Solvang, California

Solvang which means sunny fields in Danish, is a hidden gem located 74km north west of Santa Barbara. This little town is home to a number of bakeries, restaurants and merchants, offering visitors a taste of Denmark in California. 

The weather was fantastic, it was hot and sunny 

Solvang street view. The architecture of the buildings and facades reflects traditional Danish style

The pedestrian friendly village is boosted by a bevy boutiques with elegant antiques and collectibles that are beautifully crafted

The best substitute for brains is Silence. Silence is a great substitute for intelligence =)

There are a variety of boutiques selling blue and white Delft ceramics. 

More ceramics...

Beautiful night lights! Very magical...

Love this cute signage - If Dad says no call 1-800-Grandpa. 

Paula's Pancake House @ Solvang

You have never been to Solvang, if you have never dine at Paula's Pancake House. The wait was 40 mins, but a quick snack at Olsen's Danish Village Bakery proved to be a short wait. This popular pancake house features original thin Danish style pancakes served with fresh fruits. It also has an all day breakfast menu and lunch menu that starts at 11am (except Sunday which starts at 12pm).

It opens at 6am and close at 3pm.  This is the most popular restaurant in town with people flowing out of the door

Happy diners enjoying their meal and soaking up some sunlight at the patio

The interior is not lavishly decorated but it has a cozy feel

The restaurant was dolled up with some Xmas decorations

Paula's Special - Danish pancakes topped with warm cinnamon apples and fresh whipped cream (US$8.75). This ain't any ordinary bready thick pancake. This thinly spread out pancake was light and fluffy. The combination of warm apple and maple syrup were wonderful.

Breakfast Special - Sunny side up eggs, sausage and hash brown potatoes. The sausage was extremely aromatic and juicy, while the hash brown was crisp on the outside and soft on the inside 

Buttermilk Pancakes with scrambled eggs and grilled premium ham (US$10.45). This old fashioned buttermilk pancake is thicker than the Danish pancake but equally light and fluffy. The perfectly grilled ham was succulent

Egg Benedict - Poached eggs with premium ham on grilled English muffin topped with Hollandaise sauce, served with sliced tomato and fresh fruit cup (US$10.95). Paula poached its eggs with love, topping off with thick Hollandaise sauce and olives. Absolutely beautiful....

We ordered additional corn beef hash and grilled danish sausage - It was perfect =)

You can pack this Solvang Danish style sausage home for US$9.99 (10 per package)

Incredible food with waitresses showing generous amount smiles.

Verdict : TOTALLY SMITTEN

Olsen's Danish Village Bakery @ Solvang

While waiting for a table at Paula's Pancake House, we decided to check out Olsen's Danish Village Bakery. The bakery can be quite overwhelming with so many options to choose from. 

Bent Olsen, a third generation baker left Denmark to work with Solvang's Danish baker in the mid 60's. Five years later, he set up his own shop where he presents a full line of Danish treats.  Today, the bakery is run by his son, Herluf Olsen and his wife. 

 It is here where family recipes of four generations are found

Life is short. Eat Cookies =)

The Apple Strudel was amazing, the pastry was buttery and flaky. The apple filling was more apple than syrup and the combination of almonds flakes made it heavenly

These deliciously crisp cookies are filled with scrumptious butter flavor. The cookie tub assortment contains 6 different flavors : almond, coconut, oatmeal, chocolate vanilla swirl and cinnamon

Verdict: TOTALLY SMITTEN