and Beijing. I discovered a Chinese dish on a commune outside Shanghai that I really liked, ma’po dofu, made with braised pork and firm bean curd sprinkled with chopped green onions. I thoughe the bean curd, tofu, would never catch on in the US despite my liking this dish. 

That is a very positive memory I have of China. I looked through Land of Fish and Rice for recipes that could create a positive experience about Chinese food for a young family and put together a two-course meal that uses ingredients that are easily obtainable in the US. 

The recipes I like for a Shanghai lunch or dinner follow: 

*Stir-fried Cockles with Chinese Chives 

Cockles are small clams. Chives are mild flavored, think onions that can chop with scissors. 

In this dish, you stir-fry the chives first in oil until their fragrance rises. Then, you add in shelled and cooked cockle meat till steam rises. When everything is piping hot, add 2 tablespoons stock and bring to a boil before seasoning with salt. 

*Shanghai Fried Rice with Salt Pork and Green Bok Choy 

You can eat this side dish alone because it has so many good ingredients in it. To make this dish, you stir-fry rehydrated mushrooms, salt pork or pancetta, bok choy (Chinese cabbage), with onions and ginger. 

When everything is piping hot, you add sesame oil as a seasoning just before serving. As you can see from these dishes, you do not use garlic. Fuchsia Dunlop notes that garlic is too strongly flavored for most of the dishes in Shanghai and its surrounding area. The cooks of Shanghai prefer ginger and green onions as their seasoning base Dunlop writes. 

Fuchsia Dunlop’s cookbook Land of Fish and Rice contains much cultural information that young families can use to make a multicultural meal experience that could include: 

-shopping for ingredients at the supermarket and/or the Marina Farmer’s Market (Sundays 10 am to 2 pm), which has some Asian ingredients on sale 

-Preparing ingredients ahead of time to cook -practicing using chopsticks 

–look up youtube videos for instructions -maybe do a video of dinner dishes and chopstick use for a tiktok or youtube video 

Happy Cooking! 

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

University and Theatre Collabrations Lecture Hosted by the University of Chicago reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago’s Court Theatre is hosting a lecture on university and theatre collaborations grounded in academic research and development of talent featuring Peter Sellars from the Opera & Theatre Department of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Chicago’s Court Theatre’s Artistic Director Marilyn F. Vitale on Thursday, April 16, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

Details about registering for this free lecture for in-person attendance in Chicago or via zoom follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_personal/19d78b61d01db793

Note: There is a direct United flight now between Monterey, California and Chicago, Illinois.

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

We’re Still at War - Czech Graphic Novel published by UChicago Press reposted by Ruth Paget

The Czech We’re Still at War graphic novel published by the University of Chicago Press and Post Bellum was created for generations that did not grow up under the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe.

Information and purchasing details about the book follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19d7762507931bb0

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

Suite Francaise - WW II In Small Town France Novel recommended by Ruth Paget

Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky recounts the daily terror of living in small town France when Adolf Hitler was expanding his control of Europe.

The book costs $8.99 on Kindle today.

https://www.amazon.com/Suite-Francaise-Irene-Nemirovsky-ebook/dp/B000GCFCO6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=RG6MC590741H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PFYK36KhfbqPDOTIQsS0e85OKMPJk67Vc0lmtm28E4daNHxnozI6E4DNnfxJU206dM-_9ipWcu0WX0fZhz1Ehe9tiBlBhElhGNwelkSWwyVEqpzII4Gjv3i0eQNzYL8AuxK3kC5nANyTjDjwuIJHLQLYZ9dAcTsL1xLZVb43mu6jtxEjmq_jwecCVnul90kobFJuHregoEbRGDAlQNi_uA.KiYtq9WFZAlsm6JF0qH7sLFuFyefuBIT13-MR-OtHis&dib_tag=se&keywords=suite+francaise+book&qid=1775833229&sprefix=suite+francaise%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-1

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

Birdsong - Love During Wartime in France book - great read by Ruth Paget

A great love story read about love during wartime in World War I France is Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks.  

