Winning Combination: Where to Wine and Dine in Buena Park

If you’re planning a road trip to and through California this year, you really must take a day or two to enjoy yourself in the extensive vineyards and wineries of the Golden State. Indeed, even if you can’t squeeze that into your schedule, be sure to try and get the best out of the wine lists in the state’s wonderful restaurants – so many of the wines on offer are, you’ve probably guessed, locally produced.

For instance, say you’re planning on travelling through the state, south-to-north … if so (and you’re looking to finish up your trip at the likes of Good Nite Inn Buena Park), why not try out a restaurant in Buena Park, as you wind your way up there? Why? Here are some terrific reasons…

Mrs Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant

To be found at the gates of Knott’s Berry Farm, the oldest amusement park in the country, don’t you know, this diner really only has one flavor of wine you ought to consider trying – the boysenberry wine. Given the boysenberry was effectively created right here in Buena Park at the original Knott’s Farm, it’s a bit of a slam dunk, frankly. Nowadays, this wine’s actually the product of the Honeywood Winery in Salem, Oregon, but it’s absolutely delicious when chilled and served with a chicken dinner.

The Cauldron

With its irresistible ambience, the French-influenced Cauldron truly delivers the goods, thanks to providing the perfect wine for every bite on its fine food menu. For instance, give the cheese board and charcuterie plate a go and blend them with a bottle from Sonoma’s Wait Cellars. Even better, come here on a Sunday and buy any bottle for half-price – maybe during a weekend booked into Ventura County’s Good Nite Inn Camarillo?

Aburi Sushi

Yes, this is the place to head to not just for terrifically tasting, all-you-can-eat sushi, but also an outstanding wine list. Top of your list to try should probably be the cabernet sauvignon or, of course, you could always plump for a premium bottle of chilled sake. When in Rome and all that…

La Huasteca

Seafood’s the big deal at this destination, what with the likes of Enchiladas Puerto Escondido (featuring scallops, shrimp, and salmon) to entice you. Pair this dish with an excellent Chilean bottle of Veramonte Chardonnay Chile (with its pear, quince, lemon curd and oaky notes) and you’ll be off to the races – especially if you’ve taken advantage of a great deal at one of the many Buena Park hotels.

Gaucho Grill

An Argentinian steakhouse that knows how to do steak and then some, Gaucho Grill’s great for celebrations, thanks to its fire-grilled food and always festive atmosphere. Blend your steak with a bottle of Luigi Bosca D.O.C. (from Mendoza in Argentina), a particularly full-bodied red wine that comes complete with red fruit, spices and black pepper aromas.

Miss Shabu

Finally, who could turn down the opportunity – during a stay at a Good Nite Inn – of a really good night by visiting a hot pot restaurant that’s cultivated a cult following? That’s exactly the deal here at Miss Shabu, where the delicious food is best accompanied by the likes of Sonoma’s Dry Creek Vineyard Fume Blanc (with its fine intensity, pure finish and notes of grapefruit, kafir lime and pineapple) – pretty much perfect for practically all palates.