SeeCalifornia.com

I’ve been practicing my BBQ grilling techniques for several weeks, even though it has cut into web time and posting events that many of you have emailed me (sorry about that.) Here’s hoping that you have good California grown dairy, nuts, strawberries, meats, wine, craft brews, milk for the kids and much happiness. If you come from some place else (like I have), you really appreciate being able to live in California. With all its fault–fault lines, earthquakes, freeway congestion, and taxes– still, the weather can’t be beat and the scenery beats the heck out of a Kansas cornfield!

Easter is a time for families to get together and chow down. The toughest part about the holiday is deciding whether to eat at home or eat out. Most of us have done both and our household is leaning towards a Santa Maria style BBQ on the Weber grill in the comfort of the humble abode. Why? Our choices for dining out have been expensive and sometimes the service or quality of food has suffered due to crowds that overwhelm restaurants. We’ve eaten on the Queen Mary, on the Hornblower Cruises and at the finest hotels with ocean views. We’ve also tried ocean view restaurants next to piers, and water view tables at marinas. Several times eating out at Easter we’ve gotten sick and have attributed it to contamination at food buffets and serve yourself stations. We’ve also found ourselves feeling cheated when the most expensive choices (crab, lobster, etc.) ran out before we got our table, even when we’ve paid $50-100 per person for a buffet!