The Divine Dish

The Farmhouse Inn, Russian River Valley

Posted on Sep 12, 2009 under Archives | No Comment

On a recent story assignment for Pasadena magazine, I had the good fortune of covering the Russian River Valley in Sonoma and stayed at the beautiful Farmhouse Inn.  Located just 10 minutes from the very small Santa Rosa airport (a much better alternative than flying into San Fran or Oakland, as a drive to this area from there is at least an hour and a half, non-stop flights go out twice daily to Santa Rosa from LAX), the inn is surrounded by a forest in the heart of the Russian River Valley and offers luxury accommodations in a country setting overlooking the vineyards of Sonoma.   The pale yellow renovated farmhouse, adjacent cottages and barn feature eighteen rooms with down comforters, wood-burning fireplaces, heated marble bathroom floors and large private patios.  I was in one of the newly renovated barn rooms – definitely a great place for a romantic and peaceful getaway.

I loved the double sided fireplace and large private patio looking out into the trees, as well as the very modern bathroom with a big steam shower and large jetted soaking tub, I also loved the heated bathroom floors.

In addition to lovely rooms, the Inn houses a pool, small spa and Michelin starred restaurant (review and pics of dinner in next post).  Breakfast is definitely worth sampling and is served to all Inn guests.  I sat in the patio area and sampled two breakfasts, below are pics.

Day two’s breakfast was also delicious – yogurt and fresh fruit and eggs benedict.

Originally built in 1870, siblings Catherine and Joe Bartolomei inherited the Farmhouse from thier great-grandfather Domenic Giovanetti.  Joe is nice enough to provide tips for all the guests on wineries to visit and things to do in the area and recommended some great choices of things to do and see while in the Russian River Valley.  He took me on a tour of the neighboring vineyards and farm that he and his sister own.  Much of the food that is served at the restaurant comes from the farm.

Loads of seasonal fruit and vegetables were in the farm, including tomatoes, squash, corn, lettuces and a few pumpkins were also popping up.

Joe’s sister Catherine lives in her great-grandfather’s house on the farm, which also includes the families vineyards and lots of apple and pear trees.

The Farmhouse Inn was one of the most beautiful, private and comfortable places that I have stayed in and is a perfect retreat to get away from the hustle of the city.  Located at 7871 River Road in Forestville, reservations can be made through the website – www.farmhouseinn.com or by calling 707/887-3300.

Dinner at Soi 56, Hollywood

Posted on Sep 03, 2009 under Archives | No Comment

My usual place for thai food in the Hollywood area is Chan Dara, so I was happy to here about Soi 56, a new thai restaurant located just a few blocks away.  The name comes from the term used in Thailand for sidestreets that branch off from main thorough-fares found all over the country.  The restaurant is based on the food served by vendors on these sidestreets.

The menu offers skewered meats and vegetables as well as traditional Thai dishes.

I started with the filet mignon skewers, offered with two dipping sauces – sweet tamarind and spicy chili lime sauce.  The chili sauce was very hot, but a good compliment to the meat.

I had to order a thai ice tea, which was delicious and refreshing.

The menu offers a variety to choose from, I ordered the side walk pad thai with spicy thin noodles, sauteed jumbo shrimp, baked tofu, green chives, egg, peanuts and bean sprouts.

The food was a bit on the spicy side but everything was very tasty and very reasonable – my entire dinner (which could easily be split between two people) came to under $20.  Soi 56 is the fifth restaurant opened by one of the oldest Thai families in Los Angeles – Boon and Supa Kuntee opened Chao Krung restaurant in the Fairfax district in 1975, their daughter opened Tuk Tuk in 1999 in Beverly Hills, and then Sunset and Silver Lake in 2003 in Silver Lake.  The family opened Chadaka Tahi in Burbank in 2004.

If you are in the Hollywood area, Soi 56 is a great place to go for a very reasonably priced meal before heading to a show at the Pantages or Arclight.  Located at 1556 N. Cahuenga Blvd., 323-962-5656.

L’Auberge Resort and Restaurant, Carmel by the Sea

Posted on Sep 01, 2009 under Archives | No Comment

In the heart of Carmel, four blocks from the beach lies the 20 room intimate L’Auberge Resort.  Modeled after a building in Prague, guestrooms contain luxe furnishings, antique travertine tiles and stand alone tubs.  The lovely outdoor courtyard is the center of the complex, with rooms scattered around the patio.  This is one of the most romantic places I have stayed in.

My room was lovely, with views to the sea and to the patio.

I received a nice welcome gift when I arrived.

I had heard rave reviews about the restaurant – only  12 tables  offering an elaborate tasting menu and a 4,500 bottle wine cellar.  Here is what I had when I was there:

I started with a nice cru de ta from the chef.

Then came the amuse bouche of the night, a light fluffy pastry with cheddar cheese.

Then came a refreshing cucumber gazpacho with creme frai

che and chopped cucumber.  Yummy.

Next was pickled beet and cobia sashimi with avocado tempura and miners lettuce with a yuzu vinaigrette.

Then came a lovely white corn pudding with maroon carrots, fried tarragon and some maine lobster.

The main courses included a tasty line caught local halibut with ham, manilla clams, paprika and an artichoke puree.

I also loved the veal selection, with milk fed veal tenderloin, mousseron mushroom, crushed potato, and a red wine shallot.  Delicious.

Next came a great choice of cheeses served with raisin bread and seasonal accompaniments.

The desserts were both incredible, a vanilla “riz au lait” with juniper berry, rhubarb marmelade and sorbet and a decadent chocolate ganache little cake with raspberry sorbet and toast ice cream.

Executive Chef Christophe Grosjean came out to say hello.  This was one of the best meals I have had.

L’Auberge hotel and restaurant is a place to share with someone you love.  I highly recommend visiting this wonderful gem – if you can’t get in to the hotel (which would be a shame to miss), make sure to visit for dinner.   The same owner is opening up Hotel Luca in Yountville in the next few months and I can’t wait to see it.  L’Auberge is located at Monte Verde at 7th Street, phone 831/624-8578 for reservations.

Carmel by the Sea

Posted on Sep 01, 2009 under Archives | No Comment

While researching a story for Pasadena magazine on coastal getaways, I visited the storybook town of Carmel by the Sea.  The village is  so small (one square mile) it has no street lights and is filled with English cottage style architecture.  The main shopping area is also a just few block’s walk to the beach.  I fell in love with this village immediately.  My first stop was for lunch at the Cottage (they also serve killer breakfasts).

This place was so cute I had to try it.  Inside was a cozy country room with a nice fireplace.

I had a lunch combo of caesar salad and fresh artichoke soup.   Both were delicious.  I highly recommend stopping in for lunch or breakfast.

I decided to do a bit of shopping on the main drag of Ocean Street.

Inside this lovely courtyard (above) I found a great shop called The White Rabbit.  Opened in 1993, it houses one of the largest selections of items from the world of Alice in Wonderland.  Inside, I found backward pocket watches, White Rabbit clocks, tea sets, shirts and lots of other interesting items.  Designer Daniel Herron designs many of the items and runs the shop (located at Ocean and Monte Verde Street).

I bought a wall clock and a watch, which I always get lots of comments about (they both run backwards!).

If you can’t get to Carmel, you can order most of the stuff found at The White Rabbit online at www.thewhiterabbit.net.

My other favorite place shop was the Rip Squeak Gallery, where I found the perfect gift for my nephew Wyatt.  It houses the Rip Squeak book series as well as collectible artwork from the books.

After I bought a book with beautiful artwork, I walked over to check into L’Auberge, which I will review in another post.