Brother’s Cafe 3:16 was a good sized place with indoor and outdoor dining, 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch. Located in a shopping center, there’s plenty of of free parking. Bright and clean there were seats at the counter facing the window to the kitchen as well as two sizes of bare wood tables. Red artificial blooms were striking decorations. Service was efficient, friendly and helpful. Portions were generous and the food was good. There was a large percentage of Mexican favorites but also plenty of standard breakfast foods. I would easily go again and suggest it as a dining option when in Paso Robles. Continue reading →
building – 849 13th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446-2220
Somm’s Kitchen was a 16 seat counter tasting menu with paired wines by Chef/Sommelier Ian Adamo. There was just one seating per night with all coming at the same time. The concept was to serve 8 courses with two paired wines for each course as he discusses the wines their effect on the food. He’s been doing this for thirteen years and was an engaging host. He wanted guests to relax and enjoy the experience and in that mode he started with a round the bar self introduction of the guest pairs and all but one (a local winemaker) were there for their first visit. The horseshoe shaped granite bar was in a darkened room with sporatic music in the background. Adamo grew up in New York, attended some school in England and also guides wine/food trips. There is one dishwasher in the back but otherwise this was all his show as he happily poured wines as talked about how he prepared the food he was about to serve. All the courses are shared plates so find someone to go with you. This was a totally unique experience in the casualness – no menu, not list of wines and fast talking host but it’s compelling. He thinks up the menu and even dished out some foods he was still working on. Wines were not all from California and there was no real chance for pictures of them, so the details of the meal are slim. Nevertheless it’s one I’d recommend to my adventurous eaters – it’s a night of fun, good flavors and the chance to make new friends. All reservations are pre-paid so when you’re through, that’s it. Continue reading →
Red Scooter Deli is on the main square in Paso Robles and open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch. Stephanie Johnston opened the deli in December 2010 and is actively involved in the Paso community. The place has no indoor dining options but does have a number of outdoor tables where you can eat your selections. It’s a tiny place to go inside where you order and pick up any chips, drinks or cookies, etc that you want to go with your food. They have tons of sandwich combinations or you can design your own. We tried 2 of their plain sandwiches as opposed to the box where they come with sides. They also have options for gluten free, vegan and vegetarian eaters. I love the idea of a female owned and operated business and the people working there were very nice, but the food we tried was mixed and smaller in portion than the sandwich we had at High Street Deli.
building – 11680 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
The restaurant at JUSTIN Winery was led by Executive Chef Rachel Haddstrom (who we never saw) and offered seasonal menus with ingredients sourced from the onsite 26 acre farm for dinner Thursday through Sunday. They have one Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star. It’s a large place with lots of buildings and at first Google maps sent us to the wrong spot, but after some searching with another lost diner we found the right spot. As you entered what looked like a large house you walk through the first room of wines, foods and souvenirs for sale and then into a huge bar room. There were no seats but tons of glasses because, I assume, that’s where they do wine tastings. Keep going and we got to the indoor dining room which had a glass wall to some of the vineyards and the outside patio tables, which were all covered with white cloths. Windows in the bar area looked out on more vineyards and unclothed patio tables. Quite an operation and more staff than diners. They offered one tasting menu with some optional supplemental courses and an option for the main course with an additional charge. Wine pairings were offered with extra charges for wines to go with added courses. The basic tasting was $225 per person with pairings adding $110 and with supplements you could easily add over $200. We chose the basic tasting with pairings and added the cheese course supplement. It was a beautiful setting and pretty food but for the drive and money I way preferred Six Test Kitchen. Continue reading →
