Saturday September 21, 2019
Vixen Vittles at V Bistro & Bar, Murphys, CA
All four Venue Vixens, along with Visiting Vixen, Brianne of Brianne Purcell Photography, spent a fun-filled 24 hours performing site visits and roaming the main street of Murphys, CA. We were provided overnight accommodations at the beautiful historic Dunbar House Inn and Event Property and when dinner-time rolled around, we went directly to V Bistro and Bar. The restaurant is part of their sister property The Victoria Inn. Because the September evening was beautiful and warm, we decided to eat al fresco in the Courtyard. There is also fine dining inside or along the deck railing – all very romantic, which would be another option.
Matthew, our friendly and patient waiter, took excellent care of our table. As is our custom, we peruse the menu and each select something to share, and a couple more plates “just in case.” The wine flowed, the conversation was fun and lively, we tried hard not to be too obnoxious to the other diners, and we loved every bite!
We started with an unusually named appetizer… it did not disappoint! Devils on Horseback. Applewood bacon wrapped around plump dates that were stuffed with blue cheese. So good!! And then a special item not on the menu was the local heirloom tomatoes, served with fresh basil and burrata cheese and a fig truffle balsamic… a homespun form of Caprese Salad. And because we all love beets, we choose the Roasted Beet mixed baby green salad with candied pecans, shallots, dried fruit, goat cheese fritter and a balsamic vinaigrette (and BTW, that goat cheese fritter was to die for!)
We shared in a lovely cup of the soup of the day – unique flavors in a Watermelon Gazpacho and then when we read that mac and cheese was on the menu, well, it’s a must! Truffle Macaroni and Cheese made with two-year aged white cheddar, Parmesan cheese, garlic, shallots, white truffle oil and toasted bread crumbs. What’s not to love?
No beef eaters in our group that evening (although on the menu were delicious offerings of ribeye, duck breast and rack of lamb!!) so we selected the Salmon Béarnaise which was pan seared , over a delicious polenta cake, arugula salad and herbed tomatoes with a fantastic béarnaise sauce. And who can resist a perfectly prepared Pasta with Shrimp and garden grown squash?
As if we all hadn’t eaten enough, coffee with (only) TWO in-house creations for dessert wrapped up our evening! We were either in a food coma, or not listening to description because all we can remember is that we devoured a flourless Chocolate Cake with vanilla ice cream as well as the Carrot Cake with it’s wonderful cream cheese frosting.
And then, we walked the short two blocks back to our comfy Inn and crashed! Wonderful restaurant to visit when in Murphys.
Photo credit for all these delicious food items goes to Visiting Vixen, Brianne of Brianne Purcell Photography! How did you have time to eat, Brie??
And for the Feature Review of Dunbar House Inn, click here, to see photos and read all the details. Great place to stay, or to host an event.