Gail's Profile
White Wine
Thanks, Dave. The chenin blanc sounds perfect. The Grape Tray is quite close to me too. Appreciate your efforts with the info.
White Wine
Hi Dave!
This will accompany a casual potato salad, fruit salad, cole slaw and sandwiches from Max's luncheon. The wine should be kept simple, straight forward. The guests are not wine afficionados. I just want something pleasant.
White Wine
I'm a red wine drinker, so consequently know little about the whites. I need several bottles for a get-together. What would you suggest in the $15/bottle category?
Thanks!
Traveling CA 99 from Bakersfield to Modesto
Fresno is about half way. What are you looking for, a quick burger close to the freeway or do you want to come into town? Also, what type of food; steak, Chinese, Mexican?
Without stops, it's about a 3 1/2-4 hour drive. You might want to get the drive out of the way and enjoy a leisurely dinner in Modesto. I've been hearing good things about Dewz.
California for two weeks - SF, Napa, Yosemite, and Highway One
The word "artisan" and "sustainable" have been tossed around here and there to such an extent they seem to no longer mean much. In relation to burgers, Burger King was advertising an "artisan" bun.
How can a patron state that a restaurant has a sustainable wine list? That phrase has been batted around on this site and others too long.
....stepping down from soapbox.
Substitute for Tilapia
I have eaten both tilapia and barramundi. I clearly prefer barramundi. They served it on an Air New Zealand flight from LA. Best airplane food ever. It was topped with a delicious tapenade.
Around the World Party
Mexico: Tres Leches cake/Kahlua/coffee
Germany: German chocolate cake/Ice wine/coffee
England: Trifle/Sherry/tea
French: Array of cheese/Moscato or any French dessert wine/coffee au lait
Italy: Gelato/tiramisu/lemoncello/expresso
I have to stop...
Pacific's Edge corkage?
If you want to stay on property, you might consider the bar/lounge menu. You would still have the view and ambiance, yet be close to "home".
Did you get a chance to verify the corkage?
California for two weeks - SF, Napa, Yosemite, and Highway One
PhilD, if El Cid in Oakhurst fits into your lunch sked, I think you would enjoy it and it's on your way. Good chips, ask for all three homemade salsas. Think basic Mexican; tacos, enchiladas, etc. Avoid the fish tacos. Margaritas are good too and I'm particular.
Ask to be seated on the glassed-in porch.
Just a comment on 1833. I haven't been there yet, but wow is it getting rave reviews. Also, best new restaurant in the finals for a James Beard award. Can't be too shabby.
Carmel
Go wine tasting in Carmel Valley and have lunch at Rustica or Corkscrew (our fave).
www.caferusticacarmel.com
www.corkscrewcafe.com
Downtown Carmel:
Italian: www.cantinettaluca.com
European:www.labicycletterestaurant.com
French: www.andresbouchee.com
Crossroads Shopping Ctr
Southwestern: www.riogrill.com
Pacific's Edge corkage?
We have brought in our own wine (not on their list), but I can't remember the corkage. A few hits on a Google search said it is $35. Maybe a quick call would make you more comfortable.
Why Use Open Table?
Don't you think hotels work the same way. Only certain number of rooms alloted to Expedia et al and perhaps only run-of-the-house at best?
Oops, this may be dumped as it is not food related...
Funniest thing you seen in a restaurant?
>>> "Who had 'Fruit Cup.'"<<<
Good one, jacquelyn!!
Funniest thing you seen in a restaurant?
Watching 3 or more women with one check each trying to pay her share. "But you had wine and I only had coffee." "But I didn't eat dessert and Mary did." ...on and on LOL
3 joints in 24 hrs in San Diego/LaJolla/Gaslamp.??? Where to?
Kevin, post this on the San Diego board for better responses.
Reasonably-priced, delicious yet informal catering in Monterey
Is she planning a reception dinner? If so, I think you are dreaming at $10.pp. If I were her, I'd contact the church to see who they have used successfully in the past and go from there.
Sorry, I know that's not much help.
Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast in Carmel/Monterey area
Just thought of something...Roy's at Spanish Bay (Pebble Beach). Lovely at sunset with cocktails/wine outside around a fire pit with bagpipes and an ocean view. Either stay and dine at Roys or move on to your dining place of choice. There is a $9.50 entrance fee to the 17 mile drive that takes you there but it is refunded with a $25. purchase. Certainly something different!
http://www.pebblebeach.com/dining/the-inn-at-spanish-bay/roys-at-pebble-beach
Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast in Carmel/Monterey area
Erase Passionfish for lunch...dinner only there.
Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast in Carmel/Monterey area
There are no downtown restaurants in Carmel that have ocean views. Pacific Edge at the Highlands Inn has beautiful views located 4 miles S of Carmel. Bring a heavy, full wallet. There are ocean view restaurants in Pebble Beach if that interests you. Most of this has been discussed on your TA post though.
Please critique my itinerary for 5 night trip to San Francisco (DID LOTS OF RESEARCH)
Yes, Fifi's is on Forest Ave, Pacific Grove. I suggested it to the OP on Trip Advisor. We are there often and it is excellent with a fine wine selection at reasonable prices.
Any good caterers in Fresno
Pardini's had been in the catering business in Fresno forever. Though I have no personal experience with their work, longevity may mean success. You didn't mention the group size, but a private room in one of our best restaurants might be a thought. It would seem to me to be less of a crap shoot than a caterer you don't know.
Why Use Open Table?
The Commander's Palace, yes I remember way before OT making res for myself and a couple of clients far enough in advance to, I thought, be safe. I was specific and yet upon arrival, we were seated in a not-so-nice area. The place was jammed and not wanting to create a scene with clients in tow, I settled. Now, I wonder if this might be their attitude. They certainly should not treat their regulars this way. Apparently the manager wasn't there or you would have been treated better. Entry level people on duty?
Interesting to note that you do, on occasion, follow up OT with a fax...fail safe.
Considering moving into the new century with OT but not with hotel res...no way.
Why Use Open Table?
brancron, you've got it all wrong. I'm way beyond the need to "see and be seen", quite the opposite. I want a secluded table with a view (if waterfront) and we're mostly dining at the beach. Just a place where my husband and I can enjoy wine and a nice meal quietly...very simple, really.
Why Use Open Table?
I see the advantage of using OT when you know the restaurant and can request table # such & such, but when the restaurant is new to you, I prefer to discuss table location person to person. I don't want a "table harangue" at the restaurant.
BTW, maybe I'm old fashioned, but I also book hotels via phone so they *and* I are clear on the room size, location, rate, etc. No Expedia for me.
Bill Hunt, just realized you are the person who helped us discover that little wine shop in Maui. You saved us from having the hassle of shippping....again thanks!
Why Use Open Table?
Ahh, sounds as if you are making business dining reservations. I see how the expedience of it works for you. I'm doing it on a personal basis now. Mostly hubby & me or occasional guests and I confess, I'm darned particular where I'm seated...full disclosure.
Why Use Open Table?
I'm curious as to why one uses Open Table. If I know the restaurant, I want to request a certain table or area. If I've never been to the restaurant, I want to talk to someone there who can help me decide on an area or table to request. I guess I just want the person to person connection rather than leaving things to chance via electronics.
Now, am I missing something regarding Open Table and it's advantages?
Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast in Carmel/Monterey area
Casual Lunch:
Sandbar and Grill (Seafood on the Municipal pier, Monterey)
Massaro and Santos (Seafood on the Coast Guard pier, Monterey)
California Market (Continental at the Highlands Inn 4 miles S of Carmel-Great view too)
Corkscrew Cafe (Carmel Valley following or during wine tasting there)
Casual Dinner:
Mission Ranch (Basic American ie prime rib, etc., Carmel. Lively piano bar if that is of interest)
Rio Grill (Southwest bent, CrossRoads shopping ctr., Carmel)
Fifi's (French, small, cozy, Pacific Grove)
Fandango (Continintal, Pacific Grove)
Napoli (Downtown Carmel...yes, ltalian)
There are so many. Maybe do a menu check of the places to see what appeals to you. We have been to all these and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of them.
Not being much of a breakfast eater, I'll leave that to others. But, I do know the two on your list are popular.
Dinner in Paso Robles, any opinions on Deborah's Room at Justin Winery?
Bruce, thanks for the update. I didn't know about the new owners.
goldangl95, We stayed there and had dinner at Deborah's but it was a few years back, so can't accurately comment on it today. I did check Open Table. FWIW, the recent reviews seemed good. The room is small, nicely done with a cozy fireplace and I believe only about six tables. They serve lunch on a pretty outdoor patio.
www.justinwine.com
Pulled Pork Cooking Liquid
Did the loin in the crockpot on low for *about* 8 hours. The beer worked fine, but I was low on seasoning which I tried to take care of after the fact. I'll know better next time.
Regarding the shredding factor. I had no trouble there, it actually fell apart with little help from me. I added some BBQ sauce...we don't like a lot of it, piled it on a toasted bun and topped it with a mayo based cole slaw.
I realize the flavor from a butt or shoulder would have better flavor due to the fat factor. I was going for something a bit more heathly and it worked ok.
Carmel dog friendly patio restaurants
http://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/carmel_ca_us/
