Greetings from Monterey, CA, where I traveled to on Monday morning to celebrate all things salad with my buddies at Dole Salads for a few days!
Quickly, a note about Monterey and specifically the Carmel Valley Ranch where I am staying. NEVER LEAVING. I have spent a bit of time in both northern California (San Fran and above) and southern California – but never in Monterey, a couple hours south of San Fran, which is absolutely incredible. Very rustic, and untouched feeling. “Ranchy” vs manicured. I feel so at home here.
The Carmel Valley Ranch itself is a sprawling golf resort filled with wildlife (including, ahem, loudly gobbling wild turkeys,) wild flowers, fresh air, singing birds, and a breathtaking night sky. It has the most incredible “camp” vibe.
Except I’ve never camped in a nearly 1,000 sq foot “tent” before. ; )
While the landscape at the ranch is rustic and homey, the rooms compliment it well, containing natural decor with an upscale twist. Touches of wood, burlap, cotton, leather, and lavender (which grows like crazy around here) are upscale but fabulously unfussy.
I don’t normally do hotel reviews but this one was too spectacular not to mention. I can’t wait to bring Ben (and the baby!) back here someday so he can play a few rounds of golf then join me on one of the many hiking trails that surround the ranch. Finish the day out with couple’s massages and a cuddle by one of the two in-room fireplaces? Done.
AHH!
Oh, they also have a ranch dog, natch. Roxy. I die.
Ok, back to salads! This week Dole gathered a bunch of food bloggers from around the country to come check out some of their independent growers’ fields, tour their lettuce plant, and get a taste of Spanish cuisine to promote their new Taste of Spain contest, which includes a 9-day trip to Spain. Whee!
Tuesday morning we started off with breakfast at the ranch highlighting Dole berries and small plates, or Tapas, of Spanish tortillas (egg, potatoes, spices) and prawns.
Breakfast of champions!
Afterwards we boarded a bus and headed off to a lettuce farm about an hour away. Dole itself only has 500 acres or so of growing fields. To meet the demands of their consumers they actually rely on thousands of independent growers across the country, which I never knew.
I was really excited about this portion of the program as it ties into what I’m doing back home with the Join My Journey program – traveling to farms all across Iowa to learn about modern farming systems and practices. Where we grow acres of soybeans, though, California grows lettuce. And lots of it!
Our first stop was to visit farmer Mark Pisoni, who grows numerous types of lettuce for Dole. When Mark is done at his big farm for the day, he goes home and tends to his home garden with the help of his wife and children. This man LOVES farming.
And lettuce. The day we visited, Mark his team were harvesting acres and acres of big, fat, juicy, iceberg lettuce heads. So fresh we could tear them from the ground, slice ’em in half, and take a big ‘ol bite.
Best iceberg I ever had. Sweet. Cool. Crisp. My Mom made an iceberg salad every night growing up and I still remember how she’d thump the core onto a cutting board, rip it open, then tear and wash the pieces. This totally took me back!
Afterwards we donned hair nets and headed into the field ourselves, trailing the harvesting team.
What do we think – is this a good look? ; )
I find it absolutely fascinating that the back-breaking job of hand harvesting still results in a $2 head of iceberg lettuce at the store.
I will definitely remember this crew the next time I stab my fork into a bowl of salad.
After leaving Mark’s growing fields, the gang traveled to Dole’s nearby packing plant, where all the lettuce is transported to immediately after harvesting. Due to proprietary techniques we weren’t able to take pictures, but this is where all the lettuce is cut, triple-washed, sorted, bagged, and shipped.
After perusing the plant we headed to R&D for a little Lettuce 101!
With Emilio… ;)
Dole includes over 35 types of lettuce and vegetables in their salads and salad blends. They want people to see salad differently and the dozens of pre-packaged and kit options definitely allows for that.
Over 20 of the lettuces were on display in front of Emilio, and before he explained the different varieties, we were to go around and try to match the different lettuces to their name. As a frequent salad connoisseur I figured I had this one in the bag. I did not. I had never even heard of some of these lettuce varieties! After tasting a few, including baby butter lettuce and red oak, I am looking forward to branching out and trying some different Dole blends the next time I’m at the store.
After lettuce 101 we headed to nearby Paraiso Vineyards for lunch, a small, family-run winery that totally took me back to Napa.
