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The artichoke
photo above shows fresh grown artichokes sold at a
weekly farmer's market in Atascadero, California.
The
artichoke capital of the
world is a few hours north
in Castroville, home to the Artichoke Festival and
the Giant Artichoke.
The quality and
size of artichokes available in Central California's
Atascadero and nearby markets is fantastic and for
foodies, yet one more reason to get out and explore
California's markets, farms and restaurants.
Some fine
restaurants exist in this section of California, and
we've enjoyed superb delivery of roasted artichokes
at Adamo Winery Tasting Room and Restaurant in Old
Orcutt. Served with a flavorful dip that included
wine, the rich, smoky flavor held by a light baste
of oil helped sear the flavor into the finest hearts
of these locally grown artichokes. Travelers
will find the cuisine starting to up itself a notch
or two as L.A. and bay area transplants open
restaurants, and the growing wine businesses open
restaurants to accompany their wine tasting
experiences.
Did you know that
artichokes also make excellent accents to a table
buffet or
large flower arrangement? We've seen them used
in restaurants and on buffet serving tables and they
really are nice. The artichokes sold with their
stems intact at the Atascadero Farmers Market are
ideal for this application.
But when you live
in the region where these fresh foods are grown,
you'll discover many like to cook foods at home and
entertain the old-fashioned way since there aren't
the abundance of cafes and bistros that you find in
the metropolitan areas.
So when visiting
Central California, you'll find some restaurants
offer barbeque areas where visitors can cook their
goodies.
Dolphin Bay Resort, our favorite choice,
has a full gourmet kitchen where you'll find
yourself longing to stay in and cook when visiting
Pismo Beach, approx. an hour from Atascadero.
