My wish for you is that by the end of reading this you will be inspired to create your own romantic getaway and romantic dining experience to reconnect and celebrate someone you love.

As a Mediterranean-California home cook and newlywed of almost two years with a passion for celebrating love, life & delicious food, I love taking romantic getaways with my husband James and sharing our dining, destinations and recipes so you can do the same. While I always look forward to our weekly date nights that include a romantic meal at home or at a restaurant, (we take turns planning them and we love Mediterranean cuisine) there is something magical about getting away from it all together to reconnect and celebrating our relationship. And for my single readers, remember a solo trip just for you or with friends is a great way to celebrate your own loving self and friendships.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT THE BILTMORE SANTA BARBARA

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For a First Class Luxury Getaway and Dining Destination Getaway, I highly recommend The Four Seasons Resort – The Biltmore Santa Barbara. The hotel is a Spanish Colonial treasure built in 1927 that recently completed a comprehensive $240 million renovation. I am happy to report that Owner’s Ty Warner’s vision of restoring this “jewel of the American Riveria” back to its glamour and grandeur of its golden era has been a success. I was also glad to discover that The Biltmore is a “Green” Hotel that makes it a priority to create environmentally safe procedures.With picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, red roof tiles, ivory adobe and graceful archways, – it is a luxurious and intimate retreat. After our heavenly couples massage we were ready to enjoy our romantic dinner. (See prior post on couples massage in private spa room)
The Fours Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara has a wonderful restaurant called Bella Vista. My husband Jim and I enjoyed a first class romantic dinner we shall savor in our memories for a very long time. The presentation by Sous-Chef Tory Martindale was true artistry. The California atmosphere was heavenly with views of the ocean, palm trees and sunset followed by a full moon. Some of our menu highlights were fire roasted pepper and goat cheese soufflé, a delicious chilled heirloom tomato soup, a wild salmon with Yukon potato and herb fennel salad and a mango-lychee panna cotta dessert and dark chocolate soufflé with vanilla cream and raspberry that captured the best of Mediterranean California cuisine has to offer. I was delighted when Bella Vista agreed to provide my readers and listeners with the recipe below.

To hear my Romancing the Table® interview with chef Tory Martindale, click here for a replay of the show where I talk with Tory about our Bella Vista dinner, what inspired him to become a chef, and how you can make the Chilled Heirloom Tomato Soup we enjoyed at home. I hope this story inspires you to plan a romantic getaway for you and your beloved wherever it may be and may you one day be able to visit my beautiful town of Santa Barbara and dine at Bella Vista or stay at The Four Seasons the Biltmore.

» Click here for the Chilled Heirloom Tomato Soup recipe