San Luis Obispo
Camelot With a California Edge
By Camille Bounds
Travel Editor

If you have never been to the San Luis Obispo area, pack your bags and take the less than three hour jaunt to this amazing, astonishing place where it averages only 29 days of rain per year, gorgeous scenery, surrounded by fine wineries and olive orchards in adjoining towns and villages. Throw in a renowned university, (Cal Poly) that offers a first-rate Performing Arts Center, enjoy seasonal whale sightings, elephant seals stopping by from Alaska, joyful otter watching and, at nearby San Simeon, the stunning Hearst Castle. This all just barely touches this place that seems to have everything. But the best revelation of all is that the region is covered by the most marvelous restaurants this side of any continent.

No nonsense town
San Luis Obispo has always been a no nonsense, gutsy spot and has many little known firsts. In 1990 they were the first municipality in the world to ban smoking in all public buildings including bars and restaurants. In 1982 an ordinance was passed that there would be no drive through, fast food restaurants in town. In another 1982 law was a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages at any business selling gasoline. There is a doctor’s office on the corner of Santa Rosa and Pacific Streets which is one of very few commercial building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. San Luis also has a Carnegie Library which is now home to the San Luis Obispo County Historical Museum.

A foodie’s paradise
The well-traveled foodie will become immersed in the fine gastronomic offering of this area.

A menu to savor
Start with Palazzo Giuseppe in San Luis Obispo—they offer the ultimate in Italian food and wines. In 1988 Giuseppe Difronzo used his business plan as a project for graduation from Cal Poly to open his first restaurant in Pismo Beach. His dedication to quality and authenticity to his dishes bring the finest Italian offerings that can only be found at Giuseppe’s. Bread is baked from scratch every day in a wood-burning oven imported from Italy; nutty flavored pastas are made on the premises or imported from Italy. Wood-firing ovens create pizzas that can’t be matched anywhere. Only the freshest ingredients are used and are obvious to the taste. Their menu of main dishes is superb—the only problem is what to order? The “Monkfish and Rock Shrimp with Cavatelli Pasta in Prosciutto Cream Sauce” was a trip to another planet. Absolutely one of the finest gastronomic creations this side of Shangri-La. I have the recipe and have been given permission to share it if anyone is interested. (Request at bounds17@concentric.net.) The lovely ambiance, waitstaff and service match the food. Don’t miss this one!

Palazzo Giuseppe’s
1010 Court Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
(805) 541-9922

Fresh and interesting
Marisol Restaurant at The Cliffs Resort at Pismo Beach offers fine oceanfront dining. Marisol translates to, “The Sun and the Sea” and the flavors of the food merge to the translation. The menu is a blending of coastal cuisine and modern Latin flavors created with local fresh produce and seafood fresh off the boats of the local fishermen. The “Port San Luis Halibut,” (was caught by Captain Travis Evans) served with green rice with Rock Crab Pepper Rouille Sauce was delectable and perfectly moist. That’s the first time I have seen a menu give billing to the fisherman that caught the fish. A nice touch and another must do.

Marisol at The Cliffs
2757 Shell Beach Road
Shell Beach, CA
(805) 773-2511

These are just a smattering of the many fine restaurants in the area.

Where to stay
Plenty of places to stay with fair rates and near the attractions you might want to visit.

A cuddly place
The Apple Farm has the ambiance of a country inn with the luxury of a fine hotel. A very cuddly place that has the essence of a Victorian inn—every room has a fireplace and creates the atmosphere of country elegance. They will serve you breakfast in bed and pamper you with all the charm and friendliness of a fine bed and breakfast. Ice cream is made from water power that is harnessed by a reproduced 19th Century gristmill with a 14-foot waterwheel. Here is one of many unique experiences at the Apple Farm.

The Apple Farm
2015 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
(800) 255-2040.

The ultimate Best Western
The Best Western Cavalier has it all. Rooms that face the ocean with balconies to enjoy the view, fireplaces making a well-appointed room complete to a position of sophistication. Bathrooms come with every amenity that could be desired. This is one Best Western one must encounter to believe. Near Hearst Castle and other attractions, this is a very romantic spot and a place that’s memorable.

Best Western Cavalier
9415 Hearst Drive
San Simeon, CA
(805) 927-4688

Elegance within an experience
The elegant, distinctive Madonna Inn is an encounter within an experience. The history and atmosphere will appear in another article. Space does not allow me to give it the attention it deserves. When you visit the area, just go and enjoy. (Be sure and check out the men’s room.) The Madonna Inn - visit www.madonnainn.com.

Stomp grapes - make wine
“First Crush Wine Experience” can offer a wine-making experience from stomping grapes to pressing to the finished product. They include a delightful lunch under the trees in the vineyard—a great idea for groups and weddings.
For information and reservations for groups and weddings visit the Web site www.firstcrushwinemaking.com.

Interesting olive oil tasting
Pasolivo has olive oil tastings available with olive oils from their 9000 trees with 12 olive varietals. Olives are pressed the same day they are harvested, making this award-winning oil an exceptional happening. The various off-the-wall flavors include Meyer lemon, lime and tangerine—there are, of course, more familiar essences of the unique oils available. Visitors can tour the Pasolovo olive press, and have a tasting at their leisure.

Pasolivo-Olive Oil
8530 Vineyard Drive
Paso Robles, CA 93446
For tour times and information call 805/226-8437.

I have only brushed the availability of this beautiful area. Need to unwind and relax? This could be the place.

Getting there is easy:
Driving is your best bet. An easy drive from Ontario and L.A. There is a county regional airport with commercial air service, Greyhound is available and Amtrak makes connections.

Camille Bounds is the Travel editor for the Western Division of Sunrise Publications, Inland Empire Business Journal.