Love is in the air

As we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day I couldn’t help but think about all of the things I admire and appreciate about our livable, lovable hometown — especially the food and drink.

Which is why I wanted to share, in no particular order, my Valentine’s messages for some of the best eating establishments in our community. To: School Street Bistro While you may have closed your doors at the end of 2016, you will forever be remembered as a stitch in the fabric of the warm quilt that is (and has contributed to) the Downtown Lodi experience. Thank you for your more than 15 years of providing a classy and delicious spot for locals and tourists alike to visit.

I loved referring people to your light-filled bistro because I loved that you represented our unique Zinfandel capitol town in such an elegant way. You will be missed.

To: The Avenue Grill The omelets you make are perhaps the best I’ve ever had. The scrambles that sit alongside piles of your signature potatoes are not only mouthwatering, they are plentiful enough to feed the landfill known as my hungry stomach and I can still come up short with a few bites remaining.

I love your cheerful staff and enjoy the opportunity to sit outside and never feel like my coffee cup is neglected because I’m detached from the main dining room. You’ve managed to master hefty breakfast meals with consistent, quality service in an environment ripe with regulars because once someone has a taste of what you offer, it’s hard not to come back often.

To: The Dancing Fox Winery and Bakery

My first encounter with you was just over two years ago while visiting with a former LUSD teacher of mine over lunch. At her request, we dined with you.

My club sandwich was delightful. The service was prompt and courteous without ever being intrusive.

I love the ambiance of your beautiful location. It evokes true charm and a sort of rustic coziness that I feel is a worthy reflection of our wine country town to anyone looking for a dining establishment to compliment their wine tour or day trip.

I also hear you have a great Sunday brunch that I can’t wait to try on my next visit.

To: House of Coffees You have seen many neighbors come and go over the years in your Lakewood Mall suite. At one point you even upgraded your look and size from a humble countertop style location to a bigger, brighter corner floor plan with indoor and outdoor seating.

But even as you’ve grown and changed ownership over the years, you haven’t lost what makes you so special: Killer coffee concoctions (and now beer) served with the warmest personality possible. If Lodi had a version of the fictional bar Cheers, you’d be it.

From my breaks at the now dissolved Apple Market to my after or before school caffeine fixes while attending Lodi High, you’ve always been there for me with a cup of comfort and a kind hearted embrace.

To: Snowhite Drive-in Whether it was a stop at the Lodi Lake playground, an adventurous exploration of the nature area or a Cub Scout campout on the back end of the lake, there you were, standing by with mounds of hot fries and satisfying burgers right off the grill.

Your food selection has always been quite basic. But that’s all you ever needed to be. Because whether you know it or not, you have supplied the quick snacks and tasty treats for generations of Lodians just like me who were most likely on their way to or from the lake.

You’ve long been the taste of great memories because you’ve got the water front property. Reliable, simple and supportive. I love that you remain a piece of living nostalgia for all of us.

To: Rick’s New York Style Pizza

You realize that there is nothing more Lodi than you, right?

A destination for area families as long as I can remember, your pizza might just be the best in town. A friend of mine and I reminisced about your deliciousness the other day and we both agreed that there is no greater ranch dressing on the planet than yours. It can turn a bland iceberg salad into a heavenly bed of veggies.

I love your commitment to our community. You are a welcoming retreat when those of us who’ve moved away return for holidays or meet up with old friends. You’ve seen us grow and start families of our own. You remain a constant tradition for those of us looking to underscore the significance of family time, and that is certainly invaluable.