There are many scrumptious things you can make with fresh basil. The herb has an almost peppery taste, mixed with mint. It's distinct and deeply savory, so it will stand out no matter what you create with it. You can readily find the herb at most grocery stores or farmer's markets. So if you are trying to figure out what to do with fresh basil, I have plenty of ideas for you.

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Basil pairs well with tomatoes, cheeses like Parmesan or mozzarella, chicken, olive oil, and other ingredients. As you read on, you may see basil frequently combined with these components.

1. Make a classic pesto

This is one of the most popular ways to use fresh basil as it's a main ingredient for the green condiment. It usually includes fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, and other ingredients to taste. This gets blended in a blender or food processor and then you can use it on pasta, drizzle it on pizza, slather it on a sandwich, and much more. Use can use any number pasta shapes from shells to spaghetti.

2. Assemble an herb butter or compound butter

Mix room temperature butter and chopped basil until it's thoroughly combined. You should have a green-streaked butter. Form it into a log and wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it back in the fridge to set. If you don't want to do the log shape, then you can just place the softened basil butter mixture in an airtight container and then scoop out some when you need it.

3. Use fresh basil in Caprese salad

Caprese salad is a beautifully colorful and flavorful dish made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Slice your tomatoes and mozzarella and then layer them on a plate, alternating between each ingredient. Since you're working with larger slices, it's best to keep the basil leaves whole. 

4. Use it as a pizza topping

Basil makes a fantastic topping for pizza when you want a fresh element. You can add it before baking or after, depending on the look you're going for. Adding it after the pizza is baked keeps the green hue, whereas baking it will cause it to wilt and turn dark green. Both make delicious ways to use fresh basil, but it depends on your personal preference.

5. Make basil olive oil

This way of using fresh basil is perfect for pasta, salads, and just about everything in between. Make sure to wash the basil and give it plenty of time to dry. Chop it and then pour it into an airtight container along with the olive oil. You could also pair it with additional flavor components like garlic, red chili pepper flakes, or lemon juice.

6. Use fresh basil in a mojito

While the average mojito uses mint, a basil mojito can be a tasty way to use fresh basil and mix up your cocktail. You can even pair it with mint for a memorable herby blend. Your next cocktail may be the most delicious you've ever had.

7. Add it to other grains like rice, orzo, etc.

How can I use up my fresh basil? Try incorporating the herb into your meal. It can bring a fragrant quality to anything from bulgar, farro, quinoa, rice, and more. It works well with components like Parmesan cheese, lemon, and olive oil, so you can find a combination that tastes good or works for your household.

8. Include fresh basil in soup

There are hundreds of soup recipes out there and you can include basil in many of them. Pasta-based soups are a great starting point, such as tortellini soup. Tomato soup is a fantastic option to bring a herby addition into the mix. Add it to chicken and orzo soup. It tastes good with vegetable soups, green pea soup, white bean soup, or zucchini soup. You can get creative with it. Add the whole leaves or cut them into ribbons and use them as a garnish.

9. Place the herb in your sandwiches

Fresh basil deserves a spot in your sandwich. As I covered earlier, it works well when paired with tomatoes and mozzarella. I'd suggest using whole leaves just so they're less likely to fall out of your sandwiches. You could even do a grilled sandwich like a panini. Similarly, you may use a fresh basil pesto on a sandwich to create a tasty spread.

10. Chop it up to include in bruschetta

Bruschetta is the perfect appetizer for dinners and date nights. It's one of the more simple yet effective ways to use fresh basil. They aren't too complicated to make but they taste fresh and delicious; they're usually something you see as a starter at restaurants so you can bring this same feeling to your home.

11. Bring freshness to your quesadillas 

Adding fresh basil to a quesadilla can give it new life. Try it with chicken and mozzarella cheese. You could also add corn to the mix, tomato, or bacon. Try a spinach and basil quesadilla for something meat-free.

12. Make strawberry basil ice cream

Basil can be part of a sweet treat, too. It doesn't have to be a savory-only food. Strawberry basil ice cream has a pink hue with fruity and herbal undertones. It's creamy and refreshing for summertime. If you want to figure out what to do with fresh basil that involves something out of the box, this is a great option.

13. Create strawberry basil lemonade

Following on the sweet train, this one is slightly sugary and sour thanks to the lemon juice. Strawberry basil lemonade is a scrumptious and refreshing way to sip your basil. Bring in more herbs with basil, too. (If you like mint, you should try drinking fresh mint tea - I have a post about it if you want to read it here).

