San Mateo and Pacifica February 2015

Last month I drove to San Mateo, about an hour and a half away, to attend a quilt, craft and sewing fair.

San Mateo County Event Center, where the fair was held

The fair was not very big, just a few aisles, but I'm glad I went.

Picked up this cute fat quarter at the fair. It feels like linen.

The Swingin' Door, near the fair

As I was planning my trip, I searched for restaurants near the fair location. I clicked on this place first, and recognized it from Heat Seekers on Food Network. I had to eat there.

Inside the restaurant

The featured dish on the show was the Habanero Burger, which was so hot, hosts Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking could eat only a bite or two. I was going to ask if the cook could cut back on the habanero so I didn't waste most of the burger. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Super Spicy Habanero Burger is not as hot as the Habanero Burger XXX. I ordered it.. 

Here's the Super Spicy Habanero Burger. It was hot, but I ate all of it - without crying.

Since it was only 20 miles away from San Mateo, I spent the night in seaside Pacifica, in the same motel where I do my annual quilting retreats. This is the view from my room.

The view from my favorite bench

Sunset in Pacifica

I brought a cross-stitch project with me. I was really tired that night, and this is as far as I got.

In the morning I got this little star done. The project is for a little boy, and the piece will have five stars, his name and his birth date. The boy is about to turn two years old, and I'm determined to get it to him close to his birthday. His older brothers got theirs for their first birthdays, so I'm already a year behind. I need to get it done.

Pacific Java, a mom and pop coffee place

I usually get a pastry and a coffee, then enjoy them at the beach.

Gorgeous day

The tide must have been coming in. Every now and then the waves would splash above the rocks.

Here's a better view of the splashing waves.

To the left of my motel there is a zigzag path to the top of the hill. I don't know if there was a race, or if this is typical for the weekend. If you look closely, there are lots of people along the path. They reminded me of ants.

After spending some time looking at the waves, I drove to Joann's in nearby Colma, where I bought some fabric to make a pair of pants.

Daiso - a Japanese sort of dollar store, in Colma. Note the big $1,50 sign.

I bought some handmade paper (left) for my art, and a tray to make tiny ice cubes (right) - $1.50 each.

I used the Yelp app on my phone to search for restaurants near Daiso. Burma Cafe was highly recommended. I'd never had Burmese food, but I'm adventurous.

I asked the hostess for recommendations. I chose the Sriracha Chicken, another spicy food.

Milk tea

Clean, modern decor

The server came and told me my dish was taking longer than usual to prepare. She offered this Tea Leaf Salad, which was one of the things the hostess had recommended. As I hoped, I wasn't charged for the salad. It was tasty, a little spicy, and the nuts gave a nice crunch.

Sriracha Chicken and Coconut Rice

The chicken dish reminded me of a shrimp and pineapple curry I'd had at a Thai restaurant. Quite good.

After lunch I drove back to Pacifica and browsed at a little antique shop near the pier. Then I drove back to Rockaway, where I usually hang out. I parked not far from my favorite bench, and watched the ocean from my car.

The sun begins to set. I didn't know if I would actually see it again once it disappeared behind the clouds.

The tide must have been out, leaving a sandy area for people to walk, fish and play.

The last bit of sun

As usual, I had a great time in Pacifica and the surrounding area. I'll be back again before too long.

Debbie