exterior – 3075 Blue Rock Rd, Unit B, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Six Test Kitchen is in a place called Tin City and run by a very talented chef Ricky Odbert. Named because Chef started the venture in his dad’s garage as a six seat pop-up. Now it’s in a commercial/retail development of tin buildings, what else? Inside it’s anything but tin though. Twelve very lucky people are seated at a beautiful counter and receive a tasting menu that’s beautifully presented and prepared. Chef Odbert is tremendously helped by the talented sommelier John Seals who designs pairings for the meal but also can suggest some wonderful interesting bottles to use instead. The guests are staggered in their seating times so you may not be eating what the person beside you is. One of the four chefs working in the open kitchen present and describe your courses and I was lucky to get a printed menu following the meal to help me with my scribbled notes. It was a really fabulous evening and one I’d suggest to anyone traveling in the area, but reservations are popular so book early. They’ve had one Michelin Star since 2021 and were the first restaurant in the area to receive one. Continue reading →
High Street Deli is an historic landmark in that it’s located in the what was the main market for Railroad workers and their families in 1927. Even then it sold delicious deli sandwiches along with grocery staples. They now have 2 locations but the High Street one is the original and it’s open daily. The corner spot is packed with people and there is no inside dining. The building is just for ordering and looking at merchandise. You pick up a clipboard from the middle round table and mark your selection but prices are not on it. (Ours was $13.50, which is what most were priced at.) Then get in line for the register and pay, leave your name and try and find a place to sit. Outside there are tables and a long bar along the side of the building. People were coming and going so seating was not really an issue but it does take about 30 minutes to get your sandwich. The drink counter is inside and it does have free cups if all you want is tap water. Paper napkins were available here as well as on some tables outside. Everybody was super friendly and the sandwich was outstanding. I can easily recommend this place if you’re looking for a casual bite. The sandwiches are big enough for 2. Continue reading →
Sweet Scoops was a small shop on the Sonoma Plaza square where they make ice cream daily. They change their flavors frequently and make their ice cream in small batches. Owned by a husband and wife team, Joe and Ramie, it opened in July 2015. It was in pursuit of their dream to “Make the world sweeter, one scoop at a time” and “eat ice cream, be happy” that they moved from Colorado with their children to craft ice cream and build a positive workplace to serve it in. They now have a second shop called Darling, an Ice Cream Shop that serves the same ice cream. While I loved their philosophy and flavor options it was not the strongest flavored ice cream ever but it was plenty acceptable. The scoops came in different sizes and you could mix them in a cup. They were nicely sized fairly soft ice cream. It’s hard to go wrong with some well made ice cream on a warm day so if you’re walking the Sonoma Plaza I’d encourage you to give it a try and enjoy it at one of the outdoor tables and people watch. Continue reading →
building – 48688 Victoria Ln, Oakhurst, CA 93644-9215
The Elderberry House has been the premier fine dining establishment in the area for 30 years. In the Sierra Mountains, minutes from Yosemite National Park, it offers a 3 or 5 couse tasting menu curated by Head Chef Ethan de Graaff. Graaff stated in 2019 at the Sous Chef until he was promoted to Chef de Cuisine in 2022. The place is part of the Château du Sureau, a Relais & Châteaux that is a 9 acre castle resort with 10 guest accommodations. It is a short walk through some gardens to the restaurant building from the hotel. The white cloth covered tables were well spaced in a lowly lit room with fairly loud background music. Lots of windows look out on the gardens and fountains and spotlights hang from the vaulted celing to light each table. Paintings and mirrors are on the walls and the tables are set with large upholstered chairs and fresh flowers. Unfortunately the table was set with a cotton-polyester blend napkin which is one of my pet peeves. They offer wine pairings or you can chose your own wine, which we did. Service was friendly but very slow. Portion control was good and the server stated that the 5 course portions are about an ounce less than the ones on the 3-course. Nothing was bad but I’m not sure anything was outstanding however if you want fine dining in this area I think this is the place to do it. Continue reading →
Castillo’s Mexican Restaurant is in the historic downtown of Mariposa, CA. It opened in 1955 and serves traditional Mexican fare with tons of combination plates. There are a few outdoor tables as well as ones in the small place with a few dedicated parking spots and otherwise street parking. It serves cocktails, beer and wine for lunch and dinner. Service was quick, friendly even offering to bring more chips and salsa. The walls were filled with decorations with even more added for Halloween. Some of the good sized wood tables were painted with colorful illustrations and windows were open to the street. It was a pleasant place to sit and the food was pretty good. So if you’re in the area stop by for a Mexican fix and then hit the California State Mineral Museum before going to Yosemite. Continue reading →