14. Turn it into a basil dressing

Use the fresh herb in your favorite dressing. It works nicely to create a basil vinaigrette that's a beautiful shade of green. But you could also include it in a basil ranch. There are so many ways to use fresh basil in dressings. Blending the dressing allows everything to get fully incorporated without larger leafy pieces.

15. Dry the herb 

Make your own dried basil to use in cooking. This gives you more time to use it without it going bad. Try air drying or dehydrating it. If you do a low temperature in the oven, you could do it that way without it burning to a crisp. Let them fully dry and then put them in an air-tight container or food storage baggie. 

16. Freeze it

When all else fails, just freeze it in a baggie. This gives you some time to strategize on how you want to use it. 

Never wonder about what to do with fresh basil again. There are so many tasty and fragrant methods to get the most use out of this peppery herb. 

Get a taste of Valle de Guadalupe without leaving the United States.  Venture to North San Diego County to eat at Valle. The eatery is now a Michelin-starred restaurant, making it one of the few in the Northern San Diego area. 

Valle Oceanside offers a formal Mexican dining experience with options to dine at the restaurant, hang out at the bar, participate in the chef's table, or do the El Sillón Bar Experience. Sit outside on the patio for an ocean-front dining view.

Valle Oceanside interior

Chef Roberto Alcocer

Roberto Alcocer is Valle's executive chef. He has over 25 years of cooking experience with a particular flair for creating Baja Mexican fare. His restaurants include Malva (located at Carretera Ensenada Tecate Km 96 San Antonio de las Minas, Mexico) as well as Valle in Oceanside.

Tomato consommé, Baja clams, blood clams, chocolata clams, Ensenada uni, smoked grapes.

Menu

The menu will vary. There isn't a menu listed on the website, so you may want to browse their Instagram to get examples of what to expect. As this is a fine dining restaurant, you won't get giant portions. They're on the smaller side, so you have room to eat the various courses. 

Valle sign in Oceanside, CA

Hours

Valle Dining Experience 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 5:00 - 9:00 PM 

Valle Bar 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00 - 10:00 PM

Chef's Table 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6:30 PM 

El Sillón Bar Experience

 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Valle bar

Valle Information

Address: 222 N Pacific St Oceanside, CA 92054

Website: https://www.valleoceanside.com/

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are located outside, connected to the courtyard of Mission Pacific Hotel.

Parking

You can find street parking in the general area. There is a free parking garage further away and paid parking as well. You can also Uber or Lyft and get dropped off right at the entrance.

Inside the Valle kitchen

Events and Other Information

If you appreciate Mexican cuisine and desire an elevated version, this San Diego Michelin star restaurant in Oceanside, CA is for you. As with most things, it's up to you whether you like it or if you find value in it. Take a look at the reviews and previous menus to see if it's something that suits your fancy. If you like experimenting with foods and enjoy experiential dining, then this could be a great match. The prices do reflect high-end dining. 

They have events, so this is a wonderful choice when you want to visit for a particular occasion, such as the Día de los Muertos Celebration. You may find these directly on the website.

Located at the Irvine Spectrum, the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine is a small spot with  Hello Kitty merchandise, handmade hot and iced beverages, cakes, donuts, other sweet treats, and seasonal goodies.

The Hello Kitty Grand Cafe offers merch like t-shirts, tote bags, pins, keychains, and more. It's quite small, and there is a queue to order food. There is no indoor seating. Reservations are required for the Bow Room afternoon tea with seating. There are tables and chairs outside for mall patrons to use. The treats are packaged in Hello Kitty boxes or packaging for you to take with you.

* This post may contain affiliate links.

Hello Kitty Grand Cafe interior

Drinks and Treats

You can expect mini donuts like cinnamon sugar, rainbow, and cookies and cream. Desserts are limited in quantity. The Hello Kitty Cafe has birthday cake, strawberry cake, chocolate cake, mama's apple pie, mixed berry pocket pie, macaron set, freshly baked cookies, and other sweets. They also have the seasonal strawberry tart, blueberry pocket pie, and rainbow mini donuts.

