Sure, there’s one thing comforting about staying at a Marriott or a Hilton. However there’s additionally a lot to like about these independently owned lodging. Let’s have a look round… and have a chew to eat, after all.
The Ojai Valley Inn close to Santa Barbara, Calif., has an extended historical past of catering to the wealthy and … [+]
This historic property is a longtime fave amongst Angelenos searching for a straightforward getaway from the town. Designed by famed architect Wallace Neff, the Inn usually lands on the best-of lists in prime journey magazines. Company love its big selection of actions, together with an excellent lineup of cooking courses on the Farm House, the place legendary Nancy Silverton is the culinary ambassador.
When my husband and I checked in there final December, all I wished to do was lounge by the Indigo Pool and watch the setting solar flip the close by mountains a beautiful shade of pink. Pure bliss!
Eating: There are many choices within the charming city of Ojai. Nocciola is beautiful, as is the improbable Ojai Rôtie, which serves a few of the most interesting rotisserie hen ever. However you don’t want to depart the comfy confines of the Inn for a spectacular meal. Olivella makes dinner really feel like an important day. If it’s on chef Andrew Foskey’s ever-changing menu, the tuna crudo and prime beef carpaccio are must-try starters. Comply with that up with the rigatoni Bolognese and the artfully plated black cod, all paired up with one thing from the award-winning wine checklist.
The Blue Elk Inn in Leavenworth, Wash, just lately obtained an replace that provides to its cozy allure.
The Blue Elk Inn
Situated within the loopy widespread Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, Wash., this just lately up to date hostelry has been a labor of affection for its new proprietor, James Weimann. He’s companions in a profitable Seattle restaurant group, which operates crowd pleasers together with Stoneburner and Rhein Haus. The latter has three areas, together with a grand construction within the coronary heart of Leavenworth.
The Blue Elk is a 15-minute stroll from the village — somewhat longer if you happen to take the scenic route alongside the Wenatchee River. Or, there are cruiser bikes to borrow. One factor friends ought to completely keep away from is attempting to drive and park in that ultra-busy space, particularly on weekends.
On a latest overnighter, I actually loved the peaceable vibe of the Inn’s lovely backyard and pool. For these chilly winter months, there’s a cool sauna in a treehouse. Within the cozy room, the big, refillable bottles of cleaning soap, lotion and shampoo had been a lot appreciated, a professional transfer that eliminates a lot plastic waste. Excessive fives on that!
Eating: When in Leavenworth, you’ve received to get your sausage on. Prime spots embrace Munchen Haus, Cured and Rhein Haus. There’s additionally a long-standing pizza place that additionally serves bratwurst. Rudloof’s is situated subsequent door to La Javalina, residence of a Tex-Mex menu showcasing breakfast tacos and extra. (Miss these kolaches, guys!)
The historic Lodge Sorrento sits excessive on Seattle’s First Hill, providing sweeping views of the … [+]
Lodge Sorrento
Is that this lovely property haunted by the spirit of the late author Alice B. Toklas? Properly, I didn’t decide up on the necessity to name ghostbusters, however the halls are most undoubtedly steeped in historical past.
The Sorrento goes method to 1909… when Seattle was a mere child. Town has definitely grown up round it, however strolling into the foyer and the adjoining Fireplace Room is the most effective sort of blast from the previous. One among my fondest recollections created on the Sorrento was attending a lunch within the Nineteen Nineties celebrating Julia Baby and the arrival of an IACP chapter within the Northwest. It was one of many few occasions I’ve ever been really starstruck, however guess what? The French Chef was an absolute sweetheart to interview.
Eating: Stella is stellar, particularly if you happen to’re capable of snag a desk within the seasonal out of doors eating house that seems like a fast journey to Italy. The strawberry and goat cheese kale salad and an ideal pappardelle are summer season consolation meals at its greatest. Make certain and save house for chef Carolynn Spence’s distinctive desserts. Different tasty choices within the neighborhood embrace chef Tamara Murphy’s Terra Plata, Westman’s Bagels and Coffee from chef Monica Dimas and the at all times superb Spinasse, with chef Stuart Lane within the kitchen. For a satisfying, no-frills lunch, Pho Saigon is steps from the lodge.
