Judging the Chef’s Challenge
I’ve been spending extra time in Half Moon Bay this month, a mere 30 minutes from my coastal hometown of Pacifica. I attended the pre-opening for the much-anticipated Sam’s Chowder House – located right on the water with beautiful views and lovely interiors – focusing on seafood, and of course, chowder. Give them a few weeks to “get it all together” and Sam’s may well become a destination restaurant for locals and travelers.
I was excited to be a judge for the second annual Chefs’ Challenge and Grand Tasting, at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. Traffic was a little slow, but once I checked into the cozy Old Thyme Inn, 779 Main St., 650-726-1616, oldthymeinn.com, I began to feel less stressed. The 1898 Princess Anne Victorian is operated by Rick and Kathy Ellis, a charming couple. I was shown to my Mint Room, a spacious room with pale green walls and a sky blue ceiling, hardwood floors, a “remote” fireplace; an old-fashioned bathtub, lace curtains, hypo-allergenic down pillows and a featherbed. I knew I would be enjoying my night here.