The View from San Felipe and Shore Roads

Those green rolling hills run above the Pacheco Pass Highway (aka Highway 152). I took the photo from San Felipe Road, by the Dunneville Cafe & Market. They make a delicious tri-tip sandwich. It was well-worth a trip in the rain for the Husband and me the other day. Yummmm.

Wooden Lace

The trees across from the San Benito County Free Library were looking quite splendid in all their lacy glory in yesterday's rain. It won't be long before their branches are dressed in green.

Enjoying the View on Valley View Road

When I'm riding the bicycle, I like to stop on that stretch of Valley View Road where there's an unobstructed view of the Gabilan Mountains. Seeing the wild mustard and other wildflowers in the large empty field during our "green" months is a joy, too.

The property is up for sale for development of housing.  So, let's enjoy the view while we can.

From Open Fields to Blocks of Houses

This could be the last year that we see Spring in the fields east of Fairview Road, between Hillcrest and Sunnyslope Road.

The Santana Ranch development is in the works. Construction began on the southeast end in 2015. A few of the Anderson Homes are already up and ready for sale. According to the developer's website, it offers five floor plans. Interestingly four of the names reflect a seaside setting—The Carmel, The Monterey, The Cypress, and The Big Sur.

The fifth name is The Bixby. At first, I thought it was chosen to honor Lewellyn Bixby, one of the men who purchased the San Justo Ranch way back when. But, wouldn't there then be houseplans named for the other co-purchasers? You know, like  The Flint (for Thomas and Benjamin Flint) and The Colonel (for William Welles Hollister).  There are none. So, maybe The Bixby is named for the Bixby Bridge.

How did I get onto that subject?

Anyway.

When the construction is all over, 1,100 houses will be standing upon once was open fields. Let us enjoy the unobstructed view while we can.

From the archives: November 13, 2011

From the archives: February 18, 2011

Fisher's Delicatessen

Want to eat a delicious, heartwarming meal that features locally-grown and made products in Hollister? Then check out Fisher's Delicatessen, at 650 San Benito Street in downtown Hollister, that recently opened. 

The new restaurant is owned by Chef Mike Fisher, a popular caterer, who is well-known in the region for his amazing dishes. A Hollister native, Chef Mike graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Academy of Culinary Arts in Paris and broadened his culinary skills and experience at the Hotel del Coronado, Bernardus Lodge, and other distinguished restaurants. Chef Mike has also been part of the team putting together the annual San Benito Olive Festival.

Fisher's Delicatessen offers both sit-down service and take-out. Its creative menu includes small plates (such as babaganoush, hummus, and marinated olives), salads (grilled asparagus, hello), soups (seafood chowder!), sandwiches, and entrees. If you're into craft beer on tap or the wines from San Benito County, the restaurant has several choices for you. 

When the Husband and I were there yesterday, the entrees included lasagne bolognese, turkey stew, tri-tip steak, and harissa shrimp skewers. I had the stew, which was made with free-range turkey. There is definitely a difference in what ingredients are used. Yummmmmm.  

Fisher's Delicatessen is open from Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Chef Mike Fisher