IPA Tourism on California's Central Coast by Ruth Paget

IPA Tourism on California’s Central Coast by Ruth Paget 

I have enjoyed reading about travelers who visit whisky distilleries in Scotland in magazine articles over the years and was inspired to put together similar information about IPA (India Pale Ale) tourism on California’s Central Coast for people who live in this region or who visit from outside the area. 

The following breweries produce IPA and some have brewpubs where you can enjoy an assortment of IPAs and food that pairs well with this bitter brew: 

-Alvarado Street Brewery (Salinas and Monterey) 

-Other Brother Brewery (Seaside) 

-Peter B’s (Monterey) 

-Firestone Walker (Paso Robles)

-Solvang Brewery Company (Solvang) 

A little farther away from the Central Coast are the historic breweries below: 

-Anchor Steam Brewery (San Francisco)

-Sierra Nevada (Chico) 

I referred to the book IPA: A Legend In Our Own Time by Roger Protz for information on the IPA production, history, and a listing of some of the world’s most famous IPA brands and their products. 

IPA is characterized by its bitter flavor from hops. Californian producers primarily use hops from the following states: 

-Washington State (Yakima Valley) 

-Oregon (Willamette Valley) 

-Idaho (Treasure Valley and Kootenai Valley) 

IPA has its origins in Pale Ale that was drunk in the English countryside by aristocrats in the 17th and 18th centuries to avoid importing French wines during times of warfare with France. In the 19th century, 

George Hodgson began shipping pale ale to England’s colony in India giving rise to the India Pale Ale style and trade. Ships with India Pale Ale went to India and came back laden with tea, spices, silk, and other luxury goods for English aristocrats. 

(Three generations of Hodgsons organized and popularized the trade in India Pale Ale (George, Mark, and Frederick). This information is of interest to me personally. One of my great-grandmothers was a Hodgson, who may be a cousin of George Hodgson, who organized the IPA trade. There is a detailed history along with paintings and photographs of the Hodgson Brewery in the book by Protz.) 

To finish up with IPA tourism based in California’s Central Coast, I would suggest trying the following dishes that highlight food products from the Central Coast: 

-fish and chips made with Pacific rock cod and organic potatoes from the Salinas Valley. I also like to order a creamy coleslaw to go with the fish and chips, if it is available. 

-Swiss cheese and mushroom topped burgers and fries made with Point Reyes cheese and mushrooms from Monterey County or Oregon

-a simple BLT made with thick-cut, hickory smoked bacon from San Benito County with organic lettuce and tomato and mustard-mayonnaise and fries 

-pizza made with spent grain from beer-making and spicy pepperoni 

-Reuben sandwiches made with corned beer, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on marbled rye bread (From the East Coast sandwich tradition, but tastes very good with IPAs)

Have fun IPA tasting on California’s Central Coast! 

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

Salinas Rodeo - July 16 - 19, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The Salinas Rodeo is taking place July 16 - 19, 2026.

Miranda Lambert is the rodeo concert star in 2026.  Concert ticket purchase information follows:

https://www.carodeo.com/events/2026/kick-off-concert-2026

Ticket information and event details follow:

https://www.carodeo.com/events/2026/california-rodeo-salinas2026

See you in Salinas!

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

UChicago Press Celebrates Juneteenth and the Opening of the Obama Presidential Center reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press celebrates Juneteenth and the opening of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side with the following titles:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19edfc2f6d71e66a

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

Cachagua Country Fair east of Carmel Valley, California is being held on July 11, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

Facebook lists the Cachagua Country Fair east of Carmel Valley, California as being held on July 11, 2026 this year.

The following link provides details about this fun family event:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10238327398502930

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

Chicken Enchiladas and Bird Watching at Plaza Linda Restaurant in Carmel Valley, California by Ruth Paget

Chicken Enchiladas and Bird Watching at Plaza Linda Restaurant in Carmel Valley, California by Ruth Paget 

I saw an announcement for an Audobon hike at Rana Creek Preserve in Carmel Valley on the Monterey County Weekly’s Online Community Calendar and liked the idea of bird watching, but not the two-mile hike. 

However, the dense oak forest by Rana Creek is similar to the forest surrounding Carmel Valley Village as well. There is even a restaurant where you can sit on an outdoor terrace right by the woods and do some bird watching as you eat chicken enchiladas or other delicious Mexican food at the Plaza Linda Restaurant. 