Wine was poured, and nibbles including Empanadas – flaky pastry wrapped around a cheese and chorizo filling – were served. Think upscale Hot Pocket, mmkay? ; )
Lunch was served at a beautifully set table on the patio. The sun was warm and the breeze was cool. It was perfect.
I ordered Saffron Risotto with Grilled Chicken Romanesco. The risotto was mouthwatering and reminded me to make another batch at home sometime soon. I loved how Spanish touches were worked into every meal we had out here, to tie into the Taste of Spain promotion.
As a side note, I have absolutely loved getting to know the women on this blogging trip. Some, like Ali, I have had the pleasure of meeting before,
while others like Liz and Chung-Ah, I got to meet for the first time this week. Everyone has been unbelievably warm and friendly. As an introvert, sometimes these blogger get-togethers can be overwhelming and intimidating but I have enjoyed my time with them so, so much.
I also don’t know why I feel it’s ok to eat dessert with every meal when I’m on trips like this, but I decided not to stop now and enjoyed a Vanilla-Bean Creme Brulee with fresh berries for dessert. Delicious! Creme Brulee is hands down my favorite dessert.
I made sure to leave my mark on the way out of the vineyard. : )
To close out the day’s activities, later that afternoon we had both the head chef and owner of nearby Spanish restaurant, Mundaka, come and give us a tapas demonstration!
Tapas are small plates of food meant for sharing, and originated in Spain. They say small plates used to be placed over glasses of wine or sangria at bars and restaurants to keep the bugs out, which chefs started adding little nibbles and bites to. The rest is history!
Chef demonstrated this amazing little black beluga lentil salad with smoked ham, shaved brussels sprouts, pickled cauliflower and the most perfect lemon vinaigrette. Ugh it was so good, and I just loved how it was presented in a jar. Great for entertaining!
Then we split up into teams for a tapas making competition, muwahaha!
With ingredients like hard boiled eggs, anchovies, smoked ham, roasted red bell peppers, and green olives, we were to come up with a unique tapas dish that could be eaten in 2-3 bites.
The competition was stiff…
My team modeled our tapas after the woman adorning the packaging of Dole salad promoting the Taste of Spain contest. While we didn’t win best tasting – we did snag best looking. I’ll take it!
Now, no visit to the west coast would be complete without a trip to, well, the coast, so this afternoon we concluded our trip with a cruise down 17-Mile Drive.
Between the smell of the surf, and the sound of the waves, I don’t ever want to leave!
Alas…I must. I’ve had a blast here in Monterey and cannot wait to return to this beautiful part of the country someday. Thank you so much, Dole!
With that, it’s back to regularly scheduled programming tomorrow! I hope you’ve had a great week so far! : )
Love Monterey. So glad you did 17 Mile Drive!
Wow, what a beautiful getaway! Looks like you had a great time. I just found your blog, and have to say I’m loving it!
Looks like you had a super fun, delicious time in Monterey! I lived in California for years but never made it there. Next time, for sure! Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you decided to review the hotel because I am looking to plan a weekend getaway to Monterrey/Carmel later this summer. We live about 2 hrs away but I’ve heard it’s gorgeous. Looks like you’ve had a great trip so far and you look so cute in your hair net! ;)
LOVE Carmel Valley Ranch!!! I’ve stayed there twice with my husband when he had work conferences there. Last time was just a couple months ago in March. Everything about that place just exudes relaxation, I love it! And Roxy is so sweet, I just wanted to cuddle her every time I walked through the lobby! Glad you had a great trip!
Ah, I am so jealous! We went there last July and it was the most relaxing, wonderful vacation ever. We picked it b/c my guy wanted to see Pebble Beach and I agreed because of everything else around to do (especially Carmel). If you ever go back, stay at the Old Monterey Inn in Monterey for at least one night. It was amazing.
Girl, you must have been driving all over if you went all the way from Monterey to Napa! Hehe. As a Northern-California native, I love seeing others visit and enjoy my home region (not to mention sharing pictures with the whole world to see how awesome it is!).
I never knew the story of tapas, and think that sounds so cool. I love Spanish food! Looks like you had a great trip :)
This is so cool! I applied to host a Dole House Party with their Spain inspired salads and this makes me hope I get in to the program even more!
It was such a pleasure to finally meet you in person!! And we truly could not have been more fortunate to meet in such a gorgeous setting!!! Best wishes with the rest of your pregnancy – can’t wait to hear the name you’ve picked out for the little man!! Look forward to crossing paths with you again soon.
