Today we stopped in historic Jamestown, CA. This was one of the mining towns of the California Gold rush. There wasn't a lot to chose from, but we found the National Hotel and the restaurant that is inside. This hotel was build in 1859 during the gold rush and has been chugging along ever since. We arrived just as they were opening for the evening.
The place itself is old, you can tell when you walk in. However, it has the old feel charm, not the "I am falling apart" look to it. We were seated and had wonderful wait staff. We started with the baked brie and artichoke and prosciutto sauté to start with. The bake brie was covered in phyllo dough and glazed with honey and almonds. It was some of the best baked brie I have had. It was absolutely delicious. I would have been happy just eating that all night. The artichoke was good, but only so. I enjoyed eating it, but it was nothing special.
For my main course I had the Brandy Apple Pork, which according to the menu is "tender sauté with brandied apples, shallots, and a touch of spice." It was fantastic. It came with a side of mashed garlic potatoes and mixed vegetables. I easily cleaned my plate. The brandied apples were very well done, the pork was tender and flavorful, and the vegetables were done just right. If you are looking for something a little sweet, but very flavorful, I recommend the Brandy Apple Pork.
The other meal at the table was filet mignon with mushrooms and gorgonzola. They had an interesting take on the filet mignon, but the meal itself was fantastic as well. Again, it came with vegetables and potato. I highly recommend this meal as well.
Then, we had dessert. We both ordered a flambé. One was the apricot bon bon and the other was a combination of cherries jubilee and bananas foster. They flambéd the desserts right at the table. It was neat to watch, but it was even better to eat them. After dessert, I was definitely full, but it was worth every bite.
If you are ever in the Jamestown, CA area, I would highly recommend you go and visit the National Hotel and eat at their restaurant. You may even want to spend the night there. Who knows, maybe you will meet Flo, the hotel's own ghost.
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