Small Towns with Da Bomb Restaurants, Part I

California, more so than any other state where I've lived, has so many small towns with astonishing restaurants. It seems everywhere we travel, we find chefs who have migrated from L.A. or San Francisco and opened these little restaurants in tiny towns that make traveling there an absolute delight.

Starting with my most favorite place north of Redding, CA, in the charming and beautiful town of Mt. Shasta, is Trinity Cafe. This little restaurant on the edge of town is in a Craftsman style house. The restaurant is in what was the living and dining room of the house, so it's tiny - maybe 10 tables and a small bar. Reservations are needed! If I were doing a food blog, I would tell you about the heavenly dishes, artful presentations, and perfect service. Instead, I'll discuss our visit on 11/14/09, and one of my favorite wines that complemented their luscious food.

What I drank:
Domaine Chandon Pinot Meunier Carneros 2006
Pinot Meunier is an interesting varietal, and although this was the first time I tried this wine, since we are wine club members at Domaine Chandon, it was not the last and it is one of my favorite varietals. The interesting thing about the varietal is its very low tannins, unlike the pinot noir grape. This makes for a very smoooooth wine. The nose is very soft, with notes of spice and cherry. The wine's smoothness is carried throughout the palate. There is a nice peppery, nutmeg spice on the front and at the finish. The middle palate is a bright cherry and raspberry with hints of rose and violet. The finish is velvety and the pepper and cherry linger nicely.

This wine was the perfect complement to my most excellent pan-seared wild salmon with risotto milanese. Okay, I said this wasn't a food blog, but I just have to say that Trinity Cafe makes the BEST risotto I have ever had, anywhere, including Italy. I make my own risotto, so I am very picky, and theirs beats mine hands-down. Every time I have ever eaten at this restaurant, the dishes are perfect. If you ever find yourself in Mt. Shasta, I strongly recommend you experience Trinity Cafe.