Thanks for all your responses! Once again we have two conclusions... First, you are a pretty diverse, well-traveled group who love good food and wine. Second, if I tried to print every impassioned endorsement I received, the newsletter would be 50 pages long! So, please understand if your response is absent. Here goes - we have 2 weeks worth of material and I hope you find it as interesting as we do. We're starting with local restaurants and moving on to travel over the next week.
1. Where do you find the Indianapolis area's "Best Breakfast" ? And, what makes it good?
Cafe Patachou - 1st by an overwhelming margin
Cafe Patachou. Why? - The quality of the ingredients. True, they don't have a lot of meats to choose from, but the croissants are great, the cinnamon toast is the best.
Café Patachou, hands down! Terrifically fresh and high quality ingredients prepared consistently well. I can't get past the omelet of the day with cinnamon toast to die for, but hubby says the BLT is the best he's ever had. Kicky ambience, especially at 49th and Penn, and great for people watching.
Cafe Patachou on Pennsylvania Ave around 49th St. The daily omelet specials are always a special treat, and the coffee is great. "University atmosphere- comfortably casual.
Cafe Patachou. Simple, informal (get your own coffee before your seated) and multiple choices for a light breakfast. Not the place to go if you're looking for a heavy start of the day.
Café Patachou is our favorite, but the one on Pennsylvania which seems to be more quaint. Where else can you get thick bread with cinnamon and sugar?
Original Pancake House 2nd place
I like the Original Pancake House at 86th and Ditch for their oven baked omelets and the apple pancakes.
The best place for breakfast is The Pancake House located at W. 86th & Ditch Road. The reason: Quality of the food and great service. The orange juice is fresh squeezed, the bacon top-quality thick and an excellent breakfast menu.
The Original Pancake House. Eggs Michael. Perfect combination of ingredients and nobody else serves anything like it. Plus, the potato pancakes are fabulous.
Sunrise Cafe 3rd place
We enjoy Sunrise Cafe - good basic breakfast and fast. Good stop on a Saturday morning on the way out for running some errands. They have a good Eggs Benedict.
For eggs and meat, the Sunrise Cafe. Not creative, but they handle the basics well.
LePeep - Multiple Votes
I'm not a big breakfast person, but I do love LePeep's "Nomad" breakfast in the pan (I usually get it for lunch too). It's got potatoes, mushrooms, onions, and broccoli pieces and is smothered in a wonderful hollandaise sauce. They top it with two basted eggs but I always opt to eliminate those because I don't like runny eggs (told you I wasn't a breakfast person).
LePeep - consistency; good service; multi-locations; great food (including new Kings cakes & healthy options); but most of all that it is NOT Bob Evans nor Cracker Barrel
Three Sisters - Multiple Votes
Three Sisters Cafe in Broad Ripple. Good hearty food, not pretentious, great coffee, outdoor seating.
Best breakfast is at 3 Sisters Café. The floors creak as you walk through just like Grandma’s house. Also, it is always great breakfast food you never take the time to prepare yourself.
Mirans Cafe - Multiple Votes
Miran's Cafe- Main Street in Carmel; family owned, the type of restaurant that you like to go to when you are on vacation; great food (breakfast and lunch only); great value; good coffee- best kept secret- and I want everyone to know (although don't go Friday mornings- I like it quiet- (just kidding)
Miran's Café on Main Street in Carmel--everything cooked to order. French toast and eggs benedict served on grits are special favorites.
Taste Cafe - Multiple Votes
My kitchen, of course! Since that's not likely an answer your readers can relate to, I will gladly offer a close second: Taste Cafe, on College in Broad Ripple. The take a fresh approach to typical breakfast foods that is wonderful. Looking for something atypical? Try the chocolate bread pudding. Light as a feather but still sinfully delicious.
Taste, corner of 52nd and College Ave. This recently opened, and is fantastic. Has Café Patachou hours (closes at 3pm), but a cleaner, crisper eating environment. Menu is simple and delicious. Omelets have a fluffier, melt-in-your mouth consistency. Taste also has wonderful salads for lunch and to take home in containers. Also, one of the chefs is a cheese nut and he has some unique cheeses to choose from. My favorite so far is Selles-Sur-Chere.