It is $4.99 on Kindle today.. 

Details about the book and purchasing information follow:

https://www.amazon.com/Birdsong-Novel-Love-Vintage-International-ebook/dp/B007M29RJ4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2PYPBL6FFXNCF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.50dd9rHp3PInhCg2TpM8CQiOH3GB62x4fPfG9hoeLSKBU6VnRvb1o3EZRifEZYrOPqhhQb5axJZpElpZyq9BGtc3VkjQApdO1SUp6XERoO-FNBDaLcwQkpGDXYyP3Qm0xOCml17SMSDrD_XJRbMyKynlDcCqlO7lBI1EXxtuCiHnvUNmNipjvbDERBdHt-TsVeark-AjItKOglWM5v5iCw.mzqKYkdnjevlD_cT1KjBdEKruLslTLbJnbefqmN17TE&dib_tag=se&keywords=sebastian+faulks&qid=1775832224&s=digital-text&sprefix=sebastian%2Cdigital-text%2C256&sr=1-1

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

$2.99 Earth Day e-books from UChicago Press during April 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press is selling Earth Day topic books as $2.99 e-books during April 2026.

Subjects include:

-Mushrooms

-Trees

-Flowers

-Frogs

-Shells

-Snakes

These books and others and others are on sale at varying prices till June 15, 2026 as part of the UChicago Spring Book Sale.

Details and download information follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19d723a6cb1bbd37

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

History’s Lessons for Economic Growth Lecture: In-Person at UChicago reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago is hosting an in-person economics lecture with Nobel Prize Winners in Economics from 2024 (James Paterson), 2025 (Joel Mokyr), and Stone Center Director Professor Steven Durlauf on April 14, 2026 about History’s Lessons for Economic Growth.

Getting out of stagnation appears to be a recurring problem.

Details about this event and registration information follow:

https://web.cvent.com/event/1408183d-838d-4e4b-bd66-e2de0438c284/summary

Note: There is a direct United flight now between Monterey, California and Chicago, Illinois.

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

China's Hunanese Food - Surprisingly Simple and Delicious by Ruth Paget

China’s Hunanese Food – Surprisingly Simple and Delicious by Ruth Paget 

The Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook: Recipes from Hunan Province by Fuchsia Dunlop contains recipes from the homeland of China’s Chairman Mao Zedong. Dunlop’s cookbook preserves Hunan’s flavorful and healthy dish that young families can try to learn about one of China’s most important culinary areas. 

Dishes from Hunan province appear on menus throughout China due to its ties with leaders of the Communist Party, notably Mao Zedong. 

People interested in diplomatic careers or international business careers can find something from every food group in Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook that they can try in the US or China to help prepare them for meals they might eat in the course of their career. 

The following recipes use items that have become easily obtainable in most local supermarket’s Asian food sections for families who would like to try a multicultural meal like the following one at home using recipes in Dunlop’s Hunan cookbook: 

*Farmhouse Stir-Fried Pork with Green Peppers 

Dunlop writes that pork is the main meat staple in Hunan. She notes that this dish is found on almost all restaurant menus in Hunan, including those in Changsha, the capital city of Hunan province. 

You can use green bell peppers or hotter ones in this recipe. The green peppers are sliced and marinated along with sliced pork belly in shaoxing wine and soy sauce. 

The peppers are cooked first in a wok and set aside. They are then taken out and the pork bellies are cooked next. 

Garlic and fermented, black soybeans go in next followed by lean pork.  When the pork has changed color to indicate being cooked, the green peppers are added back into the work and stir fried till steaming. 

The green peppers in this dish contain Vitamin C, which is also an antioxidant that helps remove free radicals, which may cause cancer from the body. The black, fermented soybeans in this dish give it extra protein, probiotics to promote gut health, iron, and more antioxidants. 

I like the flavor combination in this mild, salty dish, which is cheaper than beef. You could probably substitute chicken in this dish or firm tofu. 

