Jen is on a Journey

Travel.Food.Wine.Family.Life

You are here: Home / Archives for California

Greater Bay Area: McDonald’s Fish McBites Review @McD_BayArea

by 4 Comments

image001Like any other busy parent I have days where I’m motivated to spend an hour in the kitchen, preparing a delicious meal, and then there are other days when I can’t imagine being on my feet a moment longer. This is where convenience comes into play, making me think about where I can get the best meal for the right price and a decent amount of nutrition for myself and my kids. Too often the fast food places that my kids love don’t offer any of the standards I’m looking for, but recently that has changed, thanks to McDonald’s.

mcd3“As Greater Bay Area McDonald’s celebrates the 50th anniversary of the classic Filet-O-Fish sandwich, the company is making waves with a new limited-time fish menu option—Fish McBites. Available through March in Greater Bay Area restaurants, Fish McBites are crispy, tender pieces of wild-caught Alaska Pollock. The Alaska Pollock used in both Fish McBites and the familiar Filet-O-Fish sandwich, is responsibly sourced from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified sustainable fisheries, making McDonald’s the first fast food chain in the U.S. to offer MSC certified sustainable fish on its menu all year long.

Conveniently packaged for today’s on-the-go consumer, Fish McBites are available in four sizes: snack (3 ounces), regular (5 ounces), shareable (10 ounces) and as a Happy Meal entree.

“We’re excited to bring Fish McBites to our customers in the Greater Bay Area,” said Steve Peat, president of the Greater Bay Area McDonald’s operators association. “We know how much our customers care about the environment and sustainable food options. This is a fun, new way for adults and children to enjoy the delicious, high-quality fish we serve at our restaurants.””

mcd2Not only is the snack size Fish McBites a great contribution to a balanced meal, but it’s also delicious! My son was the first one to show enthusiasm for this new offering, as he has always been a lover of fish sticks and fish fillets. He asked and asked when we were going to go to McDonalds so that he could order them, so when this review opportunity came along, I pounced.

mcdHe ordered, he tried, and the verdict? He LOVED them! They were delicious and were complimented nicely with the tartar sauce that comes with them. He said it was very similar to the Filet-o-fish sandwich that McDonalds offers, which he has always loved, and he thinks McDonalds nailed the bite size fish bites. I did manage to finagle one out of the box and tried it — and I agree! Crispy but not fried tasting, and very fresh flavor. I think we’ll be regular consumers of the new McDonald’s Fish McBites.

Merrie is a writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: “I’m the mother of two beautiful children, an Executive Assistant, a scrapbooker, a baker, and sometimes I’m even fun to be around!”

Vouchers sent to facilitate post, all opinions my own.

Red Lobster’s Newly Redesigned Look and Menu Options

by 4 Comments

rl_logoWhen is the last time you visited Red Lobster?  The San Francisco bay area restaurants are newly remodeled, redesigned, and give you a feeling like you are on the east coast while dining in the west!

redlobsterThe new design is inspired by the New England coast and provides you a feeling of dining by the the seaside!  The contrasting bright red paint with white trim stands out and it a pleasant change from the old colors scheme.  New exteriors include a stone tower similar to architecture used throughout New England, ship lanterns to welcome guests after dark, and Adirondack-style chairs to encourage conversation and mingling while you wait!redlobster6Interiors include fabulous prints that give me a taste of the views from the east coast, fabulous light houses, and sea worthy decor.  Expanded seating offers large parties space and comfort, plus energy-saving LED lighting provides an inviting atmosphere.

To top it all off, all 700+ Red Lobster restaurants in North America are offering a new menu marking the most comprehensive transformation in the brand’s 44-year history!  60 %of the dishes are under $15 called Maine Stays and are available every day.  4-Course Feast is now permanently on the menu.  There are 28 yummy non-seafood dishes as well, a 200% increase from before and to please everyone in your party!  Plus those who are health conscious will appreciate the lighter-style options to compliment the long-time guest favorites!

redlobster3The picky kids in my family can still enjoy appetizers and meals such as mozzarella sticks and mac and cheese, plus you can’t go wrong with a bowl of clam chowder!redlobster5The cheddar bay biscuits are a delicacy onto themselves with their buttery flaky goodness!redlobster2I enjoyed the wood-grilled chicken with shrimp, a perfect lunch portion with plump delicious shrimp.redlobster4Crab linguini Alfredo’s sweet crab is a favorite of both myself and my husband!

By the end of next year, all Red Lobsters will feature the Bar Harbor redesign so watch for them!

A gift card was issued to facilitate this post and experience the new design, all opinions are my own.

Santa Barbara, CA: Glamping at El Capitan Canyon @ElCapCanyon

by 9 Comments

elcapMy husband grew up tent camping, I grew up vacationing in cabins and hotels.  When we started dating, he introduced me to the art of sleeping in sleeping bags on the ground.  What can I say I was in love, and it wasn’t that bad.  Once we were married with kids we continued our camping trips but included air matresses into our packing list because backaches are not fun for anyone.  Flash-forward to this month when we were introduced to the best of both worlds, “Glamping!”

elcap3Glamping is camping but in style!  It is truly the comfort of a cabin, Yurt, or upgraded canvas tent with all the amenities you love of the great outdoors. elcap10El Capitan Canyon just north of Santa Barbara has this amazing campground with views of the surrounding mountains and gorgeous Pacific.  You can literally camp here year-round and there are so many reasons to love this way to vacation, here are a few of what we experienced!

elcap6Comfort  Our family of five stayed in a Creekside Queen cabin which had a queen bed, kitchenette, bathroom with shower, and a small table inside.  Also, perfect for my 3 kids was the loft accessible by a ladder with twin mattresses, pillows, sheets and blankets.  The cabin has heat and hot water which was perfect for our January weekend!  You can sleep with all the shades and blinds open and wake to nature, have the windows open to smell the fresh mountain air, but rest your body on a cozy bed!

elcap4There is a porch with chairs to enjoy the outdoor surroundings.  For peace of mind with the kids running around, hikers and bikers, the canyon is car free!  Drive up to your site to unload and pack up, but then park your car in a lot away from it all.  It makes for a safe area with extra quiet!elcap12Just like traditional camping, a picnic table and fire pit in each site perfect for bbqing dogs and making S’mores.

elcap5Space  Just like having a “campsite” at a traditional campground, each cabin has it’s space around it for the kids to move about, there are rocks to climb, and creeks to explore (be care of poison oak).

elcap7Bonus Amenities If the cabins alone weren’t enough, visit the Canyon Market & Deli for shopping, food to bbq, drinks, and anything you may have left at home!  You can pre-order dinner kits as well.  Want to be cooked for, you can do that there too with their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu and can you believe, pizza!  Even more, a heated pool year-round for kids and kids at heart!

elcap8Bikes  Being just right under the freeway from El Capitan State Beach, grab a bike and ride over, or just stroll around the campground, free of charge with your reservation.  We would have loved to do this, but since they don’t have bikes for little ones, we didn’t want to leave me 7 year out, next time for sure!

elcap16Beach One of our most favorite camping spots in the Monterey Bay area is on the beach, we love that option in the summer and early fall months.  El Capitan Canyon is a short 10 minute walk to the Pacific Ocean where you can spend the day or a romantic evening!

elcap13Options Whether you’re looking for romance, a family trip, or a group retreat there is something for everyone. Our cabin was perfect for a family, there are bunk cabins, Yurts (with electricity), and canvas tents for kids that can be used in a group trip or guys getaway.  elcap15And of course there’s top of the line cabins with amazing views, full kitchen’s, sunken tubs, outdoor showers fit for a honeymoon or anniversary.elcap14So many times have we driven past this exact spot off Hwy 101 and little did we know the gem within!  Our first home together as a couple was an in-laws cabin on some property that wasn’t much bigger than this one, and laid out very similarly.elcap2The lovely memories we had there were brought back to life sealed the deal that we’d be back and very soon!

Our stay was hosted, all opinions our own.