Also mentioned: Flapjack's in Brownsburg, Rene’s in Broad Ripple and Charlie Brown's in Speedway
2. What is your favorite casual Indianapolis area restaurant when you're paying the bill (most entrees under $20)? And, what makes it good?
We had over 35 restaurants named in this category with no clear cut favorites, just lots of places with 3 to 7 votes each... The following sampling of comments are for restaurants that had multiple votes.
Wasabi, on 82 St. Not just the same old sushi; they do a lot of other creative dishes. The food has always been very good quality. Wine prices are very reasonable, and they offer a variety of sake's.
Some Guys - consistently excellent pasta, salads and pizza. Fresh ingredients. Great service.
Some Guys Pizza and Pasta, corner of Gray Rd. and 126th St. in Carmel. Vegetarian pizzas are especially good...try adding goat cheese to them...and salad dressings are exceptional--especially the French dressing.
Bravo Italian Restaurant. The bread and dipping oil are to die for, and they have a good wine list.
Mama Carolla's, great atmosphere, with a chef that will make you anything.
Mama Carolla's. Garlic!! Well spiced, not batch-cooked, nice specials.
YATS-- every dish is $5. Large quantity and excellent quality--great value. Different dishes prepared daily--Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Etouffe, chicken Creole, etc. --traditional Cajon cuisine.
Yats - Delicious, yet not pretentious.
Broad Ripple Brew Pub. Of course this isn't the best food, but is by far the best beer. (ESB) Food- cheese crock and they have surprisingly great hummus.
Broad Ripple Brew Pub, great beer, cheese crock and watching the runners and bikes tearing up the Monon.
La Margarita. Excellent Mexican food. Salsa served with chips upon arrival is stone ground daily. Fantastic homemade sour mix for their margaritas, definitely the best in town. Great variety on menu besides tacos, burritos, etc.... Most entrees are $10-13.
H2O Sushi innovative combo of California and Japanese styles
Marco's just off Keystone. Dining room now smoke FREE! Soup and salad with your entree - Tuesday night steak special
Marco's Restaurant at 2380 East 54th Street (just off Keystone on 54th - northwest corner). They've got great food! Everything we've ever had there has been wonderful and it's a nice but casual atmosphere. We like the fact that it's not part of a chain but a regular old "mom and pop" type place.
The Cobblestone - Kent, Liz, and their wait staff make it a wonderful experience. The food is consistently good. It's great to have a nice place so close - fun to see our neighbors and friends out as well. Love the patio...
Friendly tavern in Zionsville. Good home style food at reasonable prices.
Amalfi's is tops. It is a quaint locale with great food, an incredible wine selection, and the staff are transplants from Italy. They even give private tours of the wine cellars.
Amalfi’s at 86th and Ditch. The traditional Italian in a very quaint atmosphere.
Favorite Casual restaurant is Charleston's on east 82nd street near Rt.69. The prime rib is always excellent and Patty loves their Chinese chicken salad. The staff is super friendly, and there are always tables available. Very family friendly.
Charleston's in Carmel. A good selection of salads and soups. The food is always freshly cooked/grilled and the atmosphere is better than a coffee shop but very reasonable prices.
LaHacienda-because it’s authentic, fast, friendly,cheap and delicious. I know I can go there have a good meal and just maybe someone else’s children will be behaving worse than mine.
The Aristocrat. Excellent menu, outdoor seating, decent wine list and great staff.
Our favorite is Bravo on 86th street, an Italian restaurant, or even Bucca di Beppos's. We like the Bravo dishes and it's close by our home. Wine selection is only so-so. I like Buccas because it's so over the top (not sure if that's a good word). I love the food and party atmosphere. I've taken family there and had a good time. I've also gone there for business and it really got folks loosened up - we had to share food! The Chianti is the only drinkable wine they have. I guess I have fond memories in general - had a surprise 30th birthday party there. It's definitely a place for a large group of people.
Thai One On in Broad Ripple has become one of our new favorites. Fantastic food, great service, and Pad Thai plus an appetizer of beef kabobs makes a great dinner for two for just around $20 total. Outside dining during the summer adds an element of relaxation.
Maggiano's absolutely fantastic Italian and very fair prices -the greatest portions for the price - and the best to go...huge portions, great price, packaged fantastically in reusable Tupperware, fresh loaf of bread and ease of ordering and pickup - you don't even have to enter the restaurant. can't sat enough about margin's
No question - R Bistro on Mass Ave. Always fresh ingredients, great decor, friendly staff and they are the same ones from visit to visit.