*For vegetables, I like Hunanese stir-fried mixed mushrooms. 

This dish starts out with stir-frying steamed smoked bacon and adding garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes. Then, chopped mushrooms go in the wok. 

Once the mushrooms are cooked, you add stock, salt, pepper, and chopped scallions before serving. 

The secret to preparing Chinese food is to cut and slice up everything up in advance and line up your measuring spoons and cups and spices before cooking. Stir-frying is easy if you do this. 

The Salinas, California angle to this story is that most of our local supermarkets have an Asian food aisle for the pantry items needed to prepare the dishes Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook. 

For Asian produce, the Marina Certified Farmer’s Market on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm often sells Asian produce like bitter melons and strongly flavored green onions. This market also has food trucks and stall vendors. Lee’s Garden is located in the shopping mall where the market is held, if you want to do a market day lunch. (Ho-Wah Restaurant is right around the corner on Del Monte too). 

For items you cannot find at the market, there is an Asian supermarket on Reservation across from QQ Noodle to make market day a real excursion. 

The Hunanese dishes described in Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook by Fuchsia Dunlop can be the foundation of a fun multicultural Chinese food activity for young families in Salinas and the Monterey County region. There are more resources in town to do this locally. This is just example of how to organize Chinese Food Day. 

Happy Cooking! 

Note: Marina Certified Farmer’s Market

          Sundays - 10 am to 2 pm

Note: For a little heat, sprinkle on Sichuan red peppercorns or Italian Calabrian red peppercorns

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

Flow Creatvity Book on Sale Today reposted by Ruth Paget

Flow by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihaly is described as a happiness book that I find useful as a creativity tool for using all of life’s experiences as writing material is on sale today on Kindle for $1.99.

Details and sales information on the book follow:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W94FE6?_bbid=331880167&tag=bookbubemail1-20

Note: Csikszentmihaly was a professor at the University of Chicago and received his BA and PhD from the University of Chicago as well.

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

Mini History of Double-Entry Accounting Largely Centered in Northern Italy article in Chicago Booth Review reposted by Ruth Paget

The following article entitled The Birth of Modern Accounting and Finance in the Chicago Booth Review is a mini history of how double-entry accounting developed in Europe with the best documentation in Northern Italy.

The article describes single-entry accounting in medieval manors with serfs and how the rise of towns and trade promoted double-entry bookkeeping.  

https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/birth-modern-accounting-finance?source=ic-em-20260407

Great reading for armchair economists!

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

Wheat Culture versus Rice Culture Traits in Chicago Booth Review reposted by Ruth Paget

The following article entitled  New Residents Adopt Old Cultures about people moving to new culture regions and adopting different thought processes in China touches upon the differences between wheat growing cultures and rice growing cultures in China.

The article in Chicago Booth Review is short and raises issues Californians who eat bread and tortillas in a rice growing state might want to ponder:

https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/new-residents-adopt-old-cultures?source=ic-em-20260407

Happy Reading!

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

Fish Night Market Idea - Fish Food Truck Idea posted by Ruth Paget

Fish Food Truck Market or Fish Market on Fridays Idea posted by Ruth Paget

Fish tacos and poke bowls are the inspiration for this food truck idea but fish and chips and grilled fish stuffed with lemon, rosemary, and garlic might work for a Friday fish market food truck meal as well.

People wishing to buy fresh fish and shellfish might enjoy going to a local fish market instead of going to Casttoville or Moss Landing.

Castroville and Moss Landing have Sea Harvest Market and  Phil’s Fish Market, but maybe a cioppino or Caldo 7 Mares Soup night in a public park or large mall parking lot in Salinas might increase fish sales and provide an added fish option for local diners.

Just a thought on how to develop fish tourism,

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

Seafood Tourism at the Gallery Cafe in Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Seafood Tourism at the Gallery Café in Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget 

For a sunny spring brunch in April, my husband Laurent, daughter Florence Paget, and I went to the Gallery Café in Pebble Beach, California that overlooks the Lodge Hotel’s putting green with glimpses of Stillwater Bay in the distance. 