If you want something cold, they have pineapple and vanilla Dole soft serve. The Hello Kitty Cafe has iced drinks like teas (green or black), lemonades, blended drinks, espresso drinks, and strawberry milk. Even if you don't go for the tea service, you can still make a quick stop to soothe your sweet tooth. Get a couple of little cakes or donuts before you leave the Irvine Spectrum.

Supercute menu at Hello Kitty Cafe

Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine Address

Located at the Irvine Spectrum at 860 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, California 92618. It's near the Giant Wheel Court. Park for free at the mall and then walk to the store. Depending on the day and time you arrive, parking might be hard to find, so I recommend just going to the parking structure. There's a lot more parking there. 

Hello Kitty Cafe Irvine sign

Hello Kitty Cafe Irvine Hours

Monday - Thursday 10 am - 9 pm 

Friday - Sunday 10 am-10 pm 

Afternoon Tea Hours

Wednesday - Friday 11 am - 2:30 pm (last seating) 

Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 3:30 pm (last seating) 

Afternoon tea at the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe starts at $60 per person. The expanded menu has savory foods like the pesto tart, salmon croissant, and cucumber sandwich with dill cream cheese served on milk bread. It also serves sweet options like strawberries and cocoa cream, seasonal scone, Hello Kitty mini cake, and more. This is a cute spot to come with a Hello Kitty-loving friend for a fun afternoon tea service and a sweet experience. 

Cocktail Service 

Wednesday - Saturday 5 pm - 9:30 pm (last seating)

Hello Kitty Grand Cafe also has a cocktail menu featuring items like the Kitty Colada with rum, pineapple soft serve, and coconut or the Bee Kind with gin, vermouth, lemon, lavender honey, and ginger.

Bow Room at Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine

Bow Room

The Hello Kitty Cafe's chic pink Bow Room has a bar area, tables, and chairs. This is a separate space inside of the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe where you can dine with a reservation.

You should check out the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe at the Irvine Spectrum if you or someone you know is a Helloy Kitty fan. Making reservations to experience the afternoon tea service and ensure its availability. It is something kids will never forget for a birthday celebration or special occasion. You can also pick up Hello Kitty Cafe merchandise if you want to take a souvenir home that you can wear.

Take videos and enjoy the moment.

Find fresh, delicious food at The Desmond, which is part of Kimpton Alma in the Downtown San Diego Gaslamp District. The Gaslamp is known for its nightlife but has its fair share of other things to do, whether you're with kids, on a romantic trip, or stopping by with friends.

If you're staying in the Kimpton Alma, consider getting dinner at The Desmond, which is located on the mezzanine level. 

Where is The Desmond San Diego?

The address of The Desmond is 1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. They invited me to have dinner, so I went with my family to see what goodies were on the menu. The menu centers around San Diego and California cuisine with options like seafood and pasta. 

Parking in Downtown San Diego

The hotel has valet parking, which is easier than circling the one-way streets of downtown San Diego in search of a spot. But if valet isn't your thing, you can drive further away to seek a place.

Food and Menu

If you enjoy bread, start with the roasted garlic and herb focaccia bread service. The menu seems to rotate through the seasons, so when I checked back about two months later, the items I got weren't on it. They have appetizers, entrees, desserts, and cocktails.

That said, I really enjoyed the fresh, housemade pasta. The ingredients and thoughtful presentations are focal points to ensure an experience unlike anything you'd get at an average restaurant. Each dish is carefully presented. 

It's a terrific spot to celebrate a birthday, retirement, or special occasion dining experience. The prices are above the standard burger joint but not as costly as you'd expect for a fine-dining restaurant. You can get a cocktail and entree for around $75-80, depending on your order. They also have a 3-course and 5-course menu but you can call ahead to inquire about this.

Desserts

The menu will vary, but you can expect incredible deliciously seasonal desserts. Don't leave without getting at least one. For example, they have a Wildflower Honey Coconut Tapioca that's made with mango custard, honey sweet mango, coconut geleé, and a bit of toasted coconut.

When I went, I had the Basque Cheesecake and Gianduia Chocolate Budino. Both were decadent and the perfect way to end the evening. Desserts cost $10-15, which is around the same price as a dessert at a pizza place in North County San Diego. 

Cocktails at The Desmond

The cocktails are well-crafted and balanced with a range of alcohols and flavors, like Stranahan’s Whiskey. This drink is shaken with cardamom tea and lemon.

