Quan Nem Ninh Hoa - Sacramento, CA

An all-appetizer lunch from Vietnamese legend Quan Nem Ninh Hoa, if Eater is to be believed.

It's instant love for the Banh Beo, these adorable little savory-meets-sweet-meets-umami rice-flour rounds topped with fried onion, ground shrimp, and chives.

Cha Gio are "just" egg rolls...with an egg-ceptional filling. 

They're known for their Nem Nuong Cuon, the softest, savoriest ground pork patties with parallel grill lines. Dunk liberally in a thick orange sauce. 

I've had some of the best in Garden Grove, and this one holds up among the best. Great snack-meals to be had, great meals as well, I'm sure.

Fairytale Town - Sacramento, Ca

Last day of vacation, a fabulous note to end on. 

Don’t bother with the zoo. A Fairytale Town ticket is 1/3 the price and not a single one of its attractions was asleep or hiding. 

The old lady’s shoe is a slide with a stair-climb, and Izzy loved it. Kids were lining up for this one. 

There are animals to climb and stationary trains to sit on if you’re looking to relax. 

Cinderella’s carriage can carry you through your princess dreams. 

Fear of missing out on animals? No need. Fairytale Town has all your farm staples; bunnies, sheep, a giant cow, and a sweet little pony. Not open for petting all day, but I’m sure they’re all on the schedule.

You can only come to accompany your kids so creepers need not try. It’s the safest, sweetest, most detailed kids park I’ve ever seen, and if you are with any children, ever, don't miss an opportunity to bring them here. 

Oregon Trip - Day 14 - Orphan Breakfast House - Sacramento, CA

Ah, a bit of breakfast. 

Fluffy French Toast is fun, a cinnamon baguette-like, housemade bread. 

Eight dollars is a lot for this little bit of Fruit, but at least it’s fresh and varied. 

I'm not blown away by this place, but I didn't get to try much so I can't honestly tell if it's good or just alright. The French toast is a bit meh, especially with the weirdly sour aftertaste, but I feel like this menu has potential. 

Gold Dust Pizza - Sutter Creek, CA

A fluffy, chewy, all-air crust cradles mozzarella so supple it stretches into foot-long ropes with every bite. Chunks of sun-sweet tomato bask in fragrant basil, and fresh garlic adds some pungence to make an absolutely perfect pizza. 

It's the only place we visited, but if I were to come back to Sutter Creek, I would definitely visit again. 

Oregon Trip - Day 13 - Sacramento, CA - Cooper Vineyards, Plymouth, CA & Flynn Creek Circus - Sutter Creek, CA

A pretty property with a strong variety of wines. Their Blondie is an exceptional white. This, from someone who doesn't like whites. Others include a bold Barbera, a strong Syrah, and a zesty Zin. Plenty to buy, many to try. A nice stop outside of Sac if you're looking for a sip. 

Flynn Creek Circus - Sutter Creek, CA

An indie circus troupe under an old-fashioned big top, a cirque-style show with aerialists doing legit routines with shapes that make me sigh and releases that make me hold my breath. Lyra, Chinese pole, cyr wheel, acro, rope. They have all the apparatuses and few extras to boot, as well as some cute kids who were born triple threats. 

Add a live band to rock the tent, and you have a beautiful event. 

The Coconut on T - Sacramento, CA

We arrive in Sacramento after nine hours on the road. We are weary and in dire need of something scrumptious. No one delivers, despite the short distance between our airbnb and downtown, but we manage to make do with Doordash, and they fetch us some Thai staples from The Coconut on T. 

A few bites in and I understand the fuss. The Pineapple Fried Rice is truly flavorful, full of kickin' curry powder and plenty of pineapple chunks.

A Papaya Salad boasts a sweeter, fish sauce-esque house-made "dressing". My fault for not seeing the option to select a level of spice. It tastes funny with no heat so make sure you get at least mild or medium. 

There's magic in the mundane. The Fried Calamari is skillfully battered, and the golden pieces keep their crunch despite the transit. 

You won't be surprised by the menu, but you will be surprised by the quality. The Coconut on T makes basic Thai, but they make it really well. On the days you just want a great fried rice, you can count on the Coconut to make yours exceptional. 

Mix Bakeshop - Ashland, OR

Ashland claims to have an amazing food scene, but I had my doubts about this sweet but smaller city. 

A single bite a Mix Bakery Baguette and I'm sold. It's the best baguette I’ve had stateside, with a crispy, rippin' crust and a chewy, airy center. There is just the slightest lift of sourdough spelt to finish, and let's just say my kid walked out of the bakery hugging the remaining half to her chest. 

They make a mean half-sweet Mocha with a house-made syrup to go with any bread you choose. 

Get a baguette, but also make time for the Ham & Thyme. The ham is sliced beautifully thin and arranged in ribbons, a delicate meat completed by butter and herbs.

There's a Chocolate & Bourbon Pecan Tart that is to die for, a beautiful confection.  

The Lemon Meringue Tart is pure perfection, tangy custard topped with a cloud-swirl that's almost too pretty to eat. 

There is something special about Ashland, a serenity and peace I wasn't expecting. I fell in love with Ashland within an hour, and Mix Bakery got me with a single bite of baguette.