It's hard to say what the biggest draw is at California's coastal Half Moon Bay Brewing Company: The seafood is fresh, the views are idyllic, and the brews there are the real deal. But were I pressed, I'd argue that the beer is the best part. All of the restaurant's craft brew offerings are created a door away — and beer doesn't get any fresher than that! While there, I checked out the digs (with a glass of beer in hand, natch). Get a closer look at the action.
Photo courtesy of Justin Lewis
Stellar brews, seafood, and views — what more could a girl ask for? After some serious arm-twisting, yesterday I made the trek down to the coastal town of Half Moon Bay to pay a visit to Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. The California establishment, which houses a 6,000-square-foot restaurant, a six-room oceanfront inn, and an on-site brewery, just celebrated its 10-year anniversary this month.
Take a look inside the brewpub — and check out its top eats — when you keep reading.
I've admitted a number of times that the Summer sun has brought on an intense craving for shore-style seafood. So when I was invited to enjoy a meal at Sam's Chowder House, I couldn't turn it down: nestled on a quiet corner of the California coast in Half Moon Bay, Sam's has long been one of my favorite seafood restaurants — not only for the view, but also for the fresh fish. Can't make it there just yet? Get a glimpse of the mouthwatering dishes and the jawdropping ocean views when you read on.
If you're looking for a nice splurge for your foodie, then send them to the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay — 40 minutes south of San Francisco — for their Inside the Kitchen series. The series brings a top chef from the Bay Area and beyond into an intimate classroom environment. Meet and learn from renowned chefs like Traci Des Jardins, Ryan Scott, and Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh. All classes are demonstration-style cooking classes that include step-by-step instructions, beverage pairings and a recipe booklet to take home. The best part is that their sous-chefs are in the back creating large amounts for the entire class to taste!
Most of the courses are set up as full menus, and the chance to interact so closely with these chefs is phenomenal. The cost of the class is $90 — a portion of the proceeds goes towards Meals On Wheels of San Francisco — but they also have deluxe overnight packages starting at $529. It's definitely a tall cost to juggle —especially once you consider airfare and travel arrangements — but when else will you be able to work so closely with these phenomenal artists?
Classes begin Jan. 6; be sure to check out the full schedule of classes and instructors. In addition to the class, each chef will step into Navio — the restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton currently helmed by Aaron Zimmer — for a one-night-only chef's tasting menu. So if you're not interested in cooking, you could always sit back and eat instead.
