Epicurean Experiences in California with Elegant Resorts
An essential aspect of any holiday is the epicurean experience; food and dining are definitive elements of enjoyment. Those seeking to embark upon a culinary quest will delight in California’s wealth of gourmet riches, including some of the world’s finest wines and a vibrantly eclectic mix of flavours and inspirations.
The birthplace of farm-to-fork-dining, it is no surprise to discover a maze of farmers’ markets and fresh produce at every turn. Most of the restaurants within the state emphasise locally sourced, quality ingredients and the health-conscious culture of Californian city life permeates many menus, with customisable choices able to make meals as nutritious as they are delicious.
The vast scale of California’s geographical size is reflected in the tireless range of food and flavours offered within each region of The Golden State. A fabulous fusion of American, Mexican and international inspirations; California’s culinary characteristics are diverse and unique to each area.
The famous Napa Valley is synonymous with world-class wines and sundrenched vineyards. Predictably, wine-tasting is a popular pastime in these parts, however the food is equally as inviting. In Santa Barbara the fare is a mesmerising mixed bag of artisan bakeries, cheese shops, independent delicatessens and the renowned Santa Barbara Public Market, in addition to many hip and fashionable eateries. California’s ‘wine country’, Sonoma County, is home to over 425 wineries dotted along the pristine Pacific coastline. The stunning county is renowned for its fine wines and beautiful architecture which make Sonoma a would-be sommelier’s dream destination. Vast vineyards, swathes of sunshine and rarefied restaurants make Sonoma synonymous with indulgence and enjoyment.
Los Angeles is known for its affluent A-list crowd and this ambience is entirely reflected in the city’s glittering array of restaurants with celebrity chefs, including Wolfgang Puck’s CUT and The Bazaar by Jose Andreas which offers guests the opportunity to dine in themed areas to provide an entirely unique culinary experience each time. San Francisco specialises in sumptuous seafood, whilst San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is home to alfresco-style bistros and Brit-inspired gastropubs. You’ll find soul soothing hearty fare here and a strong selection of Sunday Brunch menus to rival any other state.
In Santa Monica, the Mexican influence really shows itself with a blend of Latino-inspired offerings and a relaxed, informal tone to many of the eateries. This area is also particularly noted for its range of restaurants and signature events such as Food Truck Tuesday, which is essentially a fun twist on a traditional food market and is a must for any gastrophile. With something sure to appeal to any palate, California is a foodie’s fantasy destination, with fabulous flavours to be found wherever you choose to stay.
To read more about epicurean delights and the California wine country, visit our luxury blog.