For our anniversary my wife and I decided to do something special. In Silicon Valley, there are few places more special than the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay. I’ve seen it rated as one of the top hotels in the United States. The Ritz is well known for their service and this one is no exception, but the waterfront views and landscaping is breath-taking. Their signature restaurant, Navio, is well known for one of the best brunches around. I’ve heard people put it in their top 5 in the country. So here are 7 things I think I think about the brunch followed by some personal finance links.

1. I think that you’d have be either really rich or go for a special occasion. The price per person to eat at the all-you-can-eat brunch: $88… before tax and gratuity. (Alcohol not included.)
2. I think that the people who choose to go before the prime rib seating at 1:30PM are not getting a good value for their money… unless they are vegetarians. The prime rib was just average, but it complemented the rest of what was available.
3. I think that they had some of the best cheese I’ve ever had. Each time I went back I made it a point to grab a couple of pieces of cheese.
4. I think one of the reasons why the brunch is so expensive must be the three kinds of caviar. I could see that as a fantastic deal… unless you think that caviar tastes like pure evil (something that I found out early in the brunch). People who like sushi might also find some value in their sushi bar. I would not include myself in that group.
5. I think that the eggs benedict was one of the best surprises of the meal. It was outstanding.
6. I think that the dessert was also a highlight of the meal. The chocolate was top quality. Fresh fruit and berries complemented it perfectly.
7. I think that we both ate so much in an attempt to try everything and get our money’s worth that we failed to truly enjoy the meal. Instead we felt sick and went into a 3-hour food coma when we got home. We both agreed that next time we’ll just order a sandwich and glass of wine outside and enjoy the great views.

And here are the personal finance links:

Money Writers:

• Brip Blap on stupidifying the corporation.
• Digerati Life with tips for investing for retirement: how to retire in a bad economy.
• Frugal Dad asks are you spending intentionally?
• Generation X Finance says that buying a new car may actually be cheaper than a used car.
• Million Dollar Journey writes truly active managers outperform ““ being different is key.
• Money Smart Life blogs selling your house isn’t easy!
• My Dollar Plan wonders if you should save for an emergency fund or retirement first?
• The Sun’s Financial Diary posts teaching kids about the values of money.

Top PF Posts:

• Free Money Finance with 10 ways to get kids to save money.
• The Smarter Wallet provides some easy investment tips: Where to invest your money.
• Saving Money Today talks about reverse mortgage pitfalls.
• Saving Advice presents fast or slow: the best way to pay down debt.
• One Frugal Girl blogs about getting robbed for the second time in just over a year.
• Enough Wealth presents investing for 70 year olds – 7.25% term deposit.
• My Open Wallet says you can deposit a check with your iPhone.
• My Money Blog wonders should you manage your own mortgage escrow?
• I Will Teach You to Be Rich posts 5 surprising insights on earning more money .