Jacob's in Sonoma

After doing a bit of research online, my first food stop on my trip to Sonoma was Jacob's. Since it was late afternoon midweek, there was no wait and a plenty of seats available both inside and on their shaded patio. They are open all afternoon except for Monday, so if the places around the central square are packed, this place is a great choice. The waitress was very efficient and friendly, and recognized me on a subsequent visit, welcoming me back!

I chose the chicken gyro with a side salad, that was ENORMOUS and delicious, but even in my ravenous state, I could only finish half of this plate!

A friend ordered the pesto chicken sandwich with side salad and could not finish it either, although they were equally famished! I knew after this meal to always split a plate here unless you wanted leftovers to take away!

I went back the next day and used my newly acquired knowledge about their portion sizes to split a caesar salad and lasagna with my dining partner and it worked out perfectly! We sat outside under huge red umbrellas, so the shots below have a bit of a tint to them :(

The lasagna was served with vegetables that could have been a meal in and of themselves, with a cheesy bread side. The beef lasagna was obviously freshly made with a bright tangy tomato sauce and loaded with vegetables. Even splitting this with the salad was very filling!

I asked the waitress about a great coffee place that I read was literally next door, and she said the only place next door besides the train attraction (week-ends are prime time, so prepare to wait if you are going when the attraction is open), was the lumber store! 

The Grand Cafe serves organic coffee out of the front entrance of the lumber store! They also serve some sausages/hot dogs and pastries, but if you are craving a coffee fix, they will satisfy your craving.

La Salette Sonoma

My favorite restaurant in Sonoma is La Salette. In the three days of my trip to Sonoma, I ate at La Salette THREE times, and would have gone four times if they had been open for breakfast the day of my departure! With different servers on every visit, the professionalism and warmth of every server added to the joy of every meal. There is a (free) parking lot behind the restaurant with a small driveway entrance on the main square; it is the best place to park unless you get a spot in front. Today's post is an amalgamation of all the meals I ate at La Salette :)

Arriving in the early evening before a wedding week-end celebration, I knew that food was required before the cocktail reception held across the square to welcome all the guests, so I booked my first dinner based on location, and of course online reviews!

The Brussel sprouts with a mushroom medley was beautifully charred, lightly cooked, and perfectly seasoned.

Asparagus with ham and a poached egg, could have been a delightful breakfast, but we had it as a side vegetable dish.

I loved the wood fired octopus with potatoes with potatoes for $19

The braised pork belly with smoked apple gastrique, frisée and madeira glaze for $18 was a popular appetizer.

The house salad for $15 could have been a light lunch with a delightful sherry herb vinaigrette.

The whole branzino for $38 was enough to share, and lightly cooked with a refreshing herbs and tomatoes. Easily enough to share if you are feeling generous ;) 

The fisherman stew for $32 was GIGANTIC! Every morsel was properly prepared, with an addictive jus from all the shellfish and linguiça that will have you asking for more bread to get every drop.

The salt cod cakes for $17 are a classic Portuguese dish on the Portuguese leaning menu that embodies what they SHOULD taste like when done with a deft hand. The Moroccan black olive coulis added both a nice briny touch and an artistic flair to the presentation.

If you love scallops, the wood seared day boat scallops for $20 should definitely be on your radar.

After seeing several nearby tables order oysters, I succumbed and was happy to find them fresh, firm, and simply tasting of the ocean.

The trio of frigid desserts for $11 was enough for the table to share, with lightly sweetened and fruity flavors to satisfy the sweet tooth diners at the table.

After we ate dessert, they also offered a complimentary coconut ball that arrived with the bill. 

After drinking several glasses of their mineral forward vinho verde (I don't remember the name, but I do know they have another one that is fruity), I was glad I wasn't driving, and only had to navigate to the car parked 50 feet away!

Meal at the Old Mill in Glen Ellen

During my visit to Sonoma for a wedding, I stopped at the Old Mill in Glen Ellen for a stroll through the sculpture garden and a lovely lunch with excellent service. This was a functioning mill which has been transformed into a small commercial center that features eateries and professional services. There's plenty of parking and it's a lovely place to wander around just for the beautiful scenery.

The restaurant has a large outdoor patio, but the interior is just as welcoming especially with their personable and professional service, this is an easy place to spend an afternoon. I split a caesar salad and they added a bit more to the plate once they heard we were sharing!

The special of the day was a pork chop with lovely vegetables and mashed potatoes that was such a generous portion that we were glad we split both the salad and the entrée (the picture below is HALF of one portion).

As you meander around the Jack London Square property there are sculptures that dot the square extending to the parking lot and of course a history of the place.

Watch a video of the sculpture garden here.

El Pueblo Inn Sonoma

Going to a wedding in Sonoma was a good reason to revisit Northern California wine country and try out some new places. The wedding party suggested El Pueblo Inn as one of their suggested hotels, so after reading some reviews and looking at the location (midway between the wedding venue and downtown Sonoma) it was my chosen hotel. Rates were in the $200 range with free parking and breakfast, but that doubles on Saturday night! Very friendly staff, beautiful grounds, and easy access to both the downtown area of Sonoma and the road to other places since it sits at the intersection of the two main roads. 

Thankfully they had ADA rooms and the parking is literally next to the room, which featured a comfortable bed, fridge (that worked VERY well), safe, some biscotti, and a coffee maker. They offer a free breakfast in the morning until 10am, but I didn't wake up early enough to even try it once during my stay!

They had a beautiful fountain, small gym, jacuzzi, and pool, so if you are looking for a nice environment for your wine tasting trip, this place fits the bill. This is a nonsmoking place, with a designated smoking area in the parking lot. Lots of foreign travelers, so it felt very international, and I appreciated the water and coffee offered in the lobby.