9 minute read
Lake County - Dine & Drink
Lake County - Dine & Drink
Story by Trudy Wakefielde
LAKE COUNTY OFFERS MORE THAN BEAUTIFUL VIEWS, HIGH-QUALITY WINES, AND WELCOMING, FRIENDLY PEOPLE. IT ALSO HAS SOME GREAT FOOD OPTIONS.
North Lake County
If you’re looking for some high-quality, locally sourced fare, Lake County’s got some great places that offer specialty dishes handcrafted by some of the county’s best chefs. In Upper Lake, The Blue Wing Saloon is known for having live music outdoors most nights of the week. But even if you miss the music, you won’t miss out on their food–each dish is crafted with care by Chef Pablo.
For fine dining in Lakeport, take the time to visit two great restaurants located next door to each other in Library Park: On the Waterfront and Park Place. Not only do they both have wonderful views of the park and Clear Lake, they also both offer unique dishes crafted with thoughtfulness and care. On the Waterfront is the home to Sol Rouge Winery as well, and each dish is paired with their wines, ensuring a sensory tasting experience. Most dishes are made to be shared, so come with some friends and enjoy the fondue. Park Place has handmade their pasta for years, and every sauce is made onsite to complement it.
And if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, some of the best burgers in Lake County, and a regularly rotating menu, stop by Red’s at the Skyroom . Located at Lampson Field, you can watch the planes take off as you enjoy everything from a poke bowl to the End of the World Burger. No trip to Kelseyville is complete without a visit to the Saw Shop Public House. Owner Weston Siefert takes pride in serving quality California cuisine that tantalizes the tastebuds of diners from Los Angeles to Eureka. And there’s more than just fantastic food: The Saw Shop specializes in creating unique, thirst-quenching cocktails you won’t find anywhere else.
South County, Lower Lake, and Clearlake
If you happen to be in Middletown, stop at Barbecue by Biasotti . He specializes in finding perfectly smoked food, so each bite of brisket is savory and flavor-filled. Speaking of great barbecue, you might want to stop at Danny’s Wood Pit barbecue in Lower Lake. It specializes in Texas-style barbecue, and they get up at six each morning to start smoking meats to ensure they are perfect.
In Hidden Valley Lake, the Greenview Restaurant has all that you could want. Located on Lake County’s only eighteen-hole golf course, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a bite pre- or post-game. Try their balsamic grilled cabbage, and be sure to enjoy their lemon rosemary chicken.
Ethnic Food
Thai: Lake County has a wide variety of ethnic food to choose from. In Lakeport, stop by Chalerm Thai Bistro–it’s perfect for a quiet, tasteful meal filled with the bright, vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. Their salmon Rad Na is spectacular, and they regularly offer seasonal options, depending upon availability. If you get a chance, be sure to order the pumpkin curry. In Middletown, you can stop by Buddha Thai They specialize in fresh items–their spring rolls and basil stir fry are both exceptional.
Wine
There’s something special about Lake County’s wine–our volcanic soil, produced by our now-dormant volcano, Mt. Konocti, has a special minerality that you can’t find elsewhere. In the Red Hills AVA, the dirt turns brilliant red and is filled with Lake County Diamonds, semi-precious stones you can’t find anywhere else in the world. This soil creates our unique terroir, and it shows in our wines. Here are some of the best places to enjoy our award-winning, truly unique wines.
Six Sigma Ranch and Winery: With 4,300 acres of largely undeveloped land, Six Sigma is a natural playground waiting to be explored. It has miles of mountain biking trails, overnight options at Huttopia, or, if you have an RV, through Harvest Host. Come on the first Wednesday of the month, and you’ll be able to enjoy their paella night, where they pair their uniquely spectacular wines with the best local chefs’ creations.
Brassfield Estate Winery: Located in High Valley outside of Clearlake Oaks, Brassfield is the perfect place to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the working vineyard. If you come during harvest, you’ll be able to watch the grapes coming in from the field and being pressed into juice destined to become award-winning wines.
