Our assistant is growing weary...

The counter top dilemma has nearly drawn to a close and our loyal assistant has grown tired of the process.

The kitchen is looking better with the concrete counters nearly finished. This is what the beauties looked like when we purchased Villa Cantina...





The "boys"and their "assistant" installed the tumbled marble back splash last weekend. It will be grouted this weekend. I love the rusticity of the backsplash and the concrete counter.

The only problem is the cabinetry still has that "home depot" look. I can't repaint or replace so I am thinking I might give them the same treatment as the cabinets flanking the fireplace, a little ebony briwax on the cabinets and hardware. In the meantime I am dreaming of more interesting endeavors. What do you think about these finds? I am pondering this for above the stairway. You can find it at good old Pottery Barn.






Or what about this from one of my favorite sellers on Ebay, Capitol Salvage

On the other wall I want to hang these great canoe paddles from Crawfords Antiques in Soquel






With either this from Ebay

Or the Pruvost Plaque from Ballard Designs

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Wall-Decor/Wall-Plaques/All-Wall-Plaques/Pruvost-Plaque-Small/p/12274?path=1%2C2%2C1468%2C1543%2C2563&iProductID=12274

I think this piece has a great look. I have tried to encourage a couple clients to use it but it has not yet found a home. I think I will consult my assistant about this once she has finished with her canine clients

A Taste of Paso

The Paso Robles AVA (American Viticultural Area) was established in 1983 when there were a handful of wineries .It is the largest in the state at 614,000 acres. Many experts including the esteemed Robert Parker believe that Paso Robles holds some of the greatest potential in all of California. According to Parker...

"The greatest headway has been made west of Highway 101, where most of the top vineyards are located. These are hillside vineyards planted in limestone soils of various elevations, but almost all are within 10 to 15 miles of the Pacific Ocean. These limestone soils, prevalent in many of France's finest vineyards, seem to encourage wines of great intensity as well as elegance."

photo courtesy of pasowines.com




As the number and quality of the wines has grown, so has the town. The one time cowboy town is now filled with charming shops, and fresh-locally-sourced restaurants. Currently leading the field are Artisan, IL Cortile, Villa Creek,Thomas Hill Organics and Bistro Laurent.

photo courtesy of IL Cortile



kitchen at Artisan


photo courtesy Thomas Hill Organics

A stroll around town before or after dinner will lead to any number of downtown tasting rooms.

The Paso Wine Center, located in the heart of town, boasts over 200 local wines available for purchase along with 48 hard to find boutique wines on the tasting menu.
Many wines that are unavailable for purchase anywhere else can be found here.

For more information go here for recent press on the area:
http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/the-promise-of-paso-robles
http://www.travelswithtwo.com/index.php/2009/07/29/a-weekend-of-wine-in-paso-robles/
http://sfwine.wordpress.com/2010/01/26/journey-paso_robles/


In future posts I will highlight individual wineries, restaurants, and boutiques, and points of interest. In the meantime, I am hoping for final resolution of the countertop dilemna.... Food for thought....