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By: Sarah Simon Ah Thai food. My all-time favorite treat! This week I had every intention of writing about my weekend adventure to Santa Barbara and how I have this ever-longing love/hate relationship with the city and the people and the restaurants, but instead, I stumbled upon an unexpected adventure while out to lunch on Monday that I felt was much more compelling to share.
I happened to be in Los Osos on business and was determined to dine at Noi’s Little Thai Kitchen. I attempted to feast there last Wednesday (which happened to be my 25th birthday!) and the experience left me feeling sour. The gal at the counter showed a sincere lack of interest and when I asked to add broccoli to my order she stated they could not because everything was pre-mixed. Seriously though? You can’t add broccoli, or put it on the side? I found this VERY hard to believe but let it go because of the overwhelmingly delicious reviews I’d gathered about the restaurant. I then handed over my credit card and was told the only accepted forms of payment were cash or check. Totally my bad, but with it being my birthday I thought, forget it, and stuck to my original plan of treating myself to a Eureka! burger. So now there I was, back in Los Osos for another attempt at food glory. I came prepared with cash and placed my order with a friendlier face. I then started to think about using the restroom and just as the thought crossed my mind a hippie chick walked in and asked for the restroom key. I mentioned I’d like to use the key when she was finished and she invited me to follow her. We clicked immediately as we talked about the funky and beautiful town of Los Osos and Noi’s best menu items. We headed to the back building and crossed a tiny bridge into a Thai style courtyard with different patio tables, elephant statues and succulents. The back building had two doors, but there were also two other buildings near the back of the restaurant. We were directed to enter the red building (which was very ironic as all the buildings were red) and together we embarked on a serious journey to find the restroom. In this little Thailand oasis and could not for the life of us get the doors to open. We decided to go to each door individually, just to make sure we weren’t crazy, which ended up driving us into a deeper maze of confusion. Twenty minutes later we headed back up to the front in search of a solution. We knew there was a key to open the restroom, because two customers told us so, but for some reason we were totally and completely baffled by the situation. Sure enough they had given us the wrong key. What are the odds! I just spent twenty minutes exploring with a total stranger and had the best time. We were talking and laughing and completely perplexed only to find the cutest indoor setting complete with large glass windows, intricately gold framed Ganesha portraits and a teeny tiny restroom in the corner only recognizable by a small male/female sign and ornate tapestry. I started eating on the patio and as my companion exited she invited me to check out the Farmer’s Market later that day. The moral of the story? Sometimes simple tasks can become adventures and strangers turn out to be friends you haven’t met yet. I was happy. I went to the Bay, ate my Pad Thai and created my own Sarah oasis; all thanks to Noi’s Little Thai Kitchen. Want more? Feast for yourself. Noi’s Little Thai Kitchen 1288 2nd St, Los Osos, CA 93402 (805) 528-6647 By: Sarah Simon Ah brunch. That weekend morning meal between breakfast and lunch that indulges all-in-one weekend success. You've already slept in, and in the midst of feeling completely well rested and full of joy because you have the entire day to yourself, your instinct tells you, 'Who needs Wheaties when you can have champagne and orange juice?' You throw on something in between pajamas and casual wear without completely kidding yourself to pass like you 'woke up like this' and you decide to treat yourself. By this time it's already 11:30am and you have a cocktail paired with a mess of deliciously eccentric breakfast concoctions, maybe a sandwich but usually not, and life is just good!
So needless to say I was totally on board when my friend invited me to her birthday brunch at Novo. I rode my bike, which was a smart move, and upon entering the restaurant I was completely immersed in the amazing ambiance that is Novo. We sat creekside in a completely serene setting with just enough space between each party at a table for eight in the shade. I enjoyed a Mojito but our table was filled with specialty cocktails including Bellinis and Bloody Marys. Something I liked about the Bellini's was that the mixologist included fruit in the glass. As for the Bloodys, these babies we're topped with everything from bacon, green olives, celery and lemon. I'm personally not a fan of either drink (hence the Mojito bit) but the fact that they went the extra mile to create a visually appealing beverage says a lot in my book. The food though is what's really good. Our table had eggs benedict with potatoes along side an english muffin, smoked salmon on a bagel with cream cheese and capers, turkey avocado crepes in a delectable cream sauce and a hearty burger on a brioche bun topped with sauteed mushrooms and all the fix-ins. With all these choices what's not to love? But for the sake of encompassing all the elements, my only gripe would have to be the price. Maybe I'm not at that level to order $9 shrimp avocado spring rolls and a $14 calamari appetizer plus a $9 fennel citrus salad, $15 burger and two $11 Mojitos, (because that's what I really wanted) but a girl can dream; and when I get to that point I'll be back because Novo is definitely worth the trip! Want more? Feast for yourself. Novo Restaurant & Lounge The Network Shopping Center 726 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 543-3986 www.novorestaurant.com |
San Luis Obispo BlogRegular WritersSarah Simon AboutWe look to provide ideas to get folks away from the couch, and out exploring California. We aim to provide day-trips. We want to provide suggestions of things to do, in a single day. Whether you're from out-of-town, or looking to get to know the our magnificent section of California (and beyond) a little better....we want to inspire you to explore. Categories
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