entrance – 48688 Victoria Ln, Oakhurst, CA 93644-9215
The Cellar is the bar area in the Elderberry House Restaurant building on the Chateau du Sureau property. Stone walls and wood surround the small area that has about 4 tables and eight seats at the bar. They offer classic cocktails as well as invented ones and a small menu produced in the Elderberry kitchen. Open Wed to Sun they offer a happy hour of $10 cocktails which makes them quite popular. On Wed the $10 is on classic cocktails and on Thursday it’s on the Signature cocktails and house wines. We were there on Wed so it was Classic cocktails that we tried for $10. The bartender Jordan was super friendly and with a smaller crowd, it allowed us to sample many of his well made drinks. We tried to come on Thursday but it was totally full. We had a very fun night here with okay food, great drinks and fantastic conversations. If you’re looking for a casual spot to eat and drink, try this one. Continue reading →
building (seating behind grate) – 2415 N 1st St, NW Corner of First & Clinton, Fresno, CA 93703-1202
Sam’s Italian Deli and Market was opened in 1980 by Sam and Angela Marzilliano and their son Nick. It’s a popular place as you read online but reality proved it, in that we arrived at 10:10, they open at 10:00 and there was already a line to order food. They offer freshly made deli sandwiches and a huge selection of Italian meats, cheeses, pastas, salads, dry goods and a large selection of wines. There’s a lot of parking on 2 sides of the corner building with a small covered patio and tables next to the entry if you want to eat on site. As you enter the building get your number and then study the huge menu hanging above the deli counter so you can order when your number is called. You can then pay or shop and pay when you name is called and your food is ready. You can also pre-order online and pick it up that way. The sandwiches were cut in two and first rate in quality. I’d go back often if I lived nearby. Check it out on your way to visit Yosemite or if you’re in the Fresno area. Continue reading →
Dutch Door Donuts is on the middle level of the 3 story Carmel Plaza. They are a small place with seating at a counter, tables or you can find seats around the shopping center. Named for the Dutch doors you see on so many of the Carmel shops, it wanted to honor the charm of the city. Each yeast donut is cut and shaped by hand and fried after you order it. They are light and airy inside with a fabulous crisp to the exterior. There were a number of containers with the toppings and the hot donut goes in and then is placed in a box ready for pick up. After we placed and paid for our order we snagged a counter seat to watch the action. They offered a good range of options that apparently change with the seasons. They offer a selection of of coffee drinks as well as water and a few soft drinks to go with your hot donuts. It’s a fun place to sit and have a snack but more importantly the donuts are delicious. Don’t miss this one when in Carmel. Continue reading →
The Maritime Cafe opened last summer in the spot where Queenie’s Roadhouse was, in the little town of Elk. Rodney Workman and Alexa Newman were both chef’s in upscale Bay Area restaurants before moving to this remote location. They are open Thur to Sun for dinner Thur to Sat and lunch on Sat and Sun. It’s a small place with a small menu serving local produce and seafood. They offer some organically farmed wines. They have patio seating out front, a counter with stools inside and tables inside. Windows in the room afford a view similar to the patio and music was in the background. The room was decorated with some sea articles and the staff was super friendly. The menu appeared to have more choices at dinner but we were there at weekend brunch time and it had plenty of interesting sounding choices. It was good enough that I’ll go back. Continue reading →
Harbor House is undoubtedly one of my very favorite restaurants and so we try and visit often. It’s been several months and a different season so it’s fun to see what’s new on the menu. Staying at the Harbor House is the best way to go – the view is beautiful as is the property and they’ve been working on upgrades to the rooms and bathrooms. Their ranch/farm is in full production which along with other local fisherman and ranchers give them access to top quality ingredients. The food has a purity to it without 25 ingredients on each dish and smears, foams and unnecessary green garnishes. Sommelier Jason Chin has taken over the wine program and will find you a fine wine in your price range to go with the tasting menu. As they require a 2 night stay you can look forward to another Harbor House meal in a few days! Hope you’ll go and tell them Frankie sent you. Continue reading →
Jumbo’s Win Win was a roadside burger spot that opened in August 2024. Scott Baird, a James Beard nominated bartender and his wife Molly moved to the Anderson Valley in 2020, escaping the hectic living of San Francisco. They wanted to offer a limited but well composed menu and interestingly chose the building which is a 120-year old former saloon. The name Jumbo is for the owner’s son, named by his brother who also suggested the name Jumbo’s Win Win. The fairly large spot had a long counter where you placed and picked up your order. Next to that space a large window opened into the kitchen where the food was passed through and your name called out with a microphone. Tables and chairs filled the rest of the room and there was an outside patio if you wanted. Multiple windows added to the already bright room with just a few decorations. Actually, the bathroom had more visuals with custom-made tiles. Music was in the background and the counter person was very helpful. They are open every day from 11-8 in the Anderson Valley. It’s a cute family-run place that serves an okay burger and tasty dessert options. Stop by when you’re on CA Hwy 128 and need to fortify before visiting another winery. Continue reading →
Single Thread was first visited in Dec. 2018 when it had just been elevated to a 3 Michelin star rating. The physical room has aged well and the service is still first-rate. This trip we ‘shot the wad’ and stayed in one of their upstairs guest rooms. There are 5 of them, all nice-sized, very modern and a good bit of food comes with your room in the form of snacks and breakfast, which was on par with dinner. Chef Kyle Connaughton and wife/Head Farmer Katina bought the property and a 5-acre farm in 2014, opened the restaurant in 2016 and the farm now provides much of the produce served in the 10-course tasting menu. The farm-to-table menu has major Asian influences to it and a seasonal theme – this one was about ‘Mid-Spring in Sonoma.’ Pairings are available as is an extensive wine list. Nicely no supplements were offered for sale for the menu. Everything was good but nothing crossed into the spectacular zone for me, which at this price it should. It’s a restaurant that rates highly on many lists and one you should visit if you’re in to farm-to-table but bring your platinum card and plan to spend around 3 hours. Continue reading →
The Morning Fork is the product of husband and wife team, Chef Keith Swiryn and “self-proclaimed Waitress Extraordinaire” Jennifer Swiryn. They are both from Sacramento with lots of years in the restaurant industry. Their dream was to open a breakfast lunch spot and in 2019 this retro diner style place is just the thing, in the place where The Lucky Café had been. They are open daily from 8am – 2pm. It’s a long place with a counter and stools running the length of it. Booths line the other wall and picnic tables are outside for waiting as they are known to have a line especially on weekends. Art is on the walls and there’s a stiking piece made from forks on the back wall by the kitchen. Music is in the background, the lighting is bright and the service is helpful, friendly and efficient. The server helped me craft the plate I wanted. The food is fine so if you need breakfast or early lunch in this area put this on your radar. Continue reading →
Allora offers a four course prix fixe dining experience with optional wine pairings available seven nights a week. With each of the courses there are a number of choices some of which are only available with a supplemental fee. You also could add a caviar course and/or cheese course. Opening in Feb. 2018 they call themselves a modern Italian seafood and wine bar highlighting fresh handmade pastas and locally sourced ingredients. The 22-foot tall glass enclosed wine cellar was a focal point in the dining room. They did offer the options for seating outdoors, the counter around the bar, high top or standard size tables. Lots of windows to the outside made up a couple of walls while the bar counter served as a divider of the room. We sat to one side of the bar which also had the open window into the kitchen. Service was first rate and the pacing and portion control of the meal was good. I would definitely go again if in town.Continue reading →
The Waterboy has been serving the cuisine of northern Italy and southern France since 1996. A native Sacramento Chef Rick Mahan was inspired by a trip he took to France and now creates European style food with local California ingredients. It’s a good sized place with an open ceiling two-story room decorated with lots of plants. Windows were on 2 sides, the back of the space was filled with a semi-circular bench seat, music was in the background, the small tables were covered with white cloths and a bar with stools faces a painted wall. There were also some tables outside on the patio. The menu was supplemented by a list of daily specials and breads that were made in house. The wine list had reasonable prices and the food servings on the large size. Service was friendly and efficient. The food was good and I hope you’ll give it a try when in Sacramento. Continue reading →
building – 915 Broadway #100, Sacramento, CA 95818
The Kitchen was opened in 1991 by the Selland Group and around 2014 Chef Kelly McCown, who had worked in numerous highly regarded kitchens took the helm. Here he assembled a fine team that continues to gather awards from many sites. The restaurant offers a tasting menu (with several types of optional wine pairings) Wed to Sun. with a twist – you can participate in the meal’s preparation and ask for seconds. The venue is large and the 80 people in attendance are seated at a variety of tables and some around the low counter, where you can participate in the action without having to leave your seat. Everyone is invited to be seated at the same time so when you approach expect a line at the door. After they take you to your assigned seat (ask for the counter) they take drink orders and invite you to start milling around and sampling from the many trays of snacks scattered throughout the room. It’s supposed to mimic a dinner party feel but to me it was a bit chaotic and the flow of the setting did not work great for milling. Take that with a grain of salt, as I’ve dined around more than most and have been invited into many kitchens so for some this would be quite thrilling. I don’t enjoy cooking but for some helping prepare the plates or torching the fish would be exciting. The concept would work better for me with a much smaller group but I can appreciate the novelty of the concept. I was fine to stay in my seat at the counter and interact with chefs in front of me and the folks beside me while enjoying some very tasty food. One other critique I would level though was the lack of texture in the dishes. When you prepare that many covers it’s hard to keep the crisp or heat in a dish. Nevertheless I appreciate the changing menu format (tonight’s theme was apples), the fine service, the show with dinner and would give the place a thumbs up to visit. We were there on Halloween, so many of the staff and patrons were in costume. Continue reading →
We visited the Mexican Restaurant in Point Arena in Nov. of 2023 and had a fine meal so we popped in for a snack. I noticed it’s now “My” Mexican Restaurant but you’ll know it when you see the “Uneda Meat Market” sign on the building. The place hasn’t changed except that in addition to the radio on the TV was also playing and unmuted. It’s a small place with little staff -one in front and one in the kitchen. Things are made to order and are of good quality. I will gladly stop by them again when in need of a Mexican food fix.
Prior to this visit we dined at Harbor House last May 2024 and Nov. 2023 but many other times as you’ll find if you search for it on this site. We would go more often if we were a bit closer – it’s definitely at the top of our list of favorites. The staff are all very welcoming and the meal truly deserves its 2 Michelin Star rating. They also achieved a Green Star for their protection of the environment and no-waste ethic. Chef Matt Kammerer and his team have created a jewel for this beautiful coastal setting which serves locally sourced proteins and ingredients harvested from their ranches. They put great effort into creating new items for your second night but will repeat some of your favorites too. Their wine list continues to evolve nicely under Kelly Eckel and we trusted him to select for us and he finds some wonderful choices. The restaurant changes a few things every time we visit and this visit found carpet in the main dining room. Another means to buffer the perfect noise level but I’m not sure I liked covering the gorgeous wood floor. Now that most amazing staff can whiz by and you won’t even notice. I must also mention that one of their fabulous captains, Jaclyn Bisantz won the young server competition and will now represent the U.S. in the international competition! Quite an honor but you couldn’t find someone more deserving. Great staff are a huge component of a restaurant’s success and I look forward to seeing every one of them again soon. Hope I’ll see you there too! Continue reading →
Gama calls itself a coastal Izakaya, which is a type of Japanese pub where small plates are served with alcoholic beverages. They have a large sake list as well as beer. The good sized space was divided into two rooms by a short light wood divider. One side has the bar seating and the other has tables. Music was in the background and lots of windows brought in even more light than the already bright house lights. Service tried to be helpful but our server hadn’t worked there long enough to know a lot about the food. I was surprised that they bill themselves as highlighting local products but only one locally caught fish was on the menu. The pair that were behind the opening were seasoned restaurant people with a desire to bring Japanese flavors to the area. I’m not sure if it was having a server new to the place without good experience to guide us or that Japanese cuisine is mild in flavor, but this felt like an off night. I think the place has much more potential than what we saw. Continue reading →
The Elk Store is not just a deli but also a grocery and a general store, selling lots of specialty and locally made goods. The old building has a good selection of meats, cheeses and breads some ready made into sandwiches which they will heat for you. Filled with charm and a creaky old floor it is fun to browse around while you’re waiting for your order to be filled. Near the cash register the 2 menu boards hang overhead and the counter on the opposite side holds the ingredients and heating area. Other parts of the store have fresh produce, wines, dry goods, beans, teas and a surprising selection of things. The people were all very friendly and I’d go if you’re in the area. Such a unique little place and the sandwiches have good ingredients. Continue reading →
Café Beaujolais is a French style restaurant that opened in 1968 and garnered some fame when Chef Margaret Fox purchased it and started serving breakfast and lunch in 1977. Chef Christopher Kump came on in 1984 and started the dinner service. The Brickery was added in 1990 that sells wood-fired brick oven bread and later pizza. After several other turnovers, in 2016 Peter and Melissa Lopez bought the cafe and set their Michelin trained son, Julian up as Executive Chef. The location is in a house that dates back to 1893 where it served as a shoemaker shop later becoming a maternity home. It has been updated but still holds much of the original charm with music in the background, white tableclothes and black napkins, windows to the outside array of plants and photos on the walls. The wide plank wood floor looks new and the wood ceiling has been painted but it’s obviously an old house. Service was delightful, with our server turning out to be the owner of a farm that supplies much of the produce to the restaurant. It was a lovely meal in a pretty setting and a fine choice for dinner when in Mendocino. Continue reading →
Harbor House Restaurant has been on this site a number of times but this was our first winter visit. We were lucky to find an opening to stay at their lovely main house for 2 nights and also open reservations for dinners those evenings. This is when you know you should have bought a lottery ticket cause your stars are aligned. There are only 20 seats at this ocean-view dining room on the Pacific coast. Matthew Kammerer is the chef of this 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, and other well-deserved honors like Food and Wine‘s Best New Chef of 2019. However, as I’ve said before, a chef alone can not make a restaurant this great, it takes a wonderfully talented staff too. It’s one of those amazing places where you can ask your server pretty technical questions about the food and they know the answers, without having to run to the kitchen. Sommelier John Miller continues to add to the wine selections, especially those from this region. At this point, the whole staff knows me but everyone who goes gets the same caring attention that makes this a magical place to dine. I heartily recommend it, especially now that their ranch is up and running and supplying some fabulous produce that you can enjoy along with the marvelously fresh seafood, also obtained locally. They do stress sustainability and thus will highlight some less common items. Continue reading →
The Harbor House Inn most importantly houses a fine 2 star Michelin restaurant but it was built in 1916 by the Goodyear Lumber Company as a place to entertain and showcase their redwood empire. It is a lovely place to stay when, especially when you have reservations for dinner there. I think a 2 night booking is mandated and they have rooms on two levels in the main house and several independent units on the property. All come with breakfast in the morning, delivered to your room. There is also an option to have dinner delivered to your room. I wanted to share our delicious breakfast trays and a few photos of the grounds and wonderful staff. Continue reading →
Trillium Cafe serves lunch and dinner Friday thru Tuesday with indoor and outdoor seating. It is on the bottom floor of the Inn of the same name in the heart of Mendocino. On the second floor are several hotel rooms for guests. Small tables are well spaced in the interior dining room and the patio winds around with a good supply of seating. When you make reservations you can specify indoor or outdoor. As it’s in an historic home, there are lots of windows to the street and a fireplace. Art for sale is on the walls and there ‘s plenty of street parking. It has obviously been restored with the old wood floors in good shape and the light fixtures replaced with those made by local artisans. A bar was in a room to the right, when we entered but I only saw 2 vacant stools in front of it. Service was friendly and efficient but not particularly knowledgable about the history of the place. There were no daily specials just the changoing soup of the day flavor. However when I compared the menu we had to what was on line there were some changes. Continue reading →
building – 22900 Shoreline Hwy, Point Arena, CA 95468
Rollerville Café is a classic café serving lunch and breakfast in Point Arena, CA. It opened in 2007 and is adjacent to a Lighthouse Pointe Resort that both claim to be the last stop before going to Hawaii and for fueling up to tour the nearby lighthouse attraction. The interior is small but there is a patio with additional seating outside. Some of the well spaced tables have fun salt & pepper sets as decorations. There was faint music in the background – possible a radio in the kitchen and plenty of light in the room from all the windows. There were daily specials for breakfast and lunch but serving time seemed to be divided by 11:00 am or noon on the weekend. Service was friendly and efficient. It’s worth a visit. Continue reading →
