As a fan of Rachael Ray’s show, I thought I’d see what I could do to match the mythical "Dine well on $40 A Day" on my recent vacation. I left Ojai, CA around 7 in the morning and pulled into my first stop two hours later. This was the Mayor’s Place in Nipomo, which I’d been to for the first time a few weeks ago (documented in my "Sideways Tour" thread). I had an awesome chicken fried steak, homemade biscuit and gravy, hash browns and fresh sliced tomatoes (I substituted them for the eggs). The CFS was flavorful and not overly breaded. A few cups of coffee and I was good to go for $12.71 including tip. On to my destination—-Morro Bay. I’d been craving two things in MB from past trips. For lunch, I got my first one—-fish and chips at Rose’s Landing. Rose’s was closed due to storm damage for 6 months or so but is open again and better than ever. No need to see the menu——I sat at the bar overlooking the water and ordered the fish and chip with garlic fries. I think they make the best around. Total cost with tip—-$9.01.
Dineer was also something I’d been looking forward to. Windows on the Water, an upscale restaurant in Morro Bay, has had for years a $0.65 special every Tuesday at their oyster bar. Coupled with their local Firestone Ale on tap special for $2.00, I had dinner of 12 oysters on the half shell and 6 fried oysters with a wasabi dipping sauce plus two of the beers. A meal I’d been waiting for at a great price. Including tip, $20.46.
Well, I’d enjoyed my whole day immensely. I exceeded the amount a bit—-the whole day was $42.18. But I’d say it was well worth it for what I had!