PETROS in Manhattan Beach

While the fires were burning near our home and the air quality was beyond unhealthful, we drove to Manhattan Beach for a day of sun, fun, and clean air. For an early dinner, we sat outside on the patio of PETROS and dined on their delicious and refreshing Karpouzi Salad - Fresh watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, drizzle of Greek honey, fresh mint, feta and manouri cheese. WOW! We also ordered their Peach Salad on a bed of greens. It tastes like a peach pie, yet healthier.

The Dip Combo arrives on a long plate with five dips to sample and warm pita bread. Some were creamy and mild. Others had a kick.

We finished our meal with the Horiatiki Flat Bread served with tomatoes, olives, avocado, onions, capers and feta cheese on top of homemade dough cooked thin and crispy.

The restaurant is located at 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd. (310) 545-4100. It's a great place for better-than-average Greek food.

The Oak Grill - Ojai Valley Inn

Want an elegant lunch? Drive up to Ojai and sit outside on the patio of the Oak Grill. The lobster sandwich is a divine treat. It's served on a tasty roll with tomatoes, Apple wood bacon, arugula and cajun remoulade. Fresh fruit is on the side.

We started with this scrumptious mushroom ravioli with white wine, tomato, basil and Parmesan. It was the best I've ever tasted. The crab cakes contained no fillers, and were filled with fresh chunks of crab and veggies. It's served with a citrus and fennel salad, tomato remoulade and crispy onions.

Move over Asian salads, this shrimp and scallop spinach salad has you beat! With its blend of ginger, mango, avocado, sesame seeds, Miso dressing and crispy Wontons. It is exquisite.

After lunch, stroll the grounds of the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. Sit by the pool, or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at the tranquil Ojai Valley Spa. The setting is so lovely, you will want to stay for dinner. Oak Grill is at 905 Country Club Road, Ojai, CA, (888) 697-8780.

Auntie Em's is Better than Home Cooking

This is my daughter and my favorite breakfast and lunch spot. Not only is food prepared from scratch daily, they cook by the season and use organic whenever possible.

For Breakfast I adore the Bagels and Eggs - seeded bagel topped with Gruyere, grilled tomatoes and scrambled eggs. Served with a delicious homemade salsa. The French Toast is super thick and the Homemade Granola with Strauss Dairy Organic Yogurt arrives with bananas and fresh berries.

For lunch instead of a BLT, they offer a BLAST - Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, sprouts and mayo on a soft rosemary foccacia. Another favorite is the French Country Sandwich with Cypress Grove's Humbolt Fog Goat Cheese, cucumber, baby greens, walnuts, honey on homemade wheat bread with pumpkin and poppyseed.

Save room for one of their 4 cupcakes: dark chocolate, red velvet, carrot cake and coconut. Auntie Em's is at 4616 Eagle Rock Blvd. Los Angeles, (323) 255-0800.

Tasty Thai Food

When in San Francisco and craving Thai food, we dine at ASHA next to the Hyatt Regency and across from the Ferry Building.

Inside the atmosphere is festive and the food is presented beautifully. We begin our dining experience with vegetarian egg rolls and crispy Tofu with sweet and sour dipping sauce and crushed peanuts.

Next, we order a bowl of their Tom Kha spicy coconut soup with lemongrass, galangal, Kaffir lime leaf and mushrooms. It's fantastic with brown rice. Pad Thai noodles are always a hit. Totally Scallops are sauteed with ginger, peanut and coconut milk and served over baby bok choy. It's a flavor explosion inside your mouth. Try the Lychee ice tea! It's delicious!

A Sweet Treat

A visit to San Francisco isn't complete without a visit to PIER 39 to buy a bag on Trish's hot, melt in your mouth, sweet dough treats. My girls love this little doughnut balls. Afterwards, we venture over to the California sea lion colony to watch the barking pinnipeds swim, bask in the sun, and fight over a space on the dock.

The Plant in San Francisco

While in San Francisco, I discovered a great new restaruant - The Plant. It's located at PIER 3 overlooking the San Francisco Bay. This organic cafe serves the BEST VEGGIE BURGER in the state. It's made in the kitchen with lentils, beets, cashews, and bulgur wheat, white cheese and avocado. The grilled halibut with a coconut sauce was delectable too. Try a refreshing raw juice combo. Leave a little room for their tasty desserts.