Even though we were staying in Solvang, we decided to head on out during the day and drive around a bit. Santa Ynez is less than ten minutes from Solvang by car. We'd driven thru and made a quick stop in the town on a previous visit, but this time we waned to take JJ for a walk and explore a bit.
I recalled a coffee shop in the little corner off Meadowlark Road where we stopped to do some window shopping last time. So, we decided to stop there.
While the Missus took JJ to stretch his legs, I went in and ordered us some coffee.
The menu cracked me up……and no, I didn't get anything off the "Fancy AF" menu; just a latte for the Missus and an Americano for me.
There's something quite charming about this shop and Santa Ynez as a whole. The young man working was friendly and effcient.
The Missus enjoyed Her latte and my Americano was fairly smooth and woke me up gently.
Queen Cup Coffee
1095 Meadowvale Rd.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
After our caffeine fix we decided to take a walk thru downtown Santa Ynez, which has an "Old West" flavor to it. It's the second oldest town in the Santa Ynez Valley, established in 1882.
I cracked up when I saw that the Maverick Saloon has a free shuttle! You gotta love it!
There's a tiny library in town, which I later read, claims to be the Oldest Branch Library in California. The little 12 by 14 structure was built in 1912.
It's only open on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm.
And of course JJ had to get into the act…..
It was a quiet morning in the town, though we saw two guys with some major photography gear walking up and down the street taking photos.
I had read about a bakery in town named The Baker's Table that was supposed to be pretty good. When doing the "Google thing" I aw several bakeries with that name across the country, so I thought it was a chain. Though on later searches, I found that there are several businesses in different cities that share the same name, but are not affiliated.
I thought it would be a nice morning for a croissant, so while the Missus took JJ around for photos, I dropped on in.
The place was fairly busy. I saw this pup in the courtyard to the side of the bakery. I guess the pooch belongs to one of the employees?
And while the croissant didn't look very impressive; it was pretty good!
While the exterior could have been a bit more flaky and crisp; there was a nice balance of butter and salt flavor. The interior was light, fluffy, and nicely honeycombed. This was a pretty good croissant; and would probably be in the "top 3" here in San Diego.
Needless to say, I was quite happy with this! In Santa Ynez! We'll definitely be back!
The Baker's Table
3570 Sagunto St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
We went back to the shop we had visited the last time we were in the area. They welcomed JJ in and gave him "some pets" as well.
We might consider staying in Santa Ynez next time if we can find pet friendly accommodations.
We next drove over to Los Olivos. We love exploring Los Olivos, though it seems more boujie on every visit.
This time around we noticed the little library here as well.
This one is only open on Saturday as well; from 10am to 1pm. I cracked up as I asked the Missus if there's only one librarian in Santa Ynez who worked one day a week shuttling from the Los Olivos library from 10am to 1pm and then going to the Santa Ynez location from 1pm to 4pm?
We then drove back to Solvang and took JJ on the Hans Christian Andersen Park Trail.
A quick mile-and-a-half trail which took a bit over a half hour.
The loud woodpecker got JJ's attention.
And I got JJ to pose for a photo I named A "Shrimp on the barbie".
Poor JJ has to put up with all the dad jokes…..
Even though it seemed like we'd done a lot; it was just getting to close to lunch time. There was a place that we had really enjoyed and had been wanting to return to since our last visit. So, we headed down Highway 246 to Buellton and back to Industrial Eats. We arrived at a quarter to 12 and found parking in one of the few spaces in front of the converted warehouse.
We times things well because by the time Industrial Eats opened a line had formed behind us!
We ordered two item we'd had before and the Missus surprised me by telling me to order another item!
The two "repeats" were the Smoked Duck Salad ($18) and the White Shrimp, Pancetta Garlic Toast ($18).
We enjoyed the Smoked Duck Salad even more this time around; the duck was more tender, had a nice gamey-smokiness. The dressing had a nice acidity and the Missus enjoyed the tart-sweetness of the apples….She usually does not like the addition of fruit to salads, but this changed Her mind. A nice refreshing salad.
The White Shrimp was not as good as we recalled however.
The shrimp tasted fishy and were severely overcooked; the "sauce" was thin and watery. I did enjoy the garlic bread and the chilies though.
I was surprised that the Missus ordered the Miso Cod ($18), something that we usually only make at home. The cod was really delicious.
Man, that cod was so tender. moist, and buttery! The miso glaze was full of sweet-umami. The greens were a nice bitter counterpoint. Though we're not sure about the addition of avocado and the water-salty sauce really didn't add much. Still, the Missus wants to return for this dish!
I always think of our good friend Candice who first recommended Industrial Eats to us! We are so thankful and can't wait to return!
Industrial Eats
181 Industrial Way
Buellton, CA 93427
There's also a market next to Industrial Eats that we had never noticed before named Sunrise Organic Farm. Not sure if it's affiliated with the restaurants.
We picked up some cold pressed juice for breakfast and then headed back to our room.
It had been a fun morning, but now it was time for a serious nap before dinner!
nice that the cod didn’t disappoint
It was surprisingly good Kat!
I prefer the non fancy AF drinks too!
Lol Junichi! I agree!