Tag Archive for: Chefs

Allegretto Resort and Vineyard By Ayers Exudes Luxury In California’s Central Coast.

After traveling in the area for over a decade we are very familiar with the central coast of California and the explosion of world class wines and gastronomic delights in Paso Robles. Highway 46 meanders by cattle ranches, farms and transitions to vineyards as far as you can see on both sides of the road. Paso Robles has grown to be one of the hottest wine regions in the United States producing world class wines.
Paso Robles wineries are garnering worldwide attention. With this notoriety, the region needed a renowned resort that takes hospitality to a luxury level and the Allegretto Resort by Ayers provides that and much more. Allegretto is a true resort and long overdue in this growing region- located in Paso Robles Wine Country, on 20 acres of vineyards, olive and fruit trees.

The Ayers story and passion for hospitality started in 1905 when Frank Ayers took a $2 train ride from Ohio to California to explore land development opportunities. Since their first luxury hotels in the 1980’s Ayers has grown to 24 unique luxury hotels all over Southern California.
Upon arrival, the European-Mediterranean atmosphere takes a hold as you as you forget you are in California but rather on a quaint Tuscan estate.

After a day of wine tasting in the area, visit the resort’s wine tasting room, sit back, relax and sip on Allegretto’s own wines in your own private poolside cabana overlooking the vineyards or visit the Spa and experience their Chära wellness program.

Accommodations at Allegretto are exemplary with 171 guestrooms and suites affording an ideal respite from the day with a classic European flair. We opened our door to old world opulence at its finest. Our eyes were immediately drawn upward to 14’ vaulted ceilings. Pulling back the curtains revealed a private patio that opened out to a manicured garden and Tuscan courtyard for our enjoyment.

The Allegretto Dream Sleeper pillow-top mattresses with high-count linens, plush bamboo towels, robes, and slippers set the stage for ultimate relaxation. After feeling rejuvenated, stroll the property with a docent led Art tour or spend a contemplative moment in the French-inspired Abbey.

In addition to its wineries, Paso Robles now has a plethora of fantastic dining venues to explore, however when staying at Allegretto your exploration will not be very far. Cello Ristorante and Bar located on property will capture your culinary senses.

 

 

Chef Justin Picard, Elaine Harris

Begin at the well stocked Cello’s bar where a very nice selection of handcrafted cocktails created by a trained mixologist awaits you. The Spring Highball with Krobar Rye Whiskey, vanilla syrup bitters, jcama soda, on the rocks in a highball glass is a brilliant way to get your palate ready for locally sourced, gastronomic excellence. For the oenophile’s, sample Allegretto’s private label Viognier, Zinfandel, Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon or one of the many fine wines on their impressive list.

Spanish Octopus

After enjoying the bar, take a seat in Cello’s fine dining restaurant and dine alfresco as the sun sets over the vineyard. Chef Justin Picard’s menu pairs flawlessly with the Mediterranean ambiance of Allegretto. Picard joined us tableside with a mouthwatering BBQ Baby Spanish Octopus, with sweet paprika, marjoram, salted lemon; citrus brined olives, ratatouille, tomato fumet, grove provisions Meyer lemon topped with olive oil. “Every dish is carefully created using fresh local ingredients sourced from regional farmers, ranchers and purveyors daily,” said Picard.

The pizzas are brilliantly creative such as the Prosciutto is a house favorite. Topped with Neiman Ranch Prosciutto, Bellwether Farms Crescenza Cheese, Baby Arugula, Balsamic and Fig Conserva is an excellent example of Picard using the best ingredients available. For a more traditional dish, the Chicken Piccata featuring a pan roasted Petaluma farms chicken breast, preserved lemon & caperberry white wine pan sauce, roasted red bell pepper, mint gold potato “hash” and charred broccolini is a must try.

Scallop and Risotto

 

For the Carnivores, try the 100% oak grilled 15oz USDA Prime Rib Eye steak. Picard’s menu is diverse- matter what you crave on your visit, anything on the menu will bring a smile to your face and satisfy any member of your party.

After dinner enjoy a quiet moment under the stars on the patio and reflect on this rare experience where most everything that was enjoyed was most likely sourced less than two hours away.

 

 

Allegretto is a true resort in every sense of the word and long overdue in the region. Book a weekend and really indulge yourself in the area, Allegretto and the many amenities it has to offer.  A day of winetasting in area offers many choices for first timers and experienced oenophiles exploring the diversity of wines produced in the Paso Robles region.