San Pedro Square Market: 10 Reasons it’s a Great Place for a Date!

by 6 Comments


Living south of San Jose has it’s perks.  The drive isn’t too bad, there is plenty to do for entertainment, and the dining options are plenty compared to our small little town.  A new place we’ve checked out recently is San Pedro Square Market, in the heart of downtown San Jose, there are so many great places to eat, drink, and have fun!

spsmarket2 Upon first approach and walking in the doors, I had deja vu.  Last summer we spent some time in New York City and visited the infamous Chelsea Market, the marketplace here resembles a mini version of that spot in the city!  Strolling about you’ll find farmer’s market goods, wood-fired pizza, coffee, ice cream, kitchen products and clothing, and entertainment a few nights a week!  The market is basically a one-stop shop and is a great place for date night.  Here are 10 reasons why:

1. FOOD  Whatever you are craving, it’s there!  Pizza, falafel, pork belly, fish and chips, gourmet sandwiches, salads, Vietnamese food, crepes, sushi, oysters, cheese, tacos, hot dogs, soup, burgers, noodles, pastries, and even more coming in the next few months!  Something for everyone!

spsmarket52.  DRINK  With a few bars and a more specific wine bar at Vino Vino, you can find the flavors and tastes you want to enjoy on a night out.  Hey, I’m all for trying a little something at all of them.

3. TVs  Inside and out, if there’s a game on you can indulge your partner while you eat, but then pull him away from it!  Or not if you are a sports fan too!

spsmarket4.  VINO VINO My favorite of all the places, where we wined and dined with my brother and his girlfriend.  The salads were amazing as were the panini sandwiches, and you must order the charcuterie plate as an appetizer!  spsmarket6Even more unique is that they display their wine on tap!  I love that they had some wine from our little small town 45 miles south and their granite table tops are stylish with the contrasting metal decor.  And, the little things like a purse hanger make me smile!

5. VALIDATED PARKING  Any of the vendors in the market can validate your parking slip from the garage directly across the street to save you some money for dessert!

spsmarket86.  TREATBOT I have never eaten from a food truck before and I know they are so wildly popular in many places, so I was so excited when I saw an ice cream truck INSIDE the San Pedro Square!  My favorite chocolate mousse flavor was on the menu and it did not disappoint.  I’m  still dreaming about it a few weeks later.

spsmarket37. LOTS OF PLACES TO SIT Pick up your food from any vendor and take it to the many different parts of the 3 buildings to enjoy it.  If you head into the building with B2 Coffee, you’ll find booths and tables, more of the same by the Bar and pizza spot.  Comfy padded booths by Blush, and more tables and chairs by Treatbot.  Every spot is a good one for people watching!

spsmarket98.  OUTDOOR HEATERS  Pairing with the whole seating theme from #7, enjoy your meal outside with standing heaters during the cooler months, and they induce cozy snuggling in the evenings!

spsmarket49. COOL SHOPS Check out Showroom for neat items from local brands and artists and unique accessories.  Ay Dios Mio is a vibrantly painted shop hosting unique products for the kitchen, that reflect iconic images of the Mexican culture.  Maybe they aren’t things you’d normally buy, but unique enough to want to peruse!

spsmarket710. ENTERTAINMENT  Whether you want to just text eachother from across the booth with their free wi-fi, test your brain with Monday Night Trivia, or hang out for jazz Music in the Market every Friday night, your date night is complete at San Pedro Square Market!

I cannot wait to go back.  My brother and his girlfriend live 3 blocks from the area and this is going to be our go-to spot with them as well as for a night cap after the many events we frequent at the nearby HP Pavilion each year!

I was given $50 to spend at San Pedro Square Market. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Photography: Bubblegum Alley, San Luis Obispo, CA

by 2 Comments

bgalley8Off Higuera Street between Broad and Garden you’ll find Bubblegum Alley. bgalley6I saw this on TV, we had to stop.  Also, it was on people’s Foursquare lists of “to-do” when you are in San Luis Obispo.  What the heck, right? Read a little about it below:

bgalley3

It’s kinda gross, kinda cool. A rainbow of ABC gum lining each side of the alley.bgalley7There’s a sweet scent of bubble gum in the air with an immediate waft of stink, rotten, moldy…ew.bgalleyThe kids were trying to figure out how long some of those pieces had been there.  Also they wondered if they kept building upon it, if the alley would become more and more narrow. I started getting claustrophobic.
bgalley5Some of the gum fresh, some stringing down, some marked into letters and messages, and some pinned up with coins.bgalley2

I thought for a moment we’d all chew some to add to the wall, we didn’t.  I got a crazy sense of germophobia and forbid the kids to put their hands near it.  Plus, there were bees everywhere. Probably one of the strangest places I’ve ever been.

Verified by ExactMetrics