Culinarily Speaking...

Last weekend we headed North with our friends, Marsha and John, to a very special restaurant located in California's original wine country, the Livermore Valley. Now don't be intimidated by a little driving or a bit of traffic.  I promise it will be well worth your time.

This treasure is called Range Life and sits just around the corner from downtown Livermore.  The menu is contemporary, "elevated" California cuisine.  The restaurant is co-owned by Sarah Niles (former manager and wine director of Outerlands in San Francisco) and husband Bill Niles (former co-chef at Tartine Manufactory in San Francisco).  They are partnered with Lauren Heanes (commercial set designer) and Waine Longwell (formerly owner and master of mixology at Alameda, a Brooklyn neighborhood craft cocktail bar). Range Life supports fresh, seasonal cuisine, has a lovely selection of wine and beer, and offers a creative cocktail menu.

As we stepped inside the clean and stylish (yet warm and friendly) interior, we were greeted with perfectly curated menu selections that paired with the modern aesthetic.  Our starters were levain bread (warm from the oven) and meyer lemon- and rosemary-infused olives. Next we sampled a radicchio caesar salad with thinly sliced apple, parmegiano, and breadcrumbs that arrived "smartly dressed."  And...a delicata squash appetizer with golden raisins and cherry tomatoes that was the stuff of dreams.

Lloyd and I shared Autumn Vegetable Curry, rich and hearty with warm spices and the most delicious flatbread, and Pork Milanese.  Our friends enjoyed the Grass-Fed Sirloin Steak along with the Curry.  For dessert we selected an apple and buttermilk cobbler with malted milk ice cream.  Yum!  In fact, it was absolutely delicious.  Every bite of this dinner was heaven (and so are the wine, beer, and cocktail selections).  The service was quick, competent, and knowledgeable.

So take the drive to Livermore.  Whether it's a date night, special event, brunch, or spur of the moment trek, you will be so glad you did.  We can't wait to go back again...and again...and...

Range Life: 

2160 Railroad Avenue, Livermore 94550  

(925) 583-5370  

rangelifelivermore.com