On the Way to Bora Bora

On the Way to Bora Bora

The car came at 5 in the morning and, incredibly, there was substantial commuter traffic heading to Boston! Who wants that life?!

Our nonstop out of Logan to San Francisco was terrific, but one of the very last that American is flying, since they are abandoning the route this month. Another car picked us up for the hour or so drive to the Fairmont Sonoma Resort and Spa, where I’m keynoting for Caldwell Partners. We dined last night in Santé, a one-star restaurant on the property.

I was determined to try a Sonoma wine since the vines are literally growing through the windows around here, and the sommelier recommended Pinot Noir. I went with a Hanzell, which I’ll never do again. The meal, thankfully, was wonderful: tuna tartare and pan seared sturgeon, followed by mission figs and fruit.

We’re in an historic building, which has its pros and cons, and we’re also in California, which has it’s quirks and charms. I love the fact that they boldly announce that hybrid cars cost less to park! When I asked the valet why that was, he said, “Beats me, it’s just Fairmont policy.”

The service here is superb, except at the front desk, where some seem to think they’re all maitre d’s at a fully committed restaurant. I can do without massive attitude, but this is what happens when there is no top-end competition in town.

Tonight, after my speech, a car will take us to the French Laundry, Thomas Keller’s sister restaurant to New York’s Per Se. The concierge, Eric, who’s terrific, volunteered to take my place “should I not be able to make it”! My buddy Omar used his influence to get us in with “only” a month’s notice!

© Alan Weiss 2010. All rights reserved.