3. What is your favorite Indianapolis area fine dining experience when you're charging it to the company (most entrees over $20) And, what makes it worth the big bucks?
Oakley's Bistro - 1st Place by a good margin
Oakley's Bistro hands down. Steven still knows his stuff. Great plate presentation with enough food to be satisfying, not just a spec on the plate. Incredible combinations of flavor. There is no one in Indy that can top Chef Oakley. Runner up is either Oceanaire or Sullivan's.
Oakley's Bistro; fantastic food and atmosphere; everyone is treated like royalty, but in a friendly (not pretentious) way. Presentations wonderful, plenty of food but not too much (for women and men)- Well run business; low turnover of staff- they all enjoy their work (seems like play) Consistent; Bucks are big, but not outrageous
Oakley's Bistro - I have never had anything from the menu that wasn't wonderful.
Oakley's Bistro. Excellent food! Excellent wine list in terms of variety and price/value.
Oakley's Bistro. Great food and wine ... what else do you need.
Elements - 2nd Place
Elements on Alabama & Massachusetts, downtown Indy. It's where the 'foodies' go for top notch dining without going to a chain restaurant. They have unique treatments of top quality food without being stuffy. The intimate atmosphere also adds to the experience.
Elements. I always think that the menu is too small and that I can't get a martini, but the food has never disappointed. The wine list is reasonably priced - again, it could be bigger, but the choices are fine. You can spend more elsewhere, but won't find better quality. Second choice - Oakley's Bistro. When Steve is being creative, he is hard to beat.
Elements is the best restaurant in Indianapolis. Innovative. Local ingredients used when possible. Creative.
Dunaway's - 3rd Place
Dunaway's. This place is a treasure. The building itself adds flavor to this dining experience. There’s nothing like dining rooftop on a nice summer evening with a jazz band (Tim Brinkley Quartet when we were there a few weeks ago) playing with the skyline as their backdrop. The food . . . . absolutely top notch. Best steak in the city, dare I say state! Service is impeccable yet very hometown friendly. Wine selection is deep and wide.
Dunaway’s: Valet parking. Food is thoughtfully presented. Wine list is more than adequate.
Peterson's - Multiple Votes
Peterson's we have a wine locker so they know us and give GREAT service Lobster bisque and salad with walnuts and blue cheese are both outstanding.
Petersons. Ambiance, wine list, decent food. Relatively knowledgeable wait staff.
Oceanaire - Multiple Votes
Oceanaire Seafood- best seafood in town.
Oceanaire downtown. Great Fish. Very sophisticated and hip atmosphere. The service is excellent! A good place to take clients for a special occasion dinner.
Oceanaire downtown for the atmosphere and great selection of fresh seafood delivered daily.
Ruth's Chris - Multiple Votes
Ruth's Chris North Keystone, awesome steaks, good wine selection, great staff.
Bijou - Multiple Votes
Hands down, it is the Bijou in Lebanon. The food is excellent, the staff is very professional and the service is unobtrusive. It is our favorite "special occasion" and "impress the visitors" restaurant in central Indiana.
Scholar's Inn - Multiple Votes
Scholar's Inn on Massachusetts Avenue in Indy. We've NEVER had a bad meal, and we go back time after time because of the innovative menu and great personal service.
Sullivan's - Multiple Votes
Sullivan's - great steaks, awesome service - but a little crapped - not enough elbow room - fantastic wine list
And finally.... these comments from someone who didn't enjoy dinner.
With regard to Indianapolis restaurants, for the size of this city and the demographic, we must be cursed with the fewest options for decent dining in the United States. We're big on chains with poor value, small on entrepreneurial owned locations with innovative and talented staff, including chefs, waiters and management.
4. Who has Indianapolis best outdoor dining? What combination of ambiance and food makes it work?
Rick's Boatyard Cafe - 1st place - They may not all like the food but they love the view!
Love Rick's Boatyard, but I have heard the new Bella Vita in Geist is better. Rick's just has a serene atmosphere with quality seafood. I can sit there all night. Or go down to the water with drink in hand to the guy that takes you out on a boat ride at sunset for free.
Rick's Boatyard-- The view overlooking the Eagle Creek Reservoir is amazing. Large variety of food and great quality
Rick's Boatyard. The view of the lake and general good vibes of the place make it more than the sum of its parts.
