Foothill Flavors 799 words

Susan’s Place is a romantic summer venue

By Antoinette May Herndon

Are you venue shopping? Perhaps you’re searching for a place to propose. Or at the very least to venture a proposition. Whatever you’re selling, a dinner at Susan’s Place looks like a deal maker to me.

First off the Sutter Creek bistro oozes romance. Whatever you’re pitching, that’s a definite plus. Ambience makes for acquiescent vibes.

Writing a dining column is an ongoing adventure. All restaurants are unique and challenging in one way or another. It’s always exciting to try out new places, but does that make the golden oldies any less special?

No!

After ten years of dining at Susan’s Place, I attest that the restaurant continues to fulfill it’s initial promise. The bistro is invariably intimate and inviting, seductive and opulent. Located on Eureka Street, a tiny byway in the midst of “downtown” Sutter Creek, it’s stylish, upbeat, and more than a tad dramatic.

The dining room has a casual elegance that’s always inviting. Call it New York chic, if you will. There’s an “applause applause” feel to it as play-goers sweep in after local performances. Susan Carter—yes, there really is a Susan at Susan’s Place—is active in Main Street Theatre and other thespian groups.

But summer is fleeting and the warm evenings few and precious. On a recent Sunday night, Charles and I sat out on the deck amidst twinkling lights that rivaled the stars. Trellised vines trailed above us as listened to cascading fountains.

I could have just sat there holding Charles’s hand indefinitely, but he— ever practical—reminded me that we were there to eat. The menu was a challenge—so many

good things. We began with bowls of asparagus soup. It was thick, creamy and laced with enough garlic to scare off a legion of vampires. As a Transylvania girl, I’m very partial to garlic, but was grateful that Charles and I were spending the evening together. Just us.

From there we progressed to Greek salads with grilled Alaskan salmon. ($13). Imagine baby greens, English cucumbers, red peppers, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and Kalamata olives—lots of Kalamata olives—tossed with Susan’s signature garlic and basil vinaigrette dressing, sprinkled with feta crumbles. It the perfect “baby bear” complement to a warm summer night. Everything just right.

I’m inclined to find white fish boring but on an impulse ordered the grilled tilapia. ($19) It was light and moist, once again an ideal summer treat. I loved it.

Charles was equally pleased with his choice, grilled eggplant and Portobello mushrooms. ($18)

Both our entrees included sautéed veggies (very tasty) and freshly baked bread. We each had a choice of dipping sauces. I picked lemon with dill and capers, Charles had Mediterranean garlic. We were both delighted.

It was one of those all holds barred evenings. Placing thoughts of cash and calories on hold, we ended up sharing a chocolate truffle torte—a chocolate lovers demise if there ever was one.

Okay, you can say it, this is a rave, rave, rave review. It’s also an honest one. Charles and I go to Susan’s Place often because the dinners never drop below a “B” in quality and sometimes rate an “A plus.”

We’ve always appreciated the friendly and efficient wait staff and Stephanie Giannini, our latest server, was no exception. Also, as you can tell, I really enjoy the ambience. Happily, Susan’s Place is a restaurant

for all seasons. On chillier evenings the same fairyland extravaganza is achieved by heat lamps and canopies.

What’s new is a touch of “attitude.” Groups dining at Susan’s Place must get their act together before the bill arrives. Guests must pay with just one credit card or use cash—no splitting the bill between cards.

Judging from the comments on Google, this is annoying to some. I say forewarned is for armed. There are worse things than choosing a designated payer and then reimbursing her or him. For me, this is more than compensated by the 10 percent discount for locals.

I also appreciate the fact that the tax is included in the menu prices. Doesn’t the bill always come as a shock? To me, the tax total always comes as a surprise. This way you know exactly what’s you’re getting into.

Susan Carter has been in business 25 years. She began in the same location by serving cheese board lunches. The bistro itself opened in 1999. The present economy has been tough on restaurants. There have been far too many casualties. Susan’s Place is indeed Susan’s place. Let’s enjoy it her way.

VITALS: Susan’s Place is at 15 Eureka St. in Sutter Creek. Phone: 267-0945. Open Thursday through Sunday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner seatings Thursday through Sunday are from 5 p.m. on. Reservations are recommended. Credit cards are accepted but cash is preferred.

PICTURES:

Besides tasting good, the culinary choices at Susan’s Place in Sutter Creek are picture pretty.

Stephanie Giannini is enthusiastic about her job at Susan’s Place in Sutter Creek.

On a summer night Susan’s Place in Sutter Creek looks like fairyland.

Susan’s Place in Sutter Creek is a romantic venue.