There are two hobbies in my life that stand out from the rest, Cars and cooking. An odd combination right? Not really, if you consider that both can be prepared the way I like it! The same hero in my life that taught me cars (my Dad) also taught me cooking. Having said that, it might make sense to some on why my "fun runs" revolve around ending up at a nice place to eat. Over the next several weeks I will be sharing weekend drives that revolve around some of my favorite restaurants from here to the Monterey county line.

A recent run my fellow Seaside Goats and I took was a round-about drive up to Santa Barbara. Our day started out bright and early in a parking lot on the corner of Main and Mills in Ventura. After a little meet 'n greet and car comparo, we headed up the road to Corrales.

Now when I think breakfast burrito in Ventura County, I think Corrales. They keep it pretty simple when it comes to ordering. I go with a "4 way" with bacon; this is beans,cheese,rice, egg and bacon. Don't look for a salsa bar either, if you want salsa bring your own. The only thing they have is hot sauce in 1oz. containers for you to add at your discretion.

Upon filling up our stomachs and our gas tanks, we headed North on 33 towards Lake Casitas. Not even 3 miles into the drive we come upon a group of about 10 woodies going slow and low. We didn't get many waves as most of the older gearheads don't know of the new GTO. As our 8 Goats slipped past them we started up the hill. Shortly after Oak View we made a left onto Hwy. 150 cutting along Lake Casitas towards the coast.

There are many "vista points" along 150 to take in the lake as well as some nice wildlife. We drove along a steady pace as unlike some, we save the white knuckle driving for open track days. After winding down 150 we ended up at the bottom of Carpenteria Ave. next to 101. This makes for a great photo op spot and is steps away from the coast bluffs. After snapping some shots and getting props from passing cyclists, we b-lined up 101 for a cruise through State St.

After throwing a few revs at a couple of Mustangs we turned left off State St. onto Los Positas Rd. (aka 225). We simply stayed on this road until it "T's" off at Cliff Dr. at which point you make a right. Less than a mile on the left is a parking lot that looks like a state park, turn in there. If you see a small estate sign that reads The Brown Pelican, your at the right place.

The Brown Pelican has a rich history and if your one to wash up before grub, you will find articles and honors on the wall on the way to the restrooms. These guys are known for chowder from scratch and big sandwiches. Everything is good and the price is relative to the location, if that makes sense.

It's about 2:30p and all are ready for the trek back to Ventura. We pulled back out on Cliff Dr. and headed South. This road also "T's" off at which point you make a left on Castillo then jump back on 101 South. We took the Hwy 1 exit and made one last photo op. stop on the Old Rincon Highway before the final stint home. Everyone was very content sighting good times, excellent views and great food made the day all come together.

Enjoy,

Lance