We sat at a balcony table outside with comfortable wicker chairs with armrests and cushions. An umbrella shaded our back and breezes rippled through the manicured glossy green leaves of the California magnolia trees below. I ordered a seafood tourism meal for our relaxed brunch by the ocean. 

I began with an order of Monterey’s signature dish – deep-fried calamari rings, cones, and legs with a flour and corn meal crust. The calamari came with a perky, cocktail sauce flavored with freshly grated horseradish sauce. Before eating the calamari, Florence sprinkled them with freshly squeezed lemon juice.  

The scent of the lemon juice on the calamari reminded me of calamari I ate in Barcelona, Spain on my honeymoon after an afternoon of visiting the Picasso Museum and Cathedral. I still love the salty and lemony flavor of calamari on hot days. 

For my main dish, I ordered the three fish tacos plate made with Pacific tilapia, a white fish similar to sole. I like both spicy and mild tacos. The tacos at the Gallery Café are mild, which allows the buttery flavor of the large tilapia filets to shine. 

The oversize tacos are stuffed with grated pepper Jack cheese, chipotle aioli mayonnaise, cabbage slaw, cheddar cheese, and toned down jalapeño peppers. 

The tacos come with three sauces on the side: 

-guacamole – mashed avocados with onion, tomato, and Mexican citon mixed together 

-pico de gallo salsa – a chunky and mild mixture at the Gallery made with red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro 

-sour cream that may have been a creamy Oaxaca cheese that is also made in California 

All these flavors combined to give a refreshing vegetable flavor to the delicious tilapia. The cheeses provided calcium to this protein-rich meal encased in lightly fried white corn tortillas. 

To go with this pretty spectacular brunch, I ordered a pink lemonade cocktail made with lemonade, Ketel One vodka from the Netherlands, and Chambord. Chambord is a black raspberry liqueur from France. That was a lovely cocktail for a sunny day. 

I finished my meal with a layered carrot cake with cream cheese dressing and a latte.  Nearby Salinas probably provided the carrots for this dessert as well as the vegetables in the sauces and the slaw in the tacos.

Eating brunch at the Gallery Café in Pebble Beach, California is a resort experience that is a welcome quiet, ocean side retreat from busy city life for locals and tourists alike. 

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

Sunrise Brunch at the Gallery Cafe in Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Sunrise Brunch at the Gallery Café in Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget  

I was all set to eat a tomato-basil soup with cracked black pepper mixed in it along with extra virgin olive oil when my daughter Florence Paget invited me out for brunch. Brunch out is always a fun option and especially when you set out for Pebble Beach on a sunny day to eat at the Gallery Café overlooking Stillwater Cove and the Lodge Hotel’s putting green. 

Florence and I started our meal with a large serving of fried calamari. I love cocktail sauce with fresh horseradish grated in it, which is how they make it at the Gallery. Tartar sauce is available if you ask for it. The calamari comes with lemon wedges for sprinkling on the squid. The lemon makes me think I am in Amalfi, Italy. 

For my main dish, I ordered the Breakfast Sunrise Skillet which cam with minced ham, spicy chorizo sausage, caramelized onions, green and red bell peppers, spicy green peppers (probably local Serrano peppers from Prunedale) and hash browns. On top of the sizzling basic ingredients were two over easy eggs with melted cheddar cheese on top. 

The spicy green peppers and spicy chorizo sausage gave the dish some heat but not too much. I really liked the combination of spicy and refreshing flavors with the salty ham in this dish. It is a perky breakfast dish perfect for the West Coast of the US. 

I skipped dessert and drank a hot latte instead. I enjoyed looking at the spring foliage. The landscapers at Pebble Beach nicely shape trees and bushes. There seems to be an omnipresent scent of freshly cut grass and branches in the air that I like. There were even some humming birds flitting about as we walked around the Lodge Hotel area. 

This nice brunch was unexpected and very welcome. I am a local who enjoys visiting Pebble Beach as much as tourists. I like the restaurants at Pebble Beach and the oceanfront scenery. 

