Eureka—We have found it! We drove to Sutter Creek, turned on Eureka Street, and discovered Susan’s Place Wine Bar & Eatery. For nearly 20 years it has been the place to go to enjoy charming atmosphere, service with a smile, and a menu selection featuring Fresh Mediterranean fare. Dishes originating in Italy, Greece, Spain and North Africa are prepared using quality meats, vegetables, herbs and spices. The Mediterranean style of eating guarantees that you will experience healthy food with flavors and textures that are truly unique.

We enjoyed one of those pristine mountain evenings dining in the courtyard. It is a rustic sheltered area under large wood beams and green vines. Lighting is provided by mini-lights that offer a subdued ambiance as dusk approaches. Its many plants and a cage of doves add a comfortable softness and serenity that we found quite soothing. For those occasions when outdoor dining is not practical Susan’s Place has an intimate dining room that is positively charming.

Susan Carter left a career in bank management to open her establishment in 1988. On the menu she gives her title as “Owner, Friend, Wine Lover and Executive Chef”. She is not only a friend to many of her customers; we noticed that her staff really seems to enjoy working for her and it shows in their service. Susan enjoys sharing her knowledge of food and wine with her customers. Susan’s Place was recently voted “Best Restaurant Environment” in a poll conducted by the Amador Ledger Dispatch.

Our servers Karen and Brenda recommended two of their more popular appetizers. Baby Neck Clams, also called Steamers, are presented in the shell seasoned with wine, garlic, herbs, and fresh lemon. It is served with Focaccia bread for dunking in that flavorful sauce. Roasted Garlic and Champignon Brie complemented by green apples and walnut halves, served with flavored crackers and bread, is a delightful meal starter. They also offer a large selection of specialty cheeseboard samplers that are a favorite with many patrons.

Their soups are homemade on site in Susan’s kitchen. We sampled the Cream of Asparagus Soup and found it to be delicious. The spring green salad is garnished with croutons, feta cheese, red onions and a choice of four dressings. Susan’s own Garlic Mediterranean Vinaigrette really brings out the zest in a fresh salad.

Wine is a large part of the equation at Susan’s Place. There is a classic mahogany wine bar, where the best in Sierra Foothill wines are available and served by the glass or bottle.

It is a great place for a diversified wine tasting adventure. The extensive wine list includes “Mystery” wines by the pitcher or glass. Tell the server the style of wine that you like and Susan will create a unique and different mystery blend that is sure to please.

They also enjoy testing your knowledge of wines by conducting blind taste tests for wine aficionados to test their skill. Susan’s Place also has an off-sale license that allows you to purchase wines to take home.

Susan has come far since opening her tiny wine and cheese tasting shop. Over time the business gradually expanded to include lunches and dinners. As Executive Chef, Susan offers a menu of unique savory delights rather than the usual steaks and other common fare. She prefers slow oven braised cooking that makes the meat tender and the flavor mature. Dinner entrées which include soup or salad are in the $20-$25 price range.

Braised Beef Shortrib is slow oven braised in a base of Susan’s Mustard Butter Sauce and includes new potatoes with seasonal vegetables. This culinary delight was our favorite of the evening and we all agreed that it personifies fine dining.

The Grand Pops’ Greek Pot Roast is irresistibly delicious. It is oven braised and prepared in an interesting mix of Zinfandel wine, cinnamon, cloves, garlic and onion served with flavorful pan gravy over soft polenta or diced new potatoes.

Shrimp with Basil Pesto features shrimp sautéed in wine and herbs then tossed with pine nuts, sautéed vegetables and Asiago Cheese Raviolis. It is topped with fresh tomatoes, basil and shredded Parmesan cheese. The result is a rhapsody of taste that the palate will find bold yet refined.

Large specialty dinner salads are available as well as numerous vegetarian offerings that are plainly marked on the menu for those so inclined.

Desserts are mostly supplied by a couple of local bakers known for quality: Ingrid Fraser and Andrae’s Bakery. Andrae’s Famous Brownies, heated and sprinkled with powdered sugar are to die for! Ingrid’s Walnut Caramel Torte is a sweet treat not to be missed.

The remarkably smooth Raspberry White Chocolate Cheese Cake was also uncommonly good. It should come as no surprise that there is a wide selection of dessert wines to enhance the end of the evening.

Make plans soon to experience the mature flavors at Susan’s Place to delight in the very best in wines, cheese, lunches and dinners in an atmosphere of quiet repose. Good wine, good food, good friends!

Susan’s Place Wine Bar and Eatery is open Thursday through Sunday for Lunch 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and Dinner 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It is located at 15 Eureka St. in Sutter Creek. Reservations for dinner are suggested and can be made at (209) 267-0945. Visit them on the web at www.SusansPlace.com.