Rick’s Boatyard: One of few Indy outdoor locations with a view. Food takes a back seat to atmosphere.
Rick's Boatyard has the best ambiance, though the food is mediocre.
Dunaway's - 2nd Place
This is also a favorite fine dining experience, but we’ve recently discovered the rooftop at Dunaway's. What a fantastic view of the city at sunset and the addition of Tim Brickely’s band on Thursday or Friday nights creates a completely romantic atmosphere.
Dunaway's. Their roof top terrace is wonderful and unique. Nice view of the city skyline. Cuisine is great and an extensive wine list.
Corner Wine Bar - 3rd Place
Corner Wine Bar. It is intimate, yet right on the corner in the heart of Broad Ripple. The food is more for "sampling" while drinking a good wine or draft.
And, all these with multiple votes...
Broad Ripple Brew Pub. Best beer in town, and their pizza with walnuts is fantastic.
We love the courtyard at Cobblestone Grill, it's very secluded with no traffic or noise to spoil the evening.
SNAX patio. I can't believe more people don't go there on a beautiful evening. You can order from the Snax or the SD menu, access the Something Different wine list, and watch the city traffic from a safe distance. Downside - sometimes the musical selection and service reflect the hiring of inexperienced college students.
Reluctantly I would say Bella Vitta - only because of the ambiance. Food is ordinary and service abysmal (server had no clue how to open a wine bottle, offer taste, pour, etc).
Best food outdoors is Something Different but the traffic on 82nd Street kills the ambiance.
Bella Vita - view, great food, great music - enough said
Mama Carolla’s. It is in an area surrounded by a wall. Has a very European flair to it. Lights are strung around the trees and there’s no view of a highway or busy streets.
Mama Carrollas at 54th and Crestview Ave (South of Broad Ripple). The outdoor patio is awesome. You really feel like you are at an Italian Villa.
The Jazz Cooker in Broad Ripple. We love the atmosphere of the music with the trees as well as the great food. It's our relaxation after a busy Saturday.
Sangiovese. Secluded dining on the river. In addition to a great menu they usually have superb specials. And, you can always ask the chef to surprise you.
We like Mid-Town Grill in Broad Ripple. The food is always excellent and they have a good selection of specialty martinis. The outdoor dining is OK with the exception of the smokers that can ruin the experience.
And finally, our disaffected minority speaks out again - this time I pretty much agree with him!
I have yet to find decent outdoor dining. Restaurants/owners should charter a flight to Paris to see how it's done.
5. Who makes Indianapolis' best burger. And what makes it good?
Again we had many many restaurants named with no clear cut favorites - just lots of places with a number of votes each... The following sampling of comments are for restaurants that had multiple votes.
The Friendly. Thick, juicy, perfectly seasoned and cooked. Especially good as a patty melt. Make sure you have plenty of napkins.
The hamburgers at Friendly Tavern in Zionsville are "up there".
Working Man’s Friend – because they are fast and cheap and I love the name of the restaurant.
Workingman's Friend. cash only, suits from downtown and blue collars all eating the best cheeseburger in town. and the $3 goldfish bowls of beer.
Workingman's Friend. Greasy and fattening.
Hardee's has a darn good burger.
Hardee's has the best burger. It is a real beef burger. The portion is always fresh and generous.
My winner would be Sullivan's. They use their own steak, typically tenderloin, which they grind up daily. Get it blackened with their great blue cheese crumbles on top and made to order potato chips.
Ah, that would be Bub's Burgers in Carmel. Real ground beef, hand patted and flame broiled. If you really have a hunger you can get the giant Bub Burger! It is over a 1lb after it has been cooked.
Bub's on the Monon in Carmel, great family atmosphere
The Lone Star. They know how to deal with beef
The Alley Cat in Broad Ripple. It's juicy (okay, it's greasy) and they cook it perfectly.
Cheeseburger in Paradise. I think they must use some sort of marinade in the hamburger. I didn’t even half to put Heinz 57 on it.
The MUG N BUN drive in (10th and Lynhurst). its big, its greasy (on their double cheeseburger they put a piece of regular white bread between the patties to absorb the grease) and they have EXCELLENT homemade onion rings to boot.
Famous Betty's - the 'bun' doesn't fall apart and everything is really fresh!