In addition to the golf courses at Pebble Beach, there are several other things to do that might interest tourists like the health club, spa, golf lessons, equestrian center, bagpipe music at Spanish Bay, and hiking trails as well as several restaurants. 

Soon there will be another hotel by the Spyglass Golf Course with two new restaurants. 

For a break from city bustle, Pebble Beach is a quiet retreat surrounded by nature. 

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

Free UChicago Press Book for April: Old Beach: Toxic LA Ingrastructure reposted by Ruth Paget

The free University of Chicago e-book for April is Old Beach; How Toxic Infrastructure Threatens Life in the Ports of Los Angeles and Beyond by Christina Dunbar Hester.

This book may interest sustainable tourism students for its discussion of the fragile balance between needs of petroleum shipping and a rich marine life site.  Similar conditions might exist in other ports in California.

Details about downloading the book follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19d537a1f0f3411d

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

Jalapeño-Cheese Bagel and a Thai Tea Smoothie at Blazin’ Bagelz at Northridge Mall in Salinas, California posted by Ruth Paget

Jalapeño-Cheese Bagel and an Iced Thai Milk Tea Smoothie from Blazin’ Bagels at Northridge Mall in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

I ate a California fusion breakfast today that featured items that have been on the menu in Monterey County for at least 30 years.  

These items are now California specialties - the jalapeño-cheese bagel and a frozen Thai Milk Tea Smoothie flavored with star anise and cloves.  At least one generation of children has grown up with these now traditional American items.

Personally, I love toasted jalapeño-cheddar cheese bagels with cream cheese and a latte.  I tried a sweet Thai Milk Tea today and thought it was perfect for warm weather.  It is still a bit of a treat; I like iced lattes for everyday in summer.

Blazin’ Bagelz has an extensive menu with something for everyone before a morning of shopping at Northridge ZMsll.  Teens visiting the anime store at the mall might enjoy trying the iced smoothies after shopping in the afternoon.

Blazin’ Bagelz are good throughout the day, but I think that are a great morning treat.

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

UChicago Receives $50 million to recruit AI Faculty reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago has received $50 million dollars to fund 20 faculty positions devoted to Artificial Intelligence Research and Teaching.

Rika and Joe Mansueto have donated $50 million dollars to the University of Chicago as part of a $200 million dollar initiative to fund Artificial Intelligence Reeearch at the University of Chicago.

Details about this gift and philanthropic initiative follow:

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/50-million-gift-advance-uchicago-research-and-support-faculty-ai?utm_medium=04.02email&utm_source=UChicagoNews&mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGg7m99cWIx-qg6nCsT0DDin0qR-siBFK-tdtXvRmkCaz6HqCwVZ75KH9l0zfUw_XlYEgeGK8Zy8I4_87c0T61P4XbRchIE1YIQob1wM7lAKSAkKus

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

UChicago raises $12 Million on its Giving Day reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago raised $12 million and then some on its giving day.

Details on the amount raised follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_personal/19d4b7f0a2939a2e

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

Book of Japanese Fans with Poems Facsimile Edition sold by UChicago Press reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press is selling its last editions of a facsimile book of Japanese fans with poems conserved in Prague’s National Gallery.  There are 120 poems in all in this 180 page book in the waka form.

Details about the book and purchase price follow:

 https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/B/bo19135745.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=A%20Book%20of%20Fans&utm_campaign=2026%20SALE%20low%20stock

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

UChicago Press - Creativity in.Chaos Books reposted by Ruth Paget

University of Chicago Press books about creativity in times of chaos and turmoil look interesting.

Francophiles might be especially interested in the notebooks of Albert Camus, winner of the 1967 Nobel Prize in Literature.  The notebooks have been translated into English.