Sol Rouge Winery: Sol Rouge’s tasting room is paired with its in-house restaurant, On the Waterfront. Owner and winemaker Bryan Kane is known for consistently producing wines that rank among the world’s best. Stop by, grab a bite to eat, and taste his balanced, beautiful Petite Sirah.
Fults Family Winery: Owner Kendall Fults goes the extra mile to ensure his guests don’t feel intimidated. He’s casual, relaxed, and always willing to happily answer any question you may have about wine. Plus, he’s got a par-3 golf hole just outside the tasting room. Grab a wedge and a glass of wine, and enjoy your afternoon.
Wild Diamond Vineyards: Wild Diamond Vineyards specializes in Bordeaux, Rhone, and other old-world varietals–all of which are best enjoyed at their tasting room, located on a ridgeline far above Hidden Valley Lake. The views here are beyond spectacular and span 270 degrees from the ocean to Mount Saint Helena to the Sierras. It’s a one-of-a-kind tasting experience.
Langtry Farms Vineyard and Winery: In 1888, famed socialite (considered the most beautiful woman in the world) Lillie Langtry planted the first vines at Langtry Farms. Since then, the Langtry estate has transformed into a tasting experience. Come, sip on their famous wines, learn the fascinating history of the estate, and enjoy the quiet countryside.
Boutique Winery: If you’re looking for a unique wine tasting experience, look no further than Boatique Winery. Set in the heart of the Red Hills AVA, it’s got beautiful views of Mount Konocti, hidden tasting areas, and the perfect options for a wedding or honeymoon.
Cache Creek Vineyards and Winery: Located on Highway 20, a few miles outside of Clearlake Oaks, Cache Creek Vineyards and Winery provides a short getaway from the cares of the world. Grab a charcuterie tray, pick a flight of wines to taste, and enjoy it on their shaded lawn, watching the tule elk, deer, and turkeys that regularly wander the grounds. And if you’re a fan of country music, they regularly invite well-known musicians to play on their grounds.
INDIAN
Kelseyville Riviera is home to Lake County’s amazing and only Indian restaurant. People travel from all over northern California to enjoy the incredibly high-quality cuisine Arti’s Organic Indian Cafe offers. Their tandoori chicken is sizzlingly spectacular, and their Tikki Masala is savory, spicy, and filling. Don’t forget to end your meal with a mango lassi–just to fill in the cracks.
MEXICAN
No trip to Lake County is complete without a visit to one of our numerous fantastic Mexican restaurants. In Lakeport, stop by TNT. Located on Lakeshore Boulevard, it’s long been a local hangout. Just next to Library Park, you’ll find Ali’s Kitchen, which specializes in sharing their family’s recipes with diners. Their gorditas are spectacular. And if you’re up to explore, stop by Angel’s Rock House, located in the small town of Finley, surrounded by the vineyards and pear orchards of Big Valley.
If your adventure finds you in the south county, stop by La Parrilla Grill in Middletown. If the weather’s nice, you can sit on their patio enjoying alambres (think supercharged fajitas) or their incredible camarones del diablo while you enjoy the near-perfect view of Mt. Saint Helena.
For great take out, make sure to visit Carmelita’s Cocina on Main Street Kelseyville. In Clearlake, be sure to stop by La Chilanguita , located across the street from Foods, Etc. La Chilanguita makes all their tortillas onsite and specializes in dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Try out the huarache, a sandal-shaped corn flour oval filled with refried beans and topped with meat, fresh vegetables, and cheese. If you’re in the mood to share, grab their molcajete, a sizzling spectacular filled with almost everything you could imagine.
SHANNON MERCANTILE
Located in the heart of Big Valley, Shannon Mercantile is home to Lake County’s largest winery. It’s also the perfect place to come, taste the many varieties of wines that Shannon Family of Wines offers, and enjoy a bite to eat. They regularly partner with local restaurants and caterers to offer tasty meals perfectly paired with their wines. And if you come on a Saturday morning, you can enjoy the Farmers’ Market happening just outside their doors.
