Weekend Review: Santa Ynez

Hamachi Sashimi with Avocado and Crispy Shiitakes at The Ballard Inn

Seared Scallops with Bacon and Chard at Seagrass

This past Memorial Day weekend started off with a surprise proposal from my boyfriend (now fiancé) in Santa Barbara, at one of my favorite bed and breakfast hotels, The Upham. Everything following it was a whirlwind of celebrations featuring excellent food and drinks. We spent the first night eating seafood and sipping champagne over a private, romantic table at Seagrass. The rest of the weekend was spent with our family in Santa Ynez Valley, where we went wine tasting, played some heated rounds of dominoes, and enjoyed some very memorable meals. It was a weekend I'll never forget, and we're already itching to go back again soon.

Prosciutto, Roasted Pepper, and Mozzarella Sandwich from Panino

Chicken and Shrimp Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Grilled Vegetables at Petros

Incredibly Decadent Spinach and Cheese Tortellone from Trattoria Grappolo