Details on books and purchasing flow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19d44887b6b026ba

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

Hunan Chicken at Golden Star Restaurant in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Hunan Chicken at Golden Star Restaurant in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

Hunan chicken at Golden Star Restaurant in Salinas, California is not a secret menu item but almost. Basically, Hunan chicken is breaded and deep-fried chicken tenders. Then, the deep-fried tenders are coated in honey-soy sauce, which tastes like a barbecue sauce to me. 

The Hunan aspect of this dish comes in with the Sichuan hot peppercorn sauce. Chinese cookbook writer Fuchsia Dunlop describes Sichuan hot peppercorns as numbing. This affect is diminished somewhat by the sweet honey sauce the fat in the bread coating in the Hunan chicken at Golden Star. 

If you want the Vitamin C in the Sichuan hot peppercorns and the antioxidants without the chile pepper sting Hunan chicken might be for you. It has a pretty high calorie content, so dieters beware. For me, it is a once awhile treat. 

For super healthy Hunanese Chinese food, check out Fuchsia Dunlop’s cookbook Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook: Recipes from Hunan Province. (Hunan is considered revolutionary, because Chairman Mao was born there.) 

I have listed a link below to a recipe for Hunan chicken that is similar to what Golden Star offers by Nicki Borbishley: 

https://www.kitchensanctuary.com/chinese-crispy-chicken-honey-garlic-sauce/

Barbecue lovers who would like to try something similar in Chinese food might enjoy the Hunan chicken at Golden Star Restaurant in Salinas, California. 

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

China’s 8 Main Regional Cuisines reposted by Ruth Paget

The following website on fine dining does a great job describing ingredients,?seasonings, and techniques used in China’s main regional cuisines - it’s great a mini work of cultural anthropology:

https://www.finedininglovers.com/explore/articles/8-regional-chinese-cuisines-explained-depth#:~:text=The%20principles%20of%20Chinese%20cuisines,to%20distinguish%20regional%20Chinese%20cuisines.

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Teen in China and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Farmers' Markets Agritourism in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Farmers’ Markets Agritourism in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

Market town Salinas, California has 5 Farmers’ Markets where locals and regional visitors can do some agritourism centered on the purchase of organic produce and prepared regional food dishes from food trucks and market stalls. 

These markets include: 

*Northridge Mall Night Market at Northridge Mall 

-Wednesdays 

-4 pm to 9 pm 

Features local food vendors, taco trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities like pony rides and bounce houses. 

*Oldtown Salinas Farmers’ Market held one block from the Steinbeck Center on Main Street 

-Saturdays 

-9 am to 2 pm 

*Alisal Certified Farmers’ Market 

-Tuesdays 

-11 am to 4 pm 

Near WIC office. Accepts EBT/WIC 

*Natividad Certified Farmers’ Market on Constitution Boulevard at Natividad Medical Center

-Wednesdays 

- 10 am to 2:30 pm 

Accepts EBT/WIC 

*Salinas Valley Health Certified Farmers’ Market on Romie Lane 

-Fridays 

-11:30 am to 4 pm 

Accepts EBT/WIC 

These are market hours and dates as of March 30, 2026. Check websites to verify dates and times as we head into spring and summer. 

Salinas reminds me of the English town of Epping outside London that I visited on a trip to England. My blog about the town follows: 

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

I am watching YouTube and TikTok videos by Luke Palladino and Giovanni Siracusa for ideas on how to use market purchases for Italian dishes.

Note: Seaside has a market on Thursdays (3 pm to 7 pm) and Marina has a market on Sundays (10 am to 2 pm) with some Asian food products.

Happy Marketing!

