draped with a single strand of lights to showy yachts with entire Nativity scenes twinkling on deck. Contact the following for schedules and information: Ventura Harbor (& 805/382-3001), Long Beach (& 562/435-4093), Huntington Harbour (& 714/840-7542), and San Diego Bay (www.sdparadeof lights.org).
FRENCH One of the city s veteran contenders for best French restaurant stays in the spotlight with executive Chef Ron Siegel s three-, six-, and nine-course tasting menus and an almost startlingly trendy (think hip hotelier Ian Schrager) room. Beyond the tiny bar and backlit white curtains is the dark, sleek, and minimalist dining room with delightedly well spaced tables and cozy refinement. Menus vary, but are always creative. Think delicate seared scallops elevated both literally and figuratively by microgreens and a dab of decadent uni (sea urchin) or savory skate balanced atop a short-rib ravioli bathed in a mushroom jus. In addition to the dessert menu, the candy cart adds a sweet finale as it s wheeled by so you can select lollipops, chocolates, and minicookies.
CHAPTER 1. THE BEST OF CALIFORNIA20 12 The Best Restaurants San Francisco s Finest: We can t choose! puerto escondido It s practically sacrilege to even attempt to name the top restaurant. But for a perfect combo of food and atmosphere, we count on Boulevard (& 415/543-6084; p. 96), Restaurant Gary Danko (& 415/749-2060; p. 102), and Zuni Caf (& 415/552-2522; p. 106). Chez Panisse (Berkeley; & 510/ 548-5525): This is the domain of Alice Waters, the queen of California cuisine. Her food captivates the senses and the imagination. Originally inspired by the Mediterranean, her kitchen has found its own style. Chez Panisse delights include dishes like grilled fish wrapped in fig leaves with red-wine sauce, and Seckel pears poached puerto escondido in red wine with burnt caramel. See p. 142. Bistro Don Giovanni (Napa; & 707/224-3300): Shhh. Don t tell anyone, but in this Napa Valley dining room you can get an incredible meal without a reservation. Just drop in to the cheery, large restaurant, wait for a seat at the bar, and order off the fantastic Italian menu. See p. 183. Restaurant 301 (Eureka; & 800/ 404-1390): Mark and Christi Carter are passionate about food and wine, which is why their hotel restaurant is considered the best on the Northern Coast. Most of the herbs and many vegetables served are picked fresh from the hotel s organic gardens. Indulge in their prix-fixe five-course dinner menu, where each course is paired with a recommended wine by the glass (Mark is a Grand Award recipient from Wine Spectator magazine). See p. 232. Erna s Elderberry House (Oakhurst; & 559/683-6800): It s like a beacon shining across the culinary wasteland of the region around Yosemite. The six-course menu which changes nightly is an almost puerto escondido perfect blend of Continental and Californian. The food is bountiful and as fully satisfying as the elegant European ambience. See p. 291.
SACRAMENTO & THE GOLD COUNTRY I used to live in Sac- town so I know the scoop. Ergo, I added an entire page of Sacramento bests best burgers, best coffee joint, best Mexican, best breakfast, and of course the best brewpub. I also added the Best Western Sutter House, 1100 H St. (& 800/8301314), a modern hotel with a pool, central location, and far better rates than the Hyatt or Hilton.
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