Posted by Lauren
SUUUUPERBOWL!!!!
Truth: I started and stopped and rewrote the beginning of this post like 6 times… I never had enough time to finish the draft, and then something new happened I wanted to write about, so I had to rework it (repeat repeat repeat). Let’s start from the beginning? Cool.
On Friday I went to lunch with Jacqueline, an extremely local blogger – we are practically neighbors! She shares my love for Starbucks, running, blogging, and Starbucks. Wait, did I say that twice? ;) She let me choose the restaurant and I went with one of my favorite fast casual spots in Downtown Mountain View, Gyro House.
I have a soft spot for their lamb gyro salads (perfectly salty) and dipping the fluffy (complimentary!) bread into their yogurt sauce.
I’m already looking forward to our next hangout because Jacqueline is so freaking cool.
Other Friday highlight: I ordered the secret instrument I’m going to learn to play! I caved and told Nicole what it is because we tell each other everything (right, Nicole??!! ;).
Saturday morning I went to a new coach training for Girls on the Run…. Yup, that’s the volunteer opportunity I alluded to in my Resolutions post. Some of you may know what GotR is through friends or bloggers, but if you haven’t heard, here is the 5-second summary:
I showed up early to hear some “Best Practices” and pick up the tub for my school.
I had to chuckle when they rolled out this TV stand complete with a VCR machine!! Those totally remind me of watching Angels in the Outfield, Little Giants, and Selena after school.
Between acting like a student and acting like a coach, I snacked on one of these Luna bars:
I’m pretty sure Nicole turned me onto them and they are so, so, so, so good.
On my way home, Kyle and I decided to do something pretty impulsive – make a pilgrimage to Santa Rosa for Pliny the Younger! This Russian River Brewing Co triple IPA is only released for 2 weeks in February. Since we cant make it up during the week and next weekend we are in Tahoe, we really had to act now or wait another 365 days.
… 2 hours later… in Santa Rosa… dinner time!
El Coqui Puerto Rican Cuisine
400 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA
Website – Yelp
I asked Miranda for a few restaurant suggestions, but it was El Coqui’s great Yelp reviews and unique menu that drew us in for dinner. We started with a pitcher of Lagunitas and turned their TVs to the Sharks game.
Platanutres con Dip de Aguacate – thin and crispy plantain chips served with a blended dip of avocado, cheese and onions. Loved these plantain chips and the avocado/cheese dip was totally addictive!
Canoas Vegetariana – whole sweet plantain stuffed with black beans topped w/ melted Monterey jack cheese. I would never think to pair a gooey sweet plantain with black beans, but they went so well together!
Pollo al Horno – baked chicken thighs marinated with special seasoning, bell peppers and cilantro. We were the least impressed with this dish, but the chicken was fall-apart tender… just not that unique of a flavor.
I’d totally recommend El Coqui to anyone visiting Santa Rosa. Keep in mind that their portions are huuuuge. We left so stuffed!
Alright, #questforpliny continues! As of right now we are 70th in line and they open in about 30 minutes!
Go Niners!!!!!!!!!!
-Lauren
6 comments on “Gyros to Puerto Rico”
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We don’t tell each other “everythinggggg” because trust me – you don’t want to know all the dirty deets ;) YUP, I went there.
I’m glad you still like the Luna bars… I agree they are so frikken good. And now I’m craving one.
You are so philanthropic with your volunteering. I’m surprised you aren’t a DG with all the “Do Good” – ing.
I’m doing homework and not watching the niners game. I guess it deserve it for having too much crazy fun throughout the week and on Friday. Oh well!
Not DG, just AOII :) please have the game on in the background!!
Yay!! I can’t wait to hang out again!
I was a GOTR coach last year, until we moved to MV. It is super rewarding and so much fun. You are perfect for it.
I’m happy you got to make it to Santa Rosa this weekend. You’ll have to tell me all about it.
Jacqueline recently posted..And the meltdown begins…
Woah I had no idea you were a GotR coach – I’ll probably come to you with all sorts of questions throughout the season!!
So envious you get to be a GOTR coach! My schedule will just not allow it but I would love to do that some day. I volunteer with the SF chapter on a committee and as a Buddy Runner, which is very fun. Have so much fun! The girls will be so excited you are their coach!
Heather recently posted..Heron’s Head Park
Thanks Heather! I hope it doesn’t interfere too much with my work schedule – I’m really lucky the school is so close by! :)