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

French Armchair Travel and Culture Games Created by Ruth Paget

A Sampling of French Armchair Travel and Culture Games Created by Ruth Paget

Saintoge: The La Rochelle France Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/saintoge-la-rochelle-france-touring.html?m=1

Majorelle: The Lorraine France Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/05/majorelle.html?m=1

Ausone: The Bordeaux Region Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/07/ausone-bordeaux-region-touring-game.html?m=1

Guigone de Salins: The Burgundy Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/10/guigone-de-salins-burgundy-touring-game.html?m=1

Jean Vrolicq: The French Basque Country Travel Gale

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/08/jean-vrolicq-french-basque-country.html?m=1

Dukes of Brittany (France) Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2019/01/dukes-of-brittany-touring-game-created.html?m=1

Bocuse: The Lyon France Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/08/paul-bocuse-lyon-france-touring-game.html?m=1

Eugenie Grandet: The French Anjou Region Touring

 https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/08/eurgenie-grandet-anjou-france-touring.html?m=1

Vauban: An Analytical Sills Development Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/03/vauban-role-playing-game-about-louis.html?m=1

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

European Beer and Lemonade Drinks Tradition by Ruth Paget

European Beer and Lemonade Drinks Tradition by Ruth Paget 

I first discovered European beer and lemonade drinks when I drank a French panaché at the St.-Nom-de-la-Bretèche Golf Club outside Paris, France. 

I had organized a golf outing for several of the Japanese clients of the firm where I worked. I do not play golf, but I have learned to keep score for many sports after being part of a junior bowling league in Royal Oak, Michigan at the Yorba Linda Lanes. 

This early bowling experience taught me how sports can promote food and beverage sales in local communities. I was very interested in the beer and lemonade combination and so were the Japanese, avid golf players. 

In the 1990s, panaché became available in canned versions in Paris and rivaled Orangina for television advertising ads. I might not have started the trend, but I was there and certainly drank my share of French beer and lemonade when I lived in Paris.

I discovered that Germany also has beer and lemonade drink called radler (or radlermass) when I lived in Stuttgart, Germany. Germans mostly make radler with lemonade, but will sometimes add grapefruit and/or oranges to the citrus mix. 

Back in California, I wondered if the English also have a beer and lemonade tradition. I looked through the internet responses and saw several websites describing a shandy, a beer and lemonade drink that can also be made with carbonated lemonade. 

Recipes for these drinks call for 50% beer (Pilsner or ale) to 50% lemonade. 

My preference among the three is German radler, because you can add many kinds of citrus to the citrus ade and avoid food waste. 

All three beer and lemonade drinks – panaché, radler, and shandy – are easy to prepare summer drinks perfect for a barbecue. 

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

Pico de Gallo Salsa with Chips and Greek Chicken Salad at Woody's Bar and Restaurant at the Monterey Regional Airport (California) by Ruth Paget

Pico de Gallo Salsa and Chips and Greek Chicken Salad at Woody’s Bar and Restaurant at the Monterey Regional Airport in Monterey, California by Ruth Paget 

A recent heat wave with temperatures in the 90s encouraged my family to dine at Woody’s Bar and Restaurant and the Monterey Regional Airport in Monterey, California for their great food and equally great air conditioning. 

I wanted salty food and ordered pico de gallo salsa and chips as a starter. This dish at Woody’s is made with chopped tomatoes, chopped and mild green and reddening Serrano peppers (probably from nearby Prunedale), chopped onions, chopped cilantro, salt, and freshly squeezed lime juice. 

This salsa bursts with Vitamin C and helps rid the body of free radicals that may cause cancer. This chunky salsa tastes wonderful on house-baked tortilla chips that are lightly salted. This appetizer definitely “opens the appetite” as the French say. 

As my main dish, I ordered one of my favorite dishes from teen years in Detroit, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois – a Greek salad. The Salinas, California version of this dish comes with sautéed chicken breast seasoned with lemon-pepper salt and oregano, a heaping mound of bitter red and green frisée lettuce, and red wine and vinegar dressing as the basic ingredients. 

The red wine vinegar is sharp, probably house-made with apple cider vinegar and aged. It is mixed with the addition of oregano. This dressing makes the salad outstanding. The chicken, lettuce, and dressing alone are full of vitamins and antioxidants that taste wonderful for bitter and sour flavor combination lovers. 

Woody’s adds the following items to their Greek salad for flavor and spa dining: 

-sour feta goat cheese cubes for calcium and protein 

-pitted small Niçoise olives 

-minced red onions 

-heirloom cherry tomatoes cut in half 

-slice yellow banana peppers 

I never get tired of tonic Greek salads. I always feel healthy and chipper after eating one. 

