A January driving trip to California’s central coast to visit loved ones not seen for a long time took us to lovely Morro Bay, where we delightedly watched sea otters and did the tourist scene. January seems to be the time to do it, since crowds were nowhere to be seen and lodgings were at least reasonable.
Our cousin hosted us to a sumptuous lunch just north of Morro Bay in the little town of Cayucos, at Hoppe’s Garden Bistro. We were sufficiently impressed that when dinner time came around, we did the unthinkable (for us – we always want to try some place new!) and went right back there!
Stunning ocean views await visitors
to Morro Bay, California.
After our meal, Mary commented that she couldn’t recall a better restaurant meal, or a more imaginative menu, than Hoppe’s.
I couldn’t disagree.Hoppe’s is not inexpensive, nor are the portions particularly large, but you are unlikely to see these entrees anywhere else, and they are wonderfully executed.
Housed in a building with a history dating back to 1876, the surroundings are pleasant, diners are made to feel relaxed and unhurried and the only problem you'll face will be making a choice from the comprehensive menu!
We won’t bore you with all our menu choices but Mary still talks about her lunch of smoked pheasant ravioli with creamy mushroom sauce and her quail appetizer which arrived nestled on a bed of greens and sprinkled with blue cheese and walnuts, along with pomegranate and pumpkin seeds.
I have fond memories of the abalone in cream sauce with macadamia nuts, which I admit was a self-indulgent choice at $48 for the entree.
Hoppe’s has been discovered (no, we weren’t the first) and has received more than its share of enthusiastic reviews, including a 26 out of 30 in the Zagat Survey. We think it’s simply outstanding, and one of only a few restaurants ever that we honestly look forward to visiting again!
Hoppe's Garden Bistro
78 North Ocean Avenue
Cayucos, CA 93430
805.995.1006
The simple pleasures of Morro Bay in January.
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