Hiatus and Artichokes

I'm sorry I've been gone for so long. I moved out of the Fort Ord Community and into downtown Monterey for my own sanity. That being said, I'll try to stay on top of all the OMC events by getting information from my friends that still live in Pinnacle housing.

As for fun things to do this weekend, I'm headed to the Castroville Artichoke festival this weekend. It is both Saturday and Sunday starting at 10:00 am and running to 6:00 pm on Saturday and 5:00 pm on Sunday. There is live entertainment, tons of food (for purchase mainly), a parade, a prince and princess of the festival, and many more exciting activities. I will never forget first driving into Monterey and passing a sign that said Castroville, Artichoke Capital of the World. I will never forget that sign and I'm really excited to go tomorrow.

Active duty military is FREE. Other military is $5, students/seniors/children 4-12 are $5 and children under 3 are free.

Here's a link to an article in the Salinas Californian about the event.

Another website is the festival site which you can get to by clicking here.

Lucy I'm Home!

If you love I Love Lucy, you'll love the show inspired Babaloo Cuban Food truck that makes its way all around Monterey County, bringing delicious, organic food on wheels. This is not a roach coach, or a dingy truck looking to escape the scrutiny of health codes. In many metropolitan areas, food trucks are widely becoming places where chefs are experimenting with mobile gourmet cuisine. In New York, they have awards every year for food truck vendors. Babloo is one of, if not the only food truck operating in Monterey County. Gladys, the owner, can talk to you about the long process it took to get all her health and food licenses to operate. The window was too big here, but too small there, and it was an ordeal, but in my opinion, worth it. She makes amazing sandwiches (I love the Ricky Ricardo classic cuban and the Fred and Ethel fish sliders on mini brioche buns). If you need something more filling, the platters come with a hefty portion of rice and beans and tropical cole slaw. Today was so beautiful at lunch I took advantage of her "Virgin" Berry Mojito and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't too sweet. That is a real plus for me because if drinks are too sweet I get really turned off. All of her containers are recyclable and she even serves her drinks with biodegradable straws, but drink fast! The straw will get flimsy if you wait too long (but I would find it hard to believe someone could let such a tasty beverage sit long enough to not be able to sip it through the straw). Gladys works hard and so show her some love by trying out her food. Oh, and if she's got Ropa Vieja (beef brisket) as a special, get it before its gone!








Here's the low down on her regular schedule:

• Mondays: Pacific Grove Farmers' Market from 3-7pm
• Tuesdays: "Off the Truck" at the Monterey Farmers' Market on Alvarado Street from 4-7pm
• Thursdays: Behind the Salinas Courthouse on Cayuga Street
• Fridays: 11:30-12:30am at Ryan Ranch; 1pm-2pm at Oya Salon in Pacific Grove
• Sundays: Marina Farmers' Market from 10am-2pm

She is affected by rain so always check out her website before heading out on a rainy day. You can also call and Gladys will pick up her phone. The other great thing...no cash? No problem! Unlike most food trucks that take cash only, Gladys can accept credit cards. So now there's no excuse! Eat your heart out Castro, Monterey has you covered.

February Schedule Is Up!

I apologize to everyone for not posting as often. I just recently started a full time job with Monterey County and things have still been crazy since the holiday exodus. Now that New Year's Resolutions have come and gone, remind yourselves to stay focused and attentive to being active and eating well. Pinnacle has increased the number of classes and changed some times around to make things more convenient.

A few changes to note:

• Monday's Yoga in Motion class is BEFORE Zumba and a great warm-up to a cardio class or fun on it's own.
• Body Combat and Yoga classes at Fitch Community Center have FREE daycare in the Community Center building so don't let it be an excuse not to work out!

February Highlights:

• Family Movie Night continues at La Mesa on Thursday, February 17th.
• Celebrate Valentine's Day with a home-made box at the Valentines Day craft session on Friday, February 4th at La Mesa!!
  
• Friday February 11 is Wine and Chocolate tasting. Contact Pinnacle for more details.
  
• Running out to work? Grab a free Breakfast-on-the-Go on the 25th at your local housing office.
  

Town Hall Meetings This Week!

Quarterly Town Hall Meetings are happening at La Mesa and Fort Ord.

These meetings are hosted by the Presidio of Monterey Garrison Commander and Garrison Command Sergeant Major, COL Brewer and CSM Martinez. Refreshments will be provided along with Island’s gift card giveaways.

When: Tuesday, November 16^th from 6-7PM

Where: La Mesa Community Center Meeting Room

Who: Presidio of Monterey and La Mesa Village

When: Thursday, November 18^th from 630-730 PM

Where: OMC Activity Center – 201 Noumea Road

Who: Ord Military Community

Famly Fun Fitness event this SATURDAY!

The Defense Commissary Agency will host one of the largest partnerships in military resale and outreach history with the unveiling of the Family Fun Fitness Festival. This event offers the military community worldwide smorgasbord of commissary case lot sales, exchange sidewalk sales; and Family and Morale & Recreation fitness activities. You will also find demos and music and industry sponsored nutritious food samples, prize giveaways and discount coupons. Join us for a 2 mile walk/run where the first 225 participating kids crossing the finish line will receive special medals. Lots of food drinks and fun!

Frozen Yogurt Social TOMORROW 8.12

From 1500-1600 at the La Mesa Billiard Room located at 1200 Fechteler Drive, Pinnacle and Mindful Motion are hosting a Frozen Yogurt Social. Past socials have included fresh fruit and healthy alternatives to top your delicious and refreshing frozen yogurt. Bring the kids or take some time to yourself and have a treat. Be an example and show your family that healthy can still taste good! To get to La Mesa, take Highway 1 to the Monterey exit. Make your first left at the light (where MPC is located). Make your fourth right onto Farragut (entrance to La Mesa). Make a left at the four-way stop sign and another left to reach the Community Center.

Photo from southwestblend.com

For Fellow Coffee Aficionados

I was very impressed to find that Seaside is home to a small batch coffee roasting company, Acme Coffee. Their coffee is used all over Monterey but you can get coffee and beans right from their roasting factory. The staff is a bunch of guys who look like bikers and talk about rock music. They are very cool. With every purchase of coffee beans or ground, you get a free small cup of coffee. I always use the free cup to try a different blend for the next visit. We are totally addicted to their coffee. Their place is tucked away between DelMonte and Freemont. The best way to get in is to turn onto Broadway from DelMonte and make a quick right onto Contra Costa. Acme parking is fenced in an there is room for four to five cars. They are open from 0630-1600 Monday to Friday, and from 0700 to 1600 Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays. Their vibe is definitely to support local merchants. The only down side is that there isn't a lot of indoor seating. There are only a few lawn chairs out in the parking lot which doesn't make for a good view. However, the coffee is definitely worth it! Here is a map of how to get there from their website.














All images from www.acmecoffeeroasting.com