Happy Tuesday all! Thanks for following along on our Southern California Road Trip to Universal Studios ~ Los Angeles, Venice Beach and Santa Monica. On our last day, we knew we wanted to head up Highway along the Coast and to the cute Danish Town of Solvang.
Before heading out of the hotel, The Husband wanted to have his picture taken with David Beckham!
After the first picture, he totally got into it and even had one kicking the ball too ~ he is such a clown!
I was completely STARVING so I knew I couldn’t get away with my banana & latte.
Instead, I tried out Starbuck’s Chicken Sausage & Egg White Wrap (7 points+). It’s actually REALLY good ~ the roasted peppers and mushrooms in the wrap totally reminded me of eating a pizza pocket.
Served up with a grande ff decaf latte (3 points+).
Since this was Scooter’s first ROAD TRIP, we made sure he took his picture with the Hollywood sign!
After driving down the Avenue of the Stars and Sunset Blvd., we headed out of town to have lunch in Malibu Beach.
We actually ate at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe a few years back when we drove to Southern California to surprise my sister for her birthday. We both remembered loving this place so we knew we had to go back.
It is situated right off Highway 1 and right on the beach ~ you have the choice of eating inside or outside on the beach.
I could honestly eat just their salad bar alone, but, I knew exactly what I wanted.
We started with orange iced teas (although, they have several alcoholic drinks that they serve up in the fruit (coconut, pineapple, watermelon, etc.) that looked fun.)
We shared the Wedge Salad sans the stinky cheese and stinky dressing ~ served up with ranch instead. (3 points+ for my half).
I was CRAVING Shrimp Scampi!!! I actually was surprised it came on rice versus noodles ~ not the same. I ate all the shrimp, giving one to The Husband and skipped the bread and ride ~ it just didn’t sound good (8 points+)
For my “side” I picked snap peas that I shared with The Husband too. Totally crunchy, sweet and delicious (2 points+ for the oil I am sure they used)
We took a walk along the beach soaking up the ocean and sun after lunch before heading off to our next destination.
SOLVANG!!!
Solvang is a super cute Danish town that was developed in 1911. It is a little touristy, but, I kind of think that adds a little to the charm.
The buildings totally make it seem like are visiting a town in Denmark.
There are a bunch of bakeries that smell amazing when you walk by along with plenty of restaurants to try out. I also LOVE that they have wine, cheese and olive tasting rooms throughout the town!
All of the shops are uniquely decorated and everyone is super friendly when you stop in.
We couldn’t resist….what can I say, we are total suckers for these booths every single time
We knew the ONE place we had to stop was Mortensen’s Bakery because Monica gave it such great reviews when we asked about it on Facebook.
WOW! I pretty much wanted to try one of everything when we looked at the display….
We even pondered getting a bunch to go ~ you know for another day
But, when, it came down to it, we both knew we would eat them all as soon as we could and shared the absolute BEST LEMON DANISH I’ve ever had in my life.
It was totally flakey, buttery and tart from the lemon, but, then, the icing literally melted in your mouth along with the nutty crunch from the almonds. (6 points+ for half and worth every single one).
On our way home, we stopped in Atascadero at OutLaw’s Hideout for dinner.
I LOVE Mom & Pop shops and will always eat there over any chain restaurant any day.
I ordered the special ~ BBQ Chicken, Sweet Potato Fries, Garlic Toast, Coleslaw and cowboy beans…..ready for this ~ it was only $8!!
Crazy, insane and downhome good! I didn’t even put a dent in this plate. I had about 1/3 of the chicken, 1/2 the fries and the coleslaw. The Husband had my beans, toast and the rest of the chicken.
It is meals like this that make me wish I could eat more LOL…..
We spent today getting settled in back home and ready for the work week that starts tomorrow. I am glad it’s only 3 days since I am totally sick now. It was worth it though because our mini vacation was a blast!
On that note, I am off to catch some zzzzzzz’s.
Night all!
Monica says
Yay! Sounds like you guys had a good time. And so glad Mortensen’s didn’t disappoint. We are from So Cal, but moved to the South about 6 years ago. I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your mini vacation. Thank you for taking us along! 🙂
Staci says
OMWord, when does bread EVER not sound good??? LOL That is weird that the shrimp came over rice, though. I love that you both have 3 arms/hands in the toy soldier picture. Haha. 🙂 Looks like you had an awesome time.
DanicasDaily says
I think because I had a cold ~ otherwise, I cannot think of a single time in my life that bread does not sound good LOL.
