This was one of those summer weeks where everything just worked out perfect. Val had a conference in New Jersey and we had a wedding to attend in Santa Barbara, the Saturday before. She was able to fly out of Orange County, so we could visit our daughter Bridgit on Sunday evening. First thing Monday (7/9/07) I got Val off at John Wayne and had breakfast with Bridgit before she headed off to work. And I headed off on my road trip!
Down the coast highway, through the poverty of Newport Beach and into one of my favorite places - Laguna Beach. I already knew that the Laguna Beach Brewpub was closed, but it was still sad to see it for myself. I had great memories of Luke (our 18 year old) and I enjoying dinner on the second floor, overlooking the ocean and the sunset, just across the street. I took a picture of the building, with it's "For Lease" signs, just as a sad reminder. I often wonder how a place that seemed to pack'm in, and had good food and great beer, could go under? Also, the Ocean Brewpub, is now an Italian restaurant. They do have a relatively new BJ's pub in town.
And then a short drive further down the coast is Dana Point. We use to live there, so it was fun to walk around the marina. "Dana Point was named for Richard Henry Dana, Jr., author of Two Years Before the Mast, which included a description of the area. Dana describes the locale, including neighboring San Juan Capistrano, as "the only romantic spot in California." Although Dana describes the anchorage as poor, it is the best available in the vicinity, and is now a developed harbor containing a museum replica of his ship, the Pilgrim". There's a museum type educational facility that goes along with the Pilgrim. They had a number of young kids in "sailor camp" programs, learning how to "heavho", tie knots, and most importantly - follow directions!
Again, just a very short drive further down the coast, and the next town is San Clemente. Pizza Port Brewery has a fairly new brewpub here. As with their other two locations, they are located a short drive off the coast highway, and within walk'n distance to the beach. These beaches have some of the best surfing on the west coast, and the three locations have a great surfer theme.
It was still pretty early in the day, so there were just a few of us there.
You can see the bar, just to the left of the brewery - nice and close! I had samplers of Sharkbite Red (which was great! "Port Brewing's signature beer. A very robust red ale made with Centennial and Cascade hops which lend a spicy finish to the beer". ), Pier Rat Porter ("....thick, dark & smooth served on Nitrogen for an even creamier taste. Brewed with 5 different malts and 2 hops for a complex full bodied ale!"), El Camino IPA, Way Heavy Scotch Strong Ale, Carlsbad Chronic Amber Ale ("...A mellow amber malty ale"), and a Dunkel Dark Wheat.
In my opinion the beers don't compare to the other two locations, especially Carlsbad. But then the Carlsbad Port Brewery produces some of the beast beer anywhere! Just look at all the GABF medals they have.
And speaking of Carlsbad....
This place is my idea of a perfect brewpub! Outstanding beer, great pizza and atmosphere to spare. Below, one of Jeff Bagby's brewers, doing some paperwork.
Along with a slice of pizza, I had tasters of: Poor Mans IPA (a double IPA), Wipeout IPA ("Our version of this West Coast IPA brings a smile to the face of hopheads everywhere. This beer has a huge bitter finish which is mildly tempered by the large amounts of crystal malt we use."), Old Viscosity (10%), Carlsbad Cream Ale ("the lightest beer produced at Pizza Port"), and Chronic Amber Ale.
After this, a walk around town with a good $2 ceeeegar, and I was set!
Back on the road, and a tad bit further south, it's Solano Beach. This is Pizza Port's original locations (I'd always assumed it was Carlsbad).
They have a cute little brewing system scrunched in just a few feet away from the restaurant.
Did I mention this is a surfing town!
While in San Diego, I just roughed it at a campground in Mission Bay. Tossed down my air mattress and sleeping bag at night, and I was set.
Tuesday (7/10/07) morning, it was over the big bridge of a highway to Coronado. I hadn't been over her in 40 years, since I was in the Navy. Needless to say, this crossing was under better conditions. I was anxious to check out Hotel Del Coronado. I walked all around the outside and as much of the inside as I could. Built in 1888, this place is absolutely classic.
You can see the brewery, just behind the tap handles. I got a sampler of their Mermaid's Red Ale and the IPA. A BLT sandwich went well with a pint of that IPA.
A short walk, a few doors down the street and it ends where the ferry terminal used to be (the bridge was completed in 1969). What a view of the city!
After they made a go of the homebrew shop, they built the brewery. Later they were able to build a second brewery - but that's for tomorrow.
This interesting tid-bit, on the name Ballast Point, from their Web site: "The name for our brewery comes from the point where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first set foot in California. Located on the Point Loma Peninsula, Ballast Point is considered the gateway to San Diego Harbor. Stones from this area were used as ballast in the cargo holds of sailing ships returning to the eastern seaboard. Many New England streets are still lined with the cobblestones brought back from San Diego".
Wednesday (7/11/07) - I'd always noticed on the Stone Brewing Web site, that Wednesday was "Cask Day", so needless to say....
But first a shot of Kahve, the place I had my daily morning coffee and muffin. They had a real cute outside eating area. This little joint was located on the narrow strip of land, between Mission Bay and the ocean.
On my way out of town, to Escondido (Stone Country), I had a very interesting stop at The Firehouse Brewing Company. This brewery was started by firemen and a portion of their profit goes to local fire stations, for safety equipment, etc. This place is way in the back of a very hard to find industrial park. But the search was worth it. I was greeted by an office worker who gladly gave me a tour of the operation. They had just got a contract for twelve Costco stores, so they were in the middle of frantically trying to ramp up - especially their bottling line. I had a quick taste of their Pale Ale, and let them get back to work.
Next stop was in Scripps Ranch, a fairly modern high tech industrial area. Ballast Point has their second brewery located here - Very nice!
They have a relatively small front office space, with one desk and office worker. Then there's that familiar "window in the wall" with the counter/bar, and a fairly large brewery on the other side. It was still early in the day and I was the only one there. The office lady said the room can get totally packed at 5:00 when everyone gets off work. I had a 4 oz taster of their IPA and Porter
Then got a nice little tour of the brewery.
And then on to Escondido, for the Big Daddy of San Diego breweries - Stone!
This place is awesome, with one of the best brewery tours I've ever been on. Forty-five minutes of entertaining education, and afterwards, virtually all the samples you could drink.
The restaurant and bar area.
A beautiful outdoor area to stroll around.
I had a nice little sampler set, of which two were on cask - ESB and Oatmeal Stout.
With the brewery just behind the bar.
And a very cool mural on the restaurant wall.
Due west to the coast and then south on I-5 to my Mission Bay camp spot, to end-up a very full day.
Thursday 7/12/07 - This was the last day of the San Diego part of my trip and I was heading back up the coast to connect-up with the gang in Orange County. A stop in beautiful Torrey Pines and the hang-glider port. This is looking south, from where the folks "glide" off the cliffs.
Moving on towards my destination, I couldn't pass through Carlsbad, without stopping one more time at Pizza Port Brewery, and having a 1/2 pt of their Wipeout IPA. What a great trip!!!!
