Rebecca Horrigan
As temperatures climb, there are few things better than a crisp glass of rose, a relaxing pool, and a farm-fresh meal. For an easy breezy summer getaway just up the 101, head to the Skyview Los Alamos – a dreamy hilltop motel surrounded by vineyard vines, perfect for indulging in all of summer’s luxuries.
This ultra-hip motel was originally built in 1959 and reopened and renovated with a chic, funky and bohemian design in 2018 by the Nomada Hotel Group. Though the retro touches and laid back vibes exude a sense of effortless cool, anyone who can appreciate great design will recognize the steadfast attention to detail that went into every amenity: from the pleasing playlist setting the tone at their pool to the complimentary pastries baked on premises each morning.
One particular area in which to admire their precise artistry is the restaurant Norman, the name a playful nod to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and The Bates Motel. Executive Chef Dustin Badenell’s new summer menu sings with seasonal produce and the bold flavors are sure to shake you out of any sun-soaked daze.
With their wine country location, the wine list of course impresses with local delights. I was thrilled to see Lieu Dit’s lovely Sauvignon Blanc on the menu. However, it cannot get more vine to table than grabbing a glass of their house rose of pinot noir made right in their Skyview Vineyard. My friend went with a white Negroni, a frosty potion of gin,Cointreau, Cocchi and of course a large fresh orange peel.
Get the party started with a selection of their fun starters. The Yellowfin crisps with Japanese slaw, sesame ginger vinaigrette, furikake, soy mirin glaze and sriracha aioli are as fresh as a dip in the sea.
‘Tis the season for salads, and their vibrant creations are certainly a reason to celebrate. The Apricot and Burrata shines with sweet and salty little treasures like crisp prosciutto, pepitas and balsamic vinaigrette over a spring mix. The candy cane beet is as tasty as it sounds combining barley, baby blonde frisee, goat cheese, toasted pine nuts and pear champagne vinaigrette.
It’s hard not to just fill up on the enticing appetizers, but the entree menu is well worth finding room for. The Skuna Bay Salmon, perfectly cooked with crisp beet greens, aged soy reduction, cauliflower puree and roasted cauliflower is a can’t miss dish. Perhaps the star of the evening was the cavatelli pasta, dotted with artichoke hearts, tomato, spinach, capers and white wine. We added seared scallops for a succulent masterpiece.
Summer nights are made for lingering, and dessert is the perfect excuse to extend your evening. The croissant bread pudding was everything I wanted in a dessert, the slightly crisp yet ultimately tender croissant was hugged in a bourbon vanilla glaze wrapping around golden raisins and cinnamon apples. And whether it’s July or not, going à la mode is always the move.
As the sun went down along the hillside, we walked past the lit up pool, watching guests dive in for an evening swim. Back at our room, we kept the party going by lighting up our own personal outdoor firepit and chatting out under the stars.
Norman is open to the public seven days a week, serves up a fantastic happy hour from 3-6, and has a different dinner special, such as Moules & Frites Mondays each week. For the perfect summer evening, head to the Skyview and revel in the bounty of nature in our wine glasses and on our plates.
