Holiday Splurge

Of COURSE the holidays are all about splurging, and to me here's an extra-special one: dinner at Josef's Restaurant located within the Hotel La Rose in Old Railroad Square, Santa Rosa.

The interior of Josef's has a wonderful European feel, with a great bar, fireplace, and cozy nooks and crannies for those having a romantic and quiet dinner for two. I also love the food prepared by chef and owner Josef Keller, who's from Switzerland. A few menu highlights include Lobster Bisque, Veal Picada, and Boeuf Bourguignon. During my last meal here a few weeks ago with friends, I had the Emince de Veau Zuirchoise: thinly sliced veal in a mushroom sauce with spaetzle "dumplings". Magnificant!

And if you really want to splurge, I suggest that you book at room at the Hotel La Rose. The hotel, built in 1907 and now on the National Historic Places list, has a great old-time feel, gets supremely decorated at Christmas time, and the rooms are large, clean, and very comfortable. And here's an insider's tip: tell them that you saw their $100-per-night special on their Web site, and they'll honor that. Quiet a deal, if you ask me!

Anyway, Josef's has a special Holiday/New Year's menu. Check it out when you're in the mood to splurge (or simply want a memorable old-time-feel evening).