After a dinner out, we stopped into Gather Wine bar last night down in our cute little historic town of Arroyo Grande. We had a nice glass of wine with our “VP of Innkeeping” Don, who some of you have met—great friend, chef, gardener and host when we need some extra help here at the Casitas.

Don making a fresh batch of scones in The Casitas kitchen!

Kari, the proprietor, was glad to see us since we’ve been so busy here all summer and finally got a night out. We just enjoyed a really nice dinner again at Novo under the trees creek side, a post celebration of Tony’s birthday. I loved my glass of Luminesce Petit Syrah and of course, their amazing Curries. Kari even had one last bottle of it at Gather last night when I was dishing about dinner and she shared that the winemaker is local, living right here in AG! We bought that last bottle and invite the winemaker for a private tour of the Casitas, anytime—just bring us more of your yummy wine please!

While relaxing and catching up, we learned there is a new chocolate shop that will be located next to Branch Street Deli—we’ll fill you in more on that as soon as we have details. Kari also shared that she is teaming up with Chef Rick www.chefrick.com who has catered here at the Casitas and makes the most delish Cajun and Southern fare. Gather is offering a La Paulie dinner later this month that includes wine provided by many of our own local winery faves: Laetitia, Saucelito Canyon, Talley Vineyards, Carlson and Phantom Rivers—all representing our Arroyo Grande Region! Check it out as well as other wine and music events that Kari has lined up at http://gatherwinebar.com/events.html It’s a great cozy place to have a nice glass of wine, beer and now meals too! And I told Tony, we need to get out more…we are so lucky to live here on the Central Coast!