that started off as an old fashioned soda shop. While the food was decent, the atmosphere is what makes this shop unique. Dozens of old time soda bottles and signs line the walls and take you back to a much simpler time when soda shops were the hot spots in town. Tuesday took us to the San Diego Convention Center for the Firehouse World Expo. At times, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning being around all those shiny, new fire engines. My wife and I met the California State Firefighter Association's newest mascot, Dollie, a 1 year old dalmation. Dollie was full of energy and a willing participant in photographs. Once we had finished with the expo, my wife and I departed San Diego for our next destination in Dana Point. Along the way, in Oceanside, we came across Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. Founded in 1798, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is known as the king of the missions. The architecture and historical artifacts throughout the mission were breathtaking. Once in Dana Point, Lupe and I headed a few minutes north into Laguna Beach where we took in the sunset at Heisler Park. We ended our day with an outstanding dinner at The Cottage Restaurant in Laguna Beach. Located along Pacific Coast Highway, the Cottage Restaurant is a converted landmark home that opened its doors over 45 years ago. I chose the Filet Mignon while my wife had the Chicken Picatta. The filet mignon was perfectly cooked, and the chicken picatta was bursting with the flavors of olive oil and mushrooms. It is getaways like this that make my wife and I yearn for the next opportunity for a road trip.