Josie says
That other Bakery you took a pic of the Danish Mill use to have a different name …my Dad worked there in HS. He grew up in Solvang..My favorite are the Elbelskers…or as my Dad calls em Danish baseballs!! I have never heard of Outlaws where is it, we are camping in Solvang over Spring break may have to hit it up! I was born and raised a bit in Lompoc not far from Solvang. Love all the funky shops. Glad your home safe and sorry you are sick, Jakeman stayed home today cause of his nasty cough! feel better!
Jessica says
Hi Danica,
First of all, I am DROOLING over the pictures you took of your lemon danish. On another note, I have been desperately wanting to make your 1P+ apple cinnamon chip muffins!! I searched 4 grocery stores before finding the cinnamon chips and was super excited to make them after stopping at good ol Trader Joes. Dissapointment came when I found the Trader Joe’s stores in my area do not carry Apple Spice Cake Mix!!!! I know you said you can substitute with another cake mix — do you have any suggestions? Something that would still make the muffins 1P+ each and still be delicious?? I am so sad! How can I get you to send me a box if I send you $$$!!
🙂
Jessica
DanicasDaily says
Hi Jessica,
I have heard of Nugget stores carrying the cinnamon chips but that is the only store. I know you can order then online at amazon.com as well. I will check out my Trader Joe’s to see if they still have the apply bread mix. If they do, I will gladly get you some and send it to you 🙂
As a side note, you can use any cake/spice mix that sounds good to you.
Danica
Jessica says
Thanks Danica, let me know! I ended up finding cinnamon chips at Stop&Shop but no luck on apple spice anything..!
DanicasDaily says
Jessica,
My Trader Joe’s had the Apple Spice Cake Mix. I bought a box. Email me your address at danicasdaily at gmail dot com and I will send it your way 🙂
Danica
Barb says
Love the vaca picts. Same for me on the Apple Bread mix at TJ’s. They checked the computer for me and said they weren’t even able to order and that it might be a seasonal item. Never found cinnamon chips either. Help!
Barb
DanicasDaily says
HI Barb,
I have heard of Nugget stores carrying the cinnamon chips but that is the only store. I know you can order then online at amazon.com as well. I will check out my Trader Joe’s to see if they still have the apply bread mix. If they do, I will gladly get you some and send it to you too 🙂
You can use any cake mix that sounds good. I’ve made this recipe with chocolate cake and chocolate chips too.
Danica
DanicasDaily says
HI Barb,
My Trader Joe’s had the Apple Spice Cake Mix. I bought a box. Email me your address at danicasdaily at gmail dot com and I will send it your way 🙂
Danica
Shannon says
What a fun weekend! I have been to Solvang one time but I’d like to go back. Maybe the next time we go down to Disneyland we’ll try to make our way over there on our way back or something. We had lunch at this little dinner and they had ebelskivers, those round pancakes, and they were SOOOOO good!!! I think they sell them premade in the freezer section at TJ’s. I’ll have to go check out the stats on them…
christine says
Danica, So fun going on this trip with you and Jay, we have taken that trip many times when we head south and stop at many of the same locations just different restaurants so now I have a new list of “must eat at” next time we head south.
Take care of yourself! Welcome home and hope to see you on the 4th at WW.
Christine
LaJuana says
Although this is my very first time posting a comment I truly enjoy reading about your daily adventures. I must say that your mini vacation became my mini vacation! I am from Southern California and am very familiar with each and every site that you and your husband enjoyed. Your pictures and excitement in your voice made me feel like I was right there with you guys!! Thanks for the get away!
Leigh says
Jessica and Barb,
I, too, was desperate to make the cinnamon apple muffins and had trouble finding those ingredients too. I ended up ordering cinnamon chips from Amazon and made the muffins using Fiber One Apple Cinnamon bread/cake mix. I haven’t put it in the recipe builder, but they were absolutely delicious!! I have made them a couple of time & everyone loves them. Thank you SO much Danica. Thank you also for the taco egg cups – we all love those too! I really enjoy your blog. It’s fun to read and very helpful!
Randi says
Looks like you had a great time. Its fun to see Socal ( because I live here) from a vistitors perspective. We’re taking a road trip up to Norcal in a couple weeks. I should blog about it, I’ve been so neglectful with my foodblog. I should start it up again. We’re going to Monteray and Mendocino and SF, any good restaurant recs?
DanicasDaily says
Hi Randi,
You know I haven’t been to Monterey in so long I am not sure I could recommend any place. I have never been to Mendocino so I definitely look forward to hearing about you trip. I wish I had some recommendations for you…..sorry!
Have fun!!!
Danica