8. La Plazuela at La Fonda on the Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico Nestled in the heart of La Fonda on the Plaza, La Plazuela offers an innovative approach to Santa Fe dining and New Mexican cuisine, cooking up traditional recipes with enticing new twists. La Fonda (Spanish for the inn) doesn’t just occupy the oldest hotel site in Santa Fe – it occupies the oldest hotel site in the country. Records date way, way back to 1607, right around when the city was founded. The digs inside are a bit more modern, however – and their much venerated La Plazuela restaurant serves tasty, tasty, tasty modern southwestern cuisine surrounded by skylights and the hammered tin of a 1920s-era patio. For some amazing margaritas, try the adjacent La Fiesta Lounge (it happens to be a favoured stop on the Margarita Trail). 9. Benji’s French Basque Restaurant, Bakersfield, California Benji’s French Basque Restaurant is conveniently located two blocks from River Run RV Park. Bakersfield is home to the largest assemblage of Basque restaurants in the U. S. The numerous Basque restaurants offer customary Basque experiences, carrying on the traditions of their ancestors. A Basque meal is served family style with hearty courses and meat (often lamb) or seafood entrees. We ordered the Set Up and an excellent choice it was for our initiation to the Basque food experience. First, the soup, pinto beans and salsa were brought out to our table to be mixed in accordance with our wants. The cabbage-filled soup and French bread were delicious. We were served the salad next. The fresh garden lettuce and sliced tomatoes were heartily dressed and delicious, as was the pickled tongue. Everything was delicious. We rolled out full of amazing food. Would visit this diamond again! RV Lifestyle 10. Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant, Berea, Kentucky A visit to Berea is simply not complete without visiting the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant. It all began in the summer of 1908 when Nellie Frost, the wife of Berea College President William G. Frost, provided lodging and meals at her home for some 300 visitors to the college. As the final visitor departed, her husband was told in no uncertain terms that it was time to build a guest house. The award-winning restaurant serves up both traditional favourites and exciting reinterpretations of southern cuisine. Fresh, flavourful homemade dishes (that are as locally sourced as possible) and classically decorated rooms make for a romantic weekend or much-deserved getaway. The graceful white columns and airy verandas nestle among the vibrant galleries, cafés, shops and studios. CSANews | SPRING 2024 | 23
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx