The following group-friendly eateries, showcasing delicious menus and great ambiance, recently debuted in California.
- La Jolla-based Herringbone (www.herringboneeats.com), which opened in May, serves “Ocean Bazaar” cuisine from a kitchen led by Top Chef star Amanda Baumgarten.
- Downtown L.A.’s Towne Food & Drink (www.towne-la.com), which opened in July, serves New American cuisine and modern cocktails.
- The Himmel Haus (www.himmelhaustahoe.com) in South Lake Tahoe is a German restaurant with a California twist that opened earlier this summer at the California Base Lodge of Heavenly Mountain Resort.
- Vault 164 (www.vault164.com), which recently opened in downtown San Mateo in an old bank building, serves American cuisine.
- At the Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Cafe (www.santarosa.edu), which opened in January, students plan, prepare and serve a weekly menu of seasonal dishes.