Wow looks like you had such a great time :)
Loving your breakfast, let alone your lunch and all the other yummy food you got to enjoy!
Looks like so much fun! I miss California so bad!
P.S. stop hidin’ the belly! :P
What a neat trip! Thanks for showing us the ins and outs and by the way you look gorgeous!
HELLOOOOO EMILIO!! AmIright?! :) Looks like a great trip!
I’m headed up to that part of the coast next week, I’m excited! Looks like a wonderful event. You made a good point about a $2 head of lettuce and all that work. Food prices are drastically cheaper in the US than the rest of the world!
Iceberg lettuce is still my favorite. Probably from growing up in Iowa- we had an iceberg salad with almost every meal. I can’t stand the bagged lettuce and lettuce blends- they taste like chemicals to me.
These views are just breathtaking!! I’ve always wanted to visit northern California… it looks beautiful. What a neat event too! Sounds like you had such a great time :)
I am so jealous!! These picture are incredible!
Oh take me back! We spent our honeymoon in CA. We drove from SF to LA no reservations after the first night so we could drive as long or little as we wanted. It was AMAZING and we can’t wait to do it again. So beautiful, relaxing, delicious, and everything.
You really are pg!! Love the pic finally!
I am so glad you got to visit Monterey. I am not sure if you had a chance to visit Fisherman Wharf and walk on Cannery Row and visit the history of Monterey. So many shops, so little time. But I am from that area, born and raised. I still get down there at least once a month because all my relative still reside there. And I never want to leave either. However, sadly my husband job took us 2 hours away from home. We are both from Monterey County and grew up together. Matter of fact, our parents went to school together in that area. We have our family history there as well.
I do hope you get to visit again someday and experience the wharf, and Cannery Row and some of the shopping we have there.
Love your posts!
What an amazing trip! Being in PR, it’s refreshing to see a brand recognizing bloggers and utilizing them to showcase their great products. I would love to be able to go on one of these trips some day :-)
Great post! It was so nice to meet you and spend a bit of time together at the Dole event! I am amazed how quickly you got your post up and those beautiful photos you took. Good luck with they baby and look forward to hearing the name you choose. Have a great week!!!
My mom used to do that with lettuce too…brings back memories :). I usually buy spinach and romaine in the bags or plastic boxes — maybe I should start buying a head of lettuce, it’s so much cheaper!
Iowa born, now living north of Monterey, South of SF. I love it down there!!! Looks like you were able to enjoy some of what that gem of a town has to offer!!!
Stunning pictures. What a trip!
Looks so Beautiful! I haven’t been to California since I was younger and I would love to go to Monterey! The Dole company looks very accomadating :)
Iceberg salad with every dinner…I’m wondering if this is an Iowa thing. My mom did the same when I was growing up. I’ve lived in the South for 7 years now and don’t see people serving salads before meals much.
Fabulous recap, Kristin. What a trip, beautiful & delicious! It was great to meet you! :)
My husband and I went to Monteray about a year ago and LOVED it! We took our 2 year old and my husband had a work conference and there was so much to do there. Between the aquarium, the childrens museum, all the fun shops and 17 mile drive, as well as a beautiful drive along Highway 1 to see Hurst Mansion it was a pretty amazing trip that I will never forget. Glad you had fun!
Thank you so much for sharing! What a beautiful experience you were able to have. I will look at lettuce a little differently when I go to the store, that is for sure.
By the way, you look wonderful and healthy.
looks like a fabulous trip! i applaud you for making a winery trip while pregs, that would have been tough on me haha. like a kid being told not to touch anything in a toy store :)
This is great! Neat to learn where Dole lettuce comes from. I love their bagged salads. I buy about 2 bags per week because it makes an easy side or snack. Now I really want to visit Monterrey!
I saw this trip via Instagram from some fellow food bloggers and it looked just amazing! I love salad so anything to do with my favorite food is a good trip! (oh, and can’t beat those views!)
Haha! I was thinkin the same thing! :)
You captured this so well. What an awesome experience and beautiful place. I don’t even like salad and now I want to go force myself to try it again. LMB
What a great trip! Your pictures are beautiful! Is Dole’s produce organic?
I had the same question for them! Right now they do not, but it is something they have on their radar for the near future. :)
Love the photos, makes me homesick! When you go back with Ben and baby, head further south to Hearst Castle and go wine tasting in Paso Robles! You won’t regret it :)
I have been debating leaving Iowa and moving back to California, you just made the decision so much easier Kristin:)
I just keep staring at Emilio ;)
That sounds really interesting! I’d have dessert with every meal too! Good for you! you’re looking very cute and bump-like too!
