Sonoma Wine Country

The lemon pancakes at The Big 3 are stuffed with cottage cheese and the most fabulous lemon favoring I’ve ever experienced in a breakfast food. Paired with maple syrup and the experience was nearly worth the price. Thinking back I should have expected the cost to be astronomical, The Big 3 is part of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Resort. But I was naïve and assumed that “diner” meant the place would lean toward cheap and greasy, not upscale and gourmet.

In Cracker Barrel fashion the diner also features a gift shop the complements the menu and the atmosphere. Shelf after shelf was filled with Sonoma this and Sonoma that, from jams to wines, and how to books that teach you how to cook and eat as if you’re from Sonoma.

John Ashe & Co.

I’m a huge fan of fine dining. So when the Winter Getaway Package for the Vintner’s Inn in Santa Rosa came with a $100 gift card to John Ashe & Co. that was a deal clincher for me. After a hefty tip and tax we still handed over another $60. Was the experience worth the $60? Yes it was; but was the experience worth $160? I’ll just leave it that I’m glad we had the gift card.

Sonoma food rivals the wine the region is known for.

The decorating was understated with lots of dark wood. The staff was friendly but seemed a little distant and more hurried than those working in a fine dining establishment ought to be. I remember the words of wisdom of a friends father to the effect that when one is a server, the 10 seconds saved rushing will not make up for an incensed customer nearly as much as a calm and understanding approach.

The wine list was quite impressive, and was fittingly dominated by Californian fare. But I wasn’t as impressed with the menu that night. I lacked the adventure that I would naturally expect from California. The quality of the meal was fantastic. Every bite was savory; the vegetables were market fresh and delectably prepared as was the sea food and the beef was grilled wonderfully (though I have experienced better more affordably).

I would like to go back one day, but I hope I’m either significantly wealthier, or the Vintner’s Inn is offering another gift card as a part of their Winter Getaway Package.