Yaquina Lighthouse Cafe - Originally Published 2008

Travel tip #1:  Don’t eat at McDonald’s.  Ray Kroc figured something out about the human animal.  The only person that likes change is an infant with a wet diaper.  He introduced the idea of standardization to the world.  It’s the concept that the food at McDonald’s is going to taste the same wherever you eat.

If Mai and I played it safe, we would have had an Egg McMuffin for breakfast.  We would have driven past the Yaquina Lighthouse Café.  We would have never had razor clams, eggs, and potatoes for breakfast.  Yup.  You heard me right.  We had razor clams for breakfast.

Now I’m going to preach the Animated Meat Gospel.  Try something new when you’re on the road.  Do not stick to the familiar.  It cuts you off from new experiences and opportunities to expand yourself.  Trust me.

The Sushi Cruise - Originally Published 2010

I know what you’re thinking.  The Sushi Cruise is shaped like a boat.  And it’s all you can eat.  Nothing good can come of this.  As someone who was once a member of the Los Angeles Glitterati, I know where you’re coming from.  But I assure you, this place is amazing.

Since I moved inland about four years ago, this has been my sushi place of choice.  It keeps getting better every time I come here.  Recently, there were some menu upgrades.  The creativity has made all of the rolls taste like angels came from heaven and kissed each one.

So here’s my advice.  You can spend a few hundred at a place because some celebrity chef went there one time.  Or, you can grow wings, fly out the window and take a cruise.