Category Archives: Teri Bayus

Dinner and a Movie: ‘Paper Towns’ Tugs at Your Heartstrings

130873_oriBy Teri Bayus

A gentler, kinder film was my pleasure to watch this week. Paper Towns is a movie adapted from the bestselling novel by author, John Green (who has a fantastic YouTube channel show called Mental Floss).
Paper Towns is a term used by mapmakers, who place a fake town on every map they create as a way of copywriting their work. Some of these towns were physically created after they came out on the maps.
Although under the genre of “young adult fiction,” Green’s writing makes the subject matter appealing to anyone of any age. Although the kids and their parents are his main focus, they are real life, meaty, and wonderful human stories. Continue reading Dinner and a Movie: ‘Paper Towns’ Tugs at Your Heartstrings

Dinner and a Movie: Pacific Umi Sushi — Hot, Cold, Soft, and Crispy Loveliness

teri useBy Teri Bayus

The wonder of rediscovery is a powerful reminder that we should remember our pleasure centers and not be taken in by new, bright and shining objects.
I was a fan of Pacific Umi Sushi 10-years ago, but then new sushi bars with gimmicks sprung up on every corner, in every town and I was lured away, forgetting the lush patio, beautiful presentation and solace that only exists at Pacific Umi Sushi.   Continue reading Dinner and a Movie: Pacific Umi Sushi — Hot, Cold, Soft, and Crispy Loveliness

Dinner And A Movie: ‘Good Food, Not Bar Food’ at Figueroa Mountain

teri useBy Teri Bayus

The family that brews together succeeds together. Jim and Jaime Dietenhofer are a father-son team with a passion for quality beer and food and recently opened a Figueroa Mountain Brewing Taproom in Arroyo Grande.
They have focused on producing top-tier beer from day one back in 2010, when their first brewery opened in Buellton. They attribute their success, with now six taprooms and many more in the works, by using only the highest quality ingredients and having an exceptional staff.
Jim said, “We believe that success in this business like other Figeuroa Mountainindustries starts with building a culture that is focused on always improving and never feeling complacent with mediocrity, always striving to better yourself and your business every day.” Continue reading Dinner And A Movie: ‘Good Food, Not Bar Food’ at Figueroa Mountain

Dinner & A Movie: ‘Inside Out’ A Mix of Fantasy, Adventure and Comedy

129565_oriBy Teri Bayus

Pixar is back and better than ever with “Inside Out,” a boldly unique animated film that renews our faith in what a giant studio can do with an original concept.
Well, kind-of an original concept, as there was Herman’s Head, a TV show that ran from 1991-94 with the same concept. Herman’s Head residents were an angel (Sensitivity), animal (Lust), wimp (Anxiety), and a genius (Intellect). Maybe the oddest group of characters in sitcom history, but I loved the show.
The plot: For every child, growing up can be exciting, confusing, and difficult. For Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco, is directed by her emotions — Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) — in the “Headquarters Control Center” inside Riley’s mind to help her overcome every-day life. Continue reading Dinner & A Movie: ‘Inside Out’ A Mix of Fantasy, Adventure and Comedy

Dinner & A Movie: Sí, Sí, Mas, Mas a Papi’s Grill

teri useBy Teri Bayus

I long for those chefs that truly create food — take something that is blank and turn it into art.
The high is entertaining and everlasting, and it touches people. Thus they must continue.
To experience the moment of creation, the inspiration of their souls reaching another’s. I am happy to say I found another brilliant chef running a must-try-small-find in Pismo Beach.
When a new eatery pops up in town, I try to be there the first week. I am forgiving for growing pains, but if this place is going to set the town on fire, I want to be the one with the scoop.
FullSizeRenderOpening day at Papi’s Grill in Pismo Beach, and I was in love with this new bistro. Rosendo Perez took over the former Garland’s (formerly Longboards and Bullwinkles) and produced a taco stand that will redefine the name “Taqueria.” Continue reading Dinner & A Movie: Sí, Sí, Mas, Mas a Papi’s Grill