The best burger is Charleston's at 146th & Meridian St. in Carmel. The reason: Cooked over wood chips. Even if you're not a burger person, you should try this one. Also, the service is good on the occasions I have been there.
Charleston's in Carmel has a good burger. Thick meat, lots of toppings and good fries.
Steak and Shake--thin is in.
Steak 'n Shake - because good burger doesn't have to mean the biggest & thickest
Champps - very fresh and lots of options for toppings, etc.
And finally...
I do, and I’m not telling
6. What is your favorite Midwest weekend get away destination? Where should we stay and where should we eat?
Hands Down - Everyone seems to like to go to Chicago....
If you like to combine getting away with food and wine, then it is hard to find an out of the way place. So, go to Chicago! Experience food like never before - truly one of the country's most unique experiences - at Trio in Evanston. You can stay there too, since it is a small Inn.Or go to the 4 Season or Ritz, and enjoy the fun at MK Restaurant. (Then run over to Sam's to find wines and grappas that you will never find in Indiana.) (Unfortunately, true)
Chicago - never at a loss for something to do/see/experience. Often can get a 'budget' price on great boutique hotels downtown - just check the internet, but if you want to indulge - try the Peninsula - FABULOUS! Don't think there is a bad restaurant, but you could start with West Town Tavern (the originators of Indy's Something Different) Coco Pazzo, MK, Frontera Grill, Les Nomades -- just to get started!
Chicago, where else? Stay anywhere along Michigan Ave. or near the Water Tower. Definitely go to Joe's Prime Steak and Seafood. Best steakhouse ever with a quality selection of seafood. You ever heard of Joe's in Miami with their crab claws? This is their other location. Top notch service, plush atmosphere with a twist of South Beach mixed in. If you just want to sit down and relax, Cafe Babareba in Lincoln Park. They specialize in hot and cold tapas. Real tapas, not like Snax wannabes. Order 2-3 priced between $2-7 and don;t forget the pitcher of Sangria to accompany your meal. Simply awesome. The Inter-Continental in Chicago (Michigan Avenue) is also great. Breakfast is included, and the accommodations are great too. Shopping, dining, touring, etc are all within walking distance.
Chicago.....Intercontinental Hotel on Michigan Avenue......Eat at Bin 36. An excellent restaurant format to taste flights of similar wines
Chicago downtown - near Michigan Ave. - Le Meridian hotel for example - shopping, restaurants, night-clubs & theater, museums
In Chicago if you're in the mood for Greek try the Parthenon on Halsted in Greektown. My family has been dining there for nearly 40 years. If you're in the mood for Italian try Mia Francesca on north Clark (not too far from Wrigley). Excellent food and a cool carriage house bar...
Chicago - Stay at the Swisshotel -Dine at Fogo da Chao
Chicago--stay at the W Hotel downtown and eat at Gibsons (best steaks--bar none)
Chicago. Westin on Michigan. Great location next to the John Hancock, nicely redone ... central location to many nice restaurants, bars and shopping.
Downtown Chicago.Stay at the Palmer House Hilton. Hugo’s Frog Bar is excellent for dinner. Hugo’s is located on Rush Street and shares the same kitchen with the famous Gibson’s Steak house.
Chicago. We recommend the House of Blues hotel for a unique stay. As for dining...there are just too many favorites to pick.
Chicago!!!! Stay anywhere and eat anywhere! Ok, why not save up and go for broke – literally – at Charlie Trotters!
Best Midwest Getaway - Chicago, Park Hyatt Hotel at Water Tower place, just a couple of blocks from ESPN Zone. Great area for kids, tons of restaurants, shopping, etc, and not too far from Wrigley.
Chicago! Get out of downtown and check out some neighborhoods (this is where people who live in Chi-town actually eat). Try The Tequila Lounge in Wicker Park or Piece Pizza. Chicago equivalent of late night munchies is Flash Taco….they are everywhere.
And, some non Chicago entries
New Buffalo, MI for beach and shopping. Stay at South Cliff Bed and Breakfast in St. Joseph, MI (retired chef owned) Radamak for incredible burgers in New Buffalo, MI. Dining overlooking the vineyard at Tabor Hill Winery.
