Foodie Friday: Cafe Angelica

Not only was Cafe Angelica pretty much the only place open (be aware that everything closes at 5pm in Solvang), but it was near our hotel and recommended by our hotel receptionist. After the exhausting drive in LA traffic to get to Solvang, we were hungry.



Cafe Angelica had a very relaxing ambiance, some dim lighting and candles made it feel romantic and cozy.



While we pondered over the menu, our waitress brought out complimentary garlic bread with just the right amount of butter and seasonings.





First we started with the Fresh Sauteed Mushrooms, sauteed to perfection in a wonderful olive oil, garlic and marsala wine sauce.



Then of course we had to get the stuffed artichokes. These were THE BEST stuffed artichokes I've had to date. Baked with a creamy alfredo and topped with parmesan cheese crust, it had excellent flavor.





I was completely satisfied with just the appetizers, but our hotel had given us a coupon for a free entree so we tried (and took home for a later midnight snack) the lemon grass atlantic salmon filet with a slightly spicy thai curry and ginger sauce. The veggies were cooked perfectly and very flavorful.



If I were to ever visit Solvang again, this would definitely be my first restaurant of choice.

Location: 490 1st St. Solvang, California 93463

Short trip to Solvang

My mom flew into Long Beach last week, so I picked her up and we drove to Solvang, a little danish community about 40 miles north of Santa Barbara.



First, I took her to Melrose Ave in LA. We stopped at my favorite store, Necromance and got some ice cream from Scoops.




sadly, no salty chocolate this time...

Then we dealt with LA traffic for 2 hours. Seriously guys, I loathe LA. I can count on one hand the amount of good things to come out of LA.

ANYWAY.

Our condo was bigger than my apartment! Since there was no wi-fi and zero cell service, it felt like I was 14 and camping with my mom all over again, ha! After dinner (stay tuned for the best stuffed artichokes this Foodie Friday) I noticed there was a secluded hot tub next to our room so I took advantage of having it all to myself, very relaxing.





Thursday we grabbed breakfast from The Belgian Cafe. Granola on waffles was news to me, but let me tell you that was the start of a new obsession. If you haven't had it yourself, try it!











We walked the small town and peeked around all the quaint shops.










So many bakeries!


I was in matryoshka doll and spoon rest heaven, they were everywhere!





Since my mom had never been to Santa Barbara, we drove down for some shopping and Thai food. Unfortunately it drizzled all day, but a good time nonetheless. Properly introduced her to Lush and finally got a strawberry milkshake bath bomb for myself... can't wait to use it!




mmm spicy noodle basil for lunch


Church of Skatan...skate shop inside of a church...AWESOME

Friday morning was all about Danish Pancakes (somewhere between a crepe and a pancake), with warm apples and powdered sugar on top!





And what's a trip up north without stopping at Cafe Rio? So on the drive back I had to stop and bring home surprise burritos for Jon and I.