Another thumbs-up for Firestones in SLO for tri-tip, if you’re going to hit Edna Valley for a change of pace. Terence is the Obi-Wan of all things SYV though, as far as I am concerned.
Wow, that was easy…thanks, Lisa. Ditto on both.
I’m visiting there right now. Staying at the Ballard Inn and had dinner there last night, and doing it again tonight. The food here is fantastic. It is just beautiful here. Winery suggestions, if you need any-Demetria (call Lee), Arcadian, Larry Schaffer, Flying Goat (not impressed when we tasted, but bought a few bottles and popped later and they are fantastic-the 2001 Dierberg is unbelievably good), Palmina, Dragonette, and Ampelos. Met Barry Rossum this afternoon and going to Tantara on our way out of town tomorrow. I’m sure I’ll rave about those wines later. Overall impressions-I’ve had some great whites, mainly low oak, no ML chards and some other Rhone blends, fantastic St. Rita Hills Pinots. Very unimpressed with Santa Ynez valley Syrahs, although I liked some of the Grenaches and Mouvedres from out there. If you want some places to skip, pm me-don’t want to rag on the defenseless publicly.
We had a great time.
Craig
We had an excellent stay at Hotel Corque in August, the hotel has been completely refurbished by the local Indian tribe, who also run a casino a few miles away. We were able to get a nightly rate from hotels.com that was less than half that quoted directly by the hotel on their online reservation system.
Can also endorse the associated Root 246 restaurant, food was very good and they have a nice selection of local wines on the list.
Don’t plan on spending a pleasant evening wandering around Solvang, the place becomes a ghost town after 6:00 pm!