New Buffalo/Lakeside Michigan area along the Red Arrow highway. Reasonable stays are Lakeside Inn or Gordon Beach Inn. Better stays are a variety of B&B's like Pine Garth. Great food at Timothy's and a Jenny's
Madison IN, any of the B & B's will be a pleasant experience, but DEFINATLY eat at the Bistro One on Main Street "it is the best!"
Definitely the Checkerberry Inn near Goshen. A killer, 5 star restaurant and beautiful ambiance. Great Amish country experience, quiet surroundings and nice place to take a country walk. Nice Library/game room/sitting room to enjoy your own bottle of wine before or after dinner. Rooms are comfortable and nicely decorated in Amish style. An almost annual get away for us in the Fall.
We really enjoyed the Checkerberry Inn in Goshen Indiana http://www.checkerberryinn.com/ for a "get away from it all" weekend. There is a phenomenal restaurant (Citrus, a American Bistro) that had a great menu, good service (college students from Goshen College) and a reasonable wine list. Breakfast (included) was also very imaginative and friendly
We really like Saugatuk, MI. Lots of nice B&Bs, and close enough to head into Holland for the New Holland Brewing Company's beers & great food.
I like theatre, especially Shakespeare, so I head for American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin. I stay at the Usonian Inn, run by a charming and friendly couple; the prices are very reasonable and the continental breakfast more than adequate. Unfortunately there's not any really fine dining in Spring Green; the best I've found is The Round Barn which I understand has gone Italian since I was there a year ago. It's an attractive place but I'd not give it four stars.
Washington DC Stay in Woodly park or a small hotel around Dupont Circle. Almost anywhere on CT Ave, Stay near the red line train line ... Eat at Beducci just off Dupont Circle. Ask for Jean-Marc or Michelle. great food, great wine list.
Greencastle, IN -- stay at the 'Commercial House' bed and breakfast, eat at the Sugar Moon restaruante (*great* wine selection).
And, we would like a reservation for next weekend at these folks house...
Our house: pool, spa, fire pit, great wine cellar, Brazilian Jazz on the outside sound system, Beef Fillets or salmon on the grill.
7. Best place to stay in the California Wine Country?
Some great recommendations here...
Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley. We go every year in October for Harvest, and they recently expanded from 12 rooms to 36 (I believe). It feels like Tuscany (or as my wife likes to say, it feels like a movie set sparing no expense to emulate Tuscany). I am surprised I don’t see more press about it, although it does get its share of awards…it seems to keep a somewhat low profile.
Sausalito - Vista Mira B&B Wow! 35-45 minutes from Napa Valley) View of San Francisco Bay to die for... Ask for Tom the Magician manager
I had a great experience at the Glass Mountain Bed & Breakfast. Silverado Trail between St. Helena and Calistoga. Good price for decent accommodations and they will make sure your wine gets to Indiana.
MacArthurs Place- Sonoma; beautiful spa; beautiful grounds; good breakfast included
Honor Mansion in Healdsburg - no comparison with any other B&B in Napa/Sonoma.
Stayed at the Honor Mansion in Healdsburg. Outstanding accommodation. Would highly recommend for the rooms, hospitality, and afternoon tea.
Embassy Suites Napa--great location and a very nice hotel for the money.
Fairmount Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa - ABSOLUTE HEAVEN...you spend your time in robe and slippers, pampering yourself in the spa and mineral baths - a great bottle of wine awaits you in your room - fantastic home grown restaturants abound in the town - wine everywhere - great prices for spa packages - and need I mention again you are in wine country - Sonoma is much more quiet than Napa but a short 30 minute drive away - there are an abundance of fantastic wineries close to the spa for day trips and tasting that are better prices than Napa and a little less congested.
We’ve found the Central Coast to be a great option versus the more crowded Sonoma/Napa area. When it comes to location, the Marriott in Buellton (although probably not the most beautiful choice) is very affordable, and near loads of wineries and great restaurants.
While visiting the Santa Barbara wine country, we stayed at a wonderful bed and breakfast called the Cheshire Cat. There was a main house with rooms, but we stayed in the carriage house, which was literally a house. We had a large living room, bedroom and bathroom. In the corner of the bedroom was a big round whirlpool tub. We always enjoy reading the diaries or guest book comments, and while reading the book in this room, we kept seeing references to "the bubble monster."Later that night, we figured out what that meant. The owner (foolishly??) put little bottles of bubble bath by the tub, with the directions to use sparingly. Well, we (and obviously many other guests) didn't realize just how sparingly that meant. And soon, we, like other guests, were soon trying to contain the volcano-like flow of bubbles coming from the tub!
