April in California
Back to my regularly scheduled programming. What I ate and what I got up to.
After a busy March celebrating my 30th birthday, I stayed put in California. A lot of exciting things happened this month though.
I got promoted at work!
Justinas got his Green Card interview for June.
Justinas’ interview date is especially exciting for us because we feel like we can finally start planning our life! The green card process has especially been hard on Justinas as he’s felt like his life has been in limbo these last couple of years. He is now starting to apply for jobs which will be another challenge but we are hoping our network of colleagues and friends will make the search a little easier. We’ve been waiting to get a dog until we lived together again so that’s another thing we are looking forward to.
Besides sticking around San Francisco the majority of April, I did a 48ish hour trip home to Huntington Beach to visit family and friends.
A perk about flying home is a lot of my friends live near the airport. So I had one of my friends pick me up from the airport and we drove to get banana lattes at In-Sit Coffee in Costa Mesa. While quick, it’s always great catching up with the high school friends.
Later that day I went to Newport Harbor to ride around a duffy with my old SF roommates, Kyla and Jamie. Kyla lives in New York so I don’t get to see her a lot and her long distance boyfriend was in town so it made sense to fly down to see them all.
The trip home also happened to fall on Easter weekend. Growing up, my mom would give us Easter baskets filled with candy and “beachy” items like sandals, swimsuits or sun dresses. For me, Easter was a symbol that summer is near. Even though all of the Noble kids are now adults, my mom still put together Easter baskets for us and my dad hid them around the backyard for us to find. I’m sure our parents will stop getting us Easter baskets once they have grandkids to spoil — but I’ll take the gifts until then! This year my basket included a pair of Rubber Birkenstocks which I think will be great for a pool or spa day.
The month of May should be a good one with a trip to Atlanta and North Carolina so look out for updates around that in my next Substack.
What I ate
Come here for happy hour and get their beautiful sangrias!
There’s always a line out the door of this cafe on the weekends, and for good reason! They have a large variety of pastries. I wanted something different, so I picked up their kimchi bacon bun.
You must try their clam pizza!
Waystone Wine Bar
*not pictured
Chiang Rai - Long Beach
As a Thai lady herself, my mom is the biggest critic of Thai food. This restaurant passed the test.
Love their burrata and bread.
I’ve only ordered this for takeout but it’s one of my favorites.
Fancy Indian. My friend who is from the same region in India as the Head Chef approved of the food. So points for authenticity! I’ve also ate at the Chef’s other restaurant Ettan in Palo Alto which is another good spot!
Next Door is a new bar in North Beach. I went to their soft opening and I was most impressed with the natural light the place got from their skylights. I got to try some of their menu and it’s the perfect bar food.
Best sandwiches located inside a little bodega on Polk street. Try the Dutch Crunch bread.
Very popular coffee spot. I’m actually not a fan of their house almond milk but I frequent here nonetheless.
Flour Craft in Mill Valley
Located in the Lumber Yard in Mill Valley, this is a go-to for delicious gluten free sandwiches and pastries. Best to go on a sunny day so you can lounge outside with some wine.
What I did
Relaxed at Chrissy Field Beach
Giants Game
Flightless Bird Podcast Live Show
Did some gardening plus bought the Lomi Composter off FB marketplace so I could make my own fertilizer
Duffy Ride in Newport