Vintana Wine and Dine Review

A Classy Eating Establishment in the Penthouse of the Escondido Lexus Dealership

Paul and I had a lovely dining experience at the Vintana Wine & Dine over the Lexus Dealership in Escondido. We were join by our friends Gregg and Cindy.

Our quartet arrived for a 5:30 p.m. seating and the restaurant was mostly empty. However, it filled up quickly and I would recommend reservations to avoid a wait. I used the very efficient ‘OpenTable!’ website to secure our reservation. They even email us a confirmation number complete with restaurant address, and links to menu and directions.

If you have not been to this eatery, it is well worth the effort. The restaurant is spotlessly clean. We were seated by the window. It was refreshing to look over the Escondido skyline. You do have to ignore the Dick’s Sporting Goods sign. However, as darkness fell, the water fountain below our window entertained with a lighted water show.

The menu fits on just one page but offers a good diversity. I opted for the Signature Offering “Island Prime's Filet Trio.” The long slim plate presented three separate three-ounce filets with different preparations utilizing seasonal mushrooms, bone marrow butter, asparagus, crab, béarnaise, garlic, blue cheese. My meal was absolutely perfect and gluten free. I highly recommend this dish.

Since this restaurant is a Wine and Dine, we selected a bottle of wine, a Lapostolle Casa Merlot, for the table. The merlot was a saturated ruby red in color and tasted of fresh berries; a perfect compliant to our main course. It was from the half-off wine menu and very reasonably priced at $14. Our waiter chuckled when he informed me that price was for the bottle because I was of the erroneous belief that it was the price per glass!

I must mention our waiter, Rick. He was very attentive without hovering. He also presented a very pleasant interactive personality. Rick was able and willing to answer all our questions with knowledge and humor.

We topped off our evening by sharing deserts. The deserts were only ten dollars and there was plenty for two. Paul and I divided the “Daily Trio of House-Made Ice Cream or Sorbet” and Gregg and Cindy enjoyed the Chef Deborah's Potted Brownie – One word Yum!

On a political note - A 2% surcharge is added to all Guest checks to help cover increasing costs and in the restaurants support of the recent increases in minimum wage and benefits for their dedicated Team Members. I will leave it at that.

I would rate this restaurant a Five Stars Out Of Five. The food and service was impeccable. The cost was not economical, but compatible with the quality of the product. The atmosphere proved conducive to a leisurely evening catching up with friends – before we knew it, three enjoyable hours had passed.

Restaurant Hours:

• Dinner: 5:00pm nightly
• Lunch: 11:30am - 2pm
• Brunch: Sat & Sun 10:30am-2pm
• Please call for holiday hours

Happy Hour:

Daily: 2pm - 6:30pm
Lounge and Lanai Only

First Family Camping Trip of 2017

South Carlsbad State Beach

This southernmost part of the Golden State, with its warm beaches, sculpted bluffs and historic adobe buildings, has been a mecca for individuals seeking a better life. Today, more than ever, it is the destination of millions who pursue the modern equivalent of the “California Dream.”

Crue Stone - A Healthy Four Months Young

No pictures please..Mr.Crue Stone exactly 4 months old today 💗💗💗

Three Brothers / One Outfit

Oma's Cute Little Monkeys

 

Crue Stone (top), Reef Indy (Left), and Coast Oak (Right) are adorable in this monkey onesie.

Strong Winds and Rain in San Diego County

Oma & Opa's Home

Wind Advisory issued January 19 at 3:20AM PST until January 20 at 4:00AM PST by NWS ...STRONG WINDS IN THE MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS TODAY... ...EVEN STRONGER WINDS IN THE MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS FRIDAY THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... .A COUPLE OF STORM SYSTEMS WILL BRING GUSTY SOUTHWEST TO WEST WINDS TO THE MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS TODAY THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING. TODAY EXPECT SOUTHWEST TO WEST WINDS 20 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OVER

Happy Second Month Birthday

Crue Stone is two-month-old already.  He has really perked up and is very alert and attentive to noise and light changes.

Santa Crue Stone is One Month Young

Coast Oak's First Skate

Sixteen-Month-Young Coast Oak went to the skate park with big brother Reef Indy and Dad to experience his first time on a skateboard.

Taking Crue Stone Home

Mom and Dad were so very ready to take all their boys home.

Welcome Crue Stone Smith

Oma got to meet Grandson #3 on 11/11/2016 at 9:59 p.m. Crue Stone Smith came in at 9 lbs and 5 ounces. Mom and Baby are healthy and happy!!!

