by Julie L Kessler with the SF Examiner
Those who know me, even marginally, know I love three things with pretty much reckless abandon: pinot noir, petit verdots and merlots, pooches of all varieties and people who give me chocolate – hint, hint, dear hubby, my stash pandemically speaking is rather low.
I also really like Paso Robles. Which is very convenient as there is, of course, plenty of great wines and as I recently learned, plenty of pooches. In fact, a whole platoon of pooches under one roof. More on that later.
The meals
The newly opened Paso Market Walk is a terrific example of the community leading sustainable food system efforts. The Vreamery has beautifully displayed plant-based and dairy-free fare using superfood ingredients, while Just Baked Cake Studio had my chocolate heart profusely palpitating.
Lunch at The Third Degree required that choices be made with serious repercussions. With burger names like The Lawyer, The Interrogation, The Suspect and The Jury, diners must consider their motives. Fortunately, no crimes were committed while I was there and the consequences were delicious, fresh food. No probation proffered. thirddegreegrill.com
Paso’s farm-to-table institution, Thomas Hill Organics, has a lovely lit courtyard to enjoy chef Libry Darusman’s creations, including pumpkin ravioli, black lentil tacos with candied jalapeños and Reggiano thyme biscuits. Happily I saved room for the outstanding key lime pie. thomashillorganics.com
Cello Ristorante at Allegretto likewise has lovely al fresco dining under heat lamps. The Tri-Colores salad with Chapparal Farms plum balsamic vinaigrette was just out of the garden and the pappardelle Bolognese made with Black Angus and pork sausage was as good and satisfying as Nonna used to make. allegrettovineyardresort.com/the-resort/cello-ristorante-bar