Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Chef & Hotel Profile

San Ysidro Ranch, a Ty Warner property, was voted a #1 Resort Hotel in

California by Travel and Leisure recently, and deservedly so. This expansive respite features 38 bungalow, many with gorgeous stone fireplaces, and every possible amenity for complete comfort, including inspiring mountain views.

The Adobe Diningroom, founded in 1825 was a way station for visiting

Franciscan monks in the 1700s, became a favorite hide-a-way for celebrities in the 1900s, and is a historical landmark. This oasis of calm and tranquility hosted past guests including: Audrey Hepburn, Sir Winston Churchill, John & Jackie Kennedy, Sir Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and a bevy of renowned rock stars, politicians, actors and writers have called it home over the years.

Chef Matthew Johnson is at the helm in the beloved Stone House restaurant where locals savor organice produce and herbs from the Ranch garden, as well as locally sourced seafood and guests are said to smile with delight as their classic steak Diane flambee is prepared at their tableside.

My recent visit for Sunday Champagne Brunch in the garden, where live Flamenco music filled the air, and a thoughtful staff provided impeccable service was beyond any expectation. Sitting under the shade of the beautiful trees to enjoy a leisurely morning food adventure while savoring a free-flowing Ty bellini is always a delight and this Sunday outing was no exception. Fine French Champagme, Prosecco from Italy, Mimosas or a selection of juices were also free-flowing.

The brunch began with a basket of warm fresh house-baked pastries with butter and starter options that included a Santa Barbara Citrus Salad, Dungeness Crab Cake or House-Smoked King Salmon, I opted for the salmon and it was perfect. Entrees included Roasted Vegetable Shakshuka, Pan Seared Ora King Salmon, Grilled Flat Iron Steak, SYR's Huevos Rancheros, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or my brunch choice of the renowned SYR Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffles which included chicken that was perfectly tender inside and crispy delicious on the outside, accompanied by a huge waffle with maple syrup and lucious fresh berries.

Creative sweet endings included dessert sellections of SYR Meyer lemon tart, Trio of house-made sorbets, salted carmel chocolate cake and my sweet surprise Flan Patissier, a new French inspired puff pastry made with Tahitian vanilla and served with Ranch vanilla ice cream that was such a pleasure to linger over in this quiet relaxing venue on a lazy Sunday afternoon watching the sun dancing through the leaves of the trees.

The Ranch suites are beautiful and guests enjoy hiking trails, swimming in a heated pool, bocce ball, croquet, a fitness center and a nearby collection of fine shopping boutiques and restauants. Enjoy award-winning dining in the restaurant and in the privacy of your cottage, inclusive with your stay. For information visit www.sanysidroranch.com.