Ambience 

I went earlier during dinner service and was among the first people there. During dinner, several other patrons filtered through, whether on a date or business trip. It was still quiet and spacious. The bathroom stalls are gender-neutral and in one open-concept bathroom area.

Visit The Desmond San Diego in Southern California if you want a night of high-quality food experience. They are only open for dinner, but it's a lovely spot for a meal, wine, or dessert.

Costco Wholesale has a bit of everything. If you've been interested in trying Costco coconut shrimp, they seem to have at least a couple of options: the Aqua Star Coconut Breaded Butterfly Shrimp, Clean Tail, 16-20 ct, 2.5 lbs, and then the Royal Asia Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Thai Chili Sauce, 2 lbs.

I purchased the Royal Asia Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Thai Chili Sauce from Costco.

How to Cook the Frozen Coconut Shrimp

For best results, bake or air fry them. To bake, place the shrimp in a single layer on a sheet pan and bake at 400 degrees F for about 18 minutes or until golden brown. The directions say to flip them halfway through.

If you want to skip the oven, try the air fryer. To air fry the shrimp, heat them at 400 degrees F for about 8 minutes and flip them halfway through. 

The Taste of the Coconut Shrimp

The coconut is crispy and tasty. As the name of the frozen coconut shrimp would suggest, it has a deep coconut flavor with the texture of shredded coconut. The shrimp have tails which are easy to remove. The shrimp themselves seem small compared to the amount of coconut on them.

When you use the Thai chili sauce, there is quite a lot of sugar. I actually never ended up using this because the coconut shrimp had a lot of flavor on its own.

Nutrition Facts

The nutrition facts say that there are 8 servings, each 4 oz. This includes the Thai chili sauce, but there are no nutrition facts if you choose to skip the sauce.

Each serving is 390 calories and 24 grams of total fat, 9 grams of saturated fat, 34 grams of carbs, 11 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and 17 grams of sugar.

Final Thoughts - The coconut shrimp are tasty, but there's more coconut than shrimp

I found this in the frozen fish and seafood area of the store. It was on sale at the time, so I decided to buy it. I like the taste and texture; I just feel that the amount of coconut to shrimp is off. There seems to be a lot of coconut and small pieces of shrimp.

Costco has plenty of good deals, so this is already a good value and a delicious way to mix up how you eat shrimp. The shrimp are ready, so you don't have to clean, devein, or do anything other than pop them in the oven or air fryer.

Overall, I enjoyed the flavor, and it's a good item to have on rotation at home. I wouldn't stock it permanently, but it's nice to have when you want something different. These shrimp are fun to bring to a party or for a family dinner when you don't want to make everything from scratch.

Summer is around the corner, and Dutch Bros has some new drinks on the menu. The Mangonada Rebel returns for another year, while the Churro Freeze and Watermelon Fizz are both fresh additions. Find these available for a limited time at all Dutch Bros locations (all 850+ of them) now until June 30, 2024.

Churro Freeze Blended Caramel Coffee from Dutch Bros

The Churro Freeze uses blended caramel coffee, cinnamon sugar Soft Top, and churro bits for a chilly treat. The churro bits appear to be crunchy pieces of cinnamon sugar, so if you're expecting a dough-based churro, that's not the case. This is for the best since the sugar bits would get soggy in the drink while the cinnamon sugar bits remain crisp.  

The Churro Freeze mixes cinnamon and coffee for a blended but not-too-thick drink. It has the espresso factor if you want a coffee drink, but it's too hot for a warm beverage. It's a cold drink, but the cinnamon aspect almost seems as though it would be suited for fall. 

If you want a little bit of autumn in the summertime the Churro Freeze is a delicious way to get that feeling in a cup. Cinnamon is considered one of the warming spices you often see paired with ginger, cardamom, etc.

The blended Churro Freeze seasonal drink is quite cold, so if you have teeth sensitivities, this is something to consider. I don’t, but it was still very cold on the teeth.

Watermelon Fizz from Dutch Bros

The cold beverage definitely has the tell-tale signs of summer. It almost tastes like a fruit 7-Up or a spin on a Jolly Rancher. It’s very carbonated and sweet but not too cloying. There is a lot of ice, so drink it sooner rather than later because the ice melts and waters down the potency of the Watermelon Fizz.

Mangonada Rebel

The Mangonada Rebel is the Dutch Bros version of the Mexican drink. This rendition has Rebel, which is Dutch Bros' exclusive energy drink as well as and mangonada flavor. It's topped with strawberries and Tajín® (made of mild natural chili peppers, lime, and sea salt).