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween

Fun Family Time at Bates Nut Farm

Post by Oma Loves U.

Over 90 years ago, Bates Nut Farm got its start in Valley Center growing walnuts. The walnut tress are now gone, but they still sell nuts from all over the world. Every year they provide a pumpkin patch - Over 50 years of fall traditions and memories have been created at the Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch. Family and friends enjoy the tractor hayrides, straw maze, petting corral and Snows Pony Rides.

Grab a wheelbarrow and pick from variety of pumpkins: Big Macs, Ghost, Cinderella, Jack O’ Lantern, minis, squash, gourds and other fall décor. In addition, weekends at Bates include live entertainment from 12:00 -3:00, BBQ, kettle corn, food trucks, rock climb, bounce, slide and other family friendly events. Check our calendar for details and schedule.

Training a Service Dog.... My Journey So Far

By Stacey Kuhns

For those who have read my previous blogs, you know that I am disabled. I have several diseases and live with chronic pain 24/7. Because of the progression of my diseases, my career in law enforcement was cut short and I found myself retired and at a loss as to the path my life would take.

There are many days where simple tasks, such as getting dressed and undressed are agony. There are times when the simple task of opening a jar or holding onto something is too much for me. I walk like someone well into their eighties. There are nights when the pain makes it impossible to sleep and tears and depression threaten to overwhelm me. Yet every morning, I get back up and try to live my life to the fullest that I possibly can.

One of my many medical professionals suggested I get a service dog. I was shocked. It never crossed my mind that someone with my condition would need or benefit from a service dog. I am not blind. I am not confined to a wheelchair (although I was for one year). During my research on service dogs, (we are talking about a certified service dog, not an emotional support animal or therapy dog), I discovered that most organizations place only one to two service dogs per year with a qualified disabled person. I applied with several organizations but did not qualify.

I met with some wonderful women at a training facility who answered all of my questions about whether a service dog would be beneficial to me and how I would go about obtaining one. They assisted me with finding a puppy that would hopefully make an excellent service dog candidate and that would meet my physical needs. They assured me that I would be capable of training my own service dog through their program but warned me that it would be a two-year training commitment. And, there are no guarantees the dog will pass certification. They assured me that there are ways to train a service animal even with my physical limitations.

As I have worked with animals much of my life, I had my heart set on rescuing a dog from a shelter that would eventually become my service dog. Well, things did not turn out that way. I had been saving money up for a down payment on a used car (as I lost my car when I lost my job since I could no longer afford to keep it). Retiring nine years earlier than planned greatly affected my income. Well, I still do not have a car, but I have a potential service dog. The money went towards the purchase of a puppy that met the physical and health requirements for my purpose.

I came home with a seven-week-old puppy named Henson. I don't think I realized what I was getting myself into. Yes, there are ways to train a puppy/dog that work with my disabilities but taking care of a puppy 24 hours a day was a different matter. I questioned my decision every day. I slept less, cried more, and my pain levels increased, but I was determined not to give up and to see this through.

One big benefit to training your own service dog is that there is a very tight bond right from the start (which can also result in a dog with severe separation anxiety). Henson pretty much goes everywhere with me. When I cannot take him with me to certain places, such as my volunteer job, he has a meltdown (we are working on this). He is smart and his training is progressing well. It is A LOT of work and sometimes is difficult physically and mentally for me, but I am not one to give up on Henson or myself.

Henson is now seven months old and 61 pounds. He has another year of growing so is going to be a very big boy, which is what I wanted. But he is also very strong, so training is crucial. Henson is currently in his third training class. Recently, he has become terrified of a number of different things and many loud noises. Some of them understandable, and some fears that don't seem rational.

We will be working with the trainers on this, of course, but there is always my fear that he may not work out as a service dog. I often ask myself how I would feel about this. It's a tough one. I have invested a lot of time and money into Henson with the goal that he will be able to assist me and alleviate some of the struggles I go through daily. But, Henson is my buddy and my constant companion. As with most all dogs, he loves me unconditionally and I love him. He is family. A well-trained dog is invaluable to me as well as everyone Henson or I come into contact with, so there really is no loss if he does not get certified. Well, the loss is I won't have him to assist me in places where I need help, so I will continue to use my cane and wheelchair.

