Thursday, March 7, 2013

Drake's Bay Oyster Farm

Saturday's Point Reyes adventure continued....

After a fabulous lunch at the famous Station House Cafe in Point Reyes, we hopped back into the mini-cooper and headed out for Tom's oysters at the Drake's Bay Oyster Farm.  By the way, I highly recommend trying this landmark cafe out if you ever get a chance - our lunch was wonderful.  Full of all fresh local ingredients, including creamy Farmstead Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese - YUM!

Drake's Bay Oyster Farm has been in the news for the past several months here in California - I am not really sure about all of the details, but let's just say that the this farm that provides 40% of California's oysters was, and still is,  in dire jeopardy of closing.  The courts are still reviewing all of the paperwork and we shall see what happens.

Oyster Bar at Farallon
Because Tom absolutely fell in love with the taste of Drake's Bay oysters after having them at Farallon in downtown San Francisco, (our favorite restaurant) we've been wanting to drive out and have some fresh right out of the ocean.  He was not disappointed.

To get there, it's fairly simple; drive around the western tip of Tomales Bay after turning off of Hwy 1 onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd, follow the signs to Point Reyes Lighthouse through Inverness.  About half-way out to the Lighthouse you will find Drake's Bay Oyster Farm on the left hand side of the road.  Gorgeous views of a boggy estuary full of egrets, pelicans and of course a sea gull or two.   Ideal for oysters.

It was a little gray...no worries!


And we're here! At times, the line was 10-12 deep in customers.  Many people bring their lunch (minus the oysters) with them and take advantage of the picnic area next to the bay. Next time, we may have to do the same.






See - Fresh right out of the bay!

















There are piles of oyster shells waiting to be turned into something else - they will even let you take them home if you find something interesting in the discard pile.


Oysters, plus a t-shirt for Tom!
(He is such a good sport)


Needless to say, two happy campers. I got my much-needed beach break, and fresh Pacific Ocean air, Tom got to enjoy his Drake's Bay Oysters and some Mumm champagne when we arrived back home. Only champagne for me...

 Red Coral linens can be found on our new and improved website.  I grabbed the chalkboard napkin rings at World Market last Christmas - love them for parties!




Monday, March 4, 2013

Oysters... Not my Favorite

But, I do like their natural ocean-shell beauty, and I do like to indulge that handsome boyfriend of mine.  So, today we will hop in the mini-cooper and take a drive up to Point Reyes.  Have a little lunch, take a drive out to the lighthouse and then down to Drake's Bay Oyster Farm to grab some fresh, right out of Pacific Ocean, oysters for Tom.

In the meantime, I thought I would leave you all with some of my favorite oyster shell home decor ideas.  Oysters can be found on the West Coast, the East Coast and every spot in between.  And as always, I am amazed at how adding that extra touch of pearl-lustre shell into your home can really make such a glamorous statement.

 Just take a look at the oyster shell covered lamp in this Austin Home (not on the coast!) featured at House of Turquoise!

Check out this adorable DIY chandelier that I discovered at Dixie Delights!  


And you can always count on Jane Coslick for gorgeous oyster shell ideas!


Love love that oyster shell covered fireplace! (So sorry, not sure of source)



Simply beautiful oyster shell table garland for a seaside wedding!  This could be used over and over again for all kinds of beach parties - so pretty. (Source: OnceWed.com)


Who could resist this oyster shell candle holder?  Completely Coastal featured a fun diy tutorial with her post - check it out!  DIY Oyster Shell Candle Holder

Here are a few of my favorite oyster-shell items on our Caron's Beach House site - take a look!


Super cute Oyster Shell Salt Cellar - great little gift idea and for a dinner party at the beach!


Pearly's Oyster Bar - Can be all custom created for your favorite oyster aficionado!


From artist, Kolene Spicher - love these "Black Pearl" art pieces!

Fun Oyster-themed indoor-outdoor pillows - little works of art, these are extremely affordable and durable, and great to mix and match with our other indoor-outdoor beach pillow choices.

More tomorrow from our Drake's Bay adventure!


Friday, March 1, 2013

Not to be Missed - Josie Iselin and "Dr. Beachcomb" Book Event in Poulsbo!

I wish I was going to be home next week on the Kitsap Peninsula to have the opportunity to see my friend, author and photographer Josie Iselin, speak at Liberty Bay Books in downtown Poulsbo.  Josie will read and present images from her recently published Sea Glass Hearts,  and from her newest project: An Ocean Garden: The Hidden Romance of Seaweed.

"On rare occasions, sea glass takes the shape of a heart, the universal symbol of love. In Sea Glass Hearts, Iselin assembles an inspiring collection of these precious objects that are free for the taking—if you are lucky enough to find them!"

(As you probably can guess, I am a huge fan and do have my autographed copy!)


And lucky beach treasure hunters - Josie will be bringing Dr. Beachcomb, Deacon Ritterbush, with her! She will present her latest book, Connecting to Nature Through Beachcombing. She will discuss the relationship of beachcombing to “willing stewardship” and how it can serve as a portal into shoreline conservation, science and history.  (image courtesy of Dr. Beachcomb's Facebook page)

When: Monday, March 4, 2013
18881 D Front St.
Poulsbo, WA   98370
Time: 6:30 PM

Contact the bookstore if you need directions or any other information.  
Phone: 360-779-5909

This should be a really fun event! Don't forget to bring your favorite beach treasures (sea glass, flotsam and jetsam) with you to share your adventures with Josie and Deacon Ritterbush.

(image courtesy of Josie Iselin)

Signed, autographed copies of Josie Iselin's and Dr. Beachcomb's books will be available for purchase at the event.  If you are not able to attend the book event,  Liberty Bay Books should still have some available copies available for purchase.  Just let them know!










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