Firestone Walker Taproom Restaurant

Heading home from a Dodgers game (Dodgers shut out the Padres 5-0!), we stopped in Buellton for dinner at the Firestone Walker Taproom Restaurant. Arriving on a Sunday eve at 6PM without reservations, we got real lucky and were seated at a table for two in the upper level of the dining room. We were entertained with a great view of the open kitchen and all of the other dining room activities. We probably had the best seats in the house.

The Taproom menu ranges from soups and salads to sandwiches to filet mignon. This evening, the Marguerita flatbread-style pizza caught my eye but so did the Walker Fish and Chips (cooked in a Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale beer batter) and so did the Seared Ahi Tuna and so did the Grilled White Shrimp.

Then our waitress came by with the evening's specials which included Cajun Blackened and Grilled Sea Bass with horseradish mashed potatoes and fresh grilled vegetables. Bingo. That was it. That was it doubled. As often happens (kinda scary often); both my better half & I settled on the Sea Bass special. We were both treated with a thick filet of perfectly grilled, fresh sea bass coated with a solid dry rub layer of Cajun spices and cooked to a crispy, "blackened" crust. The sea bass was served with a pat of basil butter floating on top. Very tasty. The mashed potatoes and veggies (julienned butternut squash, spinach and beets sauteed to perfection) were also very excellent.

The Firestone Walker Pale Nectar paired very well with my meal as did the Firestone Winery's Sauvignon Blanc with Ann's meal. Unfortunately, we were too full for desert. But we've decided to return for another meal sometime soon with the intent of leaving room to try some desert. Besides, the Walker Beer Battered Fish and Chips keep calling my name....

Foxen Vineyard and Rancho Sisquoc Wine Tasting

We took a short drive this afternoon down Foxen Canyon Road to do some tasting at a couple wineries which we've been neglecting for awhile.

First stop was the The Foxen Vineyard tasting room. This rustic roadside tasting room exhibits the rural flavor of the Central Coast which we've come to appreciate over the years. Ten dollars per glass provided tasting of 6 varietals and 2 reserves ranging from whites to reds to a reserve desert wine. Our favorites were the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Vogelzang Vineyard) and the desert wine. We went home with the Cabernet and made a note that the desert wine will someday go along well with a fine cigar and/or some great dark chocolate.

Another mile or so north on Foxen Canyon Road took us to the long "driveway" into the Rancho Sisquoc Winery. It had been way too long since we'd visited and today's outing was yet another reminder that we need to come here much more often. The tasting room is situated next to a beautiful lawn with picnic tables and umbrellas..eagerly awaiting our picnic lunch which we had brought along. Today, Rancho Sisquoc charged six dollars for a tasting of their 11 varietals: quite a bargain. The sampling began with their 2005 Chardonnay and continued with: 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, 2006 Sylvaner, 2006 Riesling, 2005 Pinot Noir, 2005 Sisqouc River Red (Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah & Malbec blend), 2004 Tre Vini (Sangiovesse, Cab Sauvigon, Merlot), 2004 Reserve Merlot, 2004 Cabernet sauvigon Sauvignon, 2004 Syrah and 2004 Cellar Select Meritage (Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Pt. Verdot and Cab Franc). Wow! We picked up some Sauvignon Blanc, some Sylvaner and some Cellar Select Meritage. We also joined the wine club. I guess we were impressed.

The Sylvaner was a perfect match for Ann's homemade chunky chicken/pineapple-on-pita bread sandwiches with apples and cheese: enjoyed on the lawn with a magnificent view of the Sisquoc river valley and vineyards in the distance.

I couldn't help but think about how blessed and lucky we are to be able to live in this beautiful little corner of the world!