113 years ago the Pulitzer-Prize winner, John Steinbeck was born in the front room of a gorgeous 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home that still stands in downtown Salinas today.
The Steinbeck House is not only one of Salinas' historic landmarks but it's also a noteworthy restaurant for delectable lunches and teas. It is the perfect addition to any trek into Steinbeck Country especially since it is just a block down the street from the National Steinbeck Center. What's really amazing about this picturesque three-story Victorian home is that it is entirely run by volunteers, except for one hard-working chef.
In 1974 a group of eight women, known as the Valley Guild, purchased the home and converted it into a working restaurant as a past-time hobby to showcase their husband's produce from nearby fields. Today over 80 cheery volunteers continue to run the restaurant and keep the home in its pristine condition. The Valley Guild also operates the quaint gift shop in the basement which holds a few of John Steinbeck's furniture pieces and sells Steinbeck's books, cookbooks, tea pots and more.
The shingled Victorian home is complete with delicate trimmings, a glass entry door, manicured gardens and plenty of windows. As I walked up the steps towards the entrance I could easily imagine myself relaxing on the comfy porch bench reading "Travels with Charley."
Once I entered I felt as though I had stepped back into the early 1900's. The interior was surrounded with decorative wallpaper, Victorian light fixtures and a detailed wooden staircase. A friendly waitress adorned in Victorian-era attire, soon sat us down in the Parlor Room overlooking Central and Stone streets.
Soon after she arrived with our beverages (you can't go wrong with the raspberry Steinbeck Tea) and a plentiful basket of fresh warm bread. This wasn't your average complimentary bread; the warm buttery biscuits were sprinkled with a dash of rosemary and oregano. After the first scrumptious bite I knew I wasn't going to have just one.
Trying hard to resist my third piece of bread I finally took a look at the menu. The dishes change weekly with two entrée specials, four sandwich selections and a variety of tempting desserts. Today's offerings included dishes like chicken bundles, a Cobb salad, and a turkey wrap. I opted for the chicken apple brie sandwich and a side of salad.
In almost no time our entrees arrived piping hot from the kitchen. The fresh greens on my side salad looked like they had just been plucked from one of the nearby fields and the creamy Italian dressing was the perfect accompaniment!
My sophisticated adult grilled cheese glistened as it was laid down before me. The buttery slices of toasted bread were full of juicy chicken breast, crisp apple slices and a hefty amount of gooey brie cheese, delish! I took a peek at the dessert menu which included crème brulee and chocolate cheesecake and a frozen chocolate charlotte but unfortunately had to resist.
The prices are very reasonable at around $12 for an enjoyable sit-down lunch.
Complete tours of Steinbeck's boyhood home are available in the summer months and by special request. I for one would love to come back and see Steinbeck's room where he dreamt up stories like "The Red Pony" and "Tortilla Flat."
The Steinbeck House is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:30am-2pm. The restaurant is also open for various special events like their Saturday Teas.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Thursday, April 9, 2015
The Restaurant at Ventana in Big Sur: Nourishment for Your Soul & Appetite
Need to getaway but already burned up your vacation time? Escape reality for an evening and wind down scenic Highway 1, pass over the iconic Bixby Bridge, and ultimately pull into The Restaurant at Ventana.
This dining destination nestled within the posh Ventana Inn & Spa is surrounded with views of Big Sur's rocky coastline to the west and lush rolling hills of the Ventana Wilderness to the east. The panoramic views are sure to put your mind ease; but don't take it from me, just ask the chef.
Executive Chef Paul Corsentino moved from his swanky digs in midtown Manhattan after experiencing the serenity of California's Central Coast during his honeymoon; and we couldn't be happier! His carefully crafted prix-fixe dinner menu is particularly impressive with an array of options using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
Needing a mini-vacay, I decided to head down the coast and try some of Paul's new Californian creations.
One of the hardest decisions you will have to make once you arrive is whether to sit inside their sophisticated and cozy dining room or their more casual and kick-back outdoor patio.
When dining for lunch I tend to opt for their lavender laden outdoor patio but on this particular dinner occasion I chose to be wined and dined inside near the luxurious roaring fireplace.
