🚀 go-pugleaf

"Simon Belmont" <123@abc.xyz> said..
>This weekend I'll be making a road trip along Hwy 5
>from L.A to San Francisco. I would like to hear any
>advice on good eateries between them that I can try.
>I'll be making a whole-day trip out of it with 3 meals.

In that case do not take I-5, take Hwy 101.  Or as our readers from
la.eats would say, "the" 101.

Your first option for a good restaurant stop will be Santa Barbara,
about 1.5 hours from LA.  There are many nice places on the main drag
downtown (what's it, State St?).

Next good stop is San Luis Obispo (SLO), 1.5 hours later.  I'd
recommend SLO over Santa Barbara if you only stop for one meal during
this part of the day.  If you drink wine, stop along the way for wine
tasting at any of the bajillion wineries that have sprung up between
SB and SLO.  This part of the drive gets pretty as you drive along
the ocean.  Blue Sky Cafe' has been mentioned.  I'd also recommend (&
wish I could remember the name of) the european-style bistro next to
Mother's bar, on Higuera in SLO.

Now a choice:  there is very little of interest between SLO and San
Jose along Hwy 101 (occasional wineries and diners).  Some people
will suggest a stop for a meal in Paso Robles or King City or some
such cadillac-infested tourist trap:  use this as a telltale for
those who give bad suggestions.

Next stop - silicon valley.  Direct shot on 101 from SLO takes about
3 hours.  San Jose & the silicon valley are the general center of
ba.food & have dozens of amazing places to eat.  For a general
impression I'd suggest a drive on University Avenue in Palo Alto
(exit off 101 & be _certain_ to go towards Palo Alto NOT EAST PALO
ALTO.  Really).  Then Palo Alto to SF is about 40 minutes along 101.
Just before you get to SF, take 280 north to Embarcadero instead of
101 into the central city.  It's nicer.

Plan B -  if you want to get _really_ scenic, you could take Hwy 1
from SLO all the way up to San Francisco.  This will take all day
plus.  I'd suggest it if you have time & the sun is out.  It's a
beautiful drive.  Plan stops in San Simeon/Hearst Castle, Carmel
(take the 17-mile drive), Half Moon Bay.  If the weather is bad,
don't bother - these are winding roads and the view will be clouds.
Driving this route SLO->SF will take 5 or 6 (?) hours without stops.
Add an hour or two per major stop.  Hwy 1 ends in San Francisco.

Allan
-- 
Allan Schaffer                                            allan@sgi.com
Silicon Graphics                                     http://www.sgi.com