California Vacation Part 1

Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to travel to California for the very first time. I spent time in Berkeley visiting my sister, San Francisco & Sonoma. Sadly, my husband was not able to join me as his work schedule did not allow him the time off, so I tagged along with my parents.

In Berkeley I toured the University of California campus which was really interesting for me to see. In high school I had written a paper for my AP US History class that discussed higher education in the 1960s and the Free Speech Movement which took place right at Berkeley. It was so cool to see the campus that was the setting of so many historical events. Here is a picture of me outside the famous Sather Gate in front of Sproul Plaza-



I found Berkeley to be a really eclectic town, and I enjoyed seeing all of the independent coffee shops and different restaurants. Overall I thought it was more urban than I expected, but odd that many of the businesses closed so early. I was surprised to see so little nightlife for a college town.

I also spent a day in the Sonoma Wine Valley Region. It truly was as beautiful as it is portrayed in movies and pictures! We first visited St. Francis Winery in Santa Rosa, CA. What a gorgeous vineyard!

My father and I tasted a variety of wines, but since it was my first stop and I had a cold I had to take it easy. It was still early in the day so there were not many people there yet so you could really relax and take in all the surroundings.

Our next stop was at Ledson Winery & Vineyards, in Kenwood. This winery was like a French chateau.

I knew we had to stop and check it out based on its magnificence alone. We stepped inside and were lead into the tasting room by a friendly hostess where we were greeted by Brittany who was behind the bar. I have to admit that I was really impressed by Brittany's knowledge of all the wines they had to offer and the history of the vineyard and the Ledson family. She was also really friendly so you felt totally comfortable with her even if you had had enough wine a couple of glasses ago. I don't know if it was Brittany's persuasion or if my dad really liked the wine, but we ordered six bottles to be shipped home.

Here is a picture of my dad and I with Brittany at Ledson-


We stopped at a couple more vineyards before making our way into the town of Sonoma for lunch. The main town square of Sonoma was dotted with little shops and restaurants bustling with locals and tourists alike. We walked around before settling down for a light lunch at the Sunflower Caffe, which I later learned has been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I enjoyed a grilled chicken salad with the most delicious lemon parsley salad dressing and a glass of water infused with cucumber, which was very refreshing! It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day so we ate outside. The outdoor eating area was lovely with all of the plant life and a fountain. Here is a picture of me at my table-

If I am ever out in Sonoma again I will certainly be back there! I would highly recommend this cafe to anyone in the Sonoma area. The food was gourmet level and the environment was friendly and relaxing.

Sonoma was definitely one of the highlights of my trip and I plan to return one day with my husband.

So that is part one of my California vacation. My next post will detail the second part, San Francisco, which is now one of my favorite cities in the world!

Toscano Ristorante

My family and I had a most wonderful dining experience at Toscano Ristorante located at 136 Farnsworth Avenue in Bordentown, NJ last night . First of all, I was pleasantly surprised by how cute and historic the borough of Bordentown was! Farnsworth Avenue is lined with lots of little shops and restaurants, not to mention free parking spots, a rarity in any nice town worth visiting.

We had a 7:30pm reservation which was probably unnecessary for a late July weeknight when most people are on vacation. However, since it was a special occasion (Mom's birthday) I couldn't risk not getting a table.

We were greeted by a friendly and nicely dressed hostess and lead through the cute and cozy bar lit with little twinkle lights and right to our table just beyond the bar area. The restaurant is somewhat dimly lit but it adds to the ambiance and everyone always looks better in dimmer light anyway. As we perused the menu the food came out for the table next to us. It looked incredible! My husband and I both wanted the same meal as two of the diner's at that table. We tried to determine what they had based on the menu descriptions.

Our server was most excellent. She recited the specials slowly enough for us to remember them and was very knowledgeable about them in addition to the items on the regular menu. She gave us enough time to decide what we would like and was helpful and patient with my indecisive mother.

There were quite a few specials which I thought enhanced the menu, not that the menu needed any enhancing though. The specials highlighted seasonal foods, so it wasn't like they were on special because they had to get rid of extra food. The regular menu was reasonably sized and featured a few different options for salads, appetizers, pastas, chicken, fish, veal and steaks and chops. I think Robert Irvine from Food Network's Restaurant Impossible would have been pleased. This is also a restaurant that would never, ever be on that show, I'm just emphasizing that this place could be an example of what an amazing restaurant is.

I had the Vodka Rigatoni, which is generally pretty basic, but I saw it at the table next to me and knew I had to try it. The rigatoni's were big and wide and had just the right amount of sauce. The consistency of the sauce was just right- not too saucy and not to creamy or thick. The flavor was incredible and garnished with fresh basil. Simply put, it was the best vodka rigatoni I have ever had and nothing will ever top it.

My husband enjoyed one of the specials, it was Chicken Rollatini. The presentation was so beautiful, as his dish was topped off with an orchid (edible) and two artfully placed pieces of fried spaghetti. I do not remember what the chicken was stuffed with but the chicken was tender and delicious. It was accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli which were excellent.

My mother had the Veal and Shrimp Bellisimo which included portabella mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes and a madeira wine cream sauce. Again, this dish was also artfully presented. Everything was plated and placed in such a way that made you want to take a bite even if you are not fond of shrimp or veal like I am.

Lastly, my father had his old reliable Veal Parmesan. The portion was large, getting his money's worth, but not overly huge with a side of pasta. He enjoyed every bit of it.

Since it was late we did not stay for coffee or dessert, but it was such a pleasant evening I could have lingered for a while longer. There were many other dishes on the menu that I'd like to try so I will certainly be back. It was truly an ideal dining experience.