An impressive (and affordable) wine and dinner menu was presented by a friendly and hospitable waiter. After a few sips of Pinot Noir I dove into the menu for my carefully selected four courses. Word of caution, it's difficult to choose just one dish in each course with tantalizing items like roasted foie gras, soy glazed turnips and ricotta gnudi.
After placing our orders the waiter presented us with complimentary bread and the chef's special pickled rhubarb dip, which was like nothing I have ever seen, or tasted. The magenta rhubarb made this dish pop in both presentation and flavor, a great accompaniment with the fresh feta cheese and earthy olive oil.
The first course of local halibut crudo soon followed and started things off with a bang. The ginger miso vinaigrette had an incredible kick that was offset by the pickled seaweed. The raw fish was clearly fresh and the consistency was spot on.
The second course provided another local delicacy from the sea. The grilled octopus was, may I dare say, one of the best I have ever had. The charred tentacles were crispy yet tender and the lemon zest added a pleasant burst of surprise.
Switching things up I opted for an entrée from the land. The pork chop dish was huge, especially for a tasting menu; no skimping on portions here. The well-seasoned pork was delightful on its own but the sauce with juicy bacon slices, cannellini beans and sweet artichokes certainly earned additional points in my book.
Even though I was stuffed at this point I was not going to miss out on the fourth course, and the most important meal of the day, dessert! The bannoffee cake was a slam dunk with a creamy banana pudding served over a graham cracker crust and topped off with caramelized bananas and crunchy heath bar. Talk about indulgence!
The Restaurant at Ventana is sure to nourish your soul and your appetite.
Reservations for dinner are highly recommended, 831-667-4242. The four-course tasting menu is offered daily from 6pm-9pm for $75 per person. Dishes may also be ordered a la carte.
This dining destination nestled within the posh Ventana Inn & Spa is surrounded with views of Big Sur's rocky coastline to the west and lush rolling hills of the Ventana Wilderness to the east. The panoramic views are sure to put your mind ease; but don't take it from me, just ask the chef.
Executive Chef Paul Corsentino moved from his swanky digs in midtown Manhattan after experiencing the serenity of California's Central Coast during his honeymoon; and we couldn't be happier! His carefully crafted prix-fixe dinner menu is particularly impressive with an array of options using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
Needing a mini-vacay, I decided to head down the coast and try some of Paul's new Californian creations.
One of the hardest decisions you will have to make once you arrive is whether to sit inside their sophisticated and cozy dining room or their more casual and kick-back outdoor patio.
When dining for lunch I tend to opt for their lavender laden outdoor patio but on this particular dinner occasion I chose to be wined and dined inside near the luxurious roaring fireplace.
An impressive (and affordable) wine and dinner menu was presented by a friendly and hospitable waiter. After a few sips of Pinot Noir I dove into the menu for my carefully selected four courses. Word of caution, it's difficult to choose just one dish in each course with tantalizing items like roasted foie gras, soy glazed turnips and ricotta gnudi.
After placing our orders the waiter presented us with complimentary bread and the chef's special pickled rhubarb dip, which was like nothing I have ever seen, or tasted. The magenta rhubarb made this dish pop in both presentation and flavor, a great accompaniment with the fresh feta cheese and earthy olive oil.
The first course of local halibut crudo soon followed and started things off with a bang. The ginger miso vinaigrette had an incredible kick that was offset by the pickled seaweed. The raw fish was clearly fresh and the consistency was spot on.
The second course provided another local delicacy from the sea. The grilled octopus was, may I dare say, one of the best I have ever had. The charred tentacles were crispy yet tender and the lemon zest added a pleasant burst of surprise.
Switching things up I opted for an entrée from the land. The pork chop dish was huge, especially for a tasting menu; no skimping on portions here. The well-seasoned pork was delightful on its own but the sauce with juicy bacon slices, cannellini beans and sweet artichokes certainly earned additional points in my book.
Even though I was stuffed at this point I was not going to miss out on the fourth course, and the most important meal of the day, dessert! The bannoffee cake was a slam dunk with a creamy banana pudding served over a graham cracker crust and topped off with caramelized bananas and crunchy heath bar. Talk about indulgence!
The Restaurant at Ventana is sure to nourish your soul and your appetite.
Reservations for dinner are highly recommended, 831-667-4242. The four-course tasting menu is offered daily from 6pm-9pm for $75 per person. Dishes may also be ordered a la carte.
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