samgiovese

Not knowing the North Carolinians' tastes, I wanted to suggest places that covered all bases. My mention of OJ's wasn't particularly an endorsement; rather just a mention of an old-time downtown establishment that might be a fun representation of a bygone era. I agree the food is not gourmet, and on some occasions barely passable. Since they were in town a few weeks ago, I am hoping wcmckinney will post on where they dined.

Paul Franson corrected this article on June 30, 2004. The name of the restaurant is "Stomp".

The Danish town Ore referred to is Solvang.

2) A short detour off Highway 1 will bring you to the Carmel Valley wineries. There are several wineries with tasting rooms between Highway 1 and the village of Carmel Valley, and several more tasting rooms in the village for wineries that are hidden up in the hills. Check out Monterey-Carmel Guide and Carmel Valley Chamber 3) Have not tried them, but both Ventana Inn and Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur are suposed to have good restaurants. I'll leave your other questions to members more familiar than I with the subject matter. Have a GREAT trip!

Glen Ellen is in the Sonoma Valley, about 6-8 miles out of the town of Sonoma itself. It is a bit isolated, but it is close to many of the Sonoma Valley wineries (Arrowwood, Kunde, Luna, B.R. Cohn, Chateau St. Jean, Kenwood,) are all just a short drive away. There aren't many restaurants in Glen Ellen itself...I can think of only three...you'd have to drive into Sonoma for further dining, but it is very do-able. It is about a 45 minute drive over to the Napa Valley, either over Oakville Grade (scenic but a b**ch of a road, or down through Sonoma, over Hwy 121 thru the Carneros and up to Napa & the upvalley region (Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga). Check my previous post on Yountville. I am editing to hyperlink the websites of the places I mentioned. Cheers!

I just logged back on to make a Calistoga recommendation, and saw Carolyn's comments on the weather. She is SO right! However, if you'd like to chance it for a night or two, you can't go wrong with the Cottage Grove Inn

Yountville would be my choice because of its central locaton and many restaurants. Maison Fleurie, Lavender, Petit Logis and Bordeaux House are the nicest B&B's; Vilaggio and Vintage Inn (sister properties) are larger scale, but also lovely. At the south end of town is the Yountville Inn, also very nice; at the north end, Napa Valley Lodge. You really can't go wrong with any of them, IMO. Hope you have a great stay, wherever you end up! PS Vilaggio has a GREAT spa!

From Paul Franson's column in the June 23 2004 edition of the Napa Valley Register: "Sprout Restaurant quietly opened last Tuesday at the old Catahoula location in the Mount View Hotel in Calistoga. Once to be called Bistro 29, the restaurant features California cuisine mostly inspired by Mediterranean cooking. It offers many small plates (and bowls), as well as interesting sounding seafood and meat main courses. Entrees are in the $20s (except a $15 vegetable plate), small dishes $5 to $13. A special feature is many cheeses for dessert or whenever you want them. It's open each day except Monday. The old bar is open and welcoming."

Very close...Woodside...John Bentley's..you WON'T be disappointed. Also, Woodside Pub is very good. Not MP proper, but very close. For MP proper...try Dal Boffo...been there forever. Cheers and Bon Appetite!

Ocean Harbor, along with the entire Town & Country Village is gone...replaced by upscale Santana Row. This is where Straits Cafe is located (the one Pim warned about) along with many other upscale chain-type restaurants. You might want to check it out, Santana Row, but I would find it hard to recommend any restaurant in there.

Some of the better dining experiences will be found in the suburbs, and not in downtown San Jose proper. I'll start with downtown, and branch out to the suburbs: Emile's is always excellent, but not overly creative, IMO. A.P. Stumps is very good, but expensive. Grill on the Alley in the Fairmont Hotel is great for steaks, as is Blakes. There is a new McCormick & Schmick's in the Fairmont as well that is OK. Original Joe's is a fun experience and offers up HUGE portions in a comfortable atmosphere. For more upscale italian, I recommend Il Fornaio in the Sainte Claire Hotel or La Pastaia in the De Anza Hotel. If you're a foodie, journey south about 20 minutes to Los Gatos and experience chef David Kinch's Manresa. It is a true gastronomic find. Be warned...VERY expensive, but worth experiencing (check out the thread on this board). Also in Los Gatos, Forbes Mill Steakhouse (the name says it all), Steamer's (great bar scene and consistent seafood...stay away from the steaks...not the best), Los Gatos Brewing Co. (same chef as A.P. Stumps). 4 miles north of Los Gatos lies the village of Saratoga, where you'll find Restaurant Sent Sovi, formerly owned by Manresa's David Kinch. Although not on the same caliber as when Kinch had it, it is excellent and creative. Another "old stanby" in Saratoga is the Plumed Horse. The menu is on the less-creative side, but it is a nice white tablecloth restaurant with a great wine list. Further up Saratoga Avenue towards San Jose is Le Pappilon which consistently gets high marks. They feature some wild game along with the standard "continental" fare. If you want to take a bit of a drive, their sister restaurant, La Foret on Bertram Road is consistently voted the most romantic restaurant in the South Bay, and the food is very good, if a bit stodgy. Hope this list is helpful. Please post any questions if you'd like further information on anything I've mentioned.

Had dinner at market 2 weeks ago...4th tiime eating there. Their concept is basic food at moderate prices...including the wine list. There is a section on the menu consisting of "American Classics"...such as macaroni & cheese, fish & chips, 1/2lb. hamburger & fries, fried chicken, etc. Other dishes are more inventive and change seasonaly. There is a $21.00 prix fixe 3 course dinner available every night. On Sunday, they feature pot roast, and on Monday prime rib. Cute gimmick for dessert is the s'mores served with a small hibachi at your table. Another fun after-dining experience is the Flaming Groovy, again prepared and poured tableside. Wines are marked up no more than $14.00/bottle...something nearly unhearad of in the Napa Valley. All in all, if you're looking for gourmet fare, stick with Terra, French Laundry, Domaine Chandon or Pinot Blanc. If you're looking for good, simple, hearty food at down-to-earth prices, you can't go wrong with Market.