A great place we enjoyed staying in Rutherford was Rancho Caymus - our room had a southwestern theme with a big stucco fireplace in the corner of the living room, a separate sleeping area and lots of colorful tile in the roomy bathroom. We drove up the hill to Auberge du Soleil for a fabulous dinner, although it was late fall so it dark when we arrived. We understand the view overlooking the valley is spectacular. We were still tempted to sit outside on the balcony, but after a quick "weather check," we decided that even the heaters might not keep us warm - it does get chilly at night!!
New place: The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort and Spa in Sonoma: or
Vintner’s Inn near Santa Rosa Both are high quality Tuscany, rustic style Inns that are casual yet sophisticated in Sonoma Valley (our definite favorite valley) Both have great restaurants attached. The Lodge has cottages.
And finally, from Wine Guy and Linda...."Okay, we might not highly recommend this place (except as someplace for an interesting visit), but we stayed in a bed & breakfast in Calistoga (a little hesitant to to mention the name, but it was "The Elms"), that was built in 1871 and is on the Historical Register of Homes. We stayed in the carriage house, which was right on the little river that flows through town, thinking it would offer us a nice, private setting. The owner served a wonderful, big breakfast in the common room in the mornings, and wine and cheese in the evening. It was about a block off the Main Street, so it was easy to walk to dinner and the shops. And their were lots of interesting books and magazines to browse thru while sitting on our deck. Sounds great, right??? Well, about a week after we returned home while sitting around talking about our trip, Doug suddenly blurts out that he wasn't sure whether or not to ask me this or not, but did I walk around the side of the bed during the middle of the night and grab his hand? "No, of course not," I answered, to which he just shook his head and mumbled something about having vivid dreams. So then I had to 'fess up to him that I was so certain that I saw a "figure" moving through our room one night that I was too scared to even get up and go the the bathroom! Now, since neither of us actually believe in ghosts, we still don't know what to think of this experience, but I'm sort of doubting that we stay there again!!
8. Where did you have your best winery visit experience?
And, more good ideas...
Del Dotto Winery in Napa. Their cellar tour and opportunity to taste the same varietal from different barrel types and the opportunity to blend varietals in the cellar is outstanding!
The Joseph Phelps winery tour in Napa Valley is our favorite. The location and view are beautiful, and the wines are consistently good. Much better than the other tours, in our experience.
Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington State. Lovely place and great tasting room. The wine flights were very diverse.
Tabor Hill Restaurant at Tabor Hill Winery in Southwest Michigan. The food is incredible, reasonable prices for the quality, and great ambiance...beautiful view on the deck overlooking the vineyard
Jordan--we had a private tour. The winery is beautiful and we were treated like royalty.
Robert Mondavi - they really teach and show every aspect of the wine process, great tasting (3 glasses with appetizers) included with the $10 tour and they teach quite a bit which really spikes your interest
Bell Winery, just south of Yountville off Washington: must call to make an appointment with Don, the sales Manager. He is fun, very upbeat, knowledgeable. Bell produces some great estate wines, both whites and reds, though the cabs and red blends have always captured our attention with Anthony Bell’s Bordeaux style of wine making. Small winery with limited distribution.
Actually at Wollersheim's near Prairie du Sac in Wisconsin. The winery itself is historic, a beautiful old stone building, and it is small but they do a nice little tour with a tasting after. The man who came from Europe (Poland, I think) to start the winery gave up after a bad winter and went on to Napa Valley where he was one of the early vintners. The Wollersheim family bought the place several decades ago and started the business up again. They grow some of the grapes used in their wines on the hill behind the winery. It looks like a little bit of Europe set down in central Wisconsin.
Best Winery Visit Experience – Frank Family Vineyards in Calistoga. Fantastic wine, the tasting room was a lot of fun (host very knowledgeable about wine, funny, and ran it as a “group tasting”). Grounds are great for a picnic, with lots of scenery.
I enjoyed Niebaum-Coppola and Folie a Deux in Napa Valley. My sister-in-law, who lives in San Francisco, took us on a wine tour and served as our designated driver. We tasted our way across Napa and then Simi Valley (different days, had to rest). I liked the ambience of Niebaum-Coppola. Folie a Deux was just fun - named by psychiatrists after "a delusion shared by two people." We brought a picnic lunch and ate outside with a bottle of champagne. It was fun. We also enjoyed Ravenswood - they had cool stuff and attitude.
