Wine Country: Glen Ellen Star and Lou's Luncheonette

Fremont Diner is now closed, and replaced by Lou's Luncheonette.

Napa and Sonoma in Wine Country are well-known for their exceptional wine and spirits, but for me, the dining scene is equally impressive. Here are a few new highlights from my recent visit, each offering a unique experience..

On the casual side is the Fremont Diner [now Lou's Luncheonette] a good choice as you make your way up to your favorite winery.  Situated off Highway 12, this diner offers visitors covered outdoor seating (allows dogs!) or the more traditional diner setting. Either selection at the prime eating hour (lunch?) will likely require a wait, especially if it's nice and sunny out.

Dec 26, 2019 update: it appears the Fremont Diner has been shuttered and replaced by Lou's Luncheonette.  While I've yet to visit the people—and dishes—seem to carry on the legacy of the diner.  Which is why I've left this post for posterity (and, it IS the end of the year!)

Lou's Luncheonette

2698 Fremont Drive

Sonoma, CA 95476

(707) 938-7370

The fried chicken in a biscuit at (former) Fremont Diner.

Gorgeous salad with 8-minute egg

Another standout located in Glen Ellen is the Glen Ellen Star.  Our selections included the mixed salad with 8 minute egg (perfectly cooked with a still runny center) margarita pizza and flat iron steak. We ended the meal with homemade ice cream (butter pecan) and a short drive home.

Glen Ellen Star

13648 Arnold Drive

Glen Ellen, CA 95442

(707) 343-1384

Crater Lake Blues & Greens

Even a photo of Crater Lake can take my breath away!

It feels odd writing about my summer road trip in the middle of December and especially on Christmas Day. But I can't resist taking a moment to think back on the vivid blues of the water and the cool of the breeze coming off the lake.

The original plan was a four day trip to Crater Lake over the July 4th weekend. Missing from the planning calculation was the 8-hour drive from the Bay Area. Oh, and confirmation of our hotel stay. It's never a good sign when you check into your hotel and the desk person responds with an elongated "ohhhh...are you sure you booked through our website?"

Turns out we booked our room but failed to notice that both nights weren't actually confirmed. I highly recommend - if you book a room via the Crater Lake Lodge website - make sure the nights you request are actually available. Road trip rookie mistake!

We lucked out and found a room at the Historic Prospect Hotel about 40 minutes away. The hotel itself is clean and welcoming and guests receive breakfast in the morning.

We spent the following day driving around the rim and stopping at various points to snap photos. My favorite part? A mini-picnic of cheese, bread and fruit on a quiet ridge where we could take in the scene and relax. My biggest regret? Not planning an extra day to hike the many trails available.

As for the Crater Lake Lodge, nice ambiance and a restaurant with good food and service. Hint: when booking you might ask which side of the hotel your room will be on and also which floor (yes, I know this sound picky!) Ours was top floor with a sloped ceiling and very little air circulation. Not exactly a deal-breaker but something to consider if you're staying more than one night.

Historic Prospect Hotel

391 Mill Creek Road

Prospect OR 97536

541-560-3664

Crater Lake Lodge

565 Rim Drive

Crater Lake OR 97604

541-594-2255

As I look back on the past year this trip and adventure definitely stands out. The clear blue of the lake and peace-of-mind lingered even after the bags were unpacked and we'd checked back into our everyday working world.

And with that thought...it's now on to the new year!

Originally published on 12/30/14

How to Easily Roast the Perfect Chicken

Think you need fancy equipment to roast the perfect chicken? I did too, and then a friend gave me a small contraption that has come to be my favorite item in the kitchen.

3 simple pieces of hardware yield a pretty tasty chicken!

How it works

• Clean your chicken and season with salt/pepper and herbs of choice.

• Set over the vertical roaster (see photo below).

• Add to a 400 degree oven or grill.

• Roast for approx. 1 hour (depends on the size of chicken). Otherwise, check the internal temp with a thermometer.

• Basting: use the juices that collect at the bottom during cooking...yum!

Cooks' note: I use my Weber Grill which results in less mess and keeps the kitchen cool. If you set the dials to "low" you will get an even 400 degrees which is about what you need. Otherwise you can use the oven but it will be a bit messy - and still tasty of course.

When you pull the chicken out of the oven/off the grill, have a tray handy for the roaster. Let the chicken rest for approx. 20 minutes and you're ready to cut up.

A few obvious added benefits of the vertical roaster

• Fast clean up. Simply remove the fat collected in the tray and wash the rest as usual.

• Less space for storage. I fold up the roaster, throw into a plastic bag and into a drawer.

• Inexpensive. You can buy a vertical roaster for about $5 on eBay.

• Amazing chicken!

Could this be a little more beautiful? I think not! Enjoy!

Crispy skin and great tasting chicken!

Originally published on 10/7/14