August 2019: Day 3
August 2019: Day 2
August 2019: Day 1
June 2019: Day 2
June 2019: Day 1
Apr 2019 - Day 4
Apr 2019 - Day 3
Apr 2019 - Day 2
Apr 2019 - Day 1
Mar 2019 - Day 4
Mar 2019 - Day 3
Mar 2019 - Day 2
Mar 2019 - Day 1
Jan 2019 - Day 3
Jan 2019 - Day 2
Jan 2019 - Day 1
2018 and previous
Jan 2013 and previous
Mammoth
Began a long weekend with a quick stop at Stoken Donuts, where they were pretty picked over by 11am, then headed up to Manzanar War Relocation Camp. BK may be a little young to fully grasp the significance, but AJ, I think, was able to begin to grasp what happened. The rebuilt barracks are configured to represent several different stages in Manazar's history, and the museum is excellent. Given the current political climate, places like Manzanar are important reminders of mistakes made in the past and that are currently being repeated.
Next stop was Copper Top BBQ. Still not quite sure they're delicious enough to deserve that Number One Restaurant in America rating a few years ago, but the tri-tip is still damned good. The pork ribs have faded a little bit from their peak but they're still excellent; unfortunately the green chili has lost its kick. Still, it's an excellent meal, and well worth the stop, even if you're not a huge fan of BBQ-- in small (or large) part just because it's so damned hard to find good BBQ in California.
Finished the drive up to Mammoth that afternoon, checked out the rather decent pool/hot tub/sauna at the condo, then AJ and BK decided they wanted the ramen I brought for dinner, so Mike and Allison said "ok!" And with that, the adults went down to the village to enjoy themselves. Side Door seems to have simplified their menu, which was a bit lame, but the crepes are still good. (and the cobb "salad" is terrible).
When Joe and Lulu finally showed up, they found us at Mammoth Brewing. Both the originals and the seasonals made for a solid tasting menu, although a hazy IPA, a session IPA, a gose, and two sours (Cherry Sour and Immortal Sour) might have been a bit much for some in the group. Double Nut Brown and Golden Trout Kolsch I think got taken home by Allison, while I grabbed the sours. And less we forget, the pork rinds were pretty good too.