By TR Robertson
Wildwood Crossing & Cantina, located at 116 Civic Center Dr., has never stopped offering a variety of events at the restaurant to appeal to a variety of people’s interests. Wednesday’s event is another example of offering attendees a unique experience, safely distanced in the beautiful outdoor patio setting of the restaurant. The event was a wine tasting VIP dinner featuring a delicious 5 course meal with unique wine pairings from Balverne Winery, located at 11010 Estate Lane in Windsor, California.
On hand that night was winemaker Jared Brown from Balverne and Jared Stein, Regional Sales Development Rep. from Balverne. The casual setting on the patio was sold out with around 65-70 dinner guests, who had paid $50 a piece for the evening meal and wine samplings. Belverne Winery sits on 710 acres along with Notre Vue Estate Winery. There are 250 acres of vines growing 16 different varieties. The winery is in the Russian River Valley.
As I wandered around visiting several of the tables, wine was not the main reason many of these folks signed up for this evening. Everyone talked about the culinary fare offered by Wildwood Chef Willy Valentin. Chef Willy is completing his first year at Wildwood and has built quite a reputation. Many of the people I interviewed spoke highly of his Sunday brunch fare, his breakfasts and the unique selections offered on the menu.
The dinner began with Jared Brown explaining a little about the winery and the 5 selections he brought for this event. The first serving was an Autumn Salad with a tangy Champagne Vinaigrette paired with a 2019 Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc. This was followed with a Scallop Risotto served with caviar and lobster sauce paired with a 2019 Russian River Chardonnay. Next up was a Pulled Pork Eggroll with Jalapeno Crema paired with a 2019 Rose of Pinot Noir (an excellent wine). Moving on, we were served Chorizo and Black Mussels, tasty but not enough of these, paired with a 2019 Russian River Pinot Noir (also an excellent wine). Finishing the dinner was a Burgundy Tri-tip with a Cilantro-Mint Chimichurri paired with a 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. With each serving Jared would explain a little about each wine. An interesting selection of food servings and a great selection of wines. Attendees were offered a chance to purchase some of these wines at a discounted price for the evening.
Wandering around the patio area, I spoke with Ross Perez, Christy Foster and Bruce and Holly Hurd. They said they loved Wildwood and had been coming for over a year. They felt Owner John Bagley and the rest of the management team are like family and they loved the hospitality and accommodating attitude the restaurant offers. I was able to speak with Eric Motier, a partial investor for about a year and his wife Jeannie, one of the bartenders, who were at a large table with several friends. Jeannie was born and raised in Vista and loves her job at Wildwood. Moving on, I found a table of four ladies and one gentleman, also a group that loves Wildwood. This group comes from St. Francis Church each Sunday to take part in the Sunday brunch. They said they like to come every month also for dinners and love Chef Willy. Rae Arnold, Mary Trotto, Theresa Reichle, Louann Gigante and Deacon Ron Arnold all said they felt Wildwood saved them during the COVID shutdown as Wildwood was one of the first restaurants to offer meals outdoors when restaurants were allowed to open under certain restrictions. It was clear Wildwood has a great following and offers something for everyone.
Wildwood Crossing Cantina is open Tuesday thru Friday from 11:30 am – 9 pm; Saturday & Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm. One of the activities that has become extremely popular is the Live Music on the Patio. The next session will be November 15th and features different performers each time. Clay Colton, Urban Gypsies, Ed Burnette, Quinn McCarthy, and Jason Jenkens are some of the performers that can be enjoyed. Wildwood is planning a New Years Eve Celebration on Dec. 31st from 11 am until 11:50 pm.
If you go to www.wildwoodcrossing.net and click on the Menu Selections you will be amazed at the choices. They have daily specials and many like the Wildwood Bloody Mary. The varied menu features items like Rib Tips, Fried Pickle Chips, Chicken Wings, and numerous other appetizers. They have a varied salad and soup selection, featuring the Wildwood House Salad. The House Specialties range from Prime Rib to a variety of Steaks to BBQ Pork Spareribs to Fish & Chips and more. Wildwood is known for their burgers and the $13.95 Awesome Wildwood Burger is a popular selection. A Prime Rib French Dip is offered along with a variety of tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas. You will not go hungry here. Wildwood also has a Saturday and Sunday Breakfast menu.
Wildwood is growing into one of Vistas favorite restaurants and night spots. Go online, check out the menu and support a local restaurant that has fought thru the COVID restrictions to provide citizens an alternative to cooking at home. Call 760-758-1513 for reservations or questions.
