Being waken by the crashing surf is the best thing. Having that first cup of coffee is the next best. Which we immediately did after finding the Honeymoon Cafe in Pismo. Then we hit the road as it was going to be a huge day.

Our first stop was Solvang, little Denmark. This little hidden treasure was nothing that I thought it would be. We were transported to Denmark, all in an hour from waking up, complete with picture book houses and stores, windmills, traditional cheese danishes and danish people. Quit interesting, I would love to go back and really check it out. But, we were on a quest to meet Diane and Todd, from White on Rice Couple.

Let me just start off by saying, they are as much fun in person as they are on their blog and in their videos -oh, their “garden” is for real, too! They gave us a quick tour, which only made us jealous, as they have everything back there from basil to ugly fruit and even some of our faves …. figs, blood oranges (thanks for the ones you gave us, they made fantastic cocktails) and Meyers! After our tour, they put together not only a very tasty lunch but a fun and informative one. Diane taught us the proper way to roll rolls using rice paper – YOU DO NOT SOAK for 30 seconds or she will KICK your butt and we will, TOO! It was a really great time, we got to grill our own beef, eggplant and tofu on a table top stove – we love the JOYCOOK – then you roll, tuck, roll, tuck all these warm morsels with fantastic fresh herbs and then dip into these firey but refreshing sauces. As well, Todd, made these little crepes (I do not remember the name – help me guys) and stuffed them with pea shoots and more meat, then we ate as is or you could break them up and roll with the other goodies! What a fantastic way to cook and eat, it was really outstanding and we have not stopped talking about it. Unfortunately, we had limited time, so we ate, drank and then had to hit the road, we had to get to Palm Springs! In a nutshell, we had a wonderful time, great food is always nice; but, the warm and hospitable company was even nicer – Thanks Diane & Todd!