Sip, Savor, Stay 2024: El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen In Sonoma, CA

23.05.2024 - 15:27 / forbes.com

In the heart of Sonoma Plaza, amidst charming boutiques and welcoming tasting rooms offering the finest local wines, sits the El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen. In the hospitality world, luxury is continually redefined. It is no longer just about opulence or extravagance. True luxury lies in experiences that touch the soul, ambiance that exudes warmth, and service that anticipates every need. It is about creating memories that linger long after the visit ends. El Dorado in Sonoma, California, exemplifies this new standard by seamlessly blending elegance with comfort. Admittedly, when I first visited El Dorado six years ago I thought it was just a restaurant. But El Dorado is more than just a restaurant; it is a hotel that radiates charm, comfort, and unparalleled hospitality with direct access to many of the best wineries in Sonoma County.

Sonoma is synonymous with world-class wine, and El Dorado embodies this reputation in every glass served. The hotel’s wine selection is a testament to its deep-rooted connections with local vineyards, offering guests an exclusive taste of the region's finest. However, guests can take it one step further and get to the root of the vine. Sonoma Plaza (or Square) is home to 30 tasting rooms within a few thousand feet. Here a few of my favorite wineries in the Square to start your wine tasting day without needing a car, only comfortable walking shoes:

Pangloss Cellars (.2 miles away)

Sojourn Cellars (.3 miles away)

Three Sticks Wines (250 feet away)

Roche Wine & Vineyards (100 feet away)

The culinary adventure at El Dorado is a celebration of Sonoma's abundant harvest. The hotel’s kitchen, renowned for its farm-to-table cuisine, prides itself on a menu that changes with the seasons, ensuring that every dish tells a story of local bounty and craftsmanship. El Dorado Kitchen is not just a place to eat; it is a part of the Sonoma community. The restaurant actively supports local farmers and artisans, sourcing many of its ingredients from nearby producers. This commitment to sustainability and community support is another reason why it holds a special place in my heart.

I have eaten at the restaurant so many times I almost feel comfortable calling Executive Chef Armando Navarro by his first name. But I said “almost”, so I will continue to call him “Chef” or “Chef Navarro.” The restaurant serves Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, and Dinner. My go-to order is :

Starters

Ceviche

Oysters or Caviar

Entrees

Petaluma Chicken Breast or Spinach Ricotta Ravioli

Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Dessert

Churros

EDK Cantina, an additional food and beverage outpost for hotel guests and visitors to the Sonoma Square, just opened in May 2024. They offer authentic Mexican cuisine with a bevy of casual menu