Dutch Bros Seasonal Drinks Prices

At my local Dutch Bros in the San Diego area, the small Watermelon Fizz and small Churro Freeze seasonal drinks totaled $12.02. Given the state of inflation across all industries, the price is pretty decent. They are standard as far as specialty drinks, like Dutch Bros frozen coffee, go. Whether that’s a price you want to pay or not, it’s up to you. 

Donuts are delicious delights of fried dough. Whether you like them creme-filled or glazed, there are a few places to find donuts in Oceanside. While looking up reviews and photos, you can choose the best donut shop. Do you prefer cakey donuts like an old-fashioned donut, or want something doughy and light? Are you looking for vegan options? There are good donuts, but only you can determine the best donuts since each person has different qualities they look for (whether that's price, atmosphere, flavors, etc).

Selection of donuts at Parlor Doughnuts in Downtown Oceanside, California.

Best Donut Shop in Oceanside - Where to Find Donuts in Oceanside

Parlor Doughnuts - 331 N Cleveland St Oceanside, CA 92054

Doughside Donuts - 417 S. Coast Hwy. Oceanside (coming soon, according to their Instagram)

Tans Donuts - 3375 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92058

Hill Street Donut House in Oceanside, CA.

Hill Street Donut House - 1926 S Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054

K-Donuts - 4750 Oceanside Blvd Oceanside, CA 92056

Sk's Donuts on South Coast Highway.

Oceanside Donut - 3772 Mission Ave Ste 119 Oceanside, CA 92054

Mr. Donuts - 1950 Oceanside Blvd # C, Oceanside, CA 92054

Sam's Donuts - 3504 College Blvd # A, Oceanside, CA 92056

Coffee and Desserts in Oceanside

There are many doughnut shops in Oceanside. Oceanside is part of the North County San Diego area, about 40 miles away from Downtown San Diego. Most of these doughnut shops serve coffee, and some offer espresso drinks. The price will vary by business. 

As with most donut shops, there are fewer options if you arrive in the afternoon. Early morning hours are best for visiting for the freshest doughnuts and desserts. Plus, you'll have the most flavors to choose from. Find the best doughnuts the earlier you go.

Related reading: Oceanside Beaches: Best Beaches in Oceanside, CA. Read here.

Exterior view of Parlor Doughnuts in Oceanside.

Old California Restaurant Row, now called San Marcos Restaurant Row, is a staple for foodies in San Marcos, California. Come for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. There's a little bit of everything at this North County dining experience on San Marcos Boulevard. Some of the restaurants in Restaurant Row San Marcos have outdoor seating, while others are indoors. You'll find a range of cuisine options, from seafood to chicken wings to burgers or brunch. The family-friendly environment and food options make it a great spot to eat!

Address: 1020-1080, W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078 

Hours: 8 am - 10 pm

What restaurants are in Old California Restaurant Row in San Marcos? 

55 Yard Line - Sports bar, burgers, outdoor dining, takeout

Buffalo Wild Wings - Sports bar, American food, chicken wings, takeout

Cocina del Charro - Mexican food, Latin American, buffet, delivery, takeout, curbside pickup options

Fish House Vera Cruz - Fish House Vera Cruz has seafood, fish, cocktail bar, outdoor dining

Katsu Sushi and Teppan Grill - Sushi bar, Japanese, outdoor dining, takeout, curbside pickup

King and I of San Marcos - Thai food, takes reservations, vegan options, offers catering, good for groups and kids

Landon's East Meets West - American, Indian, pizza, takeout

Old California Mining Company - American food, seafood, breakfast, brunch, outdoor dining, takeout

Ascend Coffee Roasters (formerly called Old Cal Coffee / Old California Coffee Company or Old California Coffee House and Eatery) - This coffee shop has been a staple for locals for years. Coffee, tea, cafe, outdoor dining, delivery, takeout. Learn about coffee shops in the nearby city of Carlsbad here or Encinitas coffee shops here.

San Marcos Brewery & Grill *this business is permanently closed

Sublime Alehouse - *this business is permanently closed. There are breweries all over North County. Learn about Vista breweries in this post.

