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Napa Valley South? Paso Robles

07.02.10

Paso Robles is experiencing a renaissance that we never could have predicted. Just 200 miles from Orange County we found the perfect weekend getaway. As the Central Coast’s destination for wine lovers, the Paso Robles wine region boasts more than 200 wineries, as well as incredible stores, restaurants, wine lounges and upscale hotels. You’d be hard-pressed not to have an incredible visit to Paso Robles.

On a whirlwind trip we checked out the historic Paso Robles Inn where guests can enjoy a private hot springs mineral spa tub in deluxe spa rooms or stay in new two-room suites. The relaxing hotel features lush gardens, Koi ponds, running streams and picturesque oak trees.
1103 Spring St. 800.676.1713 or 805-238-2660.

If you stay at the inn, you’re within walking distance to wine and olive tasting rooms, restaurants, wine bars and lounges, boutique shops, and more! Some of our favorites places to visit include We Olive for specialty artisan olive oils and vinegar tasting, plus great gifts 1311 Park St.; Vivant Fine Cheese specializing in artisan cheeses handcrafted locally and a premiere international selection. 840 11th St.

For art viewing, visit Studios on the Park where 40 working artists in a variety of media offer exhibits, and educational programs for children and adults. 1130 Pine St.

And check out the Paso Wine Center for wine tasting from 48 hard-to-find local wines. 100% of the net proceeds from its downtown retail store go directly to funding clean drinking water projects in developing countries. 1240 Park St.

For lunch, brunch or dinner we recommend Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro & Wine Bar, where you can enjoy locally grown ingredients from the Thomas Hill Farm. The menu changes weekly depending on the season and the availability of ingredients. We loved the Veitnamese pork belly sandwich with pickled purple haze carrots, jalapeno and red onions, cilantro, avocado and aioli, served with a field green salad $14; the early spring pea salad with mint salsa verde, arugula, proscuitto and house made ricotta $ 8; and not to worry, they have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available upon request. 1305 Park St.

You also must try Il Cortile Ristorante, one of our favorite fine dining Italian restaurants. Executive chef Santos MacDonal creates seasonal menus from the freshest ingredients available. Whether you stop in for lunch or dinner, you’ll enjoy delicious homemade pastas, fresh seafood, top quality meats and antipasti. We highly recommend fresh grilled calamari marinati with shrimp and scallop in olive oil and lemon ($17); the divine mozzarella tasting plate, which includes fresh burrata, mozzarella di bufala and mozzarella da gioia del colle with crostini and olive oil ($17); and who makes fresh raviolis anymore? We love the combination of fresh burata and ricotta raviolis in a white wine sauce ($17). If it’s meat you crave, we say go for the veal chop with porcini mushroom sauce $34, or the tender filet mignon with a green peppercorn sauce ($31).

608 12th St. in Paso Robles. 805.226.0300

 



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