after last weekend’s plans to make it to stone brewery were thwarted by a summer storm, we finally took advantage of the 80+ degree temps on saturday and had a late afternoon drink and dinner in the gorgeous outdoor oasis.

still warming up to all things beer and let’s be honest, with the tolerance of a flea, i ordered a cider (also gluten-friendly!) to start our meal. ironically enough the only bottle it came in was almost the size of me! though S may have helped contribute with a few sample sips, i managed to finish off 3/4 of that baby. and then needed assistance walking down stairs.

per the recommendation of chelsea, our fabulous server, S had a glass of “breaking bud” ipa on draft from knee deep brewing company (also this photo is a bit blurry, accurate of my state after about half of my cider).

for dinner, we each selected an entree and shared a serving of their brussels sprouts. and by “shared” i mean, i ate 90% of them and S was lucky to get his fork in edgewise. i had the vegetable platter with summer squash and braised greens.

and S had the bbq beef sandwich with housemade potato chips.

after dinner, we decided to take a walk through the gardens below the outdoor patio. it was a lush oasis of trees, flowers, and shrubbery, with walkways and adirondack chairs mixed in for exploring and relaxing. i only wished i had nursed my cider a bit slower so we could have enjoy our drinks here.

despite the less than a five-mile commute to arrive at stone’s escondido location, once through its warehouse doors, it truly feels as though we’ve traveled to some far-off wonderland. it was the perfect way to spend the weekend and i can’t wait to get back.