(Plaza Linda is located at the eastern end of the Village along Carmel Valley Road before it mounts into the mountains toward Cachuaga.) 

The trees you can see from Plaza Linda’s terrace are oak. They are an ecosystem for birds who occupy the tree’s canopy above the restaurant. 

Three bird species of note for their colorful plumage (feathers) include:  

-yellow-billed magpies 

-goldfinches

 -orioles 

The following details will allow you to identify these birds easily: 

*yellow-billed magpies 

-yellow bills -black and white songbird 

-feeds on insects, seeds, and acorns from oak trees 

-yellow-billed magpies are only found in Carmel Valley, California 

*goldfinches 

-called a wild canary 

-the male is bright yellow and black in summer. The male turns gray in winter -seed eaters

-goldfinches especially like thistle seeds, sunflower seeds, and dandelion seeds 

*orioles

-black, yellow, and red plumage 

-red-orange chest 

-feeds on insects, fruit, and nectar -songbirds 

I found the above information on the Audobon website, which has much more detail on these birds and other wildlife in Rana Creek. 

For people who would like to go on the hikes at the Rana Creek Preserve and learn about the 200 wildlife species in this ecosystem in Carmel Valley, I have posted a link to the Rana Creek Preserve below: 

https://wildlandsconservancy.org/preserve/rana-creek-preserve/

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

Millenial and Gen-Z Wellness Trends Study reposted by Ruth Paget

This study about the future of wellness for Millenials and Gen-Z by McKinsey is interesting, especially for companies providing wellness services:

 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/future-of-wellness-trends?cid=soc-app

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

Health of Millenials Study by Blue Cross Blue reposted by Ruth Paget

The stresses on millennial health have increased over previous generations requiring more preventative care according to this study by Blue Cross Blue Shield:

https://www.bcbs.com/dA/17117d2b3e/fileAsset/HOA-Millennial-Health_2019.pdf

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

UChicago Press Book Sale Extended to June 22, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Press Book Sale has been extended to June 22, 2026 due to bad weather in the Chicago-land area last weekend.

A link to the sale items at the University of Chicago Press follows:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19edb7b28c076dd8

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

Rodeo and Ferrari Challenge in Salinas, California starting June 17, 2026 by Ruth Paget

Big tourism weekend in Salinas, California beginning June 16, 2026!

The Ferrari Challenge is at Laguna Seca and the Rodeo is happening in downtown Salinas, California.

Summer is here!  

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

Japanese Food Truck in Salinas, California reposted by Ruth Paget

King Hibachi has several food truck locations and dates in Salinas, California.  They also do catering for parties and will drive to your location for barbecue menus.

More information and catering request form follow:

https://www.kinghibachica.com/

Note: I learned about this food truck on Tik Tok.

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

Documentary about Teatro Campesino Founder Luis Valdez showing June 17 to 28, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The Monterey County Weekly Online Community Calendar lists the showing of a documentary directed by David Alvarado about the life of Luis Valdez, the founder of  Teatro Campesino, beginning today June 17 and laying through June 28, 2026 in San Juan Bautista, California.

Information about the documentary from the Monterey County Weekly online commmunity calendar follows:

https://www.montereycountynow.com/events/#/details/american-pachuco-the-legend-of-luis-valdez/19194613/2026-06-17T19

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

Drone Food Delivery in China Tik Tok Video reposted by Ruth Paget

I think the following Tik Tok video by Christian Grossi about drone food delivery in a Chinese park shows a glimpse of the future in the US.

I like the recycling of the delivery box.

The Tik Tok video follows:

https://www.tiktok.com/@christian.grossi/video/7633007814197267742?_r=1&_t=ZP-97GtRi2XMWl

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

UChicago Suggested Summer Reads 2026 for June 16, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

University of Chicago suggested summer reads by Quantrell Teaching Award Winners for June 16, 2026 follow:

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/what-read-during-summer-2026?utm_medium=06.16email&utm_source=UChicagoNews&mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGicFl8YGrqSXN-VdKl5Gg-rSnGNwj2BqIrvay1sSBYB8sCl5uF-AsSY7hKIDv0w2kUd8nNrxI8l-BDepOoTnMByD7XEeS7A7gOemLpAvNeNuRNIsU

I think J.L. Carr’s A Month in the Country about restoring a medieval mural in Northern England thanks to highly skilled labor and the healing power of great art looks very interesting.  In fact, that sounds like a good screenplay.

