The Murphy Auto Museum

The Murphy Auto Museum in Oxnard, CA is a great collection of 50+ autos. Dr. Donald Murphy has established this nonprofit museum which serves as a public showcase for many different collectors. The museum has recently been expanded to over 45,000 square feet in size. The huge selection of autos on display range from early classics to street rods, sports cars and muscle cars. In the "Packard Palace" section, there's a large collection of Packards from 1927-1958.
The unique aspect of the auto museum is that many different collectors display their classics here for the public to appreciate. The museum even has its own mechanic who's available for vehicle repairs and restorations.

We certainly enjoyed our visit. The large size and pleasant atmosphere allowed us to view and enjoy every vehicle at our own leisurely pace. The museum is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 4PM and is also available for special group or corporate functions. The suggested donation is $6 for adults and $3 for children (12yrs and under). The museum is located at 2230 Statham Blvd, Oxnard, CA; phone 805-487-4333.

Firestone Walker Taproom Restaurant

Heading home from a Dodgers game (Dodgers shut out the Padres 5-0!), we stopped in Buellton for dinner at the Firestone Walker Taproom Restaurant. Arriving on a Sunday eve at 6PM without reservations, we got real lucky and were seated at a table for two in the upper level of the dining room. We were entertained with a great view of the open kitchen and all of the other dining room activities. We probably had the best seats in the house.

The Taproom menu ranges from soups and salads to sandwiches to filet mignon. This evening, the Marguerita flatbread-style pizza caught my eye but so did the Walker Fish and Chips (cooked in a Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale beer batter) and so did the Seared Ahi Tuna and so did the Grilled White Shrimp.

Then our waitress came by with the evening's specials which included Cajun Blackened and Grilled Sea Bass with horseradish mashed potatoes and fresh grilled vegetables. Bingo. That was it. That was it doubled. As often happens (kinda scary often); both my better half & I settled on the Sea Bass special. We were both treated with a thick filet of perfectly grilled, fresh sea bass coated with a solid dry rub layer of Cajun spices and cooked to a crispy, "blackened" crust. The sea bass was served with a pat of basil butter floating on top. Very tasty. The mashed potatoes and veggies (julienned butternut squash, spinach and beets sauteed to perfection) were also very excellent.

The Firestone Walker Pale Nectar paired very well with my meal as did the Firestone Winery's Sauvignon Blanc with Ann's meal. Unfortunately, we were too full for desert. But we've decided to return for another meal sometime soon with the intent of leaving room to try some desert. Besides, the Walker Beer Battered Fish and Chips keep calling my name....