IHOP - Breakfast, brunch, burgers, takeout

Nearby Restaurants a

There are other restaurants close if you don't find one at Restaurant Row in San Marcos that suits your fancy. Mama Kat's and Darunee Thai Cuisine are nearby. If you are looking for some ideas on things to Do in North County San Diego, California, read this blog post.

Restaurant Row San Marcos

Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? The Arizona Fresh Foodie Trail® makes every bite something to savor. Discover the hidden gems and culinary hotspots that make this trail a must-visit for foodies visiting the area. Don't miss out on this gastronomic delight - read the full article now!

The Mesa area is vast, sprawling area that's developing with every passing second, even as you read this article. While I was there it was a unique experience to see the development and land and the area's ability to spread out and have space. Step out on the Fresh Foodie Trail and take a bite at a new adventure! 

Driving into Mesa

Drive to Mesa with your own car from wherever you are or you can opt to fly. Mesa visitors flying into Phoenix can easily rent a car from Hertz or Enterprise at the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport. Then you can explore Mesa, Queen Creek, and Gilbert as desired. You can pick up and drop off at the airport so you don't have to drive willy-nilly around town. 

San Diegans looking for a close trip can find a foodie haven in Mesa, Arizona. The flight from San Diego to Phoenix takes under 90 minutes, then it's a modest drive from Phoenix into Mesa. Mesa is similar to San Diego County in that it's spread out and covers a large area. You might go from Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, or Queen Creek at any given point, just like you might have brunch at your favorite spot in Downtown San Diego, hike in Torrey Pines, and then drive up north to walk the pier in Oceanside.

Exploring the Arizona Fresh Foodie Trail 

Visit Mesa has a full brochure and information you can check out on their website.

Queen Creek Olive Mill

Address: 25062 S Meridian Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

If you enjoy high-quality extra virgin olive oil, then you have to pay a visit to Queen Creek Olive Mill, a blossom-to-bottle agritourism destination in Queen Creek, Arizona. Queen Creek Olive Mill has a radiant rainbow of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars that you can both sample and purchase. Take the Olive Oil 101 class while you're there to learn how the special process they use to make extra virgin olive oil and they'll also teach you how to correctly taste olive oil, which I found really interesting! 

Schnepf Farms

Take the family for peach picking at the Schnepf Farms peach orchards while in season during May. Visit in autumn for The Pumpkin & Chili Party, an epic fall festival.

The Cozy Peach at Schnepf Farms

Address: 22601 E Cloud Rd, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142

Schnepf Farms has been growing peaches for over 50 years, offering a 8 varieties of peaches to the Queen Creek area. Now Schnepf Farms added glamping in restored vintage trailers to its repertoire. Guests can camp in style in one of the trailers, each has its own theme and designated decor. 

Agritopia 

Agritopia is huge, it's quite impressive. The idea of Agritopia started back in the 1960s when the Johnston family purchased the land and built their home. They nurtured the farm into what it is today, a thriving hub that brings the community together. Agritopia has a residential portion, a farm, Joe's Farm Grill, a coffee shop aptly named The Coffee Shop, and Barnone, which houses a dozen local artisans. 

Barnone

Address: 3000 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, Arizona 85296

Barnone has a range of makers selling their work, from woodfire pizzas at Fire & Brimstone to ice cream at Cream of the Crop. I visited Garage-East for a wine tasting and their meat and cheese board. Sit around the table to chat at this bright wine bar. The wine tasting at Garage East has six wine tasters of your choice; they come in cool little test tubes. Take a moment to savor the art on the walls as you sip your wine.

Hayden Flour Mills at Sossaman Farms

Address: 19101 E Ocotillo Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Hayden Flour Mills is on a mission to bring the art of stone milling to the foreground. Tour the mill and learn more about the ancient and heritage grains. They have a pretty epic shop with items like purple barley berries, gazelle rye flour, pancake mix, emmer farro crackers, and more, so you can get a taste of ancient grains yourself. 

Cider Corps

Address: 31 S Robson Suite 103, Mesa, Arizona 85210

Cider Corps, a veteran-owned and family-operated business, has two taprooms in Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona where they sell craft cider and canned cider. Thirsty patrons can come to Cider Corps and order a taster flight to sample a few of their options like the Mango Foxtrot with mango and rosehip or the 40 Myke-Myke, a collab with Myke's Pizza made with honey, as well as ancho and arbol chiles for a spicy kick.