I drank a bitter, unsweetened tea with a squeeze of lemon juice with the salad. I like bitter tea when it is hot out and it made the bitter lettuce taste even better with the red wine dressing. 

Locals and visitors alike can benefit from eating Monterey County’s organic produce at Woody’s at the Monterey Regional Airport in California along with organic chicken from neighboring San Benito County.  

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

Chicago Architecture Center Tours of Chicago by Boat reposted by Ruth Paget

Chicago Architecture Tours by boat on the Chicago River are a pretty spectacular way to visit the city.

Details about the boat tours follow:

https://www.architecture.org/city-tours/river-cruise?utm_source=google_cpc&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=cbc_gsearch_cBC-RiverCruiseMXC&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22327194634&gbraid=0AAAAADlWBGHMPR1jd0Ibu78_epcd5ZvrA&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ZjOBhCmARIsADDuFTCS3KItZRoxn1uy4j9vGUmfus0FcphFhu6byOLDsO1vijB4UbsvG28aAuXtEALw_wcB

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

Bricks Tell Chicago’s History Reposted by Ruth Paget

The book Fire and Clay: How Bricks Reveal the Hidden History of Chicago by Will Quam recounts Chicago’s history through the development of brick.

Details about this book from the University of Chicago Press follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19d2f4755400207e

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

Free, In-Person US-China Relations Lecture at UChicago on April 17, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago will host a free, in-person talk on April 17, 2026 by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Secretary of Defense Chuck Havel on US - China Relations Amidst the War with Iran.

Reservations are required to attend this event.

Details about the speakers and reservations follow:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2026-hagel-lecture-americas-role-in-asia-in-context-of-war-with-iran-tickets-1984629245498?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

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

Californian Building Use Idea: Bookstore or College Classrooms by Ruth Paget

Former Californian Newspaper Building Use Idea by Ruth Paget

Perhaps Hartnell College could use space in this building for a coffee shop, bookstore, classrooms, student lounges, study areas, or dining areas.

If Hartnell College became a four-year institution, this extra space would be especially useful.

Just a thought,

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

Milestone Gift to UChicsgo Endows Chair in Game Design and Media Innovation reposteD by Ruth Paget

Mouly-Carlson Family Establishes Endowed Chair to Advance Game Design and Media Innovation at the University of Chicago.

Details about this milestone gift to the University of Chicago follow:

https://humanities.uchicago.edu/articles/2026/03/mouly-carlson-family-establishes-endowed-chair-advance-game-design-and-media

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

UChicago Press Book Sale till June 15, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press Book Sale is on till June 15, 2026.

There are many deals under $15.

Book lists and sale details follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19d24ed5a8aaa204

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

Personal Chef Information to Consider by Ruth Paget

Personal Chef Information to Consider reposted by Ruth Paget

The price of gas to transport groceries and deliver meals might influence prices in this information sheet website, but it provides good background:

https://www.gradito.com/blog/personal-chef-cost-for-one-person#:~:text=For%20a%20private%20chef%20to,$150%20to%20$300%20per%20person.

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Camembert Cheese Games and Dijon Mustard Party Games

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

Note: I am not sure if the author is related, but the Orsini family is an ancient Roman family.

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.  The Market and Visitor Center have picnic tables and there are picnic tables at the pullouts between China Rock and Bird Rock.  You can do seafood tourism just about anywhere in Pebble Beach:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/04/seafood-tourism-at-gallery-cafe-in.html?m=1

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

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/04/sunrise-brunch-at-gallery-cafe-in.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.

Natividad Farmers Market is held on Wednesdays from 10 am to 2:30 pm.  Salinas Valley Health Farmers Market is held on Fridays from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm.  East Alisal Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays 11 am to 4 pm.

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

Agricultural towns all need a planetarium like the one at Hartnell College -

https://www.hartnell.edu/academics/meta-majors/stem/planetarium/index.html

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)