Red Bluff's M & M Ranch Restaurant

Boy, it seems I've been trying lots of local eateries this month. Today, for my co-worker's birthday, we went to M & M Ranch in Frontier Village (Old Cowtown, for those of us who've been here for a while).

M & M, in case you are a long time resident, is in the old Da Vinci's building. It has a clean, comfortable interior; nothing special. The food, however, was pretty great. I had the tri-tip vegetable soup which was full of thick sliced zucchini, carrots, celery and hearty pieces of tri-tip. My lunch was their island burger, a thick (really thick!) hamburger topped with a slice of ham, cheese, a pineapple ring and teriyaki sauce. This was a tasty burger! The patty was juicy, cooked perfectly medium, the ham was flavorful, not too salty, and the sauce was not overpowering. I would have loved a larger slice of grilled pineapple, but that is my only complaint. It took all I had to keep that nice, drippy burger from getting all over my clothes.

This was a keeper. My co-workers also seemed quite happy with their selections, some with breakfast foods like fluffy pancakes and a really lovely looking egg, spinach and cheese wrap, mounds of hash browns, and crispy bacon. One had a really nice tuna melt with toasted bread and pepper jack cheese. Everything looked great.

A Plethora of Ice Cream Choices: Leisert Ice Cafe

Red Bluff is one happening town when it comes to the urge for ice cream treats. Besides the Baskin Robins that has been here for years and recently remodeled, and Tommy K's, we are also graced with Leisert Ice Cafe on Main Street in the old Ry Del Shoes location.

Leisert is a gelato shop, featuring (what else?) gelato and sorbetto. They have a wide array of flavor choices as well as sundaes and treats. Despite some set backs in their first months, like a very public dispute with the building owner and some troubles with former employees, plus a very ugly economy, they offer high quality products in a lovely atmosphere. Now they will be serving lunch items like soup and sandwiches--very welcome if the weather decides to act like it is November.

It is gratifying to see that, despite a bleak economic outlook, businesses are still taking hold in our community. All the best of luck to our new businesses--here's to a fully filled main street!

Tommy K's Frozen Yogurt

The other night I went to a new business here in Red Bluff--Tommy K's 3 Alarm Yogurt. Our town has been without a frozen yogurt shop for a couple of years since Yogurt Alley closed, and so when this place opened up, we were so excited. Add to that the fact that it is the realization of a dream of a well-know local fire fighter whom was killed and I definitely feel the need to support this place.

It is an unusual place. You are given a cup and sent to the yogurt dispenser to choose from four flavors or swirls. They you can have at the topping bar. There are dozens of toppings to choose from: candy pieces, sprinkles, fruits, coconut, nuts, cherries, chocolate or butterscotch sauces, you name it. It was an overwhelming task to choose the right combination (I went with a raspberry yogurt with caramel pieces, chocolate sprinkles and strawberries). After you create, your masterpiece is weighted and you are charged 40 cents an ounce.

The price was reasonable, the yogurt was great and the topping choices were spectacular. I will be going back--what a great treat!

Ashland 2008

I just got back from Ashland Oregon, and had the priviledge of seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream on closing night. The show was very imaginative and beautiful, and the fairies were essentially portrayed as gay disco dancers which I thought was really cool.

The weather was what I always expect when I go to Ashland--chilly and rainy. I always feel cheated when I go in the Summer and it is hot in Ashland. It just doesn't seem right!

We had salted caramel hot chocolate at Starbucks and enjoyed a chilly but relaxing political discussion on the porch. The hot cocoa is soooo good. I just love this drink. However, our political talk encouraged another pair to begin a discussion that was, well, racist at best and downright infuriating.

We again ate at the Standing Stone Brewery, and enjoyed some hearty salads with grilled chicken and some honey cream ale, which was quite tasty. I just really enjoy the atmosphere.

We stayed at a really dumpy Econolodge, really run down, not terribly clean, etc. They did have a free breakfast with a waffle bar, but as I am insulin resistant, I cannot eat such sugary foods. It was nice to have a steaming cup of coffee as we had to leave pretty early.

I look forward to next season and enjoying a new set of plays and more great food in this cute little town.

Great news nationally, disappointment close to home

I am still grinning when I think of our president-elect and the change that is to come. Our country is in dire straits, and our civil rights are challenged at every turn.

Unfortunately, the state I live in, California, has embraced a constitutional amendment promoting discrimination and hate: proposition 8 passed (just barely). Gay rights have plummeted in our supposedly liberal state. I feel so worried for the families who are affected by this...are their marriages going to be annulled? It is going to court, so we'll see where this goes.

He won!! We won!!!

I am so thrilled and relieved that Mr. Barack Obama has won! He will be our 44th president. I was really nervous all day, worried that McCain would win, but no more. I am elated!