I know many people purchase service dog vests online. This is illegal. Many people have told me to do this and I refuse. I know there are so many dogs out there who have little to no service dog training yet their owners pose them as "service dogs." Shame on them is all I have to say. This is a difficult road and something I take very seriously. Henson and I are in this together and we will take our time and do it correctly. 

None of this is easy. Henson and I are a short way into our training journey. While the outcome is unknown, it is certainly a great learning experience for us both and quite an adventure.

Related Posts

1. Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill
2. Dog Friendly Areas in North County San Diego
3. A Struggle with a Light at the End of the Tunnel
4. Slave to My Future Service Dog
5. Reflecting on this Mother's Day
6. A New Journey Begins

New Moon Over Southern California

Oma has really talented friends. These photos below were taken by MJ Hatch of the Southern California New Moon.

A new moon is the moment when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction, meaning that the Sun and Earth are on the opposite sides of the Moon. September 30th will present us with a Black Moon which is the second new moon in a calendar month.

Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw

Including a Tasty Stop at The Round Up BBQ Grill

 

Looking for Something to Do in San Diego on the Weekend? How about Palomar Mountain and Lake Henshaw?

On Sunday morning, my boyfriend Ed and I were deciding what we could do for the day. Decisions are somewhat difficult as we have Henson, my six-month-old pup with us. Ed looked on a website that talked about 50 dog friendly places to go, and one of them was the Palomar Mountain Observatory, home of the 200-inch Hale Telescope. Decision made!

We packed what we would need for the dog and ourselves and off we went. We took the curvy scenic route up the mountain, which was about 16 miles from Escondido area. There are plenty of pullout spots on the ride up to enjoy the scenery or to get out of the way of some very crazy motorcyclist. Ed and I ride, but safely. On Sunday, there were hundreds of speed bikers screaming down those curves and it was frightening, not going to lie. First time that has happened though. We have ridden up to Palomar numerous times and it is always peaceful and pleasant. This time, we were in a car since we had the dog.

If you do pull off to the side of the road, just keep an eye out for poison ivy as it is very abundant in places. We stopped once to enjoy the view, the trees, and to watch a group of three hawks circling and calling overhead. 

The observatory is easy to find. Just keep following the signs. There is a large parking lot (but keep in mind, there are no gas stations on the mountain). The observatory area closes around 4 p.m. so be sure and check times and weather conditions prior to making the drive. There is a small museum and gift shop right near the parking lot entrance, as well as a large picnic ground. Everything is clean and the path to the observatory is paved. The fall colors were emerging on the plants and it was lovely. There was also a wonderful breeze in the area.

There are some shaded benches near the observatory with pretty views over the hills and mountains.

Once you get to the observatory (a fairly short flat walk), be prepared for steps up to the entrance and 70 steps inside up to the actual telescope mirror and the information area. There is an entrance around the back for the mobility impaired but it was not attended when we were there and there was no bell to ring or anything. So I enjoyed myself outside, sitting on a bench looking at the beautiful views around me while Ed explored inside.

We then left Palomar and instead of turning back down the twisty grade, we veered left towards Lake Henshaw. An easier ride and also very picturesque. (Signs leading the way to Lake Henshaw out of Palomar are easy to spot and follow.) Also a note, there are no dog friendly restaurants or much of anything in the way of places to eat on the mountain.

There are two main paved lookouts with parking lots on the way down to Lake Henshaw. The first one is partway down Palomar Mountain and provides a wide-sweeping view of the area. Lake Henshaw can be seen in the distance (which is easier in the winter as there is more water).

The second viewing area is practically on top of Lake Henshaw and overlooks the entire area. It is gorgeous in winter but not bad in summer either.

We then went for a lunch/dinner at one of our favorite places. Yes, it is out of the way and from the outside, does not look like much, but the chef is amazing. We have never had a bad meal or bad service there. And they have the best appetizer wings, hands down, which come in a variety of flavors. Everything is delicious and we were allowed to come in with the dog in their front enclosed patio seating area which overlooks Lake Henshaw.

Fried pickles with a spicy sauce. So good!

Mushroom Swiss burger.

Roasted tomato flatbread. So wonderful. Flavors from the roasted tomatoes and light homemade tomato sauce just burst in your mouth.

The Round Up BBQ Grill  is located at 26439 CA-76, Santa Ysabel, 92070. They are open from 11a.m. to 7p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7a.m. to 7p.m. Friday through Sunday. There is a store attached to the restaurant where you can pay for access to Lake Henshaw, which we will plan for next time. There is always something cool and interesting to do in San Diego County.