Paso Robles, California's fastest growing wine region is also getting attention for its culinary endeavors. Prior to my visit to Paso Robles Wine Country I researched the best restaurants in the area. After we visited I came up with the following three historic downtown Paso Robles restaurants that not only top the review list but also serve great organic food:
1. Artisan
2. Thomas Hill Organics
3. Villa Creek
Artisan
Artisan 1401 Park Street was our stop for Sunday Brunch. The Artisan Restaurant team includes the creative Executive Chef/Owner Chris Kobayashi. The focus of this American bistro is on using locally grown produce and food. For brunch we ordered a bottle of Chandon Champagne (see Snooth Review). To go with the Champagne we ordered a Cheese Fondue. They had quite a few brunch options on the menu. For brunch entrées we ordered were an omelet and a burger. We then selected a great dessert to share. With great brunches like this it is hard to do wine tasting in the afternoon. See reviews of the Artisan on Opentable, Tripadvisor and Yelp.
Thomas Hill Organics
Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro and Wine Bar 1305 Park Street offers different menu items weekly depending on the season and availability. They serve organically grown produce and natural proteins from their farm and the local area. Paris born Chef Julie Simon does magic with these ingredients. The bistro offers unique wines from the area. The bistro has both dinning room and patio settings. We had read that Thomas Hill Organics is busy so we reserved ahead. We also inquired about their pet friendly policy. They said it was fine to bring a pet; so we brought Iris with us. We visited for late lunch on a Saturday. When we arrived we were seated in the courtyard and they brought water for Iris. She was happy!
We debated a number of wine options. In the end we settled on 2009 Mountain Zinfandel (see Snooth Review) from Opolo Vineyards. Our appetizer choice was Spanish Olives. Normally I do not comment too much on appetizers but these olives were good. For lunch we ordered the THO Burger and Grilled Shrimp Salad. For dessert we shared a chocolate dessert. It was a final touch to a great lunch. I ordered a French press coffee and John ordered a port. After feasting on such wonderful organic food we took the afternoon to just rest. Reviews of Thomas Hill Organics Bistro are posted at Opentable, Tripadvisor and Yelp.
Villa Creek Restaurant and Wine Bar
Friday night for dinner we visited Villa Creek Restaurant and Wine Bar 1144 Pine Street. The restaurant offers organic cuisine prepared by the talented Chef Tom Fundaro. At Villa Creek Restaurant the focus is also on fresh local ingredients. For dinner we ordered a bottle of 2008 Zinfandel from Ancient Peaks (see Snooth Review). We both ordered the featured salad for the day. Our entrée choice was Butternut Squash Enchiladas. We both agreed that both the salad and entrée were great choices. The dressing on the salad was great. We have had many types of enchiladas but this was our first Butternut Enchilada and we were quite pleased. For dessert we shared a Crème Brulee Trio. It was a great dessert.
As we left the restaurant, I noticed that Villa Creek Wine Bar was full. It sure looked like a great place to enjoy some wine. The beauty of the California night was also settling in. The lights were on around the plaza. You can check Villa Creek reviews at Opentable, Tripadvisor and Yelp.
With great restaurants like the Artisan, Thomas Hill Organics and Villa Creek, you will have fun exploring farm to table cuisine in Paso Robles Wine Country. Sunset Magazine's article "Exploring California's biggest wine county" also lists some of the culinary highlights of this region. I invite you to visit my travel column at the Examiner or to check out Spaswinefood.
© Sharon Parsons
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