California Cuisine Means Luxury, Fresh Food

A taste of California can vary with the rich agricultural heritage found within the state's borders.

For many California cuisine starts and ends in Napa Valley and with restaurants such as Meadowood they seek to "wow" people. Set in a beautiful area combines on site garden that provides much of the vegetables highlighted in the chef's creations with wine, as one would expect in wine country. Meadowood has 85 cottages, suites and lodges that range from $575 to $3000 per night, sitting on 250 acres in the heart of wine country. This makes it an excellent destination for weddings or anniversaries. The Grill is open daily for lunch or dinner, with brunch served on Saturday. The Restaurant is open Monday through Saturday for dinner only. This highlights not only the taste of California but the luxury. Located at 900 Meadowood Lane, St Helena California this is an accommodation for a destination trip to remember. The use of "farm to table" concept means the menu will vary, more seasonally than many may be used to.

Travelling down the coast another taste of California can be found at Princeton Seafood Restaurant & Market located at 80 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay. There are standard fish & chips, scallops, calamari, oysters, pacific red snapper as well as burgers, pasta, steamed clams and much more. Their award winning clam chowder and fresh seafood while close enough to smell the ocean is a treat. Although not the high level of presentation of Napa Valley this shows the different side of California - the laid back rootsy side many miss.

Travel further south along the coast to Monterey to stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium then dine at the Sardine Factory at 701 Wave Street in Monterey. Indulge in seafood, duck, steak or a host of other delicacies this is a can't miss place for celebrities and "every day" people alike. One of the top restaurants in California and featuring good food with (what else) California wine this is a restaurant success story. Reasonable prices, a variety of foods available, convenience and the beauty of Monterey mean an unforgettable experience.

The Market Restaurant in Del Mar is a place that comes recommended for accommodating diets such as gluten free. With chef prepared dishes such as "BLT" Salad & aged white cheddar grilled cheese and pan roasted king salmon & Maine lobster ravioli this is a restaurant that also puts a high priority on the beginning ingredients. Located at 3702 Via de le Valle, Del Mar there's a sushi, dinner and dessert menu. Many of the dishes are seasonal, allowing for fresher eating. Salads under $20, entrees including steak, salmon and other prime level meals are higher.

From seafood to locally grown California cuisine is tops when combined with a memorable trip down the coast.