Blog Posts by Sunset Magazine

Our editors scouted hundreds of hotels over the past year to find the 25 best-in-class for a special weekend getaway. Although they might feel a million miles away, almost every place is within an hour's drive of a major airport. Service, design, food, and rooms were all scored (out of 100), plus those details that make a hotel Sunset-special: Are those fresh herbs in the cocktails? Does the landscape look native to the area? Can you see the Golden Gate Bridge? But value was paramount. If an expensive property made the list, it earned it with extra services and amenities or by being best in class. So dive in. Your perfect weekend awaits.
> SEE ALL 25 BEST HOTELS FOR WEEKEND ESCAPES


The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA


We could go on and on about the stunning setting on a bluff above the glimmering Pacific; the restaurant with its killer wine list; the croquet lawn; the turndown chocolate. One of the most beautiful hotels anywhere. SCORE: 98
> Related: Romantic weekend in La

Give in to our mouthwatering variations on the classic comfort food.

Golden Gate Grilled Cheese
This version is like a Monte Cristo ― only better. The parmesan crust is pure genius.

Recipe
Yield: Makes 2 sandwiches

Ingredients
2 tablespoons softened butter
1 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup milk
1 cup coarsely grated parmesan cheese
4 freshly cut slices from a sourdough loaf
6 ounces thinly sliced turkey
1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
2 slices muenster cheese

Preparation
1. In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic, and chile flakes. In a medium bowl, whisk egg and milk. Spread parmesan on a plate.
2. In a large frying pan, melt half the seasoned butter over medium heat. Dip 1 bread slice in egg mixture, coating one side only. Dip coated side into parmesan. Place to one side in frying pan, cheese side down. Repeat with 1 of remaining bread slices. Arrange turkey, avocado, cilantro, and

Get your open-water fix, fast and cheap, from an all-day ferry trip amid breaching orcas to a 10-minute ride on California's last family-owned operation.

A day of wonder: Inside Passage, British Columbia
Onboard: The 315-mile route from Port Hardy, on the northern tip of Vancouver Island, to Prince Rupert, in northern B.C., is the same one that Alaskan cruise liners follow. And B.C. Ferries' newest vessel, the Northern Expedition, offers a decidedly cruise-ship-like experience: 55 staterooms, buffet with linen napkins, and a lounge with plush recliners stationed by picture windows. Skip the ship's movie theater and watch the nature show outside: rain-forest islands, white-sand beaches, snow-clad peaks, orcas, porpoises, and bald eagles.

On land: Spend a few days poking around Rupert, with its small inns and cafes. From $187 U.S./person plus $425 U.S./vehicle; bcferries.com
> Related: Escape to Cowichan Bay, B.C.

90 minutes to a secret San Juan: Anacortes to Shaw Island, WA
Onboard:

These tasty lunches make great on-the-go options, ready in 30 minutes or less.

Radicchio, Roasted Pepper, and Provolone Ciabatta Sandwiches
The vegetables in these sandwiches don't get soggy as they stand, and the flavors benefit from a little time together.

Recipe
Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients
1 head (7 oz.) radicchio, cored and separated into leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces (3/4 of a loaf) ciabatta bread, split horizontally
1 jar (16 oz.) roasted red peppers, drained, patted dry, and halved
6 slices regular or aged provolone cheese (about 4 oz.)
4 ounces thinly sliced dry salami
10 basil leaves
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Put radicchio on a large rimmed baking sheet. Lightly brush all over with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake until wilted, 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, open up bread on another baking sheet and bake

Our picks for the perfect home accents to bring the look to life.

Wall clock
Robbins clock $79; Pottery Barn (www.potterybarn.com or 800/922-5507)

Mixing bowls
Addison bowls $35; Crate and Barrel (www.crateandbarrel.com or 800/967-6696)
> Related: 18 special-occasion cakes

Pie rack
Antique pie rack $195; Sienna Antiques (707/763-6088). Similar racks available from Ikea (Gorm shelving unit from $20; www.ikea.com or 800/434-4532).

Floral aprons
$24 each; Nancy Koltes at Home (415/924-5811 or www.nancykoltesathome.com for store locations)
> Related: 8 ways to decorate with floral accents

Enameled cast-iron pot
Staub La Cocotte pot $190; available at I Leoni (707/762-9611), or visit www.staubusa.com for additional stores.

SEE ALL THE WAYS TO ADD BARN STYLE

Related:
How to create perfect floral arrangements
6 secrets to clutter control
How to decorate with whimsical collections

Kick off your party with a frosty mojito, margarita, sangria, or juicy aqua fresca.

Grapefruit Margaritas
Ruby grapefruit juice gives an extra tangy bite to the standard marg, while a sugar-rimmed glass helps to sweeten things up.

Recipe

Yield: Makes 1 1/2 quarts; 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients
3 cups ruby grapefruit juice (fresh-squeezed or purchased)
2 cups tequila
1 cup triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
1/4 cup sugar

Preparation
In a pitcher (at least 2-qt. capacity), combine 3 cups ruby grapefruit juice (fresh-squeezed or purchased), 2 cups tequila, and 1 cup triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur. Chill until cold, at least 1 hour, or up to 1 day. Pour about 1/4 cup sugar on a rimmed plate. Cut a ruby grapefruit in half and rub rims of double old-fashioned glasses (8 oz.) with cut side of one half to moisten, then dip glass rims in sugar to coat. Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour grapefruit margaritas over ice, taking care not to disturb sugared glass rims.

Goodbye, peas and carrots-try growing these unusual, and lesser-known, vegetables.

Nopal
Opuntia ficus-indica



Origin: Mexico and the Southwest



Definition: The nopal (no-pahl) is good to eat, tasting like green beans and bell peppers with the texture of okra. Leaves (paddles) that are about 8 inches long are best.



Synonyms: The fruit is called prickly pear or tuna.



Use: Peel off paddles' thorns with a vegetable peeler (easy), then slice and sauté with onions, melt in some jack cheese, and eat with tortillas.



Grow it: Nopal grows best in the mild, dry parts of the West. Slice off a paddle from an existing plant, wait a few weeks for a callus to form, and stick it an inch into the ground. For harvesting, gloves are necessary. No nopales around? Check with your nursery.

Burdock root
Arctium species



Origin: Eurasia; commonly grown in Japan



Definition: The burdock root is hard and crunchy, with a sweet, earthy taste. Sold with the dirt still on it; should be eaten right after

Mix vintage treasures with your own upbeat style.

Home decorating with vintage finds
"I love that when friends visit our home, they immediately get a sense of who we are-from pillows on the couch to the collections on the bookshelves," Meg Mateo Ilasco says of the interior of her midcentury bungalow that was once devoid of personality.



Meg and her husband, Marvin, craved a home that reflected who they are-a designer and a scientist, both with Filipino heritage and an affinity for bold color. So, in a stroke of thrift and genius, Meg and Marvin raided their parents' attics to uncover hidden treasures.



See how they mixed these family finds with their own upbeat style.

Living room
Meg anchors with Danish pieces, like this bookshelf unit, because of their well-made, classic forms. The 1960s unit displays Meg and Marvin's ceramic and glass collections.



Meg adds personality to the room with one of her whimsical pillow designs-this one reads "nap," twice (mateoilasco.com).



The