The Winepress Magazine - Summer 2014 - 30

12:30pm

Berry Hill Bistro:
Fresh, with
a twist

By Hayley Thomas

"Fresh" is the name of the game at
Berry Hill Bistro, located at 1114 Pine
Street in downtown Paso Robles. Known
for seasonally-dressed salads and
made-to-order paninis, Berry Hill Bistro offers up casual bistro fare
back dropped by oak-studded Downtown City Park.
"We use lots of fresh fruits, make our own dressing and everything
is made fresh to order," said Berry Hill Bistro Owner Jody Storsteen.
"I personally pick out the berries that go in our apple berry crisps.
Nothing is pre-packaged or pre-made, ever."
The modern menu offers up a plethora of small plates (try the
sweet potato frites or tempura shrimp), lunch items like the seared
ahi panini or Berry Hill salad topped with caramelized walnuts, apple
slices and dried cranberries. The
Bistro also has more substantial
dinner options including grilled
steak, seafood pasta, chicken
marsala and more.
Breezy sidewalk seating just a
stone's throw from the local movie
theater and shopping district makes
for a convenient and hassle-free
stop for wine tasters on the move.
Reservations are not required.
Fresh, casual comfort
Patrons are welcome to simply
sit at the bar and enjoy a beer,
foods are the perfect
cocktail or glass of local wine. In
pick-me-up during a
day of downtown wine essence, Storsteen said it's all about
being laid back and fancy-free.
tasting. Head to Berry
"We have a really comfortable
Hill Bistro's parkside
feel here," she said. "We really pride
patio for a scenic
ourselves in offering up comfort
food with a modern twist."
Paso Robles feast.

Berry Hill Bistro
1114 Pine Street
Call
805-238-3929
Visit
BerryHillBistro.com

30

THE WINEPRESS MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014

2pm

Asuncion Ridge

E

By Ana Korgan

very local winery brings
something unique to the wine
community. For Asuncion
Ridge (pronounced AH-SUNSHON) it's pinot noir. Typically, the Paso
Robles region is too warm for this fruit but
the Asuncion vineyard is located in the
perfect microclimate; just to the south in
Atascadero, nestled back along the Santa
Lucia Mountains, six crow-flown miles from
the mighty Pacific. Producing only 1000
cases a year, Asuncion's pinot is revered and
worth a trip into the tasting room alone.
This room graces the park walk and
is ornamented with beautiful, rich, 1890's
woodwork that originates from the local
pharmacy. The space itself is very large;
there is a full bar with seating - not a
common find for wine tasting - as well
as farm tables and lounge chairs that are
perfect for gatherings with friends but also
provides enough room for a little privacy,
if that is what you prefer. Open late on
weekend evenings, Asuncion plays host to
local musicians on Saturdays. With no cover
charge, there's no excuse not to stop in
and have a glass while you listen to some
great music.
Proprietor and winemaker Philip
Krumal built his winery out of passion.
His professional career spanned across
music, auto sales, and real estate; all while
maintaining a hearty love of food and
wine. Krumal decided to dive into the
world of food and wine professionally,
and embarked on a tour of California.
From north to south he searched, looking
for the perfect spot to found his passion
project. Finally, he settled on the Asuncion
Rancho; chosen for its now-proven
promise to support vines. The property is
approximately 320 acres, seven of which
are vineyard, and is also the site of the
Asuncion Ridge Inn; a three-room bed and
breakfast available for rent. Should you
The Winepress Magazine - Summer 2014

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