We ate at some great places during our two-week vacation in California. The mix included a Chili’s and an Olive Garden, but those are everywhere. Here are places you won’t find in Fort Wayne.

• Marie Callendar’s. Started here, soon after landing. Left with a full lemon meringue pie. Hey, we’re on vacation. Diets don’t count.
• BJ’s Brewhouse. A western place. I think we ate at one in Oklahoma City 2 years ago.
• Bubba Gump Shrimp. On the Santa Monica Pier. My favorite place of the two weeks.
• Lou & Mickey’s. A pleasant place on a corner in San Diego, just down from the hotel. We, like nearly everyone else there, ate on the outdoor patio.
• Souplantation. Dave Datema took me here. A different kind of buffet, which emphasizes salad and soups. Plus a little pasta, bread, and self-serve ice cream for dessert. All for $9, I believe. Nice place. Fort Wayne could use one.
• In & Out. Had to try this western burger chain. I was quite impressed. Learned later that they also have great shakes.
• Mimi’s Cafe. First ate at a Mimi’s in Scottsdale, Ariz., with Bob Simmons about 8 years ago. Have eaten at several others since, always out west. Always enjoy going there.
• Macaroni Grille. The name sounds like it’s fast-food Italian, but actually it’s higher-end Italian. A real nice place. First saw one in Dallas a year ago and wondered about it. Had their lasagna.
• Jack and Gullio’s. A superb italian restaurant in San Diego’s Old Towne. I just had spaghetti and meatballs, but they were outstanding meatballs. Definitely not out of a bag.
• Edgewater Grille. A restaurant in Seaport Village in San Diego. Pretty expensive place, and I paid too much for the ribeye.
• Marine Base Miramar. Ate at the marine base on Friday night of Pam’s convention. They fed us mighty well–BBQ ribs, wonderfully seasoned chicken, a surprisingly good baked potato, cherry and apple cobblers.