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

Photographer Jason Bradley Reception, Exhibit Talk, and Exhibit Begins on June 17, 2026 in Pacific Grove, California reposted by Ruth Paget

Photographer Jason Bradley will exhibit 30 years of his work documenting life along the Pacific in his exhibit entitled Along the Pacific Edge at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History in Pacific Grove, California beginning with a reception on June 17, 2026 at the Museum.

Details about the reception, artist’s talk, and exhibit follow:

https://www.bradleyphotographic.com/events/along-the-pacific-edge

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

Gladius: The World of the Roman Soldier sold by UChicago Press reposted by Ruth Paget

Gladius: The World of the Roman Soldier written by Guy de la Bedoyere and sold by the University of Chicago Press offers fathers an examination of how the egalitarian Roman army helped create an Empire whose institutions still exist in the United States.

More information on Gladius and purchase details follow:

https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/G/bo68460708.html

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of 8 Ancient Western Civilization Games detailed in the link below:

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

Ancient Rome and Latin Literature Reading list organized by Ruth Paget

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/08/ancient-rome-and-latin-literature.html?m=1

Ancient Rome had to contend with Egypt, so I have included this reading list entitled Hatsupset for Egypt’s female Pharoah:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2019/01/pharaoh-hatshepset-ancient-egypt.html?m=1

Food Truck Night - What’s Grubbin’ Nights in Salinas, California reposted by Ruth Paget

What’s Grubbin’ Food Truck Nights in Salinas, California calendar from June to November 2026 follows:

 https://www.salinas.gov/Events/Whats-Grubbin-Salinas

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

Financial Literacy is a HS Requirement in California Beginning 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

Financial Literacy is a Required Class for High School Students to Graduate in California Beginning in 2026 - 2027 reposted by Ruth Paget

Beginning in the 2026 -2027 school year, the State of California is requiring high school students to complete a semester-long financial literacy course for graduation.

Further information about the financial literacy requirement follows in this media release by the State of California:

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/06/27/california-to-add-financial-literacy-as-a-requirement-to-graduate-high-school/

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

Digital Game Design Workshop in Salinas, California on June 17, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The Monterey County Weekly Online Community Calendar lists a Digital Game Design Workshop at Artists’ Ink Studio in Salinas, California on June 17, 2026.

More information about this workshop from the Monterey County Weekly Online Calendar follows:

https://www.montereycountynow.com/events/#/details/digital-game-design/19017141/2026-06-17T17

Programs like this form part of Salinas, California’s tech ecosystem.

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

Gyoza Dumplings - Summer 2026 Easy Meal by Ruth Paget

Gyoza Dumplings - Summer 2026 Easy Meal Suggested by Ruth Paget

Frozen gyoza are an easy baked meal that come with dipping sauce.  Adding a squirt of Kewpie mayonnaise and some snipped green onions makes these taste even better!

You can find gyoza at the more than 100 H Marts located across the United States at their website below (click to get the store locator):

https://www.hmart.com/stores

All you do for gyoza is line a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake.  Teens can make these for busy parents. 

They are usually filled with cabbage, onions, and carrots and come with a soy dipping sauce.  Some come with a pork filling, so check ingredients if you have allergies or dietary preferences.

I think our local Costco also carries gyoza and Chinese potstickers as well.

Gyoza are a simple meal to make and most bags of them are large.

They are perfect for trying an Asian comfort food at home without spending too much money.

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

UChicago Workshop:: From Sistrums to Saxophones reposted by Ruth Paget

UChicago Family Workshop: From Sistrums to Saxophones: Music through the Ages hosted by the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures reposted by Ruth Paget

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures at the University of Chicago is hosting a family workshop called “From Sistrums to Saxophones: Music Through the Ages” on June 13, 2026.

Information and ticket purchase details follow:

https://events.uchicago.edu/event/268366-from-sistrums-to-saxophones-music-through-the-ages?mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGiVxXpOMzbg7L2EwbH6DRqeeF0l0BRKjmWqbeWInh0D-7tmknK5qL90ZuqUFaapnQiqfXR8F1LriEuSiczawpzHdM9VmUffY1vok3bZaaWR6n5aV0

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