After living in California for several decades, I returned five years ago to Upstate New York and my home town. I have missed my friends, the smell of salt water and waves and CA energy. I wasn’t interested in seeing sites that tourists visit, but staying put on the water and have friends come to me. This post is about my visit to Sausalito and was not sponsored or paid for by any of the businesses I discuss.
I stayed at the Inn Above Tide and as you can see from the photos, it is true to it’s name.
Not only are the views and sounds of the waves comforting, the rooms are well appointed with comfortable mattresses and bed and bath sheets; a fireplace and patio came with my Queen room. The morning buffet is a feast that is complimentary.
Yes, this is the buffet. And as you can see, it includes everything you would want and, complimentary!
Then there’s a Wine and Cheese reception that they bring to your room between 5-7 pm. There’s a choice of red and white wines with a mixed selection of cheese and crackers. And, complimentary.
It was time to venture out, although I did so hesitantly. Since this was a food, wine and friends quick retreat, my friends share my love of fresh seafood and CA wine.
Fried Calamari was always part of either a meal or happy hour, so Scoma’s was the first lunch and of course with my favorite, marinara on the side. In all honesty, with all theses meals, we were so busy catching up, that I forgot to photograph several courses as is the case here. Served with sour dough, I took the leftover sauce and bread back to my room and that was dinner.
The next day, lunch was at Poggio’s where we were both hungry for their Chicken Liver Mousse Pate which is served in generous portions swirled on toast with pomegranate seeds, pistachios and red onion.
Dinner was at a recommended restaurant that neither one of us had tried, Angelino’s. This was the best fried calamari on the trip with shrimp, fennel and onions prepared in a tempura style keeping the seafood tender, which is not an easy task to do.
Manilla Clams, the tiny tender bivalves, are not easily found where I live, so they were devoured when on the menu and when I had room to enjoy. Vongole is one of my favorite pasta dishes, and they were delicious with just the right amount of garlic and wine.
On my final day, I wanted a burger since it was going to be a long day with a red-eye flight at the end. The Trident, known for seafood and a hippy hangout back in the day, offered a chargrilled burger cooked medium rare and absolutely delicious. My friends had their Clam Chowder in a sour dough bowl and Crab Cakes.
It was a great trip all the way around and I feel lucky to have such good friends, to stay at such a wonderful inn and enjoy fabulous meals all in Sausalito.
I returned home to my rescue pup who was happy to stay home with her sitter.
For questions and comments please email me: Linda@anexpatreturns.com Thanks for reading!
