Strawberry picking

We drove on to the dirt road, admiring the fields of plants. Walking onto the farm property to register for our very first Strawberry tour, the aroma of the freshly baked tamales was in the area. We payed our $17 in just enough time to jump onto the tractor wagon that would take us around the farm. The clouds covered the sky, but the sun was peaking through just enough to keep the air cool, but not cold. As we drove by each field, our enthusiastic tour guide welcomed us with facts about the Tanka Farm, such as it being owned by a Japanese American family for about 75 years. We started with the vegetables passing by cauliflowers , kale, and getting to try fresh and organic cilantro, corn,carrots and green beans that was picked right from the ground. When we continued on we knew we were getting closer to the strawberry fields because the aroma tickled our senses. Eager to pick, we had to abide by some farm rules before we started picking. We started on a treasure hunt of finding the reddest strawberry. As I went after the larger strawberries, and I couldn't help but to snack and pick at the same time. Once our baskets were filled and our shoes were covered in mud, we climbed back onto the tractor and headed back to the main entrance of the farmer. A 45 minute tour that seemed to last only 10 minutes. After we exiting the tractor, we went shopping in their market, where they had great prices on fruits, veggies, salsa, tamales, fruit bars and more. Fun facts: 1. Purple carrots are healthier then orange carrots but not very popular, so they are not often sold. 2. The difference between fruits and vegetables is that fruits have seeds and they come from flowers. 3. Corn is a man made vegetable. If the human race went extinct, corn would only last 2 years. 5. Tankam farm also has pumpkin and watermelon tours.

Try Something New Sundays: Source Cafe

The blog series is back.For those of you who have read my other "Try Something New" posts, I have decided to get back to them. Although I don't know if they will be every Sunday but I will strive for that. With Southern California's Summer in October bringing us 90 degree weather I was in search for a cafe close to the beach and that's when I found The Source Cafe. I am sort of a cafe junkie, so when I walk into a cafe I have to feel welcomed by the atmosphere and the decor. The place was small but still roomy. They have a patio area with outdoor tables and chairs. When you first walk in you'll see multiple places for sitting including a long wooden table and against the wall there are pillows and seats next to chairs and tables. The prices were a little bit higher than most of the cafe's I've been to but, you are paying for quality food, healthy food, and uniqueness. This is definitely the place for anyone that is vegan, vegetarian, health conscious, and gluten free. I purchased a juice called the Revival which contains red apple, fennel, ginger( which I opt out of) and lemon. It had a very strong taste of fennel, which was a new flavor my taste buds had to become accustomed to. This drink cost $9, which is the price range of most of their juices. I also purchased a Smoked Trout Toast which is served on toasted baguettes and came with tomato and vegan garlic ailoi. Very tasty but very salty. This place was definitely a new experience for my taste buds but at least I was consuming nutrition along with an array of different flavors.

City Reviews: The Green House Cafe

Have you ever walked into a place and felt at peace? That is how I felt when I walked into Green House Cafe in Long Beach. On the search to find a place to read and do some work I randomly yelped this place that had good reviews and was open on New Years day. Green House is a spacious place with two levels and an art gallery. Their name gives meaning to their decor with plants on different levels, wooden table and chairs and earth tones within the walls, couches and love seats. The main room was lit by a bright chandler hanging in the center. While the atmosphere is inviting, the food will get you to stay. Their food and their coffee is locally and organically grown. The freshness and flavor of their food is evident in the taste. Some of their food items includes, the Green House Panini, Mango grilled chicken with avocado, and my personal favor their chicken noddle soup. Green House is the place to be.