ANNUAL MEETING OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR FINE DINING

The upcoming November 30-December 2, 2007 San Luis Obispo Council of Presidents annual meeting is going to be a time to conduct CAL-MOAA business and yet there will be plenty of time to tour the area, explore a beautiful college town, and have a great time on the Central Coast.

But more than anything, there will be opportunities to drive to Morro Bay, see the famed rock, and explore the seaside village. For most, Friday afternoon might be a good time for this adventurre, an early dinner, and for some an on-time return for the evening EXCOM meeting.

About an hour north of the hotel along Highway 101 is Camp Roberts and its adjacent Fort Hunter Liggett, two active and vibrant military installations preparing soldiers for overseas deployment. Active duty officers especially, those stationed there, try as often as they can to visit Morro Bay and the mild coast weather, just to relax and have a fine meal at one of the local restaurants.

Everything about lovely Morro Bay, California located on the Pacific Coast of California about half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles near Hearst Castle and the Big Sur Coast. Morro Bay is a working fishing village. Its famous landmark, Morro Rock, was named by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo when he first charted this coast during his 16th Century voyage of discovery. The town is a pleasant tourist destination which has very mild weather all year long. There is no such thing as traffic in Morro Bay, unless, of course, you count birds, sea mammals, and fish!

In 1942 Breakers Cafe opened at its present location overlooking beautiful Morro Bay. Six years later Harry Amsel. visiting from New York, fell in love with this little town and restaurant. He purchased Breakers Cafe and built a reputation for excellent service and food, specializing in fresh, local seafood.

In 1966 a young Cal Poly student and host at Breakers Cafe, Dan Dorn, met and fell in love with Harry’s daughter, Nancy. Dan and Nancy eventually married and purchased Breakers Cafe. Dorn’s Breaker Cafe carried on the warm family service and excellent food that patrons had come to expect. In 1998 Dan and Nancy passed these responsibilities on to the third generation as their son, Chris Dorn, took over as manager of the restaurant. Chris continues to provide the tradition of wonderful cuisine and friendly service.

The family welcomes you and looks forward to providing fresh food, fine dining and excellent service now and for many generations to come!

For those who choose to take an extra day, a drive north along Highway 1 to Big Sur, an hour south of Carmel, can bring exceptional rewards. This part of the coast is almost guaranteed to put one in a holiday frame of mind. The food may not be as stunning as the views, but it’s simple and satisfying.

Nepenthe, Highway 1, Big Sur, three miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (831) 667-2345 is typical. For more than three decades movie stars, business moguls, and more ordinary tourists have been traversing the 30 miles of twisting and scenic Highway 1 south of Carmel to the restaurant on a cliff top, 808 feet above the Pacific.

Climbing six flights of stairs from the small parking lot off the highway, they come out on a broad terrace to find some of the most stunning scenery in the world spread at their feet. Steep cliffs march toward the horizon, and waves crash on the rocky coast in the distance. Red-tailed hawks float on the thermals overhead. On weekends a wait for a table or a spot at the wide rail overlooking the sea can stretch to an hour or more, and prices are steep. But a great many gladly return when they get a chance. Lunch is the time when views are the best. The kitchen does a good job making simple sandwiches and salads with excellent ingredients.

The annual meeting at San Luis Obispo, with its wonderful climate, will provide opportunities for a quick extended weekend getaway as well as the formalities of the Council of Presidents business meeting.

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