Best. Lobster. Roll. Everrrrr.

But before I get to the piece de la resistance… Shrek’s only request for his birthday this year was to go for a hike and out to dinner with me Here’s a look at our mini roadtrip along Highway 1 on Saturday to celebrate his day.

{Fueled up at Falafel’s Drive In in San Jose. Large Falafel and onion rings – his. Falafel Salad – hers.}

We took the long way via Highway 9 over the hill through the giant Redwoods to Santa Cruz making a pit stop at McD’s for a Rolo McFlurry.

{Nom nom}

In Santa Cruz we caught Highway 1 and headed north to Davenport for a little hike and wine.

{Storrs Winery 2006 Pinot Noir. $12/glass.}

Back on Highway 1, the scenery was breathtaking. Dramatic cliffs on one side and the ocean on the other.

Now this is why I moved to California!

Though we didn’t participate, it was really cool to hang out on the beach and watch the kite surfers.

 After 4 solid hours on the road we made it to Sam’s Chowderhouse in Half Moon Bay with about 20 minutes to spare before our reservation. Despite them telling the couple in front of us there was a half hour wait, we were seated immediately at a table right on water. Perfection!

Our Clos LaChance viognier was opened (they waived the corkage fee for us!) and a leisurely dinner commenced. It was a perfect pairing with all the seafood we ordered! Sorry if I disappoint, but we were “boring” and ordered the same things as last time despite our best intentions to be adventurous and try something new. These dishes are just too good to not order!!

{A half dozen oysters for Shrek’s appetizer.}

{A cup of clam chowder for me. Seriously, this stuff is awesome and I’m from the Pacific Northwest so that’s sayin’ somethin!}

{Seafood Risotto.}

{A side of fries.}

{!!!!!!!!!!!!!}

After dinner the plan was to go for a walk along the waterfront, but poor Shrek was on the brink of a food coma so we shot home via 280. Fortunately for him, it took 40 minutes vs. the nearly 4 hours we took to get there.

Happy Birthday, Shrek!