Lucky you to get to go to Monterey! I live only a few hours away and still rarely get the chance to go. I’ve been really wanting to take a weekend getaway for the past couple months – you’ve inspired me to put Monterey up at the top of my list!
Hi Kristin, beautiful post!
Chris
This is such an amazing post! you truly inspire me! i cant wait to be able to do this one day!
Kristin-
I immediately looked at flight info & hotels after reading about this trip—wow! I think for all of the glamour of California, this rustic beauty and ocean scenery would be like paradise. So glad you had a great time!
Monterey is one of my 2 favorite places to visit. It helps to have an aunt that lives there, so we visit every couple years. If you enjoy easy hiking, do not pass up Point Lobos State Park. It is spectacular! 17 Mile Drive is nice, but is surpassed by Pt. Lobos and the drive down to Big Sur on Highway 1.
My god, where are your ethics? You’re taking a free trip from Dole and then you’re going to write about their products. If you worked for a real media company you’d be getting fired right now.
I guess I’m not sure what you mean by getting fired if I worked for a real media company. I’ve been eating Dole products my entire life and writing about them for four years on my blog, so when an opportunity came to see how their products are grown in Monterey and learn about their Taste of Spain promotion, naturally I was excited to participate and share about my experience.
Here’s an excerpt from the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics:
—Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
— Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
— Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
– See more at: http://www.ilind.net/2012/10/13/journalistic-ethics-and-accepting-gifts-of-food-and-drink/#sthash.Zl5cDYXn.dpuf
Your viewpoint and mine obviously differ on this subject, Sara.
Don’t stress about what Sara wrote – first off, you aren’t a journalist. You are a blogger. secondly, many journalists have conflicts of interests and still keep their jobs. I’m glad you had the opportunity and were able to share it with us. It was really interesting and I can only hope opportunities like that continue to come to you so you can continue to share them. BTW, you look great! I think it’s awesome that you’re able to eat whatever you want this far along in your pregnancy – wish I were as lucky! Every time I eat I get horrid indigestion and it’s killing me. Good luck!
AMAZING BLOG POSTING…..Thanks for sharing this, Kristin. Our children and grandchildren are going to grow up in a world far more conscientious about nutrition as a thing to celebrate as well as understanding that it is a powerful first line of defense for good health.
We are SO fortunate here in NC that Dole’s owner is bringing his focus on nutrition to an impressive new enterprise here in the western part of the state. He’s taking property that formerly housed textile manufacturing and also building state of the art new buildings. They need to host an event for food bloggers there too I’m thinking! (He was SO smart – he chose a place where he can engage top tier research universities AND harness the training capacity of a world class community college system – )
From Wikipedia: North Carolina Research Campus
David H. Murdock, chairman and owner of Dole Food Company, Inc., the world’s largest producer of high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables, founded the North Carolina Research Campus. Mr. Murdock is also chairman and owner of Castle & Cooke, Inc., a company with business activities that include the development and ownership of real estate, leasing of transportation equipment and manufacturing of brick.
Combining business acumen with a personal commitment to health and nutrition along with support from the state of North Carolina and the University of North Carolina system, Murdock announced the establishment of the North Carolina Research Campus in 2005. To make way for the 350-acre campus, Murdock and the North Carolina division of Castle and Cooke, Inc, which is located in Kannapolis, oversaw the razing of the former textile mill in the center of the city. In 1982, Murdock owned the textile mill then known as Cannon Mills, the largest manufacturer of home textiles in the world. In 1986, his firm Pacific Holding Company sold the mill. Murdock retained substantial property holdings in Kannapolis. The mill later became known as Fieldcrest Cannon and later Pillowtex. Pillowtex announced bankruptcy and closed in 2003 causing the largest mass lay-off in North Carolina history. Murdock bought the mill property at auction in 2004.
Gorgeous pictures! That creme brulee has my mouth watering!
hubba hubba Emilio! ;-)
It was SO great to meet you Kristin! You are so sweet, and I really enjoyed talking with you throughout the entire trip. I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly. And I’m dying to hear the little guy’s name!
That hotel (and your whole trip) looks amazing! I love the Monterey/Carmel area and was just there earlier this spring. Now I want to go back!