Jalapeño Bucks

Address: 3434 N Val Vista Dr, Mesa, Arizona 85213

People come to Jalapeño Bucks for the bbq and burritos. They have a bunch of burritos to pick from, whether you're into the Green Chili Shredded Beef, Red Chili Shredded Pork, or the Brisket, Bean, and Cheese.

True Garden Urban Farm 

Address: 5949 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85205

True Garden Urban Farm is the first and only facility of its kind in Phoenix where they grow living produce vertically without soil or rainfall. Only solar power and water are used. You can buy commercial or residential aeroponic tower farms, seedlings, or take a class to learn how it all works.

Proof Bread

Address: 125 W Main St, Mesa, Arizona 85201

Spare yourself the 11-hour flight to Paris. Instead, you can enjoy a delightful array of pastries from Proof Bread in Mesa, Arizona. So flaky and flavorful! Take a look at their website to learn more. 🥐

Other spots to check out:

The Orange Patch 

Address: 3565 N Gilbert Rd, Mesa, AZ 85213

Steadfast Farm at Eastmark 

Address: 5111 Inspirian Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85212

Superstition Dairy Farms 

Address: 3440 S Hawes Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212

Vertuccio Farms

Address: 4011 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212

The Windmill Winery

Address: 1140 W Butte Ave #48, Florence, AZ 85132

Arizona's Fresh Foodie Trail allows travelers to try fresh food from local farms, locally grown produce, wine tasting, live music, agritourism attractions, and everything you need to have an enjoyable time in the Mesa area. Visit Mesa has loads of information on different eateries on the Fresh Foodie Trail so you don't have to spend hours researching destinations, what's there, and why it's good. 

If you're already based near Mesa and Scottsdale, then you might have time to pursue, taste, and get to know the nooks and crannies and morsels of the area. If you're a tourist or out-of-towner like myself, then save room because there are a lot of great places to check out. There's a lot to experience.

Pasteleria Ideal in Ciudad de Mexico captivates you with its wafting scent, you can smell the pastries before you even see the pastries. The shop has many amazing, unique, excellent pastries, breads, sweets, and other delicious baked goodies to pick from. 

CDMX is massive, bigger than you could possibly explore in your seven days here on honeymoon with your husband. You start researching where to buy sweet breads or small cakes nearby.  You find out that Pasteleria Ideal is within walking distance so you begin your mini trek through Mexico City. Don't skip this tasty bakery with a long history in CDMX! It's a true wonderland of quality baked delights.

Founded in 1927, this pasteleria first began selling baked goods during the Cristero War. Now they're a leading baking industry company in Mexico and beyond. They're popular and well-loved amongst locals, tourists, and foodies everywhere. They sell traditional bread and unique pastries, puff pastry, viennoiseries, rustic bread, individual pastries, cakes, and cookies. I saw some jelly, jello, gelatinous treats in the front behind the glass case when you first walk in.

Pastelería Ideal is big. There are more options than you ever could have dreamed of. Pasteleria Ideal bakery is iconic amongst both locals and tourists alike. If you're in the city, you might have searched things to do in Roma Mexico City, read my blog post to learn about what to do! 

They have large cookies stuffed with jam or dulce de leche, chocolate tres leches cake, traditional rebanadas de mantequilla (sliced bread with butter and usually sugar), artisanal donuts, and more. They have specialty goods for holidays like Día de Reyes, Día de las Madres, and more. People in CDMX come here because the pan is delicioso and you can find just about anything within the aisles and mountains of pastries.

How to Order at Pastelería Ideal

This is a self-serve heaven. While you're at Pastelería Ideal, grab a round plate / tray on your way in. Use the tongs to grab your stuff and get your fill. Take a good look at all the options because there are a lot and it varies by day. The price for the portion is a good deal! I went a couple of times and the options were different. One of the pan dulces I didn't get on my first visit wasn't there the next time I went. 

Make your way through the sea of people. Wait in line then you pay at the counter. They'll give you a ticket as a receipt while they get your goodies nice and wrapped up. You'll wait around a bit more until your baked goods are packed. There are a lot of people and they have a great process to handle to the volume of orders. 

Bakery Information

They have more than one location in Mexico City:

One location is at: 16 de Septiembre Av. 16 de Septiembre 18, Colonia Centro C.P 06000 Ciudad de México ​ 

Phone Number: +55 51 30 29 70 ​ 

The other location is: República de Uruguay 74, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Venustiano Carranza, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico