Tag: California

Artisan Restaurant, Paso Robles

  More than one winemaker recommended stylish American bistro Artisan, to us during our stay in Paso Robles. A joint venture of brothers Michael and Chris Kobayashi, the restaurant has a minimalist yet comfortable interior, and excellent contemporary cooking. To start, I tucked into a rich, tasty abalone tostada, served with avocado and pork-belly carnitas. And [...]

Last Look: View of California Coastline from Highway One

One of the joys of our wine journey was the glorious California coastline. –A.H.  From the May 2013 Hideaway Report.

California Tasting Room Discoveries

My preference is to taste wines where they are made, but in the case of smaller producers, this may not always be possible. On my most recent trip to California, I took advantage of local tasting rooms. I particularly liked The Los Olivos Tasting Room (five miles from Santa Ynez), where Chris Benzinger offers selections [...]

Gallery: The Hotel Cheval, Paso Robles

The town of Paso Robles brings to mind the Healdsburg of 30 years ago, when I made my first visit to Sonoma. At the center of a charming tree- shaded square stands a handsome library donated by Andrew Carnegie. With the growing success of the wine business, the town is evolving into a place of [...]

Gallery: Farmhouse Inn, California

  I have long believed that one of the most enjoyable wine drives in the United States follows West Dry Creek Road in northern Sonoma. Staying at the Farmhouse Inn puts you in the perfect location to explore this memorable route, as well as the many wonderful wineries in the Russian River Valley. Located in Forestville, 10 [...]

El Encanto, Santa Barbara, Reborn

  Perched on a hillside overlooking Santa Barbara and the Pacific, El Encanto opened in 1918 and became a favorite hideaway for Hollywood’s elite. After a meticulous seven-year renovation, the resort reopened on March 18. The Spanish Colonial property now has 92 individually designed bungalows, set amid seven acres of gardens. Executive Chef Patrice Martineau, [...]

Gallery: Kenwood Inn and Spa, California

  Kenwood Inn & Spa sits midway between Sonoma and Santa Rosa. There, tucked away off state Route 12, the property provides a fine base for exploring southern Sonoma and the adjacent Carneros region. Wineries in this area produce impressive reds, notably the Pinot Noir from Saintsbury, Cabernets from St. Francis and Chateau St. Jean, [...]

May 2013 Hideaway Report: California Winelands, The Charms of Charleston

  The May 2013 Hideaway Report highlights a road trip through California’s wine country, with a series of hotels and notable wineries along the way. The charming city of Charleston is also profiled, as well as five new restaurant discoveries. Additional stories include: “A Return to Bernardus Lodge,” “Wine Country Culinary Highlights” and “Private Napa [...]

Notable Openings: Santa Barbara’s El Encanto

    Santa Barbara’s El Encanto opens today. The first Orient-Express property on the West Coast is the result of a seven-year restoration effort of this storied hotel, which began as a cluster of student cottages in 1913. Orient-Express worked closely with Santa Barbara’s Historic Landmarks Commission to ensure that the footprint of the main Spanish [...]

News from The Restaurant at Meadowood

    The Restaurant at Meadowood  has a new private dining room with seating for twelve as well as an expanded bar area with dining options. The new dining room overlooks a small, private garden as intended for celebrations as well as local vintners wishing to host dinners with their wines alongside the restaurant’s menus. [...]

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