Marini's at the Beach, Santa Cruz

Marini's is a Santa Cruz based candy store, specializing in salt water taffy, caramel corn, and candied apples, that has been around since the mid 1900's.  They've expanded into chocolate making, including caramels, toffee, fudge, dipped fruit, and, uh, chocolate covered bacon.  They expanded to several stores around Santa Cruz, including multiple locations on the boardwalk, which is where I encountered them. While candy is something I enjoy, the candy...

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Waffling Leftovers: Plantains

Update Review, August 2017 More leftover plantains.  And this time, I did something incredible. Dessert Sundae Waffle Plantain Success! Waffling plantains worked before, but waffling plantains, and turning them into a ridiculous sundae, worked even better. One of my best creations yet!  Dulce de leche coated waffled plantains, topped with rum caramel, milk & honey ice cream, whipped cream, and rainbow crunchy kettle corn. Oh yes it waffles. The...

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Air New Zealand, SYD-AKL, NZ104, Business Class

I generally fly with One World airlines when I fly from Sydney to San Francisco, but for this trip, I decided to go with Air New Zealand.  I had 3 main reasons (and none were the price). One: I no longer have One World status, and I couldn't quite imagine going to the Sydney airport and not getting to experience the ridiculous {Qantas First Class Lounge}. Two: The Qantas and American flights from Sydney to San Francisco are day flights, departing around noon,...

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Slider Shack

Update Review, July 2017 It has been years since I visited slider shack.  I recalled not liking the signature tator tots, but loving the kalua pork.  So when I was invited to an event catered by the truck, I gladly accepted. Mini Feast! Our hosts provided full meals, 2 sliders and a side, from a reduced menu.  Food was made to order, served from the truck like normal service. I didn't really like anything I had this time around though, besides...

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