Dinner & A Movie: ‘Jurassic World’ a ‘Wow” Moment for Dino-Lovers

Dinner and MovieBy Teri Bayus

To go along with our larger than life meal, the whole crew went to see Jurassic World. The dinosaurs are back and we were all thrilled.
I’m OK with suspending belief that a crazed scientist made a theme park attraction of a living dinosaur by splicing their DNA with a tree frog, but not okay with the female lead Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard), fleeing through the jungle on pink pumps.
I’m mean really; no one but sales people and movie stars wear these shoes! Why would the high powered, number two woman at a huge corporation, be wearing them in the Costa Rica jungle?
Besides that irritating point, Jurassic World is exactly what I expected and loved about the franchise. I was thrilled with Chris Pratt (playing Owen), as I think he is second only to Indiana Jones as an adventure movie star/icon. Continue reading Dinner & A Movie: ‘Jurassic World’ a ‘Wow” Moment for Dino-Lovers

Dinner & A Movie: Texas-Sized Meals at Cowgirl Café

teri useBy Teri Bayus

One of my daughter’s is pregnant. This is cause for celebration because now I get another grand-baby girl to spoil, but it is an occasion for serious dining, as this girl eats like a linebacker when she’s pregnant.
There is no “nouveau cuisine” in her wheelhouse when she is ready to eat. Adjectives like big, hearty, and cowgirl-size are what she looks for when picking a restaurant. I was pleased to find not one, but four restaurants that could tame the beast she calls an appetite called the Cowgirl Café. Continue reading Dinner & A Movie: Texas-Sized Meals at Cowgirl Café

Dinner & A Movie: Ah-ha! Mistura a Peruvian Delight

teri useBy Teri Bayus

The “Ah-ha!” moment of an idea, the touch of a loved one, the smell of a food being prepared are the fabric of a life well lived and the memories that can be preserved in sustenance.
For those of us for whom eating is an art form, we idolize chefs who sanctify those reminiscences. Chef Nicola Allegretta is one of those rare artists, and his new offering, “Mistura” is his best canvas to date.
-1Chef Nicola’s inspiration to open a Peruvian restaurant on the Central Coast came from his wife, who is from Peru, and his insatiable curiosity in the fascinating essence, traditions and influences that created Peruvian cuisine. Nicola has always been a passionate traveler, wanting to learn about other cultures and places that would enrich his knowledge as a reputable chef. Continue reading Dinner & A Movie: Ah-ha! Mistura a Peruvian Delight

Dinner & A Movie: In Heaven with Pitch Perfect 2

131456_oriBy Teri Bayus

I am the first one to admit that I am a show-choir geek. I have loved them since sixth grade, performed with them and was thrilled when they started showing up on the big and small screen.
I thought it was an infinitely small group that felt this way, and I am glad that I was wrong and the world supports and demanded another making of Pitch Perfect.
Pitch Perfect 2 is loosely adapted from Mickey Rapkin’s non-fiction book titled, “Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory.” Continue reading Dinner & A Movie: In Heaven with Pitch Perfect 2

Dinner & A Movie: Thai Bounty a Delicious Treasure

teri useBy Teri Bayus

I love finding new restaurants that are established and for some reason missed my culinary radar. We dropped our grandbabies off at their Morro Bay abode and Nana and “Dude” (what they call grandpa) were weary, starving and needed some adult beverages.
I had heard from several “on the street” foodie friends that Morro Bay possessed a Thai food restaurant so good, that I had to try it.
ThaiWe stumbled into Thai Bounty and were immediately taken by the beauty and layout of this Thai vessel.
Greeted by a stunning creature named Victoria, we settled at the bar and she brought me a Sing Ha beer. I went to study the kitchen (I always do before I order at a new restaurant) and was greeted warmly by Doi, the chef and owner. Continue reading Dinner & A Movie: Thai Bounty a Delicious Treasure