Fenn Valley (Michigan) - ride wagon into the vineyard...stop at each type of grape...and taste the wine....2hrs and great fun!
Far Niente - previously open only to the trade, but now open to the public with advance reservations (and a $25 fee). Beautiful property, gracious staff, excellent wines.
In the U.S. we had a wonderful experience at Gainey Vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley and were impressed with the personal attention we received. However nothing can beat wine tasting in the Mosel Valley in Germany, where a lovely German couple pulled themselves away from bottling their 2004 wine so that we could have a wine tasting. If you find yourself in Piesport, it’s a short drive from the town center to Weingut Lehnert-Spater.
Best Winery experience is any time you are a small group. The two of us have had individual attention at Twomey and Ehlers in Napa and Page Mill in Los Altos, CA. Also Burrell School just outside Los Gatos. These are all small wineries. We've also had great experiences at most small wineries and those that are less well known. It is important to show appreciation for wine and to be honest about what you like and or dislike. Ask about the favorite of the server. Ask to taste a specific varietal. We went to one winery and specifically asked to taste their Pinot Noirs. They had several on the menu, but after tasting several and talking to the server about Pinot and what we really like about them- he opened a bottle of 1999 Estate bottled (not on the tasting list) for us... incredible. That was at David Bruce in Los Gatos. If you act the snob then you will be treated the same. October is a great month to visit northern California. Picking, crushing, and tasting new releases of grapes and olives! I guess we are partial to the Santa Cruz Mountain area vintners.
9. What is your favorite Wine Country restaurant? And, what makes it good?
Some tasty options...
Cole's Chop House, Napa-Great Food, Service, Minimal Corkage Fee
Deuce 691 Broadway, Sonoma Good food; good value- as in all CA restaurants you can bring your own wine- reasonable corkage fee;
Auberge du Soleil. Indoor and outdoor dining, beautiful view of the valley, excellent food, wine, and staff.
Thanks to some local recommendations (and the recommendation of a pilot from Greenwood my husband met in the hotel bar) we found Grappolo in Santa Ynez - a delicious Italian restaurant with outdoor seating and great service.
We have four actually:
1.Carneros in Sonoma: use only Sonoma county grown produce, herbs, vegetables, etc. to make outstanding meal offerings
2. Manzanita in Healdsburg: get the pork tenderloin entrée as you sip wine by the fire place
3. Rutherford Grill in Rutherford: get the ribs, enough said
4. John Ash & Co., near Santa Rosa: always a quality meal with a good wine selection and ambiance
Tra Vigne. It is very representative of wine country. The food, the people, the wine.
Cafe Citi off of the highway heading just out of sonoma's town into the vineyards - the best Italia...very authentic and everything can be eaten in their casual cafe or outside on a a picnic table or it can be packed up for a vineyard picnic. and the prices are very reasonable for the portions and freshness
A wonderful place in wine country to eat is Foothill Cafe. It is in a strip mall, and frequented by the locals (reservations are a must, although you can take carry-out back to your hotel!). The food is the caliber of Bijou or Cobblestone, but a bit cheaper (yes, this is California) the wines fairly priced. It is located at: 2766 Old Sonoma Rd, Napa, CA 94558. (707) 252-6178. This is west of Highway 29. They are only open for supper on Wed-Sun 4:30 -9:30.
Napa Grill--consistently great food and not outrageously priced.
Hard to beat the French Laundry, but also hard to get into. For wonderful food & casual ambiance, try Bistro Jeanty in Yountville and for tapas and great wines by the glass - Willy's Wine Bar in Sonoma Valley.
Roberts in Hunter Valley, Australia. Probably one of the best meals I have ever had.
Are we talking only California? Or are we including St. Emilion? We found a great little sidewalk café there just last month--Amelia Canta on Place de l'eglise monolithe--galettes are marvelous, plus a huge selection of fine wines and champagnes by the glass.
Yountville grocery and deli. Rt 29 Best sandwiches anywhere and cheeses from everywhere. Sitting next to the Opus One visitor center and winery (our vote for most pretentious) -- but a wonderful view...
